Hey guys/gals! Do you follow us Instagram? (instagram.com/thenaptimereviewer)
Instagram is where we feature our #BookOfTheDay campaigns. We feature one book per day (obviously) and give a little blurb about what we think of the book. It’s super simple and to the point. It’s fun and a great way to discover new children’s books.
We will occasionally do a book of the day round-up right here on the blog to put all of the books in one place for you to reference. So, without further ado…
First, you’ve got to sing our book of the day song. Sing “book of the day (snap, snap). Book of the day (snap, snap). Book of the day (snap). Book of the day (snap). Book of the day (snap, snap). Just like the Addams Family theme song!
All My Stripes – A Story for Children with Autism
by Shaina Rudolph and Danielle Royer. Illustrated by Jennifer Zivoin
Description: This is the story of Zane, a zebra with autism, who worries that his differences make him stand out from his peers. With careful guidance from his mother, Zane learns that autism is only one of many qualities that make him special. Contains a Note to Parents by Drew Coman, PhD, and Ellen Braaten, PhD, as well as a Foreword by Alison Singer, President of the Autism Science Foundation.
The Tiny Traveler – France – A Book of Colors
by Misti Kenison
Description: The Arc de Triomphe, the Moulin Rouge, the Eiffel Tower—there is so much to do and see in the colorful city of Paris. From graphic designer Misti Kenison comes an adventurous new board book for your toddler. The culture and monuments of France are rendered into bold, graphic illustrations accompanied by vocabulary to teach toddlers basic colors. Traveling to foreign places has never been so colorful, or educational, for young children before!
Each book in Misti Kenison’s new Tiny Traveler board book series is sure to give your child the travel bug early by transporting little ones to exotic and fantastic places while teaching basic concepts—such as colors. Now you and your little one can explore the world together from your living room.
by Birdy Jones, Illustrated by Tara D. Lynch
Description: The clever tactics of Mister Cool, who faces down the mean kids at school with confidence, show elementary-school age kids how to deflect bullying with humor and create friendships through kindness. Confidence? Mister Cool has it, and explains that it comes from understanding your own unique assets. His secret is being able to rely on that confidence when bullies get in his face. In this clever story, Mister Cool shows off his tactics for turning bullies into pals: make ‘em laugh, be twice as nice, and use creativity to distract them (especially good against bullies with short attention spans). In the end, Mister Cool reveals that it’s having the confidence to be yourself even in the face of meanness that saves the day. This great read tackles a topic often in the news today–bullying–from a kid’s point of view. Mister Cool provides ideas for pushing back against aggressive kids without being preachy or overly earnest. His tactics for turning around tricky situations offer lessons any kid can adapt to his or her own experiences. Lively prose and edgy, vibrant illustrations make it fun to read while letting the lesson be subtle.
Bunny’s First Spring
by Sally Lloyd-Jones, Illustrated by David McPhail
by Sally Lloyd-Jones, Illustrated by David McPhail
Description: When a bunny is born in spring, he sees the world as green and new and full of hope. But as the seasons change, the bunny worries that the earth may be dying. In bestselling author’s Sally Lloyd-Jones’ latest picture book celebrating the Easter season and rebirth, nature speaks to the bunny, assuring him of something more. Award-winning artist David McPhail’s whimsical illustrations reflect the beauty of the world around us as Lloyd-Jones’ inspirational text prompts readers to celebrate the changing seasons and the miracle of nature’s rebirth.
by Laura Ljungkvist
Description: From much-lauded artist Laura Ljungkvist, whose Follow the Line series earned praise for its clean, Scandinavian style and ingenious premise, comes a playful board book perfect for the toddler and pre-K set, and sure to please parents who are fans of modern design.
Starting on the front cover, and winding its way across each page to the end, a single line forms different shapes that demonstrate opposites (“clean” or “messy”) in Ljungkvist’s signature modern style. Children can follow the playful and ingenious line, which winds its way across brightly colored and patterned pages, till it ultimately forms “you” and “me,” for a warmly charming ending.
Laura Ljungkvist has developed a fan base as the author and illustrator of numerous children’s titles, including the award-winning series Follow the Line (Viking, 2006-2011), Pepi Sings a New Song (Beach Lane, 2010) and, most recently, as the illustrator of Mem Fox’sYoo-Hoo, Lady Bug (Beach Lane, 2013).
by Benedict Coulter, Illustrated by Salva Ferrando
Description: Jack is a little boy who loves his new toy, a red and shiny fire truck. He is so excited to take it out to play but when another child wants to see it, he does not want to share. So he decides to play on his own but eventually gets bored and sees how much fun the other kids are having. He is struck by another toy that he wants to play with very much and the boy just offers it to him, he can’t believe how nice the boy is and that he is willing to share is toy. In turn he offers his toy to the other boy and they all hang out and share toys and have a great afternoon. When his mother asks him about his day he tells her about a great lesson that he learned today, there is nothing like sharing.
by Florence Ann Romano, Illustrated by Sydni Kruger
Description: Saying goodbye to Mommy and Daddy can be sad, but it means I get to see my special friend Nanny. While Mommy and Daddy are at work, Nanny takes care of my brother and me. Are you ready to have a fun adventure today? she asks. I always say yes!
by Martin Handford
Description: Waldo seekers on their own voyages will be raring to go with this compact compilation featuring all seven of his renowned excursions:
Where’s Waldo?
Where’s Waldo Now?
Where’s Waldo? The Fantastic Journey
Where’s Waldo? The Wonder Book
Where’s Waldo? In Hollywood
Where’s Waldo? The Great Picture Hunt!
Where’s Waldo? The Incredible Paper Chase
by Jannie Pilgrim, Illustrated by David North
Description: The Beautiful Book of Possibilities is the first of the Prince Garrett series, it is a story about a young Prince named Garrett and his dog Zeus. Together they discover how a world of possibilities can exist by venturing into the forest one morning. With the help of a few friends they meet along the way, Prince Garrett and Zeus learn that the greatest ability can exist in the most common of things.
Prince Garrett and Zeus also discover what’s possible through music. Everyday they sing their favorite songs “Possible, Everything is Possible” and “The Bullfrog Anthem.”
Prince Garrett hums the “Possible” song every morning as he brushes his teeth. This ensures he has a healthy smile and joyful day.
by Ben Loory, Illustrated by Alex Latimer
Description: The baseball player has it all—money, fame, and success. But something is missing. He doesn’t know what it is until he goes to the zoo and sees a walrus. What a splendid creature! Surely it could bring joy to his life. With happiness just a walrus away, the baseball player sets out to create the perfect enclosure for his new friend. He’s even willing to give up his job to be with the walrus. But without a job, he won’t be able to afford his new friend’s care and keeping. And without the walrus, he won’t be able to smile. Luckily, there’s a compromise to be had and a walrus just waiting to be reunited with his resourceful friend.
by Jannie Ho
Description: Cutie Pie’s friends all have Easter eggs but Cutie cannot find the Easter Bunny to get her egg. Wherever can he be? Little readers will love joining in with Cutie Pie’s search.
by Leslie Patricelli
Description: The Easter Bunny is coming! It’s time to dye eggs. Did you know that red and blue make purple? That blue and yellow make green? That an art project may result in a multicolored Baby? There are bunny ears to wear (for the dog and cat, too) and an Easter basket to put out before bedtime. What will Baby find inside it the next morning?
by Jon Klassen
Description: From the creator of the #1 New York Times best-selling and award-winning I Want My Hat Back comes a second wry tale.
When a tiny fish shoots into view wearing a round blue topper (which happens to fit him perfectly), trouble could be following close behind. So it’s a good thing that enormous fish won’t wake up. And even if he does, it’s not like he’ll ever know what happened. . . . Visual humor swims to the fore as the best-selling Jon Klassen follows his breakout debut with another deadpan-funny tale.
Description: This six book Little Library is the perfect introduction to the Cloudbabies and their friends. Meet Baba Blue, Baba Green, Baba Yellow, Baba Pink, Bobo White and the Cloud Friends in this mini board book set. As seen in the new animated series, currently airing on CBeebies.
by Lucy Cousins
Description: Cluck, cluck, cheep, cheep! Count from one to ten with Maisy in a farmyard game of hide-and-seek.
It’s bedtime, but where have all of Mommy Hen’s chicks gone? Maisy is quickly on the case to find them, and little readers can help, too?—?by lifting the flaps to see who’s hiding in the stable, by the tractor, or up in the apple tree. Will all ten chicks be safe and accounted for by the last turn of the page?
by Dawn Casey, Illustrated by Charles Fuge
Description: At the end of a lovely day, Big Daddy Rabbit knows that a special lullaby is exactly what’s needed.
At the end of a lovely day full of laughter and fun, little Bunny and Big Daddy Rabbit have time for one last game. All their woodland friends join in, too — woo-hoo! — but when little Bunny gets tired of all of the hullabaloo, Big Daddy Rabbit knows that a special lullaby is exactly what’s needed.
by David Martin, Illustrated by David Walker
Description: What has more play potential than a rainy day? Peep and Ducky return in a splashy story that begs to be read aloud.
When Peep visits Ducky on a rainy day, the little pals have no trouble finding things to do. Inside, there is a tent to build and a pillow fight to be had. And outside, with the help of galoshes and umbrella, it’s fun to captain a boat—until a whoosh of wind and a clap of thunder sends them running back in! Perfectly tuned to a toddler sensibility, this exuberant tale will enchant both listener and reader.
by David Biedrzycki
Description: When Scratch Murphy’s flea bag full of dough goes missing, Ace Lacewing is on the case. With friends Xerces and Zito at his side, Ace searches Six Legs Park for clues. From the Termite Tower of Terror to Queenie Bee’s Hive Rise Honey Stand, the place is crawling with suspects.
by Muon Van, Illustrated by April Chu
Description: Written in a spare, lyrical style using fresh, evocative imagery, this richly illustrated picture book is about longing for the comforts of home while braving the adventures and perils of the wide world. In a house by the sea, a woman is cooking. Near the woman, a baby is crying. Under the floor, a cricket is painting. In the painting, a fisherman rides stormy seas, longing to get home to his wife and infant…The perfect book for teaching about diverse cultures and lifestyles, children will delight in this beautiful story which pays homage to the vanishing fishing culture in Vietnam, honors courage and sacrifice, and celebrates hearth and home.
by Marcia Goldman
Description: Parents and teachers are all too familiar with the issue of “telling” versus “tattling.” This charming picture book will help guide children through the difference between “good telling” and bad, while keeping them entertained and engaged. Lola loves her little brother Zeke, but Zeke has a big problem: He keeps tattling on her. From messes to mishaps, Lola and Zeke must learn that working together is always more fun than tattling. Charmingly rendered with real-life photos and sweet, simple narration, Goldman makes the delightful world of Lola and Zeke come alive with scenarios that even young children will be able to relate to and enjoy.
by Benedict Coulter, Illustrated by Salva Ferrando
Description: It’s Alright to Look Different is a short story with colorful illustrations about a little chick who was born a different color than the other chicks. He was ignored and separated from the group because of how he looked. One night he was the only one who was able to save them from a hungry fox and became their hero. This is a heart warming story about how it is alright to look different. Suitable for all ages and targeted for 24 months to 5 years old.
by Ovi Nedelcu
Description: A vivdly illustrated day in the life of a little boy and his daddy, this charming picture book paints a gently ironic comparison of how the day unfolds for each of them.
The toddler is filled with glee as he tackles each new challenge, while the dad faces his day with a a more grown-up combination of perseverance and resignation–yet he finds himself inspired by his son’s open-hearted optimism. Spreads alternate between perspectives–the little boy’s excitement at driving his toy car around compared with his father trying to navigate traffic, for example. The tension is resolved by a transcendent final spread that shows what makes it all worthwhile. In its unvarnished yet loving acceptance of the travails of being a working parent, Just Like Daddy is a perfect Father’s Day gift for today’s dads.
Only Fish Fall From The Sky
by Leif Parsons
Description: A dreamworld where it rains fish instead of water, people dance through dinner, and children sleep with tigers–welcome to the imagination of author/artist Leif Parsons, whose detailed dreamscapes make ONLY FISH FALL FROM THE SKY a charming bedtime book sure to fascinate preschoolers and young readers.
A boy wakes from a marvelous dream to find the world is not quite as he left it–raindrops are falling from the sky, instead of fish, when everyone knows that only fish fall from the sky! But is he asleep or awake? Kids can decide for themselves which world they prefer as they pore over the imaginative dreamscapes of author/illustrator Leif Parson’s delightful alternate world.
Movement infuses every inch of Parsons’ elaborate illustrations, enticing young readers to linger over each spread to discover such kid-friendly surprises as kangaroos jumping double-dutch, a giant nose poking out of a city window, or a squirrel taking meticulous notes.
by Josh Cochran
Description: See New York unfold in this stunning first title from Inside and Out, a series of double-sided wall charts that open out to more than two and a half feet. Take a stroll past iconic buildings and spot more than eighty objects in a compelling game of search and find. Then flip the chart over to see cutaways that reveal the city behind the scenes.
Pop-Up: New York
by Jennie Maizels
Description: Welcome to New York City! Open this engrossing, large-format book and set off on a tour that wends its way from the Statue of Liberty to Yankee Stadium, with many must-see stops along the way. Visit the new World Trade Center and the Empire State Building, feel the urban bustle of Times Square and Grand Central Station, and check out the greenery of the High Line and the Botanical Garden. Filled with fun facts, flaps, and amazing pop-ups, this interactive tour offers plenty of reasons to love New York.
