Peep Leap

It's Spring and soon birds will start nesting and raising their young.  Wood ducks often nest in trees near a pond or swamp. On the day after they hatch, the baby ducklings must jump from the nest to the water, where they will live with their parents until they are able to fly and fend for themselves.

In this rhyming counting story by Minnesotan Elizabeth Verdick, a group of ten baby ducklings must make the big leap.  All jump bravely except number ten who is afraid of such a big leap.  Watercolor and colored pencil illustrations by John Bendall-Brunello add a realistic touch to the story.  A nice resource for "Spring" units with young children.

Spike; Ugliest Dog in the Universe

Spike is one ugly dog!--and he's got the award to prove it (Ugliest Dog in the Universe, that is).  But Spike's life turns bad the next day when his owner abandons him.  Joe, the boy next door, takes Spike home with him; but Joe's mom doesn't want to keep Spike either.  Poor Spike -- looks like he's headed for the dog pound.  That is, until he rescues Evangeline, the beautiful award-winning white cat from a kidnapping (catnapping might be more like it). Now Spike is the local hero and has a real home with Joe and his mom.  Minnesota author and illustrator Debra Frasier has found a new way to tell a story; this time using old worn blue jeans to create collage pictures of Spike and Joe.  Evangeline--well she's too beautiful for blue jeans--she's made from a lace wedding gown.  You really have to see the illustrations to believe them; and don't miss this positive story about friends and pet ownership.

A Dog is a Dog

We all know what a dog is, right?  Well,---not so fast---things are different in this lively picture book.  A dog is a dog----unless it's a cat!, or maybe a ______, or maybe a ______.  I won't give all the animals away--you have to read it for yourself.  This is a first book by Minnesota author and illustrator Stephen Shaskan; and the lively colorful story will have young children chuckling as they read.  It is great fun!