The Flight of Mr. Finch

Mr. Finch’s best friend, a usually cheery and chirpy bright red bird named Pip, has fallen into a malaise as of late.  One afternoon, despondent Mr. Finch happens upon an unusual shop selling a quite intriguing plant which bears the promise of happiness to whomever it is given.  Back at home, Mr. Finch’s hopes are dashed when the plant doesn’t quite deliver on its claims, and he’s back at square one with an unhappy bird.  The next morning he wakes up to find out that the plant has grown wildly and exponentially into a jungle overnight and Pip is nowhere to be found.  It’s time for Mr. Finch to leave his quiet life and embark on an extraordinary journey through the jungle in search of his dear friend and hopefully, restored happiness.  

The Flight of Mr. Finch was written and illustrated by Thomas Baas and published by Tate.

Harold Loves His Woolly Hat

There’s nothing more that Harold loves than his woolly hat.  It makes him feel very special and not a day goes by when he doesn’t wear it.  When a crow suddenly swoops down and takes his prized possession, he is resolute to recover it.  Until he sees something that changes his mind...and heart.  A heartwarming story about what we gain by giving up our possessions.

Harold Loves His Woolly Hat was written and illustrated by Vern Kousky and published by Schwartz & Wade Books.

Sometimes Rain

Sometimes Rain’s playful, lyrical text takes readers on a jaunt through the seasons.  It assures them that though there are changes throughout the year, there will always be constants — like friendship.  Diana Sudyka’s illustrations are lighthearted and lovely and though Meg Fleming’s text is simple and succinct, it is so satisfying.  This celebration of the seasons could easily become a new bedtime favorite for little ones.

Sometimes Rain was written by Meg Fleming, illustrated by Diana Sudyka and published by Beach Lane Books.

Found

Jenn is no stranger to lost dogs, having lost her Prudence a while back.  One day she comes across a little brown furry stray and despite a few mischievous missteps on the pup’s part during his first day at Jenn’s house, she embraces him wholeheartedly.  But one day she finds out that he does indeed have an owner — someone who misses him and is looking for him.  She has a tearful decision to make.  A poignant and hopeful wordless story about love and being brave enough to open up your heart again to the possibility of loss.

Found was written by Jeff Newman, illustrated by Larry Day and published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.

Miss Mink: Life Lessons for a Cat Countess

A volume of life lessons from Miss Marcella Mink with the help of her sixty-seven cats.  Exquisite and whimsical art and wisdom with reminders that a prudent measure of simplicity, curiosity and adventure can go a long way in allaying the stresses of life.

Miss Mink: Life Lessons for a Cat Countess was written and illustrated by Janet Hill and published by Tundra Books.