penguin in peril

There’s something about Penguin in Peril by Helen Hancocks that reminds me a little of a Wallace and Gromit short—a little dark, a little bit of intrigue, and very clever all around.  It’s great for teaching rare words “peril,” “cunning” and “foiled.”  

Rare words, according to Jim Trelease, are ones that kids won't typically hear in everyday conversation, but will encounter in books.  They occur not only in chapter books, but in picture books.  Many picture books are rich sources of rare words, diverse vocabulary and regional lexicon.  Are there any interesting rare words in your bedtime story tonight?  And please mention the title.  I'm always looking to increase the diversity of our book collection. 

what degas saw

What Degas Saw gives children insight into the quotidian inspiration that Degas found on the wide boulevards and narrow streets of Paris—its light, denizens, quiet corners and lively din.  “He wanted to find a way to capture the beauty of the passing moment. … All across busy Paris he studied movements of people at work and play.”  In his work, he strove to depict “the city’s push and pull, its run and jump, its lean and stretch. “

Words by author and MoMA curator Samantha Friedman, with aquatint etching illustrations by Cristina Pieronpan.  What Degas Saw accompanies an exhibition at MoMA entitled Edgar Degas: A Strange New Beauty.  It’s on view until July 24 for those of you NYC dwellers.

rules of the house

“Follow the rules.

Brush your teeth.

Make your bed.

And never

Ever

Open the red door.”

Rules of the House: an eerie cautionary tale about following the rules, sibling loyalty and when one trumps the other.  Mac Barnett's dry and slightly dark humor pairs well with Matt Myers' detailed and foreboding paintings.  Myers' every stroke and layer of color are carefully considered, and they effectively heighten mood and suspense in the latter part of the story.  To tell you the truth (and maybe it was because I first read this book late at night), at one point, I was a little scared for Ian and Jenny.  I don't want to spoil the plot for you all, so I won't say too much more.  But, one thing I learned—ALWAYS pack a toothbrush.

at night

If you’ve ever spent a few quiet moments on a city rooftop wrapped up in the immense night sky, this lovely little book is for you: At Night by Jonathan Bean.

outer space bedtime race

"The Mercury kids land rocket ships,

then hurry to their nightly dips.

They glide along on rocky paths 

to steamy crater bubble baths.

Inside sleep chambers, warm and snug,

they squeeze together in a hug.

Click-CLICK go all the chamber lids.

It's bedtime for the Mercury kids. "

Here’s one for your little space cadets.  Alien kiddos race around the solar system race to get to bed first in the great Outer Space Bedtime Race.  Words by Rob Sanders and pictures by Brian Won.