One morning a young boy wakes up to find that Dad is gone. And in this affecting tale from acclaimed picture book artist Anthony Browne, nothing seems quite right after that. When Mom sends the boy to deliver a cake to Grandma, he decides to cut through the forest, a route he’s been warned not to take. Soon he’s off on a strange, dreamlike journey full of fairy-tale allusions – a personification of a child’s anxiety as reflected in the surreal illustrations of Anthony Browne. It’s a haunting place where nothing is quite what it seems, until the boy – and the reader – are deeply relieved to arrive at a warm, welcoming homecoming.
growing up
Leon And The Place Between
“Angela McAllister and Grahame Baker-Smith’s stunning picture book combines shadowy collage, painting, photography, and gilding to overwhelm readers with the power of magic.” — THE TIMES (London)Leon and his brothers and sister go to a magic show, but this is no ordinary show and Abdul Kazam is no ordinary magician. Take a journey right through the die-cut pages of this book into the Place Between, where magic becomes truly real. Angela McAllister has conjured a spellbinding story that unfolds in the mysterious world of Grahame Baker-Smith’s stunning illustrations.
Dwarf Nose, The
A tale rich in unforgettable characters and fantastic settings and events, Dwarf Nose tells the story of a little boy whose complaining so angers a wicked fairy that she casts a spell on him. Zwerger’s illustrations evoke all the magic, mystery, and drama of this German classic. Full color.
Goldie Locks Has Chicken Pox
Goldie Locks haschicken pox;
from head to toe
were polka dots….
When Goldie Locks spies her first spot, her mother knows it must be chicken pox. Soon after, a steady stream of storybook favorites — including the Three Bears and Little Bo Peep — stop by to wish Goldie Locks a speedy recovery. But how will Goldie get well when her little brother just won’t stop teasing her?
The Super Hungry Dinosaur
Here’s a book that begs to be read aloud. From the very first “GRRRRRR!” and “ROAR!” of the Super Hungry Dinosaur, kids will be rooting for Hal to save his parents and his dog, Billy, from the huge beast. And Hal saves them in the most unusual way (hint: It involves spaghetti) in this delightful twist on the tantrum story from well-loved and bestselling author Martin Waddell and debut illustrator Leonie Lord.
Little Bo Peep Can’t Get To Sleep
Little Bo Peepcan’t get to sleep.She kicked her blankets to a heap. When Little Bo Peep can’t get to sleep, her mother suggest counting sheep. But Peep can’t count her sheep because she’s lost them. Her brother, Little Boy Blue, who scared off the sheep in the first place, warns Peep she’ll be in big trouble if she tells Mom and Dad. It’s no wonder Peep can’t catch a wink, even when Humpty Dumpty finds her flock. That tummy ache just won’t go away until she tells her parents the truth about her missing sheep.From the same winning team who created Goldie Locks Has Chicken Pox, Little Bo Peep Can’t Get to Sleep will strike a chord with every child who’s ever had trouble fessing up!
Waiting for Normal
Addie is waiting for normal.
But Addie’s mom has an all-or-nothing approach to life: a food fiesta or an empty pantry, jubilation or gloom, her way or no way. All or nothing never adds up to normal. All or nothing can’t bring you all to home, which is exactly where Addie longs to be, with her half sisters, every day.
In spite of life’s twists and turns, Addie remains optimistic. Someday, maybe, she’ll find normal.
Leslie Connor has created an inspiring novel about one girl’s giant spirit. waiting for normal is a heartwarming gem.
Featured in Volume II, Issue 1 of WOW Review.
Cake Girl
In this bedazzling picture book for all seasons, a Witch is once again alone on her birthday. So she uses her powers to bake a Cake Girl to act as her servant for the day. She tells Cake Girl to sing and dance—and do all the housework! “And then,” says the Witch, “I’ll eat you.” But Cake Girl proves to be too clever a confection for such a fate, and she soon turns the tables on her maker, with happy results for them both. Cheery and cheeky themes abound in this deliciously illustrated story about the magic of laughter and play and new companions.
Have You Ever Seen A Sneep?
The poor boy who narrates this book has to deal with five naughty creatures. He’s just trying to enjoy a day out, but every time his back is turned, the Sneep and its mischievous friends sneak up and spoil his fun.
Bird Child
Bullying and the ability to rise above it are at the heart of this strikingly beautiful picture book. All school-aged children have either bullied, been bullied, or witnessed bullying, and all too often, they feel powerless to stop what has been set in motion. Such is not the case with Eliza. Her mother has given her “wings to fly” and the ability to see all the possibilities that lie before her. So, when bullies pick on the new student, Lainey, gradually robbing her of her smile and ability to paint beautiful pictures, Eliza wants to help, and she does, by finding a way to show Lainey all that she can be. Then in the schoolyard, Eliza stands up to the bullies. One by one, the other children add their voices, and soon the bullies have skulked away. Lyrical and eloquent yet realistic and down to earth, Nan Forler’s text is complemented beautifully with François Thisdale’s haunting images. This is a book for every child, every classroom, and every library.