Brad Sneed brings his zany and creative talents to the world of Aesop. In his signature style of tricky perspectives, amusing exaggerations, and rich, delicate watercolors, his animal characters are beautifully realistic and yet humorously human, as they mimic a wide range of human feelings . . . and foibles. The stories of Aesop have been told and retold over the centuries; in his lively adaptation Brad Sneed updates the language and infuses these fifteen stories with a sense of humor that children will enthusiastically enjoy. And once again, as in his popular alphabet book Picture a Letter, Brad has included a wordless bonus for sharp-eyed readers of all ages-a sixteenth tale told only in pictures is hidden somewhere between the covers.
Humor
The Jungle Grapevine
In his children’s book debut, fine artist Alex Beard brings to life an African savanna filled with humor and misunderstandings. When Bird mixes up something Turtle says, he accidentally starts a rumor about the watering hole drying up. One misunderstanding leads to another, with animals making their own hilarious assumptions. No one is hearing anything right, and soon the animals are in an uproar from one end of the jungle to the other. Elephant is trumpeting, Croc is snapping, and the Flamingos are fleeing! Beard’s story will have every child wondering if peace can ever be restored in the animal kingdom.
The Little Golden Lamb
In this joyfully retold Hungarian version of “The Golden Goose,” a shepherd lad befriends a lamb whose fleece is the color of gold. The lad and the lamb set off on a journey, with the lamb dancing and frolicking as the boy plays his flute. Along the way they meet one person after another who tries to put an end to their merriment, but soon enough each has no choice but to join the cheerful procession and help the shepherd boy win his fortune and fulfill his destiny. Whimsically illustrated in delicious colors, this lively tale about the magic of music and the infectiousness of a light heart will have young children ready to join in the celebration.
I Am Not Sleepy and I Will Not Go To Bed (Charlie And Lola)
Charlie helps Lola get ready for bed, despite the tigers, whales, and other animals that serve as obstacles.
The Little Red Hen
“Not I,” said the duck.
“Not I,” said the pig.
“Not I,” said the cat.
The Gingerbread Girl
The lonely old woman and the lonely old man decide to bake a girl this time, but when they open the oven, she runs off like her brother did. Never fear, this smart cookie has a plan to outfox the fox. Will it work? Let’s just say that the ending is sweet for everyone.
“Ernst’s familiar art, here placed against gingham-check backgrounds, utilizes the oversize format to best advantage, with large characters leaping out of their frames. On the cover, the candy-studded Gingerbread Girl with licorice-whip hair stares boldly out at readers. Kids won’t be able to resist following her inside.”—Booklist
Chief Rhino To The Rescue! (Whoops-A-Daisy World)
Chief Rhino is the bravest person in Whoops-a-Daisy World, so when he sees the flicker of flames in a window, he knows he must race to the rescue. If anyone can save the day, Chief Rhino can! In this new adventure from Whoops-a-Daisy World, children can spot their old friends from Doctor Meow’s Big Emergency in the background and make new friends, too. Sam Lloyd’s humorous, brightly colored art is thoroughly kid-friendly and will appeal to fans of Curious George and Richard Scarry’s Busytown books.
Dexter Bexley And The Big Blue Beastie
Dexter Bexley has bumped square into a Big Blue Beastie. A bored Big Blue Beastie that ponders eating Dexter Bexley right up just for fun. Thinking quickly, Dexter suggests a much better idea. He and the Big Blue Beastie go into business together. No matter how many adventures Dexter can think up to distract him, the Big Blue Beastie continually finds himself bored and hungry. It seems that this might finally be the end for Dexter Bexley … or is it? Joel Stewart spins a darkly comic yet ultimately reassuring tale about friendship.
Goldie And The Three Bears
In this spirited new version of “Goldilocks,” we meet a determined heroine with a mind of her own. Goldie knows exactly what she likes — and what she doesn’t. Can she help it if everyone she invites over is too bossy or too boring or too snobby or too rough? What she desperately wants is a friend who is just right — someone she can love with all her heart. Then one day, Goldie gets off the bus at the wrong stop, walks to a nearby cottage to find help, and opens the door. . . Diane Stanley, author and illustrator of Rumpelstiltskin’s Daughter, once again takes an old tale and gives it a fresh spin that is funny as well as perceptive. Readers will love accompanying Goldie on her up-to-date adventure and discovering the clever, heartwarming surprise at its end.
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.