Pick a Peck of Picture Books ...

I've been reveling in great picture books lately, and want to share some with you ...
"How to be a Good Dog," (Gail Page, 2005) features Bobo, who has great enthusiasm, but not much finesse. Finally banished to the doghouse by Mrs. Birdhead (his owner), his fellow pet, Cat, enrolls him in a course of etiquette. After learning "sit," "roll over," and "stay," (and believe me, you've never seen these tricks performed this way), he makes his debut with Mrs. Birdhead. All's well that ends well in this very silly book.
"Soap! Soap! Don't Forget the Soap!" (retold by Tom Birdseye ; illustrated by Andrew Glass, 1993) is an Appalachian folktale about Plug Honeycut, a kid who can't remember anything he's told. Sent to the general store by his mother to get soap for his bath, he has a series of misfortunes that result in his cutting up a fallen tree, causing an old woman to fall in the creek, and insulting the mayor's wife. Glass' illustrations are frayed and chaotic and complement the story nicely. A great book if you are looking for humor in what can be an exasperating childhood condition.
"Scranimals" (Jack Prelutsky, illustrated by Peter Sis, 2002). Another older book, and a gem. Jack Prelutsky, one of America's most popular poets for children, takes readers on a fantasy journey to Scranimal Island, where we encounter Broccolions, Pandaffodils and Potatoads. Each "scranimal" is featured in an elegant and lofty poem, and Sis' illustrations are strange enough to do justice to such odd creatures. I have a friend who's 4-year-old daughter loves this book, even though the language is very sophisticated. A great readaloud and excellent jumping-off point for a rainy day activity.

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane

by Kate DiCamillo ("Because of Winn-Dixie" among others), 2006. Here is DiCamillo's latest book for older children, another fantasy and a cold and dreary depiction of hope, generosity and the meaning of friendship. The central character, Edward Tulane, is a proud and snobbish, albeit beautiful china rabbit. He is owned by Abilene, a loving little girl -- affection he cannot return. During a tragic sea voyage Edward is lost to the bottom of the sea, then rescued by an old fisherman and his wife. Over time he is lost and found again and again, always traveling with someone who comes to love him. Slowly, he learns to love as well. But even a happy ending cannot overcome his personality. Unlike the Grinch, I don't think "his heart grew three sizes..." In it's favor, the book is absolutely beautiful to look at, with stunning illustrations by Bagram Ibatoulline ("The Animal Hedge," "Secrets of the Sphinx," and "Crossing," among many others). The tone of the book design and illustrations beautifully accentuate Edward's elegance. For die-hard fans of DiCamillo, this will be welcome. For newcomers to this author, best to start with "Because of Winn-Dixie" or, for a delightful fantasy, "The Tale of Desperaux."

The Junkyard Dog

by Erika Tamal, 1995. Katie lives in the projects with her mother. She's a pretty happy 6th grade girl, at least until Damika joins their class. And until she finds that the cruel Mr. Farrow has put a guard dog in his junkyard. The dog is thin and afraid of everyone. If things weren't bad enough, her mom marries Jim Brady, a carpenter who seems to take up all the space in their already tiny apartment. And her best friend, Crystal, is flirting and doing makeovers instead of playing basketball on the weekends. Read this moving book to find out how Katie helps "her" dog, how she discovers the true meaning of friendship, and how to trust again. This is a gem of a book.