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.