The Chicken Thief

The Chicken Thief

Beatrice Rodriquez

 This little  picture book tells the story of a kidnapped chicken all without the use of any words.  The illustrations cover the whole page and are often two page spreads.  Our kids have loved "reading" this tale over and over again.  The author has since done a couple of follow ups but we like the original best.

Dinosaurs Beware!

Dinosaurs Beware!: A Safety Guide

Marc Brown
Stephen Krensky

When we were kids we were allowed to pick two books from the Lucky Book Club catalog at school each time it came out.  One year I chose The Little Mermaid and Dinosaurs Beware!  Both of which I still have because I treasured them.  There is nothing that clever about the writing in this book, it's basically a list of dos and don'ts for remaining safe in a dangerous world.  Where this book shines is in the illustrations.  They are cute, clear and illustrate the points sometimes hilariously!
  

I Need a New Bum

I Need a New Bum

Dawn McMillan
Ross Kinnaird

We fully embrace toilet humour in our house so I was thrilled to receive this rhyming book for my birthday.  The kid character is cute, the illustrations are fun and bright, the ideas are crazy... and although we enjoy it... the punchline is a little bit of a let down.  It's still worth getting out of the library to try it and I'm sure your kids will have a good giggle so you may end up buying it after all!

Monsters Eat Whiny Children

Monsters Eat Whiny Children

Bruce Eric Kaplan

I found this book randomly at the library one day and thought it was hilarious!  Sadly my kids didn't think so :(  I think the jokes were a bit "parent-in-joke" for them and the illustrations, while fun, weren't colourful enough to hold their attention.  So; brilliant for adults, probably good for older kids (over 9).

Mind Your Gramma!

Mind Your Gramma!

Yvonne Morrison
Nikki Slade Robinson

Our heroine is misunderstood by her Grandmother but that does not hinder their sweet relationship.  A humorous exploration of grammar and it's misuse.  Are you a fan of correct grammar?  Perhaps your friend's Facebook posts drive you crazy?  This is the book for you.  It's published in New Zealand so click the link on the title to find it online.

Grandpa's Cardigan

Grandpa's Cardigan

Joy Watson
Wendy Hodder

Grandpa's Cardigan tells the story of an old grumpy grandad who is ordered by his wife to buy a new cardigan.  He shops around and around until he finds one he likes and the one he likes is.... I'm not going to tell you; it would spoil the good punchline at the end!  Which is why we liked this book.  There are others in the Grandpa's this that and the other series but we reckon this one is the best.  Unfortunately it seems to be out of print.  Scholastic - Bring back Grandpa's Cardigan!!!

A Chocolate Moose for Dinner / The King Who Rained

A Chocolate Moose for Dinner

Fred Gwynne

 We love puns and plays on words in our house and these two books are wonderful for teaching children these clever uses of language.  The illustrations are big, bright and in a colour pencil style.  Some of the references are a bit old "lambs gambling on the lawn" (The King who Rained) but with some explanation can still get a laugh.  Better for kids from about age 7.

The King Who Rained

Fred Gwynne

Dear Greenpeace

Dear Greenpeace

Simon James

  

 You may not agree with everything Greenpeace does but don't let them hinder you from enjoying this cute tale of love between a little girl and her whale told in the form of letters.  Flaps open revealing Emily's letters which adds a nice interactive touch.

 

 

Good Egg

Good Egg

Barney Saltzberg

Sometimes the simplest ideas in life are the greatest.  This VERY simple interactive book is one of life's greats.  Our toddler loves this book and we do too.  A great mix of different activities and a good punchline.