Maude: The Not So Noticeable Shrimpton

Maude: The Not So Noticeable Shrimpton

Lauren Child

Trisha Krauss

 

We all love to see the bad guys get their comeuppance and this book certainly has that!  Although the bad guys are not necessarily bad but just extremely self-centered.  Anyway, I won't give anymore away except that our hero Maude puts her ability to blend into the background to good use and is saved.  Trisha Krauss' illustrations are fabulously graphic and 1960's in style and I think this book is best for primary age children.

I'm the Biggest Thing in the Ocean

I'm the Biggest Thing in the Ocean

Kevin Sherry

Oh I do love a cheeky animal.  Land dwelling, sea dwelling, whatever, they always make me smile.  With an economy of lines Kevin has captured this cheeky squid's expressions wonderfully and even the twist at the end does nothing to crush the his spirits and along the way you learn some sea creatures too.  Perfect for toddlers.

The Lost Thing

The Lost Thing

Shaun Tan

 

The Lost Thing is a bittersweet story about a boy who discovers a thing and must find where it belongs.   The images are surreal, whimsical and haunting with lots of clever details waiting to be discovered upon second reading.  Read more of Shaun Tan's work for deep, serious children's books with gorgeous illustrations

 

The Official DC Super Hero Cookbook

The Official DC Super Hero Cookbook

Matthew Mead

I'm thinking about getting this cookbook for my nephews for a few reasons.  First; Superheroes, need I say more?  Second; cooking, a good skill for boys to master.  Third; the recipes are laughably easy so great for kids to be introduced to cooking without giving up halfway through the recipe and lastly; superheroes.  The photos are large and bright, the recipes super easy to make and the instructions are easy to follow and the captions will at times make you chortle and I do love to chortle.

Line Up, Please!

Line Up, Please!

Tomoko Ohmura

 

Another book with a fantastic and totally surprising punchline.  It even folds out to double pages so you get the full reveal in all it's glory.  Line Up, Please! numbers and names all the animals in the line so it's educational too.  Our toddler couldn't get enough of this book as she loves animals and it was refreshing to see lots of animals you don't normally see.  "Jaf" (Giraffe) was still the fave though.  Gecko Press does it again.

The Brief Thief

The Brief Thief

Michael Escoffier
Kris Di Giacomo

 I love it when a book has a super surprising punchline and it delights you every time you read it.  This colourful and creative story is one of these gems.  And it has a chameleon as a main character, bonus!

Frenzied Fauna

Frenzied Fauna

Michel Gagne

Now that Michel Gagne has taught you your numbers, we can go on with the alphabet.  This strange A-Z illustrates animals in a way you have not seen them before and some will disturb you (hideous horse for one).  But if you enjoy something a little different and imaginative in your education it will certainly give you that.

My Dad Thinks He's Funny

My Dad Thinks He's Funny

Katrina Germein
Tom Jellett

Did your Dad ever make weak jokes and puns?  Did you moan and groan?  Did you do the "eye roll?"  If any of this rings a bell then you will find this book to be pretty funny and you will be able to pass on this character building to your children. You're welcome!

Julia's House for Lost Creatures

Julia's House for Lost Creatures

Ben Hatke

 Julia's House for Lost Creatures is the latest release from the author of the legendary Zeta the Spacegirl series of comics (essential reading).  Julia's has the same style of dreamy, imaginative illustrations as Zita but in a picture book format along with a simple story to boot.  Our toddler is so captivated by all the creatures that it is on heavy rotation at storytime and we love the signature Hatke strong female lead character.