::Zoomer - Book Review::

I recently discovered the "Zoomer" books by Ned Young. I am in love. They're wonderfully crafted stories with imagination and creativity. Currently Young has only two "Zoomer" books published but they are MUST reads. The illustrations are packed with little secrets and every page is magical. You're sure to find something new every time you read it. The illustrations are the sort of surrealism of the 50's I love. They completely transform the stories words into a stimulating visual exploration.

It was a joy for me to read the stories and point out the little details to my kindergarten class (trust me, there are many to choose from!). I love the  fact that even though Zoomer's two older brothers don't share his enormous imagination, it never stops Zoomer from building fantastic creations. I hope my class caught on to that and are willing to dream up stories as big as Zoomer's. His imagination is perhaps my favorite part of the book.

The books humorous story line will keep children captivated and willing to read these stories over and over again. Ned Young is a self-taught illustrator and painter. He began his career in illustrating calendars and things of that nature. I'm so glad he took the leap into children's literature, I'm looking forward to more installments for the collection. Pin It

::Book Review - Peter Brown::

I want to start a new series. I love reading and always have. I still enjoy reading children's book and am always on the lookout for books with great illustrations. My mom is a librarian, so for me it's like a kid in a candy store, every time I go to visit, I find more books that I love. That also means the last time Scholastic had a warehouse sale we went and I found a pile of books I couldn't live without!

While we were at Scholastic I found a book called "Chowder." It's written and illustrated by Peter Brown. I love his illustrations, they're wonderful! Lot's of hidden details that really make the story come alive. I read "Chowder" to my kindergartners at work and they were laughing the entire time. His stories are a little sophisticated but if you take the time to point out the illustrations while reading it makes them much funnier and easier to understand for the younger kids.

Chowder isn't your average dog. Chowder spends his days on the computer, dancing with his headphones, and using his telescope. When a petting zoo opens, he makes new friends who accept him for his goofy self. 

 This is a wonderful story for "earth day" or for a garden unit. It really reminded me of "The Lorax" because it's about a boy who discovers a secret garden in a city that doesn't have any plants. He nurtures the garden and helps it grow.  

We've been having a lot of issues with my kindergarten girls with bossiness and friendship. So when I read this book, I knew we needed to read it to them. (PS...they have this bear (Lucy) in a stuffed animal, so cute)! Lucy the bear is on a mission to make a new friend. Through a series of accidents she ruins every potential friendship she encounters throughout the day, until an unlikely companion finds her. 

If you get a chance to read one of Peter's books, you've got to do it! Make sure you really look at every page! You don't want to miss anything! 

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