Is it a perfect day to get outside? Then why not pack up lunch, a blanket, and the kids and have a picnic?! Spending time and having fun at a park, on the beach, or even in your own backyard is what summer’s all about! Memories are made, even if things don’t always work out as planned—as you’ll see in today’s book.
Max and Marla Are Having a Picnic
By Alexandra Boiger
Max and Marla are waiting for a perfect day to have a picnic. Today is going to be rainy, but tomorrow promises to be warm and sunny. Max and Marla jump for joy. It’s their tradition to “celebrate the beginning of spring with a picnic extraordinaire down by the lake.” They go to the kitchen to start preparing the homemade feast they will pack along, including “Grandma’s special cake: a gugelhupf.” Marla wants to be helpful, but…oh, dear! Still, everything is ready just in the nick of time.
Copyright Alexander Boiger, 2018, courtesy of G. P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers.
Max peddles down the road while Marla, wearing her best hat, rides in the bike’s basket. They stop in a beautiful spot where the river and mountain meet. When they get hungry, Max begins to unpack the picnic basket. There’s just one thing missing, so Max goes to fetch it. While Marla waits—and naps—squirrels come sniffing—and nibbling—around. They can’t believe how “this day is perfect!”
Finally, Max comes back with a big bouquet of wildflowers, but they scatter to the wind when Max sees that Marla has already started eating. It doesn’t take Max long to notice the squirrels ransacking the picnic basket. “‘LOOK! There are food thieves at work!’” Max shouts. Marla and Max look at each other—but just for a moment. “Marla and Max don’t feel like staying any longer. They don’t even want to look at each other. They pack everything up and ride away. This time Marla rides in back.
Copyright Alexander Boiger, 2018, courtesy of G. P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers.
At home, Max and Marla go their separate ways. “This was not a good day.” Later, when getting ready for bed, Max thinks about how much Marla loves to be read to and have her beak brushed. Marla must be tired and hungry, Max thinks. Max has an idea and creeps downstairs and out into the yard to pick the blue flowers that grow along the walk. Max goes back inside and gives them to Marla along with a hug. Then, in the light of the refrigerator, the two best friends pack up the picnic basket again and head to the living room. There, they have “the best picnic ever! it’s cozy, it’s warm, and it is heavenly scrumptious.
Copyright Alexander Boiger, 2018, courtesy of G. P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers.
Alexandra Boiger’s cuter-than-cute best friends navigate the ups and downs of expectations and disappointment in this tender, friendship-affirming story. Boiger’s excellent storytelling sweeps young readers into the promise of a “perfect” day, allowing them also to feel Max and Marla’s sadness when things don’t work out as planned. Honest descriptions of these two friends’ emotions and actions when returning home make their reconciliation all the more heartening.
Many twists and turns, thoughtful characters, and a cleverly included line about a perfect day for the squirrels, give readers and adults much to talk about while enjoying this second adventure with Max and Marla. With no pronouns used and gender-neutral clothing, hair, and even name, the story is universal for all children. Boiger’s warm and humorous scenes at home and sun-drenched images of the perfect picnic spot will charm young readers as they’re invited along on this memorable day.
Ages 3 – 6
G. P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers, 2018 | ISBN 978-0399175053
Discover more about Alexandra Boiger, her books, and her art on her website.
Are you a dog person, a cat person, or a little of both? Both dogs and cats make loving and fun pets, but this month is set aside for people to consider adding a kitten or cat to their family by adopting one from a local animal shelter. With their various personalities, cat’s make fascinating, entertaining, and endearing pets. If you’re thinking of getting a pet, June offers the purr-fect time to adopt a cat.
I Am a Cat
By Galia Bernstein
Simon, a little gray tabby, proudly introduces himself, saying, “I am a cat. Just like you!” You might think this sweet greeting would be met warmly, but instead, the kitten’s audience stares at him wide-eyed and then…bursts out laughing. The tiger, lion, cheetah, puma, and panther think this is the funnies thing they’ve ever heard.
Copyright Galia Bernstein, 2018, courtesy of Harry N. Abrams.
The lion protests that the little ball of fluff can’t be a cat because “cats have a mane and a tuft at the end of their tails” and a fierce roar because “they are the king of all beasts.” The cheetah didn’t think the gray cat had the legs or speed to be a cat. The puma had never seen such a small and weak cat living in the mountains like he did, and the panther knew cats were black and lived in the jungle.
Copyright Galia Bernstein, 2018, courtesy of Harry N. Abrams.
The tiger may have been the most skeptical of all. He thought that the gray creature in front of him might be a rat, but a cat that wasn’t orange? Ha! Simon looked at each cat with their individual traits and wondered aloud how they could all consider each other cats, but not him. Well, replied Lion, it’s “‘because we also have many things in common. We all have small, perky ears and flat noses…long whiskers and long tails.’” They also all showed Simon their teeth and claws and eyes that could see in the dark.
“‘I have all those things,’” Simon said. “‘Only smaller.’” The lion, tiger, puma, cheetah, panther, and tiger took a second look. They couldn’t deny it: Simon was a cat. They even admitted that he was one of the family. Then they played and pounced and prowled, “like cats of all sizes do.”
Copyright Galia Bernstein, 2018, courtesy of Harry N. Abrams.
Galia Bernstein’s ingeniously uses a variety of “big cats” to expose the kinds of smug, narrow-minded thinking that leads to prejudice based on color, abilities, social standing, and size. Simon’s polite push-back to the rebuffs he gets from the other cats echos the kind of honest, probing questions that little ones often ask. To their credit, the other cats recognize and admit to their blind spots and welcome Simon into the family. Bernstein’s straightforward storytelling provides a perfect setup for the satisfying and enriching ending.
Bernstein’s bold images of each big cat interacting with adorable and earnest Simon cleverly demonstrates the differences as well as the similarities between them. The lion and Simon lie side by side, their paws crossed and their tails intertwined. The puma and Simon sit next to each other leaning slightly to the left. And the panther and Simon both lounge in a tree batting at the same butterfly. The final spread of all the cats frolicking together is joyful and will make children smile knowingly.
I Am a Cat is a story that’s as fun as it is meaningful and deserves a place on any child or classroom bookshelf.
Ages 3 – 7
Harry N. Abrams, 2018 | ISBN 978-1419726439
Discover more about Galia Bernstein, her book, and her art on her website.
You’ll love watching this I Am a Cat book trailer!
Adopt a Cat Month Activity
Purr-fect Friends Maze
One little kitten wants to play with her friends, Can you help her find her way in this printable puzzle?
Today we celebrate the best friend—or friends—in our life. Whether you’ve known your best friend forever or have recently formed a strong bond, you know you can always rely on them to be there for a laugh or a shoulder to cry on. To celebrate today’s holiday, get together with your best friend and do something fun, relive old memories, and make some new ones!
Scholastic sent me a copy of Sleepy Bird to check out. All opinions are my own. I’m also happy to be partnering with Scholastic in a giveaway of Sleepy Bird. See details below.
Sleepy Bird
By Jeremy Tankard
Night has fallen and it’s time to go to sleep, but Bird is not tired yet. “His wings wanted to glap. His legs wanted to run. All of him wanted to play.” In fact, Bird thought it was “party time!” He went off in search of Fox, who was just settling in. He was disturbed by all the noise Bird was making and offered a hug of blankie to help Bird get sleepy. But Bird just said, “‘Blankie shmankie.’”
Copyright Jeremy Tankard, 2018, courtesy of Scholastic.
Next, Bird sought out Beaver and tried to interest him in a game of tag. Instead, Beaver said he’d read Bird a bedtime story. Bird thought bedtime and stories were for babies and ran to find Rabbit. When Rabbit handed Bird a stuffed cat to snuggle with, Bird was incensed. By the time Bird found Raccoon, he was getting a bit demanding. “‘Raccoon,’ said Bird, ‘you’ll play with me, right?’” But Raccoon was just about to sing a lullaby and go to sleep. Incredulous, Bird pointed out that Raccoon is nocturnal before he “flounced over to Sheep’s place.”
Copyright Jeremy Tankard, 2018, courtesy of Scholastic.
When Sheep suggested counting sheep, Bird fumed that counting only one sheep would not make him sleepy. By this time, Bird was irritated, annoyed, and cross. He decided “he would just walk forever.” Pretty soon he plopped down on the grass and with tears in his eyes cried that he was not tired and would not go to sleep.
Bird’s cries reached his friends, who hurried over to help. While Beaver read a story, Fox and Rabbit tucked him in with a blanket and stuffed kitty. Then Raccoon sang and Sheep counted. Bird protested that he still wasn’t sleepy even as his eyes began to close. Birds’ friends were happy they could help him sleep. They lay down close by and were soon sleeping too. But what about Bird? His eyes popped open and he popped up, chirping and ready to play.
Copyright Jeremy Tankard, 2018, courtesy of Scholastic.
Jeremy Tankard’s latest book in his Bird series hits hilariously home as Bird refuses to succumb to sleep, becoming crankier and crankier until he can’t keep his eyes open any longer. When Bird jumps up refreshed and ready to play again, kids will laugh and adults will smile at the truth of it all. Bird’s friends are true buddies, willing to put up with some pretty super-silly-ous attitude from their endearing little pal.
As in Tankard’s other Bird books, eye-popping, boldly colorful backgrounds set Bird and his friends in a magical forest habitat that highlights the thickly outlined characters. Bird, with his wide eyes, spindly legs, and eagerness to play, is adorable even—and maybe especially—as he admonishes his friends before beginning to droop himself. Little readers will love watching the rising crescent moon that illuminates this sleepless night as much as Bird’s bright and shiny personality.
A feather in any child’s picture book collection, Sleepy Bird is a must addition for readers who love the series and a terrific introduction to this little blue, spiky-coifed character that will have kids wanting to go back for more.
Ages 3 – 5
Scholastic, 2018 | ISBN 978-1338157857
To learn more about Jeremy Tankard, his books, and his art, visit his website.
You’ll never get tired of watching the Sleepy Bird book trailer!
Sleepy Bird Giveaway
I’m thrilled to partner with Scholastic in this giveaway of
One copy of Sleepy Bird by Jeremy Tankard
To be entered to win, just Follow me on Twitter @CelebratePicBks and Retweet a giveaway tweet during this week, June 8 – 14. Already a follower? Thanks! Just Retweet for a chance to win.
A winner will be chosen on June 15.
Giveaways open to US addresses only. | Prizing provided by Scholastic.
National Best Friends Day Activity
Glass Stone Magnets or Picture Hanger
Creativity is meant to be shared! Here’s an easy craft that you can make for yourself or to give to your best friends whether they live close by or far away. You can use clip art, your own art, or other images of favorite characters, that remind you of inside jokes, or that represent shared experiences to make these magnets personal.
Supplies
To get you started, here are two printable Best Friends Templates! Template 1Template 2
Poster board
Large, 1 ½-inch clear glass stones (also called decorative fillers), available in craft stores
Markers or colored pencils OR find images online to print out
Medium to large circular flexible magnets, available in craft stores
Super glue
Toothpicks
Scissors
Directions
Place the glass stone on the poster board and trace around it
Draw your design in the circle on the poster board
Cut out the circle
With the toothpick, apply glue around the very edge of the design side of the circle
Attach the circle to the flat side of the stone, let dry
Trim the cardboard circle if needed
Attach the magnet to the back of the cardboard with glue
Get Caught Reading Month was established in 1999 by the Association of American Publishers to encourage people of all ages to read more. Authors, illustrators, celebrities, athletes, and others participate by sharing pictures of themselves reading an old favorite or new book on social media. Schools, libraries, bookstores, and community venues hold special programs throughout the month. For more information and to find resources, visit the Get Caught Reading website.
Albie Newton
Written by Josh Funk | Illustrated by Ester Garay
Albie Newton was something of a prodigy. As a tyke, he retrofitted his stroller into a racecar, tried counting to infinity, and “learned to speak a language almost every week: / English, Spanish, Hindi, Klingon, Gibberish, then Greek.” When he moves to a new town and a new school, his classmates are excited to meet him. Albie is also revved up to start making friends, and he has a plan he thinks the other kids will love.
But as they all settle in to work, “the students noticed Albie was a whiz. / Albie wrote a sonnet while they took a spelling quiz.” During art class, the kids were likewise astounded (and a little dismayed) when, while they scribbled, drew swirls, and made handprints, Albie painted like Van Gogh. When free time rolled around, and some kids played dress up, Albie “sifted through the trash,” to build a science lab, leaving a mess for Arjun to clean up.
Image copyright Ester Garay, 2018, text copyright Josh Funk, 2018. Courtesy of Sterling Children’s Books.
Then things began to disappear. “Hamilton the hamster tried to run but had no wheel. / Albie needed extra sprockets made of stainless steel.” While Sona and Shirley created paper masks, the glue went missing, and Albie “didn’t even ask.” The wings from Dave’s propeller plane were suddenly broken off, and reading time became impossible when “booming pandemonium descended on the school.” Albie, though, intent on his invention, didn’t notice the trouble he was causing or the crowd of angry kids rushing to complain.
Before they could reach Albie, though, Shirley stopped them, saying “‘maybe Albie didn’t know. Let’s look at what he made.’ Curious, the children headed straight to where he played.” When they say all the inventions Albie had made, they stopped and stared. Albie had made the class a gift—a spaceship, and with the push of a button, an amazing time machine!
Image copyright Ester Garay, 2018, text copyright Josh Funk, 2018. Courtesy of Sterling Children’s Books.
With his inimitable style, Josh Funk creates a rambunctious tale of invention and creativity, but one that also has a deeper message about the way some kids see the world and communicate with peers and others. In the first pages, readers are introduced to the precocious Albie, who from birth has demonstrated a talent for learning and doing. When he enters a new school, however, his single focus doesn’t translate into the kinds of social interactions his classmates are used to. Albie gathers materials for his present unaware of the mayhem he’s causing, just as the other kids are unaware of Albie’s real goal. Only Shirley is sensitive to the idea that Albie may not be causing havoc on purpose but for a purpose. Her calming defense of Albie allows the other kids to see Albie in a new light and appreciate his gift—and his gifts.
While Funk’s rhyming verses are focusing on Albie and his actions, Ester Garay’s bright illustrations depict the other kids’ reactions to his talents and also his disruptions. A first hint at how Albie fits in with his new class comes as the kids welcome him with cheer and smiles. Instead of facing them to accept the welcome, Albie is faced away from them, happily imagining the gift he will make for them.
Image copyright Ester Garay, 2018, text copyright Josh Funk, 2018. Courtesy of Sterling Children’s Books.
Throughout the day, Shirley follows Albie, and as she watches and wonders, her facial expressions demonstrate dismay at some of Albie’s antics but also a growing understanding and acceptance. Garay captures the close camaraderie of a preschool or kindergarten classroom, and her close-up view of Albie toiling away on his invention will have readers eager to see the result. The reveal of Albie’s spaceship time machine and the final spread of the kids frolicking on a distant planet with the likes of Freda Kahlo, William Shakespeare, Amelia Earhart, and a helpful dino, are sure to produce some oohs and ahhhs.
Albie Newton is a doubly impactful story that would be a welcome addition to home and, most especially, classroom bookshelves. It can be read as a boisterous story of innovation for lively story times, but it also provides adults and children an opportunity to discuss the ideas of social interaction and various personalities. Most children know someone like Albie who as naturally quiet, on the spectrum, or singularly focused on one area or another, communicates and socializes differently than others. Reading Albie Newton can help kids better understand different behaviors and, like Shirley, become more sensitive to all their classmates and friends.
Ages 5 – 9
Sterling Children’s Books, 2018 | ISBN 978-1454922582
Discover more about Josh Funk and his books as well as find fun activities and lots of resources on his website.
To learn more about Ester Garay, her books, and her art, visit her website.
Check out the Albie Newton book trailer!
Get Caught Reading Month Activity
Initial Bookends
You can keep your books neat and tidy on the shelf with this easy-to-make bookend that displays your talents and personality!
Supplies
Wooden letter block in the child’s first initial or both initials
Chalkboard paint
Chalk
Paint brush
Directions
Paint the wooden letter with the chalkboard paint, let dry
With the chalk, write words that your think best describe you on the letter
First celebrated in Britain in 1977, this holiday has been embraced by other countries around the world. The aim of the holiday is to promote awareness of good oral health through teeth brushing and flossing, cutting down on sugary sweets, and seeing your dentist regularly. Healthy teeth lead to a bright smile, and smiles lead to feeling better and enjoying life more!
How to Trick the Tooth Fairy
Written by Erin Danielle Russell | Illustrated by Jennifer Hansen Rolli
Kaylee seemed born to pull pranks. Her eyes sparkled with mischief, she knew how to creep up on people unawares, she was cute and smart, and April Fool’s Day was her favorite holiday. There was never a time when Kaylee wasn’t pulling or planning pranks. But there was actually someone else who was a bigger trickster than Kaylee—the Tooth Fairy.
Image copyright Jennifer Hansen Rolli, 2018, text copyright Erin Danielle Russell, 2018. Courtesy of simonandschuster.com.
The Tooth Fairy, with her “smirky smile, fairy wings for a quick getaway”, and bag full of more tricks than teeth, was the reigning “prank princess.” But when the Tooth Fairy flew into Kaylee’s room to retrieve her tooth, she reached under the pillow and pulled out a… toy frog. There was only one thing for the Tooth Fairy to do—leave real frogs in her wake. For Kaylee, this meant “Game on!”
Image copyright Jennifer Hansen Rolli, 2018, text copyright Erin Danielle Russell, 2018. Courtesy of simonandschuster.com.
To make amends, Kaylee baked up a berry (and hot sauce) pie and gave the Tooth Fairy a piece. With her mouth on fire, the Tooth Fairy retaliated with an a la ice cream mess. Kaylee grabbed the sprayer to wash off the whipped cream and sprinkles but “turned it on the Tooth Fairy” instead. A wave of the Tooth Fairy’s wand turned those water droplets into cats and dogs. The sudden downpour scared Kaylee, and she ran for the closet. The Tooth Fairy hadn’t meant to scare Kaylee so she went to find her. Kaylee was ready with a slingshot and a wad of gum.
Image copyright Jennifer Hansen Rolli, 2018, text copyright Erin Danielle Russell, 2018. Courtesy of simonandschuster.com.
Things got sticky, and in the battle, the Tooth Fairy’s magic wand split apart. “And if you know anything about tooth fairies, you know a broken wand means… Topsy-Turvy Tooth Fairy Trouble!” Kaylee and the Tooth Fairy cowered under the table as swirling clouds and lightning sent everything in the kitchen flying. When things settle down, Kaylee looked at the Tooth Fairy and the Tooth Fairy looked at Kaylee.
“Kaylee had one more trick up her pajama sleeve.” She and the Tooth Fairy used the sprayer to clean up the floor and the bubble gun to fix the wand. They sent the cats and dogs soaring back into the sky with little umbrellas and the frogs hopping happily into the yard. Soon the kitchen was shiny and neat again, and Kaylee and the Tooth Fairy shared fairy-dust cookies as Kaylee handed over her lost tooth. That night was just the beginning for “two prank princesses and one new friendship.”
Image copyright Jennifer Hansen Rolli, 2018, text copyright Erin Danielle Russell, 2018. Courtesy of simonandschuster.com.
Erin Danielle Russell’s talent for humor and creating feisty heroines is on full, fun display in her rollicking debut picture book. With her vivacious, conversational tone, Russell crafts the camaraderie of a sleepover even as the two pranksternistas try to outwit each other. After their tricks send them both ducking for cover, they discover that they’re kindred spirits and make perfect best friends.
From the glittery cover to the wild, action-packed pages, Jennifer Hansen Rolli conjures up delightfully designed trickery that will charm kids. Rolli sets the stage with examples of Kaylee’s early pranks on her sister and classmates (two of whom are appropriately wary of the chocolate sandwich cookies on offer, while an unsuspecting newcomer is all smiles). Rolli’s rich color pallet enhances the magical atmosphere,and images of a fully laden dessert table, puppies and kittens plummeting into the kitchen, and the Tooth Fairy stuck to the refrigerator with gum will make kids laugh out loud. While mischief is evident in both Kaylee’s and the Tooth Fairy’s eyes, it’s also clear that they understand and like each other, making their battle of wits a playful challenge.
Perfect for reading when a child has lost a tooth, How to Trick the Tooth Fairy is also an original friendship story for any time of year. Children will love keeping the book on hand for repeated readings when the Tooth Fairy is expected.
To learn more about Jennifer Hansen Rolli, her books, and her art, visit her website.
This How to Trick the Tooth Fairy book trailer is sure to make smile!
Meet Erin Danielle Russell
Erin Danielle Russell is the co-author of the New York Times best-selling Dork Diaries. How to Trick the Tooth Fairy is her first picture book. Today, I’m excited to talk with her about how How to Trick the Tooth Fairy came about, writing space, and her favorite pranks.
What inspired you to write How to Trick the Tooth Fairy?
How to Trick the Tooth Fairy is inspired by my childhood. It’s a book I would’ve wanted to read as a child because I’d always wanted to meet the Tooth Fairy and become friends with her. My character, Kaylee, is basically living my dream!
Can you talk a little about the journey to getting How to Trick the Tooth Fairy published?
Funny story, but the idea for How to Trick the Tooth Fairy came to me when was sick with the flu. I was stuck in bed with nothing to do, so I wrote the first draft for fun in a notebook. Later, I polished it, submitted it to my literary agent, found an amazing illustrator, named Jennifer Hansen Rolli, to bring my book to life, and the rest is history!
Losing that first tooth is such a rite of passage for kids, with celebrations at school and the fun surrounding the Tooth Fairy or other traditions at home. Do you remember losing your first tooth?
I do remember losing my first tooth and my first Tooth Fairy visit! I was super excited to find money under my pillow where my tooth had been. And, the best part was seeing the trail of glittery fairy dust across my bedroom floor! It was solid evidence to me that the Tooth Fairy and magic were real, and I became a total Tooth Fairy fangirl after that!
Do you like to pull pranks? What was your favorite kind of prank?
I was a little prankster when I was Kaylee’s age, and owned a whoopee cushion, hand buzzer, invisible ink, and fake bugs. The whoopee cushion was my favorite!
What’s the best part about being an author for young readers?
The best part about being an author for young readers is making them laugh and showing them that reading can be fun. I’m a bookworm to this day because I fell in love with the picture books my parents read to me as a kid. I hope I can inspire young readers to love books like I do.
What was your favorite picture book when you were a child?
There are so many wonderful picture books to choose from! But, if I have to narrow it down to one, I’d say Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson, because Harold could turn all his ideas into reality, and I wanted that ability too. I even drew on my bedroom walls with a purple crayon to be like him, but that wasn’t such a good idea. Lol!
Do you have a special place that you like to write? Can you describe it a little?
I’m not much of a desk person, so my favorite place to write is in my bed because it’s comfy and cozy. I just prop up a few pillows, light a scented candle, and I’m in my happy writing place!
What’s up next for you?
I’m currently working on a second picture book and a middle grade book. After writing How to Trick the Tooth Fairy, I’d love to write more fantasy.
What is your favorite holiday?
My favorite holiday is Christmas. I love the festivities, music, food and how magical it was for me as a child.
Do you have an anecdote from any holiday that you’d like to share?
Some of my favorite Christmas memories revolve around picture books. I loved reading How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss, and The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg. When I was eight, I even wrote and illustrated my own picture book in a spiral notebook about a girl, named Melody, who helped Santa Claus deliver Christmas presents all over the world on Christmas Eve.
Thanks so much for chatting! I wish you all the best with How to Trick the Tooth Fairy and all of your books!
Summertime is a natural choice for those moving to a new city, town, or even country. If there are children in the family, the school break provides time for everyone to get to know their new neighborhood before starting school in the fall. Warm, more predictable weather also helps make a move go more smoothly. There are also a lot of online and personal services to answer your moving questions. To welcome newcomers to your neighborhood, introduce yourself and perhaps put together a basket of items to help them acclimate themselves to their new home.
Bruce’s Big Move
By Ryan T. Higgins
Oh no! Is that a For Sale sign outside Bruce’s home? You know, the hillside abode with the yard littered with toys, games, and an old hat? What’s going on? Well, let’s turn the page and find out!
If you don’t know already, “Bruce was a bear who lived with four geese because he was their mother (just go with it and check out Mother Bruce). He also shared space with three mice “because they would not leave” (maybe, but weren’t they kind of invited? For the answer to that you’ll want to check into Hotel Bruce). Mice, it seems make themselves very much at home—in every square inch of every room. You wouldn’t believe the mess! (Or what a generous Mom Bruce is!).
Copyright Ryan T. Higgins. Courtesy of Disney-Hyperion.
As you might imagine “Bruce’s house was crowded, chaotic, and loud,” and it all made Bruce very grumpy. Bruce thought and pondered over how he could get rid of those mice. He tried plan after plan, but none of them were successful. Those crafty mice just turned everything on it’s head. For instance, when Bruce told them to get “Out,” they appreciated his concern that they “get some fresh air.”
Copyright Ryan T. Higgins, 2017. Courtesy of Disney Hyperion.
There was only one thing to do. Bruce packed up his belongings, settled his four kids in the sidecar, and moved away. “Finding a new house for a mother bear and his four geese can be difficult.” The tree-top nest was too shaky, the submerged shipwreck was too wet, and the new construction by turtle builders was too behind schedule. Eventually, Bruce found the perfect home on the edge of a lake and surrounded by meadows. It even came with plenty of friendly neighbors (well, no house is perfect-perfect).
Copyright Ryan T. Higgins, 2017. Courtesy of Disney-Hyperion.
The greatest thing about this house, though? No mice! Bruce felt so happy, he smiled. Yeah, really…didn’t you see it? The geese, though, were not so happy. They stood around with sad eyes and dejected postures. “Bruce tried cheering them up . . . .” He flew a kite, took them to the beach, and took them to art class. Even Bruce’s biggest smile . . . um . . . grimace?. . . no, smile—definitely a smile . . . could distract his kids from missing the mice.
Copyright Ryan T. Higgins, 2017. Courtesy of Disney Hyperion.
But then “the moving van arrived” with some very familiar-looking movers. In fact, these little guys were ready to move in! So, the geese were happy, and the mice were happy. But Bruce? Not so much. The housewarming party was a fantastic success. All the woodland animals came, and “Bruce’s house was once again crowded, chaotic, and loud.” And even though “Bruce didn’t like it one bit,” he had to admit “it felt like home.”
Copyright Ryan T. Higgins, 2017. Courtesy of Disney-Hyperion
Ryan T. Higgins’ is the perfect dad/mom/writer/drawer for the curmudgeonly charming Bruce, nudging his creation into a new and hilarious situation in this third installment of his beloved Bruce books. As Bruce tries to gain one moment of peace, kids will giggle and laugh out loud at the antics of the pesky mice who cannonball into Bruce’s bubble bath, soak in his cup of tea, and turn his house into a shambles of stuff. When Bruce finally packs up and moves out, readers can’t really begrudge Bruce his quiet time, but they’ll cheer to see those wily mice back on the scene.
With his flair for gleeful chaos and flawlessly expressive faces. Higgin’s creates a family atmosphere any reader can relate to. Bruce may look grumpy, but as he gazes into the sweet, innocent eyes of his geese and takes full measure of those high-spirited mice, astute readers know that behind that frown lies a soft heart. Kids will love watching Bruce and the geese ride his old-fashioned motorcycle, meeting a new cast of characters, and basking in Bruce’s pearly-white smile. When the story and art come full circle in the tender ending, readers will be happy to have Bruce in their neighborhood.
Bruce’s Big Move is an enchanting and funny story on its own and a very worthy addition to the series. Whether you’re already a Bruce fan or just becoming one, the book is a fantastic addition to home, classroom, and public libraries.
Ages 3 – 8
Disney Hyperion, 2017 | ISBN 978-1368003544
Get movin’ and watch this Bruce’s Big Move book trailer!
National Moving Month Activity
Travel Memories Portfolio
If you’re moving or traveling this summer, use this handy, easy-to-make portfolio to keep postcards, pictures, and other memorabilia from your traveling or sightseeing trips.
Supplies
12-inch x 18-inch foam sheet in brown or your favorite color (or use a manila folder)
Stiff decorative scrapbook paper or single-color paper
Stickers, buttons, or scrapbooking decorations
Foam or craft glue
Directions
To Make the Travel Bag
Fold the foam sheet in half
Glue along each edge, leave the top open
Decorate the bag with the stickers
To Make the Handles
Cut two 1-inch x 10-inch strips from the scrapbook or other paper
Three inches from the right end of the each strip, make a triangular fold
Three inches from the left end of each strip, make a triangular fold
Glue one handle on each side at the top of the bag
Once upon a time there was a writer named Samuel Clemens who published his first short story titled Jim Smiley and His Jumping Frog. He later published the story under the title The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County, which even later became The Notorious Jumping Frog of Calaveras County. The title of this story wasn’t the only name change in Clemen’s life. He is best known as Mark Twain, one of the best known and most read American authors. The story of this fabled jumping frog and the California Calaveras County’s actual annual Frog Jumping Contest, begun in 1849, are the origins of today’s holiday. The present day frog-jumping record was set by Rosie the Ribeter, who in 1986 jumped 21 feet, 5 ¾ inches.
There’s Nothing to Do!
Written by Dev Petty | Illustrated by Mike Boldt
So… Frog has accepted that he’s a frog, and he knows it’s okay to get bigger, but now he can’t think of anything worth doing. His dad finds it hard to believe there’s nothing to do. He suggests swimming, but Frog says it’s “too wet”; playing, but none of the toys surrounding Frog inspire him, and even joining Pig in doing crafts, but Frog is so bored he has to rest up against Pig’s popsicle-stick Eiffel Tower.
Image copyright Mike Boldt, 2017, text copyright Dev Petty, 2017. Courtesy of Penguin Random House.
What’s left? Cleaning his room. This choice gets Frog hopping to see if his “friends have any better ideas.” Rabbit’s idea of a good time alternates between jumping and staring. Cat shows Frog how to lick between his toes, and Owl advises napping all day. Perhaps Pig can come up with the perfect activity after all. Pig is happy to unfurl his “Fantastic List,” and he and Frog take a look.
Image copyright Mike Boldt, 2017, text copyright Dev Petty, 2017. Courtesy of Penguin Random House.
Frog’s not too keen on most of the to-dos and lies flat on his back in disgruntlement. Just then another frog comes by wondering what’s the matter. Frog complains that the whole day is almost over and he hasn’t done anything. Well, the frog says, when there’s nothing to do, do nothing. “Sometimes the best ideas come when you stop looking for them.” Then this amphibious guru shows Frog how to sit still, empty his mind, and wait.
Suddenly, the world glows with beauty and promise. Frog has never seen life in just this way. Later, when Dad asks Frog what he did all day, Frog is enthusiastic about the Nothing he did. In fact, he wants to do it all over again tomorrow. So what if there’s school the next day—Frog has a long To-Do List of his own now. What’s on it? Nothing!
Image copyright Mike Boldt, 2017, text copyright Dev Petty, 2017. Courtesy of Penguin Random House.
Dev Petty’s Frog is any child’s sure (web)-footed guide to the big issues of growing up. This time he’s looking for help in overcoming his boredom, but he learns that what’s good for the goose (or the Pig, Rabbit, Cat, and Owl) isn’t necessarily good for the gander. When he discovers that inner voice that leads him to his own kind of fun, Frog finds that his lily pad is loaded with possibilities. As in I Don’t Want to Be a Frog and I Don’t Want to Be Big, Frog’s impish questions and opinions will have kids giggling and hoppy to come to the same realizations about life as Frog does.
Mike Boldt’s Frog is sly and endearing as he jumps from friend to friend and activity to activity in search of the perfect day. Kids will love laughing at Rabbit’s goofy stare, ewwing along with Frog at Cat’s bathing ritual, and cheer Pig’s enthusiasm and do-anything attitude. Frog’s glowing revelation lets readers discover their own vistas, and Dad’s proud and satisfied look at the end shows kids that dreaming up their own fun leads to a day well-spent.
There’s Nothing to Do! is a terrific addition to the series, and it’s witty banter will make it an often-asked-for read on any child’s bookshelf. A ribeting choice for home and classroom libraries.
Ages 3 – 7
Doubleday Books for Young Readers, 2017 | ISBN 978-0399558030
Discover more about Dev Petty and her books and find fun activities on her website
To learn more about Mike Boldt, his books, and his art, visit his website.
Got nothing to do? Hop on over and watch this There’s Nothing to Do! book trailer!
National Frog Jumping Day Activity
Frog Dot-to-Dot Activity Sheet
Can you hop from number to number and help the frog appear in this printable Frog Dot-to-Dot Activity Sheet? Then give him a lily pad or other place to live and color it all in!
celebratepicturebooks.com 