Picture Book – Page 11 – Sneak Peek Books

The Wonky Donkey

A bird was walking down the road and saw a donkey. The donkey only had three legs. The story builds, until the end when the donkey is a spunky, hanky-panky cranky stinky-dinky lanky honky-tonky winky wonky donkey. Each page repeats a portion of the story and then adds more funny facts about the wonky donkey.

Younger readers will enjoy the repetition, rhyming story that has funny pictures of the bird and the donkey. The bird snatches an eye from the donkey and carries it away, which may scare some readers. The Wonky Donkey will cause giggles if it is read aloud because the main phrase becomes a tongue twister. The Wonky Donkey, which is a picture book, is intended to be read aloud to a child, rather than for the child to read it for the first time independently.

Readers will either love or hate The Wonky Donkey. Some may find the illustrations and the rhyming words used to describe the donkey funny, while others may think the donkey and his many defects a bit creepy. The snappy rhyming words and the repetition of the donkey saying, “Hee Haw,” make The Wonky Donkey a fun book to read aloud; however, the story has no educational value.

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When Dragons are Dreaming

The little dragon can’t sleep, and he wants to play with the fairies he can see flying through the sky. But the fairies don’t want to play with a dragon. When the little dragon finds a fairy caught in a spider’s web, can he show her that dragons aren’t that scary after all?

Written in beautiful rhymes, When Dragons are Dreaming has beautiful full-colored pictures that will delight little readers. The story has a simple plot that focuses on the little dragon’s desire to have a friend. The little dragon and the fairy fly through the night, showing readers that you don’t have to be the same in order to be friends.

Even though When Dragons are Dreaming is a picture book, the story is intended to be read aloud to a child, rather than for the child to read it for the first time independently. Each page contains 1-2 rhyming sentences, which make this a perfect bedtime story. Younger readers will want to snuggle up and have their parents re-read When Dragons are Dreaming over and over again because of the adorably cute illustrations that will fill their dreams with dragons and fairies.

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Where Does Thursday Go?

Thursday was Bruno’s birthday. It was such a special day that he doesn’t want it to end. Bruno wonders what happens to Thursday when night comes. Where does it go? Can Bruno and his friend Bert find it in time to say goodbye?

Where is Thursday has cute colorful illustrations that show Bruno, who is a bear, and his friend Bert, who is a bird, exploring the natural world looking for Thursday. With adorable pictures and four or fewer sentences on a page, Where is Thursday is the perfect bedtime story. The story contains dialogue, personification, and onomatopoeias, which make reading fun. The picture book illustrates the abstract idea of time in a fun story that focuses on two friends.

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A Good Team

Yeti is good at bouncing a ball on his head, but Unicorn cannot bounce a ball on her head. Unicorn is good at running races, but Yeti can’t run fast. Even though Unicorn and Yeti aren’t good at the same things, they can still have fun together. They play ring toss, run a race, and go ice skating.

Designed for children who are learning to read, A Good Team contains easy-to-read text. When each character talks, their words appear in different colored quote boxes. Each page has a full page of illustrations, and contains three or fewer sentences. Beginning readers should be able to read the text alone, and will enjoy flipping through the story multiple times to look at the colorful, silly pictures.

A Good Team is the second installment in the series but can be read as a stand-alone story. Although the story does not have a plot, the characters enjoy a special friendship. As they play games, Unicorn and Yeti encourage each other to try new things, and they demonstrate positive communication skills. A Good Team is not as funny as the first book in the series, but readers will still enjoy the sweet story. A Good Team will build confidence, fluency, and a love of reading.

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Unicorn uses magic to make ice skates and hot coco appear.

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Shawn Loves Sharks

Sean loves sharks. He has 126 shark books, which have taught him a lot about ocean predators. Sean loves how sharks have a big mouth full of sharp teeth. Sean does not love his classmate Stacy. He loves to pretend to be a shark and chase Stacy around the playground.

Sean loves sharks more than anything else in the world. When his teacher announces that every student will do a report on a predator, Sean is excited write about the shark. But he isn’t assigned the Great White Shark. When Stacy begins researching sharks and acting like one at school, Sean turns mean. Is there any way sharks can bring Sean and Stacy together?

Young shark lovers will love Sean Loves Sharks. Although the story has shark facts, it is also about building new friendships and discovering new things. Sean acts like a shark as he goes through his day—he chops his food and pretends to chomp the cat and his classmates as he chases them. When Sean is forced to learn about seals, he is incredibly disappointed, but as he reads he learns that seals are actually really amazing.

At one point, Sean is really mean to Stacy. As he thinks about his behavior, he realizes that “he knew that even a fast and clever seal could never be friends with a shark.” The conclusion is absolutely, adorably wonderful and will lead to some great discussions between parents and their young readers. Readers will not only learn facts about sharks and seals, but will also learn about bullying, friendship, and being kind to others.

Besides being an entertaining story, Sean Loves Sharks also has beautiful, often funny, full-colored illustrations. The illustrations will put giggles into young readers because humor is often incorporated into the pictures. For example, Sean’s cat is dressed as a shark, and the students pretend to be predators. Another positive aspect of the illustrations is that they show diverse characters; Stacy has dark hair and slanted eyes; Sean has brown skin; the students in the classroom are also drawn showing different ethnicities.

Even though Sean Loves Sharks is a picture book, the story is intended to be read aloud to a child, rather than for the child to read it for the first time independently. The engaging story is fun to read aloud. Since there is little text on each page, the story is a quick read making it an excellent bedtime story. Sean Loves Sharks is not only an entertaining story containing ocean creature facts but also has a positive message about being kind to others.

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Because I Love You

A long time ago, Shaddai built a village for the children to live in. The children were safe to play and spend time with Shaddai, who was always near. Shaddai would sing to the children and tell them stories. He knew everything about the children—who was shy, who was afraid, and who was curious.

One day Shaddai built a wall around the village. He loved the children and wanted to keep them safe. But Paladin was curious. He wanted to see what was on the other side. Despite the warnings of danger, Paladin crawled through a hole in the wall and was soon lost in the dark forest.

Because I Love You is a parable about God’s love. Shaddai, like God, listens, protects, and loves his children. Even though Paladin chooses to do what is wrong, Shaddai loves Paladin and goes to finds the lost boy. Although the message of God’s love will be clear to adults, the story’s message may need to be explained to younger readers. The story explores the idea of free will as well as God’s desire for us to do what is right. Some readers may not understand why Shaddai created a hole in the wall that Paladin could crawl through or how the hole closes once Paladin goes through it.

Beautiful full-page illustrations show scenes from the village and make Shaddai’s caring nature shine. Even though Because I Love You is a picture book, parents will need to read the story aloud because of the text heavy pages and difficult vocabulary. For parents looking for a book that teaches about the Christian faith, Because I Love You would make an excellent addition to a child’s library. Readers will enjoy looking at the pictures over and over again as well as having the story read to them aloud.

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Iggy Peck, Architect

Iggy Peck has always loved to build things. When he was two, he used dirty diapers to erect a tall tower. His parents don’t forbid him from building, but they certainly don’t appreciate the architectural wonders that he builds. When Iggy enters second grade, his teacher forbids him from building. Instead of using tools, his teacher demands that he uses crayons. When the class goes on a field trip, a bridge collapses, trapping them on an island. Can Iggy use his building skills to prove that studying architecture can be a worthwhile, wonderful endeavor?

The full color, creative illustrations show Iggy’s imaginative inventions and the wonderfully expressive reactions of Iggy’s parents and teacher. Each page has fun illustrations and short rhyming lines. Parents will want to read the story aloud since it is not intended to be read for the first time independently.

Readers will enjoy the illustrations because they show Iggy’s inventions. The teacher is portrayed in a negative light because she not only sends Iggy to the principal for building an amazing chalk castle, but she also kills his interest in school. However, when Iggy uses his architectural skills to save the day, the teacher decides, “There are worse things to do when you’re in grade two, than to spend your time building a dream.”

The picture book Iggy Peck, Architect has creative illustrations, interesting characters, and teaches the importance of dreaming big. The ending of the book has the same classroom teacher and diverse students as Rosie Revere, Engineer, and Ada Twist, Scientist. Readers may enjoy comparing the pictures in all three books. Iggy Peck, Architect will delight younger children who are interested in building their dreams.

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Rosie Revere, Engineer

Rosie Revere dreams of being a great engineer. During the night, she uses trash and other supplies to construct inventions. Her ideas are endless. She makes hot dog dispensers, helium pants, and python-repelling cheese hats. When her uncle laughs at her creations, Rosie decides it’s best to hide the gizmos she creates. Will Rosie find the courage to share her creations, or will they stay hidden under her bed?

Younger readers will enjoy the full-page illustrations that bring Rosie’s creations to life. Each page has fun illustrations, short sentences, and rhyming text that will make the story fun to read aloud. Some of the vocabulary, such as ‘perplexed’ and ‘dismayed,’ may be difficult, and parents will have to explain the meaning. Even though Rosie Revere, Engineer is a picture book, the story is intended to be read aloud to a child, rather than for the child to read it for the first time independently.

Many readers will relate to Rosie Revere who is afraid of failing and having someone laugh at her. The entertaining story shows how Rosie “kept her dreams to herself.” With the help of her great-great-aunt, Rose learns that “The only true failure can come if you quit.” The ending of the book has the same classroom teacher and diverse students as Iggy Peck, Architect and Ada Twist, Scientist. Readers may enjoy comparing the pictures in all three books.

Rosie Revere, Engineer teaches readers that making mistakes does not make a person a failure. The creative illustrations, relatable character, and the important lesson make Rosie Revere, Engineer a story that will entertain readers as well as encourage them to build “gizmos and gadgets and doohickeys too.”

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Sparkly New Friends

Unicorn has a horn. Yeti is big and furry. But both like sparkly new things and become unlikely friends who discover that their differences make their friendship even more sparkly.

Yeti loves snow. Unicorn does not. As Yeti tries to teach Unicorn about snowball fights, the reader will learn important lessons about friendship. When Yeti throws a snowball at Unicorn, Unicorn says, “Throwing things at your friends is not nice.” As Yeti is trying to explain what a snowball fight is, Unicorn says, “Friends should not fight. Friends should talk about their problems.” At the end of the snowball fight, Unicorn realizes “friends could fight and still be friends.” This silly, humorous approach to learning about friendship will delight readers.

Designed for children who are learning to read, Sparkly New Friends contains easy-to-read text. The book will engage beginning readers as well as teach about friendship. Younger readers will be drawn to the book because it has a unicorn, a yeti, and sparkly things. Cute, colorful full-page illustrations bring the characters to life. Readers will giggle as Unicorn uses her magic to make Yeti “fancy.”

When each character talks, their words appear in different colored quote boxes. Each page contains four or fewer sentences. Sparkly New Friends will build confidence, fluency, and a love of reading.

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When Yeti wants to be fancy, Unicorn uses her magic to decorate Yeti’s fur.

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Mousetronaut Goes to Mars

Meteor has been training to go to Mars on the Galaxy Rocket. He’s just a little mouse, but he has studied, exercised, and prepared just like the human astronauts. He is ready to fly thirty-five million miles away from Earth. However, when the names are called, Meteor isn’t on the list.

Determined to go to the red planet, Meteor stows away on the ship. Throughout the trip, he plans to stay hidden. But when there is an unexpected mission malfunction, can Meteor save the day?

Meteor is a small, but mighty mouse that will inspire readers to learn more about space. Author and astronaut, Mark Kelly incorporates space facts into the story. The facts are integrated well and never feel like a science lesson. The plot is fast-paced, action-packed, and at times humorous.

Fun, full-colored illustrations capture the many expressions of Meteor. Besides being adorably cute, the illustrations show the hard work and dedication of astronauts. The astronauts and other NASA workers include both men and women of different races. Both the story and illustrations will captivate younger readers until the very end. At the end of the story, the author gives information about the space program, Mars, and other interesting facts.

Even though Mousetronaut Goes to Mars is a picture book, the story is intended to be read aloud to a child, rather than for a child to read it for the first time independently. Most pages contain 2-4 sentences, which makes the story a quick read and an excellent bedtime story. Younger readers will want to read Mousetronaut Goes to Mars over and over again because of the inspiring message that even small people (or mice) can make a big difference. Readers will fall in love with Meteor, who will inspire them to have big dreams.

If your little reader enjoys reading about space, Mars Needs Moms would be another excellent book to add to your child’s reading list.

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Mousetronaut

A group of astronauts and a group of mice have all been working hard to prepare for a space mission. Since he is the smallest mouse, Meteor doesn’t think he’ll be chosen to go on the mission, but the shuttle commander has noticed Meteor’s hard work and chooses him to go. Meteor is one of six mice to lift off into space. When the astronauts have a problem, can Meteor help save the day?

Younger readers will love the story of a little mouse. The story reinforces the idea that hard work pays off. The astronauts recognize Meteor’s hard work and positive attitude. In the end, the smallest mouse is able to save the day. Throughout the story, readers will learn about life on a space shuttle.

The realistic colored illustrations show the day-to-day life of an astronaut. Meteor’s facial expressions are adorable and will help readers recognize emotion. The illustrations also show a diverse group of people. Two of the astronauts are Caucasian, one is Asian, and one is a woman. There are several group scenes where characters of different races are included.

Even though Mousetronaut is a picture book, the story is intended to be read aloud to a child, rather than for a child to read it for the first time independently. Most pages contain 2-4 sentences, which makes the story a quick read and an excellent bedtime story. The story will inspire readers to learn more about space. The second story in the series Mousetronaut Goes to Mars is even better than the first book. Astronauts + space + a little mouse = an out-of-this-world story.

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Mars Needs Moms

Milo isn’t sure that mothers are special. His mother makes him eat broccoli and take out the trash. After Milo gets sent to bed without dinner, he yells at his mother. That night, Martian raiders kidnap his mother. He’s not sure why, but he chases after her. Will Milo be able to save his mother from the Martians? Will he learn what’s so special about mothers?

Mars Needs Moms is a beautiful story about a mother’s love for her son. The fast-paced plot focuses on Milo and his mother’s relationship. Younger children will relate to Milo, who just does not understand his mother.

The full-page pictures are beautiful and humorous. In the beginning, when Milo is upset with his mother, the illustrations portray her as unfriendly. For example, when Milo thinks mothers are “giant, summer-stealing, child-working, perfume garden goblins,” the illustration shows his mother clad in an overly large hat that hides her face, and she is holding garden tools.

Even though Mars Needs Moms is a picture book, the story is intended to be read aloud to a child, rather than for the child to read it for the first time independently. The alliterations and descriptions make the story fun to read aloud. Since there is little text on each page, the story is a quick read making it an excellent bedtime story.

Younger readers will want to read Mars Needs Moms over and over not only because it is an excellent story, but also because the fun illustrations do a wonderful job of bringing Milo’s struggle to life. The Martians trying to kidnap a mother are adorably funny, and the conclusion explains why moms are “the most marvelous treasure.” Mars Needs Moms blends illustrations and text into a beautiful story that shows the importance of mothers. If your little reader enjoys reading about space, Mousetronaut Goes to Mars would be another excellent book to add to your child’s reading list.

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Milo’s mother is kidnapped by Martians. Milo “peeked around the door to see his mother being carried past the bathroom by three Martians the color of jelly beans.”

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Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean’s Most Fearless Scientist

Most people think sharks are scary monsters. But when Eugenie saw a shark, she thought they were beautiful. She dreamed of growing up and studying sharks. She wanted to show others how amazing sharks are. Discover how Eugenie became known as the Shark Lady.

Shark Lady follows Eugenie’s progress from a small child dreaming of sharks to a grown woman who made fantastic discoveries. Each page contains beautifully colored illustrations that bring the underwater world of sharks to life. Several of the pages have pictures of fish, with both their scientific name and their common name.

Even though some people believed Eugenie should be a secretary or a housewife, Eugenie never gave up on her dream. The story does not overlook the years of study and the hard work that Eugenie put into getting an education before she “finally dove into the open ocean.” Through Eugenie’s life experiences, readers will learn that “we must never let the world tell us what we can and can’t do. It especially can’t tell us how brave we will choose to be.”

At the conclusion of the story, there are fun facts about sharks and an illustrated timeline of Eugenie Clark’s life. The picture book Shark Lady will appeal to any reader who wants to learn about sea life. The many illustrations and short sentences make Shark Lady the perfect book to read aloud. The positive, true-life story of Eugenie will inspire children to never give up on their dreams.

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Ada Twist, Scientist

Ada Twist loves asking questions. Her curiosity is never satisfied. When she tries to figure out just what is causing the stinking smell, Ada takes her fact-finding a little too far. Her parents are frustrated and frazzled, so they send Ada to the thinking chair. Can Ada figure out how to complete her scientific experiment without causing chaos?

Ada Twist uses rhyme, questions, and scientific vocabulary to show that questioning and curiosity are part of the scientific process. Ada loves asking questions. Why? What? How? When? As Ada tries to figure out the world around her, Ada’s parents try to figure out how to best deal with her inquisitive spirit. The story ends with Ada using her curiosity in an appropriate way instead of writing her hypotheses on the walls.

Short text and large illustrations appear on every page, which makes Ada Twist, Scientist an excellent choice for beginning readers. The adorable full-color illustration brings the action to life as well as shows an African-American family in a positive light. The parents wear professional clothing, Ada’s brother appears in sports apparel, and Ada wears a cute dress. Readers will also enjoy finding the picture of the family’s cat that appears on most of the pages.

Ada Twist, Scientist uses a creative and entertaining story to teach the fun of the scientific process and the importance of questioning skills. The two-parent family is portrayed in a positive manner. Ada, although different from other children, is never portrayed as weird or strange. Ada’s classroom has students from different races and the children appear in a variety of colorful clothing and styles, which helps enhance the message that being different is a wonderful thing.

Ada Twist, Scientist is intended to be read aloud to a child, rather than for the child to read it for the first time independently. The vocabulary may be difficult and some of the scientific language will need to be defined for the reader. However, Ada Twist, Scientist should be on every child’s bookshelf because of the story, illustrations, and lessons that will entertain readers time and time again.

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Forever Falls

Adam Raccoon’s favorite activity is swimming. He loves floating on his back and playing with his friends. King Aren, the ruler of the forest where Adam lives, has forbidden anyone from swimming in the pool above Forever Falls. Adam wonders if King Aren’s rule is really meant to keep the forest animals safe. How could a quick swim hurt? Adam can’t resist temptation. Will a quick swim turn into a dangerous trip downstream?

Adam Raccoon is a lovable character who has a knack for getting into trouble. The simple story, with full-colored illustrations will appeal to readers. The cartoonish pictures show Adam’s facial expressions, which allows readers to see his changing emotions—defeat, happiness, confusion, etc. Each page has one to two sentences of text, which makes Adam Raccoon at Forever Falls best read aloud to a child, rather than for a child to read it for the first time independently.

Readers will relate to Adam Raccoon as he struggles to do what is right. His story is engaging, fun, and teaches a lesson about salvation. At the end of the story, Adam realizes that his actions have consequences for himself as well as for others. The story gives an example of how Jesus (King Aren) died for us and then was resurrected. Although the story is a parable with a message about Jesus, younger children will be able to understand the message and enjoy the story.

Adam Raccoon’s actions drive the story, but King Aren is clearly the hero. The ending of the book has a brief explanation of why we use parables to teach and the deeper meaning behind the story. Adam Raccoon at Forever Falls is an engaging story that teaches about God’s love. Readers will want to read the story again and again because of the engaging story, amusing illustrations, and lovable characters.

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This story is a parable about God’s love.

Mercy Watson Thinks Like a Pig

Eugenia Lincoln wants to add a little color to the yard by planting pansies. When Mercy’s nose leads her to find the delicious pansy petals, Eugenia’s perfect spring day is ruined. Eugenia calls Animal Control, and Animal Control Officer Francine Poulet arrives on the scene. Francine goes on a hunt for Mercy. Can Francine think like a pig and capture Mercy?

Mercy’s appetite leads her into hilarious trouble. A diverse cast of interesting characters reappears in each book. Younger readers will enjoy reading about the antics of the many loveable characters. The characters are portrayed like real people, with a variety of physical attributes. This installment of the series focuses on Control Officer Francine Poulet as she tries to capture Mercy by thinking like a pig, which results in some outrageously funny behavior.

Brightly colored illustrations appear on almost every page. The silly illustrations will cause giggles, and the exaggerated facial expressions will help readers interpret the characters’ emotions. Mercy Watson Thinks Like a Pig will help beginning readers turn into confident readers. The illustrations help break up the words on the page and most paragraphs are only one sentence. A few words may be difficult for younger readers to pronounce, and there are several plays on words that readers may miss. The Mercy Watson series would be a fun book to read alone or with a parent.

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When Control Officer Francine Poulet tries to find Mercy, she climbs a tree and then falls. “A woman fell from the sky and landed head first on the tea table.”

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Mercy Watson: Something Wonky This Way Comes

The Watsons don’t think twice about taking a pig to the drive-in to see the movie When Pigs Fly. Everyone is looking forward to the Bottomless Buckets of popcorn. When they show up in their convertible, Mercy can’t resist the savory scent of popcorn. She goes on the hunt for the sweet treat and leads Control Officer Francine Poulet and others on a hilarious chase.

Many of the loveable characters from previous books reappear in the sixth installment of the Mercy Watson series. Even though many characters reappear, readers can still understand the story without having read previous books in the series. The illustrations focus on Mercy’s walk through the drive-in and people’s reaction when a pig snatches their buttery snack. Full of funny illustrations and interesting characters, Something Wonky This Way Comes will leave readers in giggles.

Brightly colored illustrations appear on almost every page. The silly illustrations exaggerate the characters’ facial expressions, which will help readers interpret the characters’ emotions. Something Wonky This Way Comes will help beginning readers turn into confident readers. The illustrations help break up the words on the page and most paragraphs are only one sentence. This is one series that readers will want to reread over and over again. The Mercy Watson series would be a fun book to read alone or with a parent.

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