this year of books IV

And in the same vein of kid's books...


Animal Crackers Fly the Coop -- Kevin O'Malley

I seem to have a thing for books that have lots of puns and humorous undertones that only older children will get.  This book was full of those.  It tells the tale of the Musicians of Bremen but with jokes all along the way as they thwart the robbers.  Kids will enjoy it and the fun illustrations.  Older kids and adults will chuckle at the plays on words.


Dog in Boots -- Greg Gormley

This book (like A Hat for Ivan) teaches children that the best shoes are the ones that God has given.


Texas Mother Goose -- David Davis

This is perfect for those who want a break from the traditional nursery rhymes.  How can it get any better than nursery rhymes Texas style?


The Fourth King -- Ted Sieger

This tells the story of a 4th magi who went seeking the Christ child.  He does not arrive in time nor with a gift due to quite a few "interruptions."  But the Bible application is clear.  Matthew 25:40 "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."  He gave a precious gift to the Lord as he gave to others.  


Who Loves the Little Lamb? -- Lezlie Evans

This sweet book is perfect for all kids but especially the younger crowd.  It reminds them that Mommy loves them even when they are not at their best.  This is a wonderful illustration of unconditional love.


No Fighting, No Biting!  -- Else Holmelund Minarik (illustrations by Maruice Sendak)

This was a short chapter book that David read to all of us.  It is particularly humorous sitting on the couch with three children who are constantly "fighting" and "biting."  It is written by the same author who wrote the charming Little Bear stories.


Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Book?  -- Lauren Child

This is another of Lauren Child's quirky humor and cartoonish illustrations.  This one is about Herb, a boy who defaces a fairytale book only to find out that the characters are not appreciative.  Good lesson in why not to write on books.  :)


Lady Lupin's Guide to Etiquette -- Babette Cole

For kids who won't ready Emily Post's etiquette book, this is a good introduction to manners as taught by a Scottish deerhound.  My kids enjoyed learning the do's and don'ts as set out by this manners book.


Apples and Oranges -- Sara Pinto

This book of pairs compare lots of unrelated items and find funny similarities.  It was either written by an early elementary child or a parent of one.  Many of these ridiculous but funny comparisons could have come straight out of my kids' joke telling.


***M is for Mischief -- Linda Ashman

If you have the perfect child, don't read this.  It might give them ideas.  If you already have a rambunctious child, this book is hilarious.  It is poems of 26 different mischievous children, in varying degrees of badness.  The illustrations are fun and the imaginative rhyme is fantastic.  I was sure to reinforce the rottenness of all these children.  Definitely don't want my children to pick up further bad behavior.


I guess I have read quite a lot...these are only a small selection of all the books we have read over the past year; I still have 1-2 more posts coming.