Me...Jane by Patrick McDonnell

Picture book biographies are perfect for the K-2 grades and Me...Jane by Patrick McDonnell is simply perfect. Patrick McDonnell, creator of the comic series MUTTS, has written several picture books, but this is his first picture book biography. Me..Jane is a simplistic biography about Jane Goodall and her childhood dream of helping animals. The adorable watercolor illustrations along with the minimal text is perfect for a read aloud for biography units or during Women's History Month. The inclusion of Jane's stuffed animal chimpanzee Jubilee and their bond is especially heartwarming as they explore the curiousity of nature together. Mr. McDonnell's website includes a detailed interview on he created Me...Jane. I was pleased  to find book related activities perfect for Kindergarten students and even a contest to enter.

Mrs McTats and her Houseful of Cats - Alyssa Satin Capucilli

There are many wonderful authors who write for the early childhood grades, but one of my favorite authors for Kindergarten is Alyssa Satin Capucilli. She is the author of over 40 children's books ranging from her popular Biscuit and Katy Duck series to her numerous picture books and beginning readers. One of my favorite picture books by Mrs. Capucilli that I recently revisited is Mrs. McTats and her Houseful of Cats (2001).  This is a very clever book because it appears to be a cute rhyming story about cats,  but as you continue on there is counting and addition, and wait - it's an ABC book too!  I find that Kindergarten is the perfect grade to share this book because they will completely understand the ending of the story as most 3 and 4 year olds will miss it (my 4 year old  twins needed an explanation).

 In 2004, I had the opportunity to host Mrs. Capucilli for an author visit at my elementary school. She engaged the children with her presentation on how she writes her Biscuit books, and she was very warm and inviting during the book signing.  Her website has a wonderful array of information about her latest books, and even a readers theater on Mrs. McTats. I'm looking forward to reading more from this imaginative author.

The Tiptoe Guide to Tracking Fairies

My daughter loves Tinkerbell. I was looking around the library for a fairy book that was appropriate for preschoolers, but wasn't Disney related. The Tiptoe Guide to Tracking Fairies by Ammi-Joan Paquette is a perfect picture book for the Fairy Lover in your life. Although you cannot tell from the so-so cover illustration, this book is a mix of art and photography. The story invites kids to have a backyard adventure searching for fairies who might be right outside your front door - hiding in tulips or in trees. A great story to read in the Spring or Summer as this prompted my own kids to go outside and search for fairies while also exploring nature.

The publisher Tanglewood Press has included a teacher's guide. The last page of the guide has a Nature Walk - cute to fill in with your kids while tracking fairies!!!

Ultimate Blog Party

I'm ready to party!!!  This is my first time participating in the Ultimate Blog Party from 5 Minutes for Mom. Hello to any new readers of my blog! I'm Simone and I  write this blog to share my love of children's books with everyone. I am a mom of 4 year old twins (boy/girl) and they are headed to Kindergarten next year. As a children's librarian and former school librarian I know a great deal about great kindergarten books. If you have children heading to Kindergarten soon - follow my blog and share your favorite books with us. Thanks for visiting!