Read Aloud. Read Often.

Consider these new books for your next story time.

“There’s No Such Thing as Little”

By LeUyen Pham

Best For: Ages 4 - 8

Rated: 3.00 (Inspiration, Children, Positivity)

Best-selling illustrator of Freckleface Strawberry, LeUyen Pham sets an optimistic tone from the first page of her book, There’s No Such thing as Little. Using the simple die-cut circle technique in every other set of illustrations, Pham is able to show one perception then reveal the truth in the very next illustration. I particularly like the reading/writing pages that say, “A little letter? No, an important letter.” I also like the trip to the museum with, “A little line? No, and inspiring line.” Pham’s positive message is enhanced by the contingent of smiling children smattered throughout the pages.

What’s good: Nice message – focuses on finding joy in life's simple pleasures . 

What’s bad: Very little. This book would be great for kindergarten story time.

“Home Tweet Home”

By Courtney Dicmas

Best For: Ages 3 – 7

Rated: 2.75 (Family, Home, Animals)

Home Tweet Home follows a traditional story telling technique that even young readers will recognize from books such as The Grouchy Ladybug and Are You My Mother? Big brother and sister cave swallow are getting bigger and older. Now they’re tired of sharing a crowded nest with their large family. So they go in search of a better place to live. What they find – a kangaroo’s pouch, the coils of snake, and many other uncomfortable animal backs – leaves them wondering why no place feels like home. I’m sure you can guess where they end up.

What’s good: The vibrant illustrations are great for picture walks with early readers.
What’s bad: It doesn’t make sense that all of the nest's locations involve the backs of other animals.

“Use your Words, Sophie!

By Rosemary Wells

Best For, Girls: Ages 3 - 7

Rated: 2.5 (New Baby, Language, Jealousy)

If you’re familiar with Rosemary Wells, this book will seem familiar. It is her third featuring Sophie. Use your Words, Sophie! follows Sophie as she tries to cope with a new baby in the family. She draws attention to herself by making up her own language. Using made-up words causes her parents more consternation than necessary – especially when the new baby begins crying. Granny helps Sophie become the family hero by show her how the made-up words are just the remedy for crying fits. Sophie calms the baby and decides the baby's name before the story ends. Young readers will enjoy the humor and the comfortable illustrations.

What’s good: Humor and emotions that are easy for young readers to understand.
What’s bad: This is a tried and true subject matter and Wells doesn’t add much beyond what is already out there.