Reading Roundup: June 2013

By the Numbers
Picture Books: 12

Sources
Library: all

Standouts
Writing: Rain Brings Frogs: a little book of hope by Maryann Cocca-Leffler
A testament to the power of optimism. No matter what life throws at him, a little boy finds the best in it, often in unexpected ways. Warmed my shriveled and blackened heart.
Illustration: White is for Blueberry illustrated by Laura Dronzek, written by George Shannon
How exactly is white for blueberry? Find out in this exploration of colors in nature that asks you to look at things just a little differently. It'll be fun for readers big and little to guess how everything goes together.
Overall: Brief Thief written by Michael Escoffier, illustrated by Kris DiGiacomo
Hee! This may win the Jon Klassen Subversive Text award. A lizard looking for toilet paper (and finding none) "borrows" a pair of underpants that were just lying around, but finds his conscience bothering him. The sly illustrations bring you in on the joke. I can't wait to hear the squeals of delighted disgust when I read this one aloud.

Because I Want To Awards
Pay Attention!: Monday is One Day, written by Arthur Levine, illustrated by Julian Hector
A sweet and simple recital of what families do to get through the week until they can spend the weekends together. What caught my eye and what will keep this in the storytime rotation for awhile is the depiction of all the different families in the illustrations. Grandparents, two dads, a single mom, urban, rural, etc, this is a step away from the usual 2.5 kids in the suburbs.
You Don't Have to be a Brat to Stand Up for Yourself: Mary Wrightly, So Politely written by Shirin Yim Bridges, illustrated by Maria Monescillo
A soft-spoken little girl finds herself constantly overruled or overlooked, but she manages to keep her manners intact even when she puts her foot down.