Here are some newly published picture books that are good to read to preschool children.
Kite Day: A Bear and Mole Story; written and illustrated by Will Hillenbrand. (Holiday House, 2012)
With lively, short sentences and ear-pleasing word choices, this is a perfect fit for the attention-challenged preschool audience. With repetition of particular words and phrases, this book will be a hit. The bold colors and mixed media illustrations make this a good selection for group viewing.Tiny, pale gray Mole is a wonderful foil to the big, brown Bear. The two friends, although visually different, are united by their shared task to construct a yellow kite which soars up, up Up. Read this to inspire kite making or expose a preschooler to the fun of kite flying.
One Special Day; by Lola M. Schaeffer, illustrated by Jessica Meserve. (Disney-Hyperion, 2012)
A stand out book about welcoming a new sibling. Spencer is a spirited and energetic little boy who is about to take on a few new characteristics, becoming "quiet" and "gentle" as he watches for and then welcomes his parents who return home with a new baby sibling. This book celebrates all the things the older sibling can already do and the welcome addition of a few new roles. The interactive nature of the text makes child involvement easy and fun. The digital oil pastel illustrations are perfectly suited for Spencer's animal imaginings.
Silly Goose's Big Story; written and illustrated by Keiko Kasza. (Putnam, 2012)
Goose is a great storyteller and his buddies Beaver, Procupine and Squirrel love to playact them. But Goose is always the star and inists "They're my stories, so I'm the hero!" When Wolf comes along he catches Goose who makes up a new story about WEM (Wolf-Eating Monster) to get away. Goose is saved thanks to his three friends who bring Goose's new story to life. Kasza's gouache illustrations of the animals show wonderful animation and expression. Kids will love the outsmarting of the Wolf by Goose and his friends. This is sure to be a hit with young readers and listeners.
