Storytime: New and Notable Picture Books (22)

This week's Storytime features mutinous bedtime pirates, a cake-loving monster who isn't messing around, friends in all different shapes, a misplaced character, and some unexpectedly ferocious animals.

Pirate's Lullaby: Mutiny at Bedtime

Written by Marcie Wessels; Illustrated by Tim Bowers
Ages 2-5

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Yo, ho, ho! It’s bedtime! But this little swashbuckler will do anything to avoid going to sleep. Read along as he stalls for time—searching for peg-legged Captain Teddy, stowing his toys in the ship’s treasure chest, and even playing a game of walk-the-plank! Snuggle up with your own little pirate for a fun and delightful high-seas adventure as you wind down your exciting day together.

Lovely illustrations and fun rhyme, though the text sometimes felt closer to a tongue twister than a rhyme - you'd definitely to practice before reading this one aloud for the first time. Definitely keep this one on hand to prevent mutiny in your own home!

I Will Chomp You!
Written by Jory John; Illustrated by Bob Shea
Ages 3-7

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A greedy, big-headed monster goes to great lengths to protect his precious cakes, which he’s hidden in the back of this book!

STOP RIGHT THERE. Don’t move a muscle, buster. Stay out of this book or I WILL CHOMP YOU!

So says the not-so-fierce inhabitant of I Will Chomp You, a tale of deception, greed…and cake!

Jory John and Bob Shea bring a fresh, hilarious twist to a time-tested blueprint as their little monster threatens, reasons and pleads with readers to go no further in the book because he will NOT share his beautiful, delicious cakes. Children will identify with the monster’s high valuation of his possessions, and (importantly) will laugh at the silly measures he takes to protect them.

Watch out! The little monster in this book is going to CHOMP you if you read any further. He may look cute, but he’s very serious. You would be too if you were hiding your delicious treasure at the end of this book! Little readers will find this monster who will do whatever it takes to protect his precious cakes absolutely hilarious. Expect this one to become a read aloud favorite!
 

Friendshape
Written by Amy Krouse Rosenthal; Illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld
Ages 4-8

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Friends shape who we are. They make us laugh. They fill us with fun. They stand by us during life's up and downs. And even when we disagree with our friends, if they're tried-and-true, they don't stay bent out of shape for long. That's the beauty of a good buddy. This joyous book rejoices in the simple beauties of friendship, and reminds readers of all ages that it's good to have a group of pals.

I love the simplicity and bright colors in Friendshape. I've yet to read a book from Rosenthal or Lichtenheld that that I didn't enjoy, so its no surprise that this collaboration is just as charming. Definitely add this one to your collection.

I Thought This Was a Bear Book 
Written by Tara Lazar; Illustrated by Benji Davies
Ages 4-7

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After an unfortunate bookcase collapse, Alien suddenly finds himself jolted out of his story and into a very strange world, complete with talking bears. Desperate to return to his book, Alien asks the Bear family for help so he can get back to his story and save his beloved Planet Zero from total destruction before it's too late.

Mama Bear and Papa Bear try all kinds of zany contraptions (with some help from their nemesis, Goldilocks) without much luck. Baby Bear might have the perfect solution to get the Alien out of the woods and back to his planet...but will anyone listen to the littlest voice in the story?

When an alien appears in the wrong story, it'll take help from three bears and YOU to get him back to the correct book in time for a happily ever after. Lazar presents readers with a fun premise and action-filled text, while Benji Davies provides great illustrations. The interactive elements, especially points at which characters reach out to the reader, add an engaging element to the plot. Given the final images, I wouldn't be surprised to hear readers asking for a follow up adventure!

Fright Club
Written & Illustrated by Ethan Long
Ages  4-8

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Goodreads

Each year, on Halloween eve, Fright Club meets to go over their plan: Operation Kiddie Scare. Only the scariest of monsters can join Fright Club-Vladimir the Vampire, Fran K. Stein, Sandy Witch, and Virginia Wolf have all made the cut. They've been practicing their ghoulish faces, their scary moves, and their chilling sounds. But when a band of cute little critters comes along asking to join in the fun, the members of Fright Club will find out who really is the scariest of all!

Loved the twist of traditionally scary creatures (vampire, witch, mummy, etc) being frightened by traditionally cuddly creatures! A great reminder that a big part of what makes things scary is perspective and mindset! A humorous read with great illustrations.

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Love any of the books featured this week? Let me know in the comments!