Let’s Look At Dinosaurs by Frances Barry - OPTIONAL

Barry, Frances Let’s Look At Dinosaurs, 26 pgs. Candlewick Press, 2011. $12.99.  Language-G (0swears, 0 “f”), Sexual Content-G; Violence-G; PICTURE BOOK.  This book is a flip-the-flap book.  It has a patterned storyline that starts out with the words:  “I wonder what…then what the dinosaur is doing.  It also has a sentence or two, in smaller print, of factual information about dinosaurs.  It is a fun book for little ones.  At the end of the book there is a skeleton fossil.  This book is delightful for those that love dinosaurs.  ES-Optional.  Reviewer: BMN

Knick-Knack Paddy Whack! by Paul Zelinsky - ESSENTIAL

Zelinsky, Paul O. Knick-Knack Paddy Whack! (A moving Parts Book Adapted From the Counting Song). Dutton Children’s Books, 2002. $20.99. Content G. PICTURE BOOK. The childhood song has been adapted into a book.  The moving parts in this book are amazing. Zelinsky has carefully crafted this book to be entertaining and the publishers have spared no expense in the quality. I have read this book several times and played with the moving parts over and over and it shows no signs of wear or breaking.  This is sure to be a family favorite. EL (K-3), GIFT - ESSENTIAL.  Shauna, Reading Teacher.

Under the Hood by Christophe Merlin - ESSENTIAL

Merlin, Christophe. Under the Hood. Candlewick Press, 2011. $14.99. Content G.  POP-UP BOOK. Mr. Bear’s car is broken and he needs help to fix it. He gets his friends Crocodile and Mouse to help.  This book is full of fold out doors, windows, hoods, and lids. It has folds within folds that are super entertaining. ESSENTIAL - HOME, EL (K-3), Shauna, Reading Teacher.

Chanukah Lights by Michael J. Rosen - OPTIONAL

Rosen, Michael J.  Chanukah Lights, pop-ups by Robert Sabuda.  Candlewick Press, 2011. $34.99.  POP-UP PICTURE BOOK.  For each of the eight nights of Chanukah, this book depicts a time in Jewish history when Jews might have celebrated the miracle of the lamp burning for eight days in the Temple.  Unfortunately, I do not know how to begin reviewing this book.  As a non-Jew who grew up in the New York Metropolitan Area I always felt as if I am not Jewish illiterate, but I still did not know very much about each of the stories depicted on the pages.  I didn't have enough background knowledge to get much out of the book.  I do not know for sure, but it appears to be written specifically to a Jewish audience, who would know about the stories discussed.  And yet, it is an absolutely beautiful book.  The text is understated and great, and the pop-ups are absolutely spectacular.  I could look at each page forever, to see the intricacies and attention to detail.  However, perhaps I appear ignorant but I do not know for sure if it is a good choice for a gift, but I do know for sure it does not have a general audience that belongs on every library shelf in the world.  But it is something to consider as a gift for a very specific family or group of people.  Pre-K, EL (K-3), EL, MS - Optional.  Brent Smith, Reading Teacher