You might recognize Blabey’s work from Pig the Pug.
In this funny new book, a porcupine wants a hug. He asks a bear, a moose and a rabbit who all refuse to hug such a spikey creature. He then happens upon a slithery snake who wants a kiss but also keeps getting rejected. Together they are able to help each other and find a new friend.
What did we learn?
Hmmm, this is actually a toughie. I’m currently trying to teach George that it’s okay to say ‘no’ when he doesn’t want to hug or kiss someone. At the same time, I’m teaching him that hugs are ways that friends can express their love for each other. We’ve recently had two interactions with affectionate boys who happen to have developmental disabilities and desperately wanted to hug George. He was afraid of them which made me sad – I know that their hearts only know love and they want to express it. This book actually helped me explain that when someone you don’t know or someone who seems different asks for a hug, they want to be your friend. You don’t have to hug anyone you don’t want to – but you can still be kind to them. This is a BIG lesson for a book with 100 words.
Why I like it:
I love Blabey’s simple and bright illustrations along with his rhyming text. George thinks it’s funny and is happy when the snake and porcupine hug each other.
In this book, Shorty the dinosaur happens upon a present that is for Clem. He can’t handle the excitement of what could be in the box. Is it a race car or a drum or a trampoline? Poor Shorty just can’t take his it and his curiosity and rips into the present. He then realized how upset Clem will be when he finds out that Shorty opened his present. Luckily for Shorty, Clem knows him all too well and the present was meant for him all along.
What did we learn?
That you shouldn’t open presents that aren’t meant for you. Or that friendship is the best present of all.
Why I like it
A lot of this book happens in the pictures, which is always great with kids George’s age to get them talking about what is happening. Plus it has lots of anticipation and guessing which is another fun way to get your child engaged in a book. Simple, clear illustrations that are cute and two unlikely friends. Great read!
George is obsessed, obsessed with horses (although he won’t go near one) so I pick up every book I see that involves a horse. In this book, Steve the horse wants to be an exceptional horse. He happens upon a golden horn and ties it to his head in order to stand out. Steve shows off to all his forest friends until Racoon points out that there is no horn on his head (it has slipped to under his chin). He teaches high and low for his horn, eventually falling into a pond and losing it all together. When he surfaces, he notices that ALL of his friends have tied random things to their heads to be like him. With excitement, he realizes he is exceptionally different (and a trendsetter).
What did we learn?
That being yourself makes you exceptional (or that is what I tell myself. I’ll leave it to my kids to grow up one day and realize that they aren’t that special. Oh wait – is that just me? I am exceptionally normal.)
Why I like it
This is a very funny book about a goofy horse. He talks to himself, there are funny side notes and it has a great lesson told in a silly way. Plus it has a horse. Horses for the win.
Hope you enjoy these picks! And as always,
Happy Reading,
Curious in Wonderland
Recent Comments