Pout-Pout Fish Blog Tour

One of my favorite jobs as an elementary librarian is reading and reviewing new picture books. When asked to review a copy of the newest book - The Not Very Merry Pout-Pout Fish, of course I said yes! My Kindergarten students love Pout-Pout Fish. I was ecstatic to see a Christmas version of this adorable story.

Pout-Pout Fish is worried about finding the perfect Christmas presents for his fishy friends. Pout-Pout learns the best gifts are not found at a store.  Filled with lively illustrations and wonderfully rhyming text, this one will be a hit with my students. The repeated rhyming text will be perfect as a read-aloud with the younger students. 

Written by Deborah Diesen and illustrated by Dan Hanna, these two talented artists are creating beautiful stories for me to add to my collection of picture books. 

Interviews with Deborah Diesen and Dan Hanna (at least my favorite parts):

Deborah Diesen

What is Mr. Fish up to now? Does he have a case of the “dreary wearies” in the latest book, too?

Mr. Fish’s newest adventure is called The Not Very Merry Pout-Pout Fish.  In it, Mr. Fish is in a bit of a holiday panic, searching for perfect gifts for all of his friends.  His shopping trip is unsuccessful, and Mr. Fish is sure that he’s let all of his friends down.  But his friend Miss Shimmer reminds him that the best gifts of all come straight from the heart, and she helps him craft simple and meaningful presents to bring to the holiday party.  His friends are delighted with their presents, and together everyone celebrates peace, joy, and love – what a very merry gift!

What do you hope young readers (ages 3-6) will learn from The Not Very Merry Pout-Pout Fish? Is there a message here for grown-ups as well?

I hope that Mr. Fish’s latest tale will help children to realize that presents don’t need to be expensive or complicated or splashy.  Simple, heartfelt presents that connect us to one another are the best gifts of all.  A drawing; a craft project; time spent together; even just a smile!  These sorts of gifts are the most cherished and the most enduring.  It’s a lesson we grown-ups have to re-learn periodically as well.

Dan Hanna

What medium do you use to make the illustrations? What’s your favorite to work with? Tell us about your creative process.

I use the PPPPP approach: Paper, Pencils, Pens, Paint and Photoshop.

My favorite is just pencil and paper.  When I start a new book I like to visit a variety of coffee shops in my area.  I let my caffeinated mind roam, scribbling out ideas and laughing to myself.  If a sketch doesn't make me laugh then it usually doesn't make the cut.

What illustration in The Not Very Merry Pout-Pout Fish did you have the most fun creating?

I especially like the one where Mr. Fish imagines giving Ms. Clam the robot body.  She just looks so happy and empowered.

The items in the shop and the gifts Mr. Fish imagines in this story are so detailed and quirky. How did you come up with them? Did you have a specific inspiration?

For the imagined gifts, I drew on my own experience as a kid where I would dream up magnificent presents for my family and friends.  Eventually, as with Mr. Fish, I would have to confront reality and drastically scale back my plans. The shop items are based on all the goofy stuff you can find on the shelves of some of the more interesting gift shops.

Follow the blog tour with these talented bloggers:

THE NOT VERY MERRY POUT POUT FISH BLOG TOUR

Chat with Vera 

MomReadIt 

Anakalian Whims
  Mymcbooks Blog 
 Outnumbered 3 to 1 
Picture Books Review
 Check It Out 
 Jumpin Bean 
Caiafa Craziness
  TeacherDance
 Kid Lit Reviews
 Heck of A Bunch
 Leslie Lindsay
  Double Duty Twins 
  GeoLibrarian
 Cassandra M’s Place
  Philly Burb Moms 
Not So Average Mama 
Tales of Mommyhood
 Susan Heim on Parenting 
Bookish Babes 
Bea’s Book Nook 
Bumbles and Fairytales
  Be the Difference 
Stacking Books
 Local Busy Bees
 Reading through Life
 Parenting Healthy 
Unleashing Readers
 Kristen Remenar
 Oh My! Omaha 
My Silly Little Gang
 The Corner on Character
 Mommy Ramblings
 SoCal City Kids
 Saffron Tree
 Mrs Brown Loves Bookworms 
 The Neighborhood Moms 
 Inspired by Savannah 
 The Reading Nook Reviews 
 In the Pages Blog 
Writers’ Rumpus Miss Marple’s Musings Investing Love 
 Natural Mama 
One Crazy Kid
  Mommy’s Block Party 
 Mommy Has to Work  

Would you like to win a copy of The Not Very Merry Pout-Pout Fish? Enter my little Rafflecopter for a chance to win your own copy. If you have or work with 5 - 6 year old's, you'll love it!

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Happy Reading!!!

Daredevil Duck Book Tour

I recently received the cutest picture book to review. When Cassie from Running Press asked if I was interested, of course I said yes! I love reading picture books.  I will admit to  hanging out at Barnes and Noble just to check out the new books to add to my wish list for the library. I was a little worried as I hadn't heard of Charlie Alder. After a little research I discovered she is an English illustrator. Daredevil Duck is her firstsolo book to author and illustrate.  Like Daredevil Duck I has a little afraid in the beginning.

Fear not! If you have a preschooler or a kindergarten, they will love this one. In a nut shell - Daredevil Duck dreams he is the bravest duck in the whole world. In reality he might be described as the biggest scaredy cat in the whole world. (Bless his heart, he's just like a kindergartener those first few days of school. They act real brave but really the big kids down the hall terrify them.) Love that he overcame his fears to help a friend. Everything about school/life is less scary with a good friend. The books flaps are the only drawback I have for this one.  I will have to be really careful with this one. Maybe use this one when I'm discussing book care at the beginning of the year.... Will keep tabs on Ms. Alder for future books. Talented new author!

Follow the book tour for chances to win a copy of Daredevil Duck! If you are interested in winning a copy, enter the following rafflecopter by May 17th. Contest open to US residents only.


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DAREDEVIL DUCK

By Charlie Alder  

Blog Tour Schedule

5/4 Wife Hat, Mom Hat

5/5 Geo Librarian

5/6 In The Pages

5/7 Stacking Books

5/9 Bea’s Book Nook

5/10 ReaderKidz

5/11 Coffee for the Brain

5/12 The Picture Book Review

5/13 Mrs. Brown Loves Bookworms

5/14 Mom Read It

5/15 Unpacking the POWER of Picture Books

5/16 Cheryl Rainfield

5/17 Unleashing Readers

I like reviewing books I can use with my students. This one is definitely going in the stack for next years Kindergarteners. I did receive a free copy of the book for my honest review.

Keep Reading!

Go, Pea, Go! Book Tour

Normally I only review books I am considering for my K - 8 library. I made an exception for Go, Pea, Go! by Joe Moshier and Chris Sonnenburg.  It sounded really cute for my friends who have young children, and I'm so glad I did. This adorable story is not only encouraging but engaging as well. I love using stories to interact with the students at school. This one is perfect for parents who need just another method to encourage their darlings with potty training. I'm definitely recommending this one to my day care friends.

In a nutshell, Pea Junior is running a race. The prize, it's the Potty Prize of course! Personally I loved the page were Pea's friends are encouraging him to win. It brought back memories of me cheering on my two boys as they learned to "go potty".

This one is full of puns the younger children may not catch, but will keep the grown ups laughing! Great illustrations and a song for those of you musically inclined. The sticker chart will be great for tracking personal successes in the "potty race"!

Visit the following blogs for their review of Go, Pea, Go!
 

GO, PEA, GO!

By Joe Moshier and Chris Sonnenburg

Blog Tour Schedule

 

4/22 A Girl and a Boy

4/23 Stacking Books

4/24 Geo Librarian

4/25 Art, Books, Coffee

4/27 Coffee for the Brain

4/28 Mrs. Brown Loves Bookworms

4/29 Unpacking the POWER of Picture Books

4/30 Booktalking #kidlit

5/1 Unleashing Readers

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway
This contest will run from April 22nd - May 4th. One winner will receive a prize pack consisting of a pea plush, pea beach ball, pea tote bag, pea hair clips, stickers, and a copy of the book. Three winners will win a prize pack consisting of a pea beach ball, pea postcards, stickers and a copy of the book. Five runners up will win a copy of the book and stickers. Winners will be contacted by email and must notify us within 48 hours of the notification email with address and acceptance. Please note this contest is for US residents only.

(The only compensation I received for this honest review was a free copy of the book.)

Keep Reading!!!

 

#IMWAYR July 21st

Once again it's time for "It's Monday - What are You Reading?" Check out other reads with Jen at Teach Mentor Texts and Rickie & Kellie at Unleashing Readers.

This past week I caught up on some newer picture books. I love going by Barnes and Noble or any other bookstore and preview picture books. I did find a few I want for the library. Found a couple I'm not purchasing.... WARNING!!! There are several. I was waiting out a rain shower/storm.

Hits:

Duck and Goose Go to the Beach by Tad Hill I love Duck and Goose. If you haven't read any of Tad Hill's books you are missing out. They are perfect for the little guys. In this one Goose follows Duck on an adventure to the beach. Once at the beach Goose has to convince Duck to enjoy the adventure. 5 Stars

Pardon Me! by Dianel Miyares What happens when a little bird keeps complaining while others share his perch? Would be cute to pair up with Little Big Mouth Frog.

Don't Push the Button by Bill Cotter Would be a great read aloud! You know the kids are going to want to push the button...

No Dogs Allowed! by Linda Ashman and Kristin Sorra Cute nearly wordless picture book about the opening of Alberto's restaurant.

Ninja! by Arree Chung  Cute Cute Cute  I could see several of my students acting out this story. Even my teenagers boys wanted to be ninjas when they were little.

Pigs Make Me Sneeze by Mo Willems  Gerald starts to sneeze whenever Piggie is near. He's convinced he's allergic to Piggie. I just adore Mo Willems.

The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore by William Joyce Follows Morris's life jouney of loving books. Somehow I missed the short film.

This is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen Another great hat story. Great illustrations.

This is a Moose by Richard T Morris and Tom Lichtenheld   The director gets upset when Moose doesn't act Moose-like.

Mama Built a Little Nest by Jennifer Ward and Steve Jenkins I'm going to have to get this one for my science collection. Loved looking/reading about the different birds' nests. With Steve Jenkins it's usually a hit.

Bad Bye, Good Bye by Deborah Underwood Story of a little boy who is sad about moving but realizes the new house is better.

Part-time Princess by Deborah Underwood When the little girl sleeps at night, she dreams about being a princess and all kinds of adventures. Cute. I've got to get this one for my girls who want another princess story.

Hooray for Hat! by Brian Won Liked this one slightly better than This is Not My Hat. The elephant finds a hat and discovers he can cheer up his friends by sharing.

Neutrals: (Didn't dislike them, just wasn't moved by them....The kids will enjoy them.)

Hopper and Wilson Fetch a Star by Maria van Lieshout
Dog vs. Cat by Chris Gall  The two pets compete for top spot.
The Dark by Lemony Snicket Laszlo must overcome his fear of the dark.

The Girl Who Wouldn't Brush Her Hair by Kate Bernheimer When the little girl refuses to brush her hair a mouse moves in.... I was grossed out right there. Hate Strongly dislike rodents. The kids would enjoy this one. Great for teaching the importance of good hygiene.

Mustache Baby by Bridget Heos Cute just not my favorite. Maybe it will grow on me....The book not a mustache.

Misses:

What does the Fox Say? by Ylvis, Christian Lochster, and Sevin Nyhus
It was better as YouTube video... Unless you're a huge fan, save your money and get a great book instead.

As you can see, I found several to add to the library's wishlist. If only BTSB had a buy one get one free...Hopefully I'll have a great fall book fair.

Keep Reading! Have to finish Champion by Marie Lu...

#IMWAYR June 23

In the summer time usually the TBR pile shrinks, but mine seems to be growing. Thank you, Ms. Yingling! Time for the weekly read titles. Don't forget to check in with Jen at Teach Mentor Texts and Kellie and Rickie at Unleashing Readers to see what everyone else is reading.

Alphabet Soup: A Feast of Letters by Scott Gustafson

Loved this one. From the beautiful text to gorgeous illustrations, I really enjoyed this one. I have several alphabet stories that work well for Kindergarten or even first grade. Due to the vocabulary in this one, I plan on using it with my middle grades to teach alliteration. I think the 3rd or 4th graders will love this one.

Jamica's Find by Juanita Havill

Such a sweet story! Jamaica finds a stuffed dog at the park. Struggling with the desire of "finders keepers", Jamaica finally makes a great choice. This story will be perfect for one of my lower grade classes. There are times when doing the right thing is not an easy choice for first graders.

Other reads that were not near as impressive:

Johnny Lion's Book by Edith Thatcher Hurd
Moon Was at a Fiesta by Matthew Gollub
A Day with Daddy by Nikki Grimes
Extraordinary Adventures of an Ordinary Hat by Wolfram Hanel
Wild Pitch by Eric Fein
Miss Lanely Is Zany! by Dan Gutman

Keep Reading!!!

#IMWAYR June 16

 I found a little time to read during my third week of summer vacation.  Here's my It's Monday! What Are You Reading? Link up with Jen at Teach Mentor Texts and Kellie and Rickie at Unleashing Readers.



Do Unto Otters: A book about Manners by Laurie Keller

If you teach lower grades, you will love this one! Perfect for K-2 students. Rabbit gets new neighbors and learns what Do unto Otters means. Hilarious!  Discusses everything from being friendly, honest, saying excuse me and thank you. You get the idea. LOVE THIS ONE. I'm not sure which of my book buddies recommended this one but - THANK YOU!!! Homerun.

The Pirate of Kindergarten by George Ella Lyon

I would have purchased this one just because of the author. Once again Ms. Lyons has written a delightful story. Ginny sees everything in doubles but doesn't know everyone doesn't see that way. Finally she gets her eyes checked and it's discovered she has double vision. Recommend this one!

Other Picture Book reads included:
Ride, Fly Guy Ride! by Tedd Arnold
There's a Fly Guy in my Soup by Tedd Arnold
Pete the Cat Saves Christmas by Eric Litwin and James Dean
Pete the Cat and his Magic Sunglasses by Kimberly and James Dean
Silverlicious by Victoria Kann
Purplicious by Victoria Kann
Pinkalicious: Flower Girl by Victoria Kann
Bats at the Library by Brian Lies

Also managed to read a few short chapter books.

Whatever After series by Sarah Mlynowski

So far I've managed to read the first 5 books in this new series. Basically Abby and her younger brother move into a new house with a magic mirror in the basement. The mirror transports the two youngsters to various fairy tales where they must "fix or change the ending of  the story". I think my middle grade (3-5) girls will like these.

Also finished Stink: Solar System Superhero by Megan McDonald
Stink: Ultimate Thumb-Wrestling Smackdown by Megan McDonald
Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger
Lunch Lady and the Cyborg Substitute by Jarrett Krosoczka

Keep Reading! Only 7 more weeks of summer vacation. I shouldn't have looked!

#IMWAYR for June 2nd

It's Monday! What are you reading? Of course I'm linking up with Jen at Teach Mentor Text and Kellee and Ricki at Unleashing Readers!

 



Got a few picture books read - Just a few! I'm trying to read all the books on my last book shipment.
I Need My Monster by Amanda Nell
Me and My Dragon by David Biedrzycki
Olivia and the Fairy Princesses by Ian Falconer
Crazy like a Fox: A Simile Story by Loreen Leedy
Memoirs of a Goldfish by Devin Scillian
Bits and Pieces by Judy Schachner
Listen to My Trumpet by Mo Willems
If you are looking for great picture books, these were TERRIFIC!

Mapping Penny's World by Loreen Leedy
This was such a great picture book. This one is very informative and an entertaining about maps.  Explained all about creating maps and what makes a good map.  I can't wait to create maps with my kids this fall.

I discovered Ladybug Girl books by David Soman and Jacky Davis last fall on a visit to Barnes and Noble. LOVE HER. My first graders wanted more Ladybug Girl stories. Had to honor requests!
Read Ladybug Girl, Ladybug Girl at the Beach, Ladybug Girl and the Bug Squad, Ladybug Girl and Bumblebee Boy, Ladybug Girl and Bingo.  Might have to dress up as her on our book character day next year. IF I can loose enough of the tummy to squeeze into a red tutu and find red boots! Otherwise it will be Ladybug Woman :(

How They Croaked: The Awful Ends of the Awfully Famous by Georgia Bragg
My middle school students are going to love this one. Has just enough gore without being overly gross. It had a reading level of 6.8 according to AR. Might have to read part of this one to my uppers just to get a reaction!

Don't think it really counts as reading since it's a wordless picture book, but I loved The Chicken Thief by Beatrice Rodriguez. Cute surprise ending!

Other reads included:
How Hybrid Cars Work by Jennifer Swanson
I Survived the Japanese Tsunami, 2011 by Lauren Tarshis
I Survived the Shark Attacks of 1916 by Lauren Tarshis
Ivy + Bean: What's the Big Idea by Annie Barrows
Miss Mary Is Scary! by Dan Gutman
Miss Child Has Gone Wild! by Dan Gutman
Darth Paper Strikes Back! by Tom Angleberger
If You Give a Dog a Donut by Laura Numeroff
More of Less by Stuart Murphy
I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen
Knuffle Bunny by Mo Willems
Happy Birthday, Bad Kitty by Nick Bruel
Lunch Lady and the Schoolwide Scuffle by Jarrett J. Krosoczka
Flat Stanley and the Haunted House by Jeff Brown
Judy Moody and the Bad Luck Charm by Megan McDonald
Biscuit's First Beach Day, Plays Ball, Day at the Farm, Meets the Class Pet, and In the Garden by Alyssa Satin CapuciIlli
Hooray for Fly Guy!, Buzz Boy and Fly Guy, and Fly Guy Meets Fly Girl! by Tedd Arnold
Fancy Nancy's Spectacular Spectacles, My Family History, and Hair Dos and Hair Don'ts by Jane O'Conner

 It looks like a huge stack but most of them were really short. Not too bad for Week One of Summer Vacation!

Keep Reading!!! You know I will. Time to start stack 2!

#IMWAYR March 17th

Happy St. Patrick's Day. It's Monday and I'm linking up with Jen at Teach Mentor Texts and Kellee and Ricki from Unleashing Readers. What are you reading?

This past week I only read picture books. Did not have the time for a serious chapter book.

Be Good to Eddie Lee by Virginia Fleming, illustrated by Floyd Cooper
Very sweet story about Eddie Lee who has Downs Syndrome.

Pinky and Rex and the Bully by James Howe, illustrated by Melissa Sweet
I have several Pinky and Rex stories. They are cute little Leveled Readers. Great beginning chapter books for my 1st or 2nd graders. I don't know how I skipped this one. In this book Pinky deals with a 3rd grade bully. Pinky finally gets stands up to him and everything turns out alright.

Sleep, Black Bear, Sleep by Jane Yolen and Heidi Stemple illustrated by Brooke Dyer.
Cute little lullaby about different animals hibernating.

All for Me and None for All  by Helen Lester, illustrated by Lynn Munsinger
This same talented team are responsible for the Tacky the Penguin books. This adorable story is all about Gruntly the Hog who well is a hog. Great little story about greed.

Rumpelstiltskin's Daughter by Diane Stanley
A very cute twist to the tale of Rumpelstiltskin. In this tale the daughter of Rumpelstiltskin outwits the greedy king.

The Tuskegee Airmen Story by Lynn Homan and Thomas Reilly illustrated by Rosalie Shepherd
Great story about the Tuskegee Airmen and their role in WWII. Beautifully done.

Lili at Ballet by Rachel Isadora
Cute picture book about a little girl learning to be a ballerina. Has cute graphics describing the various positions, equipment and roles in ballet.

Marimba! Animales from A to Z by Pat Mora, illustrated by Doug Cushman
A very different ABC book about the animals in the zoo dancing while the monkey plays the marimba.

Mr. George Baker by Amy Hest, illustrated by Jon J. Muth
Cute story proving you are never too old to learn how to read.

My Garden by Kevin Henkes
A cute little story about a young girl's dreams of her own garden. My favorite - planting jelly beans and growing a jelly bean tree.

Little White Rabbit by Kevin Henkes
I forgot I had purchased this one. Would be perfect for my kinders.

"Let's Get a Pup! said Kate by Bob Graham
Kate needs a pet so the family heads to the animal rescue center to pick one out. While they are there they find two dogs that are just what the family needs. Cute

What Did You Do Today? (The first day of school) by Toby Forward, illustrated by Carol Thompson
In this delightful tale a little boy experiences his first day of school while mom goes to work.

Happy Reading!!! I've got to go pick out some more books to experience.