Kids Like Us is a fun filled picture book for children ages three and up. The over-sized book is delightful with it’s colorful pictures full of children what they do best, having fun by…playing and using their imaginations. The book was written by Carole Lexa Schaefer and was illustrated by Pierr.
The book starts off asking the question who is on the yellow bus that pulls away on a drizzly day! This book is great for young preschoolers who are just learning the joys of co-operative, imaginative play together. The children use their imaginations to ride the bus, to pretend to ride the fire engine, put out fires, and save people. The use their imaginations to travel to the jungle and become dinosaurs, bears, clowns , knights and princesses and march in a musical band.
What child could resist the words and imagery and cry out…there’s nothing to do MOM? I like this book and I think most parents and children will too. The book gently reminds everyone to clean up and do their share.
Kids Like Us was published in 2008 by Viking, a division of Penguin Young Readers Group. You can visit their site here: www.penguin.com/youngreaders . Enjoy!
Eileen Spinelli has written a wonderful picture book for the children of military men and women who are serving the United States overseas. This book helps children to validate their feelings of seperation and grief over the loss of time and experiences that they have previously shared.
Through the illustrations and comfort bringing ideas; children are given ways to help them process the time without the parent who is gone serving the country. The words of longing speak from the heart which gives the reader the impression that they are not alone in how they feel. The story talks of connections through words and deeds which can make the parent child relationship stay strong. Most of all, by the end of the story it gives the reader hope that a glad reunion is coming to him or her and their family.
The sacrifice that military families make for the security of our country is real and can be destructive if not handled properly. This picture book can help a young child to understand the situation and to help heal the feelings of sadness, loneliness, anger, loss and anxiety.
While You Are Away was illustrated by Renee Graef. It is realistically and beautifully done. Each page evokes true emotion and a visual picture of what someone in this situation may be experiencing. The colors are comfy and subdued. I highly recommend this book. It was published by hyperion books for children in 2004. You can view their site at: http://www.hyperionbooksforchildren.com
Rainy’s Recommendations
