Toys in Space

Toys in Space

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Here’s my selection for Perfect Picture Book Friday:
Toys in Space
Author and Illustrator Mini Grey
Borzoi Book Published by Alfred A. Knopf, 2012
Fiction
Suitable for: Ages 5 to 8
Theme/Topic: Imagination, Cleaning Up, Storytelling


Opening spread: That summer night, for the first time, the toys were left outside.
The sun went down, the sky grew dark, and, for the very first time …


Brief Synopsis: A boy forgets his toys in a garden and the toys find themselves left outside. Wonder Doll tells them story about an alien, who collects lost toys.


Links to Resources: There are multiple resources on how to teach your toddlers how to clean up. Use your  imagination and find some toys to create a story like the Toys in Space. Will your toys go to the grocery store for an adventure or avoid the neighbor dog guarding the playground? Who knows what stories your toys will create?


Why I Like This Book: I enjoyed the wide cast of characters (toys) in the story. Each toy’s personality shines throughout the story. The Wonder Doll makes a great narrator for the toys’ adventure. And, the end … well, adults can relate to this more than children. I noticed the book doesn’t have the best rating on Amazon. I checked some of the reviews and they noted something I forgot to mention. The Cowboy toy has quite a personality. He says things like “dang it” and “You ninny.” If that bothers you, this may not be the book for you. I tend to self-edit words I don’t want to hear repeated. Happy reading.


For more PPBF books, visit Susanna Leonard Hill’s Blog.

My Mom Has X-Ray Vision

My Mom Has X-Ray Vision

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Here’s my selection for Perfect Picture Book Friday:

My Mom Has X-Ray Vision
Angela McAllister
Alex T. Smith
Tiger Tales, 2011 published in the United States
Originally published in Great Britain, 2010
Suitable for: Ages 5 and up
Theme/Topic: Mom Superpowers, Imagination


Opening: Matthew’s Mom was like all the other moms. She had ordinary hair, ordinary clothes, and a nice smile. Matthew’s Mom was just like all the other moms … (Oh the page turn!)


Brief Synopsis: Matthew’s mom looks like all the other moms, except she has X-Ray vision. He builds up evidence and then tests his theory only to determine she has another super power.


Links to resources: This is a great book to talk about things your child may “think” is real about a parent. Ask them to write a story about their parents. The beginning could be used as a prompt. “My mom is like all the other moms … except —” Who knows what your kid will say? There is an element of days of the week in the story, so you could study days of the week (especially the one on missing days).


Why I Like This Book: The first line hooked me. Enzo and I giggled out loud during our first read of this book. I wish I had X-ray vision sometimes. He’s glad I don’t. The ending … well, it brings up another mom superpower — eyes in the back of her head! This book was a delight to read and really fun to study. It’s the classic “how did my mom know I did that” story. The illustrations are brilliant. I found this interview with Alex T. Smith. 


For more PPBF books, visit Susanna Leonard Hill’s Blog.