Showing posts with label David Wiesner. Show all posts
Showing posts with label David Wiesner. Show all posts

Friday, April 7, 2017

PPBF: Mr. Wuffles!

 


Today's Perfect Picture Book Friday pick


Caldecott honor book, Mr. Wuffles!
Mr. Wuffles!
Written and illustrated by David Wiesner

Clarion, 2013, Ages 2-9


Themes:
Animals, Aliens, Wordless


Opening:
Since this is wordless, I've included two illustrations from the beginning of the book.
Mr. Wuffles and his toys

Hmm. That's an interesting cat toy.

Synopsis:
One day Mr. Wuffles, the cat, discovers an unusual new toy among his playthings, a tiny spaceship complete with a tiny alien crew. The aliens will need to find allies if they are going to escape the cat, repair their ship, and make it back to their home planet safely.


What I Love:
Gorgeous illustrations, a language code, superb comic-panel storytelling, a humorous plot, and an adorable, life-like cat character make this one of my favorite of Wiesner's many creations.


Bonus: 
1. David Wiesner introduces his nearly wordless creation and Cricket, the model for the feline hero.


2. Smart Books For Smart Kids interviewed David about Mr. Wuffles! and his picture book process. Plus, five questions for the illustrator from The Horn Book.

3. Crack the alien language code on David's blog.

4. Check out these and more related Perfect Picture Books at your local library.

Reviewed by Julie
Reviewed by Erik
 
Reviewed by Joyce
Reviewed by Joanna
 
Reviewed by Andrea
Reviewed by Susanna
 
Reviewed by Laura

Reviewed by Wendy
 

Reviewed by Patricia
Reviewed by Laura

Reviewed by Jarm
Reviewed by Joanne




Have you reviewed a Perfect Picture Book along this theme? Please leave the link in the comments below. Thanks!

Check out all the recommended titles for Perfect Picture Book Friday
for Friday, April 7, 2017 available on Susanna Leonard Hill's blog.

Friday, April 20, 2012

A Knot of Toads

I have hardly mentioned chapter books in any previous post, so I thought it time to highlight a few.
Newberry Award winner,
Frog and Toad Together
by Arnold Lobel

No childhood would be complete without the Frog and Toad series by Arnold Lobel.  Days With Frog and Toad is the first in this lyrical series of adventures.  In simple but engaging language, Lobel gets us to smile as these two friends  fight and laugh their way through everyday activities:  planting a garden, taking a ride, flying a kite.  These books are an absolute must for the illustrations alone.  Especially geared to readers grade 1-3, but appropriate for toddlers to adults.








Garden State
Children's Book Award
winner, by
Jane Yolen
Master storyteller Jane Yolen is better known for her picture books or middle grade novels, than for her easy to read chapter books.  Nonetheless, the Commander Toad series for readers 6-9, has equal appeal. Bruce Degen's humorous characterizations of the crew of the Star Warts and the galactic oddities they encounter are the perfect compliment to the writing.  Commander Toad books are a sure-fire way to turn reluctant readers into bookworms.

On an interesting aside, Bruce Degen lists Arnold Lobel as an early influence on his work.






For more amphibian adventures, check out Tuesday by David Wiesner.









And for a challenging quiz, test your knowledge at FunTrivia: Animal groupings with a twist.

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

CBC Book Candidates of 2011

2012 poster courtesy David Wiesner
Children and teens, educators and booksellers, cast your vote!  The finalists for the Children's Choice Book Awards, including best author and illustrator of 2011 are listed at the Children's Book Council website.  Polls are open now.  Voting is open until May 3rd so winners can be announced in time for National Book Week (May 7-13)

Click here for this year's ballot.
Click here for last year's winners.



Comment on this post to let us know who you think deserves the award.  All those who respond by April 10, 2012 will receive a free bookmark (Shipping may apply to addresses outside the US)