John, Paul, George and Ben

Author:  Lane Smith, 2006, Scholastic

If, by now, you have read some of the picture books I have reviewed, you have no doubt laughed several times.  Are you ready for another "laugher"?  I present to you:  John, Paul, George and Ben.  This children's book highlights facts about our founding fathers in an extremely hysterical way.  John (Hancock) had the best penmanship as a student; Paul (Revere) shouted very loudly; George (Washington), could chop down trees like nobody's business; and Ben (Franklin) always had a saying appropriate to the situation.  Perhaps the funniest part about this book is that all of these things were true when the men were adults.  We have no idea if they acted in this manner as children, but the author has presented historical facts to children in a funny way.

The first time I read this, I was laughing so hard that I was crying.  (If you did not get the same effect, you can stop reading now.)  I could picture these old men as children who were 10-going-on-50.  As the author notes in the front cover, this book is  "loosely based on the history tales [he] remembered from school."  Benjamin Franklin's sayings are true, John Hancock really did have beautiful cursive, George Washington cut down one or two trees, and Paul Revere announced that the British were coming.  The history is accurate, and the pictures are hysterical.  Read it for yourself and see if you can't stop laughing.  I guarantee that if you think it's funny, so will your young students.

Bill and Pete

Author:  Tomie de Paola, 1978, G. P. Putnam's Sons

I know what you are thinking:  Why on earth would Mr. Leeper choose a picture book from 1978 when there are so many new ones to choose from?  You have a very valid point, but I did this for a reason.  You see, this was another one of my favorites when I was a child.  The copy I have is actually my mother's (most likely from 1978!), and it is still in great condition.  The way I see it, no matter what the publication date is, if it is good literature, keep a copy on your bookshelf.  That is exactly what I have done with this story by Tomie de Paola.

William Everett is a crocodile who is getting ready to start school.  His mom takes him to the store to pick out a toothbrush, which is actually a living bird named Pete.  When William Everett starts school, he learns many things, including how to write his name.  Since his name is so long, he shortens it to"Bill" after Pete convinces him it is much simpler to write.  Bill and Pete become steadfast friends, and when an evil man steals Bill from the River Nile to make a suitcase out of him, Pete comes to the rescue, picks the lock of the cage, and lets Bill out.  Bill, wanting to make sure the man can never make suitcases out of a crocodile again, scares him while he is taking a bath.  And guess what?  The man didn't stop running until he got to Cairo.

In today's politically correct culture, teachers may not want to expose children to the reality of making suitcases out of crocodiles.  That is their call.  However, I challenge them to look past the evilness of that act and see the story rooted in friendship and love.  The pictures reflect de Paola's typical style, as seen in such books as Strega Nona.  I think this is a wonderful story and a reflection of a simpler time.  And, it showcases two friends and a loving mom, which will always remain very important parts of life.        

Owen

Author:  Kevin Henkes, 1993, Greenwillow Books

For my children's literature class this week, I am required to read five picture books.  As you can see from my recent posts, I tend to rate picture books very highly because they are so enjoyable to read.  So now, I present to you one of the best picture books ever written:  Owen.  I know by now you have looked at the copyright date and thought 1993 was ages ago, but that is beside the point.  Owen was one of my favorite books when I was a child, and it remains at that status 20 years later.  It is a story about a little mouse who loves carrying his blankie everywhere he goes.  It accumulates stains, smells, and general wear and tear, but no one can pry Owen away from his blankie.  His neighbor, Mrs. Tweezers, reminds Owen and his parents that he cannot take that blankie to school, and that greatly distresses Owen.  His mother figures out that by making small hankies from the blankie, Owen can preserve his best friend and still carry small pieces of it to school.

This is the story of my childhood.  I had a blanket that I drug around everywhere.  It got so thin and worn that everytime I visited one of my aunts or grandmas, someone had to mend it.  I was just like Owen.  And perhaps that is why my aunt gave me this book as a present when she got married.  It remains at the top of my picture book list, and I encourage anyone who teaches kindergarten to read it to their students.  It will bring a smile to your face as it still does to me, even after so many years.

Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed

Author:  Mo Willems, 2009, Hyperion
Picture Book

Mo Willems has done it again.  He has managed to create another picture book that entertains children and adults alike.  In Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed, a mole rat named Wilbur is having a hard time convincing his mole rat relatives that clothes are nice to wear.  From their standpoint, since when have "naked" mole rats worn clothes?  His family thinks he has all but forgotten the meaning of his name until Grand-pah proclaims that clothes are good.  After that, Wilbur is the hero of the colony.

I loved this book, just as I have loved every other book by Willems.  The pictures are a fantastic addition to the storyline.  Children (and adults) who read this story will find themselves laughing at the actions of a naked mole rat family.  It is a story of someone, albeit a naked mole rat, standing up for something he believes in, and that is a lesson we can all learn.  Whatever you do, please heed Wilbur's advice when you read this book.  In case you have forgotten, please WEAR CLOTHES! 

Memoirs of a Goldfish

Author:      Devin Scillian, 2010, Sleeping Bear Press
Illustrator:  Tim Bowers
Picture Book

If you are looking for a good laugh, check out Memoirs of a Goldfish by Devin Scillian.  I must admit this was the funniest picture book I had ever read!  A goldfish--one day alone in a bowl, next day surrounded by other fish and excitement--just wants peace and quiet again.  He finally tells the others that he has had enough and wants his privacy back.  Leave him they do, and he leaves too, while the tank is being cleaned.

But while everyone is separated, he realizes how much he misses them--including the noise, the gunk, and even Fred the crab.  To his delight, they are reunited again in an even bigger tank.

This is a must-read for everyone.  I am typically an independent, introverted person who likes to work alone.  Therefore, I identified with the goldfish.  However, I know the feeling of loneliness when one is alone for a period of time, and I was so glad the main character in this story wanted his friendships back, too.  This is a great story to teach those independent students how to value their friendships even more than they already may.  I loved the pictures, and they did a great job of adding meaning to the story.

Check it out right away, and make sure there is a box of tissues close.  You will cry with laughter, and you are sure to delight your school children with this story of a humorous school of fish!