Title: No Pirates Allowed Said Library Lou
Author/Illustrator: Rhonda Gowler Greene and Brian Ajhar
Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press
Publication Date: May 1, 2013
Format: Picture Book
ISBN: 1585367966
For ages: 3-5

For many, many, many years, Pirates have always followed the X to the buried treasure. Pete is a BIG PIRATE and along with his squawking parrot, Igor, they walk into Seabreezy Library to search for their loot. But, Library Lou stands up to Pete and his parrot. He must bathe and change his underwear before he can get help from Library Lou. When he’s finally obeyed all the rules of the library, Library Lou teaches him that there are more letters than X in the alphabet.

This book is a librarian’s dream. It teaches the rules of the library, but with a pirate theme. Great story for a read aloud – if you can speak pirate. Definitely a keeper for class visits.

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Title: The Story of Fish and Snail
Author/Illustrator: Deborah Freedman
Publisher: Viking Juvenile
Publication Date: June 13, 2013
Format: Picture Book
ISBN: 0763657271
For ages: 3-5

Fish’s story is too elaborate to be told and Fish wants to show Snail. But, that would mean that Snail would have to leave his comfort zone – which is a scary thought for Snail. He’d rather stay in his familiar and safe environment and pretend to be kittens. But, Fish tries to persuade Snail and they start an argument. Will they still be friends at the end?

Fish and Snail are best friends and sometimes friends have arguments. The colourful drawings make this book such at treat to read. The use of “book” metaphor is what a librarian loves to hear in a story. Snail doesn’t want to leave the comfort zone of the book, while Fish leaps in and out of pages. This book wouldn’t be my favourite to choose in storytimes, but it does have a great message of friendship.

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Title: Romping Monsters, Stomping Monsters
Author/Illustrator: Jane Yolen and Kelly Murphy
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Publication Date: July 9, 2013
Format: Picture Book
ISBN: 0763657271
For ages: 2-3
Type: Picture Book

Monsters stretch, monsters twirl. Gulp, growl, and turn.What will happen next?

Playtime with monsters has never been more fun with this interactive book. This is the kind of book that I love reading in my toddler storytimes! It allows toddlers to pay attention while doing action movements. The illustrations aren’t too heavy for a children’s eye. Highly recommend for any toddler storytime. I keep it on my shelves as a must read.

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Title: Scaredy Squirrel Goes Camping
Author/Illustrator: Mélanie Watt
Publisher: Kids Can Press
Publication Date: April 1, 2013
Format: Picture Book
ISBN: 1894786866
For ages: 3 -6
Type: Picture Book

Scaredy Squirrel is uncomfortable with the idea of camping. In fact, Scardey Squirrel is afraid of encountering skunks, mosquitoes, penguins, and even zippers! Instead of camping, Scardey Squirrel sets up a television so he can watch camping shows. But, he needs to find an electrical outlet and that means going into the woods! Will Scardey Squirrel survive to tell his story around the campfire?

This book is perfect for children who are preparing to go camping and “scary” things that they might encounter. I love Scardey Squirrel books because it shows children that it is okay to be afraid of certain things. Scardey Squirrel books do not work in storytime. The busy photographs make it difficult to interpret with a large (or even small) crowd of kids. Best suited for one on one reading.

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Title: Walter the Farting Dog: Banned from the Beach
Author/Illustrator: William Katzwinkle, Glenn Murray, Elizabeth Gundy and Audrey Coleman
Publisher: Puffin, $10
Publication Date: 2009 (reprint)
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 978-0142413944
For ages: 6+
Type: Picture Book

 “For everyone who’s ever felt misjudged or misunderstood…”

Walter is a friendly dog with a serious problem with farting. His farts are so powerful that it can blow Mr. and Mrs. Crabbe’s shading umbrella into the sea. It even blew the meringue off of Mr. Crabbe’s pie! Walter can’t help but fart. He farts when he’s happy. He farts when he’s nervous. He even farts when he’s scared. When the beach warden hears about Walter’s farting, he bans him from the beach. When the chief of police hears complaints about Walter’s farting, he is banned from the village. All Walter can do is stay at home and rummage through the garbage for fruit while Betty and Billy enjoy digging for treasure in the sand. But, when the tide comes in and leaves Betty and Billy stranded, it is Walter’s tropical fruit fart that parts the sea and saves the day.

I don’t know why little boys like reading about poop and farts, but this book is a hit. Hidden within the humorous nature is a serious undertone of fitting in. Walter is prohibited from public places because he is different. This story is recommended for ages six years and older and perfect for a class visit to the library. The pictures in the book, however, are very busy, detailed, and filled with colour. Reluctant readers will enjoy reading this story. Laughing is permitted – even for the librarian.

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