Three Fall Picture Books: Reviews

My picture book collection is always growing! I'll likely be adding these three titles to the shelves this fall; they have great potential for children's enjoyment, read-aloud success, and classic story introduction.

Ziefert, Harriet. The Princess and the Peas and Carrots. illus. by Travis Foster. Blue Apple Books. 9 Oct. 2012. p. 40.
     Rosebud is a little girl who likes everything in her life just so: her bedroom, her outfits, her craft supplies, her Good Princess Rosebud costume, everything. Rosebud's preferences aren't always endearing, however, and after complaints about wrinkles in her socks, lumps in her oatmeal, and gravy touching her peas and carrots, her mother sends Rosebud--now Princess Fussy--to her room. After she throws a terrific tantrum, Rosebud calms down and gets some help from her parents in remaking her bed and finishing her supper. Her father tells her the story of The Princess and the Pea before bed (this fairy tale portion folds out of the book), and little Rosebud learns that to be a princess like the one in the story, she needs to stay calm and poised instead of throwing a fit when something isn't perfectly right. This story has great illustrations, and while it is likely a little too simplistic for many adults, the children they read it to will likely love it.

Shireen, Nadia. Hey, Presto! illus. by the author. Alfred A. Knopf BFYR. 13 Nov. 2012. p. 32.
     Presto and Monty are the best of friends, and Monty's smiling, garrulous personality combined with Presto's skills as a magician get them a show in a carnival. Monty lets the accolades and attention go to his head, however, and Presto gets fed up with his bossy friend and goes home. Only during his big televised magic event does Monty learn that not only can he not do magic without Presto--he doesn't want to do anything with his friend. This story, told with great vocabulary and lively illustrations, is a great look at sharing, humility, and friendship. I'll pair it with Silly Goose's Big Story for a light-hearted look at getting along with friends.

Comden, Betty, Adolph Green, and Carolyn Leigh. Flying to Neverland with Peter Pan. illus. by Amy June Bates. Blue Apple Books. 27 Nov. 2012. p. 36.
     The text of this lovely picture book comes from the stage musical Peter Pan; it uses a brief story introduction as well as the lyrics from two songs ("I'm Flying" and "Never Never Land") to tell the tale of the three Darling children meeting Peter and flying to Neverland with him. The illustrations are soft and enticing, rich with detail and movement as each spread demands. I'll use this picture book to introduce the story of Peter Pan and Neverland to young readers.