Two Additional Choices

Brown, Peter (2009).  The Curious Garden.  New York, New York:  Little, Brown and Company.

Genre:  Fiction Picture Book

Liam lives in a very dreary city. No one spends time outside except him.  One day, he discovers some old forgotten elevated railroad tracks.  When he investigates he finds a struggling tree and a few flowers.  He nurtures them and as he becomes a better gardener, the plants flourish.  They begin to be curious about the rest of the city and they spread out.  Other people see the startling changes and join Liam in his efforts.  The end of the story finds a city transformed.  The author’s note at the end, explains that the author wondered what would happen if a city tried to work with nature and let things grow.  What would the city be like?  How would it start?  This lovely story shows the implications of just one person’s actions and how we can all make a difference in the world if we join together.  The illustrations are vibrant and carry the story along.  More color and movement are added in as the garden grows and spreads.  There is a sweet, vintage quality to the pictures that is captivating.

Awards:

A New York Times Bestseller, E.B. White Read-Aloud Picture Book Award (2010), Children’s Choice Illustrator of the Year Award (2010), ALA Notable Children’s Book (2010), An Indies Choice Book Award Finalist, A Green Earth Book Award Honor.

Tullet, Herve’ (2011).  Press Here.  San Francisco, California:  Chronicle Books.

Genre:  Fiction Picture Book

What a lovely way to invite participation and imaginative play.  This simple picture book gives the reader directions to follow involving red, blue, and yellow colored dots. It begins with, “Press here and turn the page”.  The only illustration is a large yellow painted dot.  Young readers will be highly engaged watching the dots appear to change or move on each page as they follow the directions.  The most ideal reading and sharing situation is one adult and child or a small group since all readers would want to participate.  If a whole classroom is enjoying this book, it will require many readings so that all children can touch the book and participate.  What a great problem to have!  I am sure the adult reader will not hear any complaints from the young participants.  It might also be a good chance to children to copy this idea.  Students can make small 4-6 page books using colored sticky dots or drawing them on with markers.  They will have to either write or dictate directions and then determine what the dots would do following that direction.  If asked to shake the page, how will the dots appear on the next page?  It is a great exercise in prediction and planning.  Students could then share their books with each other and in other classrooms.  This book will continue to delight readers over and over again.  It is a good thing that it is made so well with heavy cardboard covers and thick, glossy, inner pages.  This book is irresistible for all ages!

Awards:

2012 USBBY Award for Outstanding Children’s books, E.B. White Read Aloud Award, A New York Times Bestseller, A National Indie Bestseller, A Publishers Weekly Bestseller, An ALA Notable Children’s Book Nominee, A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year, A Kirkus Review’s Best Children’s Book of the Year.