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Aeicha @ Word Spelunking

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Mini Picture Books Reviews: If You Want to See a Whale AND Sing

Today I have two mini reviews of two adorable picture books to share...


If You Want To See A Whale
written by Julie Fogliano
pictures by Erin Stead
5/7/13
Macmillan
Format: ARC
Source: from pub for review
Purchase: Amazon / B&N
If you want to see a whale, you will need to know what not to look at.Pink roses, pelicans, possible pirates . . .If you want to see a whale, you have to keep your eyes on the sea, and wait . . .and wait . . . and wait . . .In this quiet and beautiful picture book by Julie Fogliano and Erin E. Stead, the team that created the Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor book And Then It's Spring, a boy learns exactly what it takes to catch a glimpse of an elusive whale.


WATCH THE BOOK TRAILER

Julie Fogliano's If You Want To See A Whale is a sweet and lovely story about patience and noticing the beautiful world around us. Fogliano's unnamed male character and his trusty dog sidekick set out to see a whale and end up seeing more than they ever expected.

Fogliano writes in simple, yet enchanting verses that paint vivid pictures full of imagination. Little readers will be so enraptured by the things that the young boy and is dog do see that they won't even mind waiting until the very end to see the mysterious whale.

Erin Stead's bright, colorful pictures are the perfect companion to Fogliano's words and really shine! The illustrations are simple but are so expressive and charming. Readers will love exploring the different captivating pictures of nature scenes.

If You Want To See A Whale is the perfect bedtime read for the little ocean lovers in your life!

Julie Fogliano
Julie Fogliano has spent her entire life reading children's books. Now she stays up way too late writing her own books while eating cereal. She lives in the Hudson Valley with her husband and their two boys. They make her very tired, but give her lots of good ideas. She is the author of the book And Then It's Spring.

Erin Stead
Philip C. Stead and Erin E. Stead are author and illustrator of A Sick Day for Amos McGee, winner of the Caldecott Medal. It is their first book together. Philip is also the author and illustrator of Creamed Tuna Fish and Peas on Toast. They divide their time between Ann Arbor, Michigan, and New York City.


Sing
lyrics by Joe Raposo
pictures by Tom Lichtenheld
5/28/13
Macmillan
Format: ARC
Source: from pub for review
Purchase: Amazon / B&N
"Sing! Sing a song. Sing out loud, sing out strong."
So begins a song first made popular on Sesame Street, then interpreted by singers of every style, from Gloria Estefan to the Dixie Chicks to R.E.M., as well as famous personalities such as Conan O'Brien, Katie Couric, Nathan Lane, and Liam Neeson.
Now, bestselling children's book illustrator Tom Lichtenheld has put a visual story to this timeless and universal song that celebrates perseverence, self-expression, and the power of music to help each of us find our voice.
A CD with three songs is included: “Sing!” “Somebody Come and Play,” and “One of These Things.” Music by Joe Raposo. Songs performed by Becca Kauffman with The Midnight Sun Ensemble.



Joe Raposo's beloved song is brought to life with Tom Lichtenheld's colorful and eye-catching pictures in Sing. This well-known and well-loved song, first made famous on Sesame Street, is a sweet and addicting tune sure to put a smile on anyone's face.

In Sing the song's lyrics are reproduced within the pages and accompanied by bright, beautiful illustrations of birds and a cute guitar playing fella. These illustrations, that I love, will enchant readers of all ages.

I believe a CD is included when the book is purchased, allowing parents and readers to sing along as they flip through the book. This is a fun, sweet book that young readers will want you to read to them over and over!

Joe Raposo
Joe Raposo was a celebrated composer, songwriter, pianist, television writer, and lyricist best known for his work on Sesame Street. He served as musical director for Sesame Street from its inception through the late 1970s. He also wrote songs for Frank Sinatra and many television shows, such as Three’s Company.

Tom Lichtenheld
Tom Lichtenheld is the New York Times–bestselling illustrator of Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site. He lives in Illinois.

*Please note that I don't rate picture books, I merely review them



1 comment:

Amy said...

Those both sound really great! I love reading with my daughter and they seem like books she would enjoy.