Kids' Book Roundup [Part Two]

Long time no see, my faithful readers. As you may have guessed, Emily is still not done cleaning her room. Which means, I am still reading books. My last post was a weeeeee bit long, so I decided to break up my childish reading into more readable chunks. These books are in no real order (unless you count "the order that she threw them onto the bed" as an actual system of organization). For all of you with kiddos out there- I hope this list helps!


Title: Verdi
Editor: Janell Cannon
Format: Hardcover, 56 pages
Pub. Date: April 1st 1997
Source: Emily's room

★★★★★

Verdi the snake's mother keeps telling him to grow up and become big and green, just like her. But Verdi doesn't want to be green! His green snake relatives are slow, old, and boring. He'd much rather keep his yellow stripy skin! But with time (and a few lessons along the way) Verdi learns that growing older, and growing green, isn't as bad as he thought, and that underneath it all, he will always be his own person.... Well, reptile. This book has an interesting, well timed prose and stunning illustrations, not to mention a striking cover that would catch anyone's eye. Though of course acceptable for both genders, I'd recommend this to young boys.

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Title: What Do You Do With a Kangaroo?
Editor: Mercer Mayer
Format: Paperback, 48 pages
Source: Emily's room

★★★★

A short but redundant picture book, What Do You Do With a Kangaroo chronicles a little girl's battle against a parade of wild animals who try to boss her around and take all of her things. But this little madam stands her ground and kicks all those meanies to the curb! The plot is funny and nonsensical with great illustrations to match. I'd definitely read this to my nonexistent daughter!

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Title: The Very Lonely Firefly
Editor: Eric Carle
Format: Hardcover, 32 pages
Pub. Date: June 1st 1995
Source: Emily's room

★★★★★

The Very Lonely Firefly tells the story of a sad, lonely little insect who just wants to find others like him. So he travels through the night, running into all kinds of luminous things and creatures, hoping to find a group of fireflies that he can light up the sky with. A former reader of Carle myself, I have to say that I adore his artwork. It never gets old, and is simply gorgeous. The kids will also be in for a bit of a treat at the end, when the book actually lights up and blinks! This is a great story to show any kid or kid at heart.

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Title: Arthur's Thanksgiving
Editor: Marc Brown
Format:Paperback, 30 pages
Pub. Date: September 30th 1983
Source: Emily's room

★★★★★

Arthur has to be one of my favorite series for children. He teaches great lessons and the illustrations are always wonderfully detailed. Arthur's Thanksgiving is no exception. This is a cute, sometimes funny holiday read that I would recommend sharing around Thanksgiving time- since I find there's a lack of books for that holiday!

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Title: Clifford's First Halloween
Editor: Norman Bridwell
Source: Emily's room

★★★★★

In addition to Arthur, Clifford is another go-to classic series of books for kids. Clifford's First Halloween is one of my favorite Clifford books, namely because Halloween is my favorite time of year. The illustrations are funny and adorable, just like the rest of the plot. It tells the story of his first Halloween, back when he was still a tiny red puppy instead of a massive red dog!

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Title: Clifford's Halloween
Editor: Norman Bridwell
Format:Paperback, 32 pages
Pub. Date: October 1st 1986
Source: Emily's room

★★★★★

Like Emily Elizabeth and Clifford both, I just love Halloween! Clifford's Halloween tells the tale of how Emily decides on what Clifford should be for Halloween and Emily's special party. As normal, the story is cute, short and to the point, with a few funny bits thrown in. It's definitely a great "spooky" read for the kidlings at Halloween time.

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Title: Clifford's First Valentine's Day
Editor: Norman Bridwell
Format:Paperback, 32 pages
Pub. Date:January 1st 1997
Source: Emily's room

★★★★

In Clifford's First Valentine's Day, Emily Elizabeth recounts the shenanigans that her little puppy got into on their first V-Day together. From eating icky glue to chewing up paper to getting lost in the post office mail room, times with Clifford are always tons of fun adventures. The illustrations are fun and bright in normal Bridwell fashion. I remember fondly when I got my copy. My mom gave me a copy before school once on Valentine's Day as a present. It was my favorite card that year!

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Title: Clifford's Christmas
Editor: Norman Bridwell
Format:Paperback, 32 pages
Pub. Date:October 1st 1984
Source: Emily's room

★★★★★

In Clifford's Christmas, Emily Elizabeth shares a story of Clifford's caring nature. He gets a tree, helps with snowmen, and even lends a hand to Santa himself when the presents get ruined in a sticky situation. This is a warm, cozy, feel good read fit for any child around Christmastime.

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Title: Clifford's Thanksgiving Visit
Editor: Norman Bridwell
Format:Paperback, 32 pages
Pub. Date:October 1st 1993
Source: Emily's room

★★★★

Clifford's Thanksgiving Visit is the story of Thanksgiving (shocker). Clifford gets homesick and misses his family, so instead of staying with Emily Elizabeth, he wanders into the city to spend time with his mom. In ways that only Clifford can manage, he finds all sorts shenanigans to get into on the way there, and at the end of the way, the pair learn that what they're most thankful for is each other. This is a great book with a great lesson, teaching kids to be grateful for their families.

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Title: Clifford's First Christmas
Editor: Norman Bridwell
Format:Paperback, 32 pages
Pub. Date:October 1st 1994
Source: Emily's room

★★★★

In Clifford's First Christmas, Emily Elizabeth tells tales from a Christmas when Clifford was a cute little puppy. He helps to wrap presents and decorate the tree, and play with Emily's new presents. He even gets a special visit from Santa Claus! This is another light hearted read to share with the kids during the holiday season.