Who Wants a Tortoise? by Dave Keane - ESSENTIAL

Keane, Dave  Who Wants a Tortoise?  Illustrated by K.G. Campbell  Alred A. Knopf, 2016.  $17.99  Content: G.   

The adorable little girl in this book has been asking for a puppy her entire life.  She has a birthday party  but when she opens her present with the breathing holes in it, she is disappointed to find a tortoise.  The girl’s father is allergic to dogs and so this is the animal he gives her.  After pointing out all the ways that her tortoise has disappointed her, she comes up with inventive ways to play with her new pet.  When the tortoise goes missing, she realizes how much she loves him and misses him.   

My son and I were laughing out loud at this adorable book.  The illustrations are perfect and the story line is great.  I liked that the little girl learned to be grateful for what she had.  Super cute read!   

EL (K-3) – ESSENTIAL.  Reviewer, C. Peterson.    

Sleep TIght Farm by Eugenie Doyle - OPTIONAL

Doyle, Eugenie Sleep Tight Farm  Illustrated by Becca Stadtlander  Chronicle Books, 2016.  $16.99  PICTURE BOOK  Content: G.   

This book follows a farmer and his family as they prepare their land and animals for the coming winter.  Everything has already been harvested, but now they need to protect the fields, chop wood, and cover the hoophouse.  They also put Christmas lights on the house and when they are done the snow comes.   

The illustrations in this book are beautiful and detailed.  It’s fascinating to read what farmers do to put their farm to rest for the winter, but the writing style seemed a bit jumbled.  The book is worth looking at for the pictures alone, but the text is not that engaging.   

EL (K-3) – OPTIONAL.  Reviewer, C. Peterson.    

The Haunted Ship by Bill Scollon - OPTIONAL

Scollon, Bill  The Haunted Ship  Disney Press, 2016.  $5.99  PICTURE BOOK  Content: G.  

Miles and his family see a ship floating in outer space and decide they need to explore it to make sure nobody is on it.  What they thought was a ghost ship turns out to be inhabited by an alien named Fossick who is trying to collect priceless minerals.  Miles and his family help Fossick find more valuable minerals.   

This book is from the show Miles from Tommorrowland on Disney Jr.  The beginning picks up in the middle of the world created from the show, making it hard to understand if you haven’t seen the show.  The illustrations are dark and look like shots taken from the show.  This book also came with glow-in the dark stickers.  

EL (K-3) – OPTIONAL.  Reviewer, C. Peterson.