Books That I Like..

The Night I Followed the Dog
Written & illustrated by Nina Laden

10 x 9.625 | 32 pages | Ages 4-10 | Chronicle Books | Published in 1994 | ISBN 9780811806473

I have a dog. Nothing exotic or special, just an ordinary dog. In fact, I always thought he was a boring dog. What I mean is, he can fetch, roll over, and shake hands, but mostly he sleeps and eats. Or so the little boy in this story thinks, until one morning when he opens the door a little early and sees his dog jump out of a limousine. That night he decides to follow his dog, and that's when the fun starts. Before he knows it, he has entered the little known world of doggy glamour. His dog, distinctly reminiscent of Humphrey Bogart, treats him to a nighttime adventure where he learns where dogs go to relax and sees what they do while their masters are fast asleep. A terrific read aloud, Nina Laden's story will have everyone captivated by the coolest dog around.





Romeow and Drooliet
Written & illustrated by Nina Laden

10 x 9.625 | 44 pages | Ages 8 and up | Chronicle Books | Published in 2005 | ISBN 9780811839730

Adults familiar with the classic love story will delight in the many references to the original play, all of which make this a rarity: a children's book they want to read again and again. And young children who know nothing of the Bard will be riveted by this funny yet touching tale about Romeow the cat and Drooliet the dog, two star-crossed lovers who meet by chance, marry in secret, and are kept apart by a snarling rottweiler, appalled owners, and the animal control warden. The clever details throughout the book belie the careful research behind this homage to true love won and lost - and in the case of this book won again - proving once and for all that dogs and cats can be friends.



Books I Like Also..

Books I Like Also..

Earth to Audrey
Written by Susan Hughes | Illustrated by Stéphane Poulin

10 x 10 | 32 pages | Ages 5-8 | Kids Can Press Ltd. | Published in 2005 | ISBN 9781554531653

Audrey comes into Ray’s life like an earthbound star. Everything about her is a bit far-out. And she’s always in her own little world. So Ray decides that this unusual girl who has dropped into his neighborhood for the summer must be an alien. As they become friends, Audrey takes Ray on a journey of discovery — one that enables him to see his own planet in a new light. Soon, Ray can’t imagine life on Earth without her. Susan Hughes’ poignant, gently humorous text and Stéphane Poulin’s evocative, heartfelt illustrations capture the long childhood summer of discovery in a small town and depict a friendship that changed the lives of two lonely dreamers.



Song for a Giraffe
Written by Kim Messinger and Michael LaLumiere | Illustrated by Ginger Nielson

8.25 x 11 | 32 pages | Ages 4-8 | Stagger Lee Books | Published in 2008 | ISBN 9780979100635

Song for a Giraffe is a simple tale of friendship and the joy that comes from understanding that each of us is special – just the way we are. As the story gently unwinds, rich language and vivid illustrations send a child's imagination soaring to new and delightful places. The story begins at the end of a day as a lone giraffe walks down to the river for a drink of water. One by one, animal friends visit and ask for her help. The giraffe carefully listens to all of them. A tired lioness fears growing old. A young hippo complains about being young. A gruff rhinoceros is lonely. The giraffe gently hugs each animal and shares with them a special message. The next morning, as the sun rises and begins to warm the African savannah, the animals come together in a colorful sea of spots, stripes, fur, feathers and horns. With one happy voice they offer a special gift to the giraffe. Anyone wanting to introduce the powerful message that we all have a place in this world will love sharing Song for a Giraffe with a child.



Mommy, I Want to Sleep in Your Bed!
Written by Harriet Ziefert | Illustrated by Elliot Kreloff

8.5 x 11 | 40 pages | Ages 9-12 | Blue Apple Books | Published in 2005 | ISBN 9781593541033

Good night, sleepy parakeet. Good night, sleepy dog. Good night, sleepy Nate. But wait! Nate doesn't want to go to sleep - not all by himself in his own bed. With the help of his patient mom, Nate works through a problem all young children face -putting their busy days to rest. Mommy, I Want to Sleep in Your Bed! will encourage other children to do the same and help them understand in a sweet and sympathetic way, that sleeping alone is an important step in growing up.





Books I Like Too..