Thank You, Omu!

Thank You, Omu! by author/ illustrator Oge Mora

Age Range: 4 – 7 years

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Publication Date: October 2, 2018

A woman named Omu cooks up a fragrant stew. The aroma alerts the olfactory senses of many townspeople. Each person follows the scent to Omu’s house. She graciously gives visitors portions of her stew which eventually leaves her without any for herself. The townspeople show Omu similar kindness. The collage illustrations show varieties in occupations and ethnicities. My Book Eyes marveled at discussions that this book could generate including collaboration, helping others, occupations to name a few.

Oge Mora plans to be at Children’s Day at the Brooklyn Book Festival on September 21, 2019 at 2:00 PM. Click on EVENTS above for information about Brooklyn Book Festival.

Thank You, Omu! was selected by Jumpstart Read for the Record 2019 to be read nationally on November 7, 2019. https://www.jstart.org/read-for-the-record/

Apple Farmer Annie

Apple Farmer Annie by author / illustrator Monica Wellington

Age Range: 3 – 7 years

Publisher: Puffin Books, Reprint edition

Publication Date: August 19, 2004

Annie is an apple farmer who grows a variety of apples. She makes apple cider, applesauce, cakes, pies, muffins, dried apples and candy apples. Additionally, Annie drives to the city where she sells her goods at a farmer’s market. Many scenes show enlarged pictures of items that are in the busier scenes on opposite pages around the text. For example, at the farmer’s market, a scale, cash box, money, apples and cider are pictured on the left page. These pictures can extend discussions about the book. Words are in large print size which is helpful for the reader. Illustrations have highly distinguishable details. Four recipes are included. They are for applesauce, apple muffins, applesauce cake and butter frosting. This book can be used in addition to cooking projects.

Hats Are Not for Cats!

Hats Are Not for Cats! by author / illustrator Jacqueline K. Rayner

Age Range: 4 years – 7 years

Publisher: Clarion Books

Publication Date: August 20, 2019

An obnoxious, loud mouth, hat wearing dog lets a cat know on numerous occasions that hats are not for cats as a quiet yet active cat parades by him wearing a myriad of hat styles. The cat doesn’t say anything as the dog verbally abuses her time and time again. Feline finds a way to retaliate which is surprising and humorous. Dog’s ego is reduced to a humble size. The ending of this book is satisfying for all. Rhyme and short phrases make this an excellent choice for beginning readers and for those wanting to read a humorous story. Illustrations focus on the relationship between the characters which adds to the appeal of this book.

A Friend for Bently

A Friend for Bently by author / illustrator Paige Keiser

Age Range: 4 – 8 years

Publisher: Harper Collins

Publication Date: August 6, 2019

Bently is the sole pig on his farm. He engages in pig oriented (being in mud) and not so pig oriented (crossword puzzles) activities. One day he befriends a chick named Daisy and she learns to enjoy Bently’s world. However, chicks grow (literally) and change like friends often do. Thanks to Daisy,  Bently makes a new friend and also manages to maintain a relationship with Daisy. This is a good book to read anytime. At this time of the year when students are returning to schools, many will attend new schools and new grades. Making new friendships and dealing with changes in old friendships are situations that students will face. My Book Eyes enjoyed seeing the highs and lows of being Bently in illustrations.