Dog Breath: The Horrible Trouble with Hally Tosis

Dog Breath by Dav Pilkey
Dog Breath by Dav Pilkey

today’s children storybook summary is

Dog Breath: The Horrible Trouble with Hally Tosis

By Dav Pilkey

Theme: This is a story of redemption, acceptance, and finding the bright side in a difficult situation

Plot: The Tosis family wants to get rid of their dog, Hally, because it has bad breath.

Talking points: Acceptance. Are we judging others based on who we are? Are we accepting others as who they are? Continue reading Dog Breath: The Horrible Trouble with Hally Tosis

Maya and the Town that Loved a Tree by Kiki and Kathryn Shaw

Maya and the Town that Loved a Tree By Kiki and Kathryn Shaw

today’s children storybook summary is

Maya and the Town that Loved a Tree

By Kiki and Kathryn Shaw

Illustrated by Kiki

 

Theme: Nature, Environment, Clean Air

Before everybody was speaking about climate change, this book was warning the young readers that we can impact our environment in such way that can destroy the beautiful things in the nature and change our lives for the worst. But we can always try to repair our mistakes, if is not too late. Continue reading Maya and the Town that Loved a Tree by Kiki and Kathryn Shaw

Yes I Can! A Girl and Her Wheelchair by Barrett, Toner and Freeland

Book cover
Yes I can, a girl and her wheelchair

today’s children storybook summary is

Yes, I Can! A Girl and Her Wheelchair

By Kendra J. Barrett, Jacqueline B. Toner, and Claire A.B. Freeland

Illustrated by Violet Lemay

Theme: Overcoming disability; school inclusion;

Plot: How a happy first grader, in a wheelchair, can make friends and enjoy her days at school and participate in ordinary school activities;

Moral: This story teaches us to have a positive attitude towards the people with special needs; instead of excluding them from daily activities, we should find activities suited for their condition; instead of turning a blind eye and pretending they aren’t there, we should see them for who they are and help them with their goals.

Continue reading Yes I Can! A Girl and Her Wheelchair by Barrett, Toner and Freeland

The Tiger’s Egg by Nele Bronner

Book Cover
The Tiger’s Egg by Nele Bronner

today’s children storybook summary is

The Tiger’s Egg

By Nele Bronner

Theme: Acceptance, kindness, love.

Plot: A cranky zoo tiger is forced to take care a chick that had hatched out of an egg he’d found.

Symbolism: The author uses the egg as a symbol for novelty, new beginnings, new ideas, that come to shake a world that has become dull and rigid. Continue reading The Tiger’s Egg by Nele Bronner

Pablo Finds a Treasure by Andree Poulin

Pablo Finds a Treasure by Andree Poulin and Isabelle Malenfant

today’s children storybook summary is

Pablo Finds a Treasure

By Andre Poulin

Illustrated by Isabelle Malenfant

The takeaway: All over the world there are children that work from an early age to support themselves and their families. Most of them work without pay, missing school, and living in poverty. The characters in this book are fictional but the situation is real. Continue reading Pablo Finds a Treasure by Andree Poulin

Something Smells by Blake Liliane Hellman

Somthing Smells by Blake Liliane Hellman
Somthing Smells by Blake Liliane Hellman

today’s children storybook summary is

Something Smells

By Blake Liliane Hellman

Illustrated by Steven Henry

The takeaway: When something doesn’t feel right we are always quick to blame others. Instead, we should take a hard look at ourselves because often time we are the ones causing the problem. And, sometimes, just by changing a little detail we make it right again. Continue reading Something Smells by Blake Liliane Hellman

Fanny by Holly Hobbie

Fanny by Holly Hobbie
Fanny by Holly Hobbie

today’s children storybook summary is

Fanny

By Holly Hobbie

The takeaway

This book is about not taking “no” for an answer. If you believe in something, you can do it. Just like little Fanny. When her mother said “no”, she doesn’t give up (which, to be realistic, should just be the exception from the rule, not the norm). When her friends say “no”, she also perseveres until they change their minds. Continue reading Fanny by Holly Hobbie

The Adventures of Tom Thumb by Marianna Mayer

The Adventures of Tom Thumb by Marianna Mayer
The Adventures of Tom Thumb by Marianna Mayer

today’s children storybook summary is

The Adventures of Tom Thumb

By Marianna Mayer

Pictures by K.Y. Craft

The takeaway

Doesn’t matter your size, you can still defeat a giant if you put your mind to it. Continue reading The Adventures of Tom Thumb by Marianna Mayer

How To Get Your Teacher Ready by Jean Reagan

How To Get Your Teacher Ready by Jean Reagan
How To Get Your Teacher Ready by Jean Reagan

today’s children storybook summary is

How to Get Your Teacher Ready

By Jean Regan

Illustrated by Lee Wildish

The takeaway

Read this book to kindergarten kids or first and second grader to get them motivated to work with other towards a common goal, to teach them good behavior, and give them inspiration to be helpful in the classroom and listen to the teacher. Continue reading How To Get Your Teacher Ready by Jean Reagan

Crabtree by Jon & Tucker Nichols

Crabtree by Jon & Tucker Nichols
Crabtree by Jon & Tucker Nichols

today’s children storybook summary is

Crabtree

By Jon & Tucker Nichols

The takeaway

Everybody needs to put a little order in their homes; even adults need help to get organized. Because when you have a lot of stuff, you risk losing your most important things. Take Alfred Crabtree for example…. He lost his smile… well, it wasn’t an actual smile but very similar.  Continue reading Crabtree by Jon & Tucker Nichols

Umbrella by Taro Yashima

Umbrella by Taro Yashima
Umbrella by Taro Yashima

today’s children storybook summary is

Umbrella

By Taro Yashima

The Takeaway

Patience is the key word for this book. Children learn to hold on their impulses. They are taught that there is a right time for everything. Continue reading Umbrella by Taro Yashima

Detective LaRue, Letters from the Investigation

Detective LaRue, Letters from the Investigation by Mark Teague
Detective LaRue, Letters from the Investigation by Mark Teague

today’s children storybook summary is

Detective LaRue – Letters from the Investigation

By Mark Teague

Storyline: Ike LaRue, the wire fox terrier dog, is back with a new adventure. This time, he is solving a crime involving a burglary and the disappearance of the neighbor’s cats. We find out about it through a series of letters he sends to his master Gertrude LaRue.

On September 30th, the Snort City Gazette reported that two cats have gone missing from their home, Mrs. Hibbins apartment. Continue reading Detective LaRue, Letters from the Investigation

The Pottery Place by Gail Gibbons

the pottery place by gail gibbons
The Pottery Place by Gail Gibbons

today’s children storybook summary is

The Pottery Place

By Gail Gibbons

Storyline: Written when pottery wasn’t such an exotic occupation as it seems today, this book tells us all there is about this craft. Of course, it was designed for children but even adults could learn about the daily life of a potter. Continue reading The Pottery Place by Gail Gibbons

Flood by Alvaro F. Villa

Flood by Alvaro F. Villa
Flood by Alvaro F. Villa

today’s children storybook summary is

Flood

By Alvaro F. Villa

Storyline: It is a bright day. The sun is shining over the grassland and a bird is flying over the river. Two children are playing with their dog under an old but proud tree, not far from their white and blue house, with red and pink flower beds and a short white fence around. Continue reading Flood by Alvaro F. Villa

Bailey by Henry Bliss

Bailey by Harry Bliss
Bailey by Harry Bliss

today’s children storybook summary is

Bailey

By Harry Bliss

Storyline: This book is about a school day in the live of Bailey, the dog. At the first glimpse it may seem boring, a common place, or just another school day. But it’s not. For the simple reason that Bailey is a dog, and, unlike humans, dogs don’t go to school, as far as we know. Continue reading Bailey by Henry Bliss

My Chincoteague Pony by Susan Jeffers

My Chincoteague Pony by Susan Jeffers
My Chincoteague Pony by Susan Jeffers

today’s children storybook summary is

My Chincoteague Pony

By Susan Jeffers

Storyline: Based on several true accounts, this book tells the story of a little girl determined to pass on the gift she had received from strangers, that made her dream come true. This book is not to be confused with “Misty of Continue reading My Chincoteague Pony by Susan Jeffers

The Patchwork Quilt by Valerie Flournoy

The Patchwork Quilt by Valerie Flournoy
The Patchwork Quilt by Valerie Flournoy

today’s children storybook summary is

The Patchwork Quilt

By Valerie Flournoy

Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney

Storyline: It is just about spring when a little girl, Tanya learns that her grandmother, who seems to be sick, is thinking to start a special project. Continue reading The Patchwork Quilt by Valerie Flournoy

Our Family Tree, An Evolution Story by Lisa Westberg Peters

Our Family Tree, An Evolution Story by Lisa Westberg Peters
Our Family Tree, An Evolution Story by Lisa Westberg Peters

today’s children storybook summary is

 Our Family Tree, An Evolution Story

By Lisa Westberg Peters

Illustrated by Lauren Stringer

Storyline: This book tells the story of the making of mankind through a biological point of view. It is, therefore, as the title say, an evolutionary tale. So be warn that creationism, as a religious perspective, is nowhere to find in this book. Continue reading Our Family Tree, An Evolution Story by Lisa Westberg Peters

How the Leopard Got His Spots retold by Stephanie P. Gilman

How the Lepord Got His Spots by Stephanie P. Gilman
How the Lepord Got His Spots by Stephanie P. Gilman

today’s children storybook summary is

Title How the Leopard Got His Spots

Retold by Stephanie P. Gilman

Illustration by T.J. Tjornehoj

Storyline: This story is based upon the classic tales of Rudyard Kipling, the author of the Jungle Book, and it is one of the numerous version out there. Its protagonist, is a playful leopard named Henry. Continue reading How the Leopard Got His Spots retold by Stephanie P. Gilman

Congratulation, Miss Malarkey by Judy Finchler & Kevin O’Malley

Congratulation, Miss Malarkey by Judy Finchler and Kevin O'Malley
Congratulation, Miss Malarkey by Judy Finchler and Kevin O’Malley

today’s children storybook summary is

Congratulations, Miss Malarkey!

By Judy Finchler & Kevin O’Malley

Illustration by Kevin O’Malley

Storyline: The fifth-grade children from Miss Malarkey’s class are very worried that there’s something going on with their teacher. She seems easily distracted and often she giggles and sings to herself. She even made the school principal, Mr. Wiggins, laugh. Continue reading Congratulation, Miss Malarkey by Judy Finchler & Kevin O’Malley

Crow Call by Lois Lowry

Call Crow by Lois Lowry
Call Crow by Lois Lowry

today’s children storybook summary is

Crow Call

By Lois Lowry

Illustration Bagram Ibatoulline

Storyline: It is an early November morning and Liz and her dad have gone hunting. Liz is a little shy and doesn’t know her dad very well. Her father had just returned home after being out to war. Continue reading Crow Call by Lois Lowry

Barnaby Never Forgets by Pierre Collet-Derby

Barnaby Never Forgets by Pierre Collet-Derby
Barnaby Never Forgets by Pierre Collet-Derby

today’s children storybook summary is

Barnaby Never Forgets

By Pierre Collet-Derby

Storyline: Barnaby is a school age rabbit (yes, rabbits go to school too) that has a problem: he is, sometimes, forgetful. But who isn’t, you’d say and you’d be right. Barnaby, for example, forgot where he put his glasses (yes, yes, rabbits can wear glasses too, can’t they?). Continue reading Barnaby Never Forgets by Pierre Collet-Derby

The Big Little Book of Happy Sadness by Colin Thompson

the big little book of happy sadness by colin thompson
The Big Little Book of Happy Sadness by Colin Thompson

today’s children storybook summary is

The Big Little Book of Happy Sadness

By Colin Thompson

Storyline: There’s not much happening in George’s life. His days are the same: school and back home, at his grandmother’s, a sad place and an empty one for the boy. We don’t know what happened to his parents but they are absent from his life hence the emptiness he feels. His grandma is a kind lady but they are not too close and George feels they are on different planets. Continue reading The Big Little Book of Happy Sadness by Colin Thompson

Journey by Aaron Becker

Journey by Aaron Becker
Journey by Aaron Becker

today’s children storybook summary is

Journey

By Aaron Becker

Storyline: The heroin of this book, a girl about seven years old, lives in a big city. There, people are very busy and everything is monochromatic, shades of brown perhaps (or rather gray which, as right now, I find it highly inappropriate to speak of, thanks to that writer, you know who). The only bright spots are her toys, a scooter, a kite, a pencil, all red. Continue reading Journey by Aaron Becker

Paddington by Michael Bond

Paddington by Michael Bond
Paddington by Michael Bond

today’s children storybook summary is

Paddington

By Michael Bond

Illustration by R.W. Alley

Storyline: Judy was just about to arrive in town and her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Brown were waiting for her on the Paddington railway station. Continue reading Paddington by Michael Bond

Rescued by Love by Lindsay Jouet

Rescued by Love by Lindsay Jouet
Rescued by Love by Lindsay Jouet

today’s children storybook summary is

Rescued by Love

By Lindsay Jouet

Storyline: What do you do when your dog is home alone? You can try a toy, a bone, a sleeping pill (just kidding), your old shoes, the kennel, or anything else that may come to your mind. But if nothing works, then turn to this book. It says that if your dog gets lonely then it’s time to find him a friend. Continue reading Rescued by Love by Lindsay Jouet

Inky and the King by Richard Wickliffe

Inky and the King By Richard Wickliffe
Inky and the King
By Richard Wickliffe

today’s children storybook summary is

Inky and the King

By Richard Wickliffe

Storyline: This story is a clever tale that touches on diversity, confidence and inner strength, written with beat and imagination. Though a little too lengthy for a picture book, it has the potential to ignite children’s curiosity about the creatures of the deep ocean.

One day, while venturing out of his allowed part of the ocean, Inky, a clever but shy squid, finds a treasure chest. Continue reading Inky and the King by Richard Wickliffe

What to Do When You Are Sent to Your Room by Ann Stott

what to do when you are sent to your room by ann stott
what to do when you are sent to your room by ann stott

today’s children storybook summary is

What to Do When You Are Sent to Your Room

By Ann Stott

Illustration by Stephen Gilpin

Storyline: Ben has enough experience to write a self-help book about what to do when you are sent to your room. He has it mastered, a sign that he has done it a lot. He says that he gets sent to his room for feeding the dog his dinner but, from what we read, we pick at other reasons as well. Continue reading What to Do When You Are Sent to Your Room by Ann Stott

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, Not Good, Very Bad Day By Judith Viorst
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, Not Good, Very Bad Day
By Judith Viorst

today’s children storybook summary is

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, Not Good, Very Bad Day

By Judith Viorst

Illustration by Ray Cruz

Storyline: Alexander is having a very bad day. In fact, it is a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day, as he says. It starts early in the morning when he noticed gum in his hair because he had gone to sleep with gum in his mouse (a very bad idea, I should say). Continue reading Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst

Turtle’s Penguin Day by Valeri Gorbachev

Turtle’s Penguin Day by Valery Gorbachev

today’s children storybook summary is

Turtle’s Penguin Day

By Valery Gorbachev

Storyline:  One night, after learning interesting facts about penguins when his father read to him at bed time, Little Turtle dream that he was a penguin. He dreamed that he was swimming on the ocean and played on the ice. Continue reading Turtle’s Penguin Day by Valeri Gorbachev