Review: Egg by Kevin Henkes

9780062408723

$17.99

This masterful and stylistically original picture book introduces young children to four eggs. One is blue, one is pink, one is yellow, and one is green. Three of the eggs hatch, revealing three baby birds who fly away. But the green egg does not hatch. Why not? When the three birds return to investigate, they’re in for a big surprise! What will happen next?

Billed in places as a graphic novel for the younger set, this title is heavy on illustration and light on text. The repetition and prediction make it an excellent confidence-builder for the beginning reader - or even a child who is not reading yet, but who can tell a story with the pictures, and remember the few words read to him. (Yes, Shane, I mean you!)

It is also just a sweet story of friendship, with illustrations that belong on a nursery wall somewhere. Tuck it in an Easter basket for that special little one, or grab it from your library and plan some time to cuddle up together.

*NOTE: This title has been nominated for the Cybils Award, and I am a first round panelist. There are many nominations and six other judges. My opinions should not be construed as a sign of inclusion or exclusion on the final short list.

Springtime Board Books from HarperCollins

9780062314093

 

A popular picture book now in board book form. Little white rabbit hops through his world and wonders about many things - all of which you could discuss or act out with your little one. Henkes' soft illustrations stick to just a few colors, with the white rabbit standing out prominently on most pages - something that we know catches babies' eyes, making this a good choice for lap time with infants through toddlers.

 

9780062274687

 

I think I have a new favorite set of characters. In this title, cow, sheep, and pig are ready for bed. The chickies are NOT. They are masters of stalling - kind of like a certain 4-year-old I know. A copy of this will be going to a special birthday boy next week, along with a Fisher Price farm set - I just love book pairings for presents, don't you?

 

9780062274694

 

"Pottytime, Chickies.

Fun, fun, fun.

Hop on the potty

and get the job done.

 

Goodbye, Pig.

Shut the door.

We know what

the potty's for."

 

I wonder where the chickies got scuba gear that small?

 

After a few more mishaps, the adorable chickies finally get things right. I don't think we'll be reading this at home until AFTER the last one is potty trained, though - too many 'great' ideas! Looking forward to Dinnertime for Chickies, due out in May.