With all the rain-filled days we’ve experienced lately, I thought it would be a great idea to let you know about awesome children’s books that are bound to provide a good laugh, chuckle or, at the very least, a snort. Check out the recommended books below for some sunshine.
• This Book Is Out Of Control by Richard Byrne: This book is a continuation of the same characters from Byrne’s prior book, This Book Just Ate My Dog, another must-read. In this one, Ben wants to show Bella how his remote-controlled fire engine works but the buttons are not operating properly. For some reason, Bella’s dog seems to be the one being controlled, not the truck.
• What if Everything Had Legs? by Scott Menchin: Can you imagine if everything had legs? Leaves would leave and shoes would walk. Mayhem! What if Everything Had Legs? explores one girl’s imagination as she and her mom walk. You and your kids are bound to enjoy talking about this topic once you’re done reading this fun, light book.
• Little Red’s Riding ’hood by Peter Stein: The book follows the classic’s plot with a humourous twist. Little Red is a scooter and the Wolf is played by a monster truck. You cannot help but grin at the goofiness.
• That is not a Good Idea! by Mo Willems: A fox invites a hen to his house for dinner and the goslings keep trying to say “THAT is not a good idea!” Read the book to see what happens in this story that will surprise everyone.
• Can you make a Scary Face? by Jan Thomas: Stand up! Sit Down. OK, now stand up again! Great, now that you are standing, we can talk about how this book makes you play along and blow a bug out of your mouth, do the chicken dance and gets everyone laughing by the end of the story. I love to use this in storytimes because it gets the kids moving. (And consider reading anything else by Thomas because she is amazing.)
• King Baby by Kate Beaton: King Baby is a gracious ruler smiling upon his subjects. He lets the adoring fans tickle him and he even poses for an onslaught of photos. But the king has some simple demands and if his subjects can’t help meet his needs, all will suffer his wrath.
For these suggestions and more, visit your local library.
A Good Read is a column by Tri-City librarians that is published on Wednesdays. Brandon Monahan works at Port Coquitlam’s Terry Fox Library.
