I Can Help in the Neighborhood
A companion book to I Can Help (2010), I Can Help in the Neighborhood is a new sequence of animals in a new setting, helping each other solve problems, creating a community by looking out for one another.
“The repeating refrain of “I can help” will reassure readers and is simple enough to be triumphantly parroted by the youngest of storytime audiences. Whether depicting a verdant park or moonlit city scenes, Costello’s artwork sets a soothing tone. Human characters are diverse.
Infectiously charming. (Picture book. 2-5)” – Kirkus
Little Pig Saves the Ship
Little Pig is too young to go to sailing camp for the week with his brothers and sisters. At home practicing sailor’s knots by himself, Little Pig feels left out and lonely. But when Poppy and Little Pig build a toy ship together and sail it in a nearby stream, the two have an adventure that is every bit as exciting – or more – than a week at sailing camp.
“Costello’s second title starring Little Pig’s as charming as his earlier Little Pig Joins the Band (2011). The inviting watercolor-and-ink illustrations are a well-paced mix of full-bleed, spot, and cartoon panels dotted with speech bubbles that illuminate the close, intergenerational relationship between Little Pig and Poppy.” – Kirkus (starred review)
“Wholesome and cute, this fun new adventure with Little Pig is a satisfying addition to most collections. A great choice for storytime or small group sharing.” – School Library Journal (starred review)
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Little Pig Joins the Band
Little Pig is the smallest member of his family. Too small to play any of his grandfather’s old marching band instruments, Little Pig is left out while his older brothers and sisters pick up the trumpet, trombone, tuba, and drum, to form a band of their own. But sitting by as an observer, it doesn’t take Little Pig long to see that there is a place for him in this disorganized, cacophonous marching band – as the leader!
“Humor lifts the story from a simple tale of woe to transcendence.” – Kirkus
“Young readers will likely recognize Little Pig’s predicament and give his take-charge solution a big hand.” – The Horn Book
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I Can Help
Uh-oh. Little Duck is lost, but not for long. Monkey can help by climbing a tree to spot the duck family. But when Monkey needs help, it’s giraffe to the rescue. And so continues the cycle of help in this community of animals. In the end, when Duck turns up again to help the elephant find water, Duck promptly gets lost a second time. Not to worry, in an ending that is both humorous and reassuring, all the animal friends are there to help.
2011 Bank Street Best Books of the Year (starred)
“…perfect intellectual engagement on the preschool level.” – Newsday
“This simple tale of helpfulness is a charmer.” – Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT – School Library Journal
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Here They Come
Two young monsters are getting ready for a good scare at their family’s Halloween party. Their mother helps build their anticipation. “She says a scare lets you know you’re alive. Now listen! The guests are about to arrive!” And the guests do arrive – in a parade of witches, hobgoblins, ogres, and all manner of monstrous party-goers. When the soiree is in full swing, an owl calls out, “Here come the scariest creatures of all!” Then it’s a mad scramble to take cover and spy a procession of human trick-or-treaters passing by. It’s just the thing to complete a monsters’ party, and our young protagonists are pleased. “That was a fun scare – our mother was right. See you next year on Halloween night!”
“Costello demonstrates good comic timing and his sympathetic main character exudes holiday excitement.” – Publishers Weekly
“From the delightful cover through the charming rhyming text and enchanting illustrations, readers will be grabbed, teased, and tickled by this appealing tale.” – Mary Hazelton, Warren Community School, ME – School Library Journal
A Crow of His Own
by Megan Dowd Lambert
www.megandowdlambert.com
Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Honor
Clyde is the new rooster on Sunrise Farm and eager to be part of the team. But when he hears how much the other animals loved and admired the morning cock-a-doodle-doo of his predecessor Larry, Clyde begins to worry about living up to expectations. Through misguided antics and failed attempts to dazzle with Larry-like flair, and with the kind counsel of a motherly goose, Clyde learns that the way to success is simply to crow his own crow.
“…Simply drawn and bright with fluid watercolors, the illustrations reflect the amusing tone of the text. Wrapped in humor, the story’s message is lightly delivered and easy to accept. Children are likely to feel so happy with Clyde’s success that they’ll want to crow right along with him. A fine choice for storytime.”—Booklist
