Ideas Are All Around

Vernon, a toad, is a steadfast friend. He stands by stoic Bird until they find Bird’s perfect home. Expressive, softly colored, informal illustrations are worth close examination and complement the tender tale of friendship and faithfulness.

Every day, Amos McGee goes to his job at the City Zoo where he’s attentive to each of his animal friends’ special needs. One day, however, Amos doesn’t feel well and must miss work and so his friends visit to take care of him. Gentle, expressive illustrations expand this touching tale. (2011 Caldecott Medal Winner)

Bear wants to share his story though his friends are preoccupied with winter preparation. When they gather again at winter’s end, Bear’s friends remind him of his story. Tender text and gentle illustrations by the Caldecott-medal winning husband & wife team is sure to engage.

When his parents trade Jonathan’s much-loved teddy bear for a toaster, he sets out on a Big Blue Boat to find Frederick the bear. Jonathan is joined by animals he befriends along the way and finally a little girl who holds a bear instead of a toaster. The imaginative, child-like, and handsomely illustrated tale comes full circle in a most satisfying way.

How young Sadie manages to deliver the elephant to her Great-Aunt Josephine makes for a laugh inducing romp. The silly story is told through comic illustration and an unassuming text with lots of sound effects.

A fragment of an imaginative tale told by Mark Twain to his daughters has been completed and illustrated with all due respect to the original author. Readers will meet Johnny, a poor but worthy boy who helps rescue Prince Oleomargarine, communicate with animals, and find lasting friendships. Delicate illustrations combine with the Twain-esque narration for a memorable (and gorgeous) package.

Mark Twain’s partial tale told to his own children has been carefully completed by Philip Stead and is interpreted for modern listeners.

Vernon, the frog, shares small everyday adventures with his friends Skunk, and Porcupine (first introduced in A Home for Bird (opens in a new window)). Quietly told and delicately illustrated these charming tales are reminiscent of Arnold Lobel’s Frog and Toad stories.