Giraffe Problems
Jory John and Lane Smith

Nora Ephron isn’t the only one who feels bad about her neck. Edward, the narrator, of Giraffe Problems feels bad about his neck as well. Edward is a giraffe who finds all kinds of things wrong with his neck, but in a nutshell, Edward thinks his neck is too……you know, necky. Then Edward meets Cyrus, a turtle, who also feels bad about his neck. Unlike Edward, Cyrus bemoans his necklessness. While Cyrus and Edward have completely different necks, it turns out they work well together and make great friends. Whether or not you have a young child in your life to share this with, don’t miss Giraffe Problems.

Small Walt and Mo the Tow
Elizabeth Verdick

The perfect ‘up north’ snowstorm read! This is a great book for little ones who are drawn to vehicles. The story portrays the need for cooperation between both snow plow and the tow truck to get a job done. I was also happy with the underlying message of patience. Grab a cup of hot chocolate and enjoy.

The following two picks are great books of introduction. They delighted the elementary teacher in me.

If da Vinci Painted a Dinosaur
Amy Newbold

If da Vinci Painted a Dinosaur is an introduction to 19 different artists. The illustrator has drawn dinosaurs into the masterpieces we are all familiar with. There is a great artist index at the back of the book that gives information about the featured art piece and the artist.

Mapping Sam
Joyce Hesselberth

This book is an introduction of various maps. The author cleverly draws the nightly escapades of the family cat Sam. We are introduced to a map key, a compass rose, diagrams, blueprints and many more! I really liked the beautiful illustrations that captivate the eyes.

Maiden Voyage
Sarah Jane

This book chronicles the lives of three girls on the maiden voyage of the Titanic. We are introduced to three different social classes through the three girls and the three classes of passengers on the Titanic. I loved how the author entwines the three girls and how they quickly embrace each other. I was particularly taken by the story of the first class parents of Lucy. Evil loses and good prevails!