Down on the Farm By Merrily Kutner

Down on the Farm is a charming story about the daily goings on of animals on a farm. I stumbled across this book when I was looking for easy animal books for my daughter.The story is simple and rhythmic and the illustrations are big, colorful and beautifully done by Will Hillenbrand hooked us immediately.

The only real drawback that I found with this book is it was too repetitive. Madison didn't mind it and I suspect that most kids don't however; after a while it drove me a little crazy. That being said I think that this story would a great addition to any farm themed story time.

Sergio makes a splash

"Sergio Makes a Splash" by Edel Rodriguez is an adorable story of a penguin who must overcome his fear of swimming. The story begins with an introduction of Sergio who loves soccer, fish and the water (drinking and bath tub) just as long as it is not deep enough to swim in. When his teacher announces they will be having a class trip Sergio is thrilled until he discovers the location will be the Ocean. It is only when Sergio realizes that the Ocean is full of things he loves that he decides to give it chance.

I loved this book so much that I must of read it at least thirty times in the short period we had it. The illustrations are beautifully done and add so much to the story. I would recommend this book for a preschool story time or as a one on one book with younger kids.

Some story time themes that would pair well with this book are: Birds, Penguins, Fear and Water.

Next Please

"Next Please" is an adorable story that is perfect for the child who has apprehension about visiting the doctor. Written by the award winning German poet Ernst Jandl, this story originally started out as a poem. The story is accompanied by the darling drawing by illustrator Norman Junge depicting broken toys who are one by one fixed.

Next Please would be the perfect story book for any number of ages. This story is so simple but it has so many possibilities. This would be a great fit for story times with a doctor, toys or imagination theme.

Chugga Chugga Choo Choo By Kevin Lewis

Chugga Chugga Choo Choo is a wonderful picture book all about trains. From the second me and my daughter opened it we were immediately transfixed by the beautiful colorful pictures illustrated by Daniel Kirk depicting a toys loading a train for a special delivery. The story is written perfectly for toddlers and preschoolers and when read aloud the rhythmic writing sounds like a song adding to the child's appeal.

This is a wonderful choice for any child that loves transportation books. It would work great in a number of story times and is a great addition to anybody's home library.

Some other great choices by this author is "The Truck is Stuck" and "Tugga Tugga Tugboat"