The Odd Egg

Reader’s Annotations: A good tongue and cheek story about a duck who is the odd bird out, but in the end wins. When he finds and "odd" egg to hatch, all the other bird better watch out, because what is inside the egg is one big surprise!

Author: Emily Gravett

Illustrator: Emily Gravett
Age: 4 - 8 years
genre/subject: Children's picture book
Plot Summary: All the birds have an egg, except poor duck. Duck feels left out, until he finds a wonderfully, odd egg. It is large and has green spots, and the birds tease him for such an egg. But duck waits patiently, even after all the other eggs hatch. Finally, one great big alligator hatches from the odd egg, and the birds are in trouble! Duck wanders off with his obedient, baby alligator.
Evaluation: This is a humorous book that children will not only find funny, but probably get the irony. The illustrations are beautiful and ducks mannerisms are endearing. This would make a good book during Easter time. 
Significance & Bibliographic Usefulness: It is very popular, as it was nominated for a children's choice award.

Readalikes: Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey
Awards/Lists: 

• Children's Choice Book Award Nominee for Kindergarten to Second Grade Book of the Year (2010)

Hook: Don't judge and egg by its oddness.
Ideas, Uses: Story time book for Easter fun.
ISBN: 9780230014916 
Format: hardcover
Publisher: MacMillan Children's Books
Links to reviews in professional review sources

Page Count: 32

Pub Date:April 1st 2009

The Polar Express

Reader’s Annotations: For adults and children to indulge together in a magical holiday book that will take adults back and establish holiday traditions for youngsters. 

Author: Chris Van Allsburg 

Illustrator: Chris Van Allsburg Age: 4 - 8 yearsgenre/subject: Children's picture bookPlot Summary: The narrator recalls a Christmas when he rode a magical steam train with other children to meet Santa Claus. He is selected to ride on Santa's sleigh and helps distribute gifts. When Santa asks him what he wants for Christmas, he asks for a bell. The bell signifies that Christmas is real, and as time passes, those around him grow up and fail to hear the bell ring. The narrator still hears the ringing of Santa's silver bell. 
Evaluation: The illustrations are so beautiful and warm. It is a great wintery and magical book to read during the holidays. Young readers can glean a lot from the story about Santa Claus. 
Significance & Bibliographic Usefulness: Received the Caldecott Medal in 1986. The book has wonderful picture value, it is large and wider than average. It is perfect for a group story time.
Readalikes:
Awards/Lists: 
Boston Globe-Horn Book Award Nominee for Picture Book - Honor Book (1986)
Hook:
Ideas, Uses: Good holiday time story. Explains customs of Christmas to young children who are learning about the tradition and legend of Santa Claus. The book can be paired with the animated film.
ISBN: 978-0395389492
Page Count: 32
Format: Hardcover
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin

Caldecott Medal (1986)

Kentucky Bluegrass Award (1987)

Buckeye Children's Book Award for K-2 (1991)

Nevada Young Readers' Award for Primary Category/Picture Book Category (1988)

Little Archer Award (1986)

Links:

School Library Journal

Pub Date: October 28, 1985

Bailey at the Museum

Reader’s Annotations: Even old dogs and learn something new! Bailey is a lovable class dog, who gets to participate in the field trip to the local museum. The teacher and students have a hard time keeping track of their four-legged student, but Bailey has a grand old time!

Author: Harry Bliss

Illustrator: Harry BlissAge:3 - 5 yearsgenre/subject: Children's picture bookPlot Summary: Bailey goes with his class to the Museum. However, Bailey is the class dog. He is thoroughly amused, although the teacher and students have to keep track of the little rascal the whole time.Evaluation: I checked this out a couple of weeks ago because my daughter's name is Bailey and she also love dinosaurs with a passion. We read it together. It is a cute way to expose children to museum etiquette. Significance & Bibliographic Usefulness:Readalikes: Amos McGee Takes a Sick Day by Philip C. Stead, Erin E. SteadAwards/Lists: noneLinks:
Hook: Bailey the dog goes to the museum! Old dogs can learn new things!
Ideas, Uses: Teach children about museum etiquette. This would be a great book to read before a field trip to a museum. Can be coupled with zoo-themed books.
ISBN: 978-0545233453
Page Count: 32
Format: Hardback
Publisher: Scholastic Press

New York Times

Pub Date: September 1, 2012

Water Boy

Reader’s Annotations:Beautiful illustrations, but the story is even more beautiful. Young readers may appreciate this if they have ever feared water. The water-lovers will also enjoys Water Boy's powers!

Author: David McPhail

Illustrator: David McPhailAge: 3 - 8 yearsgenre/subject: Children's Picture Book.Plot Summary: When a little boy learns that he is made of water, he is somewhat alarmed. He wonders what will happen if all the water spills out of him. Soon, he learns to love water, craving bath time and rain puddles. He starts to harness the water powers within himself and becomes water boy. With such great power, the sea calls out to him for help. The waters of the earth would like to be clean, and so water boy cleans the sea with his special powers, and returns to his evening bath.Evaluation: This is a great story from the perspective of the power of humanity and our role on this beautiful earth. It is also a great way to get reluctant water-goers to see the charm in bathing and swimming.Significance & Bibliographic Usefulness:Readalikes:
Awards/Lists: noneLinks:
Hook: We all have the power to keep our waters blue.
Ideas, Uses: Use this book to demonstrate the importance of water conservation and good water habits.
ISBN: 978-0810917842
Page Count: 32
Format: Hardcover
Publisher: Harry N. Abrams

Book Verdict

Pub Date: April 1, 2007

Alligators All Around

Reader’s Annotations: Who wouldn't love this Sendak classic? Alligators are the star of this book which feature the alligator family doing such silly things, alphabetically, of course!

Author: Maurice Sendak
Illustrator: Maurice Sendak
Age: 4 - 8 years
genre/subject: Children's picture book
Plot Summary: There is no plot. It is an alphabet, picture book. Sendak brilliantly illustrates one alligator doing a whole bunch of silly stuff, in alphabetic order.
Evaluation: Sendak is a prolific author and illustrator and has been on the children's literature scene for such a long time. I saw this book and had to check it out of the library. It is so simple, yet the wording along with pictures are hilarious. The "N" page features alligators "Never Napping" and the "S" page features "Shockingly Spoiled." Sendak is able to capture the dynamic of family life through sketches of alligators. It is just adorable.
Significance & Bibliographic Usefulness: Nice, small size: 5X7 inches. It is also perfect for early readers as they learn the alphabet.
Readalikes: ABC, by Dr. Seuss
Awards/Lists: none
Links to reviews in professional review sources
Hook: Alligators are the star in Sendak's alphabet book!

Ideas, Uses: Teaching letters to young readers, I think the age-level should include 3-year-olds.
ISBN: 978-0064432542
Page Count: 32
Format: hardcover
Publisher: HarperCollins

Pub Date: March 15, 1991