Author: Barbara Odanaka
Illustrator: Lee White
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry/Simon & Schuster
Age Range: 4-8
Theme/Topics:Animals, mayhem, restaurants, humor, rhyme
First Page:"It was a quiet morning at the Critter Cafe. The cook was dozing in his cheese souffle. The waiter was whistling sleepy tunes when through the door walked three raccoons."
Synopsis: Swish, zoom, swish. Clickety-clack! When a bus full of critters breaks down, a sleepy roadside café suddenly wakes up! Raccoons, elephants, zebras, and rams are only a few of the many animals demanding grub, and it is all that a cook and a waiter can do to keep up. But when Skateboard Cow swerves her way through the crowd, more than a few feathers are guaranteed to be ruffled! Rhythmic text and energetic illustrations combine for a romp of pure fun and entertainment.
Resources: I found a couple free printables for this book here. Here is another cute idea for making word burgers. Having the kids play restaurant would also work.
Why I LOVE it: The voice is fabulous, the pace is fast and TOTALLY fun, and the story absolutely delightful and silly and relateable (to kids - yeah, that's it). And the end surprised me delightfully. The art AND words are a super combination. Just plain fun !
Hope you'll give this book a look - and check out the OTHER perfect picture books for today at Susanna's blog - and Susanna's ever-growing list of wonderful picture books.
My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer. Psalm 45:1
I'm a big fan of Lee White's illustrations. I can't wait to get a better look at this book. I love the catchy title. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThe title - and the cover art - definitely drew me in initially. Such a fun one! Thanks for stopping by, Joanne :)
DeleteJust plain fun works for me every time!
ReplyDeleteOh yeah - me too! You'll love this one, Joanna :)
DeleteSweet pick. Word burgers is a fabulous idea too!
ReplyDeleteDon't they sound fun? And easy too! Thanks for stopping by, Julie!
DeleteThis looks like plain old fun! Who wouldn't want to visit a cafe with all those crazy animals. And word burgers? need to check those out.
ReplyDeleteIt is TONS of fun, Sue! Hope you get a look - and thanks for stopping by!
DeleteWhat great fun! Great title and story. Sorry I missed your post.
ReplyDeleteNo worries :) I didn't get to them all last week. Thanks for popping in!
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