“The difference between the almost right word and the right word is really a large matter. ’tis the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning.” Mark Twain

Perfect Picture Book Friday: A Crazy Day at the Critter Cafe

I've been pretty busy with writing and editing and such, and haven't had a chance to participate in Susanna Hill's Perfect Picture Book Friday in a while. SO VERY glad I'm making time to do it today - as this book has been sitting on my desk for at least a week or two, waiting for the chance to be featured. And the time has FINALLY come!

Title: A Crazy Day at the Critter Cafe
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

10 comments:

  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!

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    1. The title - and the cover art - definitely drew me in initially. Such a fun one! Thanks for stopping by, Joanne :)

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  2. Just plain fun works for me every time!

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    1. Oh yeah - me too! You'll love this one, Joanna :)

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  3. Sweet pick. Word burgers is a fabulous idea too!

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    1. Don't they sound fun? And easy too! Thanks for stopping by, Julie!

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  4. This 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.

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    1. It is TONS of fun, Sue! Hope you get a look - and thanks for stopping by!

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  5. What great fun! Great title and story. Sorry I missed your post.

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    1. No worries :) I didn't get to them all last week. Thanks for popping in!

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