The Story of Ferdinand

Posted on October 25, 2016July 4, 2020 by keepinthesunlightblog@gmail.com

The Story of Ferdinand (1936)
by Munro Leaf, illustrations by Robert Lawson

I never read this classic picture book as a child, so I don’t know that I would have picked it up for our baby girl had a friend not given it to us. It instantly became one of my favorites!

This charming book tells the story of Ferdinand, a nature-loving, peaceful bull who accidentally ends up at the bull fight in Madrid. The simple black-and-white illustrations are just delightful, and I love how Ferdinand is content to just be himself. I’m so glad to have this picture book as part of our daughter’s library!

Apparently, this picture book was written in one afternoon, and it caused enough controversy to be banned from several countries including Spain, where the tale takes place.

The Story of Ferdinand (1936)

Tea with Grandpa

Posted on October 25, 2016July 4, 2020 by keepinthesunlightblog@gmail.com

Tea with Grandpa (2014)
by Barney Saltzberg

A young girl and her grandpa meet for tea every afternoon. We get to see how they interact during their tea parties, and there’s a lovely 21st century twist at the end.

I am a sucker for anything tea party-related, and I just love that this book features a grandpa, which seems to be rare in picture books. I love their daily ritual, and it inspires me to find something similar for our daughter.

When You Were Small

Posted on October 20, 2016September 14, 2019 by keepinthesunlightblog@gmail.com

When You Were Small (2006)
word by Sara O’Leary with illustrations by Julie Morstad

When young Henry asks about when he was small, his dad continues with a very literal answer. Small Henry used to have a pet ant, wear a thimble hat, and sleep in a slipper. My favorite is Henry getting ready to jump into the teapot for his bath. Darling little story and wonderful illustrations. Our daughter loves this book.

Earth Dance

Posted on October 17, 2016July 3, 2020 by keepinthesunlightblog@gmail.com

Earth Dance (1996)
by Joanne Ryder

This is a delightful book, where the reader imagines she is planet Earth. As a baby, our daughter enjoyed the colorful illustrations and flowing words, but as she’s grown, it’s so much fun to wriggle, twirl, and shake along with the book’s suggestions. A great book to help remind us of our connection to Mother Earth.

You might also enjoy:
An Awesome Book of Thanks

How to Catch a Star

Posted on October 14, 2016July 3, 2020 by keepinthesunlightblog@gmail.com

How to Catch a Star (2004)
by Oliver Jeffers

This picture book, about a boy who wants to catch a star, is a simple story. The boy wishes he had a star. He makes a plan to catch one, he runs into conflicts, and eventually, his wish comes true. Simple, and yet such a wonderful picture book. Oliver Jeffers, of The Day the Crayons Quit fame, has illustrated How to Catch a Star beautifully. The pictures accompanying this sweet story are child-like, while still remaining fresh. The book as a whole is a winner!

Themes: stars, goals, brainstorming, perseverance, happy endings

(Search for the YouTube stop motions of this book. While they aren’t exactly true to the book, they are seriously darling!)

How to Catch a Star (2004)