The Watermelon Seed


The Watermelon Seed by Greg Pizzoli

What kid hasn’t imagined the awful things that might happen inside his tummy if he swallowed a watermelon seed?  In this book, a watermelon-loving crocodile does just that.  After swallowing a seed, this crocodile plays out all the scenarios that must be going on inside.

There’s no heartfelt message or sentimental tears at the end of this book; it’s purely for fun—short, colorful, and silly .  My one-and-a-half-year old can’t get enough of this book right now, and our six-year old loves hearing it over and over as well.  I’m excited to read more by Greg Pizzoli!

The Monster at the End of This Book


The Monster at the End of This Book (1971)
by Jon Stone, illustrated by Michael Smollin

Lovable, furry old Grover (of Sesame Street fame) is scared.  There is a monster at the end of the book, and he is doing everything in his power to stop you, the reader, from turning the pages.  He ties pages together, builds walls, all the while begging the reader to Please. Stop. Turning. The. Pages.

This is an interactive book created before they were all the rage.  It’s short, simple, funny, and fun.

While obviously not a “Halloween” book, it could easily fit a Halloween theme if need be.  This is definitely one of my favorites.

The Monster at the End of This Book (1971)

A Whole Nother Story

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A Whole Nother Story (2010)
by Dr. Cuthbert Soup

A hilarious and wacky kids’ novel that tells the adventures of a family on the run.  Dr. Cheeseman is trying to fix the time machine he and his now-deceased wife built, but there are several evil organizations chasing him down.  Cheeseman and his three kids are constantly moving to new towns and creating new identities to keep themselves and their time machine safe.

This is Dr. Cuthbert Soup’s first book, and it is so incredibly well done.  His comedic timing plays out effortlessly on the pages, as if you are watching the scenes unfold before you.  The characters are quirky and likable, even the “bad guys.”  I am so pleased to see there is a sequel available!

 

A Whole Nother Story (2010)
Some quotes:

“The hot afternoon sun seemed to melt the horizon like a gooey grilled cheese sandwich…”  ch 4

“Always lift with your legs, no matter how tempting it might be to use your hands.”  Advice on Avoiding Back Injuries

“Parrots repeat what they hear,” said Mr. Cheeseman.  “And they have a brain the size of a walnut.  I suggest you choose your words more carefully.”  ch 20

“Why is it that we can put a man on the moon yet we can’t seem to devise a more efficient, cleaner-burning engine than the one that put a man on the moon?”  Advice on the Dangers of Technology