picture books worth celebrating

HANDS OFF HARRY by Rosemary Wells (Kathleen Tegen Books 2011) is the first book in her new series: Kindergators. Yes, the class is alligators. In Book #1 Harry learns about personal space and that hands are for holding and helping but not for pushing and shoving. <607>



HAMPIRE by Sudipta Bardham-Quallen with illustrations by Howard Fine (Harper 2011) is the story of a pig who is rumored to be a vampire. Hampire prowls the night. One evening, a hapless duck is followed by Hampire. Duck takes refuge with some other farm animals in an old shed. There, they make an interesting discovery about Hampire. <608>



Anne Rockwell gives readers a glimpse into the preparations for FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL Harper 2011, illustrations by Lizzy Rockwell). Haircuts, new shoes, backpacks, supplies: there is much to do to get ready for that all important first day. <609>



CHARLIE THE RANCH DOG by Ree Drummond (Harper 2011) is a humorous look at the life of a working dog named Charlie. There is a new dog on the ranch, and Charlie wants to show her the ropes. Sometimes, though, Charlie finds himself being helped more by Suzie. Great illustrations and a glimpse into what "chores" dogs can perform on the ranch. <610>



BECAUSE by Richard Torrey (Harper 2011) visits that age old answer "WHY?" with that less than informative "BECAUSE." Why is Jack covered in band-aids? Why are there handprints of mud all over the door? Jack has an answer that extends beyond because. Warmly funny. <611>