Picture Books Galore!

THE JUNGLE RUN by Tony Mitton with illustrations by Guy Parker-Rees. Orchard, 2012.

The smallest can win
With determination and
Lucky accidents. <433>




A STAR FOR ZOG by Julia Donaldson with illustrations by Axel Scheffler. Arthur A. Levine/Scholastic, 2012.

Zog wants to succeed
And get that elusive star
A princess might help. <434>




DINOSAUR THUNDER by Marion Dane Bauer with illustrations by Margaret Chodos-Irvine. Scholastic 2012.

Thunder frightens kids
Until dinosaur thunder
Makes them laugh and dance. <435>

Quick reviews of recent picture books

BEAR IN LOVE by Daniel Pinkwater with illustrations by Will Hillenbrand (Candlewick 2012) is a charming story of a bear who discovers a carrot left for him near his den. He is pleased with the gift but wonders who has left it. As days pass, more gifts are left for bear by his unknown friend. Bear soon joins in the acts of giving until he meets his unseen admirer. <258>

BEARS IN BEDS by Shirley Parenteau with illustrations by David Walker (Candlewick 2012) has a very different feel than the preceding bear book. Here we have some rambunctious bears getting ready for bed. Will they ever settle down to sleep? Wait! What was that noise? <259>