Pardon Me!

Pardon Me! by Daniel Miyares was a nominee for the 2016-17 South Carolina Picture Book Award.

A little yellow bird sits alone on a rock in a swamp. He won’t be alone for long, though. One by one, a heron, a frog, and a turtle politely ask to join him. The little bird really just wants to be left alone, but he begrudgingly allows the others a bit of space. That changes when a fox comes along…

The little bird finally snaps. He wants everyone to leave him alone! He doesn’t realize, however, that the fox is trying to give him a very important warning. Being grumpy could land this little yellow bird into a huge heap of trouble!

Pardon Me!, while not ideal for read-alouds, is sure to charm fans of I Want My Hat Back, This Is Not My Hat, Sam and Dave Dig a Hole, and other books with rather unexpected endings. It is a very quick, surprising read that will delight young and older readers alike. The illustrations are vibrant and beautifully capture the overall mood of the book.

One Big Pair of Underwear

One Big Pair of Underwear, written by Laura Gehl and illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld, is a nominee for the 2016-17 South Carolina Picture Book Award.

Our story begins with a big pair of underwear and two bears. Both bears want to wear the underwear, but only one can. That leaves the other bear bare. Next, we meet three yaks who want snacks, four seals wanting scooters painted teal, five goats in cars who want candy bars, and so on. Each group has one big problem–there’s never enough to go around!

Finally, twenty pigs, who all want to ride on ten playground slides, show everyone how fun it can be to share! Soon, all of the animals, from bears to cows to baboons to yaks to hippos, are all sharing their goodies and having a blast at the same time…and it all started with one big pair of underwear!

One Big Pair of Underwear is already a hit with young readers in my school. The title alone ensures that it is constantly checked out, and, once children read the funny story inside, they want it again and again.

Teachers and parents may find this book to be a great read-aloud with their little ones. Not only does it teach counting (and, dare I say it, economic principles like supply and demand), but it also emphasizes the importance of sharing.

If you’d like to use the book trailer I created to promote this book, feel free.