The Little Crooked Bookshelf

Race Car Count 

by Rebecca Kai Dotlich, illustrated by Michael Slack

This week's pick is from cottager Kara LaReau.

What it's all about
Red light, yellow light, green light, GO! Start your engines — as ten race cars speed around the track, every moment counts, literally!

Why it's on The Little Crooked Bookshelf…
We're a family of car fans (if you didn't already know), and my little one is all about spelling and counting these days. So this racy little number by Rebecca Kai Dotlich and Michael Slack is currently #1 in our house!

Our favorite lines…
"Race car 10 has finished last. Still, his wheels were lightning fast."

Our favorite illustration…

Why kids will love it…
With a cast of cool crazy characters (or would those be CAR-acters?) by Michael Stack and a rollicking text from Rebecca Kai Dotlich, this story is sure to get little engines revving.

Why grown-ups will love it…
It's a wheely fun read-aloud with lots of visual interest, without focusing too much on winning and losing. GO-GO-GO check it out!

The Little Crooked Bookshelf

BIGFOOT IS MISSING!
by J. Patrick Lewis and Kenn Nesbitt
Illustrated by Minalima

This week's pick is from Cottager Kara LaReau.

What it's all about...
Renowned children’s poets J. Patrick Lewis and Kenn Nesbitt and design agency Minalima shine a light on seventeen cryptids (aka mysterious creatures) from around the world.

Why it's on The Little Crooked Bookshelf...
A frighteningly fresh and funny pick for Poetry Month!

Our favorite lines...
SAILORS
NEEDED.
CALL TODAY!
Last crew missing; gone
aweigh. Ship leaves soon.
Hard work. No slackin.’
Be prepared to work 
with Kraken.

Our favorite illustration... 

From BIGFOOT IS MISSING! Illustration copyright 2015 by Minalima.

Why kids will love it...
Like their subject matter, these poems will sneak up on you, as they hide in signs, in labels, and in classified ads, among other unexpected places.

Why grown-ups will love it...
It’s no mystery — this book is monstrously fun for all ages!

The Little Crooked Bookshelf

BLIZZARD 

by John Rocco

This week's pick is from Cottager Kara LaReau.

What it's all about...
In 1978, a devastating snowstorm sweeps through town, the streets haven’t been plowed for four days, and a young boy’s family is running out of food. Now, it’s up to him to take action. Will he survive his perilous journey — and, more important, will be bring back milk for hot cocoa?

Why it's on The Little Crooked Bookshelf...
Even if it’s not quite the infamous Blizzard of ’78, we are feeling this winter weather — so we’re grateful for John Rocco’s funny, frank recollection, which warms us like a cup of hot cocoa (with milk).

Our favorite line(s)...
SNOWPLOWS! It looked as though we would see civilization again after all.

Our favorite illustration...

Why kids will love it...
Extreme weather like this can make us all feel helpless, especially our little ones. In this case, it’s the youngest who takes charge and saves the day — and in a very ingenious way.

Why grown-ups will love it...
Those of us who experienced the Blizzard of ’78 first-hand will enjoy taking a walk down (a very snowy!) memory lane.

The Little Crooked Bookshelf

Richard Scarry’s BEST LOWLY WORM BOOK EVER!

This week's pick is from Cottager Kara LaReau

What it's all about...
The irreverent invertebrate is back, along with all our Busy World favorites (including Goldbug!) in this collection of delightful episodes.

Why it's on The Little Crooked Bookshelf...
We’re big fans of Richard Scarry and his Busy World, so we couldn’t wait to get our hands on this recently-discovered treasure, which was lovingly completed by Scarry’s son, Huck.

Our favorite line(s)...
“I get up in the morning and wash my face and foot.”

Our favorite illustration…

From Richard Scarry's Best Lowly Worm Book Ever! Illustration copyright by Richard Scarry.

Why kids will love it...
Who doesn’t love Lowly and his cheerful energy, especially when he invites us to join him on his exciting adventures!

Why grown-ups will love it...
Something new to discover with every read, as (both) Scarrys’ work is filled with so much wonderful detail. Also, Lowly teaches us about manners, counting, modes of transportation, and morning and evening routines. He’s bound to worm his way into your heart.