The Little Crooked Bookshelf

THE BEST DAYS ARE DOG DAYS
by Aaron Meshon
(Dial Books)

This week's pick is from cottager Anika Denise

What it's all about …
A day in the life of a little French bulldog and his "sis," told from the perky pooch's point of view.

Why it's on The Little Crooked Bookshelf … 
Initially, the bright, graphic-style illustrations are what caught my eye, but the story is equally fun and charming. I love the narrator's authentically dog-like voice. Reading it, I felt sure: if dogs could talk, this is what they'd say as they go about their day.

My favorite lines …
MINTY!
BEEFY!

My favorite illustration …

Why kids will love it …
Kids will love the bold, bright illustrations as well as appreciate the special bond between dog and sis. Plus, there's a brilliant page turn to a full-page spread that simply says, "SQUIRREL!" which should make reading aloud tons of fun.

Why grown-ups will love it …
Adults, especially dog-loving adults, will give the book five out of five chew-bones for its charming and spot-on depiction of a day in the life of a family dog.

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The Little Crooked Bookshelf

This week's pick is by Cottager Kristen Tracy.

Creepy Carrots by Aaron Reynolds 

illustrated by Peter Brown

What it's all about . . .
This is the hilarious story about a rabbit that loves carrots. But when the carrots start following him, the book gets pretty creepy.

Why it’s on the Crooked Bookshelf . . .
It’s a quirky and inventive book about confronting your fears, whether they’re real or imagined or a combination of the two.

Our favorite lines . . .
Jasper was about to help himself to a victory snack . . . when he heard it. The soft . . . sinister . . . tunktunktunk of carrots creeping.

Our favorite illustration . . .

From CREEPY CARROTS! by Aaron Reynolds. Illustration copyright 2012 by Peter Brown.

Why kids will love it . . .
It plays really well with perspective. A scene that looks like creepy carrots at one angle, becomes innocent garden tools in the next. Kids will enjoy the tension as the story uncovers what’s real and what’s imagined.

Why grown-ups will love it . . .
It’s fun to watch the young rabbit’s paranoia take hold. It’s a relatable tale that puts carrots in a whole new light.