The Little Crooked Bookshelf

it's tough to lose your balloon by Jarrett J. Krosoczka

This week's pick is from cottager Kara LaReau.

What it's all about

It’s tough to lose your balloon, and it’s sad to drop your sandwich in the sand. But thanks to this book by renowned author-illustrator Jarrett Krosoczka, readers will discover that there can be an upside to just about every bad situation.

Why it's on The Little Crooked Bookshelf…

We’re big fans of Krosoczka’s other books, especially his zany Lunch Lady series and his super-fun picture books, like Punk Farm and Good Night, Monkey Boy. But it’s also nice to see him lend his considerable talents to this more contemplative tale.

Our favorite lines…

"It hurts to get a scrape…but you’ll get a cool bandage. (It might even glow in the dark!)"

Our favorite illustration…

Why kids will love it…

Simple, sweet illustrations will engage young readers to look for the silver lining in every cloud.

Why grown-ups will love it…

A lovely lesson in resilience, perfect for sharing any time, but especially during tough times.

The Little Crooked Bookshelf. . . with a Giveaway!

Peanut Butter and Jellyfish
by Jarrett J. Krosoczcka

What it's all about . . .
Peanut Butter (a seahorse) and Jellyfish are the best of friends. But they live near Crabby--a salty sea creature with a fondness for heckling. When Crabby gets caught in a lobster trap, the two friends have to decide whether to help their crusty crustacean neighbor.

Why it's on The Little Crooked Bookshelf . . .
A. The title is hilarious. B. The story is sweet with a nice message about kindness, forgiveness and inclusion, that comes across without feeling too preachy. Also, big props to JK for including some stretch vocabulary words like, "relentless," "excursion," and "invertebrate."

Our favorite lines . . .
"Jellyfish puffed up his chest and said, 'Driftwood and sea stones may break our bones, but words will never hurt us.'
'You're an invertebrate! You don't even have any bones,' huffed Crabby as he marched along his favorite rock by himself."

Our favorite illustration . . .

Why kids will love it . . .
Sweet, kid-friendly illustrations coupled with silly sea creature banter will make this book a favorite of the k-3 set.

Why grown-ups will love it . . .
Krosoczcka's latest is a fun addition to read alongside other ocean-floor adventure favorites, such as Marcus Pfister's Rainbow Fish, Kevin Sherry's I'm The Biggest Thing In The Ocean and Sue Hendra's Barry The Fish with Fingers. 

*WIN A SIGNED COPY OF PEANUT BUTTER AND JELLYFISH!*

Tell us which ocean-themed children's book is YOUR favorite (in addition to PB & J, of course) in the comments below for a chance to win a SIGNED copy of Peanut Butter and Jellyfish by Jarrett J. Krosoczcka!

Winner will be announced on May 7th!