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Flannery BeBop's Picks
Okay, so I'm too young to type, but this is where you'll find great recommendations for children selected by staff, teachers, and some of our best customers.
Chicken Dance
What will the chickens do for the barnyard talent show? The ducks are making fun of their lack of talent, and the cows are getting ready to jump over the moon. They are desperate to win the grand prize-- tickets to see Elvis Poultry. Will there dance moves be enough? Chicken Dance is lenghty, with lots of visual jokes-- recommended for 4- 7 year olds.
Weezer Changes the World
One day Weezer, an ordinary puppy, has something "striking" happen to him (picnic, lightning). After that, he begins to display extraordinary talents that lead to positive change all over the world. David McPhail is a local favorite, and his illustrations for this book have a light, warm touch that make Weezer an instant friend. I would recommend mostly for pre-school age.
Shark Vs. Train
Who would win in a fight, shark or train? Well, it depends of course on what kind of contest! The two toys pair up for everything from a high dive competition to bowling to running a lemonade stand. Perfect for 5-7 year old rambunctious boys and girls, you can use this book to spur imaginative face-offs between all kinds of toys. Fun!
Ten Little Fingers And Ten Little Toes
Helen Oxenbury illustrates this swinging book about toddlers from all around the world and the digits that they all have in common. It's a short, soothing, rhyming story for very young listeners like me. Her babies are just so, so cute!
The Complete Adventures of the Mole Sisters
Ten books in one! That's only two bucks a book! These two little moles have many adventures, described lovingly with soft pastels. They encounter bees, eggs, moss, fairies, and much more in these mini advetures. All siblings should get along so well! Very simple and calm, best for preschoolers.
When Stella Was Very, Very Small
No, I mean really small. She swam in the sink and raced rubber ducks (Stella always won!). She saw a enormous, man eating tiger in the jungle!! Now that Stella is big, and the jungle is just her back yard, and the tiger is just her pet cat, she can do all sorts of things, like read a book to her little brother. Wonderful, whimsical and winning.
Rabbit School
Rabbits need diverse skills to get by-- from recognizing edible plants to fox evasion maneuvers. Told in a quick, hoppity rhyming verse, this children's classic from little Indie publisher Godine has an old-timey look and feel to it. Illustrations by Fritz Koch-Gotha (bless you!)
That's Not My Plane
Actually, any of the "That's Not My" series will do. As long as there is some great texture on every page that I can touch and feel, I'm happy. There's also a crafty little mouse somewhere on each page to search for. The layout and illustrations are simple and streamlined. Just right for toddlers like me.
Traction Man Is Here!
He's an action hero for any occasion! Traction Man uses his various outfits to come to the rescue against the threat of evil pillows, sock monsters, and other household villains. But can he survive the humiliation of his new outfit? Read on, adventurer...
Scaredy Squirrel
This is the book that began the Scaredy empire. He's a bit timid, but he's a great strategic thinker. His very ordered life is thrown into chaos when he is forced to leave the safety of his tree. Scaredy's lists and diagrams will keep both kids and adults entertained. Everyone here at RiverRun is a huge fan.
In a Blue Room
Tricia Tulsa provides illustrations for this book that manage to be soft and exciting at the same time. Alice wont go to sleep until everything in her room is just right-- and blue. Her mother does her best to make everything just right, but in the end it takes Nature to do the job. A lovely bedtime book.
The Great Paper Caper
The creator of The Incredible Book Eating Boy and Lost and Found returns with this hilariously bizarre tale of a bear who goes too far in his quest to win the 112th Biennial Paper Airplane Competition. The creatures of the forest set out to find the culprit responsible for stealing all the trees. Will the bear be brought to justice? Let's just say that not enough picture books have searing courtroom drama in them.
Red Truck
The school bus is stuck! Who can help? Red Truck!! This book makes you want to shout along with the action, and the offkilter illustration add to the excitement. Zoom! Zoom! Zoom!!!
Posy
Catherine Rayner's illustrations steal the show in this simple book about what a cute little cat does all day. Watercolor strokes and ink lines waver to make Posy seem to be in constant motion-- just the way a cat really is. The text has a rhyming, chant-like cadence that is fun to read along to.
A Visitor for Bear
A little mouse visits Bear. Doesn't he know that there are NO VISITORS ALLOWED!!? Apparently not. Each time Bear throws the mouse out, the mouse finds a way back in. Frustrated, Bear lets the mouse stay, and learns that he really enjoys having company after all. This is a very gentle, lovely picture book about friendship and sharing.
The Odd Egg
All the birds have laid an egg except for Duck, so he goes out and finds one-- a nice big one. What will hatch? I'm not telling, but with Emily Gravett it's always fun, surprising, and maybe a little bit dangerous. The illustrations are great, and a unique page layout adds to the fun.
Louise the Adventures of a Chicken
"Louise longed for adventure. She left the Henhouse and went to sea, where the water was deep and dark." So begins this great saga for toddlers. Kate DiCamillo can't seem to miss; she is also the author of Because of Winn Dixie and The Tale of Desperaux, which is now a great big movie. The book has great illustrations by Harry Bliss, who is best known for his work for The New Yorker. From the high seas to the circus high-wire, Louise will keep you clucking with amazement!
Monkey With a Tool Belt
Chico Bon Bon has an awesome tool belt, and it's a good thing too. When he is kidnapped by an organ grinder, it will take all of his wits, as well as his tools (which include a monkey wrench, a turkey wrench, a pajama hammer, a squeegee, a ouija, a zoozle, and many more), to make his escape. Hilarious and whimsical.
Doctor Ted
Ted wakes up and bangs his knee getting out of bed. OUCH! He looks around for a doctor, and when he doesn't find one he decides that he'll be the doctor. When he takes his new personal to school and begins treating the patients-- uh, students-- there, he gets into hot water. This bright, pink and blue hued book has enough sight gags and wordplay to keep adults interested, and is just the right length. If Doctor Ted doesn't make you feel better, take two cookies and call us in the morning...
