Children’s Picture Book Round-Up (Plus Big Book Giveaway)

Some really wonderful children’s picture books have crossed my desk recently. I hope you’ll check them out. Stock up on some great books for the summer when you’ll want your kids to keep reading so they don’t lose any of their proficiency while they’re out of school. The books below are picture books for you to read together with your children. A future post will feature some terrific chapter books I like for kids.

Patti Pelican and the Gulf Oil Spill
By Lynda Wurster Deniger



This story is based on the real-life oil spill that occurred 40 miles off the coast of Louisiana on April 20, 2010. In this book, Patti Pelican and her friends become covered in “thick, brown tarry stuff” when they try to dive into the water to catch fish. Fortunately, Patti and her friend, Sammy Seagull, are taken to a rescue center where they are given a cleaning, rest, and medication. Then they are relocated to the western side of Louisiana, which was unaffected by the oil spill. This charming book encourages discussions with children about caring for our environment and wildlife, and makes it clear that they’re not too young to play a part. It also includes an audio and sing-a-long CD! Learn more at www.saltyseasandfriends.com.

I See the Sun in Nepal
By Dedie King



This book is part of the I See the Sun Series by Dedie King, which introduces children to everyday life for children in foreign countries. In I See the Sun in Nepal, kids follow a young girl as she enjoys breakfast, does her chores, and goes to school in her village. The text is written in both English and Nepalese! A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this book will go to The Learning Centers in Bandipur, Nepal. Learn more at www.satyahouse.com.

Draw Plus Math
By Freddie Levin



The subtitle of this book, Enhance Math Learning Through Art Activities, says it all! My 7-year-old boys dove right into the activities in this book and definitely didn’t mind that they were learning math principles at the same time. This fun book can take away the fear and drudgery of doing math for kids who may not be enthusiastic about the subject. Other books by author-illustrator Freddie Levin can be found at www.123draw.com.

Dear Baby I’m Watching over You
By Carol Casey



This book is meant to be given to a child by a parent who is serving in the armed forces. It’s a sweet and loving book that reassures the child that the parent is always “watching over you.” At the end of the book is a page that can be filled in with the names of all the people who read the book to the child. There’s also a map so that parents can show their child where the missing parent is stationed. This book is a must-have for all military families! Learn more at www.dearbabybooks.com.

Walking with Sophie
By Adam Webb



Walking with Sophie is a magical book about a little girl who shares her favorite memories: collecting seashells on the beach, walking with her father and dog through the woods, visiting the bakery with her grandmother, and being home with her parents. These memories make Sophie smile as she returns to her place in the sky as an angel. This beautifully illustrated and written book is helpful in explaining death to a child and banishing fears about death. Learn more at www.walkingwithsophie.com.

The Megasaurus
By Thomas Weck and Peter Weck



The bean-shaped bears of Beandom are being terrorized by a Megasaurus -- a giant monster that loves to eat beans. Three wise owls in the kingdom each have their own ideas for defeating the Megasaurus, but they all fail and they’re eaten by the Megasaurus. Finally, the king allows a tiny little bear named L. Joe Bean to implement a brilliant plan. Fortunately, it works, and the Megasaurus coughs up the owls and bears he had swallowed and runs away. This book might be a little scary for children who don’t like monsters, but the moral lessons are valuable. Learn more at www.limabearpress.com.

Paris Goes to San Francisco
By Liberty Morris



This book is one of a series of books featuring various locales (New York, Los Angeles, Italy, France) that young Paris visits. In Paris Goes to San Francisco, she rides the cable cars, visits Union Square, sees Coit Tower, goes to Alcatraz, drives over the Golden Gate Bridge, and much more. This book is a great way for kids to learn about the city and the adventures of travel. Learn more at www.myfriendparis.com.

GIVEAWAY

One winner will receive a copy of all of the books mentioned above (7 books!). To enter, please leave a comment on this post sharing which book above you plan to read to your kids first if you’re the winner! You must do this to enter the giveaway.

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One winner will be randomly selected from the qualified comments received by Tuesday, May 24, 2011, at 11:59 PM ET. Please leave an email address on one of your comments if it’s not available on your Blogger profile. Winner must respond within 72 hours or another winner will be drawn. Contest is open to US residents only.

CONTEST CLOSED. Congratulations to the winner, Lori!



DISCLOSURE: I received complimentary copies of these books to facilitate my candid review. No financial compensation was provided. The Amazon affiliate links in this post are my own.