A Really Cute Picture Book

I love picture book Wednesday.  Somehow picture books always seem relegated to the smallest of kids, but really bigger kids can enjoy them just as much.  Often times they get the more sophisticated humor lurking around in the book, and the more subtle messages are not lost on them.  So don't be afraid to keep those picture books out even after your kids have moved on to bigger fare.  They will appreciate the diversion, and often times be reminded of a larger life lesson in the process.  Are you convinced yet?

Don't forget to Like One Great Book on Facebook or Twitter for all the cutest kids books I can find.  And by cute I mean really really funny because if you ever read this blog you know I can't stand the trite fare often put out there.  'Nuff said.

Title:       Cute & Cuter

Author:   Michael Townsend

Target:    Preschool - Grade 1

What this book is about: 
Janie is given the cutest thing she could imagine on her birthday, a dog named Sir Yips-a-lot.  They do everything together.  On her second birthday Janie is overwhelmed with cuteness again when she gets Lady Meow-meow, the worlds cutest kitty.  Now Lady Meow-meow is doing all the things with Janie that Sir Yips-a-lot used to do, so he decides to institute Operation Cute Be Gone.  But without Lady Meow-meow, nothing is the same - they are not a family (bet you didn’t see that one coming!) so Sir Yips-a-lot brings Lady Meow-meow back and the trio is inseparable.  However the best part is what Janie gets on her next birthday!

Why I love this book:
Well it is so cute for one - event he cover says that it has “added cuteness!”    But really I am an absolute fan of Michael Townsend.  His graphic novels on Greek Myths and Where Presidents Come From are just genius.  Surprisingly, while I have always thought the graphic style in his books for older kids were not as visually appealing, I did like the drawings in this picture book.  I think it may have been the larger panels and the bright color choices.

The humor in the book, both direct and implied is also wonderful and very clever.  Don’t worry … it never takes it’s cuteness too seriously.

Who this book is for:
Of course, while this book can be used when a new sibling is entering the house, it is also just wonderful for kids who like funny books and cute animals.  The format is more in the style of a comic book.

Final thoughts:
Who’s the cutest pet of all?  My bet is on the octopus … oops, forget I said that.

To purchase this book:
Click on the following link to connect to Amazon: Cute & Cuter  A portion of each purchase goes to support this blog at no cost to you.