Picture Books
On errand day in town with her mother, a little girl starts off with an empty big green pocketbook. Along the way she collects pieces of her day to put inside, along with stories for each treasure. All seems lost on the return trip when the little girl leaves her pocketbook “with her whole day in it” on the bus. The friendly bus driver saves the day in this simple slice-of-life story. The pictures by Felicia Bond (If You Give a Mouse a Cookie) are charming and cheerful. “A cozy, satisfying tale of an orderly world—simply told and illustrated with pictures in which the cheerful faces and tidy, spacious design nicely reflect the text’s sunny flavor.” Kirkus “Youngsters will be entirely satisfied with the expected happy ending to this sprightly narrative, which is studded with inventive imagery . . . [Bond’s] whimsical, cartoony pictures [offer] a playful and most suitable setting for this winsome story with its timeless theme.” Publisher’s Weekly |
One Saturday morning, a little girl and her father climb into their old blue pickup truck and rattle off to run errands. They stop at a bakery, the hardware store, the home store, the plant nursery, and a farm. At each place, they pick up an item that transforms the old blue pickup truck into a restaurant, a tool shed, a feed store . . . and a barnyard! “This enjoyable story is accompanied ... by illustrations that have a bright and clean feel. Pair this title with The Apple Pie that Papa Baked for a father-themed storytime.” School Library Journal “Young children, even those who have never ridden in a pickup truck, will take satisfaction in this simple family story and its happy outcome.” Booklist |
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They must work all week except on Sunday afternoons. Glorious Sundays, when slaves throughout Fredericksburg walk along the dirt path they call Liberty Street. Soon Sundays take on an even deeper meaning when Kezia joins a secret school to learn to read. Meanwhile, Mama works frantically to earn extra money to buy Kezia’s freedom before she is bonded to another family far away. She must risk everything to give her daughter a chance to feel like Liberty Street every day of the week. “Told by Kezia in the present tense, the story is intense and powerful. Strong and compelling.” Kirkus |
Here are the famous wild ponies of Assateague and Chincoteague Island, presented in stunning Technicolor. Centuries ago, a Spanish shipwreck left dozens of horses stranded on Assateague Island, off the coast of Virginia. For years they were free to roam on their new island home until the neighboring island, Chincoteague, suffered a series of fires that devastated the town. The volunteer firefighters held a special event to raise money for a new fire truck, and so began the Wild Pony Swim that continues to this day. “ . . . sparse simple words . . . are intent upon telling their story . . . often a scene will be described in a mere eleven words, but every syllable will be necessary in telling this tale . . . Ransom’s words find purchase with this expressive picture book artist . . . both Ransom and Zahares have done a good job of making this book friendly to even the smallest child and horse fans of every age will take pleasure in the job done here. A fun and informative tale.” Elizabeth Bird, Fuse #8 Production |
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Addie’s father promised that she would learn to read and write her name. But when he doesn’t return from the Civil War, it seems as if Addie’s dreams might be lost with him. Addie’s mother struggles to find food for her children. Finding the money for desks and books for their schooling seems impossible. Addie and her mother find a way, though Addie must sacrifice something she treasures for something she longs for. Addie’s story is sure to make its mark on the hearts and minds of all who understand her thirst for knowledge. “This realistic tale, told from the point of view of a Southerner, is very touching. Like the pieces of the quilt, historical details are seamlessly interwoven into the story, bringing to life a troubled time.” School Library Journal |
Tractor naps. Climb aboard the big red tractor. It’s time to get ready for spring. Raking, plowing, and planting the fields is hard, but doing it together makes everything more fun. Ride along and join the fun! “Youngsters will delight in this fresh seasonal story. A great choice for reading aloud or sharing one-on-one.” School Library Journal “Life on the farm never looked so good.” Booklist |
The Big Green Pocketbook
The Old Blue Pickup Truck
Liberty Street
Pony Island
The Promise Quilt
Tractor Day| There’s more to explore in Candice Ransom’s world of books and writing: | |
 Ellsworth’s Journal |
Under the Honeysuckle Vine Blog |