Laugh Out Loud Baby (Tony Johnston)

This reminded me of those videos you see on Youtube of a baby the laughs and laughs and laughs and brings such delight to everyone with his or her laugh.

In this story, everyone celebrates the baby's laugh. The get together is one family get together I could relate to. So much food. So many people. So much fun.

The best part was when I read this at the end:
 For the Navajo, a child's first laugh always has been a precious moment. They celebrate this even with a First Laugh Ceremony. The baby - with the help of grown-ups - gives small sweet gifts to each guest, so that he will become generous he gives nuggets of rock salt to keep him from being stingy. Then, to bring good luck, the baby is passed from guest to guest.


This would be a great book to give to new parents.

Goodreads says:

From Caldecott Medalist Stephen Gammell and beloved writer Tony Johnston, this joyous picture book with audio celebrates the sound of a baby’s laughter.The family gathers round to hear the sweet sound of the new baby’s sweet laugh! But just because everyone has gathered doesn’t mean the baby’s ready. When the moment finally comes, the sound makes everyone else laugh too—aunts, uncles, cousins, and even great-grandma. It seems no one can resist the sound of baby’s laugh. And who would want to?

With simple, endearing text, audio, and Stephen Gammell’s unmistakable art, this tribute to the joy a young child’s laughter will quickly become a family favorite.

That Stinks (Alan Katz)

This would be a good book to go with an Amelia Bedilia read aloud. The books is full of puns.

The illustrations are amazing! Great expression on the faces of these kids. You could also use this book for writing about how someone is feeling by describing their expression and stance.

Goodreads says:

From humorist Alan Katz and illustrator Stephen Gilpin comes a very punny picture book about a series of show-and-tell misunderstandings.

When the teacher says it’s too rainy to go outside for recess and the kids must stay inside for show and tell, she gets an unexpected reaction: “That stinks!” exclaims Jimmy. The class gasps—but then it turns out Jimmy has brought a skunk for show and tell! “Aw, nuts!” says Susie. She’s brought pecans, almonds, and walnuts. Yum! Kids will love shouting these exclamations and more along with the characters in this brand-new picture book from comedy writer Alan Katz, brought vividly to life with cartoonish illustrations by Stephen Gilpin.

The Bad Seed (Jory John)

Jory John is hilarious. This bad seed was probably friends with Dragon.

I have to teach a lesson on Sunday about why it's important to obey. This will be a hilarious addition to the lesson.

The bad seed is a sunflower seed. He doesn't mean to be bad. Things just happen.

Another angle on the story could also be about bullying. Sometimes kids perceive other kids that don't do what we expect as bullies or mean kids. This is a good example of how sometimes people do things and act in ways we don't expect because of the experiences they have had.

Good book for the Notice and Note Signpost of contrasts and contradictions. Just when we think we have this bad seed figured out, he decides to turn over a new leaf. 

Goodreads says:

A humorous picture book about a bad guy who makes an important and life-changing realization.

The Numberlys (William Joyce and Christina Ellis)

I love books that you have to turn to get the right view. This one is a VERY tall book and is about an imaginary place where there are only numbers. There are a number of wordless pages too, which always makes for an interesting read aloud discussion.

Everything is perfect and orderly. They invent letters and then words and what a world it is!

Goodreads says:


From the team who brought you The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore comes an alphabet tale extraordinaire!

Once upon a time there was no alphabet, only numbers

Life was fine. Orderly. Dull as gray paint. Very numberly. But our five jaunty heroes weren't willing to accept that this was all there could be. They knew there had to be more.

So they broke out hard hats and welders, hammers and glue guns, and they started knocking some numbers together. Removing a piece here. Adding a piece there. At first, it was awful. But the five kept at it, and soon it was artful! One letter after another emerged, until there were twenty-six. Twenty-six letters - and they were beautiful. All colorful, shiny, and new. Exactly what our heroes didn't even know they were missing.

And when the letters entered the world, something truly wondrous began to happen: Pizza! Jelly beans! Color! Books!

Based on the award-winning app, this is William Joyce and Moonbot's Metropolis-inspired homage to everyone who knows there is more to life than shades of black and gray.

Gaston (Kely DiPucchio)

I know someone that this book would be perfect for. She doesn't look like her family and so sometimes she thinks she doesn't fit in her family....but she does.

Goodreads says:

This is the story of four puppies: Fi-Fi, Foo-Foo, Ooh-La-La, and Gaston. Gaston works the hardest at his lessons on how to be a proper pooch. He sips - never slobbers! He yips - never yaps! And he walks with grace - never races! Gaston fits right in with his poodle sisters.But a chance encounter with a bulldog family in the park-Rocky, Ricky, Bruno, and Antoinette-reveals there's been a mix-up, and so Gaston and Antoinette switch places. The new families look right...but they don't feel right. Can these puppies follow their noses-and their hearts-to find where they belong?

Antoinette (Kelly DiPucchio)

Super cute. Goes with Gaston. Find your talent! You're special!

Goodreads says:

Raised in a family of talented bulldogs, Antoinette the poodle wonders what makes her special. She gets the chance to prove herself and find what she's good at when puppy Ooh-la-la goes missing.

Dog Days of School (Kelly DiPucchio)

Freaky Friday returns, kid-lit style! This one will get a laugh for sure. Charlie doesn't like school - but in the end, decides it's not so bad.

Goodreads says:

Charlie thinks his dog, Norman, has got it good: he gets to spend his days lounging on the couch or playing fetch, and he never has to do any homework. But when Charlie makes a wish to be a dog instead of a boy, things get a little topsy-turvy!

New York Times best-selling author Kelly DiPucchio's signature humor and Brian Biggs's bold, playful illustrations come together in a hilarious tale that proves that the grass always does look greener on the other side (even if that side involves drinking from the toilet!).