In case you were wondering if I forgot our lovely picture book Authors, I haven’t! I was saving picture books for a post all their own. From sleep-walking penguins to pirate Santas, Austin’s authors cover it all.
Little Bunny Kung Fu by Regan Johnson
Putting a twist on a classic camp song, Regan Johnson’s bunny doesn’t so much want to bother field mice, but he is interested in chopping down bamboo with his kung-fu skills. But Great Dragon has to put a stop to this, since so many creatures depend on the bamboo for their habitat and food. Part ecological fable, part action anti-hero, Little Bunny Kung Fu with its asian-inspired images will put a smile on any little ninja’s face.
Patrick the Somnambulist by Sarah Ackerley
Patrick the Penguin’s parents think he’s pretty weird at first – they always wake up in the middle of the night to find Patrick in odd situations. But when they find out he’s just a somnambulist – a fancy word for sleep-walker – they realize it can’t be that bad. In fact, in his sleep, Patrick can do some AMAZING things! With beautiful watercolor illustrations through out, Patrick will make a lovely addition to any library.
A Pirate’s Night Before Christmas
by Philip Yates
Philip Yates was here in BookKids this week to perform his new picture book, a twist on Clement C. Moore’s poem, “The Night Before Christmas.” Not only is this a clever parody (parrot-y?), but a rollicking adventure as one pirate boy waits for “Sir Peg” to deliver presents to the ship’s crew. Young pirates and landlubbers alike will enjoy this colorful, exciting book read aloud on the nights before of Christmasses to come!
Santa Knows by Cynthia Leitich Smith & Greg Leitich Smith
Alfie is a skeptic – he doesn’t believe in Santa and has no problem telling everyone about it. In fact, he has compiled enough research to try and convince his sister that Santa is made up. But Santa won’t stand for that, and on Christmas Eve, Alfie visits the North Pole with the jolly old elf himself, making him a believer and a nicer brother, too. Perfect for skeptics and believers of all ages, Cynthia and Greg Leitich Smith are a force to be reckoned with, especially when it comes to believing in Santa.
