Wild About You! by Judy Sierra and Marc Brown

Wild About You is just out and all about families

Judy Sierra and Marc Brown made a great team when they collaborated on Wild About Books, which went on to great acclaim. The award-winning book is one I like to share when I want to do a themey story time about librarians and reading for Dr. Seuss's Birthday or to launch a summer story time session. Wild About You! is another such book, with a loving story about babies at the zoo, including those naturally born to their parents, and two special babies who are adopted by their animal parents. 
The illustrations by Marc Brown are playful and really quite lovely. Marc Brown's illustrations bring together a profusion of greys and oranges and periwinkle blues with some soothing greens and happy-go-lucky yellows. The illustrations are a treat and full of story-enhancing details. If you are looking for the animals to resemble those in Brown's hit television and book series about Arthur the aardvark, then maybe you should plan to be a little disappointed. 
When I pick up a book that is a collaboration of two well-known individuals, I sometimes see the story taking a back seat to the illustrations. Not so in this book, which focuses in on two adoptive zoo animal parents who yearn for children of their own, and who finally, gloriously, get their wishes. I have read a few children's books about adoption over the years, and to be honest, none of them have really stood out. But this book is different. This one briefly focuses on the sadness parents feel when they can't have their own children, then moves on the celebrate the new adoptive families, highlighting how the zoo animals help the Pandas and the Tree Kangaroos meet the needs of their young.
This book is a lighthearted celebration of children, families, and the communities that help them thrive, but it doesn't hit you over the head with these messages.
Wild About You! is a medium-length book with over-sized pages that are spare on words. Perfect for a 3 to 5 year old age group. But the story and illustrations could find their way into a number of story hour themes:

• Families
• Community
• Zoo Animals
• Mothers
• Fathers
• Babies

If you like Wild About You! be sure to read Judy Sierra's Wild About Books!

Please Take Me for a Walk by Linda Gal

Our family has started our busy school year and our fall schedule is jam-packed with activities. Places to go, books to read, and lots of driving. It's easy to forget that summer is still in the air, for a few more days at least! The cute little pup in Please Take Me for a Walk makes being outdoors look so inviting, you may just want to reach out for a leash and take a walk of your own.
The entreating eyes of the puppy on the cover of this story by Susan Gal invites you to take a walk with him through the neighborhood, past the bakery and the florist, and to his favorite shop of all, the butcher! At one point in the story, the friendly little terrier is laying on his back with his four paws outstretched just begging for attention. This book is beautifully illustrated, making the sights and sounds and smells of the outdoors beckon to readers. The book reminds us all to take a break from our busy lives and to get out, enjoy the fresh air, and take a walk with our favorite animal friend or even with our children!
Please Take Me for a Walk was enjoyed immensely by my young, preschool-aged children. I recommend you read this with Sally Goes to the Vet or Sally Goes to the Farm. These favorite dog-themed books feature another adorable canine friend and woodcut artwork by author and artist Stephen Huneck. Dog-themed stories are prolific, so choose your faves to make up a Dog Days of Summer storytime theme.