The Rescuers by Margery Sharp

(review by Julie)
I've been looking for some longer picture books to read to my two year old on those days that his attention span seems a little longer.  Our library has a small collection of such books but I've been disappointed at the weak plots and uninteresting characters.

However, a month or two ago, my mom saw The Rescuers at a Thrift Store (a great place to buy cheap books!) and got it, with a bunch of others, for her stash at home.  I LOVED this book as a kid- it's one of the few I remember, so I swiped it (with mom's permission, of course) and have read it to my son a few times.

It has an engaging plot line, memorable characters, and classic Disney style artwork. I think it's probably about the same length as Level 3, I Can Read book.

Armadillo Rodeo by Jan Brett

(review by Julie)
Jan Brett has written a whole collection of kids books with fun story lines and amazing artwork. Armadillo Rodeo is no exception!

My 2 year old son loves for me to read Brett's books to him, but what I love about this book, above her other books, is it's setting in Texas and it's subject matter of a curious armadillo, Bo, who mistakes a red boot for a new friend.

As is Brett's tradition, there's the art work in the center of each page, but there is also art work on the sides of the pages, telling a little more of the story than the words on the page. For example, the image below shows the main story line where Bo gets his first taste of a hot chili pepper. But on the side, you see his mom and brothers talking to a cow, I assume, to ask if he's seen Bo.  These additional illustrations give me and my son something extra to talk about. I like to draw him deeper into the story line by asking him to imagine what might be going on.

I have a lot of friends from Texas, a sister who lives in Texas- I was even born in Texas!  So, I feel a little connection with the book.  Right now we have it from the library, but I've really been wanting to buy it. In fact, I'd like to order a dozen of them for gifts!  I guess for now, I'll just renew the book for another three weeks.