Similar Books: Bark Park

 When I first became a librarian, I was helping our supervisor with a story time and I loved watching her. She was amazing. I couldn't have learned how to have a story time from a better children's librarian. I would always make note of the books she chose for story time and would love to sometimes use the same ones as I started to do story times more often. One of the books she loved to use was Bark Park by Karen Gray Ruelle. Fast forward to today and it is hard for me to believe I've been a librarian for more than ten years. I'm so grateful for the librarians that have helped me learn everything I carry with me up to today. I recently came across this 2018 title, Bark Park by Trudy Krisher, and it reminded me of my first years as a librarian. Both books are so much fun and would be wonderful to share in a dog-themed story time together. 

Paws Books 2015

There are always so many awesome book lists that come out every year, along with awards and other forms of recognition for books. I wanted to create a list of books that I thought were really incredible, my favorite for the year. These books get the "Paws" sticker just for fun.

The first is Extraordinary Jane by Hannah E. Harrison. This is my favorite picture book of 2015 and easily now one of my most favorite picture books. I loved it so much I bought a copy for myself, to share with anyone who will make time. Jane is a little dog whose family make up part of a circus. They all have special talents, and although Jane tries to find something she excels at, she is not very successful. The owner of the circus,  however, sees many beautiful qualities in Jane: she is loyal, a good friend, hard working. She is a good dog, and that is enough. This book always brings tears to my eyes and makes my heart knot up.

The Lightning Queen by Laura Resau. Everything about this book, from the language to the cover and layout, is magical. Please view  my full review at School Library Journal.

The Finishing School Series by Gail Carriger. This series finished up last year with Manners & Mutiny, and it is one of my most favorites. An alternate Victorian London, steampunk technology, spy academies, a quirky protagonist named Sophronia and her lovable mechanimal Bumbersnoot, and wit and cleverness are all part of this series. Highly recommended, especially for those who have read the Enola Holmes series and the Incorrigible Children series and loved them.

   

I am constantly looking for graphic novels my nieces would love, and these two are some of my absolute favorite from last year. Baba Yaga's Assistant is full of life and folklore, with beautiful artwork by Emily Carroll, who released Through the Woods in 2014. This graphic novel is perfect for fans of folklore and legends. Roller Girl, winner of the 2016 Newbery Honor, is bright and colorful and full of life. Astrid navigates the beginning of her life in roller derby as well as middle school, she finds herself growing apart from her best friend. A very fast and interesting read which (hopefully) will have a sequel! 

Another great 2015 graphic novel is Sunny Side Up by Jennifer Holm which, like Roller Girl, deals with problems children and teen face with humor and strength.

If I was choosing books for awards, these would definitely receive a Paws label.

Similar Books: Black Dogs and Cats

The Dog Who Loved Tortillas

The Dog Who Loved Tortillas / La perrita que le encantaban las tortillas

Benjamin Alire Saenz

Illustrated by Geronimo Garcia

2009

Little Diego and his sister Gabriela both want a dog of their very own. Their parents agree, but tell them they must share. They pick a beautiful white dog with brown spots and name her Sofie. When their parents’ backs are turned, they argue over who Sofie really belongs to. They begin taking Sofie for walks and training her with delicious tortillas, which Sofie loves. But when Sofie gets sick, Little Diego and Gabriela stop fighting and comfort each other and Sofie. They sleep by her side and Gabriela tells Diego she will be okay, even if she is crying inside. Sofie finally gets better and runs off with a tortilla, Gabriela and Diego chasing after her.

I loved this book because it is about a dog, and dogs are my kryptonite. The little dog in the story actually reminds me of two very special dogs I know. I think the book does a beautiful job of showing how it feels when your beloved dog is sick – nothing else matters, nothing. Next to a pet who is ill, everything else seems so unimportant. This is what Gabriela and Diego learn – they find out that Sofie belongs to both of them and that it doesn’t matter who saw her first or who named her, as long as they have her with them. The illustrations are made out of photographs of clay creations and are so detailed and very fun to look at. I especially loved the clay marranito with the cup of coffee that the parents were enjoying.

The text is presented in English and Spanish. This is a great book to read silently or aloud, perhaps to a pet of your own.

Picture Book of the Month: Unlovable

I've decided to feature at least one picture book per month starting today. I come across so many adorable, fun, interesting, sweet, and incredible picture books, and I think it would be a great idea to share a few and perhaps spread the love and appreciation for these books.


The first book to be inaugurated into this montly featurette is Unlovable by Dan Yaccarino. I first came across this book while I was working as a Shelving Assistant during graduate school. I shelved books in the whole library, and one day while I was in the children's picture book section, I was towards the end of the picture books when I looked down and saw the spine of a book, and it read "UNLOVABLE." I could not resist such a clever and intriguing title. I pulled the book out and knew right when I looked at it that I'd have to check it out that moment. I did not regret it, and to be honest, this would be the Picture Book of the Month every month if it were up to me.

Unlovable tells the story of Alfred the pug, who thinks that he is unlovable because the other animals in and outside of his home tell him so. One day, a new neighbor moves in and they have a dog named Rex. In order to get Rex to like him, Alfred tells a small lie. After all, Rex is on the other side of the fence and will never know, right? The words and pictures in this book complement each other perfectly. One of the things I enjoy about this book is staring at the pictures and catching all of the details placed in each page by the author, who is also the illustrator. This is one of my favorite books and I bought my own copy because of how much I love it. When I have read it to children, it has had a very positive effect, and they really enjoy it. This would be a really good book to read on any occasion, especially when the theme is dogs and/or friendship.