We interpreted the “Spring” theme pretty broadly, throwing in books about farm animals, bunnies, ducks, and so on. The least thematically appropriate book, The Big Wide-Mouthed Frog, was one of the most successful. There are a lot of versions of this particular tale, but the illustrations in Larrañaga’s book are so great: bold, bright colors; large pictures without excessive detail; obvious facial expressions on the characters. It’s perfect for storytime. My storytime partner – also Amanda – does such an amazing job with this book. I have a hard time imagining doing it myself.
Books for older children
Come Along, Daisy! – Jane Simmons
Old Bear – Kevin Henkes
The Little Rabbit Who Liked to Say Moo – Jonathan Allen
Bear Snores On – Karma Wilson
The Big Wide-Mouthed Frog – Ana Martin Larrañaga
Books for younger children
Five Little Chicks – Nancy Tafuri
Clip Clop – Nicola Smee
Little Quack’s New Friend – Lauren Thompson
Whose Chick Are You? – Nancy Tafuri
Too Much – Dorothy Stott
Stretchers
The Ants Go Marching
Five Spring Flowers
Five Bright Kites (with flannel board)
Five Little Ducks (with duck puppet)
Itsy Bitsy Spider
The Little Red Hen
Row, Row, Row Your Boat