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![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/mama-wont-you-play-with-me&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51SnnulW3EL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description="Mama, Won’t You Play With Me?," By Meg Walsh, is the story of Dudley Duckling. He was sad because his mama had a broken wing and could not play with him. The little duckling set out on a quest to find a mama that could play with him. Along his journey, he found a lot of people willing to play, but none of them made him happy because they were no...){kind=link}
Mama, Won't You Play With Me?
Meg Walsh
2010 Finalist
28 Pages
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Children - Grade K-3rd
"Mama, Won’t You Play With Me?," By Meg Walsh, is the story of Dudley Duckling. He was sad because his mama had a broken wing and could not play with him. The little duckling set out on a quest to find a mama that could play with him. Along his journey, he found a lot of people willing to play, but none of them made him happy because they were not his mother.
Meg Walsh offers children a special story that reinforces the love between mother and child. This book also teaches children to enjoy those who are different and to persevere in the face of challenges. The illustrations in this book appear to be watercolor with colors that are cheerful and eye catching. Children will enjoy this book.
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The Blue Penguin
Dr. Karen Hutchins Pirnot, illustrated by Makenna Karen Klanot
2010 Bronze Medal
44 Pages
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Children - Grade K-3rd
Pookie was different. She was a blue penguin and all of her friends were black penguins. Her mother tried to explain to her that she was a special penguin but Pookie just felt different. Some of the other penguins teased her. Pookie felt like she wasn’t as good as the other penguins. Pookie tried hard at everything she did. She swam fast, caught fish and watched the little penguins carefully. One day, all the other penguins came to school painted blue, so they could be more like Pookie. Their teacher explained that there were other ways they could be more like Pookie. They could practice harder, be kind to others and be responsible. The other penguins made Pookie feel special. They decided to have a special day each week. The penguins could come to school painted any color they wanted. They called their special, “Let Me Be Me.”
The Blue Penguin is a delightful book with a message for first through third grade students. Pookie teaches children that it is ok to be different. It is ok to be who they are. The illustrations in this book compliment the story. The colors are bright and cheerful. Makenna Karen Klanot is eleven years old. She did a remarkable job.
I shared this book with my eight year old grandson and 9 year old granddaughter ;both enjoyed the story. Sarah took it back to her room to read it again. Ryan liked the names of the penguins. I highly recommend this book to teachers for their classrooms and to parents to share with their children.
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Sam's Perfect Plan
Karen Hutchins Pirnot
2009 Gold Medal
32 Pages
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Children - Grade K-3rd
Long ago the world was turned upside down. The sun shined all night and the stars all day. Rain fell upward from the ground to the sky. Sam knew something had to be done. He though hard to form a plan on how to make things right again. He tried to turn the earth over by himself but it was impossible. Adult s paid little attention so Sam sought help from his friends. More and more people tried to help.
Sam’s Perfect Plan is the story on one boys belief in his own dreams. What a wonderful message to offer children, belief in their self and in their dreams. I also see a message of team work in this book. The story is well written. The illustrations are delightful. This book would make a great gift for children 5-9 years of age.
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Firecracker the Miniature Donkey
Makes A Marvelous Choice!
Heidi Jo Trusler, illustrated by Victor Guiza
2009 Silver Medal
28 Pages
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Children - Grade K-3rd
Heidi Jo Trusler offers children a story about a miniature donkey that made a bad choice. Firecracker loved to kick his favorite ball. One day another miniature donkey took it away from him. Firecracker became angry and kicked the other donkey. He knew he did wrong. He went to his wise grandfather for advice.
The illustrations in this book are bright and cheerful. Firecracker is adorable with his smile. Grandfather has glasses that make him look filled with wisdom and a smile that makes him look lovable. The story is cute and sure to hold the attention of little ones. There are questions at the end of the book to encourage interaction between child and parent. This book has a Christian undertone. There is also a scripture at the end of the questions. I intend to share this book with my grandson. I know he will love it.
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Davey Bighead
Dream Big
Peter J. Hayden
2009 Bronze Medal
26 Pages
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Children - Grade K-3rd
Davey was born with a big head. The first day of school it got stuck as he attempted to get on the bus. Davey had a problem putting on his shirt, playing on jungle gym, and playing dodge ball. That night he laid awake he and thought about ways he could put his head to good use. Soccer! Sure enough the next day he played soccer and he was very good at it.
Too often children have self esteem issues. We’re all different. Some of us are short and some tall, some skinny and some not so skinny. Some have big feet and some have small feet. Books like Davey Bighead encourage children to find ways the use their differences for their own good…such as Davey’s head and Soccer.
Davey Bighead is an excellent book for preschoolers.
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Sir Licksalot & The Maverick Fools
DL Carroll
2009 Bronze Medal
92 Pages
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Children - Grade K-3rd
I love anything that will catch a child's interest and get them to read. Books like Sir Licksalot & The Maverick Fools captures a child's interest and stirs their imagination. D.L. Carroll opens the opportunity for dialogue on topics that touch today's youth, including bullies and loneliness. The illustrations by Teri Cuneo add much to the story line.
Blaze and his parents have moved from a condo in the city where Blaze had lots of friends to a beach house where he did not know anyone. Blaze was very lonely. His parents allowed him to adopt a dog from the Humane Society. He named the dog Sir Licksalot. The other kids in the neighborhood are bullies. When Sir Licksalot and some neighborhood girls are missing, Blaze and the other boys must join forces to find them. They face a stone lion, a cave, and sharks to solve the mystery.
Sir Licksalot & The Maverick Fools is appropriate for third, fourth, and fifth graders. I think it might also be used in a middle school Reading Coach Programs as a high interest/low level reader.
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The Ark, the Reed & the Fire Cloud
Jenny L. Cote
2009 Gold Medal
464 Pages
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Children - Grade K-3rd
Jenny L Cote is an extremely talented author. The Ark, the Reed & the Fire Cloud is sure to be a favorite of your child. The plot follows Max, a Scottish terrier, and Liz, a feline, as they lead other various animals to Noah’s Ark. Cote never allows her tale to be boring. She uses humor, adventure, danger, twists, and turns throughout the plot.
The Ark, the Reed & the Fire Cloud will make a great read aloud to your children or grandchildren. Some children will even want to read it to themselves, although 437 pages may be a bit daunting to most young children. It is easy to recommend this book to parents and grandparents.
