Fast Five: Picture Books and the Coretta Scott King New Talent Award

First, I have to congratulate agent-mate Kekla Magoon. Yesterday her book, THE ROCK AND THE RIVER, won the Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe Award for New Talent.

Here’s a quick glimpse into her work:    

CHICAGO, 1968. For thirteen-year-old Sam, it’s not easy being the son of a well-known civil rights activist. When he learns that his brother, Stick, has joined The Black Panthers, Sam faces a difficult decision. Will he follow his father, or his brother? His mind, or his heart? The rock, or the river?

Please stop by her blog today!

Now, on to a list of some of my favorite picture books:
    

   1.    SIXTEEN COWS — Lisa Wheeler
 
Lisa Wheeler’s witty rhymes make this cow mix-up a fun read aloud. I dare you to get through it without turning the cow calls into some kind of song.

        2.  UNDERGROUND TRAIN — Mary Quattlebaum

This delightful book, which (unfortunately) is currently out of print but available used, focues on Washington, DC’s Metro. The lyrical words have become a part of our family conversation:

“The moving stairs roll us down, down, down to the Underground Train, which rushes past like fast water on miles of track.”

3.  CORNFIELD HIDE-AND-SEEK — Christine Widman

This book was a library find. A delight!

4.  RATTLETRAP CAR — Phyllis Root

Watch a family try to keep their car in one piece as they go on a family trip. Full of repetition and fun car noises.

5.  TACKY THE PENGUIN — Helen Lester

Nothing makes my boys belly laugh like a Tacky book. Tacky’s an odd, Hawaiian shirt-wearing penguin, who lives with other penguins named Goodly, Lovely, Angel, Neatly, and Perfect. Although his ways aren’t what his friends might expect, he always proves he’s “a good bird to have around.”

What picture books does your family enjoy?

This post is a part of Steady Mom’s Thirty-Minute Challenge.