65. My Friend Rabbit by Eric Rohmann

Bibliographic Citation:
Rohmann, Eric. My Friend Rabbit. Brookfield, Connecticut: Roaring Brook Press, 2002. 32 p. ISBN 978-0761315353.

Awards/Selection Lists:
Caldecott Medal, 2003
ALA Notable Children's Book, 2003
Parents’ Choice Recommended
National Parenting Publications Awards (NAPPA) Gold Award

Format Examined:
Hard cover

Annotation:
Rabbit is a good friend, but he always finds a way to get into trouble, even when he is trying to help rescue his friend, Mouse.

Personal Reaction:
Bold illustrations help tell the story of Rabbit, who accidentally throws his friend, Mouse, and his airplane, up into a tree. In order to help rescue his friend, Rabbit gathers up their friends and stacks them up, one on top of the other, in order to reach Mouse. The stack of animals fall into a heap, but somehow, the airplane and Mouse are freed.  

Age Recommendation:
I would recommend this book for children 4 to 7 years of age.

Themes/Issues:
Friendship, mistakes, safety, rescue

Early Literacy Skill Value:

Letter Knowledge: 
Letter knowledge is not a direct focus of this book.


Narrative Skills: 
The details included in the illustrations of this book invite children to participate in the narration of this book.


Phonological Awareness: 
Phonological awareness is not a direct focus of this book.


Print Awareness:
Text is printed in simple, black font positioned to support the illustrations. Smaller text is included to enhance the story line by representing the words of Mouse as he is stuck in the airplane in the tree.

Print Motivation: 
This book is a humorous story of friendship that children will enjoy hearing and revisiting. The vivid illustrations will encourage young children to look at the book on their own, as well. 

Vocabulary:
The vocabulary in this story deals with conversation related to efforts to rescue Mouse, as well as the difficulties that Rabbit experiences.



Author/ Illustrator Website:
http://www.ericrohmann.com/

48. Owl Babies by Martin Waddell

Bibliographic Citation:

Waddell, Martin. Owl Babies. Illustrated by Patrick Benson. Candlewick Press, 1996. 22 p. ISBN 978-1564029652. 

Awards/Selection Lists:

Format Examined:
Board book

Annotation:
Three little owls are left on their own while their mother goes in search of food.

Personal Reaction:
This book works through many emotions through a format that children can understand. When Owl Mother leaves the nest to search for food for her owl babies, the baby owls awaken to find that she is gone. The three owls work together to try to figure out where their other has gone, while also encouraging each other not to worry or be afraid. When all three begin to worry, they close their eyes, and wish Mother Owl would come home, and she does, which delivers a strong message to young children who worry about separation from their parents.

Age Recommendation:

I would recommend this book for children 18 months-3 years of age.

Themes/Issues:
Separation anxiety, trust, parent/child relationship, siblings 

Early Literacy Skill Value:

Letter Knowledge: 
Letter knowledge is not a direct focus of this book.

Narrative Skills: 
The opportunity for children to participate in the narration of this book is provided through modeling, as well as through familiarity of the repeated line, "I want my mommy!", which children may recite as it is recited repeatedly.

Phonological Awareness: 
Phonological awareness is not a direct focus of this book.

Print Awareness:
The text of this book is printed in varying pastel shades on the dark background of each page, calling attention to the text.

Print Motivation: 
This book makes a good choice for bedtime reading together, and also provides a positive lesson for children who may feel anxiety about separating from their parents. Children may choose this book for a parent to read again due to its positive message and cute owl illustrations.

Vocabulary:
The vocabulary in this book deals with the types of food that owls might eat, as well as descriptions of the owls' habitat in a tree in the forest.

Author/ Illustrator Website:
No official website