Toad on the Go written and illustrated by Jashar Awan - a book bite

Publisher's Synopsis:  Hop back on the road with Toad! In this fun-fueled follow-up to the Geisel Honor award-winning picture book Towed by Toad, from Caldecott Medal honoree Jashar Awan, Toad discovers that everyone makes mistakes, even tow truck drivers! For fans of Little Blue Truck and Frog and Toad.

Little ones. Big ones. Everyone makes mistakes . . . even Toad!

 

Toad and his tow truck are on the go, racing to the rescue of anyone who needs help on the road. But still, Toad always obeys the rules and NEVER makes mistakes. He waits patiently for the green light. Wait for it . . . wait for it . . . GO! . . . Uh oh.

 

What happens when Toad does make a mistake? After all, everyone makes mistakes — what really matters is how you fix them!

 

My Two Cents:  This just happens to be my first book review bite in a very VERY long time. I had my first grandchild in July 2024 and have been his daily caregiver since then. Honestly, I would have just added a quick opinion on Library Thing and Good Reads, like I've been doing for years now, if not for said grandson. 

See, he grabbed Toad on the Go from my TBR stack and would not let me have it back! He made up his own little jibberish tale about Toad and has been fully enthralled for the last three days. Thus, my Little Man is the inspiration for returning to this dusty blog.

 

I had skimmed Awan's previous Geisel Honor book Towed by Toad, but never read it fully. Guess I need to change that because this is a stellar choice for the preschool age child. There's so much happening in this seemingly simple tale and the illustrations are wonderfully complementary. The story has a light alliterative rhyming scheme with just the right amount of words. The illustrations are colorful and angular, but my grandson instantly said, "horse" so they are also identifiable. Each new scene is fully realized in both word economy and illustrative inference. 

 

There's much to talk about when the words and/or illustrations don't overwhelm a child's developmental capabilities. Because my grandson is just barely two, we talked about the color symbols and words for go, slow, and stop. We identified the animals and vehicles. He learned the word toad (not just frog). We talked about the things dropping out of a moving truck (he loves that page). Later, I'm sure we'll discuss making mistakes and taking responsibility; but for now, we just discussed "uh, oh" and "crash." In the end, I told him, "It's okay. They can fix the car" reassuringly.

Highly recommend Toad on the Go for toddler caregivers, preschools, and libraries.

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Genre: Animal Tales

Age: 3-7 years, but my just two year old grandson would argue that!

Themes include: Making Mistakes, Responsibility, Positive Attitude.

Pages: 48

Thank You: Library Thing and Tundra Books for my copy

Parent Advisory: None

Publisher: Tundra

Date: June 16, 2026

ISBN: 978-1774883501

Buy Toad on the Go Here

More about the author on his website: HERE

From the Author on YouTube:

--------------- That's all folks! ---------------

© 2007-2026 Dr. Cheryl Vanatti, education and reading specialist writing at www.ReadingRumpus.com  

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Post contains paid link to this book (so I can but more books!). 

Nonfiction Biography Picture Books Extravaganza!

It seems like more and more picture book biographies are springing up every year! This is not only GREAT for the rich diversity they add to children's literature, but also because so many children adore nonfiction. I remember there being so few quality nonfiction choices for my students when I started teaching (in the 90's people, I'm not THAT old yet).

Here's a round up of a few from the start of 2019...

What if Everybody Thought That? by Ellen Javernick with illustrations by Colleen Madden - a mini review

Publisher's Synopsis: "What if everybody were more thoughtful before they judged someone? If you see someone in a wheelchair, you might think he or she couldn’t compete in a race. But…you might be wrong. What if you see a child with no hair? Do you think she is embarrassed all the time? How about a kid who has a really hard time reading? Do you think that means he’s not smart? You might think so. But…you might be wrong. With clear prose and lighthearted artwork, this companion book to the bestseller What If Everybody Did That? explores the preconceived notions we have about the world and encourages kids to be more thoughtful."

My Two Cents: Third in a series intended to make kids think about their actions,

Pirates Don't Go To Kindergarten! - Talk Like A Pirate Day is coming !

Pirates Don't Go to Kindergarten! is a cute take on the transition from one grade to the next, Pre-K to K in this case. New Kindergartener Emma wants to stay in her pirate themed Pre-K classroom with her pirate Pre-K teacher. The kindergarten is space themed and Emma will have none of that! She knows the pirate lingo and trusts the pirate captain; she's not so sure about that new teacher. Great illustrations add to the telling with a play on reality/imagination done well. Some pirate lingo may need specific vocabulary instruction (see below) and lends this tale to first and second grade reads as well.

Genre: Realistic Fiction Picture Book
Age: 4-8 / Grades: PreK-2 / Pages: 32
Date: August 2019
Thank You: Blue Slip Media
Publisher: Two Lions
ISBN: 978-1-5420-9275-3
Topics: Pirates, School, Behavior
Themes: Adjusting to new things, Accepting change
Characters: Emma is BUSY and her teachers are PATIENT. These are opportunities to teach correct behaviors by using Emma's unruliness as a non-example. Teachers can ask students to find other ways that Emma might have coped with her nervousness about attending a new classroom and point out how her disruptions are affecting the classrooms.
Plot: Will Emma ever transition from being a pirate to becoming an astronaut (aka: space-pirate)?

Originality: LOTS of 'Pirates DON'T' titles! Would be a great unit idea of "don'ts" for Talk Like a Pirate Day on September 19th (2019)...
Could teach contractions, behaviors, compare & contrast titles/characters/settings, etc... OH! The possibilities!



  
Pirate Vocabulary and Idioms: cutlass, anchor, ahoy, batten down, hatches, mateys, gangway, peg leg, doubloons, yo ho, blimey, mutiny, rigging, crow's nest, parley, plank, shiver me timbers, bandanna, heave-ho
Space Vocabulary: liftoff, astronaut, cargo, shuttle, experiments
General Vocabulary: rowed, scattered, stormy, treasure, snuggled, seized, sneered, snarled, whopped, hollered
Onomatopeias: splash, thump, clump, scrunch, splat
HERE you can find a great back to school kit from Curious City DPW.

You can read more about author Lisa Robinson on her website HERE  or find her on Twitter @elisaitw
You can read more about illustrator Eda Kaban on her website HERE or find her on Twitter @petiteturk

--------------- That's all folks! ---------------

 © 2007-2026 Dr. Cheryl Vanatti, education & reading specialist writing at www.ReadingRumpus.com 

SumoKitty written and illustrated by David Biedrzycki

“Fall down seven times; get up eight” is one of many witty quotes that highlight the central theme of SumoKitty written and illustrated by David Biedrzycki. Written as an ode to tenacity, SumoKitty is both witty and instructive for young folks facing adversity. The humor is subtle, played out through a big, strong sumo wrestler being afraid of mice while his friend, the Kitty, gets a little too comfortable, forgetting the job of a cat.

Between humor and wit, SumoKitty is a tale completely filled with new vocabulary opportunities, both English and Japanese. Children will love learning all the Japanese sumo wrestling terms while expanding their English vocabulary. Contractions are a prominent feature within the written structure and offer older children a chance to practice their usage.

Max Attacks by Kathi Appelt, illustrated by Penelope Dullaghan - book review & teaching ideas

I'm a dog person. Sorry cat folks. My adult children have five cats between them, and I appreciate my grandcats, but I own two doggies: Jebediah Peabody. & Annie Roo.

Here they are:

Nighttime Symphony by Timbaland with art by Christopher Myers and Kaa Illustration - mini book review

Publisher's Synopsis: "The sounds of the city at night create a lively lullaby in this melodious bedtime story from superstar producer and musician Timbaland, Caldecott Honor–winning illustrator Christopher Myers, and Kaa Illustration!
As a little boy gets ready for bed, the sounds of a wild storm echo around him, lulling him to sleep. From the crash of thunder to the pitter-patter of raindrops to the beat of passing cars, the music of the city creates a cozy bedtime soundtrack."

My Two Cents:
Nighttime Symphony is more than another sweet, lyrical bedtime story, it is an ode to fatherhood.

If I Was the Sunshine by Julie Fogliano and illustrated by Loren Long

Publisher's Synopsis: "A breathtaking picture book about the relationships we share from New York Times bestselling storytellers Julie Fogliano and Loren Long in the tradition of The Runaway Bunny and Guess How Much I Love You....
Through clever, thought-provoking verse and warmly evocative art, New York Times bestsellers Julie Fogliano and Loren Long explore the awe-inspiring nature of relationships, love, and connection."

My Two Cents: If I Was the Sunshine is one of those books that begs you to pick it up. The typography, the pastel colors, the title….  All done with an artistic swoosh that begs you to grab it. That’s what I did as soon as my library acquired it. And, I am glad.

Babymoon by Hayley Barrett with illustrations by Juana Martinez-Neal - Book Review

 Publisher's Synopsis: "Inside the cozy house, a baby   has arrived! The world is eager to meet the newcomer,   but there will be time enough for that later. Right now,   the family is on its babymoon: cocooning, connecting,   learning, and muddling through each new concern.   While the term “babymoon” is often used to refer to a   parents’ getaway before the birth of a child, it was   originally coined by midwives to describe days like   these: at home with a newborn, with the world held at   bay and the wonder of a new family constellation   unfolding. Paired with warm and winsome illustrations  by Juana Martinez-Neal, Hayley Barrett’s lyrical ode to these tender first days will resonate with new families everywhere."


My Two Cents: Babymoon's lyrical prose and quiet illustrations allow readers to feel as if they are tip-toeing through a newborn’s first days with Mom & Dad. The rhyming cadence and matching joy-filled glow of the illustrations have the effect of a lullaby.

Princess Puffybottom and Darryl by Susin Nielsen; illustrated by Olivia Chin Mueller - teaching book review

Publisher's Synopsis: "Princess Puffybottom has the perfect life — her subjects serve her delicious meals, clean up her “delicate matters” and wait on her hand and foot. Life is good . . . until Darryl arrives. Princess Puffybottom thinks he’s disgusting, horrid and a true animal. Though she tries everything in her power to banish him (including hypnosis, trickery and even sabotage), it looks like this puppy is here to stay. Can Princess P. and Darryl find a way to co-exist? A hilarious picture book from acclaimed author Susin Nielsen, with adorable illustrations by Olivia Chin Mueller, Princess Puffybottom . . . and Darryl is perfect for not only warring siblings, but also anyone who loves cute pets (and some toilet humor)."

My Thoughts: Princess Puffybottom . . . and Darryl is a nice addition to the PK-1st classroom. The story is about the cat, Princess Puffybottom (every bit as stuffy as her name sounds) gaining a new member of the family, a pup named Darryl. At first glance this picture book seems a simple dog/cat tale, but the illustrations tells a different story.

Love by Stacy McAnulty - a book bite

Publisher's Synopsis: "What is love? Can you only express it in fancy meals, greeting cards, and heart-shaped chocolates? Kids will find love everywhere in this delightful book. It can be found in everyday moments such as baking cookies with grandma, notes from Mom in your lunchbox, or a family singing together on a car trip, and it isn't always what you expect! With delightful illustrations by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff and sweetly simple prose by award-winning author Stacy McAnulty, this is the perfect book to teach children what love means, why it's important, and how they can spread the love in their daily lives."

My Two Cents: I like Valentine's Day, but it falls too darn close to Christmas. I still have all that candy from my stocking and the last thing my umpteenth New Year's resolution needs is more chocolate. But, I love hearts and I love love and the idea that love is so universal and inhabits the space where we can all begin to connect and understand one another. I wish Valentine's Day was more about love and less about chocolates.

The Sinking of Captain Otter by Troy Wilson and Maira Chiodi - a book bite

Publisher's Synopsis: "Kelpy is an otter―and also a passionate sea captain. He builds himself a ship that he adores, from keel to cabin to crow’s nest. All the other otters and pirates and sharks just laugh at Kelpy’s ramshackle craft, but Kelpy sails on. Until one day on the high seas, he encounters a sailor even more laughable than himself―a petite butterfly pirate in a teeny-tiny boat. Kelpy’s laughter shifts to empathy when he realizes how much he has hurt the tiny pirate’s feelings. So Kelpy decides to scuttle his beloved boat in a playful ploy to repair the emotional damage he’s done. Along the way, an unlikely friendship (and rivalry) begins. Packed with rhyme, repetition, and lots of humor, this is a read-aloud with a heartwarming message about following your dreams even in the face of ridicule and doubt, and how even an underdog can lift someone up."

My Quick Two Cents:  It's a little harder for me to "review" all picture books. First, I'm solidly a middle grades gal myself, having spent the bulk of my teaching career between 3rd - 8th grade. Secondly, I could go all 'reading specialist' on a review and try to come up with phonics and foundational reading activities - even if I had to think a bit harder on them. So, it's sometimes easier just to talk about if I like a book (or not) and if I think kids will like it and, consequentially, if teachers and parents should buy it.

Book Bite: Sleep, Sheep! - a bedtime story for the reluctant sleeper

Publisher's Synopsis: "There are lots of things Duncan likes about bedtime --- the stories, the pajamas, the bubblegum-flavored toothpaste ... The only thing he doesn't like is going to sleep. And he'll do anything he can to avoid it. Until one day, Duncan's mom has had enough of his stalling. ?Try counting sheep,? she tells him. So, he does. At first, it's kind of fun. As he counts, each sheep appears, wearing its number like a race car, and leaps over the bed. But then comes Sheep #68, who hesitates. He needs a drink of water before he can jump. Then he has to go to the bathroom. Then he wants to put on running shoes. Will Sheep #68 ever do what he's supposed to?

 Kerry Lyn Sparrow's hilarious picture book story offers a new take on a universal experience. Using delaying tactics to avoid going to sleep at bedtime is a common routine for young children, and they'll love the sly humor when Duncan's own tricks get turned on him by the (?sheepish?) sheep. In subtle colors with lots of telling details, Guillaume Perreault's illustrations bring Duncan's bedtime rituals and his unexpected sheep guests humorously to life. This book makes a fantastic, funny read-aloud, appealing to both children and adults."

My Two Cents: Sleep, Sheep! is mostly a bedtime book for small pre-school age children, but I wanted to give it a spot on here because it may not get a lot of buzz in the US (Canadian folks involved) and it has some strong merit in the bedtime story department. There's lots of humor complimented by very interesting and elaborated illustrations. I like the idea that the "mom knows best and is always there for you" as that is clearly part of my own favorite picture book (Reading Rumpus didn't get named accidentally!).

Two Books to Add to Every Classroom Shelf & a Little Soapbox on Citizenship

I'm going to talk about two books today that need to be on every classroom shelf ; I'm talking K-12, even though they are listed as for a younger crowd. The reason I want to talk about them BOTH has mostly to do with my own tardiness. When I read Her Right Foot last fall, I was very, very, very remiss in not mentioning it because I so instantly adored it for so, so, so many reasons. Then, when the team of Eggers (writer) and Harris (illustrator) followed-up with What Can a Citizen Do?, and Chronicle Kids sent me a copy, I knew I couldn't just talk about one without the other.

Eraser by Anna Kang with illustrations by Christopher Weyant

Publisher's Synopsis: "Eraser is always cleaning up everyone else’s mistakes. Except for Ruler and Pencil Sharpener, none of the other school supplies seem to appreciate her. They all love how sharp Pencil is and how Tape and Glue help everyone stick together. Eraser wants to create so that she can shine like the others. She decides to give it a try, but it’s not until the rubber meets the road that Eraser begins to understand a whole lot about herself."

My Two Cents: Honestly, those little pink erasers have always been a forgotten tool in my classroom; the idea of a little under-appreciated eraser is quite on point! 
Time for school supplies = colorful pens, shiny new crayons, sharp pencils, full glue sticks, and white stacks of crisp paper. Eraser is a very creative idea, executed wonderfully with fun puns and engaging illustrations. It's a great opportunity to teach that mistakes are not only acceptable, but expected - teachers give you a special tool for them after all!

The Other Dog by Madeleine L'Engle - a tiny book review

Publisher's Synopsis: "Reissued in hardcover to coincide with the movie release of A Wrinkle in Time, here is a true tale of dog-meets-baby from Newbery Medal–winning author Madeleine L'Engle! Based on Madeleine L'Engle's own poodle's experience coping with a new baby in the house, this sprightly picture book presents a familiar domestic drama with an utterly charming new twist. Tongue-in-cheek wit, endearing illustrations, and a revealing author's note make this a publishing event to celebrate!"

My Two Cents: Popping it's little head back into publication on the heals of L'Engle's Wrinkle in Time movie hoopla, The Other Dog is a simple and sweet tale of a dog's jealousy when Mom & Dad bring home another dog (aka: baby). Although the book is a exaggerated look at sibling feelings with the addition of a new baby, I think it has a wider appeal. Lots of kids will enjoy doggie Touche L'Engle-Franklin's affronted tone and eventual love for the new family member.

Ready to Ride by Sébastien Pelon - a book bite

Publisher’s Synopsis: “A funny, feel good book with a can-do attitude for anyone who's ever tried to ride a bike, about freedom, friendship, and the joy of cycling without stabilisers for the very first time.


A little boy is told to play outside by his mum and bumps into an imaginary friend with whom he goes for a bike ride. At first he finds it difficult to keep up, but with the imaginary friend’s help he takes off the bike’s stabilisers and learns to freewheel – all the way home.


Stunning illustrations and an imaginative design make this a really special picture book gift for little bike riders everywhere.”

My Two Cents:   Ready to Ride is a simple little book about the joy of learning to ride a bike without training wheels and the feeling of becoming a “big boy.” The imaginary friend is endearing and helps the boy overcome his fears and increase his tenacity. The illustrations are fun, going back and forth between traditional picture book style and graphic novel style. It would be a nice introduction to that type of print for young ones. 

That being said, there’s really not a lot educational ‘stuff’ to opine about. Therefore, I will just quickly say that limited budget libraries might want to make sure they have a demographic for it and parents who are teaching kids to ride a bike might find a place for it as it is a limited-in-scope title.

Red Sky at Night by Elly Mackay - Book Review

Red Sky at Night begins with, "Long ago, here and far away, people looked for clues in nature to predict the weather." As the book begins with an explanation of the weather aphorisms to follow, it was easy for this reading specialist to focus on the text while glossing over the gorgeous illustrations that paint the narrative. Therefore, this reader spent the first read-through noting teaching ideas focused on the weather aphorisms almost completely ignoring the narrative unfurled in gorgeous paper-cut 3-D imagery! Luckily, on the second and third read, the narrative added another layer as to why this fabulous book should be added to classroom shelves.

Forever or a Day by Sarah Jacoby

Time.
Moving... fast or slow, noticed or unnoticed, cherished or overlooked.
That is the theme of this lovely book.

Many times when I am trying to get through a stack of books, especially picture books that can be read quickly, I note possible educational value, artistic prowess, plot or character development, blah, blah, blah.... education stuff (my thing). But every once in awhile a picture book will force me to stop and take notice. It will slow time.

Forever or a Day is a beautiful look at how time can be both fast (when we are younger or in a hurry) or slow (when we want to get somewhere or when we are older). It's told in a simple manner, light on words, heavy on meaning. My favorite kind of writing.

This is a Taco by Andrew Cangelose with illustrations by Josh Shipley

My Two Cents: This Is a Taco! is a humorous book in the same vein as Interrupting Chicken by David Ezra Stein. Squirrel protagonist Taco blurs the fourth wall by talking directly to the readers from the book's start. But in order to save himself from being eaten, Taco completely breaks the fourth wall - taking over the writing himself. In doing this, he saves his own life and brings home a subtle "we are the masters of our own destiny" theme. One of my greatest writing pet-peeves is when an author tries to "teach" children a lesson, moral or theme in a didactic manner. This Is a Taco! does an excellent job of mixing humor, fact, and messaging without a trace of condescension. While we learn a few facts about squirrels before Taco takes over the writing, the real treat is Taco's 'take charge' attitude. The illustrations by Josh Shipley are both fun and complementary to Taco's humor-filled antics.