Roar! Bob Shea is coming to St. Louis!

Bob Shea, the awesome author/illustrator of the "Dinosaur vs." books is coming to the St. Louis County Library! Please check our website for  more information and mark your calendar for November 3 at 3:00 p.m. to meet him.

Shea's books are great for preschoolers and adults will appreciate Shea's humor.

"Dinosaur vs. Bedtime" Nothing can stop a little dinosaur. Not talking grown-ups, a bowl of spaghetti or bath time. But what happens when he has to face his biggest challenge of all, bedtime?

"Dinosaur vs. the Library"  Dinosaur is going to one of his favorite places, the library, and on the way he encounters a series of animals, including a cow, baby chicks, a turtle, and an owl, and shares his roars with each.

And don't forget these other great books:

"Oh, Daddy!" A young hippopotamus shows his father the right way to do things, such as getting dressed, watering the flowers, and especially giving big hugs.

"I'm a Shark" A boastful shark is not afraid of anything, which impresses his underwater friends until they ask about spiders.

 

Staff Review: "One Cool Friend" by Toni Buzzeo

Is there any kid in the whole wide world that hasn't gone to the zoo or aquarium and wanted to take home one of the animals as a pet? For all of those who long for an exotic pet, the delightfully surprising "One Cool Friend" by Toni Buzzeo just might itch your scratch.

Elliot is a formal boy with a scientific father who one day invites Elliot to a day at the aquarium. Elliot doesn't relish the idea of being around swarms of children, but decides that he likes the aquarium when he discovers the penguins. "In their tidy black feather tuxedos with their proper posture, they reminded Elliot of himself." In what can only be described as a fortunate misunderstanding, Elliot takes a small penguin home in his backpack and names it Magellan. The rest of the book chronicles Elliot's learning of penguin behavior, and his efforts to keep his new pet happy while keeping him away from his father. What happens when Magellan and Elliot's father finally meet will have you laughing out loud.

Elliot is a rare picture book boy--he's formal, reserved, bookish, and completely endearing in his tuxedo and red backpack. He doesn't talk much and is always polite, but his imagination and creativity are bubbling constantly underneath. His relationship with his father seems equally reserved, but it is fitting to both of their characters. The illustrations by David Small are simple with few colors, and appropriate for the story. This seemingly unassuming book is my favorite of the year so far, and you will want to read it over and over again. It's a good story for anyone, but kindergarteners on up will understand the humor better.

--Andrea W., H.Q.

P.S.  If you love penguins, check out "Lost and Found" by Oliver Jeffers  










or "365 Penguins" by Jean-Luc Fromental.