No..it can’t be! Friday already? They say time flies when you are having fun…I must be having a ball!

Well, actually, I am. Still participating in ReFoReMo which means I am reading picture books EVERY DAY! And soon to be starting another month of challenge, RhyPiBoMo. Don’t you love these acronyms? The new challenge is Angie Karcher’s Rhyming Picture Book Month.

Last year was an unbelievable success – an intensive month-long workshop of lessons, writing prompts and camaraderie. Oh, and PRIZES! There’s still time to register…just click on the link above to find out all about it.

And now it’s time for a Perfect Picture Book review and activity. And if you’d like some more wonderful picture book reviews, please hop over to Susanna Hill’s blog.

I had no problem choosing today’s Perfect Picture Book. I just asked my six-year old grandson. Ever since we got this book from the library last week, he’s requested it as a bedtime story.

Title: Unicorn Thinks He’s Pretty Great

Written and illustrated by Bob Shea

Publisher: Disney Hyperion Books (2013)

Ages: 3-8

Themes: Getting along with others, self-esteem

Opening Lines:

“Things are a lot different around here since that Unicorn moved in. I thought I was pretty cool when I rode my bike to school. Until that show-off went flying by.”

Synopsis:

From Amazon:

“Ever since Unicorn moved into the neighborhood, Goat has been feeling out of sorts. Goat thought his bike was cool-until he saw that Unicorn could fly to school! Goat made marshmallow squares that almost came out right, but Unicorn made it rain cupcakes! Unicorn is such a show-off, how can Goat compete? When Goat and Unicorn share a piece of pizza, Goat learns that being a unicorn might not be all it’s cracked up to be. And when Unicorn shows his admiration for Goat, it looks like the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”

Why I like this book:

• Simply wonderful text matched perfectly with hilarious illustrations
• Appeals to a child’s sense of humor
• Addresses fears kids have that they will be outshone by others or are not good enough
• Helps kids see how respecting the efforts of others is a great way to build friendships

How a parent can use this book:

• Wonderful read aloud
• Great book for kids who are having a problem appreciating themselves or others
• Talk about how to be a good friend – what are the qualities we want in a friend…those are the same qualities a friend wants in us

Related Activity:

IMAGINATION REIGNS or RAINS

Unicorn was able to make it rain cupcakes. That would be fun. What other things would make for a fun-filled cloudburst?

You will need: Paper, crayons or markers, optional – scissors, glue

1. Talk to your child about the different things that might rain – and why some of those things might cause problems. Cupcakes might be cool for a while. Pianos or rocks would not! Have fun with this activity!
2. Draw a picture of your special rainfall.

I hope you all have a lovely weekend! Spring is finally here – and I see the snow melting and hear the birds singing – hurray!