Ribbit! - Rodrigo Folgueira & Poly Bernatene

As a group of frogs are minding their own business, a pig joins them. The pig says "Ribbit!" The frogs are aghast. Is this pig trying to mock them? Other woodland creatures come by to observe as the pig continues to say "Ribbit!" They talk amongst themselves about the pig who isn't doing what he ought to. Finally, they seek out the wise old beetle to tell them how they should deal with this pig. The beetle helps them realize that maybe the pig is just looking for new friends. At this point, the pig has disappeared. Is it too late for a new friendship to begin?

Folgueira's sweet and lightly humorous book deals with judgement and gossiping in a way young children can understand without being too emotional or heavy. The pig who goes out of his way to make new friends is a great role model. I love that despite the rejection he receives, the pig keeps up his mission to make new friends. This book is a great for reading aloud and following up with a discussion. Bernatene's textured illustrations are lovely.    

That is NOT a Good Idea - Mo Willems

Portrayed in the style of silent films, Goose meets Fox, Fox invites Goose over to dinner, and Goose happily accepts. Between each scene, chicks warn of the danger with the title phrase "That is NOT a good idea!" The suspense builds... and the ending is laugh out loud amazing.

I can not get enough of Mo Willems. His books are brilliant, and this is no exception. Willems is a master of expressions. The visual storytelling is brilliant. The text is perfect. The silent film format is fun. This is an amazing read-aloud that the whole family will enjoy.

The Day the Crayons Quit - Drew Daywalt & Oliver Jeffers

For anyone who has ever used crayons, this book is a must. Daywalt explores what crayons would be like if they had personalities based on how we tend to use them. The different crayon perspectives are absolutely hilarious. Jeffers' illustrations are expressive and to-the-point. An overall fun picture book for the whole family to enjoy.

Count the Monkeys - Mac Barnett & Kevin Cornell

Don't be fooled: this book is not a cutesy count aloud book. In fact, you won't be counting monkeys at all. But all for a good reason: you'll be having too much fun with the humorous mishaps and shenanigans on each unpredictable page.

Mac Barnett speaks to the readers in the spirit of The Monster at the End of This Book. He has a lot of fun with words while keeping a comedic pace. Kevin Cornell's illustrations are fun and animated, with many silly details that you and your kids will enjoy finding. Barnett and Cornell are the perfect author-illustrator team.

Don't get this book just to read to your preschooler. Get it for your whole family.