I love Perfect Picture Book Friday. I especially love it in December because reviewers tell all about their seasonal favorites. Then I get to add a whole slew of picture books to my Can’t-Wait-To-Read-This list!
I’m especially excited about the book I’m reviewing today. It is written by Maria Modugno who just happens to be the editor for my debut picture book! (I have a big smile on my face right now!) Maria is editorial director at Random House Children’s Publishing.

Santa Claus and the Three Bears

Written by Maria Modugno

Illustrated by Jane Dyer and Brook Dyer

HarperCollins 2013

Ages 4-8

Themes: Holiday, Fractured Fairy Tales

Synopsis: (from the publisher’s website) When Papa Bear, Mama Bear, and Baby Bear return from a snowy stroll on Christmas Eve, they are surprised at what they find! Their pudding . . . eaten! Their chairs . . . broken! And who is that, fast asleep in Baby Bear’s bed?

This ingenious holiday treat positively glows with warmth and humor. Sparkling prose by Maria Modugno and splendid watercolor paintings by Jane Dyer and Brooke Dyer make every turn of the page a fresh delight.

Opening: Once upon a time, there were three bears: a great big Papa Bear, a middle-size Mama Bear, and a wee little Baby Bear. It was Christmas Eve, and they were busy decorating their house with holly and berries and icicles.

Resources: When kids read a fractured fairy tale, they’ll probably want to write one of their own. Read, Write, Think has this great tool for writing fractured fairy tales, HERE.
I found a fractured fairy tale book list HERE. The list is kind of dated in terms of publication date but it has a ton of excellent books on it. HERE is a link to a fractured fairy tale shelf I added my Goodreads. It will have ones with more recent publication dates. I have some listed that are on the other list so excuse duplicates.
Have kids weave Santa into another fairy tale.
HERE is a nice resource from The Book Chook. Be sure to scroll down and check out all her ideas.

Why I Like This Book: Many reasons! I am a big fan of fractured fairy tales. They’re all kinds of fun.  Pairing Santa with polar bears is nothing short of brilliant. What child doesn’t love a story about either one? Combine the two, and their little eyes will sparkle. And, Maria Modugno’s text is “just right”. The story follows the original but is fresh with details that bring warm humor and Christmas spirit to this beloved tale. Instead of high-tailing it like Goldilocks, Santa stays long enough to Ho! Ho! Ho! and  leave presents for the three bears. In an adorable twist, he leaves a GREAT BIG present for Baby Bear, a middle-size present for Mama Bear, and a wee little present for Papa Bear.
The illustrations are absolutely perfect. Just look at that cover. The first spread shows the bears decorating their house for Christmas and I just stared…taking in every delightful detail!
Don’t you love this book already? So…Ho! Ho! Ho! and Go! Go! Go! get this book!

Click HERE to read my other reviews of fractured fairy tales.

To find more perfect picture books, head on over to Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog and check out all the fantastic selections! Each book is reviewed by a picture book -lovin’ reviewer, AND includes activities to go along with the book. You will find a handy list right HERE.

I’m a Texas gal, and since I love me some hot sauce and jalapenos, you can imagine how fired up I got when I found heard about…

Little Red Hot

Written by Eric A. Kimmel

Illustrated by Laura Huliska-Beith

Two Lions (Amazon Children’s Publishing) 2013

Ages 4-8

Themes: Fractured Fairy Tales

Synopsis: (from Goodreads) Little Red Hot loves red hot chili peppers. She eats them for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. When her grandmother catches a cold, Little Red makes her a hot pepper pie that will knock those cold germs right out of her. But before Little Red shares her pie with Grandma, she meets Señor Lobo and the pie comes in very handy when the wily wolf tries to trick her into thinking he’s her grandmother.

Opening: Once upon a time there was a little biddy Texas gal called Little Red Hot. Folks called her that because she loved to eat red hot chili peppers. She ate peppers for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. She ate pepper ice cream for dessert. She had hot pepper cake for her birthday with jalapeños on top instead of candles. Folks used to say that Little Red Hot could eat fire out of a stove. Little Red Hot would answer, “No, I wouldn’t do that. Fire ain’t hot enough.”

Resources: Read, Write, Think has this great tool for writing fractured fairy tales, HERE. Challenge children to write a fractured fairy tale that uses a food item and include food puns for humor. HERE is a lesson plan from Education World for writing fractured fairy tales.

Why I Like This Book: Fractured fairy tales have always been a favorite of mine. I love that they are based on stories that have been told for generations. Since most children are already familiar with the story line of the tale, I think they tend to relax into the retelling which gives them a chance to enjoy the humor, language, and wordplay even more. As far as fractured fairy tales go, Little Red Hot ranks way up there in my opinion. The story telling is superb and I was immediately drawn to Little Red Hot’s spunkiness. In fact, she has so much spunk that I was confident that Señor Lobo would get his comeuppance, and wondered why he didn’t take one look at that little red cowboy and run howling for the hills. Well, in the end, there is some howling involved, and not just from Señor Lobo. I was howling with laughter!!! So saddle up, ride on down to the library, and bring this delightful book home with you. I’ll bet you a four alarm chili pepper that it will become on of your faves!

Susanna Leonard Hill features Perfect Picture Book Friday on her blog. This is a wonderful resource if you are wondering what books to give as gifts, needing material for a lesson, or just looking for a great book to read. Here is a list of books by category. Each book listed has a link to a review, information about that book, and resources for activities. There is also an alphabetical list.

Bigfoot Cinderrrrrella

Written by Tony Johnston

Illustrated by James Warhola

Publisher: Puffin 2000

Ages 4-8

Themes: Fractured fairytales

Synopsis: What becomes a Bigfoot most? This silly twist on a favorite fairy tale clears up that question (and more) with humor and style. The Bigfoot prince is looking for a wife. But his perfect mate must meet some stringent criteria: she must be odoriferous, have lots of matted fur and be the kind of nature lover that never picks flowers. Finding such a catch isn’t easy, so the prince throws a forest-wide fun-fest at which all the female Bigfeet can compete for him. Rrrrrella is a good candidate but her wicked stepsisters (who wear wildflowers in their well-groomed fur) won’t let her attend. With help from her Beary Godfather, Rrrrrella wows the prince at the fun-fest and leaves a giant bark-clog in her wake.

Opening: Once upon a time, in the old-growth forest, a band of Bigfoots lived. An enormous snag towered above the other trees close to their camp. Inside its hollow halls of bark lived a dashing Bigfoot prince.
He was tall and dark as a Douglas fir—with feet like cedar stumps. He was as odoriferous as his tree-home was coniferous. And so horrendously hairy that Bigfoot women near and far longed to marry him.

Resources: This book is an excellent model for students to write their own fairy tale. HERE is an interactive tool for students to write their own fractured fairy tales. HERE is an excellent guide for a Fairy Tale/Storybook Characters Unit for younger students. It can easily be adapted for older students.

Why I Like This Book: I am a huge fractured fairy tale fan and this book is such a treat. Not only is the prince looking for a woman Bigfoot tough enough to roll him off a log into the river, he wants a wants a woman who is a nature lover like him. This combination makes Bigfoot Cinderrrrrella an excellent choice for the classroom. It is delightfully humorous, and will appeal to boys as well as girls.

Susanna Leonard Hill features Perfect Picture Book Friday on her blog. This is a wonderful resource if you are wondering what books to give as gifts, needing material for a lesson, or just looking for a great book to read. Here is a list of books by category. Each book listed has a link to a review, information about that book, and resources for activities. There is also an alphabetical list.

Kiya!
I am taking time out between punches and  kicks
for my favorite time of the week.
I bought a new book and
knew you’d want a look
So I’m happy to give you a peek.

The Three Ninja Pigs

Written by Corey Rosen Schwartz

Illustrated by Dan Santat

G. P. Putnam’s Sons 2012

Ages: 5-10

Theme: Fractured Fairy Tale

Synopsis: (From Corey Rosen Schwartz’s website) When the big bad wolf threatens their village, three pigs sign up for different martial arts lessons to prepare to take him down. Pig One and Pig Two don’t stick with their training, though, and are no match for their foe. But after practice and dedication, Pig Three becomes great at karate (including perfecting the perfect pork chop!) and saves the day.

Opening: Once upon a dangerous time,
a wolf loved to huff and to puff.
He’d go around town
and blow houses down
till three little pigs cried,
ENOUGH!

We’ve got to get rid of that bully!”
“We’re tired of letting him rule.”
“We must put an end
to this terrible trend.”
“Let’s train at that new
Ninja school!”

Resources: Corey Rosen Schwartz has an excellent Teacher’s Guide on her website HERE. It includes several activities. Read, Write, Think has this great tool for writing fractured fairy tales, HERE.

Why I Like This Book: If you read my reviews, you know I love rhyming picture books. This is perfect rhyme! Spectacular rhythm and meter. Corey Rosen Schwartz has taken a familiar tale and made it new in the cleverest of ways. It’s full of humor and action which will make it a favorite among children. Dan Santat’s illustrations will blow your house down! Just awesome!

Susanna Leonard Hill features Perfect Picture Book Friday on her blog. This is a wonderful resource if you are wondering what books to give as gifts, needing material for a lesson, or just looking for a great book to read. Here is a list of books by category. Each book listed has a link to a review, information about that book, and resources for activities. There is also an alphabetical list.

Last week I fell completely, totally, helplessly in love…
with this book!

Goldilocks and Just One Bear

Written and Illustrated by Leigh Hodgkinson

Publisher: Candlewick Press (Nosy Crow) 2012

Ages 4-8

Themes: Fractured Fairy Tale

Synopsis: (From Goodreads) In this award-winning authorillustrator’s witty sequel to the traditional Goldilocks story, Little Bear is all grown up and Goldilocks is a distant memory. One day, Little Bear wanders out of the woods and finds himself lost in the Big City. Will he find the city too noisy? Too quiet? Or just right? And what are the chances of him bumping in to someone who remembers exactly how he likes his porridge?

Opening: Once upon a time, there was this bear. One minute he was lolloping around, all happy-go-lucky…The next minute he hadn’t one crumb-of-a-clue where he was.He was one COMPLETELY lost bear. The bear didn’t much like this place. Too many bright lights and not enough twigs. Too much loud honking and beeping and not nearly enough owl hooting.

Want to have a look inside? You must!!! Go HERE to Nosy Crow and see the first few pages. The text and art are so adorable that you will run straight to the bookstore and buy this book!!!!

Resources: Writing activity for grades 3-8 is found HERE.
Read, Write, Think has this great tool for writing fractured fairy tales, HERE.
I found a fractured fairy tale book list HERE, but it isn’t completely updated because Goldilocks and Just One Bear isn’t one it. But it would be extremely helpful when covering fractured fairy tales with children.
Collage Goldilocks or Bear or Both-HERE on Leigh Hodgkinson’s blog. HERE are some excellent examples.

Why I Like This Book: Fractured fairy tales rank high on my list. This is done “just right.” I loved this new twist on Goldilocks and the Three Bears. The humor will not be lost on kids or adults. The illustrations are a mixed-media, retro style and make the story just that much more fun! I read this book in a bookstore. It drew me to a chair where I sat and read it two more times and then hugged it…I’m not kidding! It’s quirky and charming and you will love the way Leigh Hodgkinson gives you a completely new happy ending.

Susanna Leonard Hill features Perfect Picture Book Friday on her blog. This is a wonderful resource if you are wondering what books to give as gifts, needing material for a lesson, or just looking for a great book to read. Here is a list of books by category. Each book listed has a link to a review, information about that book, and resources for activities. There is also an alphabetical list.

When I saw this title I was happy! When I read the opening lines I was happier. But once I finished the book, I was the happiest of all!  Today for Perfect Picture Book Friday, I am doing another Rick Walton book. I have already reviewed Once There Was A Bullfrog and you’ll find that review HERE.

Pig Pigger Piggest

Written by Rick Walton

Illustrated by Jimmy Holder

Gibbs Smith 2003 Ages 4-8

Themes: Compromise, Fairy Tales

Synopsis: (From Rick Walton’s website) When three brothers–Pig Pigger and Piggest–meet three sisters–Witch, Witcher, and Witchest–the union is, well, rather stormy. And it’s one that grows in increments, too, from big to bigger to biggest, in as many unusual ways as you can imagine. (Look at all the pictures carefully!)

Opening Lines: Once upon a time, there were three pigs: a big pig named Pig, a bigger pig name Pigger, and the biggest of the three name Piggest. They all lived in the castle of their father, the king.

One day their father called them in. “Pig,” he said, “when you were born you were a little pig. And Pigger, you were an even littler pig. And Piggest, you were the littlest of my dear, sweet, dirty babies. But now you are great big pigs. And this castle isn’t big enough for the four of us. It is time for you to go out and build homes of your own.”

“Oh, yay!” the pigs said. “Homes of our own!” And off went Pig, Pigger, and Piggest.

Resources:Activities, Compare Three Things, Descriptives/Comparatives/Superlatives Word List, Discussion Questions, Draw a Descriptive/Comparative/Superlative Picture, Find Comparatives and Superlatives in Your World, Can You Find the Following in Pig Pigger Piggest?, Nursery Rhymes About Pigs, Play Hink Pink, Tell Your Own Three Little Pigs Story, Write Your Own Superlative Story

Why I Like This Book: Pig Pigger Piggest is extremely and funny. The story kept me engaged all the way through and invited me back for rereads. I think Rick Walton is unbelievably great at writing stories that fit with school curriculum. Just look at he list of resources, and they’re all from his website. He cleverly uses Descriptives/Comparatives/Superlatives all the way through the story. “And soon he had a tall-wall, thick-brick castle of his very own.  And soon he had a taller-wider, thicker-bricker castle of his very own.  And soon he had the tallest-wallest, thickest-brickest castle of all.”  The lively illustrations by Jimmy Holder are incredible and include funny details like: For Sale: Cheap Sheep, For Sale: Cheaper Sheeper, For Sale: Cheapest Sheepest in Kingdom. Read this book…if you wait one day you will be sorry. If you wait a week, you will be sorrier. If you wait longer, you will be the sorriest of all 🙂

Susanna Leonard Hill features Perfect Picture Book Friday on her blog. This is a wonderful resource if you are wondering what books to give as gifts, needing material for a lesson, and mainly just perfect for those who love to read picture books. Here is a list of books by category. This is very handy for finding books for lessons in the classroom, or for finding books on a particular topic to discuss with your children at home. Each book listed has a link to a review and information about that book. There is also an alphabetical list.

Susanna Leonard Hill features Perfect Picture Book on her blog on Fridays. This is a wonderful resource if you are wondering what books to give as gifts, needing material for a lesson, and mainly just perfect for those who love to read picture books. Here is a list of books by category. Each book listed is a link to information about that book. It is very handy.

I recently read The Gingerbread Man Loose in the School by Laura Murray and chose it for Perfect Picture Book Friday.

The Gingerbread Man Loose in the School

Written by Laura Murray

Illustrated by Mike Lowery.

Putnam Juvenile 2011

Ages 5-8

Synopsis: (From Laura Murray’s Website): “They mixed him and baked him with love, but when the teacher called ‘Recess!’ the class left their Gingerbread Man behind. Certain there’s been a mistake, this smart cookie sets out to find them in this humorous romp through the school. Book includes a poster with fun activities!”

Opening Lines:

“I began in a bowl. I was not myself-

just a list of ingredients pulled from a shelf,

chosen by children who measured and mixed

my smooth, spicy batter while sneaking quick licks…

A sprinkle of ginger, some cinnamon too,

molasses, soft butter, and eggs as my glue.

Then in their classroom, the children began

to roll me and mold me to look like a man.”

Themes: folktale, friendship, first of school

Brief Synopsis from Laura Murray’s Website: The Gingerbread Man Loose in the School is a fresh twist on a classic tale, told by the Gingerbread Man himself. But this time, he isn’t on the run, he’s sliding down handrails, hiding in lunch bags, and spinning in the Principal’s chair—all on the quest to find the children who made him. On his romp through the school, he meets helpful school staff, but just misses his class every time. Finally after spotting himself on a “MISSING” poster in the Principal’s office, he realizes that his class has been searching for him too. A deliciously sweet ending is served up for both the Gingerbread Man and the children who made him.

Links to Resources: Classroom Gingerbread Man Extension Ideas and Activities, Gingerbread Hunt Clues, Gingerbread Hunt Printable Clues, Teacher’s Guide for “The Gingerbread Man Loose in the School”, Gingerbread Teaching Theme, The Gingerbread Man

Why I Like This Book: First of all…who doesn’t love a gingerbread man? They are adorable. Laura’s original and fun twist on a familiar tale makes for plenty of smiles and chuckles as you read. I am a retired teacher who remembers many classes of excited kindergarteners coming to my classroom looking for the gingerbread man. I love the fact that now the gingerbread man is looking for them. Children will catch the clever humor. I can just see the smiles on their little faces…and isn’t that what picture books are about!! This is a great book for teachers. The illustrations are adorable.  And the rhyme is genius!