Category: Read-aloud

cover of The Underwearwolf - dark background with orange lettering for UNDERWEAR and yellow for WOLF with a spotlighted wolf in underwear. kids toys on the floor.
Posted in PB, Read-aloud, So Many Good Books

The Underwearwolf

Posted on by Susan Uhlig

Perfect Picture Book Friday

Okay, this one, The Underwearwolf (Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2026) by Gideon Sterer and illustrated by Charles Santoso, grabbed me by the title and didn’t let go. If you like humor in books such as Creepy Carrots, then you’ll like this laugh-out-loud one.

The main character’s uncle Larry sends this note along with a gift, “I know you appreciate underwear; so I sent you the coolest ones I could find.” The kid has lots of underwear but these are “Different. Strange. Wool?” There’s fine print “DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE OR FOR ANY REASON WEAR THESE UNDERWEAR DURING THE FULL MOON.” Does our character listen? Of course not.

Hilarity ensues. Kids will be repeating phrases from this book.

I hadn’t read this bestselling author before, but now want to read his others. Read about Gideon here and check out his books here and here.

I’ve featured another book by the illustrator, this way, Charlie, which has a completely different tone. Read about Charles here and see some of his art here.

Note: I received a review copy of this book from Simon and Schuster. However, I only recommend books I like.

cover of What Is Hope?
Posted in PB, Read-aloud, So Many Good Books

What Is Hope?

Posted on by Susan Uhlig

Perfect Picture Book Friday

What Is Hope? (Nancy Paulsen Books, 2023) by Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic and illustrated by Kelsey Buzzell is an encouraging book of hope. And good for spring too.

In this rhyming story hope is compared to colorful poppies, riding a bike, a treehouse, hearing music, and more. One favorite line is “Hope is a sentence, reading all the words through.” My favorite spread is the one with kitties purring “in a fur-covered coat.” And I love the ending.

Read about the author here and see her books here.

I love Kelsey’s illustrations here. Check out her books here.

cover of Little Ghost's Summerween
Posted in PB, Read-aloud, So Many Good Books

Little Ghost’s Summerween

Posted on by Susan Uhlig

Perfect Picture Book Friday

Friday, the Thirteenth – a perfect time for a ghost story

I just got a sneak peak at Little Ghost’s Summerween (Beach Lane Books/Simon & Schuster, 2026) by Maggie Edkins Willis, and it’s a delightful book that comes out in April–you can preorder now. (There’s also a companion book, Little Ghost Makes a Friend.)

Little Ghost is invited to a camp-out birthday party, but he’s only been to Halloween parties, so he thinks he’ll stay home. When his friend Anya convinces him to go, it’s fun, but it makes Little Ghost think about what kind of birthday party would be right for him. However, he doesn’t send out invitations or make party decorations, and only decides what to do at the last minute. Will his birthday be all he hopes?

I love the problem solving and the fun ideas for birthday party themes.

Read about the author/illustrator here and check out all of Maggie’s books here. I also recognized some book covers she’s done.

cover of Hot Dog
Posted in Award Winners, PB, Read-aloud, So Many Good Books

Hot Dog

Posted on by Susan Uhlig

Perfect Picture Book Friday

Hot Dog (Alfred A. Knopf, 2022) by Doug Salati is such a delight. Simple words evoke the feeling of summer in a city, which are emphasized by the hectic illustrations.

A small dachshund is dragging behind his owner in the hot city. It’s so hot, he “can’t sit or sniff or wait.” In the middle of a crosswalk, he finally rebels against his owner pulling on his leash. What will happen next? Will they escape the heat?

This day in the life of a little dog is so fun and relatable. We’ve all had too much and needed to escape.

This adorable book received a Caldecott medal and an Ezra Jack Keats award.

Read about the author/illustrator here and check out some of his illustrations here. See Doug’s books here.

cover of When God Makes Scribbles Beautiful
Posted in PB, Read-aloud, So Many Good Books

When God Makes Scribbles Beautiful

Posted on by Susan Uhlig

Perfect Picture Book Friday

When God Makes Scribbles Beautiful (B&H Kids, 2024) by Kate Rietema and illustrated by Jennie Poh is a sweet picture book inspired by the author’s experience with foster parenting.

“Sometimes, hard things happen. It might feel like a dark scribble.” You can’t ignore it. And it won’t go away. But you can ask God for help. “And little bit by little bit, He will.” You may have to wait a while, but He’ll be with you while you wait. And someday you’ll be able to help someone else with a scribble.

This books explains many concepts about God in easy understandable language. Bible verses that reinforce the text are on the bottom of many of the spreads. The illustrations grow in beauty to match the text throughout the story.

The author has a second book coming out in October. Read about both books here. There are also free printables on the website to help kids talk about loss and hardship. Read about Kate here.

Check out a number of Jennie’s illustrations here where you can also see her awards. Read about her here.