KBR Recommends Summer Reads: Picture Books Part II

In this tender, beautiful letter to his daughters, President Barack Obama has written a moving tribute to thirteen groundbreaking Americans and the ideals that have shaped his nation. From the artistry of Georgia O'Keeffe, to the courage of Jackie Robinson, to the patriotism of George Washington, President Obama sees the traits of these heroes within his own children, and within all children.
Breathtaking, evocative illustrations by award-winning artist Loren Long at once capture the personalities and achievements of these great Americans and the innocence and promise of childhood.

Title: Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to my Daughters
Author: Barack Obama
Illustrator: Loren Long
Publisher: Random House, $29.95 RRP
Publication Date: 1 November 2010
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780375835278
For ages: Primary school
Type: Picture book

This book is available online

Not strictly a picture book, but instead a visually evocative activity book, kids will adore these brightly-coloured cartoon dinosaurs of every shape and size, with that super cool retro modern look Sebe does so well.

There's puzzles, searches, mazes, look and finds, spot the differences and much more.

When the kids are done having a wonderful play time, tear out the pages and frame them for their bedroom walls... this is some super cute decor-enhancing stuff.

Title: Dinosaurs Galore
Author/Illustrator: Masayuki Sebe
Publisher: Gecko Press, $19.99RRP
Publication Date: June 2010
Format: Soft cover
ISBN: 9781877467561
For ages: 4 - 8
Type: Activity book

This book is available online


Play with five amazing machines in this spectacular pop-up book.

Load and tip a dumper truck, or plough a field with the tractor. Find out why giant cranes don't fall over and figure out how bulldozers flatten roads. From farms and factories to quarries and building sites, big machines are everywhere.

Ingenious pop-up mechanisms by the master paper engineer - boys of all ages will love interacting and creating with this book.

Title: Amazing Pop-Up Big Machines
Author/Illustrator: Robert Crowther
Publisher: Walker Books, $27.95RRP
Publication Date: 1 November 2010
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781406321852
For ages: 5 - 8
Type: Pop Up Book, Picture Book

This book is available online


In this series all little truck-loving boys will adore, Little Red Ute enters his first parade but Green Wheelbarrow is left behind. How can the foreman help the two friends make this parade the best ever?

Showcasing a series of racing vehicles from hot rods with engines sticking out of their bonnets to pumped-up 4WDs, kids will love cheering on the Little Red Ute - and his wheelbarrow mate.

Also in this series - Little Red Ute and the Big Race.

Title: Little Red Ute and the Ute Parade
Author: Mitch Lewis
Illustrator: Nahum Ziersch
Publisher: Omnibus, $9.99RRP
Publication Date: 1 November 2010
Format: Soft cover
ISBN: 9781406321852
For ages: 3 - 5
Type: Picture Book

This book is available online


Sitting comfortably in a little row boat, a boy looks through his spyglass and spies many exciting animals in the forest. Each animal joins him in the boat as they set off for an exciting day on the river. Children will enjoy finding all the different animals hiding under the flaps.

Look out for the crocodile! Will the little boy make it safely to land with his row boat full of friendly forest animals?

This adorable little book is filled with eternally fun lift-the-flaps and soft watercolour illustrations that kids will love as they lollop along to a familiar rhythmic tune.

Title: Row, Row, Row Your Boat - What Can You See?
Author: Angie Lionetto-Civa
Illustrator: Serena Geddes

Publisher: New Frontier, $14.95 RRP
Publication Date: 2010
Format: Soft cover
ISBN: 9781921042539
For ages: 2 - 4
Type: Picture book

This book is available online