Stead text set

 Recently I listened to a podcast on RAR featuring Philip and Erin Stead, a husband-wife team. I was so impressed with them, I requested a bunch of their picture books from the library.

I'd Like to Be the Window for a Wise Old Dog Words & pictures by Philip Stead-Mr. Stead imagines what it would be like to be different objects. I found the concepts a bit abstract and not very appealing. Kids may enjoy it as it employs imagination. Teachers could use it as a mentor text for creative writing.-Borrowed from the library.

In My Garden by Charlotte Zolotow illustrated by Philip Stead-At nineteen years old, Mr. Stead loved children's picture books. Books by Charlotte Zolotow were some of his favorites. He illustrated this classic. The main character shares was she likes about her garden and what she likes to do in it for each season.-Borrowed from the library.

Every Dog in the Neighborhood by Philip Stead illustrated by Matthew Cordell-This book was my favorite out of this text set! A boy, who lives with his grandmother in the city, surveys his neighbors to determine how many dogs reside there. Meanwhile, his grandmother pursues a project on her own. How the two projects come together is sweet. I loved the dogs' names. This book reinforces how the illustrations add meaning to the story. Mr. Stead and Mr. Cordell must collaborate often. One subtle caution-two men live together. It is not magnified.  -Borrowed from the library. *Highly recommend.

Amos McGee Misses the Bus Written by Philip C. Stead illustrated by Erin E. Stead-Amos, the zookeeper, has a special day planned for his zoo animal friends. In his excitement, he does not sleep very well the night before the outing, oversleeps and misses the bus work. Getting a late start to his zoo chores, he doubts he can treat his friends. His friends surprise him and turn the day around. -Borrowed from the library.

All the Animals Where I Live written & illustrated by Philip C. Stead- Mr. Stead shares anecdotes about his childhood memories and animals that he sees in different seasons . . .plus his dog, Wednesday. Not much of a plot--a more reflective book-Borrowed from the library.

The Uncorker of Ocean Bottles written by Michelle Cuevas illustrated by Erin E. Stead-The Uncorker of Bottles diligently delivers messages he discovers in the water near his home. Secretly he wishes someone would send him a message.  One day he reads one that does not contain the writer's name or for whom it was intended. Puzzled, the shares the message with people in the village. A pleasant surprise awaits him!-Borrowed from the library.