If you’ve ever had young children then you’ve most certainly lived the battle of bubble gum. Your kids will beg you for it and, knowing full well how it’s going to turn out, you’ll reluctantly give in. In the end, it’s always trouble!
Trouble Gum is an excellent depiction of the bubble gum scenario. Ruben and Julius, two mischievous brothers, are playing rambunctiously on a gloomy rainy day. To quiet them, Grandma offers the GUM! Even though that sticky substance isn’t allowed, mom gives in to the dynamic duo with a reminder of the gum chewing rules: “Don’t swallow your gum. Don’t play with your gum. And don’t blow big, sticky bubbles with your gum.” It doesn’t take long before bubble gum fun turns in to bubble gum trouble!
Cordell does a magnificent job setting up the story. His text and pictures take the reader on a delightful adventure with each humorous detail drawn out perfectly! This is a great one on one read or for teachers to use after a talk about classroom rules. So, sit back, pop in a piece of gum, and enjoy!
Check the WRL catalog for Trouble Gum.


“Hello, Lulu. What are you doing today?” You’ll find out as you read this sweet tale that takes you on a journey of a young child’s busy day. You’ll follow Lulu as she goes through her daily activities like drawing, playing ball, swinging, eating, taking a bath and reading before bedtime. The familiar routines engage the listener and draw them into the story.
I’m a sucker for picture books with big illustrations and this one certainly fits the bill! With its simple lines and bright colors, Adam Relf brings to life a fox, a bunny and a squirrel in his debut book about making friends.
In this story of creativity and imagination, Kirsten Bramsen tells a tale that helps children understand that individuality is something to be celebrated!
Afraid of the ocean and all of the “lurking, murky ickiness” in it, Fergus and his little brother, Dink, spend their time on the shore collecting things that wash up on the sand. One day they find an extra special treasure – a surf board! When Dink decides that Dave (the surf board) has lost its luster, he returns it to the ocean to find happiness again. Throwing caution to the wind, Fergus quickly overcomes his fear of the water to save his new found friend. Sattler’s whimsical illustrations and quirky text tell a story of bravery, triumph, and brotherly love that will keep you smiling and engaged from the very first page. Her bright, bold pictures make this a perfect book to read in a storytime or classroom setting. And, with a title like “Pig Kahuna”, how could you go wrong?
Mouse has lost her baby! While searching for him, she discovers she is being chased by a great, big, hairy, scary ape! Gorilla follows Mama Mouse from the Rainforest to China, to America, to Australia, and the Arctic. Each time he gets close he bellows for her to “Stop!” But she keeps running and running, exclaiming: “A killer Gorilla! Help! Help! He’ll catch me! He’ll squash me and scratch me. He’ll mince me and mash me. And crunch me up for lunch!”
If you are searching for ways to add movement into your circle times, Can YOU Make a Scary Face is the perfect solution for you! This book will have your group jumping, wiggling, dancing and giggling! Its main character, a bossy ladybug, gives the audience instructions like, “Hey, you! Yes, I’m talking to you! STAND UP! No, I changed my mind…SIT DOWN! NO, STAND UP! Pretend you have a tiny bug on your nose. WIGGLE IT OFF!” The bold, cartoon-like illustrations and word bubbles make this interactive picture book a perfect addition to your storytime shelf!
