When I'm Big 

By:Sam McBratney

Illustrated By:Anita Jeram 

Candlewick Press, 2007

When I'm Big, written by Sam McBratney, is a story about Big Nutbrown Hare and Little Nutbrown hair who discover different animals in nature! They search around the forest and find different animals and question why are they are little and big animals. Find out what Little Nutbrown Hare will turn into by reading When I'm Big!

I would give this book a rating of 4 out of 10. I would not consider this to be the best Danielle's must reads. What I did like about the book is that it was very similar to the illustrations of The Tale of Peter Rabbit. It was a beautiful picture book and the colors were pleasing to the eye. The relationship between Big Nutbrown Hare and Little Nutbrown Hare is very similar to the relationship of a mother and their child. This story could be very appealing to families and can be very nostalgic for parents.  The problem in the book was the way it was written. The language seemed to be too dense for the board book age group. I feel that the board book does do a good job talking about the growth of a child;however, I do feel it might be confusing concept for children that age. If you are interested in When I'm Big, please look for the board book in your local library near you! 

Board Books- Good Night Max

Good Night Max 

Rosemary Wells 

Viking Publishing, 2000

ISBN: 0-670-88707-2

Looking for a good bed-time story that is not scary for infants, but relaxing enough for them to be able to fall asleep afterwards? My Danielle Must Read for bed-time is Good Night Max.  I remember as a little girl my mother reading these books to me. There were also TV shows based on Max that your children can watch as well.  This silly board book tries to get Max to bed. But so many things happen! Why can't he fall asleep? Read Good Night Max to find out if he can get through the night!

I give this book a solid 9 out of 10. I am 21 years old and I was even laughing at all of Max's terrible events that happened to him before bed-time. What is even better about this book? IT IS INTERACTIVE! Each page has a different fabric for something to touch. On some pages there are shiny pictures, which is so exciting for little infants. They will be in awe as you read them this silly tale of Max. The book is small enough for a child to hold if they please and the book is easy to follow for them. The book also accentuates words that when you are reading it, you can accentuate as you are reading. This is a book that you could read to them every night and they will still have a fun time reading it. Please get  Good Night Max  at a local library near you! 

Here is a link if you want to learn more about the Max series: 

Online Section to show your kids!

Board Book Options- Cassie's Colorful Day

Cassie's Colorful Day 
Faith Ringgold 

Publisher: Crown Publisher, Inc., 1999
ISBN: 0-517-80021-7


A must read for Danielle this week is Cassie's Colorful Day by Faith Ringgold. Wondering why it is Cassie's colorful day? Find out what Cassie's magical night is all about! Join Cassie's adventure as she finds out what her surprise is from her father. Play dress up with your daughter through Cassie's elegant adventure by reading Cassie'e Colorful Day. 

I would give this book a 6 out of 10. This board book is a must read for a mother and daughter to enjoy. Cassie has a magical night by picking out  colorful outfits and the book shows a beautiful way to teach children about different colors. This book entices an infant's imagination. This African American inspired board book makes sure all of the words (such as Red, Yellow, and Green) are all color coded for the child to understand.  If you are inspired to make an interactive experience with your child, you can take your daughter on the magical adventure that Cassie takes in the board book! I did not give it a perfect score because I would not suggest this book for young boys because the book really focuses on father and daughter relationships. 

Most importantly, the book teaches an infant about colors through beautiful illustrations by Faith Ringgold. Faith Ringgold is an African American artist who has some work showcased in The National Museum of Modern Art and the Boston Museum of fine art just to name a few. Her artwork in this book is also just as beautiful as her artwork in the museums. In Cassie's Colorful Day, Cassie is warm and inviting and is always smiling in this book. Her outfits and bright colored clothes will excite infants. There are pictures on every page and the colors are vibrant. The book is big so an infant can see it as well as the person reading the book to them. The book highlights all of the important words so when you are reading it to your child, you can accentuate those words to make the message of the book more clear. 

My next must read will be a book that boys can enjoy as well. Please pick up Cassie's Colorful Day online or at a local library near you!

If you are interested in Faith Ringgold's children's books, please use this link below!

Faith Ringgold's Website