​If you’re able, biking to work is a stellar idea. You help the environment and it’s a great way to stay in shape. Just remember to wear your helmet! To celebrate this national holiday, let’s read  a counting book about dogs (and a cat) who take all sorts of transportation, including a bike: 

​This concept book, written by Gabi Snyder, shows counting, from one to 10 and back down again. It might seem like straight forward counting book with the added element of depicting different modes of transportation but take a closer look.  Robin Rosenthal’s illustrations depict an underlying storyline with a cat antagonist who follows the dogs while they trike, scooter, and bike through town. I love a book where the child reader knows something the book characters don’t, so I imagine this has the potential for a fun read-aloud. Young listeners will enjoy the bright illustrations, the different dog breeds, different modes of transportation, the increased tension as the numbers go up to a climax, the quick-paced count down, and the little twist at the end. All this adds up to a great picture book!
 
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​When I think about Mother Goose, I think of a collection of timeless stories and familiar characters. So, today, let’s celebrate by reading a new book in which some of those familiar characters make an appearance: 

​Shailey’s bedtime reader (AKA her dad) has a new job, which means less time and energy to read her stories. So, she fires him. Shailey interviews a slew of familiar characters (Snow White, The Gingerbread Man, Goldilocks), but none are quite right for the job. You’ll have to read to find out who is the perfect candidate for Shailey, but she does find one who is “just right.” This story has a diverse cast of humans, animals, and fairytale characters; bright, colorful illustrations; a relatable problem (how many parents have not time or fall asleep—before or during--bedtime stories); subtle humor; a dash of heart; and a nod to the process of employment, from posting desired job qualifications to the interviewing process to creating a curriculum vitae. Janet Summer Johnson and Cortney Dawson created a brilliant picture book!
 
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