LDSPBP: Brandon Dorman

http://brandondorman.com/

Pirates of the Sea by Brandon  Dorman
The lively crew of Cap’n Bones sets off upon the sea to enjoy the pirate life, but soon discover they are low on cash. The pirates are in luck because Cap’n Bones is in procession of a treasure map but the sailing life full of peril. Finally they crew arrives at Great Skull Rock and begins the search for their treasure. This fun little story is full of charming characters, bold adventure, and the hunt for buried treasure. In short it is a typical pirate tale, but I like the unique way that the author shows individual characters of the crew and their unity on the ship. This happy pirate tale will leave you grinning more than once with its clever quips and enthusiastic crew members.

Santa’s Stowaway by Brandon Dorman
One Christmas a curious elf asks Santa after all his work is done why exactly they work so hard all year making toys. In order to discover the answer for himself he hides on Santa’s sleigh. As he follows Santa down the chimney and into the home of one family he discovers for himself why Christmas is so special. This is a cute little story with beautiful pictures and such a clever perspective for a children’s book. I never thought about how the elves discovered why Christmas is important.

Picture Books for Halloween

Wild Witches’ Ball by Jack Prelutsky

This short Halloween poem is perfect for wee ones with short attention spans. Lately, it has been difficult to get the small one to sit still long enough to read to her. So this short little Halloween book was a perfect length.

The wild witch ball is in full swing during this festive Halloween night. From the ten groaning crones to the last lumpy witch this counting rhymes describes the attendees of the witches ball with clever and delightful poetry that rolls off the tongue.

The Wizard by Jack Prelutsky

I didn’t read this one for Halloween precisely, but I did during the month of October and so I include it here.  Author Jack Prelutsky characterizes a creepy wizard and his mastery of his magical art. His words dance off the page, and the illustrations by Brandon Dorman are masterful, bringing the text to life in beautiful ways. I don’t think I have seen text and illustration work so well together to create such a wonderful feeling of awe. I’ll probably add this one to my library one day. It is simply gorgeous.

Halloween Night by Majorie Dennis Murray

A traditional Halloween inspired poem about ghosts, goblins, and other haloween worthy creatures preparing the house for Halloween celebrations. Ten unsuspecting children prance down their lane prepared to trick or treat, but they are in for a fright. This was a fun Halloween book to read the little one.