A Cake for Herbie

A Cake for Herbie

Written and Illustrated by Petra Mathers

Published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2000

This beautifully-rendered picture book is about a duck named Herbie who desperately wants to win a cake at the local poetry contest.  When he performs his poem, the audience doesn’t appreciate it, and Herbie leaves, cakeless and in shame.  He wanders in to a restaurant kitchen called the Ship’s Inn and finds a whole group of willing and appreciative listeners, and Herbie not only finds acceptance, but a cake to share with his friend Lottie to boot.

The poem Herbie says is an A-Z poem, great for young children who are expanding their vocabulary.  Covers SOL K.5, 6, 8, and 9– the Kindergarten Reading SOLs.  

Accessed: Augusta County Library

Gossie and Gertie

Gossie and Gertie

Written and Illustrated by Olivier Dunrea

Published by Houghton Mifflin, 2002

Gossie and Gertie are two best friends.  “Wherever Gossie goes, Gertie goes too.”  At least, for a time.  What happens when these two best friends decide to take separate paths?  Will their friendship be the same?  Will Gossie be able to compromise when he’s no longer the leader?

This ink and watercolor picture book is so simply rendered, yet the images of Gossie and Gertie and their closeness is heart-wrenchingly sweet.  This is a great book to use with children when discussing the roles that we play with our friends and family.  It is also a great book for discussing the concept of relationship independence and compromise.

Accessed: Augusta County Public Library