Picture Book Reviews: Mathilda and the Orange Balloon and Pete the Cat

Here are a couple picture books I received for review recently...


 Mathilda and the Orange Balloon by Randall de Seve, illustrated by Jen Corace

I love simple books with big messages like this. Mathilda is a sheep in a dreary world...until she spots an orange balloon that changes her existence. She wants to be the orange balloon, and with enough imagination and drive, anything is possible.

The simple, imaginative illustrations are the perfect match for this book about dreaming big.



Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes by Eric Litwin, illustrated by James Dean

Pete the Cat loves his white shoes. When he steps in a pile of strawberries and turns them red, he still loves them. No matter what happens to his shoes, he still sings out his love for them.

This bright, fun little story is about having a good attitude (and not crying) when bad things happen. The moral is subtle, however, and children will enjoy singing along with Pete..."I love my white shoes. I love my white shoes. I love my white shoes."...at least, my little singer does.