Good Morning to ME! – Perfect Picture Book Friday

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goodTitle: Good Morning to ME!

Written and illustrated by: Lita Judge

Published by: Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2015

Themes/Topics: exuberance, indoor voices, pets, parrots

Suitable for ages: 3-6

Opening:

Early one morning in a little cottage,
Beatrix was wide AWAKE.
She knew it was time to be quiet, but then she squealed,
“Good morning to me!”

Synopsis:

A bursting, bubbling, boisterous parrot cannot contain herself. And even though she knows it is early morning and she should be using her indoor voice, she just has to say good morning to herself, then Mouse, then Kitty, then Goldfish, then Gracie the basset hound… Antics ensue and mishaps occur, but it is hard to stay mad at such joie de vie, even doe those who aren’t such morning critters as Beatrix!

Why I like This Book:

I confess knowing that Beatrix is real and having seen some awesome pictures of her and her kitty friend at the author’s cottage, makes this story all the more fun to me. I am certain that parents and young children will be able to relate to the ‘rules’ of quiet time early in the morning and how hard sometimes it is to keep to one’s indoor voice and curb one’s desire to interact already with the rest of the household (pre caffeine) and those promises to be good!

Here is the real Beatrix and the author at a recent book signing

Here is the real Beatrix and the author at a recent book signing

The truth is, in Lita Judge’s household, her parrot, Beatrix truly does start the day off by belting out a cheery, “Good Morning.” And Beatrix and Kitty are really good friends in real life!

The watercolor and pencil spreads (some full page and some several different snapshots per page) capture Beatrix’ exuberance and the other critters’ frustrations with humor and animation.

Activities/Resources:

Practice indoor voices with your kids!

As a passionate animal lover, I also want to add, don’t breed, don’t buy… adopt a rescued bird!

Many have forgotten this truth, but you must not forget it.
You remain responsible, forever, for what you have tamed.
-Antoine de Saint Exupery

Check out the interview I did earlier in the year with Lita Judge.

Each week a group of bloggers reviews picture books we feel would make great educational reads. To help teachers, caregivers and parents, we have included resources and activities with each of our reviews. A complete list of the thousands of books we have reviewed can be found sorted alphabetically and by topics, here on Susanna Leonard Hill’s website.

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10 Responses to Good Morning to ME! – Perfect Picture Book Friday

  1. What a very cute book Joanna. I can understand about quiet time in the mornings. As kids my brothers and I had to be very quiet and get our own breakfast on weekend mornings to allow the adults to sleep in. 😉 The real Beatrix looks a real cutie. Enjoy the summer break from PPBF and have a great weekend.

  2. Andrea says:

    Very fun illustrations! And I love the concept behind this book. Will have to check it out!

  3. Wendy Greenley says:

    It may be noisy, but cheerful mornings are better than grumpy ones!
    Birds are a handful and live a lo-ong time, so props to those who take care of the ones looking for homes.

  4. This book reminds me of my husband’s cheerful good mornings. First words that come out of his mouth every morning. I should buy this book for him. But, it is a very clever and entertaining book for children. I love that it is based on a true story.

  5. Jilanne Hoffmann says:

    The cover is hilarious! Makes me want to pick up the book and dive right in! And as someone who doesn’t wake up in a good mood, I could find myself cracking a smile at these shenanigans in the morning. I’ll pick this up for a summer read. Thanks for highlighting!

  6. What a grand thing to be able to bring the mc along on a book reading! I can’t say I am always glad to be woken by birds, but this does look like fun!

  7. Indoor voices! So many teachers and parents will love this fun book! Reminds me of our game we’d play with our daughter just to get 3-4 quiet minutes. First one to talk loses!

  8. Oh I think I’m gonna love this book! Quiet morning voice? I think not!

  9. I HAVE to read this. I’ve added it to my list. Thanks. And they’re REAL? Awesome! I can’t wait to share this with my young readers. they will love that aspect. I suspect they’ll be writing fan letters soon. Thanks again.

  10. This sounds so cute! And I love that Beatrix is rea 🙂

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