I’m the Best! (9781782853947), can’t catch ME! (9781782853930), Are You Sleeping? (9781782853954), (Step inside a Story) – Constanze von Kitzing, Barefoot Books, c2009, 2018
Format: Hardcover Picture books
Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 4
What did you like about the book? In I’m the Best a little lion proclaims, I’m the Loudest!” Dad Lion says “ Oh, really?” and he lets out the loudest roar ever. Undeterred, Little Lion says “I’m the best climber!” to which the ape relies “What about me?” And so it goes until Little Lion’s little brother says, “To me, you’re the best!” In can’t catch Me! Our Little Lion is going to be the best at catching. “I’m going to catch you!” the Little Lion calls to the grasshopper and, as the grasshopper leaps away, he calls “No, you won’t!” Little Lion is also unsuccessful in catching a bird, a frog, a rabbit, a chameleon and a herd of zebra. Little Lion turns the tables when he hides from the rhinoceros who is chasing him. Are You Sleeping? asks Little Lion at nighttime of the bunnies in their burrow. “Yes, the bunnies are asleep.” And so are the giraffes, the elephants, the birds and the seahorse. But Not the owls: “we’re wide awake!” “Do you want to play?” asked the owl to Little Lion. “It’s getting Late…” said the Little Lion. “Are you sleeping?” asked Mama Lion. Shhhh…”
The cumulative story lines in each book are perfectly complemented by the wonderful textured illustrations in warm, comforting tones.
Anything you did not like about this book? Not a thing.
To whom would you recommend this book? This is a nice bedtime trio to read to sleepy ones or to use in a storytime where the children may well join in.
Who should buy this book? Public libraries
Where would you shelve it? Picture books
Should we (librarians) put this on the top of our “to read” piles? Close to. They are simple, sweet and sure to please. And meant to be read over and over.
Reviewer’s Name, Library (or school), City: Katrina Yurenka, Moderator, Youth Services Book Review
Date of review: 4/13/2018
Youth Services Book Review 
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