The Library's Early Literacy Program EARLY LITERACY BLOG
Meet the 2020 Building Block Books: Dandy
By Iggi at the Republic Branch Library
If you’re looking for some fresh and fun picture books to share with your child, look no further than the Missouri Building Block Picture Book Awards (Building Blocks). This year’s list of nominees is a great place to start. You can also visit the Library’s Building Block Award webpage to find complete lists of past winners and nominees. Read at least five of this year’s nominees and then vote for your favorite here no later than January 15, 2021.
Dandy by Ame Dyckman and illustrated by Charles Santoso is a father-daughter delight. Set in a summery, perfect-lawn sort of neighborhood, Daddy is proud of his smooth, grassy work… until he notices a dreaded dandelion! Daddy, pressured by his neighborhood friends, is all set to weed that weed, but his daughter Sweetie gets there first and decides the flower, now named Charlotte, is her new best friend. Can Daddy return his lawn to pristine green without Sweetie noticing? Find out in this sweet story about growing with your family.
After reading "Dandy", try out this little lion song and dance from the Building Block Award activity sheet!
Five dandy lions out for a stroll, (hold out five fingers)
One tripped on their tail and started to roll. (roll your hands- roll them really fast)
They bounced on a rock and landed with a growl, (growl nice and angry)
How many lions are left to prowl? (and repeat the verse while counting down)
If you loved "Dandy" and are looking for more hilarious books about families, try these titles!
Dad’s First Day by Mike Wohnoutka
Bob Not Bob by Liz Garton Scanlon and Audrey Vernick, also available on OverDrive
When Grandma Gives You a Lemon Tree by Jamie L.B. Deenihan
Friday Night Wrestlefest! by J.F. Fox
Families, Families, Families! by Suzanne Lang and Max Lang
Keep checking the Racing to Read Blog for more great Building Block nominees!
The Missouri Building Block Picture Book Award is sponsored by the Missouri Library Association and administered by the Youth Services Community of Interest. To learn more about the award, please visit the Missouri Library Association Building Block Award page.
Questions or want more ideas? Email racingtoread@thelibrary.org