tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58814394801287959532024-03-16T13:53:07.448-05:00Young ReadersBeckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00793618692608823102noreply@blogger.comBlogger2476125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5881439480128795953.post-68492872739992632762024-03-11T15:43:00.001-05:002024-03-11T15:43:10.981-05:0036. Why Do Elephants Have Big Ears?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc2Zv1TsEvUOhWexlTIaiQEmyX1NvM9H-LYX-WCkuss9h6s0wusMW7HoeaHFdhGEAs9xmS0MRy9-CECN8NwUk8ayacZl0gOnBm3NhoTa765VcTtnt4I2fUhoRrULSZ_ejLU0hk4GvBd_eOrGuLgEXWi_f88E6F7rsK4AN77HZydvq9fZxPPSR21gQunNzX/s323/5star201kb.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="319" data-original-width="323" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc2Zv1TsEvUOhWexlTIaiQEmyX1NvM9H-LYX-WCkuss9h6s0wusMW7HoeaHFdhGEAs9xmS0MRy9-CECN8NwUk8ayacZl0gOnBm3NhoTa765VcTtnt4I2fUhoRrULSZ_ejLU0hk4GvBd_eOrGuLgEXWi_f88E6F7rsK4AN77HZydvq9fZxPPSR21gQunNzX/s320/5star201kb.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />Why Do Elephants Have Big Ears? Questions -- And Surprising Answers -- About Animals. Steve Jenkins and Robin Page. 2023. [November] 40 pages. [Source: Library]<p></p><p>First sentence: Why do camels have a hump? </p><p>Premise/plot: This is a nonfiction picture book. The title may include the word 'elephant' but the book covers a wide assortment of animals. Some questions and answers are on a single page. Other questions and answers are a two-page spread. </p><p>Questions include,<br />Why do spotted skunks do handstands?<br />Why do wombats have cube-shaped poop?<br />Why are naked mole rats naked?</p><p>There are SO MANY questions and answers. This one is full of I-didn't-know-that-facts.</p><p>My thoughts: I really enjoyed this one. I found some questions super-fascinating. I think this is the kind of book that might prove engaging and appealing to young readers. It is not a book that you have to read cover to cover. It can be a book that you flip through casually. The end material does include [even] more facts about the animals. <br /></p><p> </p><p>© 2024 Becky Laney of <a href="https://zero-to-eight.blogspot.com/">Young Readers</a></p>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00793618692608823102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5881439480128795953.post-21423306296955053752024-03-11T15:01:00.002-05:002024-03-11T15:01:55.031-05:0035. Hot Cat, Cool Cat<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNeh3xoWgERnrO1IcyVXy00vRJfX20H7WgJJtol49Bs_7BBYuTLycqYZqv1ntuiOeMFr8OJkYUA0-MZMV44ITq_uWO8zFqHxg-9cy5E-rdAazR_-aTF3X-kGgxjX8XJRQ81oqOMQBNPJ4Mcjt8h3y9K9qwHI-Hvv2Pa1cLVgxaFqRhlrQ10zrRCkar0KtA/s310/3star168kb.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="310" data-original-width="281" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNeh3xoWgERnrO1IcyVXy00vRJfX20H7WgJJtol49Bs_7BBYuTLycqYZqv1ntuiOeMFr8OJkYUA0-MZMV44ITq_uWO8zFqHxg-9cy5E-rdAazR_-aTF3X-kGgxjX8XJRQ81oqOMQBNPJ4Mcjt8h3y9K9qwHI-Hvv2Pa1cLVgxaFqRhlrQ10zrRCkar0KtA/s1600/3star168kb.png" width="281" /></a></div><br />Hot Cat, Cool Cat. Laura Manaresi. Illustrated by Roberta Angaramo. 2023. [November] 32 pages. [Source: Library]<p></p><p>First sentence: Kit and Kip are friends. But....Kip likes to run. Kit likes to sit. Kip likes cake. Kit likes fish. Kip likes to hug. Hugs scare Kit. Kip likes mice. Kit likes horses.</p><p>Premise/plot: Kit and Kip are friends with a lot of differences. This book celebrates their friendship. It is a LEVEL G reader. </p><p>My thoughts: I definitely liked this one. Is it the absolutely most amazing picture book starring cats? Probably not. Is it quite good for a leveled [beginner/early] reader? Yes. It does have a plot. It doesn't jump into the plot, perhaps. But it does have quite an adventure...eventually. <br /></p><p> </p><p>© 2024 Becky Laney of <a href="https://zero-to-eight.blogspot.com/">Young Readers</a></p>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00793618692608823102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5881439480128795953.post-33292930657632622022024-03-11T14:48:00.002-05:002024-03-11T14:48:17.281-05:0034. Buffalo Fluffalo<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGu8Rxb2SNJGaDFCfZ62LKWwJZNJ-QeDdBb50oRDY9v8nE2TP_u2wkLf5oovDw3eBiNjJQugiLtcLjxWutZhNg3Al7hvPnzkfiDX05wSCq-okLtMjsOCvU9uzAfmZN1ZEsO36lKc4GrZKFPVSqNfTdyyoF_GgfRiDK7pH4IBpA13EUhA-OHCc669XltkoI/s315/4star197kb.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="312" data-original-width="315" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGu8Rxb2SNJGaDFCfZ62LKWwJZNJ-QeDdBb50oRDY9v8nE2TP_u2wkLf5oovDw3eBiNjJQugiLtcLjxWutZhNg3Al7hvPnzkfiDX05wSCq-okLtMjsOCvU9uzAfmZN1ZEsO36lKc4GrZKFPVSqNfTdyyoF_GgfRiDK7pH4IBpA13EUhA-OHCc669XltkoI/s1600/4star197kb.png" width="315" /></a></div><br />Buffalo Fluffalo. Bess Kalb. Illustrated by Erub Kraan. 2024. 40 pages. [Source: Library]<p></p><p>First sentence: There once was a Buffalo Fluffalo...a snuffalo, scruffalo, surly old buffalo, who was ever so snarly and gnarly and tuffalo. I'm the Buffalo Fluffalo--I heave and I huffalo. Leave me alone because I've had enuffalo!</p><p>Premise/plot: Is Buffalo Fluffalo as tough as he wants you to believe? Maybe. Maybe not. Probably not. Is he adorable? Always and forever.</p><p>My thoughts: This picture book is written in rhyme. It is absolutely adorable in the most precious of ways. It is probably more for younger readers than older ones. (It may be "too cute" for some.) I liked this one. I did. I didn't love the text in a love, love, love way. But I did think the illustrations were so incredibly adorable and cute and precious. So I definitely liked it and am happy to recommend it. <br /></p><p> </p><p>© 2024 Becky Laney of <a href="https://zero-to-eight.blogspot.com/">Young Readers</a></p>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00793618692608823102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5881439480128795953.post-42815620034990139952024-03-05T15:43:00.002-06:002024-03-05T15:43:40.008-06:0031-33. Service Pups in Training, 3 Books<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwce5uR81KwkNwZLd2stB_Gigk-1S2S3fSA4rYtM5BQvo7xWnwvsqCQVr3YOrdhrX2sU0x5ohuebA6jJW6YERmDFRkIvq-7tFCybmfvJCf6kuloTRJzS49Y0obVoCCrRjOb3F-PpeZSsEUca3RWFvWEjWltvadOTZ8Sd55PutAunzLMNtgQ890gy2Ae2Jw/s310/3star168kb.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="310" data-original-width="281" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwce5uR81KwkNwZLd2stB_Gigk-1S2S3fSA4rYtM5BQvo7xWnwvsqCQVr3YOrdhrX2sU0x5ohuebA6jJW6YERmDFRkIvq-7tFCybmfvJCf6kuloTRJzS49Y0obVoCCrRjOb3F-PpeZSsEUca3RWFvWEjWltvadOTZ8Sd55PutAunzLMNtgQ890gy2Ae2Jw/s1600/3star168kb.png" width="281" /></a></div><br />31. Tucker's Nose Knows: An Allergen Detection Dog Graphic Novel. Mari Bolte. Illustrated by Diego Vaisberg. 2023. 29 pages. [Source: Library]<p></p><p>First sentence: Tucker is a poodle training to become an allergen detection dog. Poodles are considered to be hypoallergenic. That means they are less likely to cause allergic reactions.</p><p>Premise/plot: What you see is what you get. A puppy is in training to be a service dog. In this instance, it is Tucker who is the star. Tucker is learning to isolate out specific scents and give alerts when the allergen is detected. Apparently, Tucker learns different scents on different days of his training. This specific day he is on the scent for gluten. The story is told in comic book form. There are speech bubbles for dialogue. <br /></p><p>My thoughts: I hope training is taken more seriously in real life. Each book focuses on puppies in training--but they are all classmates and friends. The training aspects seem a little unrealistic, not that there aren't dogs trained for allergen detection, just the method and process seems a little sketchy. </p><p>The book is a meh for me. I didn't hate it. I didn't love it. The artwork wasn't super amazing quality. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzv6t4OB3VWmLHpq0FDGTSyFYhthMsc1GX6YsN_YasqVropRBEtOci4kNw0xQISvvkwvF09fbwtBCFx9hUVuvRQITeUfOhRJSfyXFxRRY2rM0Tsr-PHdzwOw6el-8CPIPkeePXa1mMhCl_SGgo_E-2_7Zfb5SnQZ-u7syUYO7hSltOfGJv-7qjHXOQhPmG/s312/2star193kb.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="309" data-original-width="312" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzv6t4OB3VWmLHpq0FDGTSyFYhthMsc1GX6YsN_YasqVropRBEtOci4kNw0xQISvvkwvF09fbwtBCFx9hUVuvRQITeUfOhRJSfyXFxRRY2rM0Tsr-PHdzwOw6el-8CPIPkeePXa1mMhCl_SGgo_E-2_7Zfb5SnQZ-u7syUYO7hSltOfGJv-7qjHXOQhPmG/s1600/2star193kb.png" width="312" /></a></div><br />32. Daphne Shows Support: An Emotional Support Dog Graphic Novel. Mari Bolte. Illustrated by Alan Brown. 2023. 32 pages. [Source: Library]<br /><p></p><p>First sentence: Daphne is a shih tzu puppy. She may be small, but she has a huge heart! She wants to help everyone, and the best way to do that is as an emotional support dog.</p><p>Premise/plot: What you see is what you get. A puppy is in training to be a service dog. In this instance, Daphne is the star. Daphne is learning to be an emotional support dog. </p><p>My thoughts: Will readers learn about how emotional support dogs are really trained? I doubt it. I am so skeptical of the methods and processes being depicted. Again just personal opinion. The message of this one is that you have to take care of your own needs first. That is, the dog, Daphne, must take care of her own emotional needs first before she can be good at her own job in helping others. Most of the book just has ALL the puppies (each being trained in their own specialty apparently) doing an agility course and there is a "celebrity" dog. The plot of this one is just weird.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwce5uR81KwkNwZLd2stB_Gigk-1S2S3fSA4rYtM5BQvo7xWnwvsqCQVr3YOrdhrX2sU0x5ohuebA6jJW6YERmDFRkIvq-7tFCybmfvJCf6kuloTRJzS49Y0obVoCCrRjOb3F-PpeZSsEUca3RWFvWEjWltvadOTZ8Sd55PutAunzLMNtgQ890gy2Ae2Jw/s310/3star168kb.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="310" data-original-width="281" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwce5uR81KwkNwZLd2stB_Gigk-1S2S3fSA4rYtM5BQvo7xWnwvsqCQVr3YOrdhrX2sU0x5ohuebA6jJW6YERmDFRkIvq-7tFCybmfvJCf6kuloTRJzS49Y0obVoCCrRjOb3F-PpeZSsEUca3RWFvWEjWltvadOTZ8Sd55PutAunzLMNtgQ890gy2Ae2Jw/s1600/3star168kb.png" width="281" /></a></div><br />33. Rossi Guides the Way: A Guide Dog Graphic Novel. Mari Bolte. Illustrated by Alan Brown. 2023. 32 pages. [Source: Library]<p></p><p>First sentence: Rossi is a yellow lab puppy. He's training to be a service dog like his great-grandma, Roselle. She's his hero.</p><p>Premise/plot: What you see is what you get. A puppy is in training to be a service dog. In this instance, Rossi is learning to be a guide dog. Rossi doesn't have a great training day and gives up--or wants to give up. Will Rossi be encouraged by Daphne to keep trying?</p><p>My thoughts: Readers may be more familiar with the concept of guide dogs. This one does focus more on teaching lessons to humans on how to human than it does provide information on how dogs are trained to be service dogs. The series [all three books] seem to have this didactic nature to them. This one is about how everyone makes mistakes and that's okay. <br /></p><p><br /></p><p>© 2024 Becky Laney of <a href="https://zero-to-eight.blogspot.com/">Young Readers</a></p>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00793618692608823102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5881439480128795953.post-92201896270279314392024-03-05T15:07:00.002-06:002024-03-05T15:07:19.697-06:0030. You Make Me Sneeze!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwce5uR81KwkNwZLd2stB_Gigk-1S2S3fSA4rYtM5BQvo7xWnwvsqCQVr3YOrdhrX2sU0x5ohuebA6jJW6YERmDFRkIvq-7tFCybmfvJCf6kuloTRJzS49Y0obVoCCrRjOb3F-PpeZSsEUca3RWFvWEjWltvadOTZ8Sd55PutAunzLMNtgQ890gy2Ae2Jw/s310/3star168kb.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="310" data-original-width="281" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwce5uR81KwkNwZLd2stB_Gigk-1S2S3fSA4rYtM5BQvo7xWnwvsqCQVr3YOrdhrX2sU0x5ohuebA6jJW6YERmDFRkIvq-7tFCybmfvJCf6kuloTRJzS49Y0obVoCCrRjOb3F-PpeZSsEUca3RWFvWEjWltvadOTZ8Sd55PutAunzLMNtgQ890gy2Ae2Jw/s1600/3star168kb.png" width="281" /></a></div><br />You Make Me Sneeze! Sharon G. Flake. Illustrated by Anna Raff. 2024. 48 pages. [Source: Library]<p></p><p>Normally I do like to include a first sentence, but sometimes Amazon samples are absolutely unhelpful. If you can't preview the first page of a picture book, then why bother.<br /></p><p>Premise/plot: Cat and Duck are back. These two "friends" are back for another adventure. Duck is convinced that he is allergic to Cat. But instead of creating distance and space between the two, Duck is more stuck on Cat than ever. Cat hopes, perhaps, that Duck will go away. Alas, Cat is not the source of Duck's sneezing.</p><p>My thoughts: These two are very silly. Are they as delightful as Elephant and Piggie? No. Not really. The book descriptions sure do like comparing these two to Elephant and Piggie. They do have some surface level similarities. Two friends banter back and forth in speech bubbles. </p><p>I liked this one okay. <br /></p><p> </p><p>© 2024 Becky Laney of <a href="https://zero-to-eight.blogspot.com/">Young Readers</a></p>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00793618692608823102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5881439480128795953.post-7298028382278496922024-03-05T14:56:00.002-06:002024-03-05T14:56:11.777-06:0029. You Are Not a Cat<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwce5uR81KwkNwZLd2stB_Gigk-1S2S3fSA4rYtM5BQvo7xWnwvsqCQVr3YOrdhrX2sU0x5ohuebA6jJW6YERmDFRkIvq-7tFCybmfvJCf6kuloTRJzS49Y0obVoCCrRjOb3F-PpeZSsEUca3RWFvWEjWltvadOTZ8Sd55PutAunzLMNtgQ890gy2Ae2Jw/s310/3star168kb.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="310" data-original-width="281" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwce5uR81KwkNwZLd2stB_Gigk-1S2S3fSA4rYtM5BQvo7xWnwvsqCQVr3YOrdhrX2sU0x5ohuebA6jJW6YERmDFRkIvq-7tFCybmfvJCf6kuloTRJzS49Y0obVoCCrRjOb3F-PpeZSsEUca3RWFvWEjWltvadOTZ8Sd55PutAunzLMNtgQ890gy2Ae2Jw/s1600/3star168kb.png" width="281" /></a></div><br />You Are Not a Cat. Sharon G. Flake. 2016/2024. 40 pages. [Source: Library]<p></p><p>First sentence: I am a cat. Meow. You are not a cat. You are a duck. Quack, quack.</p><p>Premise/plot: A cat and a duck quibble and fuss. Duck is definitely getting on Cat's last nerve. Duck insists that *today* he is a cat. Yesterday Duck was something else. Tomorrow Duck may be something else. But Duck is a cat...today...and insists on following Cat around.</p><p>My thoughts: Cat definitely had decided opinions on what is "regular." Cats meow. Ducks quack. End of story. Cats cannot be ducks. Ducks cannot be cats. And Cat doesn't have time for nonsense. Perhaps if Duck wasn't so insistent at being glued to his side. If Duck had gone away, far, far, away then would Cat have cared if this Duck wanted to meow? Maybe. Maybe not.</p><p> I liked this one okay. It was silly. It had humor. It's an early reader with speech bubbles. <br /></p><p> </p><p>© 2024 Becky Laney of <a href="https://zero-to-eight.blogspot.com/">Young Readers</a></p>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00793618692608823102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5881439480128795953.post-56471259904120729382024-03-04T16:26:00.000-06:002024-03-04T16:26:25.928-06:0028. Barnacle is Bored<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMeNO_7CVSKZtDKqvIH2snbXm6-Vm47A4D6aKB-OPy9DAn1HQt3vFVcKEVP6Gr7t71DLy9NVewMSxOXbIBmgn_7BwE57sToBW_PaCnLD4lLUlchQZupcjQnVMrVd-nC_I056KK4Yo-atWSFpzP5CThtw3DuGQHrsO4gpxAavP3EokZMTm9M-6VHoQlCiqX/s323/5star201kb.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="319" data-original-width="323" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMeNO_7CVSKZtDKqvIH2snbXm6-Vm47A4D6aKB-OPy9DAn1HQt3vFVcKEVP6Gr7t71DLy9NVewMSxOXbIBmgn_7BwE57sToBW_PaCnLD4lLUlchQZupcjQnVMrVd-nC_I056KK4Yo-atWSFpzP5CThtw3DuGQHrsO4gpxAavP3EokZMTm9M-6VHoQlCiqX/s320/5star201kb.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />Barnacle is Bored. Jonathan Fenske. 2016. Scholastic. 40 pages. [Source: Review copy]<br />
<br /> First sentence: I am bored. Bored. Bored. BORED. Every day is the
same. The tide comes IN. I am wet and cold. The tide goes OUT. I am dry
and hot. <p></p><p><br />Premise/plot: Barnacle is BORED. Barnacle is full of
complaints. Nothing suits. Until...Barnacle realizes something important
about life...<br /><br />My thoughts: I liked this one. I did. I may not
have loved, loved, loved it. But I solidly liked it. It is an
ocean-themed book about attitude and perspective, about gratitude.
Barnacle is not grateful...at all. But by the end of the story,
something has changed...for the better.<br /><br />The first time I read
this one, I wasn't overly impressed with the illustrations. They didn't
do much for me. Dare I say they bored me?! But after the second or third
time around I had come to appreciate them. I found the illustrations
could be quite expressive. I love the grinning look of relief on
Barnacle when he's NOT eaten. <br /><br />I appreciate the fact that this is
a book that allows for a lot of expression in the reading. I think it's
a great choice to share with little ones. They may just ask for it
again and again and again and again. <br /></p><p>ETA: Barnacle is Bored is one of my FAVORITE books to read aloud. I think it allows for great expression. I adore this one. <br /></p><p>© 2024 Becky Laney of <a href="https://zero-to-eight.blogspot.com/">Young Readers</a></p>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00793618692608823102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5881439480128795953.post-13382864168953463542024-03-04T16:02:00.003-06:002024-03-04T16:02:53.066-06:0027. Today is For You!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk4veS4eoCLYx3Cny-xzB7W6UxfRGnOBUZ3mv_lQgcIQIUK5FcgUQ2hPvatshAvfC4sXOA5mVbdCjgHAlE5zuiqUaaoAGnTKdeIaVS91d1Uj4X1yUaEuTkUsJsgd-_jKa3g3P1xAjzW9XyZe1ZPhXR5xrgTbpRz3fO8BDbzxGEOyNmOFZxn7kCD9xhZNl_/s315/4star197kb.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="312" data-original-width="315" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk4veS4eoCLYx3Cny-xzB7W6UxfRGnOBUZ3mv_lQgcIQIUK5FcgUQ2hPvatshAvfC4sXOA5mVbdCjgHAlE5zuiqUaaoAGnTKdeIaVS91d1Uj4X1yUaEuTkUsJsgd-_jKa3g3P1xAjzW9XyZe1ZPhXR5xrgTbpRz3fO8BDbzxGEOyNmOFZxn7kCD9xhZNl_/s1600/4star197kb.png" width="315" /></a></div><br />Today is For You! Sally Lloyd-Jones. Illustrated by Kevin Waldron. 2024. 48 pages. [Source: Library]<p></p><p>First sentence: Shout out, Good Morning! Shout out, Hooray! Shout it together....Hooray for Today! Jump up and smile and take a bow. When is Today? Exactly now.</p><p>Premise/plot: Looking for a picture book with enthusiasm and gusto? This is an inspirational/motivational picture book for young readers. It isn't quite Oh the Places You'll Go, but it is certainly in that tradition. The book celebrates living life in every moment. It is written in rhyme and reads like a poem. The narrative voice, like I mentioned earlier, is VERY peppy and excitable. </p><p>My thoughts: I like this colorful poem well enough. I do. I think it can be appreciated by a wide range of ages. Not everyone appreciates these kinds of books. And that's okay. Each "stanza" has a message. For example, "And be who you are. And be that the most." (To be fair, these are the last two lines of a longer stanza.) </p><p>The art is intriguing. The text is integral in the book's design and layout. It wasn't always super easy to read the text. But that is probably a personal preference. (Purple text on purple background, for example). I definitely appreciated some spreads more than others. Some were absolutely BEAUTIFUL and so amazing. I loved the color palettes for some of these. <br /></p><p> </p><p>© 2024 Becky Laney of <a href="https://zero-to-eight.blogspot.com/">Young Readers</a></p>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00793618692608823102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5881439480128795953.post-6134480179696950962024-03-04T15:50:00.001-06:002024-03-04T15:50:31.643-06:0026. My Thoughts Have Wings<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxFUojnncjiem6BOHknnqYBI5kd1QWvrog-US7N3uhR_NkDmptvZ_beId9oWAfHC0OLj5WMgfQOSOWGlGrJLryl4OayiUAPu1Xu9K1bXoLRMUaJTOsbQvb_cex3OALQqpMP-nKyp_eFz-U6x0g9Jif6UrCICrP3rW1W6343dsIv5goANg-Mh4QxPWPQ0Cl/s310/3star168kb.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="310" data-original-width="281" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxFUojnncjiem6BOHknnqYBI5kd1QWvrog-US7N3uhR_NkDmptvZ_beId9oWAfHC0OLj5WMgfQOSOWGlGrJLryl4OayiUAPu1Xu9K1bXoLRMUaJTOsbQvb_cex3OALQqpMP-nKyp_eFz-U6x0g9Jif6UrCICrP3rW1W6343dsIv5goANg-Mh4QxPWPQ0Cl/s1600/3star168kb.png" width="281" /></a></div><br />My Thoughts Have Wings. Maggie Smith. Illustrated by Leanne Hatch. 2024. 32 pages. [Source: Library]<br /> <p></p><p>First sentence: Sometimes when I go to bed, my body is calm and still, but my mind feels busy and loud! When my mom turns off the lights, my thoughts stay on...especially the not-so-good ones. Those thoughts flutter and flap in my head.</p><p>Premise/plot: The little girl in this picture book struggles with anxiety. Her mom teaches her how to allow happy thoughts to build a nest in her mind. </p><p>My thoughts: This one deals specifically with anxiety when it comes to falling asleep and staying asleep. The book shows her worrisome thoughts and her happy thoughts. The book is sweet and gentle. The imagery is lovely.</p><p>There's more than one way to approach this topic/theme. I do not expect secular picture books to approach it the same way a Christian book published by a Christian publisher would. <br /></p><p> </p><p>© 2024 Becky Laney of <a href="https://zero-to-eight.blogspot.com/">Young Readers</a></p>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00793618692608823102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5881439480128795953.post-35524027780854570552024-03-04T15:35:00.002-06:002024-03-04T15:35:57.755-06:0025. Cranky<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxFUojnncjiem6BOHknnqYBI5kd1QWvrog-US7N3uhR_NkDmptvZ_beId9oWAfHC0OLj5WMgfQOSOWGlGrJLryl4OayiUAPu1Xu9K1bXoLRMUaJTOsbQvb_cex3OALQqpMP-nKyp_eFz-U6x0g9Jif6UrCICrP3rW1W6343dsIv5goANg-Mh4QxPWPQ0Cl/s310/3star168kb.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="310" data-original-width="281" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxFUojnncjiem6BOHknnqYBI5kd1QWvrog-US7N3uhR_NkDmptvZ_beId9oWAfHC0OLj5WMgfQOSOWGlGrJLryl4OayiUAPu1Xu9K1bXoLRMUaJTOsbQvb_cex3OALQqpMP-nKyp_eFz-U6x0g9Jif6UrCICrP3rW1W6343dsIv5goANg-Mh4QxPWPQ0Cl/s1600/3star168kb.png" width="281" /></a></div><br />Cranky. Phuc Tran. Illustrated by Pete Oswald. 2024. 32 pages. [Source: Library]<p></p><p>First sentence: I'm cranky. And this morning I'm also feeling cranky because...well, I'd rather not tell you. It's personal.</p><p>Premise/plot: Cranky is cranky. Cranky stays cranky. Cranky does not want to talk about it. Not with his friends. Not with readers. Will Cranky be a little less cranky by the end of the day [aka end of the book]? Perhaps. Perhaps not. Sometimes crankiness lingers and you have to sleep it off.</p><p>My thoughts: Not sure exactly what the point of this one was other than to show a cranky construction vehicle going through his busy day all the while being cranky. For readers who think crankiness in others is amusing, then this one might appeal. Or for readers who enjoy construction vehicles. It definitely falls into the "emotions and feelings" category--books that are opportunities for learning about emotions, feelings, and how to cope with all the above. <br /></p><p> </p><p>© 2024 Becky Laney of <a href="https://zero-to-eight.blogspot.com/">Young Readers</a></p>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00793618692608823102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5881439480128795953.post-59361063730504193992024-02-28T10:50:00.001-06:002024-02-28T10:50:12.739-06:0024. Kitty and Cat: Bent Out of Shape<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifJ2o5uJDEspDFv1LeY-3uW1JrLPEufSX8SCck3isERn0Jm4OFr5lnvAf5n5pBTYf7LTX31VpeigjLHwo4G30hbFMjya2kPvfMsL5YIA4jOzjg0JtkdVaVIJLMJvhJkIIoCGKhOXNkmUYQ0gNfjQLm41WZoV0IWiDLwpdA6l_9q4WZdwMDwm5Ki0sNUBOF/s310/3star168kb.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="310" data-original-width="281" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifJ2o5uJDEspDFv1LeY-3uW1JrLPEufSX8SCck3isERn0Jm4OFr5lnvAf5n5pBTYf7LTX31VpeigjLHwo4G30hbFMjya2kPvfMsL5YIA4jOzjg0JtkdVaVIJLMJvhJkIIoCGKhOXNkmUYQ0gNfjQLm41WZoV0IWiDLwpdA6l_9q4WZdwMDwm5Ki0sNUBOF/s1600/3star168kb.png" width="281" /></a></div><br />Kitty and Cat: Bent Out of Shape. Mirka Hokkanen. 2023. [November] 40 pages. [Source: Library]<p></p><p>First sentence: Cat! Time for a bath! Cat? Where's Cat?</p><p>Premise/plot: Kitty and Cat are back for another adventure. In this one the concept being taught is shapes. Cat is avoiding the dread B-A-T-H. But will Cat be successful? Will the others be successful when it is their turn for a bath? </p><p>My thoughts: I liked it well enough. Kitty and Cat are both cute. The story may not be "fresh" or "new" but it is still fun enough. </p><p>If your little one loves cats, then I'd recommend reading this one. (Especially if you can get it at your local library). The great thing about picture books is that you can preview before you buy (if you buy in person) or look at the sample pages if you are buying online.<br /></p><p> </p><p>© 2024 Becky Laney of <a href="https://zero-to-eight.blogspot.com/">Young Readers</a></p>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00793618692608823102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5881439480128795953.post-79910604212462293642024-02-23T15:30:00.000-06:002024-02-23T15:30:02.873-06:0023. Some Cats<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKXaEN2wyOzuNezRlEIFiggKC8Atn1tD-Jg4p1hiM63IvWnF289AAvEHjh3HArasOHMLFTbcw0tu97JzRtruvRTe-BNqIplKqqqnx1PsSJHIT1TGaLxfRAqeufDcOaxSgVVBsxmYImxG-ld20j3-rjIw_LSWzETPG1jeMBJECgnN6FKYr4OAaznp55m4OH/s315/4star197kb.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="312" data-original-width="315" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKXaEN2wyOzuNezRlEIFiggKC8Atn1tD-Jg4p1hiM63IvWnF289AAvEHjh3HArasOHMLFTbcw0tu97JzRtruvRTe-BNqIplKqqqnx1PsSJHIT1TGaLxfRAqeufDcOaxSgVVBsxmYImxG-ld20j3-rjIw_LSWzETPG1jeMBJECgnN6FKYr4OAaznp55m4OH/s1600/4star197kb.png" width="315" /></a></div><br />Board book: Some Cats. Illustrated by Lydia Nichols. 2023. 12 pages. [Source: Library]<p></p><p>First sentence: Sometimes cats seek. Sometimes they hide. Sometimes they find things and climb right inside! Sometimes cats stretch in the warm morning sun. Other times, climbing just sounds like more fun. Sometimes cats cuddle and snuggle all day, but sometimes they want to leap, jump, and play.</p><p>Premise/plot: This board book is a shape book, and a layered shape book at that. It stars PLENTY of cats.</p><p>My thoughts: I love, love, love cats. I do. I appreciate board books. I know not many adults read board books for fun, but I do. This rhyming board book is delightful. I like the text, the illustrations, and the textures. <br /></p><p> </p><p>© 2024 Becky Laney of <a href="https://zero-to-eight.blogspot.com/">Young Readers</a></p>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00793618692608823102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5881439480128795953.post-25651250482694577842024-02-23T15:21:00.002-06:002024-02-23T15:21:40.639-06:0022. Apple vs. Pumpkin<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKXaEN2wyOzuNezRlEIFiggKC8Atn1tD-Jg4p1hiM63IvWnF289AAvEHjh3HArasOHMLFTbcw0tu97JzRtruvRTe-BNqIplKqqqnx1PsSJHIT1TGaLxfRAqeufDcOaxSgVVBsxmYImxG-ld20j3-rjIw_LSWzETPG1jeMBJECgnN6FKYr4OAaznp55m4OH/s315/4star197kb.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="312" data-original-width="315" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKXaEN2wyOzuNezRlEIFiggKC8Atn1tD-Jg4p1hiM63IvWnF289AAvEHjh3HArasOHMLFTbcw0tu97JzRtruvRTe-BNqIplKqqqnx1PsSJHIT1TGaLxfRAqeufDcOaxSgVVBsxmYImxG-ld20j3-rjIw_LSWzETPG1jeMBJECgnN6FKYr4OAaznp55m4OH/s1600/4star197kb.png" width="315" /></a></div><br />Board book: Apple vs. Pumpkin. Jeffrey Burton. Illustrated by Lydia Jean. 2023. 22 pages. [Source: Library]<p></p><p>First sentence: When it comes to fall, there's so much to love. The weather turns cool, the clothes get cozy, and there's only ONE treat everyone wants to eat.</p><p>Premise/plot: Are you Team Apple or Team Pumpkin? Which "fall" treat do you prefer? In this board book, apple and pumpkin "boast battle" to see which is best. </p><p>My thoughts: I like this one. I do. I love both apples and pumpkins. I have a love-hate relationship with the illustrations. Some spreads I love. Some not so much. But I definitely liked this one more often than not. The text is super cute--precious at times. Such as the following:<br /></p><blockquote>Did you know every kid is the apple of someone's eye?<br />Did you know every kid is someone's little pumpkin?</blockquote><br /><p></p><p> </p><p>© 2024 Becky Laney of <a href="https://zero-to-eight.blogspot.com/">Young Readers</a></p>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00793618692608823102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5881439480128795953.post-71993537328893708882024-02-21T15:06:00.001-06:002024-02-21T15:06:08.879-06:0021. The Fabulous Fannie Farmer<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu6VGxNVcWsQvVt0DS_0AzPjDZGQaA2M069W12hYZHPkjIbzjOBaHmtTxI0NYlOKngWdLXr2E6ODs55MjqAvlATl5Nnblqe86qZAEn-XLvY2H-phIh4nL80ia0oaFtoVrv2bWhFFgwi0iEOTdZaCAYwYBoEnpgwYRtrBSoMCd4lnk1KIix3by-TEBBEEsl/s323/5star201kb.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="319" data-original-width="323" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu6VGxNVcWsQvVt0DS_0AzPjDZGQaA2M069W12hYZHPkjIbzjOBaHmtTxI0NYlOKngWdLXr2E6ODs55MjqAvlATl5Nnblqe86qZAEn-XLvY2H-phIh4nL80ia0oaFtoVrv2bWhFFgwi0iEOTdZaCAYwYBoEnpgwYRtrBSoMCd4lnk1KIix3by-TEBBEEsl/s320/5star201kb.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />The Fabulous Fannie Farmer: Kitchen Scientist and America's Cook. Emma Bland Smith. Illustrated by Susan Reagan. 2024. 40 pages. [Source: Library]<p></p><p>First sentence: In a house near Boston in the late 1800s, Fannie Farmer sat at the kitchen table, swinging her legs and peeling potatoes. Or so we can imagine. Like many girls across America, Fannie likely grew up learning to cook from her mother, making dishes that had been passed down for generations. Now, back in the old days, recipes were different from today. Both in books and out loud, the instructions were often cloudier than clam chowder, and the measurements could be downright silly! "A suspicion of nutmeg," "sugar to your taste," "as many yolks of eggs as may be necessary," "yeast sufficient to make them light," "a good lump of dripping or butter."</p><p>Premise/plot: The Fabulous Fannie Farmer is a nonfiction picture book--a biography--about Fannie Farmer and her cookbook. Farmer was instrumental in the field. She is the "mother of measurement" and helped revolutionize modern recipes--that is HOW recipes were written. The book is great at contrasting before and after. </p><p>The book includes two of her recipes.</p><p>My thoughts: I loved this one. The narration was great--plenty of engaging storytelling. I loved the inclusion of back matter. This one is a good example of a DELIGHTFUL nonfiction read. They sure didn't write biographies like this when I was a kid. <br /></p><p> </p><p>© 2024 Becky Laney of <a href="https://zero-to-eight.blogspot.com/">Young Readers</a></p>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00793618692608823102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5881439480128795953.post-71306046157147794132024-02-15T16:19:00.003-06:002024-02-15T16:19:32.330-06:0013-20. Board Book Parade<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-FYiTjTOrdhxrOeD4Bnp8qYLQ3RxGMAt0DU1pd0DzIRjgKLE4Thg3wDi5Va2zyTbMHGENijrh-q-baFm1r5c9Q1dz7N26hqfG0_M2XJcKe71sOhQ3Bya75yAuxIwbfUxZrkW2LG7w8l5vd5GbGqbR238M-K1v5FuMYuSXW5Au_AbMC-AUIrTMxrHrrEtv/s310/3star168kb.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="310" data-original-width="281" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-FYiTjTOrdhxrOeD4Bnp8qYLQ3RxGMAt0DU1pd0DzIRjgKLE4Thg3wDi5Va2zyTbMHGENijrh-q-baFm1r5c9Q1dz7N26hqfG0_M2XJcKe71sOhQ3Bya75yAuxIwbfUxZrkW2LG7w8l5vd5GbGqbR238M-K1v5FuMYuSXW5Au_AbMC-AUIrTMxrHrrEtv/s1600/3star168kb.png" width="281" /></a></div><br />13. [Board book] Teeny Tiny Turkey. Rachel Matson. Illustrated by Joey Chou. 2023. 16 pages. [Source: Library]<p></p><p>First sentence: On a teeny tiny farm, while the moon shone bright, all the forest creatures prepared for party night.</p><p>Premise/plot: Teeny Tiny Turkey has nothing to provide for the party. All of her friends are cooking or baking something--or else contributing something else special for the day. But Teeny Tiny Turkey has nothing but herself to bring. Will her 'gift from the heart' make her friends happy?</p><p>My thoughts: This one could have gone a completely different direction if the author had a dark sense of humor. Was I actually worried that Teeny Tiny Turkey would be the star of the show and be consumed by her friends? Not really. This one didn't wow me. It was serviceable and just fine. <br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTxOsBPmBMSGt8nlDWZsmz3XlPirU_60wTXP7kykQUPq6KFHoa-daG0CrZesCj4X926ea1jK7JJU1SPeLW8ZIMgcHgpWQOMuV4F3AkcldIrIdcenemXHuHSVzuYBZQVMS4ZHc4A6Z2MqOnFl5wSnEZ6xi0Ex2i3OUuL3bddEMeqKIVmRyWRgKXJr3nvuJN/s323/5star201kb.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="319" data-original-width="323" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTxOsBPmBMSGt8nlDWZsmz3XlPirU_60wTXP7kykQUPq6KFHoa-daG0CrZesCj4X926ea1jK7JJU1SPeLW8ZIMgcHgpWQOMuV4F3AkcldIrIdcenemXHuHSVzuYBZQVMS4ZHc4A6Z2MqOnFl5wSnEZ6xi0Ex2i3OUuL3bddEMeqKIVmRyWRgKXJr3nvuJN/s320/5star201kb.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />14. [Board book] If Mama Sings. Laura Wittner. Illustrated by Maricel R. Clark. 2023. 16 pages. [Source: Library]<p></p><p>First sentence: If Mama sings, I float.<br />If Mama sings, I sleep.<br />If Mama sings, I eat.<br />If Mama sings, I look.<br /><br />Premise/plot: If Mama Sings is a simple, sweet board book. It takes readers from pregnancy through preschool years. The first spread shows an expectant mother singing to her unborn child. The last spread shows that child joining her in song.</p><p>My thoughts: A book doesn't have to be flashy to work. Simple text. Simple illustrations. ALL heart and substance. The tender emotions are strong with this one. I found it very delightful. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgNEH1uMACnisMVE7jurOcSwS40BWR0-5GcShVXgs1Ti8I5y7eiz5g2VwrqAkez1-DNyyJzaSoPjxGrLlGQivab1jdyzeXIFpXiZkXCiLLCRkisMXFfWctvUxxKpD9UTG2MsNG3o5WcKWsZMJiLA0gBPf8SK8OMBpQBLu6iMIa_r4CB7TB0Qf3Bl5KkrIn/s315/4star197kb.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="312" data-original-width="315" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgNEH1uMACnisMVE7jurOcSwS40BWR0-5GcShVXgs1Ti8I5y7eiz5g2VwrqAkez1-DNyyJzaSoPjxGrLlGQivab1jdyzeXIFpXiZkXCiLLCRkisMXFfWctvUxxKpD9UTG2MsNG3o5WcKWsZMJiLA0gBPf8SK8OMBpQBLu6iMIa_r4CB7TB0Qf3Bl5KkrIn/s1600/4star197kb.png" width="315" /></a></div><br />15. [Board Book] The Bedtime Book. Katy Hedley. Illustrated by Paola Camma. 2023. [October 17, cybils eligible] 20 pages. [Source: Library]<p></p><p>First sentence: El asked Mouse if Mouse wanted to read. Mouse said, "If you read this, I would like that indeed." So El read the green book and that made Mouse smile. Mouse talked about the pictures so the book took a while. "El, please read it again?" Mouse asked with a squeeze. El gave a big smile and said, "Yes, Mouse, as you please."</p><p>Premise/plot: El reads Mouse a bedtime story. (El is an elephant. Mouse is a mouse.) It is written in rhyme.</p><p>My thoughts: I like it. I don't crazy love it. But I don't not-love it either. It is sweet enough in its way. It doesn't have a particularly unique title. Nor is the premise all that unique or special. It's cozy, familiar, predictable. Nothing wrong with going with the flow. Bedtime books usually come in two varieties: gentle, soothing books meant to lull to sleep OR the more rambunctious protests against bedtime. This one falls into the gentle and peaceful camp. [That's not to say the story is boring.]</p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgNEH1uMACnisMVE7jurOcSwS40BWR0-5GcShVXgs1Ti8I5y7eiz5g2VwrqAkez1-DNyyJzaSoPjxGrLlGQivab1jdyzeXIFpXiZkXCiLLCRkisMXFfWctvUxxKpD9UTG2MsNG3o5WcKWsZMJiLA0gBPf8SK8OMBpQBLu6iMIa_r4CB7TB0Qf3Bl5KkrIn/s315/4star197kb.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="312" data-original-width="315" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgNEH1uMACnisMVE7jurOcSwS40BWR0-5GcShVXgs1Ti8I5y7eiz5g2VwrqAkez1-DNyyJzaSoPjxGrLlGQivab1jdyzeXIFpXiZkXCiLLCRkisMXFfWctvUxxKpD9UTG2MsNG3o5WcKWsZMJiLA0gBPf8SK8OMBpQBLu6iMIa_r4CB7TB0Qf3Bl5KkrIn/s1600/4star197kb.png" width="315" /></a></div><br />16. [Board book] Lion, Lion Peekaboo. Grace Habib. 2023. 8 pages. [Source: Library]<p></p><p>First sentence: Lion and Lion's friends are playing peekaboo! Let's play too. Stripy zebra, Stripy zebra....where are you? </p><p>Premise/plot: Interactive board book for parents to share with little ones. This one features "grab and pull" interactive elements on each page. All the animals are hiding, little ones can "find" them and say peekaboo.</p><p>My thoughts: I liked this one well enough. I am not sure how well little ones will be able to manipulate the grab and pull bits. NOR am I sure how well the book will hold up to more vigorous readers. But I do think it has potential to be a favorite with little ones even if it doesn't remain a favorite forever. It does feature a mirror at the end. (Mirrors can be very appealing to young ones.)</p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-FYiTjTOrdhxrOeD4Bnp8qYLQ3RxGMAt0DU1pd0DzIRjgKLE4Thg3wDi5Va2zyTbMHGENijrh-q-baFm1r5c9Q1dz7N26hqfG0_M2XJcKe71sOhQ3Bya75yAuxIwbfUxZrkW2LG7w8l5vd5GbGqbR238M-K1v5FuMYuSXW5Au_AbMC-AUIrTMxrHrrEtv/s310/3star168kb.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="310" data-original-width="281" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-FYiTjTOrdhxrOeD4Bnp8qYLQ3RxGMAt0DU1pd0DzIRjgKLE4Thg3wDi5Va2zyTbMHGENijrh-q-baFm1r5c9Q1dz7N26hqfG0_M2XJcKe71sOhQ3Bya75yAuxIwbfUxZrkW2LG7w8l5vd5GbGqbR238M-K1v5FuMYuSXW5Au_AbMC-AUIrTMxrHrrEtv/s1600/3star168kb.png" width="281" /></a></div><br />17. [Board book] Baby On Board Train With Tabs to Push and Pull. Sebastien Braun. 2023. 8 pages. [Source: Library]<p></p><p>First sentence: All aboard the baby train. We're going on a ride today1 All aboard the baby train. The whistle sounds--we're on our way! All aboard the baby train. Up the hill--very slow. All aboard the baby train. Over the top and down we go!</p><p>Premise/plot: This one is an interactive board book with activities for little hands to manipulate on each spread. </p><p>My thoughts: The text isn't much--to be honest. The interactive elements, however, are so much better than the text itself. I could see the interactive elements "saving" this one and making it a good choice for little ones that love trains. Again, the text isn't the high point of this one. Most of the interactive elements work for me. The one that I don't quite love--I'm an overthinker--is the train in the tunnel that moves SIDEWAYS. I get that they want a hide-and-seek element perhaps. But trains don't hop off and on tracks like that!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgNEH1uMACnisMVE7jurOcSwS40BWR0-5GcShVXgs1Ti8I5y7eiz5g2VwrqAkez1-DNyyJzaSoPjxGrLlGQivab1jdyzeXIFpXiZkXCiLLCRkisMXFfWctvUxxKpD9UTG2MsNG3o5WcKWsZMJiLA0gBPf8SK8OMBpQBLu6iMIa_r4CB7TB0Qf3Bl5KkrIn/s315/4star197kb.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="312" data-original-width="315" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgNEH1uMACnisMVE7jurOcSwS40BWR0-5GcShVXgs1Ti8I5y7eiz5g2VwrqAkez1-DNyyJzaSoPjxGrLlGQivab1jdyzeXIFpXiZkXCiLLCRkisMXFfWctvUxxKpD9UTG2MsNG3o5WcKWsZMJiLA0gBPf8SK8OMBpQBLu6iMIa_r4CB7TB0Qf3Bl5KkrIn/s1600/4star197kb.png" width="315" /></a></div><br />18. [Board book] You're the Apple of My Pie. Rose Rossner. Illustrated by Jill Howarth. 2023. 24 pages. [Source: Library]<p></p><p>First sentence: You're my favorite gobble gobble, the tur-key to my heart. I only have eyes for you, so mumderful and smart. I'm always on your cider, here to help in any way. Nuthin's better than being together. I love you more each day. You really autumn know that I've fallen for you, it's true.</p><p>Premise/plot: This board book is full of puns.</p><p>My thoughts: The illustrations are precious in both senses of the word. Yes, this one is cutesy precious and a bit over-the-top. But it's also sweet and fun. The illustrations are colorful and fun--adorable. Will the sentimental cheese work for every reader? Maybe not. <br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-FYiTjTOrdhxrOeD4Bnp8qYLQ3RxGMAt0DU1pd0DzIRjgKLE4Thg3wDi5Va2zyTbMHGENijrh-q-baFm1r5c9Q1dz7N26hqfG0_M2XJcKe71sOhQ3Bya75yAuxIwbfUxZrkW2LG7w8l5vd5GbGqbR238M-K1v5FuMYuSXW5Au_AbMC-AUIrTMxrHrrEtv/s310/3star168kb.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="310" data-original-width="281" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-FYiTjTOrdhxrOeD4Bnp8qYLQ3RxGMAt0DU1pd0DzIRjgKLE4Thg3wDi5Va2zyTbMHGENijrh-q-baFm1r5c9Q1dz7N26hqfG0_M2XJcKe71sOhQ3Bya75yAuxIwbfUxZrkW2LG7w8l5vd5GbGqbR238M-K1v5FuMYuSXW5Au_AbMC-AUIrTMxrHrrEtv/s1600/3star168kb.png" width="281" /></a></div><br />19. [Board book] Winter with Hedgehog. Elena Ulyeva. Illustrated by Daria Parkhaeva. 2023. 20 pages. [Source: Library] <p></p><p>First sentence: One chilly morning, Little Hedgehog work up extra early. </p><p>Premise/plot: Little Hedgehog stars in this book celebrating a woodsy winter. <br /></p><p>My thoughts: Essentially this one is "when will it be winter?" Little Hedgehog serves as a way to teach a few basic facts to little ones about how forest animals spend their winters. It didn't wow me. It was definitely more a meh for me. (Personally). That being said, the illustrations were cute.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-FYiTjTOrdhxrOeD4Bnp8qYLQ3RxGMAt0DU1pd0DzIRjgKLE4Thg3wDi5Va2zyTbMHGENijrh-q-baFm1r5c9Q1dz7N26hqfG0_M2XJcKe71sOhQ3Bya75yAuxIwbfUxZrkW2LG7w8l5vd5GbGqbR238M-K1v5FuMYuSXW5Au_AbMC-AUIrTMxrHrrEtv/s310/3star168kb.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="310" data-original-width="281" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-FYiTjTOrdhxrOeD4Bnp8qYLQ3RxGMAt0DU1pd0DzIRjgKLE4Thg3wDi5Va2zyTbMHGENijrh-q-baFm1r5c9Q1dz7N26hqfG0_M2XJcKe71sOhQ3Bya75yAuxIwbfUxZrkW2LG7w8l5vd5GbGqbR238M-K1v5FuMYuSXW5Au_AbMC-AUIrTMxrHrrEtv/s1600/3star168kb.png" width="281" /></a></div><br />20. [Board book] Bundle up, Little Pup. Dori Elys. Illustrated by Elena Comte. 2023. 20 pages. [Source: Library]<p></p><p>First sentence: It's quiet outside. Snow swirls softly today. Bundle up, little pup! Let's go out and play!</p><p>Premise/plot: What you see is what you get. Young children and their dogs playing in the snow. This isn't the story of one child and one dog--it's a community at play.</p><p>My thoughts: I liked this one well enough. It was good to see all the variety--both in humans and pups. <br /></p><p>© 2024 Becky Laney of <a href="https://zero-to-eight.blogspot.com/">Young Readers</a></p>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00793618692608823102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5881439480128795953.post-22095786233015714882024-02-06T16:52:00.002-06:002024-02-06T16:52:54.655-06:0012. My Dog and I<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV7uVh_xBpVUlcgwQrjbb2YxkupRVtOT-lEI-jfVprA5ujvbSAdkT2xoQ1v9DlahRtqpLcld3pl8RVSipjn9tinXBW679QHOSS6dzs4Pv_aXOevT0VBdgU25HTA9KiLad90W7Nx8nfjSvOjU0PwwKvteGZUTQ-5BabeoasxhxWWT0TYCZjPMQG6UK5mC1k/s323/5star201kb.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="319" data-original-width="323" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV7uVh_xBpVUlcgwQrjbb2YxkupRVtOT-lEI-jfVprA5ujvbSAdkT2xoQ1v9DlahRtqpLcld3pl8RVSipjn9tinXBW679QHOSS6dzs4Pv_aXOevT0VBdgU25HTA9KiLad90W7Nx8nfjSvOjU0PwwKvteGZUTQ-5BabeoasxhxWWT0TYCZjPMQG6UK5mC1k/s320/5star201kb.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />My Dog and I. Luca Tortolini. Illustrated by Felicita Sala. 2023. [November] 48 pages. [Source: Library] [Picture book, Humor, Pets, Animals]<p></p><p>First sentence: I've always wanted a dog. And then, as I was walking in the park one day, I found one.</p><p>Premise/plot: A girl's dream comes true when she finds a lost "dog" in the woods. When no one responds to her "lost dog" posters (which she has posted all over town), the dog becomes HER dog. Or does it??? Does the "lost dog" want to be a found dog? And what will happen the next time the girl ventures into the neighboring woods? </p><p>My thoughts: This is a VERY silly book. I loved it. Is the narrator being unreliable out of sweet naivety? I'd say yes. Probably. She's the lovable fool and not a trickster. Is it fun as a young reader to be "smarter" than the narrator? I'd say YES. It invites a lot of giggles. If this is a read aloud, the adults can ask questions like "Is that a dog she found?" or "What did she find?" (the possibilities are endless). Young ones can speculate (aka "grow an idea") on what kind of pet she might find NEXT. <br /></p><p> </p><p>© 2024 Becky Laney of <a href="https://zero-to-eight.blogspot.com/">Young Readers</a></p>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00793618692608823102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5881439480128795953.post-74188006994629960002024-01-30T16:31:00.002-06:002024-01-30T16:31:32.862-06:0011. I Am Stuck<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg4emEM_Nrk3lGxaBw3cx5Br7NBjHEgHHRzxTzvAPUem3546SkX9QGgzK3DN8OLqTTSgvylZTEvzcFWHmNdkGJfgpXPjrj4cDsXXcn8xdE6a4UH77YxlSMQzQlqBDQj5lEL2USBvtBJlM0oinZ8hsGwEqBkbh-hAOhBpRsqDa4b5Ek25zN1ld_l4FxSoKo/s323/5star201kb.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="319" data-original-width="323" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg4emEM_Nrk3lGxaBw3cx5Br7NBjHEgHHRzxTzvAPUem3546SkX9QGgzK3DN8OLqTTSgvylZTEvzcFWHmNdkGJfgpXPjrj4cDsXXcn8xdE6a4UH77YxlSMQzQlqBDQj5lEL2USBvtBJlM0oinZ8hsGwEqBkbh-hAOhBpRsqDa4b5Ek25zN1ld_l4FxSoKo/s320/5star201kb.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />I Am Stuck. Julia Mills. 2023. [Source: Library] [Picture book]<p></p><p>First sentence: I am stuck. I can't seem to get unstuck. Stuck? Try wiggling your feet.</p><p>Premise/plot: Turtle, our protagonist, is stuck. In this picture book, many, many animals come by and see Turtle in his stuck-ness. Each offers advice on how to get unstuck. Advice that tends to be specific to their species, and not particularly generally useful advice to help him. But one animal is different. And that difference makes all the difference in the world...</p><p>My thoughts: I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this one. I love Turtle and Possum. I really love the direction this one took. The illustrations were SO cute and adorable. The story isn't necessarily cute and adorable. Though it could be seen that way, I suppose. I think this one could "hit" readers differently. For some it might be cute. For others it might be funny. For others it may be all too relatable. <br /></p><p> </p><p>© 2024 Becky Laney of <a href="https://zero-to-eight.blogspot.com/">Young Readers</a></p>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00793618692608823102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5881439480128795953.post-50097506583508998052024-01-30T16:18:00.001-06:002024-01-30T16:18:04.567-06:0010. Mine!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpcPlKHYIgL_XxVe_ln1oDClDsekX9ru68e_JxwWCwu8Bx55wGmELcz9B6SSO52K-19kQ7arRASuusaOOB0FWJ5_EIgernGUloSdiBvAC1KOCHPRwtrFpTCqgeA9jCV_Ivxt0gFwDTKF6L4F5nGMuUHaxKsHioig-d1Lq0tiNdzHTK0paje_tZ7vZc7xFU/s310/3star168kb.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="310" data-original-width="281" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpcPlKHYIgL_XxVe_ln1oDClDsekX9ru68e_JxwWCwu8Bx55wGmELcz9B6SSO52K-19kQ7arRASuusaOOB0FWJ5_EIgernGUloSdiBvAC1KOCHPRwtrFpTCqgeA9jCV_Ivxt0gFwDTKF6L4F5nGMuUHaxKsHioig-d1Lq0tiNdzHTK0paje_tZ7vZc7xFU/s1600/3star168kb.png" width="281" /></a></div><br />Mine! A Story of Not Sharing. Klara Persson. Translated by Nichola Smalley. Illustrated by Charlotte Ramel. 2023. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [Picture book]<p></p><p>First sentence: "Nico's coming to play today," says Mom. "He can't play with the squirrel," Sally says. "It's mine." "Let's put the squirrel in the wardrobe," says Mom. "You can play with it later, when Nico's gone home." </p><p>Premise/plot: And so it begins....Sally begins tossing anything and everything into the wardrobe so that her play date, Nico, cannot play with it. The situation really gets out of hand...she even puts in HER toilet. Will Sally ever learn to share?</p><p>My thoughts: This picture book was originally published in Sweden. I want to say two things. First, I enjoy the humorous story line. I do. I think it's silly and over-the-top. I think it's relatable, to a certain degree. I think there's lessons to be learned, if you so desire. Second, I really do not like at all in any way the illustrations. They are just not for me. So I am conflicted on if I like this one...or not. I know I don't love it. <br /></p><p> </p><p>© 2024 Becky Laney of <a href="https://zero-to-eight.blogspot.com/">Young Readers</a></p>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00793618692608823102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5881439480128795953.post-63312944317869937712024-01-30T10:45:00.003-06:002024-01-30T10:45:33.207-06:009. Kitty Feral and the Case of the Marshmellow Monkey<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf_FgaEfQs_Mum0JjlFf4kznhO3-N7Kry0D2xkW7Zrv__Cml6Ms-ySfi7-FiTIyPNtdlLpNxEFv-IRwJaFm1x4Kkq3R9z-IhYvFRFOEmXDkFEioJtt9bL4cQdcEWyUF788LCO1mKUDOyW7j1x7e7pIW3fxZ474uthV8nyvwJZX83Cfybp5zBg8wnm5JMGc/s323/5star201kb.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="319" data-original-width="323" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf_FgaEfQs_Mum0JjlFf4kznhO3-N7Kry0D2xkW7Zrv__Cml6Ms-ySfi7-FiTIyPNtdlLpNxEFv-IRwJaFm1x4Kkq3R9z-IhYvFRFOEmXDkFEioJtt9bL4cQdcEWyUF788LCO1mKUDOyW7j1x7e7pIW3fxZ474uthV8nyvwJZX83Cfybp5zBg8wnm5JMGc/s320/5star201kb.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />Kitty Feral and the Case of the Marshmallow Monkey. Eddie Muller and Jessica Schmidt. Illustrated by Forrest Burdett. 2023. 32 pages. [Source: Library]<p></p><p>First sentence: It's not easy being the only cat detective in this town. Ever since I bungled my biggest case, trouble hounds me. </p><p>Premise/plot: Kitty Feral is missing--literally and figuratively--her friend and companion Mitch the Mutt with whom she solves cases. But she's solo on this one. She will be trying to track down what happened to Cora's marshmallow monkey. Can she follow the clues and solve the case? </p><p>My thoughts: I LOVED the atmosphere of this one. The narrative is fun, fun, super-fun. The illustrations are AWESOME. I think adults will probably pick up on things young readers don't. But that isn't all bad, in my opinion. It just means the narrative is layered. I do think it holds up to multiple readings. I caught things the second time around that I didn't the first time. It is very noir. Chances are most young readers will have little to no familiarity with this genre. <br /></p><p> </p><p>© 2024 Becky Laney of <a href="https://zero-to-eight.blogspot.com/">Young Readers</a></p>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00793618692608823102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5881439480128795953.post-7472555045920093272024-01-23T15:18:00.004-06:002024-01-23T15:18:45.267-06:008. Hornbeam All In<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8nOsbi66939J244Q46MvMqNlazddyHpaNMwLdyZRIvM5x6jSRPzIhPWOPV_jvBT8RMEoJnsA4GkD9AZ5sP9fBbeNXP2eGVGj8ysvAbyl5C2ZKwYGWxbiX75I6OOIidH_iLpqd22M4zjJ1yAxUuQROqovBklkCR8_-nfEeElHXqmUPQ7hyphenhyphen-0L2nPFt4Rfk/s323/5star201kb.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="319" data-original-width="323" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8nOsbi66939J244Q46MvMqNlazddyHpaNMwLdyZRIvM5x6jSRPzIhPWOPV_jvBT8RMEoJnsA4GkD9AZ5sP9fBbeNXP2eGVGj8ysvAbyl5C2ZKwYGWxbiX75I6OOIidH_iLpqd22M4zjJ1yAxUuQROqovBklkCR8_-nfEeElHXqmUPQ7hyphenhyphen-0L2nPFt4Rfk/s320/5star201kb.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />Hornbeam All In. Cynthia Rylant. Illustrated by Arthur Howard. 2023. [December] 48 pages. [Source: Library] [early chapter books; animal fantasy]<p></p><p>First sentence: One morning Hornbeam was working on a moose puzzle when his neighbor Eureka called.</p><p>Premise/plot: Cynthia Rylant's newest early reader stars a moose--Hornbeam--and his friends. It has three stories: "Eureka and the Picnic," "Sleeping at Cuddy's House," "At the Pool with Adorabelle." </p><p>In "Eureka and the Picnic," Hornbeam says yes to an invitation from his goose friend, Eureka. Does he say yes for all the right reasons? Maybe. Maybe not. He asks WILL THERE BE POTATO SALAD. What he doesn't know--Eureka isn't exactly forthcoming--is that it is a family reunion picnic. There are hundreds of geese for Hornbeam to meet. All seen as "competition" for that potato salad. Will Hornbeam ever get a taste of it?</p><p>In "Sleeping at Cuddy's House," Hornbeam takes refuge at his friend Cuddy's house when his furnace goes out. The conflict? Hornbeam SNORES dreadfully. Will Cuddy ever get to sleep?</p><p>In "At the Pool with Adorabelle," Hornbeam is persuaded--albeit reluctantly--to take swimming lessons from his friend. Will this moose learn to swim?</p><p>My thoughts: I enjoyed this one very much. It is true that I tend to absolutely love Cynthia Rylant. She is a favorite of mine. I adore her books--for the most part. Am I attached to Hornbeam and company as much as I am her older books? Not yet. But there is potential. I hope that there are several books published in this series so that readers of all ages get a chance to get attached. When publishers only give us two books--or three books in a series, it's hard for it to build into a great series with beloved characters. <br /></p><p> </p><p>© 2024 Becky Laney of <a href="https://zero-to-eight.blogspot.com/">Young Readers</a></p>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00793618692608823102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5881439480128795953.post-41467445482951359492024-01-21T15:10:00.004-06:002024-01-21T15:10:49.192-06:007. Flat Cat<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqh74qOKvaRbeIvv9Rj9kUHkVHYSWHxykNdzY3ytmmA3sISGBlyBGWKhoVVApzUwqIQDOU_T7ol-sttUOk2HuNe5NmyhaTNhKqP-K5NcH-5P3zUJTSaQUAo9C_8nvfpfUM_w9q0V8ekqsvj016F6Q6JzFf3waxyFQNeBBUU-u2yrZB8TyqwY2K9krG2vu_/s310/3star168kb.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="310" data-original-width="281" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqh74qOKvaRbeIvv9Rj9kUHkVHYSWHxykNdzY3ytmmA3sISGBlyBGWKhoVVApzUwqIQDOU_T7ol-sttUOk2HuNe5NmyhaTNhKqP-K5NcH-5P3zUJTSaQUAo9C_8nvfpfUM_w9q0V8ekqsvj016F6Q6JzFf3waxyFQNeBBUU-u2yrZB8TyqwY2K9krG2vu_/s1600/3star168kb.png" width="281" /></a></div><br />Flat Cat. Tara Lazar. Illustrated by Pete Oswald. 2023. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [Picture book]<p></p><p>First sentence: Flat Cat was born flat. He wasn't squashed by an out-of-control ice cream truck. He wasn't smushed in a waffle iron by a sleepy short-order cook. He was just flat. Flat as a welcome mat, flat as splashed splat. And wouldn't you know it, Flat Cat liked it just like that.</p><p>Premise/plot: Flat Cat loves being flat. This is the story of how Flat Cat became un-flat and rather FAT. Can Flat Cat learn to see some positives at least from being fat and fluffy? Or is the Flat Cat lifestyle the best way to do life?</p><p>My thoughts: This was an odd book. Obviously. That almost goes without saying. Cats aren't really all that flat--naturally. The book is silly enough and it could prove appealing. It wasn't quite my cup of tea. <br /></p><p> </p><p>© 2024 Becky Laney of <a href="https://zero-to-eight.blogspot.com/">Young Readers</a></p>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00793618692608823102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5881439480128795953.post-24153723516693168592024-01-17T16:02:00.000-06:002024-01-17T16:02:40.754-06:006. The Knight Snacker<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXhfym93TpgHO2kQx-IA4nRTifCKuPs5tMEO_B2PQZzAtuxh1Nub92VN-ngEkJeVyej-2SIzc83GKgnwlWbctxvgV6yC2IP8chhkT2_OrLRIoGEJn0M-99goBtSIDwwdmFRxvFTH2ZcCwx4Xca7sHrXJ7lJSPlKZia7OpjWZjZVTsDiiSAHz93i-nHoyxT/s312/2star193kb.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="309" data-original-width="312" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXhfym93TpgHO2kQx-IA4nRTifCKuPs5tMEO_B2PQZzAtuxh1Nub92VN-ngEkJeVyej-2SIzc83GKgnwlWbctxvgV6yC2IP8chhkT2_OrLRIoGEJn0M-99goBtSIDwwdmFRxvFTH2ZcCwx4Xca7sHrXJ7lJSPlKZia7OpjWZjZVTsDiiSAHz93i-nHoyxT/s1600/2star193kb.png" width="312" /></a></div><br />The Knight Snacker. Valeria Wicker. 2023. 40 pages. [Source: Library]<p></p><p>First sentence: It was a dark and stormy, tummy-rumbling night. Sir Julian was eager for dinner. He spotted Mom's new recipe: Fusion Fondue. "Eat! It's healthy!" Mom said. But it looked and smelled deadly, like dragon's ooze.</p><p>Premise/plot: "Sir" Julian refuses to eat supper (though he pretends) and so later that night he's hungry enough to go on the prowl. This "brave knight" will face his fears as he seeks out a night-time snack. What will he find in the refrigerator to snack on?</p><p>My thoughts: I wanted to like this one. But to be perfectly honest I found it meh. I'm torn between two stars and three stars. This one had potential, in my opinion, it just personally disappointed. I am not at all saying that it will disappoint other readers. This is in some ways your typical picky eater picture book with the addition of the protagonist having a knight-obsession. It is imaginative enough in some ways. Just wasn't quite for me. I think one thing in its favor--and I do try to find positives in what I read--is that it has LOTS of descriptions/descriptive words. For example, "His nose twitched. His mouth gagged. But hunger was like a ferocious, five-horned, fire-breathing dragon." </p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p>© 2024 Becky Laney of <a href="https://zero-to-eight.blogspot.com/">Young Readers</a></p>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00793618692608823102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5881439480128795953.post-22473607809765289602024-01-17T15:36:00.003-06:002024-01-17T15:36:55.223-06:005. 100 Chapatis<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz5YboWBnmtuzyYYux2gEXLv7dpTOy0VOY1A6_oIx0TJlPoeRTnhACfwM65NeU998gm1Xt5mhf3UvEd2gUZdKq80mw6VCgXhh5wKhKw5di4J09OPm22efbPotmMt91vShxxW24HvQ-oU12N-MsrpMhB2TYxvx4u5wapVcUG2kkLoyTn2rA-ow0bYC4pAUL/s310/3star168kb.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="310" data-original-width="281" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz5YboWBnmtuzyYYux2gEXLv7dpTOy0VOY1A6_oIx0TJlPoeRTnhACfwM65NeU998gm1Xt5mhf3UvEd2gUZdKq80mw6VCgXhh5wKhKw5di4J09OPm22efbPotmMt91vShxxW24HvQ-oU12N-MsrpMhB2TYxvx4u5wapVcUG2kkLoyTn2rA-ow0bYC4pAUL/s1600/3star168kb.png" width="281" /></a></div><br />100 Chapatis. Derek Mascarenhas. Illustrated by Shantala Robinson. 2023. [October 17] 32 pages. [Source: Library]<p></p><p>First sentence: "When will the baby come?" Simon asked his pappa. "Your dad will call from the hospital as soon as your mom has the baby," said Pappa. </p><p>Premise/plot: A grandfather and grandson make one hundred chapatis [Indian flat bread] as they await news of the birth of the baby. It is a great way to pass time and super practical since it will be nice to have food on hand after the baby is born. </p><p>My thoughts: I liked this one. It is always nice when picture books celebrate family AND cooking AND culture. <br /></p><p> </p><p>© 2024 Becky Laney of <a href="https://zero-to-eight.blogspot.com/">Young Readers</a></p>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00793618692608823102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5881439480128795953.post-8246045823385514572024-01-16T17:17:00.001-06:002024-01-16T17:17:07.564-06:004. Ploof<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYaariTFzMcGoNKdJLgNZxw8HeIGE1BTK0nCLNZQW6phgMOPXeNhY2puKqE7PCPY4mxaMUMK0AB2aMaL4ZjRdEDLtuEquJQkft89N1kZDCuuJa8BXW3h2X2r4e0Ly-jFRUGGfsK0-kr996h6Qj6B1VSy2CsHVxRxYHjIu4rNkHIBCXcpY30f-h9bsUaNNw/s315/4star197kb.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="312" data-original-width="315" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYaariTFzMcGoNKdJLgNZxw8HeIGE1BTK0nCLNZQW6phgMOPXeNhY2puKqE7PCPY4mxaMUMK0AB2aMaL4ZjRdEDLtuEquJQkft89N1kZDCuuJa8BXW3h2X2r4e0Ly-jFRUGGfsK0-kr996h6Qj6B1VSy2CsHVxRxYHjIu4rNkHIBCXcpY30f-h9bsUaNNw/s1600/4star197kb.png" width="315" /></a></div><br />Ploof. Ben Clanton and Andy Chou Musser. 2023. [September] 51 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book, not quite board book]<p></p><p>First sentence: This is Ploof. Ploof is feeling lonely. Can you say hello? </p><p>Premise/plot: Ploof is a cloud that your little one can "interact" with as you read the book aloud. How is it interactive? Think Little Einsteins, Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, Blue's Clues, Team Umizoomi, etc. For example, "What's Ploof pretending to be now? Ah, I see! Good one! Wow! So many shapes! Can you guess them all? Hmmm... Ploof is running out of steam. Let's help puff Ploof back up. Can you blow softly on Ploof?"</p><p>My thoughts: I like this gentle read. I love the pastel colors. I like the friendly narrative. Ploof is adorably drawn. Will this one prove an engaging again-again read? I think it has potential for some little ones at least.</p><p>I do think this one is for preschoolers (or even younger). I greatly enjoyed it. I'm torn between four stars and five stars. <br /></p><p> </p><p>© 2024 Becky Laney of <a href="https://zero-to-eight.blogspot.com/">Young Readers</a></p>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00793618692608823102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5881439480128795953.post-36489178259584966362024-01-15T16:08:00.002-06:002024-01-15T16:08:30.403-06:003. Homegrown<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbgulVi2PGbZg850qKmBt8Js-mkSq8L88rDiZ77McsaU5Ej2503_LEx5RJYnanzFZ3D2l-6A0pqPmrY5V4K-LZxYoXZF65S9jPCq6MP8wU9eIseGhntaGpnzy7uUv5YLstWr83HT37dszjAcSR3jqu79jJ_Ty8fzGDQv2XedqS0hX-ak-Y_j5yQjbLtN-8/s323/5star201kb.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="319" data-original-width="323" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbgulVi2PGbZg850qKmBt8Js-mkSq8L88rDiZ77McsaU5Ej2503_LEx5RJYnanzFZ3D2l-6A0pqPmrY5V4K-LZxYoXZF65S9jPCq6MP8wU9eIseGhntaGpnzy7uUv5YLstWr83HT37dszjAcSR3jqu79jJ_Ty8fzGDQv2XedqS0hX-ak-Y_j5yQjbLtN-8/s320/5star201kb.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />Homegrown. Deann Wiley. 2024. [January] 40 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book]<p></p><p>First sentence: Mama says I'm homegrown.</p><p>Premise/plot: This picture book explores the many layered meanings of the concept--the word--home. The book celebrates family life, family, love, life, kindness, etc. </p><p>My thoughts: This book closely examines family life, home life, and gives behind-the-scenes glimpses into all things family, all things tradition; it is a celebration of community and culture. <br /></p><p> </p><p>© 2024 Becky Laney of <a href="https://zero-to-eight.blogspot.com/">Young Readers</a></p>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00793618692608823102noreply@blogger.com0