137. Are You Small?

Are You Small? Mo Willems. 2024. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars] [picture book]

First sentence: Are YOU small?
This book is small.
(But it has big ideas in it.)
A hamster is small.
(But it can be a big friend.)
A baby tooth is small.
(But it's a big deal when it comes out.)

Premise/plot: Are you big??? or are you small???? Mo Willems explores size and scale in this one. 

My thoughts: It was a solidly good read. My expectations for Mo Willems books are always so high. If you go into this one with reasonable expectations, I don't think you'll be disappointed. If you are expecting the most super-amazing-wonderful-brilliant book of all time, then you might be a little disappointed.

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

136. Anne Dreams

Anne Dreams. (Anne Chapter Book #6) Kallie George. 2024. 72 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars] [early chapter book, adapted book]

First sentence: It was spring in Avonlea.

Premise/plot: Kallie George has adapted L.M. Montgomery's classic orphan novel, Anne of Green Gables, into six early chapter books. These chapter books condense the story and illustrate it. In this sixth and final book, Anne dyes her hair green, enters Miss Stacy's special program, is accepted into Queen's College, and smiles at Gilbert. George has NOT adapted the whole novel. She ends it on a happy, happy note.

My thoughts: I have enjoyed all the previous books in this series. (Anne Arrives; Anne's Kindred Spirits; Anne's School Days; Anne's Tragical Tea Party; Anne Dares) I love, love, love the original novel. These adaptations have been lovely. Not a replacement for the original, but, a nice introduction perhaps. 

I can't help but think that the covers look like old school paper doll books. I would LOVE it if they did use these illustrations to make Anne of Green Gable paper dolls. That would have been a dream come true as a kid.

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

135. Good Rosie!

Good Rosie. Kate DiCamillo. Illustrated by Harry Bliss. 2018. 36 pages. [Source: Library] [2 stars] [graphic novel, early reader]

First sentence: Rosie lives with George. Rosie is a good dog.

Premise/plot: Rosie is a good dog. Not all the dogs readers meet in Good Rosie are good, mind you. The plot of this one is that Rosie--for better or worse--is being taken to the dog park to make friends. Rosie has no interest in this, especially at first. Rosie may just change her mind, though perhaps it isn't the best decision?

My thoughts: Appearances can be deceiving. Truly. What starts off as a happy-go-lucky story of a dog and her owner turns dark and then in the blink of an eye, readers are supposed to believe that all is well again. The subject matter (or is it theme?????) is HOW TO MAKE FRIENDS (if you're a dog). Maurice is LOUD and BIG and let's just say he makes some truly despicable, potentially life-ending decisions, however, because the tone of the book is supposed to be happy, merry, lovely, Rosie must make friends with Maurice. Poor Fifi! Granted, I don't *love* tiny yippy dogs either, but, Fifi and Rosie should have stuck together. Why did their trauma bond have to expand to include Maurice?????? 

Definitely my least favorite Kate DiCamillo.

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

134. La La La

La La La: A Story of Hope. Kate DiCamillo. Illustrated by Jaime Kim. 2017. Candlewick. 72 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars] [picture book, wordless picture book]

First sentence: La  

ETA: I never meant to reread this one. In all truth I had forgotten about it. Hence why I accidentally reread it. This one is newly available in digital format. It was listed as a "new" book at my library. I don't dislike this one. I just don't grasp this one. The illustrations are BEAUTIFUL. The story, well, some might "get it" and really connect with it.

Premise/plot: La La La: A Story of Hope is a nearly wordless picture book by Kate DiCamillo. Readers meet a young girl who appears to be lonely AND imaginative. She speaks to the world in la la la's. This one is subtitled "a story of hope." Will the girl's voice finally be heard? Will she find someone to sing back a response?

My thoughts: Without the notes from Kate DiCamillo and Jaime Kim would I have understood the message of La La La? I'd like to say yes--that the illustrations and the simple refrain powerfully, unmistakably told an incredibly beautiful and haunting story that most everyone can relate to easily. But. Just as the girl struggled with loneliness, I struggled to fully get the story. (Emphasis on fully).

It appears that the girl was at her loneliness when the pages were blank--devoid of color. But sometimes her singing led her out into the world--into nature--and the colorful scenes of this one were majestic. There would be pages of the little girl--though still alone--being happy, almost joyful. But this never seemed to last. She'd return to the blankness of her life.

The main plot point--the highlight--seems to be when she sees the moon and wants to reach out to it. Like the moon represents everything missing in her life. But it's too far away--too out of reach. She tries...and fails. But the story doesn't end there. The story ends with the moon coming down to her--echoing back her song.

What does it all mean? Is there one big, obvious meaning? Who--or what--is the moon? What does it symbolize? And how does the symbolism relate back to the real world? How can this story about a girl and the moon singing beautiful harmony together help an actual little girl with her loneliness? Is it about being at one-ness with the universe? Is it about the splendor of nature--the healing effects of nature? Could it be a spiritual thing--a symbol of God being there, being enough? If I struggle as an adult with what the story is about, would a child struggle more or less with interpreting the story?

Text: 2.5 out of 5
Illustrations: 4.5 out of 5
Total: 7 out of 10 

 

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

133. Bear and Bird: The Adventure and Other Stories

133. Bear and Bird: The Adventure and Other Stories (Bear and Bird #3) Jarvis. 2024. 64 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars] [early chapter book; animal fantasy; friendship]

First sentence: It was Tuesday. And every Tuesday, Bear and Bird would spend the morning cloud-watching. But not this Tuesday. Because Bird wasn't feeling very well.

My thoughts preview: Bear and Bird have to be my DELIGHTFUL find of the year. This duo has won me over and I can't stop gushing about how much I love and adore these two.

Premise/plot: Bear and Bird are back for their THIRD adventure. This is an early chapter illustrated story book for young readers. It has four inter-connected stories. This one has "The Nothing," "The Hole," "The Mole," and "The Adventure." 

My thoughts: I LOVED this one so much. I don't love it more, mind you, than the first two. But I love it just as much or as equally. My favorite story of this one is "The Nothing." Bear has gone to Bird's house to be supportive of his best, best friend. Bear tries and tries and tries and tries....to no avail. ALL of the things Bear tries...fall flat and go unappreciated. What does Bird want from Bear?????? A companionable nothing. 

I would definitely recommend all three chapter books.  

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers