Lulu's Mysterious Mission

Lulu's Mysterious Mission. Judith Viorst. Illustrated by Kevin Cornell. 2014. 185 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: But first let's go find Lulu, who is in the living room screeching, "No! No! No!" although she doesn't screech much anymore.

Premise/plot: Lulu is DEVASTATED to learn that her parents are set to vacation without her. She'll be left behind in the care of a babysitter. Her babysitter is Sonia Sofia Solinsky. And it will be a fierce match between the two...or will it?! Does the babysitter have a secret? And are these two kindred spirits after all?

My thoughts: Definitely a fun story. I love how smart the babysitter is. I love how Lulu even at her most difficult can't surprise and outwit her. I'd recommend all three books.
© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Lulu Walks the Dog

Lulu Walks the Dogs. Judith Viorst. Illustrated by Lane Smith. 2012. 160 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Lulu--remember Lulu?--used to always be a pig pain, till she met Mr. B, a lovely brontosaurus. Now she is just a sometimes pain, and not nearly as rude as before.

Premise/plot: Lulu wants something, and she's determined to get it. Her parents tell her: if you want it, start earning money and save it. Her idea for how to make money quick? To start her own dog-walking business in the neighborhood. The problem? She doesn't know a thing about dogs, and, well, her dog-skills aren't the best. (Are her people-skills?!?!) The business is doomed to fail unless she can find a way to work with someone else--an "annoyingly" perfect kid named Fleischman.

My thoughts: Definitely enjoyed this one! I love the fact that Lulu likes to make up her own songs. And I do love Lulu's persistence. She's far from ideal, but, she's easy to relate to now and then. I like how this series is quick, quick, quick. LOTS of pictures and quite large font. The length of each chapter is nice as well. Many factors contribute to make this one work for me. And, since there is a dog on the cover, I've got to add that this one is SAFE. No dog dies in this book.
© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Lulu and the Brontosaurus

Lulu and the Brontosaurus. Judith Viorst. Illustrated by Lane Smith. 2010. 128 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: There was once a girl named Lulu, and she was a pain. She wasn't a pain in the elbow. She wasn't a pain in the knee. She was a pain--a very big pain--in the butt.

Premise/plot: Will Lulu, the oh-so-selfish, oh-so-thoughtless, oh-so-spoiled child, learn her lesson in Judith Viorst's new book? She may when her wish, no, her DEMAND, backfires on her a bit. Lulu demands a brontosaurus for her birthday. When her parents refuse--consistently refuse--she decides to run away...and she runs right into TROUBLE.

My thoughts: I liked this one. It was amusing. It was enjoyable in an over-the-top, don't-take-it-too-seriously way. Lulu deserves what she almost gets. Perhaps there's a little Lulu in all of us that needs a reminder now and then that there's more than one perspective in the world.



© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Be Quiet

Be Quiet! Ryan T. Higgins. 2017. 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Finally! I get my very own book to star in. This is going to be great! I'm going to make it a wordless book. They are very artistic. This book will have NO WORDS at all. Starting....NOW.

Premise/plot: Rupert the Mouse is in the process of creating/writing/starring-in a WORDLESS picture book. Or is he?! When Thistle and Nibbs interrupt this work-in-progress, it seems doomed to fail. Neither mouse seems to understand the meaning of the word QUIET. Though both seem super-excited at the idea of being in a book--wordless or not.

My thoughts: The dialogue in this one is GREAT fun--regardless your age, in my opinion. I enjoyed hearing these three talk about how wonderful, how fantastic, how artistic WORDLESS picture books are. I love all the talking about the writing/creating process. I love that Bruce makes an appearance--though very, very brief. The book as a whole is just funny and amusing.

Text: 5 out of 5
Illustrations: 4 out of 5
Total: 9 out of 10

© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Too Big

Too Big. Ingri d'Aulaire and Edgar Parin d'Aulaire. 1945/2008. NYR Children's Collection. 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: There once was a boy and he was TOO BIG. He could not get into his little pants because he was TOO BIG. He could not get into his little coat because he was TOO BIG.

Premise/plot: The boy in this story has outgrown all his favorite things. He's just too big now. But being too big won't keep him from dreaming big.

My thoughts: Too Big was originally published in 1945. I personally love the vintage illustrations. I particularly love the cat and dog. I want to crawl into the book and just play with them and pet them. Half the illustrations are in color, the other half are in black and white. The story itself is very simple. To be honest, there's not much text to it at all! This being for better or worse. The repetition is strong with this one. Some sentences worked better for me than others. For example, it's easy to outgrow clothes, shoes, hats, etc. But the authors use the phrase "too big" to also stand in for "big enough to know better." (So he's too big to play rough with the cat.) The whole sequence with the horse just confused me. (Another thing I found confusing, why does the boy's milk glass read GOOD BOY?)

Text: 3 out of 5
Illustrations: 4 out of 5
Total: 7 out of 10

© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Goodnight, Numbers

Goodnight, Numbers. Danica McKellar. Illustrated by Alicia Padron. 2017. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: 1 One Goodnight, one fork. Goodnight, one spoon. Goodnight, one bowl. I'll see you soon. 2 Two Goodnight, two hands. Goodnight, two feet. Goodnight, two ears, so small and sweet.

Premise/plot: This is a bedtime-themed, counting-concept, celebrity-authored picture book. As the day comes to an end, and bedtime approaches, it's time to say goodnight to essentially anything and everything. Note: This isn't one family getting ready for bed, but MANY families getting ready for bed. Readers sees mothers, fathers, daughters, sons. (Various skin colors too.)

My thoughts: I think a lot of thought went into this "simple" book. Take a look at the endpapers, for example. The endpapers show little ones (and parents) ten different ways to express each number 1-10. The illustrator includes lots of images for counting on each spread--going beyond items listed in the text itself. One thing found on every spread is a ten-frame not-so-loosely-disguised as a picture frame. The author includes a note on how to get more from the text as well.

It's a cozy representation of numbers in many ways. All around us, every minute of the day, numbers just ARE. Each spread--each scene--is ordinary in every way.

Text: 3 out of 5
Illustrations: 3 out of 5
Total: 6 out of 10

© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Sam Sorts

Sam Sorts. Marthe Jocelyn. 2017. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Sam's things are in a heap. Time to tidy up.

Premise/plot: While trying to tidy up, Sam keeps getting distracted by 'having' to sort things. He doesn't "have" to sort things, he wants to sort things. He's fascinating by sorting. Each spread has Sam's things sorted in a different, particular way.

My thoughts: I know people who like to sort. I'm not really one of them! So this book didn't quite click for me personally. The part I could relate to best is when his sorting turns to playing. Now getting distracted by PLAYING I can get!

Text: 4 out of 5
Illustrations: 2 out of 5
Total: 6 out of 10

© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Triangle

Triangle. Mac Barnett. Illustrated by Jon Klassen. 2017. Candlewick. 48 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: This is Triangle. This is Triangle's house. This is Triangle in his house. And that is Triangle's door. One day Triangle walked out his door and away from his house. He was going to play a sneaky trick on Square.

Premise/plot: Triangle, our "hero," is determined to play quite a trick on his "friend" Square. His trick works, for the most part. His friend Square is SCARED. But his fear soon turns to anger as he realizes that it is Triangle behind it all. Will Square be able to get back at Triangle in the end?

My thoughts: This may be the oddest book I've read this year. Though the year isn't half over yet. It certainly uses a dark humor that may not appeal to every reader--no matter the age. Humor can be tricky, and the darker the humor, the trickier it is to get just right. There are fuzzy lines between funny and mean at times. I do wonder WHY Triangle and Square are friends with each other. And if Triangle treats all his friends like this.

I personally don't like this one very much. But I think it's a matter of taste.

Text: 3 out of 5
Illustrations: 2 out of 5
Total: 5 out of 10

© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

I Lost My Sock

I Lost My Sock. P.J. Roberts. Illustrated by Chris Eliopolous. 2017. Abrams. 24 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: "I lost my sock!" said Fox. "What does it look like?" asked Ox. "It looks just like this," said Fox. "Is this your sock?" asked Ox.

Premise/plot: Fox and Ox are friends. Fox has lost one of his socks. Ox wants to be a helpful friend, but, he's going to need some guidance from Fox as to what the sock looks like--color, size, shape, etc. Will Ox find Fox's sock?

My thoughts: This is a very odd book. That's not to say it's odd in a bad way. The illustrations are distinctive and not exactly traditional. The story has a lot of dialogue in it--a lot of questions. We end up finding out more about Ox than Fox--in terms of characterization. And Ox, well, he's eccentric, for sure. (Who keeps oranges in their hats?!)

Text: 3 out of 5
Illustrations: 2 out of 5
Total: 5 out of 10

© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

The Princess and the Pizza

The Princess and the Pizza. Mary Jane Auch and Herm Auch. 2002. Holiday House. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Princess Paulina needed a job. Her father had given up his throne to become a wood-carver and moved them to a humble shack in a neighboring kingdom.

Premise/plot: Princess Paulina misses princessing--doing all the things that princesses do. So she is happy to hear that Queen Zelda of Blom is seeking a 'true princess' to be the wife of her son, Prince Drupert. She feels that she needs all the luck she can get, so she tucks a piece of garlic and some fragrant herbs into her bodice. All of the princesses undergo various tests. Not all princesses pass; soon Princess Paulina is one of the few finalists remaining. What will her final test be? Could it have something to do with cooking?!

My thoughts: In this variation of The Princess and the Pea, the princess being tested accidentally discovers the best food ever--pizza. The book is definitely on the predictable side for adults. I'm guessing it would be for children as well. The title does give it away after all! But I thought this story was silly and fun. And if your little one LOVES pizza and playing princess, then you may need to give this one a chance.

Text: 4 out of 5
Illustrations: 4 out of 5
Total: 8 out of 10
© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Board book: Duck & Goose Colors

Duck & Goose Colors. Tad Hills. 2015. 22 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Duck is yellow, like a field of buttercups. Bluebird is blue, like the sky and the sea. The inchworm is green, like leaves. Duck's feet are orange, like a pumpkin, a carrot, and Goose's hat.

Premise/plot: What you should know about this book: a) it's a board book; b) it's a concept book--teaching colors; c) it stars Tad Hills' Duck & Goose.

My thoughts: I do like Duck and Goose. My favorite book starring Duck and Goose is DUCK & GOOSE FIND A PUMPKIN. If your little one loves these characters, this one is worth reading. It is simple. One sentence per spread, and each sentence is focused on introducing one color. There isn't any story to this one. But not every color concept book can be Mouse Paint. I do like the rhythm of the prose.

© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Board book: Gossie & Friends Say Good Night

Gossie & Friends Say Goodnight. Olivier Dunrea. 2017. HMH. 18 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Everyone on Old Farm is getting ready for bed. Everyone, except Ollie. "What are you doing, Gossie?" "I sip some water before going to bed," Gossie says.

Premise/plot: Ollie is the only one NOT getting ready for bed. Instead Ollie is visiting his friends one by one and asking them what they are doing. Each one responds in a typical way; that is each replies that he/she is doing something to prepare for going to bed. One by one Ollie says good night to each of his friends. By the end of the book, Ollie is at last ready for bed too.

What you should know about this one: a) it's a board book; b) it stars familiar characters from a series; c) it's a bedtime book; d) it's also a touch-and-feel book.

My thoughts: This one has a slow-moving plot. I think this was completely intentional. The back of the book says it's supposed to "lull" little ones to sleep. The problem with books with "lulling" potential is that parents may fall asleep even before their children do. I have read other books in the series--picture books--and they're not nearly this boring. That's why I think it is intentional. I think the touch and feel elements are okay, but, once again wish that those in power would realize that shiny is not a texture to be touched. Also why is BooBoo eating something that sticky?!

© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Board book: Hey Diddle Diddle

Hey Diddle Diddle (Sing Along With Me) Yu-Hsuan Huang. 2017. Candlewick Press. 10 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Hey diddle diddle, the cat and the fiddle, the cow jumped over the moon.

Premise/plot: What you should know about this book: a) It's a board book; b) it's an interactive board book; c) there is at least one interactive element per spread (and the cover is even interactive); d) it features the words of the traditional song; e) includes a downloadable song.


My thoughts: I have always been fond of "Hey Diddle Diddle." It is one of my favorite songs to sing with little ones. So I was excited to see this interactive board book. The pages are super-sturdy. Most of the interactive elements work easily. On the cover, little ones can "help" the cow jump over the moon. On the first spread, little ones can "help" the cat play the fiddle. That one is my personal favorite.

There was one page where the interactive element was very, very stiff and almost impossible to maneuver. But that could just be my own copy. It was the page where "the little dog laughed to see such fun." Speaking of which, I will stand by the fact that it should be "the little dog laughed to see such a sight." So maybe this book isn't perfectly-perfect.



© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Board Book: Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday (Sing Along with Me) Yu-Husan Huang. 2017. Candlewick. 10 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Happy birthday to you!

Premise/plot: What you should know about this book: a) It's a board book; b) it's an interactive board book; c) there is at least one interactive element per spread (and the cover is even interactive); d) it features the words of the traditional song; e) includes a downloadable song.

My thoughts: This is a sturdy board book. I like the interactive elements. I really like that the interactive elements look durable and work easily. I have reviewed interactive books in the past that were not durable at all, or that were difficult to maneuver. If it's tricky for adults to work, then little ones surely will have trouble as well. The animals in this one are cute.

© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Board book: Sleepy Toes

Sleepy Toes. Kelli McNeil. Illustrated by Cori Doerrfeld. 2017. Scholastic. 26 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Are your toes getting sleepy? So very, very sleepy? All day long they wiggle along--wiggly, wobbly toes. And now it's time to get some rest, so tomorrow we can be our best. Is your tummy getting sleepy? So very, very sleepy? All day long it gurgles along--giggly, gurgly tummy. And now it's time to turn off the light. Rest, little tummy, all is right.

Premise/plot: What you should know about this one: a) it is a board book; b) it has a padded cover; c) it is a bedtime book; d) it stars six different children; e) it is a rhyming book.

My thoughts: Do you ever judge a book by its cover? Be honest. I didn't expect to like this one much. It looked dinky to me. I was wrong; I admit it. I did like it. I haven't decided if I "really like it" or if I maybe "love" it. But I'd easily recommend it.

It features six children--a mix of girls and boys. Most are white, I'll be honest. But it looks like one at least has a darker complexion.

The book definitely follows a pattern: Are your/Is your [insert body part] getting sleepy? So very, very sleepy? All day long they/it [fill in the blank with rhyming words]. And now it's time to....[more rhyming words.] Even the illustrations seemed to follow a pattern. Each child either had an actual PET (cat, dog) OR a beloved stuffed animal that "helped" them get ready for bed.

The rhythm of the rhymes worked for me for the most part.

© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Board book: Where's the Ladybug?

Where's the Ladybug? Ingela P. Arrhenius. 2017. 10 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Where's the caterpillar? Here it is! Where's the bee? Here it is! Where's the snail? Here it is!

Premise/plot: What you should know about this one: a) It is a board book; b) it is an interactive book featuring felt flaps so you can play peek-a-boo with the characters in the book; c) the final spread includes a mirror so that little ones can find themselves d) this appears to be one in a SERIES of books. This one focuses on BUGS.

 My thoughts: This one is simple yet fun. I love the pattern of the question and answer format. I love the repetitiveness of the response "Here it is." This is really only changed for the last spread where the answer is "There you are!"  I love the fact that it's a peek-a-boo game. The fact that the flaps are felt instead of cardboard is nice. The colors are bright and bold. Overall, I think this is a good choice for parents to choose with little ones.


© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Board book: I'm Scared

I'm Scared (My First Comics #4) Jennifer L. Holm. Illustrated by Matthew Holm. 2017. Random House. 18 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: This is Chilly. How are you feeling, Chilly? AAAGH! SCARED! Chilly is scared of lots of things.

Premise/plot: What you should know about this one: a) It's a board book; b) it's the fourth in a new series by Jennifer L. Holm; c) it is intended to be an introduction to the comic strip format. Chilly, the hero, is scared of MANY things: ladybugs, his own shadow, the dark, etc. Chilly is worried about meeting new people at the playground, but, he really wants to swing. Can he make a new friend or two as well?

My thoughts: I liked this one. I never really thought about a snowflake having a personality, but, it works. The illustrations are simple but still expressive. I liked it when the snowflake shrugged for example. "And sometimes he's scared just because." The word balloon reads: "I don't know why." This sums up so much of my own experiences as a kid. I definitely would be interested in reading the other three books in the series if the library orders them. (Random House sends me review copies randomly, I think. I never know what I'm going to get--if anything.)

© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Board book: Where's The Giraffe?

Where's The Giraffe. Ingela P. Arrhenius. 2017. Candlewick. 10 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Where's the lion? Here it is! Where's the crocodile? Here it is!

Premise/plot: What you should know about this one: a) It is a board book; b) it is an interactive book featuring felt flaps so you can play peek-a-boo with the characters in the book; c) the final spread includes a mirror so that little ones can find themselves.

My thoughts: This one is simple yet fun. I love the pattern of the question and answer format. I love the repetitiveness of the response "Here it is." This is really only changed for the last spread where the answer is "There you are!"  I love the fact that it's a peek-a-boo game. The fact that the flaps are felt instead of cardboard is nice. The felt choices are...interesting. Nor realistic perhaps, but very bright and colorful!  Overall, I think this is a good choice for parents to choose with little ones.

© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Board book: First Words: Baby Signing

First Words Baby Signing. 2017. Scholastic. 18 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Mommy. Can you sign mommy? Spread out your hand and tap your chin with your thumb. Daddy. Can you sign daddy? Spread out your hand and tap your forehead with your thumb. Hello. Can you sign hello? Hold your hand by your head, with the fingers straight and the thumb across the palm. Now move your hand out and away from your body, and smile!

Premise/plot: What you should know about this one...a) it's a board book; b) it has adorable photographs of babies; c) when you lift the flap of the photograph an illustrated baby is revealed; d) the book includes a description of the sign. 

Words included: Mommy, Daddy, hello, bye-bye, baby, come, yes, no, down, up, stop, go, diaper, potty, door, book, cuddle, teddy, eat, drink, all gone, more, banana, cookie, again, play, hurt, yucky, I love you, help, hot, cold.

My thoughts: Can you learn sign language through a book? Maybe, maybe not. Are there better ways for parents to learn these thirty signs? Dare I say probably. I wish that Scholastic had included a DVD in this one. Other board books they've released throughout the years (pets, animals, fire station, etc.) have included DVDs. Why not this one where it makes the most sense? I do realize that there are different types of learners. But the illustrated picture does nothing to actually show you how the sign goes. In fact, in some cases it may lead you in the wrong direction. And reading a description may not be enough for some readers--parents. SEEING a sign demonstrated several times I think is a much better way to go. Before a baby--a toddler--learns the sign, first the parents have to know. It will be the parents showing the baby, working with the baby that will actually "teach" the baby sign language. A baby is not going to pick it up by hearing a description, of course!

I am sure there are many videos available to help parents. I have watched and enjoyed Baby Einstein My First Signs. (You can see bits of it on YouTube).

© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Board book: Are You My Cuddle Bunny?

Are You My Cuddle Bunny? Sandra Magsamen. 2017. Scholastic. 12 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Do you like to snuggle in the rain? Do you like to nuzzle on a train?

Premise/plot: Are You My Cuddle Bunny? is a heart-felt book. The cover of the book features several elements cut from felt. The arms and ears of the bunnies. What you see is what you get. Sandra Magsamen has a brand and that brand is CUTE and PRECIOUS taken to the extreme.

My thoughts: For parents who can't get enough cute and sweet and precious and adorable, I'd recommend Magsamen's novelty board books. This is what my sister and I would call a "When Will It Be Spring?" book, a type of book that is perhaps a bit too precious for its own good, a book with more sweetness than substance. But every family is different. And I will say this in the book's favor: It is short and simple. There are only a few words per page. The book flows well from page to page. The shortness of the text make it ideal for sharing with little ones with almost nonexistent attention spans. Also something to keep in mind: reading any book with your little one is a positive experience to be celebrated.  

© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Board book: Good Night, Sweetie

Good Night, Sweetie. Joyce Wan. 2017. Scholastic. 14 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: You are my wish upon a star. My bright, shining moon from afar.

Premise/plot: Good Night, Sweetie is a sweet, glittery bedtime board book.

My thoughts: Joyce Wan has written a handful of board books. My favorite by far is You Are My Cupcake. What I loved about You Are My Cupcake was that you could easily, effortlessly sing it to the tune of "You Are My Sunshine." (True you might have to add a syllable or two. But still easy for anyone who loves to sing.) None of Wan's other books have matched it as far as that is concerned. But my love for You Are My Cupcake is so strong and I have so many deep, strong, happy-happy emotions embedded in my memory that every time I see Wan's illustrations I get excited and hopeful.

Good Night, Sweetie is a good enough book, I suppose. The illustrations are super-sweet. But the book definitely is lacking in the rhythm and rhyme department. There's one spread that just feels like it's lacking a word. "My kissable, squeezable, cuddly" is how I read. And I want to say cuddly WHAT? You? Boo? Bear? Bunny? Lamb?

© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Board book: I Dare You Not To Yawn

I Dare You Not to Yawn. Helene Boudreau. Illustrated by Serge Bloch. 2017. Candlewick Press. 28 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Yawns are sneaky. They can creep up on you when you least expect them. There you are, minding your own business, building the tallest block tower in the history of the universe or dressing up the cat when suddenly...

Premise/plot: A boy warns little ones of the dangers of yawning. Yawns lead to being sent to put on pajamas, pajamas lead to being read to, being read to leads to being sung to, being sung to leads to being hugged and kissed, and...

Before you know it, you're tucked into bed, snug as a bug, and wondering..."How did I get here?"

My thoughts: Our little hero tries his best NOT to yawn as he warns others of the dangers of yawning. How did I like this one? I definitely liked it. It made me yawn--in the middle of the day. I think it's a funny story that isn't your typical bedtime story. In fact, the boy almost stereotypes all of the traditional stories. 


© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Board book: Maisy's Sailboat

Maisy's Sailboat. Lucy Cousins. 2017. Candlewick. 18 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Today Maisy is sailing in her boat. "Ahoy, Charley! Welcome aboard."

Premise/plot: Maisy and Charley are spending the day together. They will have lots of fun. Not only will they sail, but Maisy will go scuba-diving and Charley will go fishing.

My thoughts: The book is simple and enjoyable enough for what it is. If your little one loves Maisy, this one is a good addition to your library. It is not my favorite Maisy book, but it's far from my least favorite. 

© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Board book: Maisy's Bus

Maisy's Bus. Lucy Cousins. 2017. Candlewick. 18 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Today Maisy is driving her bus to the beach.

Premise/plot: Where will Maisy and her friends end up?

My thoughts: Books starring Maisy abound both in board book and picture book format. In this one, a Maisy shape book, Maisy is driving her bus and picking up all her friends for an adventure. My first thought, as an adult reader, is WHY does Maisy own a bus? Is Maisy old enough to drive a bus? Why is Maisy just learning to swim and having her first sleepover yet still somehow able to drive a bus?! Wouldn't it make more sense if Maisy was a passenger on a bus like all of her friends?! But I admit I might be thinking a little too much about it.

© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Board book: Making Faces

Making Faces: A First Book of Emotions. 2017. Abrams. 14 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Look at the happy baby. Can you make a happy face? Find the happy baby! Look at the sad baby. Can you make a sad face? Find the sad baby!

Premise/plot: Making Faces is a concept board book. The concept being taught is emotions. The emotions explored are 'happy,' 'sad,' 'angry,' 'surprised,' and 'silly.' The book follows a definite pattern. The last spread reviews the five emotions and features a mirror so your little one can make faces of his/her own!

My thoughts: Babies like books with mirrors. The book features photographs--well of faces--of babies. The text is super-simple and follows a pattern. One could definitely enjoy reading this one with a little one in the lap!!! Reading aloud is SO essential to a baby's development.

© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Board book: Peppa's First Colors

Peppa's First Colors. 2017. Scholastic. 10 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Zoe Zebra has made a yellow sand castle at the beach. What else can you see that's yellow?

Premise/plot: This concept board book stars characters from the popular show Peppa Pig. Each spread features a cut-out shape giving little ones a sneak peek at what color will be next in the book. For example, "What can you see in the square?" The answer: a GREEN dinosaur, George's green dinosaur to be precise!

My thoughts: If your little one loves, loves, loves Peppa Pig I would definitely recommend this one. If you're just looking for a fun and entertaining concept book about colors, then this one isn't an absolute must. I will say this in its favor: the pages are SUPER thick.

© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Board book: Peppa and the Big Train

Peppa and the Big Train. 2017. Scholastic. 16 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence:  Today, Peppa and her friends are going on a train ride together. "Hooray!" they all cheer excitedly. Mr. Rabbit is the stationmaster. He checks all the tickets. "Tickets, please!"

Premise/plot: Peppa and her classmates are going on a train ride as a field trip. Madame Gazelle has given them a list of things to spot. But there are many more things to see than just a sailboat, a red light, and a tunnel!

My thoughts: I do like Peppa Pig quite a bit. Not enough that I'd want to watch a nonstop stream of her show on YouTube, but enough that I get excited when I get one of her books in the mail. This was a great episode of the show. The board book does a good job in capturing the fun of it.

© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Board book: Train

Train. Chris Demarest. 1996/2017. HMH. 16 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Train chugs, clickety-clack. Engine up front, caboose in back. Pass farms, cows moo. Over hills. Choo! Choo!

Premise/plot: A little girl takes a train ride. What does she see? What does she hear?

My thoughts: The text of this one is simple. How simple? Two to three words per page. (Mostly two words per page.) I will say this--briefly--that this board book doesn't use complete sentences to tell a story. I am not sure how many actual complete sentences the book has. But I do know that "Over hills" is not a complete sentence by any stretch of the imagination. Still, for little ones this one may work just fine. It's definitely focused on rhythm and rhyme. If your little one loves, loves, loves all things train, I'd recommend this one to supplement your daily exposure to FREIGHT TRAIN.

© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Board book: Bus

Bus. Chris Demarest. 1996/2017. HMH. 16 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Bus rolls. Busy street. First stop, people meet. Trucks honk, taxis swerve. City park, road curves.

Premise/plot: A boy goes on a bus ride in the city. What does he see? What does he hear?

My thoughts: This book is simple. How simple is simple? Two words per page. You might think it's impossible for any story to emerge from just two words per page, yet, the simple text becomes a poem of sorts. I also like the bold colors of the illustrations. This one is definitely much better than the "Wheels on the Bus."


© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Board book: Tinyville Town: I'm a Firefighter

Tinyville Town: I'm a Firefighter. Brian Biggs. 2016. Abrams. 22 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: When I'm on duty, I sleep at the fire station.

Premise/plot: Brian Biggs has a board book series set in Tinyville Town. Each board book introduces young listeners (readers) to someone who lives in the town. Each board book focuses on a profession. In this board book, little ones meet a firefighter and get a behind the scenes look into a day in his life.

My thoughts: I enjoy this series. So far I've read three books: I'm a Firefighter, I'm a Librarian, and I'm a Veterinarian. My favorite of the three is I'm A Librarian. But all three books are solidly good. I like that the text is simple and straightforward. There are just a few words per page, but a story is still being told. The books are informative, but, not boring. 


© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Board book: Tinyville Town: I'm a Veterinarian

Tinyville Town: I'm a Veterinarian. Brian Biggs. 2016. Abrams. 22 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: I spend my day with animals. It starts before I leave for work. There's my clinic. I wonder who I'll see today...

Premise/plot: This board book is part of a new series by Brian Biggs, Tinyville Town. Each board book introduces a new person who lives in the town. Each one highlights a specific profession. In this board book, we're meeting Tinyville's veterinarian.

My thoughts: I like this one. I don't know that I love it as much as the Tinyville Town: I'm a Librarian. But it's simple, cute, and a solid story as well. I would definitely recommend the series. 

© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers