You Must Bring A Hat

You Must Bring A Hat. Simon Philip. Illustrated by Kate Hindley. 2017. 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: I received an invitation to a party.

Premise/plot: A young boy is invited to a friend's party, but, the invitation is emphatic: anyone attending the party MUST bring a hat. The young boy is eager to go, but doesn't own a hat already. He can't quite track down a hat, but he does manage to find a hat-wearing monkey that is willing to attend the party with him. But will that be good enough?

My thoughts: You Must Bring a Hat is a silly book without a doubt. With each turn of the page, the situation just becomes more and more ridiculous or outlandish. The illustrations complement the text quite well. The bunnies minus their tutus may just be my favorite. It is on the wordy side. I'm not one, however, to think picture books are only for the 3 to 4 year old crowd. For the right set of readers, this one could prove quite delightful. (It was originally published in the UK, by the way).

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

© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Noisy Night

Noisy Night. Mac Barnett. Illustrated by Brian Biggs. 2017. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: What is going La La La above my head? A man is singing opera above my head. What is going ma ma ma above my head? A baby is cooing above my head. What is going baa baa baa above my head? A sheep is speaking above my head.

Premise/plot: There is a LOT going on in this noisy apartment complex. Will any of the residents ever settle down, get quiet, and go to bed?!

My thoughts: I loved this one. (I wasn't sure at first that I would. It took reading it a second time to know for sure.) I liked the pattern of this one. I liked the repetition. I think there's something very satisfying about the structure. I think children could definitely--with a little help and encouragement--be inspired to write their own stories using this structure as inspiration. I really liked getting a sneak peek at what was making the floor above so noisy. The art reminded me of School House Rock. I'm not sure why. It just did. That isn't a bad thing. It just made me want to sing Interjections.

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

© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Board book: All Aboard!

All Aboard!: Let's Ride a Train. 2017. Harry N. Abrams. 10 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: The train is so crowded! How many people are wearing hats? Looks like someone lost theirs. Let's go through the train and find it. The quiet car is too quiet. Can you find something that crunches? Something that rings? What else do you see that makes lots of noise?

Premise/plot: All Aboard! Let's Ride a Train is a train-themed board book. There have been many, many train-themed board books. What makes this one unique? Well, this one is interactive. The train folds out. Flaps are lifted to reveal the story and the illustrations. As you will notice from what I quoted above, this one asks a lot of questions giving the reader and the child an opportunity to share an experience together, to dialogue about everything that is happening. The other side of the train tells a simple story as well. But it's not as detailed.

My thoughts: I like the fact that this one is interactive. I like that the illustrations--especially the interior illustrations of the train are so detailed. Some of the details are quite silly. I also like the windows allow for a peek-through experience. Before the flap is even lifted, the fun can begin.

© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Three Little Kittens

Three Little Kittens. Illustrated by Lilian Obligado. 1974. Random House. 32 pages. [Source: Bought]

First sentence: Three little kittens,
They lost their mittens,
And they began to cry,
"Oh, mother dear, we sadly fear
Our mittens we have lost."
"What! Lost your mittens, you naughty kittens!
Then you shall have no pie."

Premise/plot: This picture book is the traditional nursery rhyme "Three Little Kittens." The illustrations are by Lilian Obligado.

My thoughts: I have never really thought about "The Three Little Kittens." That is I've never stopped to think if it was a favorite...or not. But when I saw this picture book at my local charity shop, I fell head over heels in love with the illustrations and had to have it. I ended up paying what it would have cost me in 1974--$1.50. I cannot praise the illustrations enough. I ADORED this one.

 Text: 3 out of 5
Illustrations: 5 out of 5
Total: 8 out of 10

© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Board book: Where's the Owl?

Where's the Owl? Nosy Crow. Ingela P Arrhenius. 2017. Candlewick. 10 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Where's the deer? Here it is! Where's the fox? Here it is! Where's the hedgehog? 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 is one in a SERIES of books. This one is focused on woodland animals.

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: Where's The Hen?

Where's the Hen? Nosy Crow. Illustrated by Ingela P. Arrhenius. 2017. 10 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Where's the Pig? Here it is! Where's the cow? Here it is! Where's the sheep? 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 is one in a SERIES of books. This one is focused on farm animals.

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 books: Better Together

Better Together: A Book of Family. Barbara Joose and Anneke Lisberg. Illustrated by Jared Schorr. 2017. Harry N. Abrams. 22 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: One nervous zebra grazes on the plain flicky ticky all alone...? No! A dazzle of zebras uses eyes and ears so the nervous one knows he has nothing to fear. One hungry bat, finally home rumbly tumbly all alone...? No! A cloud of bats soon gather round to share with the hungry one, upside down.

Premise/plot: This board book packs in a LOT of information about animals and families. Each spread begins by showing one "all alone" animal, a lifted flap reveals the animal's family and how they are better together. The book as a whole gives many examples of how families provide and protect one another. Readers meet a dazzle of zebras, a cloud of bats, a murder of crows, a meerkat clan, a town of prairie dogs, and a mischief of rat pups.

My thoughts: I like this one. I do. I don't know if it's "really like" or perhaps "love" but I enjoyed all the information. It wasn't text-heavy either. I think there's just enough information for little ones. I can't say that I personally loved the illustrations, but the text was definitely good.

© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Board book: Buildablock

Buildablock. Christopher Franceschelli. Illustrated by Peskimo. 2017. Harry N. Abrams. 90 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Smash....crash...wrecking ball! Construction site! What's going on here? Can I look too? So many trucks! So many workers? But what do they all do? We clear the way with...the bull dozer! We flatten the ground with...the grader! We haul logs away with...the skipper! We dig up the ground with...the excavator! We move heavy loads with...the dump truck!

Premise/plot: Little ones are introduced to dozens of construction vehicles in Christopher Franceschelli's Buildablock. His previous books for little ones include Cityblock, Dinoblock, Countablock, and Alphablock. Like the previous books in the series, this one features plenty of die-cut shaped pages which makes for a fun read.

My thoughts: I've only read Cityblock and Buildablock, but I loved them both. I loved the writing. There aren't many words per page, but that doesn't mean there's not much happening. This is an active story that unfolds. And little hands can keep those pages turning. (I love how easy it is to turn the pages.) If your little one loves construction sites and/or vehicles, this one is well worth reading and sharing. Perhaps again and again.

© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Tea With Oliver

Tea with Oliver. Mika Song. 2017. HarperCollins. 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Oliver talks to himself a lot. It's a nice day for tea, but who will have tea with me?

Premise/plot: Philbert is a shy mouse who LOVES tea. More than anything he wants to be friends with Oliver. Will Oliver ever read one of the letters that Philbert has written him? Will Oliver ever see him? Will these two tea-lovers ever become friends?

My thoughts: Those who know me know at least two things about me: 1) I love, love, love CATS 2) I love, love, love TEA. Tea with Oliver has to be one of my personal favorite books that I've read this year. I am not saying that objectively, but subjectively. I love Philbert. I can relate to Philbert. His shyness. His loneliness. His invisibility. His wanting to be heard. Oliver is also a great character. He is also a bit misunderstood. The best friends you can have aren't always the most obvious.

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

© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

La La La: A Story of Hope

La La La: A Story of Hope. Kate DiCamillo. Illustrated by Jaime Kim. 2017. Candlewick. 72 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: La

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

© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

The Catawampus Cat

The Catawampus Cat. Jason Carter Eaton. Illustrated by Gus Gordon. 2017. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: The catawampus cat arrived early on a Tuesday morning...slightly askew. At first no one noticed. The town was a busy town, and the people were busy people.

Premise/plot: A catawampus cat comes to town one day, and, the town gains a new perspective on life. (The definition of catawampus: 1) diagonal or at an angle, 2) askew, awry.) For example, when the barber sees the cat holding its head catawampus (askew), he tilts his own head--mid-clip of the scissors. His customer, a lady, loves the new bangs. (I don't know why! I think she looks awful!) My favorite example would have to be the librarian.

When the town librarian, Miss Reade, saw the catawumpus cat, she pulled the wrong book off the shelf. And then quit her job and set out for an adventure!

The book she 'accidentally' pulled off the shelf is titled How To Build A Boat. The next page shows her rowing a boat in a storm happy as can be.

My thoughts: This one is definitely unique in my opinion. I've read odder books certainly, but I've not always enjoyed them. Odd does not make a book great automatically. I sought my mom's opinion on this one; it is what I do when a book leaves me speechless. Her verdict: it would be better if they left about four pages out. Neither of us understood why "they rebuilt all the houses so they were leaning, and made all the cars off-kilter." Both of us did like the ending.

Text: 3.5 out of 5
Illustrations: 3.5 out of 5
Total: 7 out of 10


© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

I Want My Hat Back

I Want My Hat Back. Jon Klassen. 2011. Candlewick Press. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: My hat is gone. I want it back. Have you seen my hat? No. I haven't seen your hat. OK. Thank you anyway. Have you seen my hat? No. I have not seen any hats around here. OK. Thank you anyway.

Premise/plot: Bear has lost his hat. Did he lose it? Was it stolen? Will he get it back? Will there be a happy hat reunion?

My thoughts: In this quirky but delightful picture book, children are introduced to a bear who has lost his red, pointy hat. The bear is going from animal to animal asking everyone if they've seen his hat. It takes him a little while to find the culprit--perhaps readers will spot the culprit first!!!--but his hat will be found. Was justice served?! You be the judge.

Probably my favorite scene in this one is when Bear 'interrogates' the rabbit...and walks away. The text and illustrations show that the rabbit is obviously lying. But Bear isn't exactly observant.

Bear: Have you seen my hat?
Rabbit: No. Why are you asking me.
I haven't seen it.
I haven't seen any hats anywhere.
I would not steal a hat.
Don't ask me any more questions.
Bear: OK. Thank you anyway.

I love, love, love the ending.

Text: 5 out of 5
Illustrations: 3 out of 5
Total: 8 out of 10

© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Nighty-Night, Cooper

Nighty-Night, Cooper. Laura Numeroff. 2013. HMH. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Cooper climbed out of his mama's warm pouch. Dressed in his jammies, he lay on the couch. His mama sat near him. "I can't sleep," he said. "Please, can you sing, then I'll go to my bed?"

Premise/plot: Cooper can't sleep. His mama finds a way to tell him stories and sing to him at the same time. The tunes she sings: "Rock-a-bye Baby," "The Farmer in the Dell," "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star," "Mary Had a Little Lamb," "Jingle Bells," and "Lullabye and Good Night."

My thoughts: My guess is that all the singing would make this a fun read aloud to share with little ones. I liked this one because I like to make up my own words to familiar songs. I always have. I'm guessing I always will. That's just how my family works. I like it because it celebrates singing in addition to celebrating the bond between parent and child.

My lingering question: Why kangaroos? If Cooper gets to crawl back into his mama's pouch to go to sleep, why would bedtime ever be a struggle? True, bedtime struggles don't always, always, always have to be about separation anxiety--mom or dad leaving the room, being all alone in your bed all alone, sleepy but still awake. True, bedtime struggles could come from "I'm not tired. I'm not ready for bed. I want to play." But the closeness and safety of Mama--being IN the pouch--I'm not seeing why Cooper would ever have stress. In fact, he seems to have the good life.

Text: 4 out of 5
Illustrations: 4 out of 5
Total: 8 out of 10

© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Board book: This Little Trailblazer

This Little Trailblazer: A Girl Power Primer. Joan Holub. Illustrated by Daniel Roode. 2017. Simon & Schuster. 26 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Paving the way to a future that's bright. Helping the world with their skills, smarts, and might. Little trailblazers cause great big changes.

Premise/plot: This board book introduces little ones to trailblazing women from all walks of life and corners of the world. Readers meet Ada Lovelace, Florence Nightingale, Coco Chanel, Rosa Parks, Maria Tallchief, Wilma Rudolph, Sonia Sotomayor, Ruby Bridges, Maya Lin, and Malala Yousafzai.
Each woman is introduced in rhyme. The next page contains a few more facts.

Coco Chanel
This little trailblazer
became a millionaire
by designing simpler clothes
for women to wear.

Coco Chanel disliked the tight dresses of the 1900s. She created comfortable styles that women still love today.

Rosa Parks
This little trailblazer
caused a big fuss
by not giving up
her seat on the bus.

Rosa Parks's bravery helped change an unfair rule that African Americans could not sit by Caucasians on the bus.

My thoughts: I definitely enjoyed reading this one. I loved the rhymes. I liked the additional facts. I wasn't absolutely wowed by the illustrations. (In fact, I disliked some of the illustrations. The illustration of Coco Chanel bothered me. Her lipstick is so dark that it looks like a black mustache. She looks like Hercules Poirot. I do not think that was the illustrator's intent at all.) But I loved the premise of this one. 


© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Wallace and Grace and the Cupcake Caper

Wallace and Grace and the Cupcake Caper. Heather Alexander. Illustrated by Laura Zarrin. 2017. Bloomsbury. 80 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: "Let's play a game," said Wallace. He flew high above the trees. "Let's play I Spy," said Grace. She flew next to him.

Premise/plot: Wallace and Grace are detective owls. In this early chapter book, they except two cases. Monty wants to hire Wallace and Grace to prove that Sal stole his cupcake. Sal wants to hire Wallace and Grace to prove that he did NOT take Monty's cupcake. Will Wallace and Grace discover WHO stole the cupcake? Is Sal innocent? Will readers solve the mystery before Wallace and Grace?

My thoughts: I enjoyed this second book in the series. Like the first book it has four chapters. Wallace and Grace showcase their detective skills a bit better in this one, in my opinion. I would definitely recommend this series to young readers. I think the illustrations are lovely, and the plot is fun.

© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Wallace and Grace Take The Case

Wallace and Grace Take the Case. Heather Alexander. Illustrated by Laura Zarrin. 2017. Bloomsbury. 80 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: "The sun is going down!" called Grace. "It's time to get up!"

Premise/plot: Wallace and Grace are detective owls; they are the owls behind the Night Owl Detective Agency. In this first book in the series, readers meet Wallace and Grace. Edgar, a rabbit, hires these two because he's super-worried there's a GHOST IN THE GARDEN. Is there a ghost in the garden? If it's not a ghost, what is it? Will Wallace and Grace see the ghost and discover the ghost's identity?

My thoughts: This is an early chapter book. There are four chapters. The text size is large, and it has a good amount of illustration. I think Grace is an adorable owl. I'm glad that there are new mystery series being written for young readers. 

© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Cats

Cats. Larry Dane Brimner. Illustrated by Tom Payne. 2001. 24 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Cats! Come in, cats. Let's play, cats. Please, cats! Stay on the floor.

Premise/plot: If you have a beginning reader who loves cats, this one is an absolute must. It has just thirty-three different words, most of them quite simple to read. If you tend to think that beginning readers must by necessity lack story, again this is a must. The story is about a little girl and her crazy cats.

My thoughts: I really enjoyed this one. There are not a lot of words per page, but it's not light on story. It's a fun, engaging, SILLY story starring LOTS of CATS.

Text: 5 out of 5
Illustrations: 3 out of 5
Total: 8 out of 10

© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Board book: Baby Loves Thermodynamics

Baby Loves Thermodynamics. Ruth Spiro. Illustrated by Irene Chan. 2017. Charlesbridge. 22 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Good morning, Sun! The sun shines on Baby. It makes Baby feel warm. The sun shines on the tree. It helps the tree grow. How does the sun help the tree grow? By giving it energy! Sunlight + Air + Water = Food for the Tree.

Premise/plot: Ruth Spiro explains thermodynamics in a simple, fun way for the youngest of readers in her newest board book. Also not to be missed Baby Loves Quantum Physics.  

My thoughts: I really enjoyed both board books. I loved how simple the text is. The illustrations are fun as well. I loved, loved, loved how the sun was illustrated in Baby Loves Thermodynamics.

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

© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Board book: Baby Loves Quantum Physics

Baby Loves Quantum Physics! Ruth Spiro. Illustrated by Irene Chan. 2017. Charlesbridge. 22 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Baby loves Cat! Meow! Sometimes Cat likes to hide. Where is Cat now? Baby wants to find him! Is Cat here? Or here? Cat is in the box!

Premise/plot: Baby has found Cat. Cat is in the box! Will Cat be awake? Will Cat be asleep? In this simple board book, Spiro explains quantum physics in one little sentence: "In quantum physics, until Baby looks in the box, Cat is both asleep and awake."

My thoughts: I really enjoyed this one! I do love cats. I love cats more than science honestly, but a good science documentary usually holds my attention. (I've found that so long as I'm not ever tested on what makes me curious, my curiosity has no limits.) Parents may or may not be familiar with Schrodinger's cat, but either way this one is an enjoyable story.

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

© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Board Book: Charlie Builds

Charlie Builds. Bob Bianchini. 2017. Harry N. Abrams. 20 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: This is Charlie and he loves to build a castle with Dad fit for a king, a bridge made with sticks tied together with string, a skyscraper with blocks one hundred stories high, a fire station with boxes for all the brave guys...

Premise/plot: Readers first met Charlie and his dad in Charlie Rides. In their second book, Charlie and his Dad are building anything and everything...together...just the way they like it. But what is Charlie's FAVORITE building to build with his dad? Could it be a BLANKET tent for reading?!?!

My thoughts: I definitely loved this one. I loved the relationship of Charlie and his Dad. I loved the details of the illustrations. Both father and son appear to be creative. Not every builder would think to build a bridge for his train set made out of Popsicle sticks. I love that we get all the seasons of the year--summer, winter, fall, spring. The text is well-written. It may include a sentence that would be a nightmare to diagram, but, the rhythm and rhyme of it work.

Text: 4 out of 5
Illustrations: 4 out of 5
Total: 8 out of 10 

© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Board book: Meet Happy Bear

Changing Faces: Meet Happy Bear. Nathan Thoms. Illustrated by Carles Ballesteros. 2017. Harry N. Abrams. 18 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Oh no! Happy Bear isn't happy anymore. Let's do something silly to make him happy again! We did it! Happy Bear is happy again! Uh-oh! Happy Bear looks worried. Let's sing a song to make him happy again! We did it! Happy bear is happy again!

Premise/plot: Happy Bear isn't always happy. Sometimes he's sad, worried, or mad. In this interactive board book, readers get the opportunity to make Happy Bear HAPPY again. His facial expressions change with the turning of the pages.

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one! I have not seen this kind of interactive book before. I think it's a cute idea. I thought the mouse and the bear were both adorable. The illustrations almost have a vintage feel to them. 


© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Chicken in School

Chicken in School. Adam Lehrhaupt. Illustrated by Shahar Kober. 2017. 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Zoey wasn't at all like the other chickens. And that's how Sam liked it. "Where are the kids going?" asked Zoey. "It's the first day of school," said Sam. "I've always wanted to go to school..." "You have?" asked Zoey. "Yes!" said Sam. "There are snacks at school."

Premise/plot: Zoey and Sam are back for another adventure. (The first picture book starring these two farm friends was Chicken in Space.) Zoey has plans to open a school. There is great interest among the animals (Sam, Pip, and Henry). Clara, the cow, well she says she's not interested. But. Little ones may notice how she keeps showing up and speaking her opinion! What will Sam's favorite part of school be?

My thoughts: This one was a fun picture book. Zoey is quite a lovable chicken. And Sam is fun as well. Even if he's always thinking about food! Before this year I'd not really paid attention to chickens starring in picture books. But this year alone, I've discovered some GREAT books starring chickens. This one is definitely worth reading.

Text: 4 out of 5
Illustrations: 4 out of 5
Total: 8 out of 10

© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Chicken in Space

Chicken In Space. Adam Lehrhaupt. Illustrated by Sharhar Kober. 2016. HarperCollins. 36 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Zoey wasn't like the other chickens. She had dreams. She had a plan. She had a pig. "Put your hat on, Sam," said Zoey. "We're going to space!" "Before lunch?" asked Sam. "Before pie? Is that a good Idea?" But Zoey was already off.

Premise/plot: Zoey is an ambitious chicken. Zoey wants to go to space, and she wants her best friend, Sam, to go with her. Will their space mission succeed? Maybe. Will Zoey and Sam have lots of fun? Definitely!

My thoughts: Zoey is such a fun character. In just a few short pages, Zoey charmed me. So did Sam. Would Zoey be as much fun as she is without him? I'm not sure! There were so many things to love about this one. I loved that the space ship was really a basket with balloons tied on it. I loved that a baseball flying through the air was an asteroid. I loved that a kite sailing through the air was a comet. It's a fun story.

Text: 5 out of 5
Illustrations: 4 out of 5
Total: 9 out of 10
© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

The Plot Chickens

The Plot Chickens. Mary Jane Auch. Illustrated by Herm Auch. 2009. Holiday House. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Henrietta loved to read. Soon she had read every book on the farm a dozen times, so she went to town to find more. When she spotted people carrying books out of the library, she went inside to wait in line. When it was Henrietta's turn, the librarian said, "We have nothing for chickens here. Try the feed store." Frustrated, Henrietta clucked at the top of her lungs: BUK, BUK, BUK!" "Well, why didn't you say so?" The librarian handed her three books.

Premise/plot: Henrietta the hen loves, loves, loves to read. But one day she decides that she might like to write as well. She's never written a book before, but, with a little help from a book about writing, she begins the long writing process. Writing has rules, and, she is determined to follow them. Will this mean her book gets published? that her book is favorably reviewed? placed on library shelves? The answer may just surprise you!

My thoughts: I really loved this one. I loved seeing Henrietta and the other hens (her aunts mainly) work together in the writing process. I loved seeing the actual finished story. But even more I loved how the book captured the process of writing. Here are the rules she sets out to follow:

1) You need a main character.
2) You need to hatch a plot.
3) Give your main character a problem.
4) Develop your plot by asking, "What if?"
5) Write what you know.
6) Build suspense.
7) Make your story come alive by using all five senses.
8) The main character must solve her (or his) own problem.

As you can see, this isn't bad advice! The book has humor as well. For example, the publisher who rejects the story is named Hunter Fox. And the reviewer from Corn Book who hated her review was named Noah Lyke. There is plenty of pun-based humor as well.

Text: 5 out of 5
Illustrations: 3 out of 5
Total: 8 out of 10

© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

The Sock Thief

The Sock Thief. Ana Crespo. Illustrated by Nana Gonzales. 2015. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: In a small Brazilian town, Felipe leaves home earlier than usual. He walks a long way to school. Still sleepy, he stops by his family's mango tree. He picks the pinkest mangoes he sees. The sweet fruit wakes him up. Felipe has a secret.

Premise/plot: Once a week, Felipe becomes a SOCK THIEF. On his way to school, he steals socks from the clothes' lines that he passes. In place of the socks he steals, he leaves a mango behind. Why is he a sock thief? Once a week it is his turn to bring a "soccer" ball for the kids to play with. He makes his soccer ball each week with old newspapers and socks.

My thoughts: I liked this one. It is written in English with a few Portuguese words added in. (These are defined in the glossary at the end of the book.) I am not a soccer fan, but, I do like seeing creativity and enthusiasm at work.

Text: 3.5 out of 5
Illustrations: 3.5 out of 5
Total: 7 out of 10
© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Cat Dreams

Cat Dreams. Ursula K. Le Guin. Illustrated by S.D. Schindler. 2009. Scholastic. 32 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: It's time to run. I love to leap. But now I think I'll go to sleep.

Premise/plot: It's nap time. What is this cat dreaming of?! Readers find out in this rhyming book that may leave little cat lovers quite satisfied.

My thoughts: I like this one. I do. I'm torn between "like" and "love," however. I love, love, love the cover. I think it says READ ME NOW. I love the illustrations throughout the book. Perhaps not as much as the cover itself, but they are really quite good. The text, I enjoyed it. But. I'm not sure I loved it on its own. I think cat lovers will enjoy this one.

Text: 3 out of 5
Illustrations: 4 out of 5
Total: 7 out of 10
© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Wordplay

Wordplay. Adam Lehrhaupt. 2017. Scholastic. 40 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Meet Verb. Verb does things. She climbs. She slides. She twirls. Everyone watches Verb. "Wow!" says Interjection. "An impressive display," says Adjective. "Very graceful," says Adverb. Verb is happy. Meet Noun. Noun can't DO like Verb. But Noun can BE. He can be a person. Or a place. Or even a thing. Now everyone watches Noun. "Roar!" says Interjection. "Big, scary teeth...tiny little arms," says Adjective. "What will he be next? says Adverb. Verb notices.

Premise/plot: This picture book is set on a playground and stars the parts of speech: Verb, Noun, Adjective, Adverb, Interjection. But are these parts of speech always on the best of terms with each other? Not always apparently! Verb and Noun seem destined to be enemies until something unexpected happens....

My thoughts: I like this one. I do. I'm not sure I love, love, love it. But the illustrations are bright and bold. In addition they are quite silly and expressive. I think I like Verb the best because of her expressions. Noun was hard to relate to--for me--because he kept changing. This grammar-themed picture book is surprisingly action-packed.

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

© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

The Marvelous Thing That Came From a Spring

The Marvelous Thing That Came From a Spring. Gilbert Ford. 2016. 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Richard James was a dreamer. But in 1943 the United States was at war. Richard had so support his country and his family, so he worked as an engineer for the United States Navy in a shipyard in Philadelphia.

Premise/plot: While trying to invent something that would "keep fragile ship equipment from vibrating in choppy seas," Richard was inspired by a falling torsion spring that fell from above his desk and started walking across it. He was so excited, he took it home to show his wife and son. Was it a new toy? He thought it might be. Betty, his wife, named it SLINKY. Together they would try to make a go of it. They borrowed $500.00, made 400 of them, and then tried to get the Slinky into local stores....

My thoughts: I really liked this one. Did it answer ALL my questions about the toy, about its creators, about its success? Probably not. But should it have to be packed with enough information to satisfy adults when the book was meant to be a picture book for children? I think the story is a fun one. It really made me want to look up Slinky commercials on YouTube.

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

© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Peppa Pig Phonics

Peppa Pig Phonics Set. Adapted by Lorraine Gregory. 2017. Scholastic. [Source: Review copy]

Premise/plot: The Peppa Pig Phonics Set is published by Scholastics. It features ten books and two workbooks. There are two books for each short vowel sound. The books for the short a vowel sound are: "Look At That Hat" and "Daddy Pig Can." The books for the short e vowel sound are: "The Best Pet" and "They Get Wet." The books for the short i vowel sound are: "Fix-it Daddy Pig" and "Peppa's Trip." The books for the short o vowel sound are: "Lots of Jobs" and "Mr. Fox's Shop." The books for the short u vowel are: "Fun in the Sun" and "Mummy Pig's Good Luck."

Each book is a story featuring short sentences.

Look at that hat. It is a crown hat. Look at that hat. It is a brown hat. Look at that hat. It is a tall hat. Look at that hat. It is a small hat. Look at that hat. It is a rain hat. Look at that hat. It is a train hat.

Peppa Pig has fun. She has fun in the sun. She has fun when she jumps. Jump, jump, jump! She has fun when she hunts. Hunt, hunt, hunt!

My thoughts: I feel the text is simple enough that young children could learn to read using this text. While the vocabulary is more limited when compared with other Peppa Pig stories, the characters are true in spirit to the original. And each book has a humorous ending. For example, in "Fun in the Sun" Peppa ends up having fun in the tub because she played in the mud. In "Look at that Hat," the last page shows Daddy Pig NOT wearing a hat, but, with a duck on his head. There's just enough humor to give this phonics set some life.


© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Naptastrophe

Naptastrophe. Jarret J. Krosoczka. 2017. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: It seemed that nobody listened to Lucy when she said, "I'm not tired." So she found herself in her room. With the lights off. During the daytime.

Premise/plot: Lucy, the heroine-rabbit, is NOT tired and she will NOT nap. So her Dad takes her on his errands. Will the errands go well since she did NOT get a nap? Or will there be a naptastrophe at the store? Since the book is titled Naptastrophe! readers of all ages can predict what's coming...

My thoughts: I really liked this one. I thought it was fun. Is it my favorite, favorite, favorite book on the subject? Probably not. But it was still a fun book.

I will never tire of saying that Janet Wong's Grump is the BEST, BEST, BEST book on the subject. It is just a CRIME that it is out of print, and a CRIME that it has not been published as a board book.

Text: 5 out of 5
Illustrations: 3 out of 5
Total: 8 out of 10
© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

This Little Piggy: An Owner's Manual

This Little Piggy. An Owner's Manual. Cyndi Marko. 2017. 64 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Have you always wanted a pet with all your heart?

Premise/plot. This Little Piggy: An Owner's Manual stars two kids--a brother and a sister--desperate to convince their Mom they need a pet. The pet they decide upon--after some scheming on the sister's part--is A PIG. The book is a step-by-step manual on how to convince your mom to let you have a pet pig. The text is both in prose and speech bubbles. This chapter book features a lot of illustrations.

My thoughts: I liked it. It had its cute moments. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to kids, the actual target audience. It just wasn't a thrilling read for me--as an adult! I would imagine that it's a stand-alone book and not part of a larger ongoing series.  

© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

A Fairy Friend

A Fairy Friend. Sue Fliess. Illustrated by Claire Keane. 2016. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: There are fairies in the sky. All around you, fairies fly, flit and flutter, tumble, twirl, when the wind blows, fairies swirl....

Premise/plot: This picture book is definitely in verse. (The book doesn't just rhyme, the text is arranged in verse format.) The more you love poetic language, descriptive text, and imagery, the more you'll be able to appreciate it.

My thoughts: The text was okay for me. It was. I can enjoy poetry when I'm in a certain mood. And I don't have anything against fairies. (I clap my hands for Tinker Bell every time.) But it was the illustrations that called to me and said: TAKE THIS BOOK HOME FROM THE LIBRARY.

Text: 3 out of 5
Illustrations: 5 out of 5
Total: 8 out of 10

© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Make and Play: Christmas

Make and Play: Christmas. Joey Chou, illustrator. 2017. Candlewick. 26 pages. [Source: Review copy]

Premise/plot: Make & Play Christmas is an interactive book for families with young children. It features 20 press-out pieces to create your own tree ornaments. The first seventeen pages are the press-out pieces. (You'll definitely need a way to keep these together; there is no built in storage system.) Ornaments include a reindeer, a Santa, a tree, an angel, a snowman, several balls, two ginger cookies, a bell, lots of snowflakes, and a candy cane or two.

So what else does the book include? Suggestions for activities for the whole family.

Craft suggestions:

• Paper Chains
• Gingerbread Cookie Recipe
• Reindeer Prints
•  Snowball Truffles Recipe
• Make your own wrapping paper

Song suggestions:

•  Jingle Bells
• Deck the Halls
•  We Wish You A Merry Christmas

My thoughts: I definitely like this one. I would recommend it for families, but not as a Christmas gift. 

© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Simone Biles

Simone Biles. Matt Scheff. 2016. [Dec. 2016] Sportzone. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: US Gymnast Simone Biles had work to do.

Premise/plot: This title is one in the Olympic Stars nonfiction series. It opens and closes with the 2016 Olympics. In between readers learn a little about Simone Biles--her personal background, her work ethic, her athletic career.

My thoughts: The book is definitely reader-friendly. Love the use of photographs throughout. I'd say the audience is elementary school. It includes a timeline, a glossary, and an index. I have personally LOVED, LOVED, LOVED watching gymnastics since I was five or six. I love both the Winter Olympics and the Summer Olympics. I love hearing the personal stories of the athletes. So this one was an easy choice for me.
© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers