Chicken in Mittens

Chicken in Mittens. Adam Lehrhaupt. 2017. [October 17] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

 First sentence: Zoey stepped out of the barn. So did her best pig, Sam. Fresh snow covered the farm. "We can be explorers!" said Zoey. "It's cold," said Sam. "Arctic explorers!" said Zoey.

Premise/plot: Zoey LOVES adventures. Sam, well, he's a great friend, a sidekick, to Zoey. Even if he doesn't always show the same passion or zeal for adventure as his friend does. In this one, the two set off to discover the pole. Will they find it? Well, they'll find something that's for sure!

My thoughts: This I Can Read early reader stars the characters from Chicken in Space and Chicken in School. If you loved those picture books, you should definitely seek out Chicken in Mittens.

It's an amusing book. Not all early readers can be described as amusing or delightful.

© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Trains

Trains. Ian Graham. Illustrated by Stephen Biesty. 2017. Candlewick. 16 pages. [Source: Review copy]

 First sentence: The modern age of rail transport began in the early 1800s, when the first steam trains were built. The part of a train that pulls the cars is called the locomotive or engine. The locomotive shown here is called Patentee. Built in 1833 by Robert Stephenson, it was one of the first really successful locomotives. Many Patentees were built to pull trains in Britain, and the design was exported to other countries.

Premise/plot: Don't be fooled by the fact that it's an oversized board book with flaps to lift, this one is for older children. This book might be the wordiest sixteen page book I've ever come across. It features cross sections of eight trains: early steam trains, American steam trains, the golden age of steam, diesel replaces steam, electric trains, heavy-duty diesel trains, high speed trains, and trains of the future. Each two-page spread is packed--and I do mean PACKED--with information.

My thoughts: There is a lot of information to process in this book. I did not read it cover-to-cover and lift every flap. I'm not personally *that* interested in trains. I think there are people--of various ages--that are that interested in trains. I do think some people never out grow a love of trains. I could see this book growing with your child. Perhaps at first this is more of a book that you browse and skim, and then perhaps later one that you read every word.

© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Arthur's Perfect Christmas

Arthur's Perfect Christmas. Marc Brown. 2000. 48 pages. [Source: Bought]

First sentence: It was three days before Christmas, and Arthur wanted everything to be just right. There would be lots of snow...the perfect tree...and a delicious turkey dinner.

Premise/plot: This picture book is an adaptation of the Arthur Christmas special, Arthur's Perfect Christmas. Arthur wants a PERFECTLY perfect Christmas. D.W. wants one thing and only one thing: Tina the Talking Tabby. Muffy wants many, many, many things. Francine just wants to be heard--for a change. Baxter, well, he wants to RELAX.

My thoughts: The special features a LOT of music. That is something that can't really be conveyed through a picture book adaptation. The book does include many scenes from the special, but it is a bit more concise in terms of story. It is a WORDY book. Though the special can be enjoyed by young ones, the book may be a bit too much to read aloud in one sitting. I'm wondering if it might not have been better as a chapter book.


© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

A Christmas For Bear

A Christmas for Bear. Bonny Becker. Illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton. 2017. Candlewick Press. 48 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Bear had never had a real Christmas. He'd never had a tree with a sparkling star, or candy canes, or even gingerbread bears. But he'd read all about it. Clearly, the most important thing was pickles.

Premise/plot: A Christmas for Bear stars two familiar characters, Bear and Mouse. I would say that though this is part of a series, it can easily stand alone. Mouse and Bear are spending their first Christmas together.  But will it be a merry Christmas?! "Maybe" says Bear. One thing is for sure: Mouse is super-super-super eager to get to the PRESENTS.

My thoughts: I really LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this one. I love the character of Bear. Bear is so grumpy and yet lovable at the same time. I imagine this would be a joy to read aloud. Bear has some great lines. Lines like, "PICKLES AND POEMS!" bellowed Bear. "THAT'S THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT!" "Yes, Bear," sighed Mouse. The character of Mouse is also wonderful. I admit, I am more of a Mouse than a Bear.

Text: 4.5 out of 5
Illustrations: 4.5 out of 5
Total: 9 out of 10


© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

How Does My Home Work?

How Does My Home Work? Chris Butterworth. Illustrated by Lucia Gaggiotti. 2017. [Oct. 24] Candlewick. 32 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: You do neat things every day in your home. Flip the switch, and the light goes on. Turn on the faucet, and clean water comes out. Push a button, and the TV comes on. Take a drink from the refrigerator, and it's cool and fresh. These things seem like magic--but they're not. So how do they happen?

Premise/plot: How Does My Home Work? is a nonfiction picture book for young readers. Essentially, it answers three questions: "Where does electricity come from?", "Where does water come from?", and "Where does natural gas come from?". The text is straightforward and walks readers through complex concepts step by step.

My thoughts: I would definitely recommend this one for curious readers of all ages. Parents might find it helpful in answering some of their little ones' never-ending questions. Other books in the series include How Did That Get In My Lunchbox? and Where Did My Clothes Come From?

The illustrations have a quirky vintage/retro vibe.

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



© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

The Nutcracker

The Nutcracker. New York City Ballet. Valeria Docampo (illustrator). 2016. 40 pages. [Source: Library]

 First sentence: It was Christmas Eve at the Stahlbaums' house, and like children everywhere, Marie and Fritz were so excited that they could feel their toes tingle. Their parents were decorating the Christmas tree before the big holiday party, and Marie and Fritz were not allowed into the great room until it was done. They jostled each other to sneak a peek at the glittering tree through the keyhole.

Premise/plot: This is a picture book adaptation of the BALLET,  George Balanchine's The Nutcracker. The book concludes with some "Fun Facts" about the ballet.

My thoughts: I love, love, love the music of The Nutcracker. I would happily--do happily--listen to it throughout the year. It has never been just "holiday" music to me. This picture book puts into words the story of the Nutcracker ballet. I would definitely recommend sharing this story--or another like it--with little ones before taking them to see the ballet. I think knowing the story--how everything fits together and flows--is essential to enjoying the experience of seeing The Nutcracker live.

This picture book has wonderful illustrations. The illustrations alone make it worthy of checking out of the library.

Word of warning: There were TWO picture book adaptations of The Nutcracker published in 2016 featuring illustrations by Valeria Docampo. This one is specifically tied to the George Balanchine production of The Nutcracker. The other is less specific, more general adaptation of the story. 





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

© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

A World of Cookies for Santa

A World of Cookies for Santa: Follow Santa's Tasty Trip Around the World. M.E. Furman. Illustrated by Susan Gal. 2017. [October 17] Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. 48 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: All around the world, Christmas is a time of giving. While Santa Claus (also called Papai Noel, Father Christmas, Grandfather Frost, and more) packs his sleigh with gifts for children everywhere, they're preparing their own sweet gifts for him. Follow along on Santa's tasty trip around the globe, country by country and cookie by "cookie."

Premise/plot: This picture book introduces readers to thirty-two stops on Santa's journey around the world. There are definitely more countries in the world than thirty-two. But for a picture book, thirty-two is a good place to start. The journey begins on Christmas Island with chewy coconut macaroons and ends in Hawaii with pineapple-macadamia bars. Santa doesn't always drink milk. Some children leave tea, while others leave beer or wine.

Some of the stops along the way:

Japan
In Japan, Hoteiosha brings gifts and fortunes to children. They believe he has eyes in the back of his head so he can watch for children who are misbehaving. After he leaves their gifts on their pillow, Hoteiosha enjoys a slice of strawberry-topped Christmas cake the children put out for him.

Sri Lanka
On Christmas Eve in Sri Lanka, children come home from midnight mass and hang their stockings on the tree. After Naththal Seeya (Christmas Grandfather) puts their gifts in the stockings, he munches on kokis, a lacey fried cookie, while he sips the Ceylon tea the island country is famous for.

My thoughts: I found this one fascinating. It would probably be better suited for older children. But I think readers of all ages will find Santa's journey interesting. It also includes a handful of recipes--though not thirty-two!

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


© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

The Nutcracker in Harlem

The Nutcracker in Harlem. T.E. McMorrow. Illustrated by James Ransome. 2017. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: It was snowing in Harlem on Christmas Eve. The party at Marie's house swirled with colors, gold and red and green. Mama and Poppy were dancing. Miss Addie sang, and Uncle Cab played the piano. Marie loved the sound of Christmas.

Premise/plot: This picture book is an adaptation of The Nutcracker. In this adaptation, the story is set in Harlem during the 1920s. Marie, the heroine, is a bit shy or hesitant; she hasn't found her confidence yet to sing or dance, to join in the vibrant life of her family and community. All that will change one magical Christmas Eve.

My thoughts: I liked this one. I liked this creative retelling.

This book would pair well with Duke Ellington's Nutcracker Suite by Anna Harwell Celenza. The two books set out to do different things. One is a retelling of a traditional story in a new setting. The other is based on a true story, of how Duke Ellington transformed the Nutcracker Suite into JAZZ.

But both celebrate LIVING LIFE. Even if you don't seek out this other picture book, do give Ellington's Nutcracker Suite a listen. I do think the music would provide a great soundtrack for McMorrow's picture book.  

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


© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

The Nutcracker

The Nutcracker: From The Story by E.T.A. Hoffmann. Illustrated by Valeria Docampo. 2016. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: It was Christmas Eve and the snow was gently falling. Clara and her brother Fritz were very excited. That night there would be a magnificent party with music and dancing, as well as lots of fantastic presents!

Premise/plots: This is a picture book adaptation of The Nutcracker.

My thoughts: I love, love, love the music of The Nutcracker. I would happily--do happily--listen to it throughout the year. It has never been just "holiday" music to me. This picture book puts into words the story of the Nutcracker ballet. I would definitely recommend sharing this story--or another like it--with little ones before taking them to see the ballet. I think knowing the story--how everything fits together and flows--is essential to enjoying the experience of seeing The Nutcracker live.

This picture book has wonderful illustrations. The illustrations alone make it worthy of checking out of the library.

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

© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Sophie's Surprise

Sophie's Surprise. Lee Richardson. Illustrated by Shirley Holt. 1983. 28 pages. [Source: Bought]

First sentence: Mr. Kelly found Sophie in the alley behind his toy store. She was hungry and needed a home. He was lonely and needed a mouser.

Premise/plot: Sophie has found a home in a lovely toy store. She's even found a perfect place to nap--on Brown Bear. Mr. Kelly is in for a big, big surprise come Christmas Eve! And it all happens in his display window case!

My thoughts: I definitely enjoyed this one! It's a gem of a book. The story is sweet. If you love cats, you'll probably love it. If you have a soft spot for teddy bears, there's also a good chance you'll love it. For me, I found it irresistible. The illustrations are WONDERFUL. They are so detailed.

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

© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Deck the Halls

Deck the Halls. Illustrated by Veronica Vasylenko. 2011. 18 pages. [Source: Bought]

First sentence: Deck the halls with boughs of holly, Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la. Tis the season to be jolly,  Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la.

Premise/plot: This picture book consists of the lyrics of the holiday song "Deck the Halls."

My thoughts: Why would I buy this picture book? I love, love, love the illustrations. The mice are just so cute and adorable and innocent looking. In real life, I don't like mice. But in children's literature, well, I have mouse-ish tendencies. I tend to like animal fantasies in general--unless they are sad, sad, super-sad.

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

© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Pooh: The Merry Christmas Mystery

The Merry Christmas Mystery. (Winnie the Pooh) Betty G. Birney. Illustrated by Nancy Stevenson. 1993. 24 pages. [Source: Bought]

First sentence: It was a very snow night before Christmas.

Premise/plot: Santa gets VERY confused about where everyone lives in the hundred acre woods and delivers all his presents to the wrong people. Can Pooh and his friends make things right so that everyone has a merry Christmas?

My thoughts: This was a silly book! For little ones who love Walt Disney's Pooh, then this one is worth reading. (I've read some that weren't.) I liked the story. I liked the characters. It made me miss the Saturday morning cartoon.

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

© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

There Are No Cats In This Book

There Are No Cats In This Book. Viviane Schwarz. 2010. Candlewick Press. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Did you pack the can opener? Psst--I think I just heard something...Hello! You look friendly. Have you come to visit? The thing is, we're just about to go. Yes, we're going to see the world...Sorry we can't stay. Nice to have met you. Bye! Let's go out of the book this way. We just have to get through here. Everybody PUSH.

Premise/plot: Moonpie, Tiny, and Andre are back in a second adventure. In this one, the three cats are ready to leave for vacation. But...there seems to be a BIG problem. The cats are having trouble LEAVING the book and entering the 'real' world. Can young readers help them out?!

My thoughts: This is an interactive picture book which I really enjoyed reading. Once again these three cats talk to little ones directly. It's fun and silly. For a book with NO cats there sure are a lot of cats in this one. If your little one loved the first book, this one is a must. If your little one hasn't read the first book, I think it could easily stand alone as well. (Though you'll probably want to seek out There Are Cats In This Book as well.)

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

© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

There Are Cats In This Book

There Are Cats In This Book. Viviane Schwarz. 2008. Candlewick. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: The cats aren't on this page. The cats aren't on this page either. They're on the next page. They'd love to play with you. They're very friendly.

Premise/plot: In Viviane Schwarz's There Are Cats In This Book, readers meet three cats: Moonpie, Tiny, and Andre. These three cats want to play with YOU the reader. Will you play with them? (Please say yes!)

My thoughts: This picture book is interactive. It's addressed directly to readers. There are pages to turn and flaps to lift. For example:

Could you turn a whole page? Because there's YARN on the next page. LOOK! Hooray! You DO turn pages! Lovely tangly yarn. There's more! Quick, turn another page! Aaaaaah, LOTS of yaaarn. Throw me some.

This one would pair well with The Cat Book by Silvia Borando.

This is a fun book for parents and little ones to share.

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



© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Here Comes The Tooth Fairy Cat

Here Comes the Tooth Fairy Cat. Deborah Underwood. Illustrated by Claudia Rueda. 2015. 96 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Cat! You lost a tooth! Did the Tooth Fairy come? She left you a coin! What's the matter? You wanted to meet her? Aw, Cat. I understand...

Premise/plot: A disappointed cat tricks the Tooth Fairy and is punished for his trickery by having to assist the Tooth Fairy on three jobs. If Cat does well, will a meeting with the Tooth Fairy be the result?!

My thoughts: I loved it. I did. I really did. I thought Cat was adorable. Yes, Cat was a bit naughty to want to trick the Tooth Fairy. Yes, Cat, had some not-so-nice thoughts about the Mouse who was also helping the Tooth Fairy. But I love Cat all the same!!! I also found myself loving the narrative. The narrative is all in second person, and, it worked for me really well. I think that's one of the reasons why I loved it so very much. I also LOVED, LOVED, LOVED the illustrations.

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

Here Comes The Easter Cat

Here Comes The Easter Cat. Deborah Underwood. Illustrated by Claudia Rueda.  2014.  80 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: What's wrong, Cat? You look grumpy. The Easter Bunny? What about him? Well, of course everyone loves the Easter Bunny. Why? Because he's nice! He delivers chocolate eggs to millions of kids. It's a hard job. Don't be jealous. Why don't you be the Easter Cat?

Premise/plot: Cat is jealous of the Easter Bunny. He wants in on the action. Will the Easter Cat be competition for the Easter Bunny? Maybe, maybe not. The Easter Cat is a little too fond of naps and not so fond of hard work. But don't count him completely out. Easter Cat has a plan....

My thoughts: I enjoyed Deborah Underwood's Here Comes the Easter Cat. Cat is a lovable character who communicates mainly by signs and also body language. The illustrations are super expressive. Even children who can't read, can tell exactly what Cat is feeling at any given moment. The narrative tone is casual, conversational. I loved, loved, loved it.

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

Here Comes Valentine Cat

Here Comes Valentine Cat. Deborah Underwood. 2015. 88 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Hey, Cat! Any Valentine's Day plans? This is a No-Valentines Zone? Why don't you like Valentine's Day, Cat? Valentine's Day doesn't have to be all mushy. Why don't you make a valentine for a friend?

Premise/plot: Here Comes Valentine Cat is one in a series of books starring Cat. In this one, Cat meets a new neighbor--a Dog. Will Dog prove to be a friend or foe? What kind of valentine should Cat make for Dog? A nice one? A mean one?

My thoughts: I love, love, love this series by Deborah Underwood. This one didn't disappoint. I'm so glad I encouraged my library to order it. (They already had the other books in the series.) I would definitely recommend the series to anyone and everyone who loves cats. I would also say that the book is a great example of narrative style. I love the conversational tone of the books.

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

© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

This Is My Book!

This Is My Book! Mark Pett. 2016. 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: My name is Mark Pett, and THIS IS MY BOOK! I am the author, and that means I get to write all the words. I am also the illustrator, so I get to make all of the pictures, too. Here, I'll draw something. This is Percy the Perfectly Polite Panda. He's going to help me explain the rules of my book. "I prefer to be called Spike." I drew you. I get to name you.

Premise/plot: Once Mark draws SPIKE, the book ceases to be his book. Though I must say Mark fights valiantly for sole control throughout. Spike--and those Spike draws--soon have a say in the action and characterization. Who does this book really belong to?

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I don't love metafiction for the sake of metafiction. But I happened to enjoy this one. (Though I'm not sure I enjoyed it more than Ryan T. Higgins' Be Quiet. I loved, loved, loved that book so much!!!) Spike is a super-fun character who loves the creative process of making a book. He disagrees with Mark on almost every page. I liked it best when Spike decided the book needed a flap and a pop-up.

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

© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

The Little Red Cat Who Ran Away and Learned His ABC's

The Little Red Cat Who Ran Away and Learned His ABC's (the Hard Way). Patrick McDonnell. 2017. Little, Brown. 48 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Aa Bb Cc Dd Ee

Premise/plot: Using nothing but the alphabet, McDonnell tells the story of a little red cat who has a mighty, big adventure before returning home once more.  It stars a cat, an alligator, a bear, a dragon, a chicken, and an egg....

My thoughts: Technically, I'm not sure if this one would count as wordless or not. The only text within the book is the alphabet. The story is communicated nevertheless. This one has plenty of adventure and some guesswork. The only letter I had trouble translating back into a word to further the story was Ww. (Which was 'wave.') The other letters I was able to 'read' correctly in the context of the story. (Mostly). If I'm being 100% honest, I interpreted Nnnnnnnnnnnnn Ooooooooooo! as NO and not "no over." But either way the story made complete sense.

Text: 0 out of 0
Illustrations: 4 out of 5
Total: 4 out of 5

© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

The Little Reindeer

The Little Reindeer. Nicola Killen. 2017. Simon & Schuster. 32 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: It was Christmas Eve and Ollie had just gone to sleep when jingle, jingle, jingle she woke again with a start. What was that sound?

Premise/plot: A little girl--in reindeer pajamas--discovers a reindeer on Christmas Eve. A small adventure follows, and Christmas morning a souvenir of sorts is received as a gift.

My thoughts: I liked it. The story works well enough. Ollie is a cute heroine. I thought the illustrations were wonderful. It took several readings for me to see all the details in the illustrations and how they add to the story. This is one reindeer-obsessed heroine. Her pillow case, the art on her bedroom wall, the wallpaper of her bedroom, the book on her floor, her bookend, her chalk art, her stuffed animal that accompanies her on her adventure, and, of course, her pajamas.

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

© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Pick a Pine Tree

Pick a Pine Tree. Patricia Toht. Illustrated by Jarvis. 2017. 40 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Pick a pine tree from the lot--slim and tall or short and squat. One with spiky needle clumps, scaly bark, or sappy bumps. Long, straight limbs or branches bent--mmm! Just smell that piney scent!

Premise/plot: A family picks a pine tree and takes it home to decorate for the Christmas season. The story is told through rhyme.

My thoughts: I really enjoyed this one. I do NOT like real trees. In fact, the idea of being in the same room with a real tree is terrifying because I'm so allergic. But I do love this cheerful story. The family has so much fun. Even the pet cat gets involved. It's hard not to like this one.

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

© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers