Mr. Putter and Tabby Turn the Page

Mr. Putter and Tabby Turn the Page. (Mr. Putter & Tabby #23). Cynthia Rylant. Illustrated by Arthur Howard. 2014. 40 pages. [Source: Library]

 First sentence: Mr. Putter and his fine cat, Tabby, loved quiet time. They loved quiet baths. They loved quiet naps. They loved quiet thinking. Mr. Putter and Tabby spent their favorite quiet times reading. Mr. Putter loved to read, but he did not like to read alone. He liked having someone to read to. And Tabby was the someone.

Premise/plot: Reading has always been a quiet activity that is until Mr. Putter spots a sign at the library: Read aloud with your pet at story time. He signs up! He also tells his neighbor, Mrs. Teaberry, about the event at the library. What story will Mr. Putter (and Tabby) choose to read to children? What story will Mrs. Teaberry (and Zeke) choose to read to children?

My thoughts: I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this one. Mr. Putter and Tabby are two of my favorite, favorite characters. They are relatively new acquaintances of mine. But I know we are kindred spirits at heart. The writing is DELIGHTFUL.

Mr. Putter thought and thought about what story to read aloud at the library. He thought about cowboys and he thought about rabbits. He did not think about gardens. Gardens were not adventures to most people. Gardens were an adventure to Tabby, but that is because Tabby knew how to make them exciting. 

But a big part of the satisfaction--the delight, the joy--comes from the illustrations. Some of my favorite illustrations in this one include: Tabby sitting on Mr. Putter's feet as he is reading; Tabby sitting on Mr. Putter's head as he is reading; Mrs. Teaberry's celebrating "new" with her band 'The Zeekers' and a plate full of cauliflower cookies; Mrs. Teaberry's library hat.


© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Board book: I Love You Honey Bunny

Board book: I Love You, Honey Bunny. Sandra Magsamen. 2013. Scholastic. 14 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: You're sweeter than the sweetest little honeybee. You fill the world with love--you're amazing to me. I love the way you hope, skip, and jump up and down.

Premise/plot: I Love You Honey Bunny is a novelty board book featuring plush bunny ears. The ears might be a big hit for little hands--and little mouths. The text is simple and super-super-super-sweet. "Adorable" comes to mind.

My thoughts: It's a novelty book. It will either appeal--or not. It's not fantastic, wonderful literature. (Nor is it bad literature.) But reading with little ones is super-important no matter the book. Sharing a book--sharing the experience is great for parents and for little ones. And here's the thing--adults don't always get a say in which book will become a FAVORITE, beloved book. Sometimes the books that adults give the least credit to are the ones that become again-again favorites--with seemingly no rhyme or reason. SERIOUSLY THAT BOOK?! And sometimes books that adults love, love, love and buy hoping that it will be a big hit are big duds. I do believe every book has a right reader that will love and adore it.
 

© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Poppleton Forever

Poppleton Forever. Cynthia Rylant. Illustrated by Mark Teague. 1998. 56 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Poppleton planted a new little tree in his yard.

Premise/plot: Poppleton Forever is an early chapter book with three stories. In the first story, Poppleton is puzzled by how to take care of his tree. What does it NEED? Each of his friends have a suggestion, but not all suggestions are of equal value! In the second story, Poppleton has a cold. His llama friend, Cherry Sue, tries her best to help. But are her solutions worth the trouble?! In the third story, Poppleton decides to hang some wallpaper. Which of his friends should help?!?!

My thoughts: I enjoyed this collection of stories starring Poppleton and friends. I did. But my absolute favorite story was the third one, "Wallpaper." It was a HOOT. If you enjoy funny stories, it really is a must read.

© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Poppleton Everyday

Poppleton Everyday. Cynthia Rylant. Illustrated by Mark Teague. 1998. 56 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Poppleton's friend Hudson was visiting one night.

Premise/plot: Poppleton Everyday is an early chapter book with three stories. In the first story, Poppleton and his friend (his mouse friend) go stargazing. In the second story, Poppleton goes shopping for a NEW bed. (How will he know which bed is the right bed?!) In the third story, Poppleton is talked into going sailing by a friend.

My thoughts: I really enjoyed this one! Poppleton continues to delight. I can't believe I'm only now discovering this gem of a character. My favorite story in this one is "The New Bed."

He lay on his back. He lay on his side. He lay with one leg over the edge. He lay with both legs over the edge. He lay on his head with his bottom in the air. "How many different ways do you sleep?" asked the saleslady. "About twenty," said Poppleton.
"Do you have any books?" he asked.
The saleslady brought Poppleton a book. Poppleton propped up some pillows and read a few pages. The saleslady looked at her watch. "Do you want to buy the bed?" she asked Poppleton.

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


© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Bonjour, Mr. Satie

Bonjour, Mr. Satie. Tomie dePaola. 1991. 32 pages. [Source: Bought]

First sentence: Ever since the postcard arrived from Paris, Rosalie and Conrad had been waiting for the arrival of their uncle--Mr. Satie, world traveler--and his companion, Ffortusque Ffollet, Esq. Every day they asked Mama and Papa when they would arrive.

Premise/plot: Rosalie and Conrad are happy to welcome Mr. Satie--and guest--into their home. Mr. Satie arrives and has a wonderful story to tell about recent goings-on in Paris. Mr. Satie was at a gathering of friends--of artists--and he was able to help make peace between two factions. One group LOVED Henri's new style of painting and thought it was the BEST. The other group loved Pablo's new style of painting and thought it was the BEST. It wasn't only that one "needed" to be better than the other. No, each group HATED the other style and thought it the WORST--that it wasn't even worthy of being called art. Can Mr. Satie help maintain the peace--not just for one night--but for good?!

My thoughts: I found the book to be odd. Not necessarily odd in a bad way. Mr. Satie and his family are cats. His friend, his guest, is a mouse. That's not the weird part. I almost expected the whole cast of the picture book to be one or the other or even both. Animals in place of people. But, no, Pablo, Henri, and all the artistic crowds in Paris are people. So it isn't strictly animal fantasy OR historical/realistic. The story itself was okay. I found it interesting. If you're looking for an 'art-appreciation' book to share with little ones, this one is worth considering.

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

© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers

The Man Who Cooked For Himself

The Man Who Cooked For Himself. Phyllis Krasilovsky. Illustrated by Mamoru Funai. 1981. Parents Magazine Press. 42 pages. [Source: Bought]

 First sentence: There once was a man who lived with his cat in a little house on the edge of a wood. He didn't have a wife or children so he always cooked his own supper, cleaned the house by himself, and made his own bed. The man didn't even have a car or a telephone. But he had a friend who visited him every few days bringing him the things he needed.

Premise/plot: What will happen to 'the man' when his friend goes on a summer vacation for three weeks? The friend brings over one last bunch of groceries before he leaves. But will the man's list be thorough enough? long enough?

My thoughts: It's a strange little book. But a strangely charming little book at that. Is it realistic? Yes and no. When the man is hungry and desperate for food, he happens upon a pond where he can fish, wild blueberries, an apple tree, an oak tree, and some watercress. With just a paperclip and some string he catches four fish. As the story went on, the illustrations became hilarious. Readers see the man bent over picking up apples--apples stuffed into his pockets until they're bulging. The man--in the end--learns a valuable lesson about laziness--DON'T--and on how to live off the land.

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

© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers

A Gift for Mama

A Gift for Mama. Esther Hautzig. 1981/1997. Penguin. 64 pages. [Source: Bought]

First sentence: Sara was sick and tired of making presents. And Mother's Day was coming. For birthdays and for Hanukkah, for anniversaries and for Mother's Day, Sara always had to make a gift. Mama said that the best presents were handmade presents.

Premise/plot: Sara, our heroine, has determined that she will BUY her mother a present this year. This won't be easy. She doesn't have an allowance. She doesn't have money saved up. She has nothing but her determination--her grit--to find a way to make it happen. She knows exactly what she wants to buy her mother--a pair of slippers that her mother has admired from a store's window display. She knows exactly how much they cost--nine zlotys. How resourceful can one girl be?

My thoughts: The setting of this one is very understated. I believe it is set in Poland in the 1930s. It stars a Jewish family in a Jewish community. The focus isn't on HISTORY or DANGER or THREATS. The focus is on family--immediate and extended. The focus is on relationships. I love seeing how close Sara is to her aunt, Margola. I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED seeing their bond. And Sara also has a close relationship with her grandmother. This is without a doubt a character-driven story. And it packs a lot of emotion and intensity into its pages.

For better or worse, the Mama of the family--whom Sara LOVES--seems to have some big issues, unresolved issues from her past. And she's far from perfect. But just because she's far from perfect--in our eyes--doesn't make her any less loved by Sara or any of the rest of her family.

I could relate to Sara--her stubbornness, her sensitivity, her wearing her heart on her sleeve, her feeling emotions so deeply and intensely. Sara is the exact opposite of her mother in so many ways. But love connects them even if communicating by words--even actions--doesn't. I think that you could say they speak different love languages.

I'm not sure what I would have thought about this one as a child, but I could relate to it as an adult. 

© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Board Book: Mustache Baby Meets His Match

Mustache Baby Meets His Match (Board Book) Bridget Heos. Illustrated by Joy Ang. 2018. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. 36 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Baby Billy was born with a mustache.

Premise/plot: This is the sequel to Mustache Baby. In this second book, Baby Billy is mostly at odds with Baby Javier, a bearded baby. The problem? Baby Javier and Baby Billy both want to be THE BOSS and tell the other what to do. Also both babies want to be THE BEST. Can these two learn to be friends and get along?

My thoughts: I liked this one. I did. I don't know that I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED it like I did the first book. But I liked it. The illustrations make this a clever read. It's the little details--often in the illustrations--that bring a smile. For example, when the two compete at running for President.

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

© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Old Hat

Old Hat. Emily Gravett. 2017/2018. Simon & Schuster. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Harbet had a hat. His Nana had knitted it for him when he was little. It was warm and cozy, and it kept his ears toasty. It was an...OLD HAT!

Premise/plot: Does Harbet need new hats or new friends? That isn't exactly the problem as Harbet sees it, but it's how this adult reader sees it. Harbet is a dog that gets teased for wearing an old hat. The first teasing incident might have some basis of truth. It is an old hat--a beloved old hat upon his head. But all the other incidents, well, that's more bullying in my opinion. Harbet copies the hats of his friends time after time after time after time. He even starts subscribing to the same hat-themed magazines that his friends do. Always the response is the same: OLD HAT. If Harbet is wearing it, it is no longer cool. Will Harbet learn a lesson by the end of the book?

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I did. I personally LOVED the hat his Nana made him. I would have seen nothing wrong with him keeping that old hat. It was a good, practical, traditional hat. Some of these other hats are OVER-THE-TOP ridiculous. This says something about trends in general, trends for kids and adults. And perhaps a little something about our materialistic market-driven culture as well. Nothing is too extreme if you market it just right and have influencers.

His friends. Are they really ever his friends? I like that Harbet really only becomes happy or content when he stops caring what they say...or what they think.

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

© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Pig and Cat Are Pals

Pig and Cat Are Pals. Douglas Florian. 2018. Holiday House. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Pig and Cat are pals. Pig and Cat like to bike.

Premise/plot: Pig and Cat Are Palls is a new 'I Like To Read' book by Douglas Florian. Pig first appeared in Pig Is Big On Books. This early reader is friendship themed. Pig and Cat are friends. What will happen when Pig makes a new friend, Dog. Can Pig, Cat, and Dog be friends together. Or will Cat be sad and lonely?

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. Perhaps I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED Pig Is Big on Books and I just enjoyed Pig and Cat Are Pals. The words are very simple. (The book is Guided Reading Level C.) The theme is simple and basic as well. I think it is something every one of us--no matter how old or young--can relate to and identify with. The illustrations are unique in a way. They are crayon on manila paper. Not so unique for a child in elementary school writing his/her first story. But definitely not your traditional illustration style for a successful, accomplished author. I found the illustrations to be expressive and convey a lot of emotion.

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

© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Ultimate Collector's Guide to the Beanie Boos

Beanie Boos: Ultimate Collector's Guide. Meredith Rusu. 2018. Scholastic. 192 pages. [Source: Review copy]

 This one contains information or "super stats" on over three-hundred beanie boos. Beanie Boos for those not in the know are Beanie Babies with HUGE eyes. They can come in up to five different sizes: clip, regular, medium, large, and extra-large. Not every single beanie boo comes in all five sizes.

Does the book contain EVERYTHING you might want to know about collecting Beanie Boos? Not really. For one thing it doesn't state *when* a Beanie Boo was released. It doesn't tell if it is current or retired. It doesn't tell if it is/was available only in stores or only online. So if you actually want to BUY a specific Beanie Boo, the only helpful information it gives you is its name.

You might be thinking, well, the book might not be helpful but surely the TY website would be. You'd be WRONG, WRONG, SUPER-WRONG. The website is CONFUSING and FRUSTRATING and doesn't follow any rhyme or reason. (Unless they've changed it since Christmas!!!) Though knowing the exact name would be helpful when searching the website.

What the book does contain are ADORABLE pictures of Beanie Boos. The Beanie Boos are arranged in alphabetical order.

© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Poppleton in Winter

Poppleton in Winter. Cynthia Rylant. Illustrated by Mark Teague. 2001. 56 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Poppleton's house grew very long icicles in winter.

Premise/plot: This early chapter book starring Poppleton and friends features three stories: "Icicles," "The Bust," and "The Sleigh Ride." In the first story, Poppleton may love his icicles a little too much. What will happen when they fall?! In the second story, Poppleton decides to make something. Winter is his best time for making. This year, what he decides upon is making a bust of his friend Cherry Sue's head. If only he could remember what she looks like! In the third story, Poppleton's disappointment turns to joy as his friends surprise him on his birthday.

My thoughts: I really enjoyed Poppleton in Winter. I want to read all the Poppleton books now. I enjoy spending time with him and his friends. The stories are delightful and charming. My favorite in this collection was "The Sleigh Ride."

© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Poppleton and Friends

Poppleton and Friends. Cynthia Rylant. Illustrated by Mark Teague. 1997. 56 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Poppleton was tired of being landlocked. He wanted to go to the shore.

Premise/plot: Poppleton and Friends is the second book in the series by Cynthia Rylant. It is an early chapter book series. This one has three stories: "The Shore Day," "Dry Skin," and "Grapefruit." In the first story, Poppleton goes to the beach for the day. In the second story, Poppleton thinks he's suffering from dry skin. His friend, Cherry Sue, has plenty of advice for him. Can she solve the mystery of what is causing Poppleton's problem?! In the third story, Poppleton decides he wants to live a LONG, LONG life. Will eating grapefruit help him out?!

My thoughts: I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED meeting Poppleton. I now want to read all the books in the series. I also loved meeting his friends. I would definitely recommend this one! 

© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Mr. Putter and Tabby Dance the Dance

Mr. Putter and Tabby Dance the Dance. (Mr. Putter and Tabby #21) Cynthia Rylant. Illustrated by Arthur Howard. 2012. 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Mr. Putter and his fine cat, Tabby, liked living next door to Mrs. Teaberry and her good dog, Zeke. They all had a lot of things in common. They all liked the Sunday funnies. They all liked cheese toasties. They all liked rain. Mrs. Teaberry was good at finding new things for them to like. Sometimes the new things worked. Sometimes they didn't.

Premise/plot: Mrs. Teaberry wants Mr. Putter to go ballroom dancing with her in this one! Of course who wouldn't take their dog and cat along to go dancing?!?! Will Tabby, Zeke, Mr. Putter and Mrs. Teaberry have a great time on the dance floor?!

My thoughts: I really enjoyed this one. It was great fun, very delightful. The text is wonderful. Rylant is truly gifted when it comes to crafting words into stories.

"Just try it," said Mrs. Teaberry. "What have you got to lose?"
Mr. Putter could think of a lot of things he had to lose. Like his dignity. And his nap time. 

and

They told Tabby and Zeke to stay. One of them was good at staying. One of them was not. 

But the illustrations also do their job. I really LOVED seeing Mr. Putter and Tabby try rollerskating! This one was just a JOY to read.




© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Mr. Putter and Tabby Ring the Bell

Mr. Putter and Tabby Ring the Bell. (Mr. Putter and Tabby #20) Cynthia Rylant. 2011. 48 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: It was fall. Mr. Putter and his fine cat, Tabby, loved fall.

Premise/plot: Mr. Putter grows nostalgic for school in this one. Will his friend, Mrs. Teaberry think of a way for the two to return to school?!

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I would have enjoyed it more if the pages hadn't been stuck together with something. Part of me shudders to think what could have made these pages so sticky. But that is part of reading library books.

This one includes a quick flash of Mr. Putter as a boy. I liked that. I like seeing his red hair and glasses. I like that he wore plaid even as a boy.

There is plenty in this one to bring a smile. I would definitely recommend this one and the series as a whole. 

© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Henry and Mudge in the Family Trees

Henry and Mudge in the Family Trees. (Henry and Mudge #15) Cynthia Rylant. Illustrated by Sucie Stevenson. 1997. 48 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: One day Henry and Henry's big dog, Mudge, and Henry's parents were sitting on the porch when a letter came. The envelope said INVITATION. Henry loved invitations. Mudge loved them, too, because they usually meant cake.

Premise/plot: Henry and his family have been invited to the family reunion. It will be the first family reunion that Henry has attended. Or perhaps the first he can remember attending. Will he have fun meeting his extended family?

My thoughts: I liked this one. I am not as familiar with Henry and Mudge OR Annie and Snowball as I am Mr. Putter and Tabby. In fact, until reading this book I did not realize that Henry and Annie were cousins. I think my favorite part was seeing how much his family LOVED meeting Mudge. 

© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Mr. Putter and Tabby Clear the Deck

Mr. Putter and Tabby Clear the Decks (Mr. Putter and Tabby #19) Cynthia Rylant. Illustrated by Arthur Howard. 2010. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. 44 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: It was summer, and Mr. Putter and his fine cat, Tabby, were itchy. They were not itchy because of fleas. There was never a flea in Mr. Putter's house! They were itchy because they were bored.

Premise/plot: Mr. Putter and Tabby need some excitement in their lives to cheer up a dull summer day. Will his neighbor, Mrs. Teaberry, and her dog, Zeke, provide the boost of adventure and excitement they need?! What bright idea will she have this time around? This time around the answer is a BOAT RIDE on a sight-seeing boat. Will the four friends have a great day or a disastrous one?

My thoughts: I definitely enjoyed this one. I wouldn't say it's the absolute best in the series. But the series is such that there really isn't a disappointing one in the series. It's a GREAT series with great characters.

The sightseeing boat was named The Olden Days. Mr. Putter liked it right away because he and Tabby were both old. They liked being old. Mr. Putter was glad the boat was not named The Young and Zippy Days. Those were long behind him.

© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Mr. Putter and Tabby Spill The Beans

Mr. Putter and Tabby Spill the Beans (Mr. Putter and Tabby #18) Cynthia Rylant. Illustrated by Arthur Howard. 2009. 44 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Mr. Putter and his fine cat, Tabby, lived next door to Mrs. Teaberry and her good dog, Zeke. They were all good friends and neighbors. They liked doing things together. They took long walks. They had tea. And sometimes they tried new things. The new things sometimes worked out. And sometimes they didn't.

Premise/plot: The NEW thing in Mr. Putter and Tabby Spill the Beans is a cooking class. It is Mrs. Teaberry's idea. The cooking class is ONE HUNDRED DIFFERENT WAYS TO COOK BEANS. Mr. Putter doesn't want to know more than one way, and that might be stretching the truth. What he wants is an ice cream soda. The adventure really only happens because they bring Tabby and Zeke with them to class...

My thoughts: Mr. Putter and Mrs. Teaberry are DELIGHTFUL characters. I love them both. I'm so glad they're such good friends and neighbors. I also really LOVE their pets Zeke and Tabby. They can always be counted on for a good laugh. There is JOY to be had in this early chapter book series by Cynthia Rylant.


© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Case of the Desperate Duck

Case of the Desperate Duck (High-Rise Private Eyes #8) Cynthia Rylant. Illustrated by Brian Karas. 2005. 48 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: One day Bunny and Jack were putting together a puzzle in Jack's apartment. "This is hard," said Jack. "It's supposed to be hard," said Bunny. "But it's a brown pyramid in a brown desert," said Jack. "Right," said Bunny.

Premise/plot: Frustrated over a puzzle--and the increasing sarcasm of one partner--the two decide to go to high tea together. But while there enjoying their tea--and DESSERTS--they get a new case to solve. Someone has stolen a box of sugar cubes?!?!

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one well enough. I must say I identify more with Jack in this one when it comes to puzzles!!! I would recommend this early chapter mystery series.


© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Mr. Putter and Tabby Spin the Yarn

Mr. Putter and Tabby Spin the Yarn. (Mr. Putter and Tabby #15) Cynthia Rylant. Illustrated by Arthur Howard. 2006. 44 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence:  Mr. Putter and his fine cat, Tabby, lived next door to Mrs. Teaberry and her good dog, Zeke. Mr. Putter liked Mrs. Teaberry. She was a good neighbor. She made chocolate crunchies and shared with him.

Premise/plot: In this early chapter book, Mr. Putter fears he isn't a good neighbor. In the first chapter, he muses: "All I do is eat Mrs. Teaberry's food," Mr. Putter told Tabby one day. "I should do something nice for her." That something nice he decides to do is to serve the ladies of her knitting club tea. In the second chapter, Mr. Putter and Tabby arrive at the club meeting. It doesn't quite go according to plan. Tabby sees all that yarn--and, well, it takes Mr. Putter's quick thinking to prevent a problem. But Tabby isn't the only potential trouble-maker. Remember Zeke is only a good dog sometimes. Will the club meeting go well?!?!

My thoughts: I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this one. I typically enjoy the series. The fourth chapter in the book, "One Less Potato" has to be one of the most entertaining chapters in chapter book history.


© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers

The Case of the Missing Monkey

The Case of the Missing Monkey. (High Rise Private Eyes #1) Cynthia Rylant. Illustrated by G. Brian Karas. 2000. 48 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Bunny liked brussels sprouts and cheese for breakfast every morning. "Yuck," said Jack. "It's delicious. Try some," said Bunny.

Premise/plot: This is the first book in an early reader mystery series by Cynthia Rylant. In this early chapter book, Jack and Bunny solve the case of the 'missing' monkey. It starts at a local diner. The two are breakfasting together. The owner is distraught when his glass monkey is stolen. Can Bunny and Jack solve the mystery?

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I am trying to read as much Cynthia Rylant as I can this year. I really enjoy her work and there is so much I haven't read! The mystery elements of this one were fun. I enjoyed following the clues. I think children would enjoy it as well.


© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers

The Pink Hat

The Pink Hat. Andrew Joyner. 2017. [December 26] Random House. 32 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: First there wasn't a hat. Then...there was. It was a pink hat. A cozy pink hat. That is, until...a cat grabbed the hat. It was a fun hat. A fun pink hat. That is, until....

Premise/plot: "Pink hat" begins its life, if you will, as a bit of yarn in the hands of a woman. In the course of the book, it has several different owners and MANY purposes. But one day this oh-so-practical hat, this often-worn, well-beloved hat takes part in something special--the 2017 Women's March--when the owner, a little girl, joins in with the crowd.

My thoughts: The book uses just a few words per page to tell the story. The jacket cover reads, "Once there was a pink hat. A cat played with it. A baby caught it. A dog swiped it. That is, until...a girl found it. And one day she wore it someplace special." The illustrations are simple as well. The illustrations are black and white and....PINK. Is the story as simple as it appears to be? You may be the best judge of that. One thing is for certain, the book isn't preachy--at least not in the actual narrative. (We do see signs the women in the march are carrying.)

Chances are the intended audience won't remember the classic Sesame Street sketch, "Bert's blanket." But The Pink Hat definitely reminds me of it.

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


© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Buster The Very Shy Dog, More Adventures With Phoebe

Buster the Very Shy Dog, More Adventures with Phoebe. Lisze Bechtold. 2018. April. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. 32 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Buster liked to hide his bones in secret places.

Premise/plot: There are two Buster and Phoebe stories in this level three early reader. The first story is "Bone Finding." Phoebe and Buster both like to hide bones in the yard. Both dogs think they have very special, unique teeth marks to identify their bones. This story is about what happens when a new concrete patio (or sidewalk?) is poured in their back yard. ALL the bones get mixed up. (Some might even be gone FOREVER.) How will the dogs decide who gets what?! The second story is "Buster and Phoebe Meet the Garbage Bandit." In this one, the two dogs work together to solve a mystery. WHO is responsible for making a mess with the garbage?! Can these two discover who is REALLY to blame? How will they solve such a tricky case?!

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I like both Buster and Phoebe. The stories were fun if not timely. This past week we've had several skunk incidences. I do NOT like skunks. 

© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers