Sprinkle Sundays #5 Sprinkles Before Sweethearts

Sprinkles Before Sweethearts. (Sprinkle Sundays #5) Coco Simon. 2018. [December] Simon & Schuster. 160 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: "Lunch is gross today," I said, lifting a piece of limp iceberg lettuce and letting it drop to my plate. I sighed and rubbed my eyes.

Premise/plot: Sprinkles Before Sweethearts is the fifth book in the Sprinkle Sundays series by Coco Simon. In the first book, Allie's parents get divorced. Allie moves with her mom and brother to a nearby town. She misses her best friends Tamiko and Sierra very much. Fortunately, these three friends find a way to be together each and every week by working together in her mom's ice cream shop. The books alternate main characters or narrators. This is Tamiko's second title to narrate. (She was the narrator of the second book, Cracks in the Cone.)

In this book, Tamiko is SUPER FRUSTRATED that she's "surrounded" by people with crushes. She doesn't want to be around boy-crazy or girl-crazy classmates or friends. Why should she want a "sweetheart"?!?!

At the shop, the mom is struggling now that it's closer to fall/winter to keep customers coming to the ice cream shop. Perhaps the answer is new flavors, kid-friendly flavors of course. Maybe if she allows her three tween employees to taste-test all the flavors (so they can better "sell" the product), try new sundaes (so the ice cream won't get "old") and pay for them to go to the amusement park so they can observe what food stands are busiest and what foods are most popular. She pays for them to try all the foods. They can report back with ideas on what flavors she should try to make next.

At school, Tamiko is struggling to come up with an idea for a science class project and with having to draw a BOY in art class.

My thoughts: I enjoy this series. It is definitely taking me back to my own series-binging days of Babysitters Club. There is so much that is not realistic (I hope!) about this series. One scene that was driving me a bit crazy was when the three kids EXPERIMENT WITH FLAVORS THEMSELVES AND MAKE SEVERAL ICE CREAMS FOR THE MOM TO TASTE-TEST. They are using her ingredients (which cost money), her kitchen... without any knowledge or experience of HOW TO ACTUALLY MAKE ice cream. They are essentially throwing money out the window all under the delusion that they are HELPING. Their ice cream flavors are horrendous. And she tells them to NOT try to make their own flavors in the future. But still. Shouldn't they know better without having to be told?!?!



© 2019 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Chicks and Salsa

Chicks and Salsa. Aaron Reynolds. Illustrated by Paulette Bogan. 2005. Bloomsbury. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: There were grumblings in the henhouse of Nuthatcher Farm. The chickens were tired of chicken feed. The rooster took it upon himself to solve this problem. Mrs. Nuthatcher, the farmer's wife, had started watching cooking shows in the afternoons. The rooster was perched on a fence post outside the farmhouse window when he discovered the solution to his problem...salsa!

Premise/plot: Things at Nuthatcher Farm are about to get SPICY. It all begins with chickens who are BORED with their chicken feed. But this discontent soon spreads far and wide...will the Rooster be able to keep saving the day?!

My thoughts: I absolutely LOVED this one. I did. It was cute and funny. I loved the narration, the writing.

Led by the rooster, the chickens crept into the garden, where they took tomatoes and uprooted onions. That night, the chickens ate chips and salsa--though nobody was quite certain where the chickens got the chips. The tasty tang of tomatoes and onions hung over the barnyard. And the rooster said, "Olé!" 

This is a treat of a book.

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

© 2019 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Board book: Scratchie: A Touch and Feel Cat-Venture

Scratchie:  A Touch-and-Feel Cat-Venture. Maria Putri. 2019. Simon & Schuster. 2019. 24 pages.

First sentence: Hi there, human! I'm Scratchie, the cat. And just like my name, I like to scratch stuff to keep my claws super sharp! Let's scratch things together.

Premise/plot: Touch-and-feel board books are nothing new or particularly unique. But this one has a fun premise. It is inviting readers to SCRATCH things along with the cat hero, Scratchie.

My thoughts: Don't expect the objects that you are "scratching" (aka touching/feeling) to remotely feel like what they are supposed to be. With a few minor exceptions. The textures aren't bad; they just don't correlate with their objects. Probably my favorite textures were the one on the cover and the "paper towel" (aka wash rag.)

I love the premise of this one. I do. But I was slightly disappointed. This does not mean that little ones won't like it.

© 2019 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Board book: Twinkle, Twinkle Dinosaur

Twinkle, Twinkle, Dinosaur. Jeffrey Burton. Illustrated by Zoe Waring. 2019. Simon & Schuster. 16 pages. [Source: Review copy]

 First sentence: Twinkle, twinkle, dinosaur, how I love to hear you roar.

Premise/plot: This is a rhyming board book starring dinosaurs. It is loosely inspired by the children's classic "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star."

My thoughts: Probably the best thing about this one is how thick and sturdy the pages are. Board books have thicker pages, of course, that's what makes them board books. But these are extra-super-thick pages. And the pages do not stick together. Of course, in a perfect world, all board books would have pages that easily turn and never get stuck. But the world we live in, alas, is fallen. This one I thought was better than most in that regards.

As for the actual content, well, I'm no dinosaur enthusiast. Little ones who love, love, love dinosaurs will certainly find it more appealing. The rhyming and rhythm of this one did not annoy me which must mean it gets it right.

© 2019 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Mercy Watson Goes for A Ride

Mercy Watson Goes For A Ride. Kate DiCamillo. Illustrated by Chris Van Dusen. 2006. Candlewick Press. 80 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Mr. Watson and Mrs. Watson have a pig named Mercy. Every Saturday, Mrs. Watson makes a special lunch.

Premise/plot: Mr. Watson loves driving fast almost as much as Mercy loves eating buttered-toast. On Saturday, this father-daughter duo enjoy spending time together. First, they go for a drive. Mr. Watson drives. Mercy Watson rides. That is how it is supposed to go. But one Saturday, well, Mercy Watson gets the notion--reckless or not--that SHE is going to take Mr. Watson for the ride. She wants to be the one DRIVING super-speedy-fast. That just happens to be the day that one of their neighbors decides to join in the fun...

My thoughts: Mercy Watson Goes For A Ride is the second in Kate DiCamillo's Mercy Watson series for young readers. The books are short and funny. If you like quirky. Because even though these books may be for younger readers--a younger audience than Tales of Despereaux and Because of Winn Dixie and Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane--DiCamillo still brings quirky characters to life, still brings plenty of humor. I liked the introduction of Officer Tomilello. I think he is great fun!

© 2019 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Mercy Watson to the Rescue

Mercy Watson to the Rescue. (Mercy Watson #1) Kate DiCamillo. Illustrated by Chris Van Dusen. 2005. 80 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Mr. Watson and Mrs. Watson have a pig named Mercy.

Premise/plot: Can a pig save her human 'parents'? That is the question raised in Kate DiCamillo's Mercy Watson To The Rescue. Why do Mr. and Mrs. Watson need to be rescued? Well, Mercy herself--if she could do more than oink--might tell you if you could get her mind off food. You see, it all starts one night when Mercy becomes frightened. She runs and jumps in the Watsons' bed. And there the trouble starts. All three are sleeping, dreaming busy little dreams, unaware that danger is lurking!

What does Mercy dream of? Whether asleep or awake, Mercy's mind is always, always on food. In particular, her favorite food, lovely buttered toast. But can Mercy's weakness lead to some saving strength?

My thoughts: I enjoyed rereading this first book in the series. It has been nine years since I first read through the Mercy Watson chapter book series for young readers. Mercy is certainly a memorable character with a one-track mind. She loves, loves, loves buttered toast. If she can't have that treat, then another may do just as well.

I enjoyed meeting the neighbors as well. I liked that they inadvertently help save the day.   

© 2019 Becky Laney of Young Readers

The Marvelous, Amazing, Pig-tastic Gracie LaRoo

The Marvelous, Amazing, Pig-Tastic Gracie LaRoo. Marsha Qualey. Illustrated by Kristyna Litten. 2018. 128 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Gracie LaRoo was in the air.

Premise/plot: The Marvelous, Amazing, Pig-Tastic Gracie LaRoo is a collection of four early chapter books. It contains Gracie LaRoo at Pig Jubilee, Gracie LaRoo on the Big Screen, Gracie LaRoo Sets Sail, and Gracie LaRoo Goes to School. Each contains four chapters.

In the first story, Gracie Laroo at Pig Jubilee, readers meet Gracie LaRoo. She's the youngest member of a world-famous synchronized swimming team--the Water Sprites. The team is getting ready to perform at a global competition. Will they win? Will they lose? If they lose will it be Gracie LaRoo's fault?

In the second story, Gracie LaRoo is getting ready to make a guest appearance in her first movie. Will filming go as planned? The director has a definite vision of how the shoot is supposed to go...but things don't go all that smoothly. Can Gracie live up to expectations?

In the third story, the Water Sprites have a gig on a cruise ship. But will the audience love them or hate them? Will the team be fired after a very disappointing first performance?

In the fourth story, Gracie LaRoo is returning to her old school. Not as a student, mind you, but as a guest speaker. Will she be intimidated by her former principal and teachers? Or will she find a way to shine?

My thoughts: I really enjoyed this one. I thought the illustrations were super-adorable. Some of the stories I loved, loved, loved. Others I liked well enough. Overall, I think the book has more strengths than weaknesses.

© 2019 Becky Laney of Young Readers

If You Love Dolphins, You Could Be...

If You Love Dolphins, You Could Be... May Nakamura. Illustrated by Matalie Kwee. 2019. Simon & Schuster. 32 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Do you love dolphins and other marine animals? Do you enjoy going to the beach and visiting aquariums?

Premise/plot: This is a nonfiction level two reader in a new series published by Simon & Schuster. The premise is simple: if you love dolphins, you could grow up to be... an aquatic veterinarian, a marine biologist, an underwater filmmaker. There's a chapter with loads of details for each job possibility.

My thoughts: I like both this one and If You Love Video Games, You Could Be... Both books, I believe, have great kid appeal. Nonfiction has certainly come a long way from when I was a kid.

© 2019 Becky Laney of Young Readers

If You Love Video Games You Could Be...

If You Love Video Games You Could Be... Thea Feldman. Illustrated by Natalie Kwee. 2019. Simon & Schuster. 32 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Do you love playing video games? If so you know that anything is possible when you're gaming. You can solve puzzles, fight monsters, and even build imaginary worlds.

Premise/plot: This is a nonfiction level two reader in a new series published by Simon & Schuster. The premise is simple: if you love video games, you could grow up to be... a video game writer, a video game animator, or a video game programmer. Each chapter includes details about that job.

My thoughts: I liked this one very much. I could see it appealing to children. Many--if not most--do love playing video games.


© 2019 Becky Laney of Young Readers

A Piglet Named Mercy

A Piglet Named Mercy. Kate DiCamillo. Illustrated by Chris Van Dusen. 2019. Candlewick. 32 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Mr. Watson and Mrs. Watson lived in a house on Deckawoo Drive. Deckawoo Drive was an ordinary street in an ordinary town.

Premise/plot: A Piglet Named Mercy is a picture book prequel to Kate DiCamillo's early chapter book series starring Mercy Watson. It is the origin story, if you will.

My thoughts: Does loving A Piglet Named Mercy depend upon loving other titles in the series? I can't adequately answer that I suppose. I have not read all the books in the series. And what I have read was so long ago that I barely remember the details of the books. But what I do recall--though vague and fuzzy--is being charmed and delighted. I can tell you that reading A Piglet Named Mercy has me wanting to read--or in some cases reread--the chapter book titles.

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

© 2019 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Harold & Hog Pretend for Real

Harold & Hog Pretend for Real. Dan Santat. 2019. Hyperion. 64 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Hey, Hog! Let's pretend to be Elephant and Piggie!

Premise/plot: Harold & Hog Pretend For Real! is one of the books in the series Elephant & Piggie Like Reading. The books in this series are introduced by...you guessed it...Mo Willems' Elephant and Piggie. In this one, two best friends Hog and Harold decide (though one of them reluctantly) to play pretend. They will PRETEND to be two of their favorite characters Gerald and Piggie. But there's a slight problem to this imaginative role play. Harold is NOTHING like Gerald. Hog is nothing like Piggie. Can these two figure out a way to make this role play work?

My thoughts: I love, love, love, love Elephant and Piggie. Probably even more than Harold and Hog do. Probably. Mo Willems' books have a tendency to make me gushy and wave my arms about when I book talk them. (And believe me I do book talk them.) So I love, love, love the idea of these characters playing pretend and "becoming" their favorite characters. These two know their characters. And just like the Elephant and Piggie books these two will have to problem solve together to find a solution. So in many ways, the two pairs of friends are quite similar. Speaking of solutions, I absolutely love the solution these two come up with!!! And I love how Gerald and Piggie pop back up at the end of the book. It's just a hoot!



© 2019 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Chicken in Charge

Chicken in Charge. Adam Lehrhaupt. Illustrated by Shahar Kober. 2019. HarperCollins. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: "The farmer is away," said Sam. "Who is caring for the new lambs?" "I am!" said Zoey. "This chicken is in charge!"

Premise/plot: Have you met Zoey the chicken yet? She's starred in Chicken in Space, Chicken in School, Chicken in Mittens, and Chicken on Vacation--some of these are picture books and others are early readers. Zoey is a hoot of a character. She's a chicken who marches to her own drum. In this adventure, she's in charge of the lambs...

My thoughts: I LOVE Zoey. I do. Perhaps love is a strong word to use for an early reader, after all how entertaining can an early reader hope to be in the grand scheme of things? VERY. Or perhaps I just have a weakness for Lehrhaupt's sense of humor.

I think my FAVORITE, FAVORITE part was when Zoey reads the lambs to sleep...or tries to! She reads them CHICKEN IN SPACE and CHICKEN IN SCHOOL. 

© 2019 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Starstruck: The Cosmic Journey of Neil Degrasse Tyson

Starstruck: The Cosmic Journey of Neil Degrasse Tyson. Kathleen Krull and Paul Brewer. Illustrated by Frank Morrison. 2018. 48 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence:  Our universe began its dance with what scientists call the Big Bang.

Premise/plot: This is a picture book biography of Neil DeGrasse Tyson.

My thoughts: I like this one. I don't love, love, love it. Perhaps because of all the big bang theory stuff at the very beginning. But his biography is interesting. I don't love the illustrations. I thought they were semi-realistic--somewhere between cartoonish and realistic. I would say the humans were drawn fun-house mirror style. This bothered me more than it should have.

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

© 2019 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Mimi's Adventures in Baking Gingerbread Men

Mimi's Adventures in Baking Gingerbread Men. Alyssa Gangeri. Illustrated by Chiara Civati. 2015. 38 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: "Mimi, time to wake up!" Mimi peeked out the window and saw..."SNOW! MOM! It's a snow day!" She yelled as she rushed downstairs.

Premise/plot: A little girl bakes gingerbread cookies with her grandmother on a snowy winter's day.

My thoughts: Baking can be fun. And few things are more fun for a child than baking with a beloved adult. In this case, it's NONNI. Simple baking techniques are shown in this one.

Overall, I liked this one. The story is the most thrilling but it does try to capture the joy of an experience that actually is thrilling.

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

© 2019 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Mimi's Adventures in Baking Chocolate Chip Cookies

Mimi's Adventures in Baking Chocolate Chip Cookies. Alyssa Gangeri. Illustrated by Chiara Civati. 2015. 38 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Mimi dreamed of fluffy clouds of flour floating over mountains of chocolate chips with untouched ski slopes of sugar...when she woke up, Mimi knew exactly what she wanted to do. "Nonni, can we please bake chocolate chip cookies? I've been dreaming about the ingredients all night!" Nonni pulled out her giant cookbook and they searched for the recipe.

Premise/plot: A little girl bakes chocolate chip cookies with her grandmother. There is a light story driven by the recipe and the baking process.

My thoughts: Baking can be fun. And few things are more fun for a child than baking with a beloved adult. In this case, it's NONNI. Simple baking techniques are shown in this one. For example, how to read a recipe, how to measure, how to mix, how to crack an egg, etc.

Mimi measured 1 cup of chocolate chips and poured them in a bowl. Then she measured a 1/2 cup. "Now we need 3/4 cup of granulated sugar," said Nonni. "Three of these?" asked Mimi with a 1/4 cup measure in hand. "Yes, three of those." 

Overall, I liked this one. The story is the most thrilling but it does try to capture the joy of an experience that actually is thrilling.

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


© 2019 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Louise and the Class Pet

Louise and the Class Pet. (Louise #2) Laura Driscoll. Illustrated by Kelly Light. 2018. [December] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: This is going to be the best weekend ever! I have a friend staying over. This friend is super sweet. This friend is super cute. This friend is warm and cuddly and...furry.

Premise/plot: Louise and Art are back for another adventure in their early reader series. (Readers may have first met these siblings in two picture books by Kelly Light.) Louise has brought home the classroom pet for the weekend. Art seems interested. But perhaps not as interested as their own pet, a cat. But are the cat's motives pure?! Louise and Art may have a busy weekend trying to keep the class pet safe.

My thoughts: I really enjoyed Louise Loves Bake Sales. But I had a harder time getting enthusiastic about this one. Pigcasso, the guinea pig, is adorable...as is the cat. I think this one may work better animated as a cartoon. I think the humor of this one almost depends on envisioning it in action. I wouldn't mind a Louise cartoon at all. That would be a wonderful new show; I'm imagining it PBS style.

© 2019 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Louise Loves Bake Sales

Louise Loves Bake Sales (Louise Readers #1) Laura Driscoll. Illustrated by Kelly Light. 2018. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: I love art! I love this kind of art. I love that kind of art. I see art in everything!

Premise/plot: Louise and Art are back in an early reader series. These two were first introduced in Kelly Light's Louise Loves Art. In this first book in the series, Louise is super excited to participate in a first grade bake sale. But when her cupcakes don't go as planned--when they are not as artistic as she'd envisioned--will she find a way to make it work?

My thoughts: I really LOVED this one. Yes, it's super-simple. It's a level one beginner reader with the I Can Read! brand. This means "simple sentences for eager new readers." But there's joy packed into these sentences. The story is joyful. Louise's problem-to-solve comes from mixing frosting colors. So in part this one could be said to be "teaching" a concept.

© 2019 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Unicorn and Yeti 2: A Good Team

A Good Team (Unicorn and Yeti #2) Heather Ayris Burnell. Illustrated by Hazel Quintanilla. 2019. Scholastic. 64 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Unicorn saw Yeti kick the ball.

Premise/plot: The first book in the series is Sparkly New Friends. This second book features three more adventures: "The Ball," "A Race," and "On Ice." In chapter one, the two friends TRY to play ball together. But can unicorn catch and throw a ball?! In chapter two, the two friends race each other. But can Yeti run as fast as unicorn? In chapter three, the two friends go ice skating--a new activity for both of them. Can unicorn ice skate? How about Yeti?

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I don't know if my favorite story was the one about playing ball or ice skating. But it definitely was not the racing one. Still two out of three isn't bad when it comes to stories. I don't know that I love this series enough to want there to be thirty books in the series....but I wouldn't mind a few more.

© 2019 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Unicorn and Yeti #1 Sparkly New Friends

Sparkly New Friends (Unicorn and Yeti #1) Heather Ayris Burnell. Illustrated by Hazel Quintanilla. 2019. Scholastic. 64 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Unicorn saw something sparkly.

Premise/plot: Scholastic is publishing a new early chapter book series titled UNICORN and YETI. Sparkly New Friends is the first in that series; there are three stories within the book: "Something Sparkly," "An Amazing Friend," and "Snowball Fight." In the first story, Unicorn and Yeti meet each other and become friends. In the second story, the two friends learn more about one another. Yeti, at first, seems a bit jealous of Unicorn's sparkly, magical fanciness. But Yeti is special in different ways. In the third story, the two try to have a snowball fight. It was Yeti's idea; Unicorn isn't so sure about this! IT is not easy to roll a snowball or throw it when you don't have hands.

My thoughts: I liked this one. It will definitely appeal to unicorn lovers in a certain age group. (Though unicorn lovers come in all age groups.) The last page is a bonus that will surely appeal to fans: HOW TO DRAW A UNICORN.


© 2019 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Hello, Crabby!

Hello, Crabby! (Book #1) Jonathan Fenske. 2019. Scholastic. 48 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Today is just another day at the beach.

Premise/plot: Hello, Crabby! is a new early reader series by Jonathan Fenske. There are several stories in this one: "The Beach" (which guest stars BARNACLE from Barnacle is Bored), "The Crabby Crab," "The Joke," and "The Cake." (The last three guest star PLANKTON from Plankton is Pushy.) The stories are delightfully silly. For example, in "The Beach," Barnacle is trying to warn his friend that a WAVE is coming. Crabby thinks that Barnacle is wanting him to wave at him. Needless to say CRABBY gets hit by the wave. It shouldn't come as a surprise that Plankton pushes his way into THREE stories while poor Barnacle is only in one.

My thoughts: BARNACLE IS BORED is one of my favorite, favorite, favorite stories to read aloud. I just love it. I enjoyed Plankton is Pushy. So I was THRILLED when I realized that Hello, Crabby! is by Jonathan Fenske. I would definitely recommend this early reader.



© 2019 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Midnight Teacher

Midnight Teacher: Lilly Ann Granderson and Her Secret School. Janet Halfmann. Illustrated by London Ladd. 2018. 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: From a young age, Lilly Ann Eliza Cox believed the path to freedom was through education. Born into slavery around 1821 in Petersburg, Virginia, Lilly Ann was the youngest of four sisters. When she was around four years old, her mother died, and Lilly Ann was sold to a family in Kentucky.

Premise/plot: Lilly Ann learned to read and write as a child in Kentucky even though she was a slave, even though educating slaves wasn't the norm. (In some slave states it was actually illegal; in other slave states there wasn't a law against it, but it was probably more the exception than the rule.) She wanted to share her knowledge with other slaves. She began holding secret schools on Sundays. After her master's death, Lilly Ann was sold; her new masters were in Mississippi. It was illegal for slaves to learn to read and write there. Would that stop Lilly Ann from teaching those who wanted to be taught?! NO! It did mean that she'd have to hold school at night and in secret--hence the title of this picture book biography, MIDNIGHT TEACHER. The story of her life is worth your attention.

My thoughts: I really LOVED this one. It is a picture book for older readers, in my opinion, because it has a lot of text. (It could also be a great read aloud for elementary students.) Education is something that we often take for granted; it is something that we don't take time to fully appreciate. This picture book is an engaging read that got me thinking. It celebrates the legacy of a strong woman.

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


© 2019 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Peppa Pig and the Family Reunion

Peppa Pig and the Family Reunion. 2019. Candlewick Press. 32 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Peppa and George are very excited. Today the Pig family is having a reunion! Everyone in the family will be there.

Premise/plot: Peppa Pig and George are excited about the family reunion: Grandpa Pig, Granny Pig, Uncle Pig, Auntie Pig, Cousin Chloe and Baby Alexander are coming to their house for a few days. Baby Alexander is VERY SMALL and VERY LOUD. He has not said his first word yet. Will Peppa be able to teach him one before the reunion is over?

My thoughts:  I probably should be skeptical of books with no listed author or illustrator. It is also a book that is based on a popular television cartoon. But while both of those things are true, this is a picture book adaptation of one of the best episodes ever. I love, love, love, love Baby Alexander. This picture book captures the joy and silliness of the original episode.

I have personally noticed a big difference between the Peppa Pig books published by Candlewick and the Peppa Pig books published by Scholastic.

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

© 2019 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Peppa In Space

Peppa In Space. Adapted by Reika Chan. Eone (Illustrated). 2019. Scholastic. 24 pages. [Source: Review copy]

 First sentence: It is a sunny day. Peppa is playing with her bouncy ball outside. George and his friend, Edmond Elephant, are playing with their space toys. They are pretending that they are on the moon!

Premise/plot: Peppa Pig and her family go to the museum to experience an exhibit on space.

My thoughts: Here are a few things you should know:

• Glitter, glitter everywhere on the cover of this picture book. 
• It features PEPPA PIG, a character from a TV show.
• You have to search to find an author's name to attribute the text to.
• It includes stickers.

I really enjoy the Peppa Pig show. I do. I have very fond memories of it. Some Peppa Pig books are better than others.

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

© 2019 Becky Laney of Young Readers

The Monster At the End of This Book

The Monster At The End of This Book. Jon Stone. Illustrated by Michael J. Smollin. 1971. Golden Books. 32 pages. [Source: Bought]

First sentence: What did that say? On the first page, what did that say? Did that say there will be a Monster at the end of this book? It did? Oh, I am so scared of Monsters!!!

Premise/plot: Grover does NOT, I repeat does NOT, want you to keep reading this book. Grover tries--but will he fail?!--to keep readers from turning pages. Is there really a monster at the end of the book?

My thoughts: This one is a classic for a reason. It is a FUN, DELIGHTFUL, SILLY read for parents to share with little ones. It is a great example of an again-again book--a book that almost begs you to read it again and again and again and again. Does one ever tire of Grover?

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

© 2019 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Board book: Where's the Astronaut?

Where's The Astronaut. Nosy Crow. Illustrated by Ingela P Arrhenius. Candlewick Press. 10 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Where's the engineer? Here she is! Where's the space dog? Here it is! Where's the alien? Here it is!

Premise/plot: This board book is an interactive book to share with little ones. There are felt flaps AND a mirror.

My thoughts: I've enjoyed many books in this series: Where's Mr. Duck? Where's The Giraffe? Where's The Ladybug? Where's The Hen? Where's The Owl? The books are super-predictable but also super-fun to share with little ones. Little ones belong on a lap. Story time is the best.


© 2019 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Felix Eats Up

Felix Eats Up (Felix and Fiona) Rosemary Wells. 2019. Candlewick Press. 32 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Felix brought the same sandwich to school every day. He had no need to try anything new. He was happy with just his sprouts on buttered oat bread.

Premise/plot: Felix will be spending the night at Fiona's house. That would be good news--great news--if they were staying home for dinner. Fiona's mom makes macaroni and cheese. Felix is okay with macaroni and cheese. But they are going out to dinner. And he has no say in where they go. Felix will most likely have to go somewhere he does not want to go. Felix will most likely have to try something new--or go hungry. Will he survive the night?!

My thoughts: I have mixed thoughts on Felix Eats Up. On the one hand, Felix is much braver--in general--than I was/am. Felix does NOT think of an excuse to postpone the sleepover. Felix does NOT let his fear or worry change his plans. If Felix had known about eating out BEFORE saying yes to the sleepover, would he have suggested a different night? We'll never know. Fiona is kind and compassionate. But firm. She's not such a people-pleaser that she'll let Felix's picky eating influence where she celebrates her half-birthday. Felix needs to be taken care of--nurtured--and Fiona steps up to do just that. She'll coax him steadily through every single "scary" experience.

On the other hand, how realistic is it that Felix would actually LIKE and FIND DELICIOUS every single one of the twelve new foods he tries?!?! I could easily see a person liking some of what they try new. Also there is a difference between liking enough to eat just the one time and actually like-liking enough to order it again.

And another thing, the writing seemed a bit off/weird. "All of a sudden, Fiona's mama called the Dragon's Belly. She made a reservation for four." Also, how do you get birthday candles in a fortune cookie? Also, who really celebrates half-birthdays with half-birthday songs and blowing out of candles?

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

© 2019 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Sherlock Chick's First Case

Sherlock Chick's First Case. Robert M. Quackenbush. 1986/2019. 48 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Sherlock Chick's first case began on the day he was born. At once, Emma Hen and Harvey Rooster knew that he was special. With that, his proud parents named him Sherlock. His first words were, "Are you in need of a detective?"

Premise/plot: Sherlock Chick tackles his first case in this newly republished picture book by Robert Quackenbush. Someone has taken the CORN?!?! Can Sherlock follow the clues and solve the mystery?!

My thoughts: I really LOVED this one. It was super fun. I loved the problem-solving at the end of the book. It was a hoot.

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


© 2019 Becky Laney of Young Readers