39. Cat Tales: True Stories of Fantastic Felines

Cat Tales: True Stories of Fantastic Felines. Penelope Rich. Illustrated by Isabel Munoz. 2021. [April] 96 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Cats are the most commonly kept pets in the world. The relationship between people and cats goes back thousands of years, and the more we uncover about our past, the more we see that cats have been living alongside us for longer than we ever knew.

Premise/plot: Cat Tales highlights stories of...you guessed it...fantastic felines. Readers should expect short stories--or tales--starring cats throughout the ages. A few cats readers may be familiar with--especially adult readers--but plenty of the stars will be new names and stories.

Blended in with these stories are a few more generalized articles about cats. Descriptions. Behaviors. Advice.

My thoughts: I love, love, love the idea of this book. I'm not sure I love it as much as I'd hoped. That doesn't mean you won't enjoy it. This is a nonfiction book sharing true stories of cats. That means that all stories aren't happy-happy-joy-joy stories. Some of the stories are, well, the opposite of happy--as my sister would say: sad, sad, super sad. That doesn't mean sad stories aren't worth knowing.

As is the case with a book of stories--true or not--I found myself loving some, liking some, and well, not caring equally about each and every one.

Here is one of my favorites,

This is another story about a brave cat during World War II. Faith was the name given to a plucky stray cat who sought sanctuary in St. Augustine’s and St. Faith Church in the City of London. She became a much-loved member of the congregation, and in return for food, shelter, and affection, she kept the mice at bay. In August, the rector noticed she was getting fatter, and one morning, when she didn’t turn up for breakfast, Father Ross found her curled up in her basket with a kitten. It was white with black ears and tail, and because of its markings, the little tom was named Panda. On September 6, Faith pleaded with Father Ross to let her out of his study. She picked up Panda by the scruff of his neck and took him to a cold nook in the basement. Twice, Father Ross gently carried Panda back to the warmth of the basket, but each time Faith took her kitten back down. Realizing that Faith felt that Panda was in some kind of danger, Father Ross brought the basket down and left them snuggling together. Three days later, Father Ross was returning home when the air-raid sirens sounded. He spent the night in a shelter, and woke up to the news that many buildings had been destroyed. St. Augustine’s had suffered a direct hit and, a fire officer told him that no one could have survived, not even a cat. Risking his own life, Father Ross searched through the rubble for Faith until he heard a muffled meow. Faith was dusty but uninjured, and underneath her was Panda, safe and sound. Not long after, the church roof collapsed.

The story of Faith’s devotion to her kitten spread. She was proposed for a Dickin Medal, but as this was only awarded to animals in the armed forces, Faith was awarded a special silver medal instead—an event that was reported in newspapers worldwide. Father Ross had her photo taken, and his dedication to her began: “Faith… the bravest cat in the world.”

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

38. Sherlock Holmes The Hound of the Baskervilles

Sherlock Holmes: The Hound of the Baskervilles. Stephanie Baudet and Arthur Conan Doyle. 2021. [October] 112 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: The morning this strange case started was just like any other. Holmes was sitting at the table, eating his breakfast and mulling over the headlines of The Times. I joined him and poured myself some coffee. He had just taken a bite of toast when he stopped and looked towards the window. ‘I do believe a hansom cab has stopped outside, Watson. 

Premise/plot: This is an adaptation of a classic Sherlock Holmes story. Stephanie Baudet has adapted many of Doyle's stories for young children. 

Other adaptations include A Study in Scarlet, The Blue Carbuncle, A Scandal in Bohemia, Red-Headed League, Sign of the Four, The Reigate Squires, The Speckled Band, The Three Students, The Naval Treaty, The Six Napoleons, The Veiled Lodger, Charles August Milverton, The Sussex Vampire, The Engineer's Thumb, Silver Blaze, The Final Problem, The Stockbroker's Clerk, The Musgrave Ritual, The Copper Beeches, and The Hound of the Baskervilles.

My thoughts: I have watched more Sherlock than I've read. I really do need to get around to reading more Sherlock stories and novels. I enjoyed this adaptation. I haven't read the original--though I've seen film adaptations of this story--so I can't compare this adaptation to the original. But I liked the short chapters, the illustrations, the pacing.

If you are a fan of Sherlock, I would say this series would probably be a good way to introduce your child to these stories and characters.

 

 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

37. Bubba and Beau Meet the Relatives

Bubba and Beau Meet the Relatives. Kathi Appelt. Illustrated by Arthur Howard. 2004. 32 pages. [Source: Bought]

First sentence: "The relatives are coming!" cried Mama Pearl.

Premise/plot: In their third adventure, Bubba and Beau survive meeting the relatives! It all starts when Mama Pearl learns that family is coming to visit. That sets everything in motion. It is all good fun at first--especially the mud hole. But they won't survive this day without whining and tears.

She dressed Bubba in his brand-new sailor suit. Bubba hated that sailor suit. It was tight. It was stiff. It was scratchier than the toilet brush. Beau got a new bandana. Yuck!

But once the family arrives, then things really get going! 

My thoughts: Bubba and Beau Meet the Relatives is a GREAT addition to this series. I definitely prefer it to the second book. It is just as good as the first book, Bubba and Beau Best Friends. I loved every moment of this one. The narration is FUN, CUTE, CHARMING. Perhaps a tiny bit precious. But anytime the text starts to get too sweet and precious, enter the MUD HOLE.

I would recommend all three books in this series.

 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

36. Bubba and Beau Go Night-Night

Bubba and Beau Go Night-Night. Kathi Appelt. Illustrated by Arthur Howard. 2003. 32 pages. [Source: Bought]

First sentence: Bubba and Beau love to go bye-bye. Whenever Big Bubba went to town, he packed those two up in his trusty pickup, Earl, and off they went. 

Premise/plot: Bubba and Beau are back for their second adventure. In this one, Bubba and Beau spend their day with Big Bubba (Bubba's daddy, of course). It is a long, tiring day--with plenty of fun and excitement. So why aren't Bubba and Beau ready to go to bed?!?! How could they not be as tired as Mama Pearl and Big Bubba?!

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one! I would definitely recommend reading the first book first. (Bubba and Beau Best Friends.) This second book captures the fun and excitement of a summer day. (It is my best guess that it is summer. They go watermelon thumping and get ice cream too!) It is just as cute and charming as the first book in terms of narrative style.

I think my favorite part was when everyone got ice cream with PLENTY OF NAPKINS. There was just something JOYFUL and wonderful about the illustrations.

It was nice to see a father in a picture book doing a lot of the child care. That isn't always the case. Mama Pearl has a keeper in Big Bubba. 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

35. Bubba and Beau Best Friends

Bubba and Beau, Best Friends. Kathi Appelt. Illustrated by Arthur Howard. 2002. 32 pages. [Source: Bought]

First sentence: Meet Bubba. Bubba is the son of Big Bubba and Mama Pearl. Right after Bubba was born, Mama Pearl wrapped him in his soft pink blankie and whispered into both of his soft pink ears, "I love you, Bubba Junior." She sighed. He was the perfect little Bubba.

Premise/plot: Bubba (the baby) and Beau (the puppy) are BEST friends. This picture book is written in small chapters. Each chapter written to perfection to highlight the awesomeness of Bubba, Beau, and their blanket. There are many good and happy days in Bubbaville, but this picture book chooses to include a very SAD day in Bubbaville as well. What will happen when Mama Pearl dares to WASH the blanket?!?!

My thoughts: Bubba and Beau, Best Friends has to be one of my absolute favorite, favorite, favorite picture books. It is perfectly perfect I tell you. I love the setting. (It is set in Texas.) I love the characters. I love the illustrations. (Now when I see Arthur Howard I think Mr. Putter and Tabby.) But most of all I love the words--the narrative flavor and flow.

One of my favorite quotes:

It didn't take long for Bubba and Beau to become best friends. For one thing, they both went around on all fours. They were both keen on chewing. Neither one was house-trained. And they could howl to beat the band. They also had a mutual affection for MUD. And a mutual disdain for soap. Sister, those two got along.

Honestly, I could quote the whole book. That's how much I love it. The best books become part of the fabric of our lives, become a part of ourselves. Even though I was an adult in 2002--in library school to be exact--this book is part of me. 

ETA: There was a short period of time last year when I thought I lost my copy of Bubba and Beau Best Friends. And let me tell you IT WAS A SAD DAY IN BUBBAVILLE. Fortunately, I found it and all was right with the world again. 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

34. Incredible Hulk (My Mighty Marvel)

Board book: The Incredible Hulk (My Mighty Marvel First Book). Marvel Entertainment. 2021. [January] 24 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Meet the Incredible Hulk. He is the strongest hero of them all. Bad guys are always trying to stop him. Oh no! He's trapped! But nothing can hold the Hulk!

Premise/plot: This board book introduces the Marvel superhero The Incredible Hulk. In just twenty-four pages, readers get an overview and some insight/context for enjoying this character.

My thoughts: There is a whole series of board books introducing all the superheroes: Black Panther, Black Widow, Iron Man, Doctor Strange, Thor, Spider Man, Captain America. Perhaps more will be forthcoming.

The board book is very much what you see is what you get. I think the strength is in the art itself. The art style is classic Marvel. (This is my best educated guess. I have never read Marvel comics. Though I have watched all the Marvel movies. The art style/costuming is different.)

Is it for children? Or is it for adult fans who want to share the love with children? I'm not sure I can answer that.

I think the books hold some appeal for fans regardless of age. I imagine elementary aged students would find the content appealing, but the format--a board book with flaps--off putting. 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

33. My Mighty Marvel: Black Panther

Board book: Black Panther (My Mighty Marvel First Book) Marvel. 2020 [December] 24 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Meet Black Panther. He is very brave and a great leader. He is always the first to take dangerous missions!

Premise/plot: This board book introduces the Marvel superhero Black Panther. In just twenty-four pages, readers get an overview and some insight/context for enjoying this character.

My thoughts: There is a whole series of board books introducing all the superheroes: Incredible Hulk, Black Widow, Iron Man, Doctor Strange, Thor, Spider Man, Captain America. Perhaps more will be forthcoming.

The board book is very much what you see is what you get. I think the strength is in the art itself. The art style is classic Marvel. (This is my best educated guess. I have never read Marvel comics. Though I have watched all the Marvel movies. The art style/costuming is different.)

Is it for children? Or is it for adult fans who want to share the love with children? I'm not sure I can answer that.

I think the books hold some appeal for fans regardless of age. I imagine elementary aged students would find the content appealing, but the format--a board book with flaps--off putting.

 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

32. Billy Miller Makes A Wish

Billy Miller Makes a Wish. Kevin Henkes. 2021. 192 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: When Billy Miller blew out the eight candles on his birthday cake, he made a wish. He wished that something exciting would happen.

Premise/plot: Be careful what you wish for. Billy Miller makes a wish on his birthday for life to be more EXCITING. What follows is an exciting summer that maybe is a little too exciting for his liking. 

My thoughts: Billy Miller Makes A Wish is a follow-up to The Year of Billy Miller. Don't worry if you haven't read the first book--which released in 2013. Billy Miller Makes a Wish makes a marvelous stand alone read.

What I enjoyed most in the first book, according to my review, were the home scenes. Since Billy Miller Makes a Wish is set in the summer, it is ALL home scenes. The book just made me HAPPY or GIDDY. It was such a joy to see Billy Miller at home with his family: his dad, his mom, and his younger (4 year old) sister. I picked up some authentic FAMILY vibes. Billy can still be tender and sweet with his sister one minute and want to be far, far, far away from her drama the next. (Especially in the grocery store!)

I did make a little guess about the ending halfway through the novel, but I doubt young readers will pick up on the same clues.

It was just a joy to read this one. 

Quotes:

“Can I use your markers?” Sal repeated. “Please?” Slatted sunlight striped her face. “I need to make a symphony card.” “What’s that?” Billy asked. He had never heard of a symphony card. “Well, I’m not sure,” said Sal. “But Mama’s doing one, too. It’s because Mr. Tooley died.” 

 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

31. Sydney and Taylor and the Great Friend Expedition

Sydney and Taylor and the Great Friend Expedition. Jacqueline Davies. 2022. [February] 80 pages. [Source: Review copy]

 First sentence: Sydney and Taylor live in a burrow under Miss Nancy’s potting shed. Most days are quiet. Sydney likes to do crossword puzzles. Taylor likes to make acorn sculptures. But sometimes Taylor gets a Big Idea. Sydney wishes Taylor did not get so many ideas. He would rather stay home. 

Premise/plot: Sydney and Taylor are friends--best friends. But that doesn't stop Taylor from wanting to make other friends. And he wants Sydney to be just as excited to make new friends. He has a plan, a big plan. 

It is the third book in the Sydney and Taylor early chapter book series published by HMH. The first two are Sydney and Taylor Explore the Whole Wide World and Sydney and Taylor Take a Flying Leap. Both books are 2021 publications. (Sadly I didn't have access to review copies of those two).

My thoughts: I really enjoyed this one! Though it was the third in the series, I think it works even as a stand alone. It did make me want to read the other two books. And I'd definitely want to read any future books starring these two friends. The books are funny, cute, charming. 

I identified most with Sydney:

“I don’t like adventures,” said Sydney. “They make me late for lunch.”  

“Sydney? Do you think the other animals like us?” “Of course they don’t!” said Sydney, cheerfully. “You’re prickly and I stink!” “Well, no one’s perfect!” said Taylor. “Exactly,” said Sydney. “That’s why we should keep things as they are.”  

“Sydney,” whispered Taylor, doing his best to keep his spine straight. “I am going to make pleasant conversation.” Taylor had read several books in which characters became friends by having a pleasant conversation.

 

 

 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

30. Ways to Grow Love

Ways to Grow Love. (Ryan Hart #2) Renee Watson. Illustrated by Nina Mata. 2021. [April] 192 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Nothing is the same. Now that Mom is pregnant, everything has changed. Before school let out for summer, Ms. Colby said to my class, “Have a great summer. I hope you have fun and that it’s full of special moments. I can’t wait to hear all about it next school year.” The way summer is going, I won’t have any great or fun or special moments to share because all the summer plans we made aren’t happening.

Premise/plot: Ryan Hart is going to be a big sister! Yes, Ryan and Ray are getting a little sister. Ryan, our lovely, adorable heroine, is coping. On the one hand, a baby sister has potential certainly. On the other hand, it might bring about some CHANGES to her plans and routines. Will Ryan have the summer of her dreams if everything is baby, baby, baby all the time?

My thoughts: Ways to Grow Love is the second book in a series. Though I haven't read the first book--YET--I warmed up to the heroine quickly. Going to the library is one of Ryan's favorite, favorite, favorite things to do.

"But who can be quick in a wonderland of words and pictures? It’s not that I don’t like spending time with Grandma, it’s just that Mom and I go to the library at the end of every school year and we pick out books and have a book club, just the two of us."

 EXACTLY. Soon my feelings spilled over for the rest of her family and friends. By the end of the novel it was love.

I enjoyed the family dynamics of this one--the relationships the family has with one another. I enjoyed the narration--Ryan is great! 

I enjoyed the fact that faith is built into this one subtly-not-so-subtly. It's not that the novel is preachy--it isn't. It's just that faith is just as present and natural as breathing air. (In this one, Ryan goes to a Christian summer camp with some of her friends. Each cabin has to do a skit and Ryan and her friends choose the parable of the Good Samaritan for their skit.)

I loved the special father-daughter bonding. I've read two books in a row with excellent fathers--I could really love a trend like this if it continues!

“I want to write about one of the memories with my dad, but I don’t know which one to choose.” Ms. Anderson says, “Choose the one that you wish could happen again and again.”

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

29. Thirteen Ways To Eat A Fly

13 Ways to Eat A Fly. Sue Heavenrich. Illustrated by David Clark. 2020. [December] 32 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Big flies, small flies, fat flies, thinner. Yum! These flies are someone's dinner. We might think of flies as pests. But many animals--and plants--depend on flies for food.

Premise/plot: The title says it all. What you see is what you get. The book depicts 13 flies getting eaten. It counts backward from 13 to 1. It definitely is not your traditional counting book, and the fact that it's counting backwards is the most traditional thing about it.

13
Zapped
In the blink of an eye, a wood frog snaps
out its tongue and catches a fly. The frog
closes its eyes and swallows, using its
eyeballs to push the fly down its throat.

Readers--interested readers drawn in by the weird, the gross, the I-didn't-know-that--can learn more about the different types of flies and all their predators. The last one may be the most disconcerting.

My thoughts: The narrative is enthusiastic and quirky. "If you eat out, make sure you're getting what you pay for. Unscrupulous chefs might be tempted to use substitute ingredients, so remember to count the wings. A fly will have only two wings; other insects have four. Study the menu carefully. There are more than 120,000 kinds of flies, but most establishments serve only a limited variety."

This one won't appeal to everyone. Few books do, same goes with picture books. Perhaps even more so with picture books. Kermit the Frog may LOVE this book, but Miss Piggy may not.

Personally, I'm not entertained by gross fly facts. But a lot of research did go into this one.

 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

28. Baby Loves (Political Science) Congress

Board Book: Baby Loves Congress. Ruth Spiro. Illustrated by Greg Paprocki. 2021. [April] 20 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: It's beautiful weather for a bike ride...but pollution is not beautiful. It is unhealthy for people and our planet. Grown-ups and businesses must follow rules to keep our communities safe. These rules are called laws.

Premise/plot: Baby learns all about how a bill is made a law in Ruth Spiro's newest board book series for young readers. It starts with an observation--pollution is bad, bad news; something must be done. One way to get things done is to pass laws, but how are laws made or decided upon?! 

My thoughts: I definitely liked Baby Loves Congress more than Baby Loves the Presidency. I thought it was a straight-forward narrative that was simplified and easy to process. (I don't know that passing a law is *ever* this simple and easy.) Readers get a vision of what the process could look like if POLITICS didn't get in the way of running a country.

 

 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

27. Baby Loves (Political Science) The Presidency

Board book: Baby Loves Political Science: The Presidency. Ruth Spiro. Illustrated by Greg Paprocki. 2021. [April] 20 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Baby likes going to work with Papa at the food pantry. The food pantry helps people in the community.

Premise/plot: This board book is part of a series of books published by Charlesbridge. There was/is a series teaching science, but also there is a series teaching political science. The other titles in the series (apparently) are Baby Loves Democracy, Baby Loves Justice, Baby Loves Congress. 

There are two stories for "Baby" to keep up with. First, Baby's own family where the Papa works at a food pantry and works as part of a team and helps the community. Second, the "lesson" or "concept" being taught to Baby and presumably to other babies/toddlers/preschoolers. Primarily it focuses on the executive branch of the government.

My thoughts: I wanted to like this one more than I actually did. I really LOVED some of the titles in the Baby Loves Science series. For example, I loved, loved, loved, LOVED Baby Loves Quantum Physics and Baby Loves Thermodynamics! I thought those books excelled because they were clever. They illustrated complex ideas in a super-simple, basic way that actually was age-appropriate. This is my first exposure to the Baby Loves Political Science series, but I'm not as impressed. I think the subject (and presentation) is way too complex for the intended audience. If you told me this text was written to teach second graders, I wouldn't have a problem with it. But what second grader would voluntarily read a board book? What second grade teacher would have board books on the shelf? The content isn't bad just not age-appropriate--not really.  There are no other reviews of this title, I'm curious to see what other reviewers have to say on this title.

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

26. Bracelets for Bina's Brothers

Bracelets for Bina's Brothers. Rajani LaRocca. Illustrated by Chaaya Prabhat. 2021. [April] 32 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Bina had three big brothers: Vijay, Siddharth, and Arjun. They sometimes annoyed her, but she loved them anyway. 

Premise/plot: Bina, our heroine, wants to make--instead of buy--bracelets for her three brothers. The occasion is Raksha Bandhan an Indian holiday celebrating the special bond between brothers and sisters. She sets out to craft each bracelet with a unique pattern keeping each brother in mind, but, patterns aren't always easy to design and carry out! 

My thoughts: This book is part of Charlesbridge's Storytelling Math series. The (math) concept being taught is patterns. Of course, there's more to the story than just pattern-making. It is also a celebration of family and culture.

I liked seeing the relationships of all four siblings! It was a cute read.

 

 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

25. The Froggies Do NOT Want to Sleep

The Froggies Do NOT Want to Sleep. Adam Gustavson. 2021. [June] 40 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: The froggies do NOT want to sleep.

Premise/plot:  If the froggies do NOT want to sleep, then what do they want to do?!?! In Adam Gustavson's new picture book, readers find out just what these froggies DO want to do. 

My thoughts: It's not unusual to have picture books where young children--or ANIMALS--do NOT want to go to sleep. The Froggies Do NOT Want to Sleep is a fun addition to the group. It is silly, delightful, zany, odd. 

It didn't take many pages for me to start loving it. 

They want to hop. They want to practice their accordions and ride their unicycles...and play dress-up. 

Perhaps these froggies are inspired by the Muppet Show?!?! 

They want to sing opera while firing themselves out of cannons.

I loved the text--no doubt about it. I didn't love the illustrations...at least not as much as I'd hoped. I'd still recommend the book.

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

24. Leo Loves Mommy

Board book: Leo Loves Mommy. Anna McQuinn. Illustrated by Ruth Hearson. 2021. [March] 18 pages. [Source: Review copy]

 First sentence: When Leo wakes up, Mommy's smile makes him giggle.

Premise/plot: Leo Loves Mommy is a board book celebrating the joys of an ordinary day. 

My thoughts: Leo and his mom are super adorable. The book highlights all the many, many, many things they do together throughout the day. (Though I did notice that this book doesn't highlight the joys of changing diapers!) Lots of love is shown through the illustrations. The text is simple enough which isn't a bad thing considering attention spans.

 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

23. Luna's Yum Yum Dim Sum

Luna's Yum yum Dim Sum. Natasha Yim. Illustrated by Violet Kim. 2020. [December] 32 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: It's Luna's birthday! Ma Ma and Ba Ba are taking Luna and her brothers to a dim sum restaurant for a special birthday lunch. 

Premise/plot: Luna's Yum Yum Dim Sum is a math problem in disguise--not really, it says right on the cover. Luna, the birthday girl, gets into a dilemma with her two brothers Kai and Benji. There are six pork buns (char siu bao) to divide between the three of them. (I'm guessing the parents ordered something different. Honestly the parents might as well not be in this one). So what will happen when ONE of the six falls on the floor? How will the three kids divide five between the three of them? Can they agree on what's fair?

My thoughts: I may not love, love, love math, but I do love to eat! I enjoyed this one. The children solve how to share/divide the food between themselves without any interference or input from the parents. (We never do learn what the parents ordered. I was curious.) Is that wishful thinking? Maybe. Maybe not depending not only on the kids' ages but on the kids' personalities as well!

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers