131. The Hedgehog of Oz

The Hedgehog of Oz. Cory Leonardo. 2021. [February] 400 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Tucked between a brick apartment building and a busy corner deli, on a storybook tree-lined street, sits a theater. A run-down but beautiful theater.

Premise/plot: Marcel (our Oz-loving hedgehog) lives at The Emerald City Theater with Auntie Hen and Uncle Henrietta (two chickens). He misses *his* Dorothy--the little girl who gave him a happy, happy home. But that was BEFORE and sometimes it's too painful to think about before. But before readers get properly settled into a routine with Marcel and company, the theater is closed and the animals are rounded up and dumped. Marcel finds himself separated from his chicken friends...and in the woods. Here he'll have to start completely over making new friends...friends that may eventually feel like family...but it's exhausting work being LOST and LONELY and SAD. Where does he go from here? Does he try to get back to the theater in the city? Does he try to find *his* Dorothy (that's not her real name)? Does he make peace with his new circumstances?

My thoughts: I wanted to love, love, love this one. I did. I absolutely love the cover. If I was giving out stars based on the cover alone, I'd give it a five easily. I do typically love animal fantasy. So my hopes were very high.

I didn't quite love, love, love this one. I loved elements of this one. I particularly loved the wisdom of Oona the moth. She has without a doubt some of the best lines of the whole book.

"Oona?" he tried. "Have you come to help me now--help me get back to the theater?"
The moth gave him a sad sort of smile. Her voice was quiet. "No, Marcel. Not in the way you'd like, I'm afraid. What you're asking isn't that easy."
"Oh." At her words, something inside Marcel deflated.
He'd been thinking about something for a little while now. Since he'd lived in the theater, he'd seen an awful lot of movies, and a movie journey was usually pretty easy at first. But somewhere around the middle and all the way to the end, things always got hard if you were one of the characters.
"The rest of the way," he asked Oona. "Do you think it will be dangerous?"
"I don't know, Marcel." Oona's eyes were soft. She thought for a moment. "But maybe we're not meant to. To know, that is. If we knew every turn of the journey before we set out..." she smiled. "Well, I wonder if we'd ever want to take that first step. Or that first flight, if you were me."

and later

"I think you have lost something, Marcel, my hedgehog friend."
He had. He'd lost Dorothy. Lost her forever.
"But I wonder if one of the things you've lost isn't the most important thing you need to find--something you need more than all the rest. Not someone, not somewhere. It's not what you think."
"It's not? But what else is there?" he asked, as Oona stretched out her wings.
"I think you'll find it," she said simply. "Sometimes you can't know what you've lost until it's sitting right there in front of you."

and much, much later

"Marcel, don't you know?"
He shook his head. What else was there to know?
Oona gave him a small smile. "We're all a little lost before we're found."
Marcel stopped crying. He sniffled. "We are?" he asked shakily.
"Oh yes. I think so. But I'm sorry you're lost. I'll help you if I can."
Marcel shook his head. "You can't. But thank you. Just being here is enough."
The moth's face changed then, and she looked at him intently. "Marcel, do you believe?"
"Believe what?" he asked.
"Marcel," she repeated. "Do you believe?"
Marcel knew what she was asking. Did he believe he could be found.

Marcel meets a handful of other animals (a mouse, a raccoon, a squirrel) who join him on his journey-quest. And the quest is DANGEROUS. There's even an "evil witch"....not really...but they embrace the concept of the OWLS being evil witches.

One of my favorite quotes from the book: Loss always breaks you. But love--even love that spans miles and time--finds a way to mend the broken places.

So what didn't work for me? I had a hard time suspending my disbelief 100%. It stretches your belief to extremes to get to that super-super happy ending. I don't know if this would have bothered me if I was a kid.

BUT that's a whole other issue. I've mentioned before--and even just recently--that I was a super super sensitive reader as a kid. And if a book even looked remotely that it had a death in it, I would have avoided it completely. This book LOOKS like it would be safe. But it ISN'T. It really isn't. NOT all the animals you meet survive the journey. In other words, you get attached to characters that may DIE all so that Marcel can get a chance at a happy ending.

And then there's the whole issue of OWLS.

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

130. Secondhand Dogs

Secondhand Dogs by Carolyn Crimi. 2021. [July] 256 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Gus lifted his head and sniffed the chilly November air. The smell of dead leaves wafted through the windows and into the cramped kitchen. Someone a few houses down had a fire burning in their fireplace and that smell, too, curled its way inside.

Premise/plot: Miss Lottie rescues dog. Gus, one of our main narrators, was her first rescue and is the leader of the pack. Through the years, the pack has expanded. Miss Lottie has a LOT of love in her heart. When the novel opens, the pack includes: Gus, Tank, Roo, and Moon Pie. But a new member has come into the house--for better and worse--and not every one in the pack thinks it's a good fit or match. Decker, well, Decker doesn't much appreciate any of the dogs--he wants to be the one and only dog--and he doesn't much appreciate Miss Lottie either--not for who she is and what she does.

The book chronicles their adventures and misadventures as they adjust to Decker's arrival...

My thoughts: Secondhand Dogs reminds me of some of Patricia MacLachlan's animal stories...and then, of course, there's Kate DiCamillo. I really loved everything about this book. The writing. The characters. The alternating characters. The story. The premise--the idea of each dog being born with a special, unique gift. The emotional depth of both the animal and human characters. The ending. This one was just a treat of a book. I highly recommend.

Would I have read this book as a child? That's a good question--though not particularly relevant, perhaps. But I bring it up because as a kid I was a super-super sensitive reader. I was hesitant/reluctant to read ANY book with a dog on the cover. Would the dog make it through the book? Would the dog die? Would it get run over? Would it get sick or be poisoned? Was it an older dog who might die naturally? I just didn't have any trust in authors who books with dogs on the cover. NO DOGS die in Secondhand Dogs. So you can breathe easy there. But it is an emotional book with a few intense scenes. Quinn, a human boy, works for Miss Lottie, and his home situation is ROUGH. (He's being BULLIED). This might be a trigger for some. But no dogs die during the book. (I believe there is brief mention of a former dog who had died long, long, long before this novel starts.)

 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

129. Pizza and Taco: Super Awesome Comic

Pizza and Taco: Super Awesome Comic! Stephen Shashkan. 2021. [August] 72 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence:
Pizza: Hey, Taco! Taco! Taco! Taco! Taco! Hey, Taco!!! TACO!!!
Taco: Oh, hey, Pizza.
Pizza: Whatcha doing?
Taco: I made a comic!

Premise/plot: In their THIRD adventure, these two best friends decide to work TOGETHER to write a comic book (or possibly a graphic novel). They start by brainstorming. What should their comic be about??? So many choices! So tough to decide! What about superhero wizards who do martial arts in outerspace???

But will working together to create a comic book damage their friendship? What if these two were to have....ARTISTIC differences???? CAN this comic be saved? Can this friendship be repaired?

My thoughts: I really LOVED this one. I thought it would be hard--if not impossible--for this one to be better than the second adventure, Best Party Ever. It may be too close to call. It was relatable. It was silly. It was able to throw in some real world advice for how to work together: Listen, Be Positive, and Compromise. Overall, I loved it.

Definitely recommend this series. It kept growing on me. I want more, more, more!

 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

128. Pizza and Taco: Best Party Ever

Pizza and Taco: Best Party Ever (Pizza and Taco #2) Stephen Shashkan. 2021. [January] 72 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence:
Pizza: I'm bored.
Taco: What do you want to do?
Pizza: I don't want to sit around and do nothing. What do you want to do?
Taco: I don't know!

Premise/plot: Pizza and Taco are back for their second adventure in Best Part Ever. The two start out BORED as can be. The case seems hopeless...until one of them gets the idea to throw a party. The two go all out with party planning. Will this be the BEST PARTY EVER? Or are the two demonstrating how NOT to throw a party?

My thoughts: I loved this one. I absolutely LOVED, LOVED, LOVED it. It was brilliant from the start. Pizza and Taco couldn't be more relatable! I loved their invitation list which gives readers a chance to meet other characters in this world. They ended up inviting: Cake and Icecream, the Chicken Tender twins, Hamburger and Hotdog, and Cheeseburger.

My absolute favorite, favorite scene occurs when ICE CREAM hears a clap of thunder. He has a MELT DOWN--with lots of screaming--because he's afraid of loud noises.

I definitely recommend this series. Very silly. Very fun.

 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

127. Pizza and Taco: Who's The Best?

Pizza and Taco: Who's The Best? (Pizza and Taco #1) Stephen Shashkan. 2020. [May] 72 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence:
Taco: Pizza! Pizza! Pizza!
Pizza: Whoa! Slow down, Taco.

Premise/plot: Pizza and Taco are starring in their first graphic novel, the first in a series. In this one, the two best friends argue about WHO is the best? This argument plays out through several chapters--including a trip to the water park where they compete side by side to PROVE who's really the best. Also making an appearance in this one is the duo Hamburger and Hotdog.

My thoughts: These two really are best friends; they even have a special dance and handshake. This first book is all about introducing the characters and embracing the silliness. 

There are three books available so far--a fourth coming in 2022. I read all three in one sitting. The first one was the weakest. But don't let that stop you from reading it with your little one. I think it's good for a few giggles. And perhaps the following books were better because I was already acquainted with the characters and the world. 

 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

126. History Smashers: The American Revolution

History Smashers: The American Revolution. (History Smashers #5) Kate Messner. 224 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: When Americans celebrate with cookouts and fireworks on the Fourth of July, the story of Independence Day often begins and ends with the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the document that declared the colonies would be free of British rule. But...

Premise/plot: In the newest History Smashers book, Messner is smashing the myths and lies surrounding the American Revolution. Her book provides context for understanding the conflicts and tensions that lasted decades between the colonies and Great Britain. One way she 'smashes' history is by deconstructing famous pieces of artwork that have celebrated the American Revolution. She often asks, what is wrong with this picture??? And she means it literally. Her approach is unapologetic. There are no exceptions to the rule--if the truth has been covered up--dressed up--becoming legendary and larger than life, then she's going to smash it and reevaluate it.

My thoughts: I definitely liked this one more than the one on the Mayflower. My favorites remain the ones on Pearl Harbor and Titanic.

 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

125. Boardwalk Babies

Boardwalk Babies. Marissa Moss. Illustrated by April Chu. 2021. 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: "Step right up and see the tiny babies! Babies so small, you could hold them in one hand! Don't pass the babies by!" Crowds followed the carnival barker to where he pointed, beyond Lionel the Lion-Faced man, Francis the Four-legged Woman, and the Sword Swallowers. Inside the brick building, the room didn't look like a side show at all. Nurses in crisp white uniforms took care of the tiniest babies imaginable, kept warm and snug in glass boxes hung from the walls.

Premise/plot: Boardwalk Babies is a nonfiction picture book. It showcases the work of Dr. Couney and his development of the incubator. When hospitals were skeptical and/or disinterested in using incubators to save premature/underweight babies, he decided to step up and save them himself. He had a "sideshow" display of babies set up at Coney Island which ran for quite a few decades! (I believe the sideshow ended in the mid-1940s when hospitals had more widely adopted incubators.) Dr. Couney married a nurse who worked at the show AND his daughter was born prematurely. An incubator saved their daughter's life! It isn't any wonder that she grew up to be a nurse too.

My thoughts: I loved, loved, loved, LOVED this book. I thought it was all kinds of awesome. I had never thought about WHO invented incubators before I read this book. I hadn't really taken the time to stop and consider what a miraculous difference it could make. Medicine and science has certainly changed through the centuries. This book mainly spans the mid 1890s to the mid 1940s. If you are looking for a GREAT story--a true story--packed with facts, then this one might just be worth your time.

I read it several times in one day. I *made* my mom read it as well. It is such a great book.

 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

124. Just Like Beverly

Just Like Beverly: A Biography of Beverly Cleary. Vicki Conrad. Illustrated by David Hohn. 2019. 48 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: On a farm near Yamhill, Oregon, lived a girl named Beverly Bunn. She had no siblings and there were no other children nearby so her playmates were farm animals.

Premise/plot: Just Like Beverly is a picture book biography of children's author Beverly Cleary.
The picture book mainly focuses on her childhood and young adult years. The author highlights how events from Beverly's life ended up in her fiction decades later!

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. Beverly Cleary has always been one of my favorite authors. I loved seeing where Beverly got her inspiration. I think it would be a good biography to share with young readers. It isn't too text heavy. For older readers--or adults--I believe Beverly Cleary has two autobiographies. This one won't prove ultimately satisfying for adults who want more, more, more. 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

123. Finn and the Traveling Pajamas

Finn and the Time Traveling Pajamas. (The Finniverse #2) Michael Buckley. 2021. [March] 288 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Cold Spring, NY April 11, 2069 Finn watched his friend Lincoln reach into the bag of goodies. That was what they called the collection of technologies they’d stolen from the future. Finn had lost track of what was inside it long ago. All he knew was that when Lincoln took something out of the bag, a huge explosion usually followed. This time he found a shiny silver ball covered in colored lights.

Premise/plot: Finn and the Time Traveling Pajamas is the second book in the Finniverse series by Michael Buckley. In the first book, Finn and his friends (Julep and Lincoln) had to save the universe from the Plague--alien bugs. It was a long, tough battle, BUT the heroes won the battle. Hooray, hooray! 

In the second book, these three face a whole other challenge. They'll be facing off with THE PARADOX, and the person sending them into battle is no other than AN OLD FINN FOLEY. It all starts when an OLD FINN hands him a pair of western-themed PAJAMAS. These pajamas are a time machine...

What could go wrong with the time machine? Almost everything. The adventures and misadventures these three face together as a team are INTENSE and heavy. All actions have consequences...

My thoughts: I was not expecting this one to have such depth and substance. Oh the feels!!! You might start this one thinking it will be a light, silly, goofy, over-the-top ridiculous fluff piece. WRONG, wrong, super wrong. I had no idea I cared so much about these characters until EVERYTHING was put at risk. I don't know that it would be completely fair to call the ending of this one similar to the ending of Avengers Infinity War....but you wouldn't be completely wrong.

I definitely loved this one. I loved every moment of it. I found it packed with SUSPENSE and action. Perhaps I should have seen the plot twists coming. And I *did* a teeny tiny bit. But mostly I didn't.

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

122. Amelia Earhart and the Flying Chariot

Amelia Earhart and the Flying Chariot. (Time Twisters #4) Steve Sheinkin. 2019. 176 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: The bell rang. The kids cheered. "Okay, guys," Ms. Maybee told her fourth grade class, see you Monday!"

Premise/plot: Abby and Doc are EXHAUSTED after a week spent trying to keep history on track and "fixed." But there's no rest for the weary. In this fourth adventure, Abby and Doc are kept busy, busy, busy. It all starts when Abby finds in place of her glasses, Amelia Earhart's GOGGLES. Doc's hat is missing as well. So they start their adventures...and they're really kept jumping through time.

My thoughts: It was the title of this one that made me seek out the series. And for that I am thankful! I definitely enjoyed some of the titles in this series. This one had a LOT going on. Including the introduction of Sally, a girl being homeschooled, who has been wanting to join in on the adventures. But it was a little too much for me perhaps. I don't know why the silliness should start to annoy me now. Maybe I just wasn't in the right mood to appreciate this one?

 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

121. Neil Armstrong and Nat Love Space Cowboys

Neil Armstrong and Nat Love Space Cowboys. Steve Sheinkin. 2019. 176 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: One summer day a spaceship appeared in the sky above Texas. A teenage cowboy named Nat Love gazed up at the craft. It looked like a giant metal spider with smoke shooting from its feet. Love rubbed his eyes, sure he was dreaming.

Premise/plot: Neil Armstrong and Nat Love Space Cowboys is the third book in the Time Twisters series by Steve Sheinkin. Ever since Abby and Doc "broke" history in the first book, things have been getting a little--more than a little, to be fair--mixed up in their history books. This latest adventure has the lunar module, Eagle, landing on a Texas ranch in 1869 instead of on the moon! Can history be fixed???

My thoughts: I enjoyed this third adventure. Abby and Doc get to visit several different times and locations. (But not the moon!) If you have young readers who enjoyed the other books in the series, I would definitely recommend. The books are silly and packed with small adventures.

 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

120. CATastrophe! A Story of Patterns

CATastrophe! A Story of Patterns. Ann Marie Stephens. Illustrated by Jenn Harney. 2021. [August] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: The bait is packed and the boat is waiting. This hungry crew wants to catch some dinner.

Premise/plot: This picture book stars a crew of CATS eagerly wanting to catch some fish for dinner. This concept book is all about PATTERNS. IF the cats are to be successful they will have to reliably and consistently be able to integrate patterns into their plans...

My thoughts: It is a thinly veiled story. BUT on the plus side, if you're going to be doing math, better math WITH KITTIES than without. I didn't love, love, love this one as a story. I liked it. I think for those looking for concept picture books about patterns for young readers--preschoolers through kindergarten--it would be a good fit.

 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

119. Henry Gets In Shape

Henry Gets in Shape. Robert M. Quackenbush. 2021. [August] 48 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: On the day Henry the Duck was going to take his friend Clara to the movies, he stopped to weigh himself. He was surprised to see he weighed so much. He wanted to do something about it right away.

Premise/plot: Henry the Duck is having a HORRIBLE day. And it all started when he stepped on the scale! What observant readers realize--that Henry never does--is that he wasn't alone on the scales! Two suitcases OR possibly briefcases joined Henry on the scale for his morning weigh in! So poor Henry never realizes that it is all for nothing.

So Henry (the Duck) spends the whole book trying--and failing--to get in shape. He tries EVERYTHING. And everything he tries just leads to pain and misery. For example, "But Henry got the heavy barbells no higher than his chest when they fell. Henry's feet were smashed!" And later when he tries jogging--it's pouring down rain. No matter what Henry does, it leads to misery....

My thoughts: Poor Henry! Henry's horrible day is oh-so-relatable. Maybe not for children. Definitely not for children. The book might read as slapstick comedy for children. There is a lot of physical comedy going on in the book after all. But for adults...the book is so super relatable!

I definitely enjoyed this one. I think it would be easy to recommend for all ages. Whether you're laughing at Henry or empathizing....it's a treat of a read.

 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

118. Sydney and Taylor Take a Flying Leap

Sydney and Taylor Take A Flying Leap (Sydney and Taylor #2) Jacqueline Davies. Illustrated by Deborah Hocking. 2021. [August] 80 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Sydney was dreaming. In his dream, he wandered through the backyard. Every few steps he found a tuna fish sandwich! It was a wonderful dream.

Premise/plot: Sydney (skunk) and Taylor (hedgehog) are back starring in their second adventure. In this one, Taylor has a BIG idea. Perhaps his biggest idea so far. Sydney is concerned--really concerned--that this big idea could lead to a CATASTROPHE. Taylor thinks Sydney is NOT being a good friend because he isn't as excited and thrilled and supportive as he could should be. So what's the big idea??? Taylor wants to FLY.

My thoughts: My first introduction to Sydney and Taylor was the upcoming Sydney and Taylor and the Great Friend Expedition. It releases in February 2022. I loved that one so much that I knew I had to read the first two books in the series. I got my hands on the first book in the series in July, Sydney and Taylor Explore the Whole Wide World. I think the third book is still my absolute favorite and best. But I enjoyed the first two books as well.

My favorite quote:

"I have a Big Idea!" shouted Taylor. Sydney sighed. "You had a Big Idea on Thursday. You had a Big Idea on Friday. Today is Saturday. Can you ignore this Big Idea for the weekend?" asked Sydney. Taylor tried. He looked at the ceiling. He looked at the floor. He looked at his paws and his belly and the tip of his nose. "No!" he said. "A Big Idea cannot be ignored."

 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

117. Haylee and Comet

Haylee and Comet: A Tale of Cosmic Friendship. Deborah Marcero. 2021. [June] 72 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: To Haylee, wishes were magic. She made one every chance she could. On dandelion puffs....on tree frogs....and shiny pennies. But her favorite way to make a wish was on a star. But not just any star. It had to be a falling star.

Premise/plot: Haylee and Comet is an emerging reader graphic novel. It contains three stories: "The Wish," "The Friend Ship," and "The Surprise."

In the first story, Haylee, our heroine, wishes on a falling star and meets Comet. In the second story, these two new friends work together to build a ship that they ultimately call 'The Friend Ship.' In the third story, Comet tries his best to garden--so he can have a surprise for Haylee--but Comet (and readers) soon realize that flowers grow best in the ground WITHOUT his help.

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. It is the beginning of a new series. If the library orders them I'd love to keep up with the series.

 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

116. Better with Butter

Better with Butter. Victoria Piontek. 2021. [July] 320 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: It's not easy being a coward. In fact, it takes a lot of work to be afraid of everything. 

Premise/plot: Marvel, our heroine, is afraid of EVERYTHING. Which is a problem considering that if she doesn't get over at least some of her fears by the time of the sixth grade play, well, she won't be passing sixth grade. The book opens with a terrifying panic attack--on stage in front of EVERYONE. But soon after her totally humiliating experience--an experience which earns her the nickname Frosty, by a few bullies--she stumbles across a miniature fainting goat named BUTTER. Forgetting about herself, temporarily at least, she steps in to "save" Butter from some bullies and ends up taking the goat home with her! With Butter by her side (mostly by her side) as an emotional support animal, Marvel's anxiety lessens and her world expands....but what if finders keepers doesn't apply? What if Butter's real owner shows up? Can Marvel succeed without Butter?

My thoughts: I really LOVED this one. I could relate to Marvel. I thought Butter was adorable. There were so many things that felt oh-so-right about this middle grade novel. I even liked that the sixth graders decided to put on a stage play production of HEIDI so that Butter could be near Marvel.

Quotes:

Worrying is my brain's background music. Sometimes the volume is high, sometimes it's low, but it's never off. I can literally worry about anything, but right now it feels like the current playlist is the same five songs--"Stage Fright," "Everyone Laughed," "Caught on Video," "They Called Her Frosty," "Sixth Grade Failure"--on a constant loop.

"You know, I might not ever get over my anxiety completely."
"You might not," Mom agrees.
"It might always be a part of me, but I think now I understand it doesn't have to be the biggest part." As soon as I say it, I know it's true.

 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

115. Abigail Adams Pirate of the Caribbean

Abigail Adams, Pirate of the Caribbean. (Time Twisters #2) Steve Sheinkin. 2018. 160 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: "This place is a disaster," Abigail Adams said. "Look at this." She made her mouth into the shape of an O and puffed out a cloud of frosty fog. "It is chilly in here," John Adams agreed, rubbing his hands together. "Not quite ready to be lived in, perhaps."

Premise/plot: Abby and Doc broke history in Abraham Lincoln, Pro Wrestler (the first book in the Time Twisters series). In this second book, there is another hiccup to be fixed. Abigail Adams has disappeared from the White House and she's determined to become a PIRATE. Abby, Doc, Abraham Lincoln, and John Adams will have quite a time of it trying to convince her to come back....

My thoughts: I enjoyed the first book. I did. But I thought the second book was even better! I loved the multiple settings of this one. Having the kids travel to multiple time periods--all in a race to fix history and restore it to what it should be. I loved how the kids (and Abraham Lincoln and John Adams) were all determined to "save" Abigail Adams and the saving went both ways. It was fun. It was silly. It was ridiculous in the best way possible.

 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

114. If You Were An Elephant

If You Were An Elephant. Leslie Staub. Illustrated by Richard Jones. 2021. [July] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: If you were an elephant, you'd be the biggest animal who lives on the land. You'd have ears big as tent flaps, skin thick as blankets. You'd turn the next page with your trunk, not your hand.

Premise/plot: What you see is what you get--and that's a GOOD thing. This picture book celebrates elephants! It asks readers to imagine what it would be like to be an elephant.

You'd walk the savanna
on legs thick as tree trunks,
on feet flat as pancakes.

and

And when you got thirsty,
You'd trump to the water hole.
You'd guzzle gallons and gallons.

and

You'd send buckets of water
splashing all over.
You'd be a fountain
spraying rainbows around!

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one! I thought the narrative was lovely. I liked all the descriptions and imagery.

Elephants have always been one of my favorite, favorite, favorite animals. (Perhaps only second to cats.) I definitely recommend this one to elephant lovers.

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

113. History Smashers: The Mayflower

History Smashers: The Mayflower. Kate Messner. 2020. 224 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence from the prologue: You've probably heard about the Mayflower. Chances are, someone told you about the Pilgrims, who came to America because they wanted religious freedom.

First sentence from chapter one: If April showers bring May flowers, what do May flowers bring? The answer to the riddle, of course, is Pilgrims.

Kate Messner is out to smash all the myths surrounding the Pilgrims especially in regards to "the first Thanksgiving." Setting out to essentially debunk any overly simplified (or just plain old simplified) presentation of the Pilgrims and the First Thanksgiving, she succeeds in part. 

I'll start with what I liked. It isn't as slow as molasses. It is actually a quick read. She shares quotes from primary sources and provides contemporary translations. The narrative style is relaxed, laid back, and kid-friendly. She seeks to always keep things relevant. For example, pointing out how some observe Thanksgiving day as a day of mourning. She does seek to give a voice to those that have been excluded in the past. As an adult, I didn't find that many new-to-me facts, but as a kid I probably would have.

Her book is not unique in its goal. Of course, there are many, many, many books about "the Pilgrims" and many of them would do the exact same thing paint a broader, fuller, more accurate picture of The Mayflower, the Plymouth colony, the infamous "first Thanksgiving." The problem is twofold really: 1) they're mainly written for adults and 2) they are as as slow as molasses. Seriously. Nothing will put you to sleep quicker than picking up a book the Pilgrims and the Mayflower. 

True story, I've accepted half a dozen or so books on this topic to review through the years. Some I've just HAD to quit. There's no amount of stubbornness in the world that can keep me awake long enough to finish a book that dull. Some I've made myself finish but there was little if any reward. A few I thought were too outdated. A few were too modern. All had their blind spots. Yes, ALL. As a reader you have to be aware of biases and look for blind spots.

I don't want heroes. I don't want idols. I don't want symbols. I don't want villains. I don't want incarnations of Satan. If you're going to be all about the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, then there's going to be good, bad, and ugly. I am not one to say cover up the bad and the ugly. Nor am I one to say cover up all traces of good because of the bad and ugly.

We have a tendency to pick and choose facts. The facts that match the narrative we want to tell--that we want to present to the world all tied in a bow--we keep. The facts that don't match the narrative--that make it a lumpy, bumpy mess, that throw doubt on our story, or that simply leave unanswered questions--we leave out. History is constantly changing its narrative based on the facts we're including or excluding. I would rather have a messy presentation that included more facts than a polished up history where facts have been discarded and ignored.

The truth of the matter is that "the Pilgrims" were incredibly complex. 

First of all they were HUMAN. Being human, they were prone to mistakes, to errors, to misunderstanding, to making seriously BAD decisions. They were capable of crimes--lying, stealing, murder, you name it. But that doesn't mean that they were terrible, horrible, no-good people every single second of every single day. Humans are--and always have been, always will be--more complex than the labels of "good" or "bad." 

Second, they were all individuals. There is no one universal, uniform "Pilgrim" voice. Or "Separatist" voice. Or "Puritan" voice. You get any group of people together--even if it's small under a couple hundred--and you've got DOZENS and dozens of opinions and personalities,  all in conflict with some tension. There is no "one" story to tell because there were many beliefs and many opinions. The Pilgrims weren't the BUDDY BEARS who always get along. Messner's text doesn't really acknowledge this or appreciate it enough (in my humble opinion). The settlers didn't always agree and get along with each other. There was bickering; there was conflict; there were power struggles. 

Third, I think the Puritans/Separatists were misunderstood in their own times. I don't think the majority culture of their time understood them. I don't think they've been better understood by following generations. I think that no matter your time period, the Puritans/Separatists stick out as odd, strange, outsiders. 

Fourth, it is hard to completely divorce the matter of religion from discussion of The Mayflower, the Pilgrims, Plymouth Colony. And our modern day culture is so far, far, far, far, far, far removed from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries that it takes a lot of work and effort to understand the world views of the day--Catholic, Anglican (Church of England), Puritans, Separatists, etc. Plus our culture is FAR, FAR removed from the Christian world view in general. So there are cultural, religious, spiritual barriers that have to be worked through to read about "the Pilgrims." If you lift "the Pilgrims" from their time, their place, their culture of course they are going to look like monsters. Keeping everything in context won't make them saints mind you. They are HUMAN. No more, no less.

Fifth, the book doesn't take everything into consideration. No book can really. But you can walk away with the impression that North America would not have been settled and the Native American Peoples would have kept their land and everything would be all kinds of awesome if only the Mayflower hadn't set sail for the New World carrying Pilgrims. Even if England, Ireland, and Scotland had not sent settlers through the centuries to the New World, that doesn't mean that France, Spain, Portugal, (etc.) wouldn't have kept right on sending ships, setting up colonies, carrying on business as usual.

 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

112. Cat Problems

Cat Problems. Jory John. Illustrated by Lane Smith. 2021. [August] 48 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Where's that sunbeam going? HEY! SUNBEAM! GET BACK HERE! Great. Now I'm wide awake and I only got nineteen hours of sleep. Sigh.

Premise/plot: The star of this picture book has a lot to complain about....apparently! Essentially every spread of this one features his many, many, many, many complaints and "problems." Including problems with the other house cat, problems with his human in regards to FOOD, and let's not mention the monster--the vacuum cleaner!

In one spread, he is voicing his complaint about where the other house cat is sitting:

You're in my spot. That's where I curl up, sometimes. Now you're in my other spot. Now you're in my third spot. I think that cat might be my greatest enemy in the entire house.

In another spread,

Yo! Those meows meant I wanted wet food. Not dry food. Wet food. You get it? NOT dry food. WET FOOD! Not dry food. WET FOOD. Let's try this again....mraowww! mraowww! mraowww! mraowww! mraowww! mraowww! mraowww! mraowww! mraowww! mraowww! mraowww! mraowww! mraowww! mraowww! mraowww! mraowww! mraowww! mraowww! mraowww! mraowww!

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one! I think it would make a good read aloud. In fact, I think it might be one of those books that HAS to be read aloud to really and truly shine. I enjoyed the narrative quite a bit. I think there's room for parents (teachers, librarians, grandparents, etc.) to play around with the text and make it spectacular with dramatic voices and effects.

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

111. The Secret Life of The Sloth

The Secret Life of The Sloth. Laurence Pringle. Illustrated by Kate Garchinsky. 2021. [April] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Perezoso (peh-reh-ZOH-soh) swims. She swims across a narrow river to reach a place in the rain forest where she knows there are tree leaves she likes to eat.

Premise/plot: The Secret Life of the Sloth is creative nonfiction. Instead of presenting general facts about sloths, Pringle has chosen to name a particular sloth (Perezoso) and create a story about her life, packing her personal story with facts. It isn't all that different from some styles of animal/nature documentaries. It almost, almost feels anthropomorphic.

My thoughts: The narrative style isn't my favorite or best. But reading is so subjective. I do love sloths and I can't deny that this one is informative enough even if it does try to make it into a STORY with a beginning, middle, and end. I do like how the ending parallels the beginning. The last sentence is, "Perezoso swims."

I did find the illustrations beautiful.

 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

110. Abraham Lincoln Pro Wrestler

Abraham Lincoln Pro Wrestler (Time Twisters #1) Steve Sheinkin. Illustrated by Neil Swaab. 2018. 160 pages. [Source: Library]

 First sentence: Ms. Maybee said, "Okay, guys, let's get out our history books!" The whole class groaned. Doc tilted his head back and started snoring. "Very funny," Ms. Maybee said. "This is going to be fun, trust me. Abby? How about if you get us started." Abby--she's the one who broke history. It was Abby and her stepbrother, Doc. You can thank them later.

Premise/plot: What if historical figures (like Abraham Lincoln, etc.) could HEAR what was said about them? The premise of this fun new series is that historical figures HEAR everything (like HISTORY IS BORING! or I HATE HISTORY) and decide to do something about it in protest. Abraham Lincoln stars in this first time twister. He warns Abby and Doc that trouble could be coming if they can't convince their classmates that history is awesome.... He visits the present day, and they visit the past!

In the present day, Abraham Lincoln decides that he LOVES fizzy drinks and wants to become a pro wrestler. Can the kids convince Abraham Lincoln that he is desperately needed in the past?

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I did. It is definitely written with kids in mind. The book knows how to pack in the humor--I loved Mr. Biddle (the P.E. teacher) traveling to the past and trying to get everyone to do jumping jacks. Plenty happens in this one. I think the pace stays right on target.

It definitely hints that more adventures are coming.

 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

109. Rosetown Summer

Rosetown Summer. Cynthia Rylant. 2021. [July] 96 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Rosetown Paper and Press sat on Main Street in Rosetown, Indiana, and it was one of Flora Smallwood’s favorite places to be. The shop belonged to Flora’s mother and father, and all of its beautiful cards and calendars and journals had been printed on an old-fashioned letterpress in the back room.

Premise/plot: Yesterday I reviewed Rosetown by Cynthia Rylant. Rosetown Summer is the sequel. It is set in the summer of 1972 in Rosetown, Indiana. Fourth grade is complete, and Flora and Yury have the whole summer ahead. But change is coming...the owner of Wings and a Chair Used Books may be moving away!

My thoughts: I loved, loved, loved the first book. I love, love, love this second book. Flora and I are just kindred spirits I tell you. Except FLORA is better with glue. Definitely better at glue! This was just a treat of a book.

Quotes:

Yury says I should write stories,” Flora said. “But I’d rather read them.”
Her father nodded. “I’d rather look at photographs than take them,” he said.
“Really?” asked Flora.
“But I guess if all photographers felt that way,” answered her father, “we wouldn’t have any photographs to look at.”


The bookshop had, in many ways, become their story, Flora and Yury’s. Every story needs a setting and a beginning, and Wings and a Chair had given them both.

“Is Miss Meriwether going to move away?” she asked her mother. Flora wasn’t sure she really wanted to know the answer. When a question is so big inside one’s mind, sometimes a person does not really want to know its answer.
Her mother sighed. She looked away a moment, then looked back at Flora.
“She seems torn,” Flora’s mother said. “Miss Meriwether is at one of life’s crossroads: to stay or to go. This is a problem many people face.”
Flora shook her head. “Not me,” she said. “I would always choose to stay.”
Her mother smiled. “But if you aren’t at a crossroads yet, dear,” she said, “how can you know? Sometimes a person really must choose between two good things.”
Two good things, thought Flora.
“I would choose the thing that involved a cat,” she said.
Her mother laughed.

“Could I help you with Toddler Story Time until school starts?” she asked, looking partly at his large friendly face and partly at the craft table in the far corner.
“I am good with glue,” she added.
Mr. Anderson hesitated for just a moment, and then he laughed.
“You’re hired!” he said. “I am terrible with glue!”

Mr. Anderson was pleased to see her.
“Good morning, Flora!” He beamed at her. “Are you ready to get started? We need lettuces and carrots and paper pails to put them in. Here, let me show you.”
And just like that, Flora stepped from the old to the new. Here she was, by herself, being Flora in a different way. She could hardly believe it. This thing she was doing alone.


“Do you remember the story of Peter Rabbit?” Flora asked Nessy.
“Sure,” said Nessy. “He squeezed under the gate.”
“He did,” said Flora. “Mr. Anderson read it to the toddlers today, and they listened to every word. Two little girls held hands while they listened.”
“That was us,” said Nessy with a giggle.

Flora regarded this necklace as something so meaningful that she had carefully put it away and planned to wear it only on special occasions.
So why she decided to start wearing it every day during these ordinary last days of summer, Flora wasn’t sure. One morning she opened a dresser drawer, removed the box, and put the necklace around her neck. And now she did this every morning.
There is a meaning to some things that a person cannot always define. When an object has some link to the heart, it is often because it came from someone dear or was loved by someone dear who has passed away. Or sometimes the object is a treasured reminder of an experience: a winning game, the first sight of the ocean, a project carried through with intense devotion.


“Did you know that people used to ride horses to the bank in Rosetown?” she asked him. She would have to think all of her many thoughts later.
“You have told me that a million times,” said Yury with a smile.
Flora smiled too. They had spent a lot of time together if a story had been shared a million times. A lot of time. Enough for a foundation.
Flora bent over and gave Friday a big hug.
Maybe someday she would take Yury to see the Tree of Life.
But for now it was almost time to start fifth grade.
What a beautiful day this was. In Rosetown, Indiana.

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

108. Rosetown

Rosetown. Cynthia Rylant. 2018. 149 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Wings and a Chair Used Books was where Flora Smallwood's mother worked three afternoons a week. Inside, it had a purple velveteen chair by the window for anyone who wanted to stay awhile, and Flora, who sometimes felt quite acutely the stress of being nine years old, and sensitive, loved this chair. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays were her favorite day because of it.

Premise/plot: Flora Smallwood (9) lives in Rosetown, Indiana--the year, 1972. She loves vintage books and reading, and she loves hanging out with her new friend, Yury. What she doesn't love is change--at least not too much change, too quickly.

My thoughts: Rosetown is a character-driven book. Flora, our protagonist, is adjusting to being a fourth grader AND to her parents separating AND to life without her dog (Laurence). The book takes place over a school year. The focus is on family and friends.

I loved, loved, loved the WRITING. Rylant (one of my favorite authors) just has a way with words. I believed in Flora's voice from the first page. By the end of the second chapter I knew were were kindred spirits. I knew that Flora was going to end up being a good, good friend.

Here's a quote from chapter two:

What Flora noticed at once on the first day of fourth grade had been the sudden confidence all the former third graders seemed to have found, and she wondered where they had found it. Nearly all of her classmates appeared to be taller, louder, stronger, and possessed of a sureness of opinion that had been entirely absent the year before. The stumblers, the wanderers, and the floaters of third grade had suddenly, mysteriously, found their feet. They weren't afraid of school anymore. Or maybe of anything. All of this made Flora a little shy. She missed the uncertainty. Fortunately, a new and uncertain person had arrived in room 22, and with him Flora was beginning to build that precious thing called friendship. His name was Yury, which set him apart right away. His Eastern European name, combined with the burden of being the new boy, made Yury a very uncertain fourth-grade person indeed. He wore large round glasses, which made him look rather owl-like. And he was very smart, like an owl, beneath all of the new-boy uncertainty. Flora knew this right away because he was clever....but he shared his cleverness with only one person in fourth grade: Flora. He sat behind her in class, so it was easy for him to whisper to the back of her head. Yury whispered, Flora smiled, and the seeds of friendship were planted.

I highly recommend Rosetown. I loved everything about it!

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

107. Mr. Brown Can Moo! Can You?

Mr. Brown Can Moo! Can You? Dr. Seuss. 1970. 32 pages. [Source: Library]
 

First sentence:  Oh, the wonderful things Mr. Brown can do! He can go like a cow. He can go MOO MOO. Mr. Brown can do it. How about you?

Premise/plot: Mr. Brown knows so many wonderful noises. But do you? Mr. Brown shows little readers all the noises he can make, and, he challenges them to copy him.

My thoughts: This is one of my all-time favorite, favorite, favorite Dr. Seuss books. If I am ever harsh, cruel, or mean in one of my reviews about a rhyming picture book, blame Dr. Seuss. Well, the school of Dr. Seuss anyway. (I also love, love, love, love HAND, HAND, FINGERS, THUMB by Al Perkins.)

There are differences between the book-book and the board book of Mr. Brown Can Moo! Can You? Just something to keep in mind. 

And completely off topic, Mr. Brown certainly looks a lot like Mr. Noodle from Elmo's World.

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

106. Finn and the Intergalactic Lunchbox

Finn and the Intergalactic Lunchbox. Michael Buckley. 2020. [April] 288 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: "Well, this got exciting pretty quick," Dax Dargon said to her robot partner, Highbeam.

Premise/plot: Finn and the Intergalactic Lunchbox is the first in a new action/adventure sci-fi novel for children. From Finn's perspective, it all started when he accidentally took his SISTER'S lunchbox to school instead of his own. His unicorn-obsessed younger sister's lunchbox. Chaos, pure chaos happens when it is opened...

But really it all started in a galaxy far, far away. Dax and Highbeam--as a last resort--use an untested device...and it has unexpected consequences...

It will take a diverse  team to save the universe....

My thoughts: It is the first in the series. It has a LOT of characters. It is definitely action-packed and action-driven. 

Definitely written for children. I don't mean that in a snarky way. As in...it's good but not that good because it's written for children. I just mean it was written to be ENJOYED by children. There's a difference sometimes between writing to moralize, instruct, inspire, encourage, uplift....and writing to actually be enjoyed. I think adult reviewers can be so focused on trying to find the LITERARY gems that are destined for award season greatness that we are blind to those books that are just fun. 

 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

105. Skunk and Badger

Skunk and Badger. Amy Timberlake. Illustrated by Jon Klassen. 2020. [September] 124 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: The first time Badger saw Skunk, he thought, puny, and shut the front door.

Premise/plot: Badger is getting a roommate whether he wants one or not...and that roommate is SKUNK. To be fair, Badger is completely living off his Aunt Lula. Badger is obsessed with rocks, rocks, and more rocks. Skunk is obsessed with chickens, chickens, and more chickens. Both characters certainly have their quirks. Badger can be completely clueless and just RUDE and INSULTING. But Skunk isn't perfect either. Skunk may be considerate in some ways but oblivious in others. In other words, both have their blind spots.

My thoughts: I did not love this one. I know it has mainly four and five star reviews. I know it made a dozen "best" lists. But I didn't love it. Because at the end of the day it was still a LOT of text about rocks to get through. I would much prefer to hang out in Badger's BOX room--because you never know when you're going to need a good box--then his rock room. (But Skunk broke down ALL his boxes without even asking and gave away the few that remained to CHICKENS.)

There were times I was almost this is like Leonard and Sheldon on Big Bang Theory. And then I started hearing the text in SHELDON'S VOICE. And I must say that hearing the book in Sheldon's voice boosted my opinion of the book a bit. (It was the only voice I tried. I don't know if a Scottish accent would have equally improved the book or not). But to get right back on my SIDE TRACK, I think a better assessment would be that it's like two Sheldons forced to live together.

There's a time and place for quirky, eccentric, odd books. I just wasn't feeling this one. Perhaps because the jacket copy compared it to Winnie the Pooh--which is SO FAR FROM THE TRUTH AND A COMPLETE FLIM-FLAM.

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

104. History Smashers: Pearl Harbor

History Smashers: Pearl Harbor (History Smashers #3) Kate Messner. Illustrated by Dylan Meconis. 2021. [January] 224 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: People often tell the story of Pearl Harbor as if the Japanese attack in Hawaii happened completely out of the blue, with no warning and nothing to suggest there might be trouble.

Premise/plot: What you see is what you get. This is a nonfiction book written for young readers (elementary aged) about the attack on Pearl Harbor. Yet the book doesn't just tell the story of the events of December 7, 1941. No, the book does a good job of providing context for understanding everything surrounding Pearl Harbor. What was the relationship like between Japan and the United States leading up to Pearl Harbor? Why was there tension between the two nations? Where there signs in the months leading up to the attack? What were those signs? How did everything play out on that day? (In other words, what was the timeline for everything unfolding?) It details Pearl Harbor, of course, as you'd expect. But it also shifts to the war itself. How were Japanese-Americans treated after Pearl Harbor? Towards the end, it shifts yet again to the dropping of the two atomic bombs to end the war with Japan.

My thoughts: The subject is a heavy one. But I think it is handled with respect. I would imagine that most--if not all--of these facts will be new to the intended audience. (Particularly those facts about using Japanese-American soldiers as test subjects--aka DOG BAIT--so army dogs could be trained to sniff out "the enemy" and attack to kill. If I hadn't read a YA novel about it, I wouldn't have known. I believe the project was hush-hush at the time.) As an adult who has read widely on the subject of World War II, I didn't learn anything truly new-to-me. Yet what was presented was done well. I loved the organization, layout, presentation. I loved the blend of text and graphic panels. I loved the amount of detail.

 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

103. A Life Electric

A Life Electric: The Story of Nikola Tesla. Azadeh Westergaard. 2021. 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence:

At the stroke of midnight on July 10, 1856, thunder clapped.
Lightning flashed.
And a baby was born.
"He'll be a child of the storm," his nurse said.
"No," his mother replied, "A child of light."
She did not know that her son, Nikola, would grow up to be both:
one of the most important electrical inventors in the world--
then and now.

Premise/plot: A Life Electric is a picture book biography of Nikola Tesla written in verse.

My thoughts: I really liked this picture book biography. I thought the verse was good. The author pulled in lots of interesting--fascinating--facts and tidbits. For example, while I knew some of his work with electricity, I did not know he was a pigeon lover. I knew that he had plenty of struggles throughout his life--but I didn't realize the depths of his struggles.

I found the illustrations to be unique, old-fashioned, dare I say charming? There's something very old-school vintage about them. If you are drawn to that, then these illustrations may draw you further into the text. Even if you're not--if that artistic style isn't your cup of tea--the text is compelling.

 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

102. Almost Time

Almost Time. Gary D. Schmidt and Elizabeth Stickney. Illustrated by G. Brian Karas. 2020. [January] 32 pages [Source: Library]

First sentence: When Ethan had to eat his pancakes with applesauce instead of maple syrup one Sunday morning, he knew it was almost sugaring time.

Premise/plot: Almost Time is a picture book about a young boy, Ethan, patiently and not-so-patiently waiting for maple syrup. Every day--or nearly so--he asks the same question, is it time? is it time? But sometimes--often times--the best things in life are things you wait for. Such is the case with maple syrup! This book does show--here and there--the process of how maple syrup is made.

My thoughts: I liked this one. Ethan seems like a good, sweet kid--a kid with a SWEET TOOTH. (And who can blame him?) Though not all readers will have experience waiting for maple syrup--of the homemade sort--plenty will relate to waiting for a loose tooth to fall out and start to grow back in. (Ethan also is waiting for this!) And of course the waiting for winter to turn to spring! (It lasts until it doesn't.)

 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

101 Fox and Rabbit Celebrate

Fox & Rabbit Celebrate. (Fox & Rabbit #3) Beth Ferry. Illustrated by Gergely Dudas. 2021. [May] 96 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Good morning, Fox. Good morning, Rabbit.

Premise/plot: Fox and Rabbit star in their third beginning reader graphic novel, Fox & Rabbit Celebrate. There are five interconnected stories: "Fix, Fuss & Flies," "Party, Pizza & Plans," "Daring Dragon Days," "Birthdays, Best Days & Best Friends," "Wonder, Wish & Wow." 

Sparrow is about to have a birthday. Fox and Rabbit want Sparrow to have the BEST BIRTHDAY EVER. Since Sparrow loves, loves, loves to eat--they think the best birthday will include the YUMMIEST food. They decide on having the BIGGEST PIZZA EVER. But who will bake it....and how?

Enter a new character--and a lovable one--DRAGON.

My thoughts: I love, love, love this series. I do. I love the relationship between Fox and Rabbit. I love the other characters as well. Dragon is such a fun addition! Sparrow, as always, is super relatable! As is Tortoise.

Definitely recommend the series.

 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

100. Swashby and the Sea

Swashby and the Sea. Beth Ferry. Illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal. 2020. [May] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Captain Swashby loved the sea. The sea and he had been friends for a long, long time. She knew him in and out, up and down, and better than anyone.

Premise/plot: Captain Swashby is content with his life by the sea. Everything is just right...until it isn't. When he gets neighbors--a girl and her granny--well, he's less than welcoming. He wants to be left alone. He doesn't want to be bothered, doesn't want to make friends. BUT the sea has a different idea. 

Everytime Captain Swashby leaves an UNfriendly message in the sand, the sea changes it to something friendly by the time the little girl sees it!

For example, NO TRESPASSING becomes SING. And sing she does!!!

Will Captain Swashby have new friends...and possibly a found family...by the end of the book?

My thoughts: I really LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this one. I loved the inter-generational friendship. I loved how the 'sea' was always ready to help out--to make this friendship a reality. Overall it was delightful and sweet. Now, Captain Swashby himself wasn't sugary-sweet at any point! But I loved him--grouches and all.

 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

99. My Very Favorite Book in the Whole Wide World

My Very Favorite Book in the Whole Wide World. Malcolm Mitchell. Illustrated by Michael Robertson. 2020. [December] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Hi! I'm Henley. And this is a story about finding my very favorite book in the whole wide world.

Premise/plot: Reading doesn't come easily or naturally to Henley. He'd be hard-pressed to answer the question "What is your favorite book?" So when that exact question is asked for a homework assignment, he struggles. He visits the library, the bookstore, talks to his parents. But he's got a trick up his sleeve...maybe his favorite book in the whole wide world doesn't exist yet...because he hasn't written it yet.

My thoughts: I liked this one. I didn't love it. I do like that Henley found his voice and authored his own story. There's something cute and adorable about that. 

Yet at the same time, I wanted him to have an actual actual favorite book. You don't have to read yourself to have a favorite book. You don't. Plenty of kids have a stack of favorite books that they've only heard read aloud, that they've only "read" by looking at the pictures. His not having a favorite book makes me sad. Sad that he didn't have a favorite book at home already in his room, by his bed, a book part of his routine.

 I admit that I may be overthinking this a thousand percent. I do that.

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

98. Isobel Adds It Up

Isobel Adds It Up. Kristy Everington. Illustrated by Ag Ford. 2021. [June] 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Isobel loved math. She loved the soft curves of the number three, the hard edge of seven, and how numbers always made sense to her.

Premise/plot: Isobel, our heroine, has a difficult time finding peace and quiet after noisy neighbors move in next door. Without that quiet, how can she settle into her math homework? This situation calls for some problem-solving, and not the math-on-paper kind. Can Isobel find a way to get her neighbors to settle down?

My thoughts: I really enjoyed this one. I was drawn to it because of the elephant on the cover. I thought it was fun that the neighbors that SOUNDED LIKE A HERD OF ELEPHANTS actually were an elephant family!!! I liked that Bernadette (the elephant) was able to make friends with Isobel. I liked that they both love math. Seeing these two work on their homework together was just fun.

 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

97. See the Cat: Three Stories About a Dog

See the Cat: Three Stories About A Dog. David LaRochelle. Illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka. 2020. [September] 64 pages.  [Source: Library]

First sentence: See the Cat.

Premise/plot: The dog has a bit of an argument with the narrator in this FUN and FEISTY beginner reader. It all starts with a simple little sentence--hardly unique to any beginner reader--see the cat. The problem? The cat is no where to be seen.

Narrator: See the cat.
Dog: I am not a cat. I am a dog.
Narrator: See the blue cat.
Dog: I am not blue and I am not a cat.
Narrator: The blue cat is in a green dress.
Dog: I do not have a green dress!
Narrator: The cat's name is Baby Cakes.
Dog: That is NOT my name. My name is Max.
Narrator: See the blue cat in a green dress riding a pink unicorn.
Dog: There is no cat! There is no dress! There is no unicorn! There is just me, Max the dog!

You get the idea. There are THREE stories in all. All involve Max the dog and the narrator. The stories are "See the Cat," "See the Snake," and "See the Dog."

My thoughts: It was LOVE, LOVE, LOVE at first sight. Within the first few pages I knew this book was made for me. It is just my cup of tea. Everything about it is just perfectly perfectly perfect. It's the exact kind of book that I would have read to tatters and had every single word memorized.

Highly recommended. I hope that I get a chance to read the companion book, See the Dog, Three Stories about a Cat which releases in September 2021. 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

96. The Bruce Swap

The Bruce Swap. (Mother Bruce #6) Ryan T. Higgins. 2021. [May] 48 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: There was a letter in the mailbox at 13 Go Away Lane. It was a very fine letter.

Premise/plot: The Bruce Swap is a comedic gem. Bruce (aka "Mother Bruce") or oh-so-lovable SUPER, SUPER grumpy bear receives a letter from his cousin, Kevin. Unfortunately, Bruce doesn't get a chance to read the letter--it's eaten by his naughty geese. (They must make a habit of this! It turns up again later in the story). Bruce decides to take the day off and go fishing--he leaves a note behind. (But the note disappears). When Thistle, Rupert, Nibbs wake up (along with the geese???) they discover that their wishes from the night before have come true! GONE GONE GONE is Bruce's grumpiness. Bruce has become a FUN-LOVING, exuberant, cheerful bear. A bear who has a million different ways to have FUN every single moment of the day. Is there such a thing as too much fun???? Will they soon be wishing Bruce to turn back into his old grumpy self????

My thoughts: I had forgotten how much I love, love, love these characters. I haven't reread the whole series. I don't own the series--all have been library finds. I highly recommend these books.

I thought this book was super fun and a great addition to a great series. I wish I still had little ones to read it with.

 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

95. Henry at Home

Henry at Home. Megan Maynor. Illustrated by Alea Marley. 2021. [June] 40 pages. [Source: Library]

 First sentence: As long as there had been Henry and Liza, they were together. Liza and Henry. Henry and Liza.

Premise/plot: Liza is starting school. Her younger brother, Henry, is not. He's still too young for school. How will he fill his days without his best friend and playmate? What about all the many special things they do together? Can he do those things by himself...and still have fun?

This picture book explores the feelings a younger sibling *may* have when an older sibling heads off to school for the first time.

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I thought the illustrations were super-sweet. I expected Henry to feel more sad and lonely than jealous and angry. But I think his feelings are legitimate. I think there are many possible reactions for this oh-so-common situation.

I did like seeing Henry and Eliza play together in the pages of this one. I liked seeing Henry play on his own too. It's a very important life skill--how to entertain yourself. It goes underappreciated or underrepresented in books, I think. 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers