214. Dog Squad

Dog Squad (Dog Squad #1) Chris Grabenstein. 2021. 336 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Nala, the world's bravest and boldest border collie, bounded through the brambles.

Premise/plot: Fred, our dog-protagonist, loves, loves, loves to watch DOG SQUAD on television. But he never expected to be ON the show himself. He's nothing like Duke, the "star" of the show. He's not brave, fearless, daring, amazing. He's so absolutely ordinary. But when he's rescued off the streets--after having been abandoned by his owner (it's a longer story than this summary would imply)--he gets a chance to do just that. Can he be the "star" of Dog Squad??? 

My thoughts: What a fun animal fantasy Dog Squad makes!!! I enjoyed many--though not all--of the characters in this one. I liked seeing Fred make friends. I loved seeing Fred in action. He really gets a chance to be a hero--multiple times--in real life. The book was interesting and entertaining. I could see younger readers really enjoying this one. Dog Squad feels a bit like Paw Patrol.

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

213. Surely Surely Marisol Rainey

Surely Surely Marisol Rainey. Erin Entrada Kelly. 2022. 160 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Marisol Rainey keeps a list in her head. She calls it her List of Favorites. Her best friend, Jada George, has a list, too. Marisol and Jada like to compare their lists because it's interesting to see all the ways they are the same and all the ways they are different. 

Premise/plot: Surely Surely Marisol Rainey is the second in the series. Marisol is still Marisol. [I love her so much!] In this one, she's working on tolerating sports. I guess that might be how you could describe it. 

My thoughts: I really love, love, love Marisol, I do. She's a fabulous character. I'd also have added gym class to my list of least favorite things. But, for me, feeling the way I do about sports, I just couldn't really connect the way I wanted to with this book. It was too much sports. And even knowing that Marisol herself didn't naturally like let alone love sports didn't really help overall. I wanted to love this second book just as much. But I'd almost rather the author tackled Marisol's dislike of radishes instead.

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

212. Best Christmas Pageant Ever

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Barbara Robinson. 1972. HarperCollins. 128 pages. [Source: Bought]

Is The Best Christmas Pageant Ever the best Christmas book ever? It might just be. I know I prefer it to Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. One reason why I do is because the book truly captures the getting-it moment, the moment when one realizes the true meaning of Christmas. A Christmas Carol may do an adequate job of "getting" the generosity of Christmas, but it is a Christ-less Christmas story. There is nothing in A Christmas Carol that would point you towards the real meaning of Christmas: the birth of a Savior. The Best Christmas Pageant does just that. And it doesn't sacrifice entertainment or humor. In fact, it is probably one of the funniest children's books ever. Here's how it opens:

The Herdmans were absolutely the worst kids in the history of the world. They lied and stole and smoked cigars (even the girls) and talked dirty and hit little kids and cussed their teachers and took the name of the Lord in vain and set fire to Fred Shoemaker's old broken-down toolhouse. The toolhouse burned right down to the ground, and I think that surprised the Herdmans. They set fire to things all the time, but that was the first time they managed to burn down a whole building. I guess it was an accident. I don't suppose they woke up that morning and said to one another, "Let's go burn down Fred Shoemaker's toolhouse"...but maybe they did. After all, it was a Saturday, and not much going on.

There are six Herdmans in all: Ralph, Imogene, Leroy, Claude, Ollie, and Gladys. The premise of this one is oh-so-simple: what if the yearly Christmas pageant was overrun with Herdmans? What if the WORST kids in town, possibly the WORST kids in the world, got the best roles in the Christmas pageant? What would it be like for the director(s)? What would it be like for the other kids? What would it be like for the audience? What no one was expecting was that the story itself would have an impact on the actors leading it to be THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER.

It is narrated in the first person. I believe it is told from the perspective of the director's daughter. As I mentioned, it is hilarious and touching all at the same time. Though the 'touching' bit--the sentimental bit--is towards the very, very end.

I loved this one. I've read it again and again and again and again. It is well worth reading every year or every other year. It has a just-right feel about it. I think it is true enough to life. It captures the familiarity of the Christmas story. Almost everyone knows the story backwards and forwards. Everyone knows it so very well that none of the characters consider it. They don't process it or absorb it. But the Herdmans. Well. They have NEVER heard it. They don't find it boring or irrelevant. They find it absorbing and interesting. The details, big and small, are fresh to them. They are thinking of the story in a fresh way, in a human way. Not in a been-raised-in-church-my-whole-life way. So it captures the DRAMA of the Christmas story in a fresh way. Readers get a behind-the-scenes look at someone seeing/hearing the story for the very first time. The Herdmans take nothing for granted, assume nothing. They have questions, dozens and dozens of questions. The book isn't overly preachy either. It isn't that someone reads the story the first time, and all six kids suddenly decide to pray a little prayer and get baptized. It is not like that at all. Yet I can't help but seeing the spirit working in this story.

 

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

211. Maybe Maybe Marisol Rainey

Maybe Maybe Marisol Rainey. Erin Entrada Kelly. 2021. 160 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: There is a magnolia tree in Marisol Rainey's backyard. The tree is named Peppina. It is perfect for climbing. The branches are practically made for human feet. It's as if Peppina wanted to say: Step here, and here, and here. 

Premise/plot: Marisol Rainey stars in a new early chapter book series. In this one, Marisol slowly but surely--with plenty of struggles along the way--works to overcome her fear of climbing trees. Marisol struggles with [little] fears and [little] anxieties that add up day by day, week by week, month by month, year by year. 

My thoughts: I love, love, love, love, love, love, love Marisol. I think she's a GREAT heroine. I'm so glad to have met her. This book has all the feels. I can't recommend it highly enough. I'm sure I'd have read this a million times as a child. It was so awesome.

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

210. What Is The Story of Ebenezer Scrooge?

What is the Story of Ebenezer Scrooge? Sheila Keenan. Illustrated by Andrew Thomson. 2022. 112 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: There is a tidy row of nineteenth-century brick town houses on Doughty Street in London, England. Behind the cheery red door at number 48, the rooms are decorated for Christmas. Presents are piled under a tree lit with candles. The halls are decked with holly and ivy. There are evergreens on the mantel of each fireplace. Wreaths and red bows are hung throughout the four-story building, and there is Christmas sheet music on the piano. It's all very merry, until a tall professor in a green sweater reads aloud: "Once upon a time--of all the good days in the year, on Christmas Eve--old Scrooge sat busy in his counting-house." Meet Ebenezer Scrooge, one of beloved British author Charles Dickens's most famous characters.

Premise/plot: As an adult reader, I see this as a dressed up Cliffs Notes of sorts for young(er) readers. (Upper elementary, lower middle grades) Readers get a little biographical information on Charles Dickens, a little context for the story, the basic plot of the story, and some light (or "lite") literary analysis. It gives you a more thorough understanding than say watching Mickey's Christmas Carol. 

My thoughts: I don't honestly know what to think of this one. I know it's part of a greater series. I am very familiar with Charles Dickens and A Christmas Carol. I think it does a decent [even good] job in explaining everything in a simpl(er) way. I would recommend to those who struggle a bit--whether they want to admit it or not--with reading comprehension. One could get a sense of the story by watching adaptations, but not all adaptations are faithful to the book. This one includes details that some adaptations leave out.

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

209. Mihi Ever After #1

Mihi Ever After (Mihi Ever After #1) Tae Keller. 2022. [November] 240 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Mihi Whan Park was a princess. Well, kind of. To be more precise: Mihi Whan Park felt like a princess, like someone important, someone who mattered, someone who belonged--even if she hadn't quite found her palace yet. Deep in her heart, Mihi felt like long-lost royalty, born to a king and queen in a far-off fantasyland. Of course, if you asked anyone else, they'd tell you Mihi was...just a girl. A four-foot tall Korean girl, born to the owners of Park Pet Rescue in Medford, Massachusetts. But those were pesky details.

Premise/plot: Mihi, our protagonist, LOVES, LOVES, LOVES fairy tales. She doesn't just love to read fairy tales [for fun]. She loves to pretend to be a princess with her friends. But while others seem to be outgrowing this need to be a princess, well, Mihi isn't. When a recess fail leads to inside recess in the school library [as a punishment?!?!], Mihi meets two friends Savannah and Reese. In search of the librarian's candy stash, these three accidentally stumble into a magical portal that leads them to another world....

My thoughts: I really enjoyed this one SO SO SO SO much. It was super fun. It is the start of a new series. I loved spending time in this other fantasy world. It was full of surprises! It wasn't quite like I was expecting. It was a little more edgy and full of dangers than I was expecting for a children's book. I liked that about it. It wasn't just a rosy-rosy-comfy-cozy sweet read. I enjoyed all of the characters.

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

208. The Sour Grape

The Sour Grape. Jory John. Illustrated by Pete Oswald. 2022. [November] 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: I'm a grape. A sour grape. Grrrr! If somebody upsets me, I'll remember it. If somebody wrongs me, I won't forget it. If somebody ignores me, I'll never ignore it. Nope.

Premise/plot: Sour Grape wasn't always a sour grape. Sour Grape used to be a sweet grape. When his birthday party disappoints [greatly], our young protagonist grows SOUR as his bitterness and anger fester. Will Sour Grape always be so SOUR and disagreeable? 

My thoughts: I really liked this one. Jory John's series can be hit or miss for me. Some I like. Some not as much. This one I thought was super relatable. Emotions AND relationships can be overwhelming--especially when you're young. This one was a cute story. I really loved seeing his grandparents [raisins].

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

207. Moo, Baa, Fa La La La!

Board book: Moo, Baa, Fa la la la la! Sandra Boynton. 2022. [September] 16 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Deck the halls with cows and holly
while the little sheep sing
Baa, baa, baa!

Premise/plot: A holiday-themed board book starring [lovable] farm animals. 

My thoughts: This is a companion to Moo, Baa, La La La! I do  wonder if I would have enjoyed it more if I was familiar with the original board book? Even without the original to judge by, the book has plenty of silly to it. 

Sandra Boynton has written plenty of board books for the youngest of readers.

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

206. Lily to the Rescue: Dog, Dog, Goose

Lily to the Rescue: Dog, Dog, Goose. W. Bruce Cameron. 2020. 144 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: I am a dog, and my name is Lily. I have a girl, and her name is Maggie Rose.

Premise/plot: This is the fourth book in W. Bruce Cameron's Lily to the Rescue early chapter book series for young readers. Lily is a working dog. He goes with Maggie Rose's mom to 'work' at the animal shelter. He has a special gift with working with ALL sorts of animals--often time stressed animals. In this one, for example, he's "working" with BABY geese that have been abandoned. Maggie Rose doesn't know that by introducing Lily to the geese, that they will "imprint" and think that Lily is their actual mom. So that's one story line. The other is with Maggie Rose's siblings. One of her brothers has bonded with the oldest dog at the shelter....will the family be bringing home another dog?????

My thoughts: I really LOVED, LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this one so much. It may just be my favorite so far. I loved both stories so much. I love seeing Lily as a mama to these geese. So very adorable. I also liked getting to know Maggie Rose's brother(s) better. These three have really come along way since book one. (I remember they used to tease her more than they do now.)

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

205. The Giant Panda Plan

The Giant Panda Plan (Teeny Houdini #3). Katrina Moore. Illustrated by Zoe Si. 2022. [June] 144 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: "Roar! Roar!" I call to the lions. I stand on my tippy-toes to get as close as I can to them. "Why won't they roar back, Mom?" I ask.

Premise/plot: Bessie Lee and her classmates--both her close friends, friends, and frenemies--take it upon themselves [to single-handedly] save pandas. This comes about as a result of a zoo field trip. The students brainstorm "a way" to "save" pandas. This involves the students working together as groups and doing presentations. A bit of an elevated show-and-tell of sorts. But the show that was going to SAVE the pandas goes all wrong with egos get in the way.

My thoughts: I didn't like this one. Not really. I thought it was odd. Perhaps it was just too much to sit down and read books two and three back to back. Perhaps the plot of the third book is just weaker. I don't mind the let's-all-be-activist perspective in small doses. But I don't know how a bunch of first graders are going to do anything on a big enough scale to "save" the pandas. True, in this book, the first graders are miraculously able to raise a thousand dollars. But I don't think that's realistic. [Or perhaps Bessie Lee is just in a really high-class, super-wealthy school district].

It also seemed a little odd--though I could be wrong--that Bessie Lee (and presumably) others are getting to hold/handle an actual baby panda from the zoo.  

This book is more about sabotaging other students' work than anything else. [This is my opinion].

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

204. Teeny Houdini: The Super-Secret Valentine

Teeny Houdini: The Super-Secret Valentine. (Teeny Houdini #1) Katrina Moore. Illustrated by Zoe Si. 2022. [January] 112 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Squirt! I squeeze a big glob of glue onto my Valentine's Day box. Then I pour a million gazillion rainbow sparkles on the glue glob.

Premise/plot: Bessie Lee (aka our lovable teeny Houdini) is looking forward to celebrating Valentine's Day with her classmates, well, most of them. And this year the class will have a secret valentine. Every student will give/receive an extra valentine. Bessie will be making a super-secret valentine for the new student, Jae, but he doesn't talk much...if at all...and she wants it to be extra-extra special. But her idea of extra-extra special, well, to be honest might be the stuff of nightmares. Can Bessie redeem a horrible Valentine's day???

My thoughts: I like the narration. I do. I don't love this one quite as much as book one. But it is good fun. I liked getting to spend more time with Bessie at home and school.

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

203. PAWS: Gabby Gets It Together

PAWS #1: Gabby Gets It Together. Nathan Fairbairn. Illustrated by Michele Assarasakorn. 2022. [March] 176 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Ah, Jeez...this is not good. Whoa! Come on, you guys! Quit pulling! Take it easy!!

Premise/plot: Gabby Jordan, Priya Gupta, and Mindy Kim are close friends who start a dog-walking business together. But can their friendship withstand the hardships of working together?

All three--Gabby, Priya, and Mindy--love animals. But none have pets of their own. They desperately want to have actual relationships with actual animals instead of just watching videos on the internet. But three kids walking five dogs five (or more) days a week...can they handle it???

My thoughts: My first thought was that this was just like BABYSITTER'S CLUB except with dogs. That isn't a fair summary. It isn't. They are walking dogs, not babysitting them. And almost all days have them working together as a duo or trio--not solo jobs. But essentially, it is a book where kids start a business together and learn the ups and downs of it. I thought the book did a great job in showing some of the possible consequences! 

Relationships can be hard even without the added strain of working a business together.

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

202. Waffles and Pancake: Flight or Fright

Waffles and Pancake #2: Flight or Fright. Drew Brockington. 2022. 64 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Waffles, you need to see this!

Premise/plot: Waffles and Pancake are going on an airplane for the very first time [accompanied by Mom-Cat]. They are going to be visiting Gramps and Grammers. They are super-excited about seeing them, but, flying on the plane is causing some anxiety. How does an airplane fly?

My thoughts: This graphic novel explores some of the mechanics of flight while continuing the story of Waffles and Pancake. This is the second book in this prequel series. I have not read the other series--where Waffles is a CAT (not a kitten).

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

201. If You Believe In Me

If You Believe In Me. Rosemary Wells. 2022. 28 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: I am just a little bear
Sitting in a great big tree,
Dreaming of Somehow-Someday Things
That might just happen to me.

Premise/plot: If You Believe In Me is a picture book written in verse. It is a life-affirming, "inspirational," picture book packed with a straight-forward message. Little Bear can do just about anything BECAUSE the parents believe.

My thoughts: I liked the illustrations. I'm not quite as sold on the syrup-y sweet text. Some lines--upon consideration--just don't make all that much sense. It is a sentimental text that may appeal to adults. Or some adults.

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

200. Green is for Christmas

Green is for Christmas. Drew Daywalt. Illustrated by Oliver Jeffers. 2022. [October 18] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Green is for Christmas. Actually, Red is for Christmas, but please tell me more. Green is for Christmas. Green is for holly. 

Premise/plot: The crayons are back for their billionth adventure. I am exaggerating. There haven't been [quite] that many books. The colors are all arguing which is the best [again]. Which crayon IS the color OF CHRISTMAS.

My thoughts: The premise is simple. I'm not sure we need thirty-two pages to get to the [predictable] resolution that all the colors are important to Christmas. But I think if you absolutely loved the original few stories in this series, then this one probably would be worth reading.

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

199. Busy Betty

Busy Betty. Reese Witherspoon. Illustrated by Xindi Yan. 2022. [October 4] 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Hi! Hello! Howdy! I'm Betty! I like doing things and making things and playing all day long! Sweet cinnamon biscuits, I love being busy!

Premise/plot: Betty, our super-cute-and-adorable heroine, is busy, busy, busy. She's always got a dozen things going at once. She isn't always the best at getting the job done, finishing what she starts, follow through, but she gives it her all. With a little help from friends and family, Betty generally gets back on track.

My thoughts: I thought the illustrations were super adorable. I absolutely loved how expressive and precious they were. True, not every reader wants precious, adorable, sweet. But I really enjoyed the illustrations. The story itself is funny [slightly predictable] and enjoyable.

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

198. Loud Mouse

Loud Mouse: How A Little Mouse Found Her Big Voice. Cara Mentzel and Idina Menzel. Illustrated by Jaclyn Sinquett. 2022. [September] 48 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Dee loved to sing. 

Premise/plot: Dee (the cute, adorable mouse heroine) loves, loves, loves to sing. It makes her so incredibly happy. When she sings for show and tell at school, however, she learns a little life lesson. There's a slight hiccup [aka conflict] in the story, but it's not a huge problem to overcome. [It reminded me of how quickly conflict enters and exits in a sitcom like Full House].

My thoughts: I liked it well enough. I did. It was cute, sweet, adorable. It was a little text-heavy, perhaps. And it is slightly longer than the typical picture book. The message itself while not unique--be the best you, you can be--is not horrible. 

I liked the beginning. I liked the ending. The middle is confusing. Her physically changing sizes is slightly weird.

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

197. The Wondrous Wonders

The Wondrous Wonders by Camille Jourdy. 2019/2022. 160 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Where'd that girl run off to? She just can't sit still.

Premise/plot: Newly translated into English from the French, The Wondrous Wonders is a MG graphic novel. Jo, the protagonist, is mad-sad (or sad-mad) about her parents divorce. (I believe her father is either marrying someone new, dating someone new, or already married someone new. There is going to be a stepmother in the picture and new step-siblings). In her anger-frustration, she storms away from the family gathering [a picnic???] into the woods. She is RUNNING AWAY and you better believe she is serious. The elves--whom she starts to follow--are fed up by Jo's incessant whining. This elf-couple even starts throwing around the word divorce. Soon, Jo isn't just "meeting" [aka forcing an acquaintance] elves but talking animals [like foxes and ponies] as well. She learns that there is an evil emperor tomcat who is imprisoning folks. Her new "friends" (magical folk she's literally just met) are planning to help those friends/family break out of the emperor's dungeon. But it won't be easy. Jo is part of the problem, though to be fair so is lack of [sophisticated] planning. Though the first attempt may not succeed, Jo's persistent and determined presence may just be enough motivation to keep going. [Jo seems to be annoying just about everyone she meets.] Jo keeps meeting new folks and these new folks keep throwing around the divorce word a lot. Almost like the author wants Jo to learn a little lesson in this fantastical world she's stumbled into. 

My thoughts: I personally felt a disconnect. I had a hard time connecting with the many characters in this fantastical world. When authors go for whimsical/absurd/odd/fantastical, it can be an absolute delight. Or it can just be a little off-putting. And whether you find it delightful or off-putting is completely subjective...with plenty of factors coming into play. For me, it may be the graphic novel format that is keeping me from engaging. [I'm not the biggest enthusiast for graphic novels]. Or it could be it loses a little something in translation. Or it could be just a tiny bit didactic for me.

I do think part of it, for me, is just personal. I have a hard time following stories told mainly through wordless panels. Some pages had text, no doubt. But some pages just had a series of panels. I am HORRIBLE at reading wordless pictures. Just horrible. My comprehension isn't the best of "reading" illustrations [alone] so I tend to skip these panels. Skipping pages isn't fair to the author/illustrator. That's why I am upfront that it is a me problem. 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

196. Too Many Pigs and One Big Bad Wolf

Too Many Pigs and One Big Bad Wolf: A Counting Story. Davide Calì. Illustrated by Marianna Balducci. 2022. [September] 36 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Once upon a time, there were three little pigs. Then the wolf ate them. THE END.
This story is too short! I want a longer one! Once upon a time, there were four little pigs. The wolf ate the first three. Then he ate the fourth, but it took longer because that pig was bigger. THE END. This story is STILL too short. There must be other things happening! Once upon a time, there were five little pigs. The wolf ate the first, then the second, then third, fourth, and fifth. Meanwhile, there was a carnival in the woods. THE END. The little pigs always get eaten too fast! And what does a carnival have to do with anything?

Premise/plot: The big, bad wolf gets to eat a LOT of pigs in this imaginative retelling of the traditional folk tale. The little pigs are bantering with the narrator about the story, about how it is unfolding, and they are not at all happy. However, the narrator seems to be #teamwolf. The narrator mainly seems focused on making sure the wolf is HAPPY and FULL. How many pigs can a wolf eat???

My thoughts: I thought this one was SO MUCH FUN. Fairy tale adaptations can be a hoot. Not always. It's not a guarantee. There have been adaptations and retellings that have not been all that great. But this one, well, it is just fun. (As long as you are not one of the pigs]. 

The book is written as a dialogue of sorts. The text in red represents the pigs. The text in black is the narrator. Two people [adult and child] could easily read this one together. Of course, it doesn't have to be read that way. It would also, I imagine, be great to read aloud in a classroom or library setting. The story is VERY predictable which can be a great thing for this age group.

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

195. Creepy Carrots!

Creepy Carrots! Aaron Reynolds. Illustrated by Peter Brown. 2012. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Jasper Rabbit had a passion for carrots. And the carrots that grew in Crackenhopper Field were the best. Fat. Crisp. And free for the taking.

Premise/plot: Jasper LOVES, LOVES, LOVES carrots. Especially the carrots from Crackenhopper Field. But when THOSE CARROTS start following him???? Well, those creepy carrots might just drive him to give up carrots forever. 

My thoughts: A few weeks ago, I met Jasper Rabbit in Creepy Crayon. I really loved that one; it was the THIRD book in the series. I knew I had to track down the other books starring Jasper! This one was so atmospheric! It was so fun in a deliciously creepy--think Twilight Zone--way. The text and illustrations are the perfect combination for this vibe.

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

194. Pete the Cat Plays Hide-and-Seek

Pete the Cat Plays Hide and Seek. James and Kimberly Dean. 2022. [September] 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Pete and the gang love to play hide-and-seek! And who's the fastest seeker? Cool Cate Pete. 

Premise/plot: Pete the Cat wants to have an absolutely groovy time playing hide-and-seek with his friends. But Pete the Cat is having a horrible time finding his friends! Every time he thinks he's found a friend, it turns out NOT to be that friend. What's a groovy cat to do? 

My thoughts: I wanted to love this one. I did. But Pete the Cat is just not the same being written by James and Kimberly Dean. It's like the difference between a floating-high helium balloon (like at a birthday party) and the next day fallen flat balloon. It's not that it's completely and totally lifeless. You can find some enjoyment to be sure. But the same it is not. I wanted this book--whether fair of me or not--to have the same vibes as Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons. I wanted to have a groovy message delivered in a memorable, catchy predictable way. Instead, we just get the message to breathe in and out and not be in a rush. Which I guess is okay???

So the ending of this one is that even though Pete has looked just about everywhere for his friends, when he closes his eyes and breathes in and out, then poof they are right before his eyes. Are we supposed to believe that they were a) there all along and Pete was just too blind to see what was right in front of him, the super-obvious. OR b) all his friends had pity on him and moved while his eyes were closed so that they could be found??? Either way, I'm more meh than excited.

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

193. Bravo, Bucket Head!

Bravo, Bucket Head! Helen Lester. Illustrated by Lynn Munsinger. 2022. [September] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Mousetta always walked backward. Ever since she was a week field mouse, she had felt terribly shy, and by walking backward, she didn't have to worry about meeting anyone. She often hit beneath her mother's skirt. This made her mother appear to have four hind legs. When Mousetta was with her father, she hid inside his jacket, giving him an embarrassing Big Tummy Appearance. 

Premise/plot: Mousetta admires the "regular," popular mouse children....from a very safe distance. When she sees Dr. Gladpaw's advertisement in the paper, she decides to see if his tips can help her out. She wears a BUCKET on her head to this workshop. To her surprise, she's not the only one. Someone is wearing a lampshade! Someone is wearing a wastebasket! Someone is wearing a blanket on [his] head! She is super surprised to find out the identities of all her fellow "shy" mice. 

During this workshop, a potential terrifying "trauma" appears...and it is Mousetta herself who is the bravest. Hence the bravo.

My thoughts: Helen Lester's books tend to the didactic. I don't mean that necessarily in a negative way. The difference between "didactic" and "great message" is all in the mind[s] of the reader[s]. All of her stories have morals or messages. The plot/story is driven by this moral/message. All are predictable to a certain extent. 

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

192. Thanks a Million

Thanks a Million. Nikki Grimes. Illustrated by Cozbi A. Cabrera. 2006. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Reward
"Thank you"
is a seed I plant
in the garden
of your heart.
Your smile
is the flower.
A slow and sweet surprise,
it blooms before my eyes!

Premise/plot: A picture book poetry collection containing sixteen poems by Nikki Grimes. It is a themed collection. There are many ways to show/express gratitude or thankfulness. There are many reasons to be thankful [to give thanks]. 

My thoughts: This is not particularly a "Thanksgiving Day" themed picture book. I am glad of that, in a way. One should be thankful 365 days of the year. Gratitude is an attitude that one should strive towards every day. I appreciated the variety of the poems. There are MANY, MANY things to be thankful for.

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

191. Autumnblings

Autumnblings. Douglas Florian. 2003. 48 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Autumn falls in late September.

Premise/plot: Autumnblings is a picture book poetry collection by poet/artist Douglas Florian. There are forty-eight autumn/fall themed poems celebrating this season of the year. It blends two art forms--poetry and art [painting]. Many--though not all--involve word play. Almost all are a celebration of nature. 

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I did. I think my favorite poem from this collection--or one of them at least--is the poem "Awe-tumn."

When summer's seams
Have come undone,
Then greens to reds
And purples run.
A palette falls
To forest floor,
And autumn leaves
Leave me in awe.

I also liked the pumpkin poems! I think they would be such a great read aloud in school classrooms. 

The poem about hibernation [aka Hi-bear-nation] was so much fun!!! I loved the word play.

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

190. The Last Last-Day-of-Summer

The Last Last-Day-Of-Summer. (Legendary Alston Boys #1) Lamar Giles. 2019. 304 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: First of all, Grandma's Teacup-Pig calendar lied. It said the last day of summer was September 21. Everyone already knew September was a bad month with no good holiday in sight after Labor Day. Fourth of July was at least two months gone; Halloween was more than a month away. But the real last day of summer was the last Monday in August.

Premise/plot: Otto and Sheed Alston are cousins. Not just any cousins, SUPER-adventurous, legendary cousins. On this last day of summer, they head off for a final adventure. But this adventure quickly turns into a great big MISADVENTURE with potentially epic consequences. It starts with a stranger. A stranger, Mr. Flux, bearing forth a gift--a camera. But not just any camera, nope, this camera has special abilities that lead to TROUBLE. After a click (or two), the boys realize--with a little help from a super-hero????--that the camera FREEZES TIME. And their hometown (and almost everyone in it) is frozen in time. NOT good news. It will take a LOT of brainstorming, guesswork, trial and error, to get things set right. They'll have to work together, yes, but also learn accept help from others as well. 

My thoughts: This was such an entertaining read. I thought it was well-paced with a clever premise. Lots of playing around with TIME. It had its surprisingly deep moments. But overall, good, action-packed, adventure-packed read. I enjoyed both of the main characters.

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

189. Walter Had a Best Friend

Walter Had a Best Friend. Deborah Underwood. Illustrated by Sergia Ruzzier. 2022. [October 18] 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Walter had a best friend named Xavier. They hiked up the hill together. They painted pictures together. They were quiet together. Walter and Xavier were best friends.

Premise/plot: Walter and Xavier WERE best friends. This is the story of how their friendship slowly, quietly, un-dramatically ended. It is the story of how Walter mourned the loss of that friendship. Yet how Walter...slowly but surely...healed from that loss and continued on with his life. 

My thoughts: I loved, loved, loved, crazy-loved this book. I think it's a book for all ages. I think kids do have friends-drama. Without a fail, almost at any age-and-stage, friends drama can (and does) happen. It can be heart-crushing to watch little ones lose "best" friends and usually for no discernible "real" reason. So I do think this one is definitely kid-appropriate. But it's also relatable for any age. It doesn't shy away from the sadness. But it also is so full of hope and resilience.

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

188. Kind LIke Fred

The Good Guys Agency #1: Kind Like Fred. 2022. [July] 96 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: It was a Saturday morning, and Lucky was on his soapbox...again. "We are no average agency, and our name can't be average either. We are role models, not rascals. Nice guys, not knuckleheads. We are exceptional, remarkable, extraordinary!" Rudy yawned. "I'm pretty sure all those words mean the same thing. What about just good?" 

Premise/plot: Lucky, Rudy, and Red are the kids in the Good Guys Agency. The info dump about the agency is interrupted when the 'good guys' are alerted to an emergency to which they'll need to respond. SIBLINGS ARE DISAGREEING. I repeat, SIBLINGS ARE DISAGREEING. Two siblings--Charlie and Teddy--are fighting. Charlie was building a fort and his little brother wanted to help. But, the fort, well, is and may ever be a rubble pile. How can the good guys help???

Well, it seems Lucky, Red and Charlie are going to zoom the kid cruiser into the land of imagination. Rudy has chosen for these three to "visit" Fred Rogers throughout various moments in his life. Rudy is hoping that Fred Rogers' kindness will rub off on Charlie and he will realize the importance of kindness. 

The book shares a couple of scenes from Fred Rogers' life--at various ages/stages of his life. Readers have the opportunity to "learn" the importance of kindness as well as a little information about Mr. Rogers.

My thoughts: I love, love, love, love Mr. Rogers. That was what initially interested me in this new series. The book is cheese-full. But I think it embraces the cheesiness. It is very reminiscent of shows like Paw Patrol, Team Umizoomi, Little Einsteins, etc. They even have a "kid cruiser" to help take them to the case. 

The text is a blend of an early chapter book [written in prose, with illustrations] and a graphic novel. There are panels on *some* of the pages. There are speech bubbles, etc. It blends the two.  Likewise, it uses a fictional text--and fictional scenario--to present facts about a real person.

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

187. The First Notes: The Story of Do, Re, Mi

The First Notes: The Story of Do, Re, Mi. Julie Andrews and Emma Walton Hamilton. Illustrated by Chiara Fedele. 2022. [November] 48 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: A thousandyears ago, in the small community of Pomposa, Italy, a boy named Guido was sent to a monastery to begin his schooling. In those days, a monastery was considered the best place to receive an education. The monks who lived and taught there were studious and wise.

Premise/plot: The First Notes is a picture book biography of Guido d'Arezzo, a Benedictine monk who invented musical notation. Guido loved music. Loved it. But it involved a lot of memorization. You learned a song by memory. There was no "reading" music--or "writing" music. There was no way to notate musical notes. Until Guido made a little discovery and invented his own way of writing music so others could read it. 

My thoughts: Julie Andrews--and her daughter, Emma--have written the story of 'do, re, mi.' And though I never thought about the history of musical notation [and scales and such], I really loved reading this story. I found it fascinating. I learned so much.

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

186. Under the Christmas Tree

Under the Christmas Tree. Nikki Grimes. Illustrated by Kadir Nelson. 2002. 32 pages. [Source: Library] 

First sentence: I count down
The days of December
And watch for
The cardboard box
Mom keeps
Like a secret
At the back
Of the closet
All year.
Then, one morning,
It appears
Sudden as fog
And out comes
Three strands of bulbs
Waiting to wink
And imitate starlight,
Leftover tinsel
Still showing off
Its sparkle,
And a basket of silver balls
Too delicate
for bouncing.
Magic as mirrors,
They play catch
With every light
In the room.
I dig further and find
The gold acorns
I spray-painted
Last year, a pair
Of quilted reindeer,
And the five-pointed star
Grandma made of lace.
The box bursts with
Forgotten treasures.
But I know we're
Near the bottom
When I find
Jesus, Mary, Joseph,
And the Wise Men,
Their porcelain bodies
Wrapped like mummies.
Do they wonder
Where they've been?
I shrug, then tear their
Tissue-paper shrouds
So they can breathe.
It's then
The Wise Men whisper
Finally
Christmastime is here!

Twenty-three poems [with illustrations] help little ones [and those young at heart] count down the days until Christmas! [or Christmas Eve, to be precise]. These poems celebrate big things, little things, all the in-between things. Poems vary in length. Some poems are just three lines long! While others--like the poem I quoted above--are longer. 

I enjoyed so many of these. But I have a few favorites that I loved, loved, loved.

Plugged In

Forget the house next door.
What are you waiting for?

Like precious jewelry
We stud the rooftop
Bracelet the porch post
Bead the bushes
Pearl the footpath
And ring the old oak tree.

We are ready and set
To shimmer, so
Plug
Us
In.

Isn't that poem wonderful????

I also really loved the poem "Getting to the Good Stuff." I loved the ending so, so, so, much.

Getting to the Good Stuff

I love to open presents
On Christmas Eve, at night.
I love to guess the contents
Then see if I was right.

I love the bits of ribbon
The way the endings curl.
I love the dainty wrapping--
Just perfect for a girl.

I love the tissue paper
That teases "almost there!"
So what if I'm now eighty-three?
Go right ahead and laugh at me
And see how much I care!

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

185. Away with Words!

Away with Words! Wise and Witty Poems for Language Lovers. Mary Ann Hoberman. 2022. 64 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Today the thought occurred to me
That every book's an ABC
And every word you've ever met
Is made out of the alphabet.

But alphabets must stay in line.
A BCA would not be fine.
A letter cannot change its place
And sneak into another space.

In words the letters try new blends,
They meet new neighbors, make new friends.
They move around. They go on trips.
They rearrange relationships.

Every time you change a letter
Alphabet gets alphabetter!

Butter is better
    If you change a letter
Butter is button
    If you change two
Butter is utter
    If you remove one
Utter means "speak"
    And that's what we do!

Change a word or
Change a letter,
Alphabet gets
Alphabetter!

Turn the page and we'll get going
Starting with the letter A
Poems and pictures mixed together
Turn the page
We're on our way!

Premise/plot: These 'wise and witty' poems are arranged alphabetically in this collection. Many--if not most--involve word play. Some poems teach. Like one of the first poems in the collection Assonance/Alliteration. This poem teaches the difference between these two. [Sample alliteration: Pa put peppers on Pat's plate. Sample assonance: Pa wants almonds for Ma's aunt.] Or Lay/Lie. This poem teaches the difference between these two words! [Something I hope I can remember from this day forward.]  Some poems are long. Some are very, very short. Quite a few poems leave an impression--at least on me.

Vast

A tiny word
that encompasses
the universe.

I thought that poem was tiny but fierce.

My thoughts: I really enjoyed this one. Like in ALL poetry collections. I have a handful of favorites that I do like. Poems like Just Think:

Just Think

Locked inside the alphabet
Is every word
That ever was
And every book
that never was

But will be.

I absolutely loved some of these poems. Other poems were so-so. They didn't leave a big impression on me. More of a meh response. But the poems I loved I really loved. So I do recommend this one for sure. Just don't expect MAGIC with every single poem.

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

184. Esme's Birthday Conga Line

Esme's Birthday Conga Line. Lourdes Heuer. Illustrated by Marissa Valdez. 2022. [May] 76 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: I live on the uppermost floor of the topmost best building! Today is my birthday. It is the first birthday I am celebrating since moving in with Mimi and Pipo. "Happy Birthday, Esme!" says Mimi. "Happy Birthday, Esmerelda!" says Pipo. "Meow," says El Toro. Mimi and Pipo place a gift in my hands. It's a big one! It's...

Premise/plot: Esme is SUPER happy to be celebrating her birthday. However, she'll be planning her own birthday party. (And she likes it!) Her birthday plans include the whole apartment building. It will be a very festive day! 

My thoughts: Joyous. That's how I'd describe this one. Though adult readers may pause a second or two to consider what may be going behind the scenes and between the lines, the text of this one is just joyfully joyous. Esme is a happy (even happy-go-lucky) protagonist. I love how quickly she turns her ever-so-brief disappointment that her grandparents didn't plan a party for her to excitement that she gets to plan her own party and include the whole building.

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

183. Click, Clack, Rainy Day

Click, Clack Rainy Day. Doreen Cronin. Illustrated by Betsy Lewin. 2022. [May] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: It is raining on the farm. The rain rolls off the roof of the house. The rain rolls off the roof of the barn. The rain rolls off the roof of the tractor shed. Farmer Brown stays in the house. Farmer Brown does not like to be wet. The rain makes a drip sound. The rain makes a drop sound. The rain makes a drip-drop sound on the window. 

Premise/plot: Level two reader in a popular children's book series. For young readers who are already familiar with these famous--or infamous--cows and their farmer [Farmer Brown] there is much to love. The cows are super contrary. While Farmer Brown and all the others HATE getting wet in the rain, these cows--the very same cows who wanted electric blankets to stay warm--love, love, love the wet, rainy weather.

My thoughts: The more you love the original series, the more I think you will probably appreciate this installment. I haven't read each and every book in the series, but there are certainly books in this series that I absolutely love, love, love and adore. I liked this one very much. I liked how contrary the cows were! The book was definitely on the silly side. I liked the rhythmic repetition.

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

182. Hairy, Hairy Poodle

Hairy, Hairy Poodle. Marilyn Singer. Illustrated by Abigail Tompkins. 2022. [May] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: There is a dog
that you might meet
in the country,
on the street.
Her coat can simply not be beat.
No other canine
can compete.

Premise/plot: What you see is EXACTLY what you get. If you want to read a book about a HAIRY, HAIRY POODLE look no further than Marilyn Singer's Ready-to-Read early reader. This one stars a poodle whose hair keeps growing and growing and growing and growing and growing. The whole story is told in rhyme and written in verse.

My thoughts: Early readers don't get a lot of coverage on my blog. I tend to forget about this in-between. I love picture books and early chapter books so much that I almost forget about this important go-between stage in reading of being read aloud to and reading on one's own. This is a good early reader. I found it enjoyable, or enjoyable enough. I liked the repetition.

Poodle coming,
Poodle going.
Poodle's curly hair
is growing.
In sunlight, rain, or
big wind blowing,
Poodle's hair
is always growing.

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

181. Our Friend Hedgehog: A Place to Call Home

Our Friend Hedgehog: A Place to Call Home. Lauren Castillo. 2022. [October 18] 80 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Between the great forests, in the center of the river, on a teeny-tiny island, lived two dear friends: Hedgehog and Mutty. 

Premise/plot: Our Friend Hedgehog: A Place to Call Home is the follow up to Our Friend Hedgehog: The Story of Us. The first book established the characters [and setting]. The second book explores the meaning of home, family, and belonging. Hedgehog, our heroine, is super-excited about winter. She is excited to build a hedgehog out of snow, to have snowball fights, to play with her newfound friends. But an unexpected encounter with another hedgehog has her rethinking her life. Does she belong with her found-family of friends? Or does she belong with others of her kind? Should she feel more a sense of belonging with other hedgehogs? 

My thoughts: I really am enjoying this series very much. I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the illustrations. The characters are well done. I wouldn't mind a couple more books in this series. I'm sure the love will only increase the more adventures we have. I love how her friends come together to help, support, and encourage. Slowly but surely other characters are being explored as the adventures increase.

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

180. Our Friend Hedgehog: The Story of Us

Our Friend Hedgehog: The Story of Us. Lauren Castillo. 2020. 128 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Sometimes you make a friend and it feels like you have known that friend your entire life. Hedgehog, Mutty, Mole, Owl, Beaver, Hen and Chicks, and me, Annika Mae. You might think it has always been this way, but it has not. There was a series of events that brought us all together. This is our friendship story. This is the story of us.

Premise/plot: What you see is EXACTLY what you get. This is the story of how Hedgehog's friendship circle expands beyond a stuffed animal [Mutty]. It begins--as many stories do--with a storm. When the storm "steals" Mutty away, Hedgehog sets off on a quest to find her best [and only] friend. Along the way, she'll encounter Mole, Owl, Beaver, a Hen [and her Chicks] and Annika Mae. 

My thoughts: I love, love, crazy love the illustrations. If this cover doesn't shout read me, read me, I don't know what does. The illustrations are so super-sweet and adorable. The story is packed with adventures. Hedgehog is determined on her quest. And it turns out others are kind, welcoming, and helpful. I love that Hedgehog's family expands.

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

179. Farmhouse

Farmhouse. Sophie Blackall. 2022. [September] 48 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Over a hill,
at the end of a road,
by a glittering stream
that twists and turns,
stands a house
where twelve children
were born and raised,
where they learned to crawl
in the short front hall,
where they posed, arranged
on the wooden stairs,
and were measured with marks
over the years,
where they carved potatoes
and dipped them in paint
to pattern the walls
with flowers and leaves,
and painted the cat,
about which they lied,
for which they were scolded
and maybe they cried
and then were enfolded
in forgiving arms
in the serious room
(where the organ was played
and speeches were made),
but if they weren't
even sorry at all,
they were sent to their rooms,

Premise/plot: Is Farmhouse the world's LONGEST run-on sentence???? Perhaps. I gave up on trying to find proper ending punctuation for my first sentence. (A question mark, a period, an exclamation point). The book was inspired by the author buying an OLD dilapidated farmhouse. She was thinking about the kinds of stories the house could tell about its former inhabitants. 

My thoughts: I may not love the run-on sentence. [It might be slightly above my maturity level]. But, I enjoyed thinking about this one. The illustrations are super-detailed. There is a lot to unpack if you take the time to look closely at each spread of this picture book. The illustrations really do invite you in. [In my opinion.] The text had some lovely imagery. I'm just not sure why it had to be to be one long sentence. One does get the idea of the house being lived in. But when you break down the lines, to me at least, it got a bit messy.

I mentioned that the author bought property with an old farmhouse. The farmhouse could not be salvaged (saved, rescued) but the stories--informed both by descendants of the original owners, photos, and scrapbooks AND the author's imagination--could be.

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

178. Thanks for Nothing

Thanks for Nothing. Ryan T. Higgins. 2021. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: The air is crisp, and the leaves are changing. It is fall in Soggy-Hollow and everyone is thankful. Even Bruce. He is making a surprise fall feast for the mice. There is a surprise for Bruce, too.

Premise/plot: Bruce, our ever-grumpy bear, is trying his best to be super-thankful. But. It isn't always easy to be thankful when it seems the whole world [aka his found-family] is against him. His BIG plans for the feast, well, don't go according to his plan. Will anyone end up truly thankful?

My thoughts: I really love, love, love Bruce. I love his found-family. He always stars in the funniest books. The whole series is fabulous. I do think the books build on each other. It doesn't necessarily matter the order, but, the more you read with these characters, I think the better you'll enjoy/appreciate the stories.

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

177. Lily to the Rescue: The Not So Stinky Skunk

The Not So Stinky Skunk (Lily to the Rescue #3) W. Bruce Cameron. 2020. 144 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: "Lily, Lily, Lily!" Maggie Rose said to me. "We're going camping, Lily!" Maggie Rose is my girl, and I am her dog. When she is happy, I am very happy. When she is excited, I am very excited. She was obviously excited and happy at this moment, so I jumped up to put my feet on her knees and then dropped down to run in circles around the kitchen. Whatever was going on, it was the best!

Premise/plot: Maggie Rose and her dad are going on a special father-daughter camping trip (and bringing Lily, of course). He'll be working, in part, relocating prairie dogs. But this qualifies as quality family time as well. On the trip, Lily encounters a not-stinky skunk. She is NOT sprayed. The dad realizes this skunk needs help because without the ability to spray the skunk will be helpless when it comes to defense. So with a little help from Lily they rescue the skunk and take her to a safe place.

My thoughts: I really love Lily. I do. I love the narrative voice of Lily in these early chapter books. (Animal fantasy if you want to be super specific). I love seeing the world through a dog's perspective. Lily is super cute and adorable.

I definitely recommend the series as a whole. This would be a great series to read with your young readers.

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

176. Odder

Odder. Katherine Applegate. Illustrated by Charles Santoso. 2022. 288 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: not (exactly) guilty
In their defense,
sharks
do not (as a rule) eat
otters.
True, sharks sometimes
taste them
by mistake, leaving
frowning bites
or the jagged clue
of a tooth or two.
But then,
in fairness,
nobody's perfect.

Premise/plot: Katherine Applegate's newest novel is an animal fantasy novel written in verse. Odder is an otter who has twice been rescued by humans--first as a pup and then a second time three years later. She has spent some time in the wild, but, ultimately her home may not be in the wild. 

My thoughts: I loved, loved, loved, LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this one. I know my summary is on the weaker side. It is. I know it. You know it. But this one is SO GOOD. Trust me. Odder's voice is captured perfectly-perfectly. I loved her voice. The poems are so wonderful and compelling. I had all the feels for this one. I was definitely nervous in places--you may be too--but ultimately this is a grin from ear to ear read that is just incredibly satisfying. 

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

175. Max Can Read

Max Can Read. Rosemary Wells. 2022. [October] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: One day the mail carrier brought a big package to Max and Ruby's house. It came all the way from Uncle Gyorgy in Bulgaria. Inside were two boxes. "Happy Valentine!" said Max. "No, Max," said Max's sister, Ruby. "The picture on the card says Happy Double Birthday, Macks and Rubi!" 

Premise/plot: Max's gift from his uncle doesn't have instructions written in English. For most of the book, he struggles with trying to read the instructions. Frustrated that Ruby is playing with her gift, he is persistent and stubborn. If Ruby is too busy to help, it's Grandma to the rescue!!! But Grandma can't read Bulgarian either! But then Max realizes something--he doesn't need to read the words. He can READ the pictures in the instructions and perfectly-perfectly put together his air-powered jet-pack space suit. 

My thoughts: I am just going to confess at the start that I absolutely love, love, love, crazy love Max and Ruby. The television show is one of my absolute favorites. The theme song is a masterpiece. (I'll leave it to you to determine if I'm in jest.) I crazy love and adore Max and Ruby (Ruby and Max). So when it comes to reading books about Max and Ruby, well, I might be biased. 

What I love about this one is that Max (once again) proves he's smart and clever. He also makes a good point, there are many ways to READ. And you might even argue that the life skills of being able to read instructional pictures can be just as difficult as learning to read. Both skills are needed. Mechanical skills are important too.

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

174. A Very Mercy Christmas

A Very Mercy Christmas. Kate DiCamillo. Illustrated by Chris Van Dusen. 2022. [September] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Stella Endicott felt joyful. She felt like something miraculous might happen. She wanted to sing.

Premise/plot: Kate DiCamillo's newest picture book stars beloved characters from previous series (Mercy Watson and Tales from Deckawoo Drive). It is a Christmas story. Stella Endicott, our heroine, is gathering together a group to go caroling. But, well, the animals seem more inclined than the humans. Still, there's much joy to be found...and miracles can happen.

My thoughts: I really enjoyed this one! I love Kate DiCamillo. I do. I loved seeing all the animals "singing" and expressing joy. I thought the story was cute. Definitely a sweet, heart-warming holiday tale. I do think a previous knowledge of Mercy Watson (and friends) helps a bit. This may not be the absolute best introduction to these characters. But loved it cover to cover.

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

173. Creepy Crayon!

Creepy Crayon! Aaron Reynolds. Illustrated by Peter Brown. 2022. [August] 48 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Jasper Rabbit was struggling in school. He was flunking math. He was failing spelling. The only subject he was passing was art. Jasper needed serious help. That's when he found...the crayon. It was purple. Pointy. And perfect. And somehow...it looked happy to see him.

Premise/plot: Creepy Crayon is a Twilight Zone-esque picture book. Jasper Rabbit, the protagonist, is about to enter the Twilight Zone. He's about to learn that some things are too good to be true. (Among other things). The purple crayon, at first, seems like the BEST, BEST, BEST thing that ever happened to him. But, he starts to change his mind over the next few days. His dream-come-true turns nightmarish!

My thoughts: I have not read the other titles in the series. There's also Creepy Carrots and Creepy Pair of Underwear. In fact I had never heard of this series until coming across this one. I am so glad I read this one. I loved the Twilight Zone vibes. It was so deliciously creepy.

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

172. The Three Billy Goats Gruff

The Three Billy Goats Gruff. Mac Barnett. Illustrated by Jon Klassen. 2022. [October 18] 48 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Once upon a time there was a bridge. And beneath that bridge, there lived a troll. 

Premise/plot: The troll who is "practically starving" narrates Klassen's adaptation of the folk tale The Three Billy Goats Gruff. It has many--if not most--of the traditional elements of this one, including all the clip, clop, clip, clops. But it adds a bit more as well--the troll's perspective for one. The goat LOVES to 'count the ways' he likes to prepare (and eat) goat. But it is the lengthier ending that allows for the most creative expression.

 My thoughts: I really enjoyed this one! I'll have to recommend it to my sister who does a folk/fairy tale unit. I really liked that they kept the bare bones of this story. It isn't too 'out there' of an adaptation. But I also really love the originality in it! I love the ending. I think it works well. 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

171. Who Was A Daring Pioneer of the Skies? Amelia Earhart

Who Was A Daring Pioneer of the Skies? Amelia Earhart. Melanie Gillman. 2022. [August] 64 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Thank you all for joining me here! I am very pleased to finally announce what will be my newest venture. 

Premise/plot: Who Was A Daring Pioneer of the Skies? Amelia Earhart is a nonfiction graphic novel in the Who HQ series. Most of the story unfolds in comic panels. Occasionally there's a full page of text--an aside, if you will--that provides further background and context to the main narrative. The focus is almost exclusively on her last flight. The last third (pure guess on my part) are told from others' perspective: those on the waiting side. The last few pages focus on the aftermath.

My thoughts: I have read many books on Amelia Earhart through the past three decades. I thought the narrative in this graphic novel was a little judge-y. It almost seemed smug in an I-told-you-so way. I don't know why that would be the intention of the author. I really don't think it was. Perhaps I just misread the tone. (Totally possible.) There seemed to be some contempt for Amelia's husband, G.P. Putnam, throughout the book. Like he played a large part in why her venture failed and ultimately why she died. Again perhaps I just misread the tone. But I definitely got the feeling in the last few pages that Putnam was being held in contempt by the author. It isn't unusual in instances like this for books to genuinely ask what if questions or if only speculations. Usually authors make this clear what they are doing--asking what if or speculating if only. That isn't the case here.

There is some tension--a good thing in a book--as the story unfolds. It was definitely the right choice and ultimately the only choice to change perspectives for the last leg of her journey. We see those on the other end, the waiting, the increase worry as the wait lengthens past what it should be if all was smooth. There is the tense--she must have run out of fuel by now, where could she be, why couldn't we contact her,  why can't we contact her, did she go off course, did she crash, where did she crash, etc. The same questions that haunt us now. 

So I liked some things for sure. But the text seemed a bit bias against her husband and a tiny bit against Amelia herself. Like Amelia was too proud, too smug, too confident to take the time to actually prepare or learn what she needed to learn in order to attempt this. 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

170. Doggo and Pupper Save the World

Doggo and Pupper Save The World (Doggo and Pupper #2) Katherine Applegate. Illustrated by Charlie Alder. 2022. 96 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: In a sweet spot of sun, Doggo dozed. In a fine patch of dirt, Pupper dug. Life was good.

Premise/plot: Doggo and Pupper--a lovable duo--are back in their second book. Pupper wishes he could be a hero, but, fears that he's not hero-material. Together these two will end up being heroes to a baby bird. 

My thoughts: I LOVE these two dogs so much. The story is cute, adorable, sweet, playful, fun, and probably predictable. But when there's so much to love, do I mind a predictable book? Not at all. I hope these two star in many more books. If you have a young reader ready for early chapter books, this series is great. I love the illustrations and the text.

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

169. Ballewiena

Ballewiena. Rebecca Bender. 2022. 32 pages. [Source: Library] 

First sentence: Dotty dreamed of being a ballet dancer. When told to sit, she would plie. When asked to stay, she would assemble. When commanded to roll over, she would pirouette.

Premise/plot: Dotty [a dachshund] loves, loves, loves to dance. However, her owner doesn't see a brilliant ballerina-dog in the making, she sees a dog in need of obedience training. The obedience school doesn't see a brilliant dancer either, just a disobedient dog who seems incapable of sitting, staying, or following basic commands. Will Dotty's dancing ever be praised and appreciated?

My thoughts: I absolutely love, love, love, love, love, crazy love the title of this one. The word play of ballerina and ballewiena was great fun. The narrative itself was enjoyable. I liked it well enough. I didn't love it, but I liked it. This dog loves to dance. And it's fun to imagine a dog dancing, but, the text gets a bit repetitive after a while. Almost becoming more of a lesson in all the dance terminology than a story-story. That being said, I am thankful there was a pronunciation guide provided on the end papers. 

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

168. Two-Headed Chicken

Two-Headed Chicken. Tom Angleberger. 2022. [September] 208 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Among the infinite universes in the multiverse...anything is possible! In one universe you are a famous rock star. In another universe you are a famous country star. And in a lot of universes you are really awesome but not famous...

Premise/plot: Two-Headed Chicken celebrates the absurd. Tom Angleberger's books have always leaned that way--whimsical, odd, absurd, unique. But this new book--a graphic novel--goes a step or two beyond that. Readers meet a two-headed chicken, a special two-headed chicken who a) has a special cap that allows them to travel through *all* the universes in the multiverse b) is being chased by a green moose named Kernel Antlers who wants to fry you. Readers hop--alongside the chicken--through many, many, many universes--all wacky and whimsical--trying to outrun Kernel Antlers. Will they ever find a universe free from this strife???

My thoughts: This book is incredibly silly. If you are looking for a super-serious, incredibly realistic, thought-provoking book, then you'll probably not enjoy this crazy, wacky, absurd trip through the multiverse. It makes use of several different types of humor. [So even if you don't laugh at one thing, you might at another. Also keep in mind that what makes a kid giggle won't necessarily make an adult laugh and vice versa.]

If your young reader enjoys Tom Angleberger, then this one is definitely worth looking for and adding to your library.

 

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

167. Just Harriet

Just Harriet. Elana K. Arnold. 2022. 208 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: My name is Harriet Wermer. There are some things you should know about me before I tell you everything else. Let's start with the worst things first. Sometimes I lie. I don't know why I lie, and it's usually about dumb things that people figure out right away, or really soon. 

Premise/plot: Harriet's summer doesn't go according to her plan. [Well, her parents' plans either if you think about it]. Her mom--who is pregnant--is put on bed rest. Harriet [and her cat Matzo Ball] are sent to live with her grandmother [nanu] who owns a bed and breakfast [and a dog]. Harriet normally loves, loves, loves to spend time visiting her nanu on the island. But not for the whole summer, not in this way with her mother being sick and her father being worried. But sometimes what you DON'T WANT is exactly what you need. There is a light mystery in this coming of age novel starring a soon-to-be fourth grader.

My thoughts: I definitely enjoyed Just Harriet. I loved Moneypenny [the dog] and Matzo Ball [the cat]. I enjoyed the special relationship between grandmother and granddaughter. I liked seeing Harriet explore the island and work on a little light mystery. Harriet is really taking the time to consider what her father's childhood on the island was like. [Which I appreciated.] It was a good read.

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

166. Ruby Finley vs. The Interstellar Invasion

Ruby Finley vs. the Interstellar Invasion. K. Tempest Bradford. 2022. 208 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Ruby loved bugs. She loved the cool-looking ones and the creepy ones and the pretty ones and the huge ones. The ones with six legs and eight legs and a thousand legs and no legs. She loved looking at them and talking about them and learning about them and picking them up. That last one was usually what got her in trouble.

Premise/plot: Ruby Finley, our protagonist, loves bugs and science. When her unidentifiable find--a bug, of course--brings the "G Men" (government men in suits) to her neighborhood, she doesn't quite know what to think. It's strange, strange, and super-strange. But, they leave claiming that the "assassin bug" has been found and collected. But in the weeks that follow, strange things keep occurring in her neighborhood/community. And Ruby and her friends soon start investigating these strange happenings. But this curiosity could lead to great danger....or great friendship....or maybe a bit of both.

My thoughts: The Interstellar Invasion of the title gives a bit of the plot away. Still the "alien" elements of this story are long in coming. Don't expect alien action from chapter two--or even chapter three. Most of the book is just Ruby living her life--loving science, loving her friends, struggling with rules and restrictions. If you come with the right expectations--a science-loving girl working on a science project and hanging out with friends--then this one is an enjoyable [enough] read. (Perhaps readers who share Ruby's interest in bugs will be even more excited.) 

I don't know if the book is setting up for a series or if it's a stand-alone.

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

165. Race to Fire Mountain

Race to Fire Mountain (Future Hero #1) Remi Blackwood. 2022. [August] 144 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Jarell raced up the five flights of stairs to his apartment, but he couldn't escape the memory of his classmates' laughter. Or his teacher's very angry face.

Premise/plot: After a bad day at school, Jarell realizes he has lost his house key. While waiting for his older (and much annoyed brother) to come home to let him in, he decides to visit his cousin Omari in his barber shop. He meets his cousin's new business partner, and, well, his life won't be the same again. He's given the VIP treatment, and, well learns that he can access another realm through a magical mirror. He is in fact...wait for it, wait for it...the future hero. He travels through the mirror to a magical realm, Ulfrica, and action and adventure await....

My thoughts: I do enjoy the travel-to-another-realm-through-magic genre or sub-genre. This one is for younger readers--I'd say mid-to-upper elementary school. It is illustrated. But it is not an early chapter book or graphic novel. This first book sets the stage and establishes characters. Further books probably will hold even more action/adventure in a fantasy realm.

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers