34. Teeny Houdini: The Disappearing Act

The Disappearing Act (Teeny Houdini #1) Katrina Moore. Illustrated by Zoe Si. 2022. [January] 112 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Ding. Ding. Ms. Stoltz rings the teacher's bell.

Premise/plot: Bessie Lee is the 'Teeny Houdini.' This rambunctious first grader is super excited about the upcoming talent show. But WHAT is her talent??? Since annoying her older sister probably most likely does not count. With the help and support of her family, a dream is born....

My thoughts: Bessie Lee joins a long, long, long list of youngsters who are adorably pesky and/or hyper. Think Junie B. Jones.

The Disappearing Act would make a good read aloud for teachers and parents. Time is split between Bessie Lee's classroom and her home life. The book is about Bessie Lee searching for (and finding) her talent before the big show at the end of the week. There will be a few missteps along the way, perhaps.

Overall, I definitely liked it. 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

33. Arcade World: Dino Trouble

Dino Trouble (Arcade World #1) Nate Bitt. Illustrated by Glass House Graphics. 2022. [February] 144 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Okay, welcome to Normal. I should probably explain a few things first. That's me, Travis Better. And that's my best friend Journey West.

Premise/plot: Dino Trouble is the first in a new graphic novel series for young readers. Travis Better (the narrator) and Journey West (the best friend sidekick) find themselves IN the video game. Arcade World is the name of the town's arcade. It is relatively new to town, but has quickly become the IT place to be for all the kids. [I believe each book will focus on one arcade game coming to life.] There are some indications that there is a bad guy with a master plan... but this book doesn't really answer questions about the bigger picture.

My thoughts: Travis and Journey battle video-game villains (and face video-game challenges) in the real world. Usually before or after school. They recognize the levels from the game they are both addicted to. There aren't any actual (satisfying) explanations as to why or how. (Except that the owner of the arcade is more likely than not Evil and has a Master Plan.) The book highlights the game-playing aspects of the game. 

Dino Trouble--this fictional game--is ridiculous almost to the point of obnoxiousness. Though perhaps that is a form of parody??? I don't know. It involves dinosaurs, glitter (which is obnoxiously called shine-shine), ice cream, etc. This one goes full out for embracing the whimsy. 

ANY book that gets a kid to read has some merit. Perhaps not every book is going to be perceived as "high quality" by adults, but few books (if any) merit being labeled NO quality. Any book could have the potential to be the one book that turns a kid onto reading and leads to other books...and years (if not a lifetime) of reading.

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

32. Tuesday: The Curse of The Blue Spots

Tuesday--The Curse of the Blue Spots (Total Mayhem #2)  Ralph Lazar. 2021. 196 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: It really annoys me when one gets into a Total Mayhem situation before breakfast. Which is exactly what happened to me this morning.

Premise/plot: Dash Candoo is having another adventurous day. And his adventures--or misadventures--once again start before breakfast. (Though most of the adventures take place at his very unusual school.) In this one, the school is preparing for its face-pulling competition...and after the class drinks from the water fountain...the whole class breaks out in itchy blue spots! Coincidence??? Or sabotage???

My thoughts: I would recommend this one to fans of the first book, Into the Cave of Thieves. Both books take silliness to an extreme. The books are heavily illustrated. Not much text per page, and what text is there is very silly and action-oriented. You definitely have to suspend all disbelief and just go with the flow. Throw away logic and 'the real world' and just embrace the crazy silliness of Dash's world.

For better or worse, I will say this: the second book is very similar to the first book. I'm going to predict that ALL the books in the series will be formulaic, repetitive, predictable. The good news is that sometimes that is exactly what kids need. Series books exist for a reason. It's not laziness on the part of authors, publishers, teachers, or librarians. Series books for young readers especially--think elementary school--are intentionally formulaic. So for the intended audience, this isn't necessarily "bad." For adults, well, the novelty of it may wear out by the series end. (Personally, I'm debating how many days of the weeks I'm willing to commit to reading so I can review them.)

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

31. Survival in the Wilderness (Great Escapes #4)

Survival in the Wilderness (Great Escapes #4) Steven Otfinoski. 2020. 128 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: It was now or never. The young men reached for the cord connected to the gas valve. He gave it a sharp tug and listened as the helium in the balloon rushed out with a loud hiss.

Premise/plot: Survival in the Wilderness is a fictionalized account of three navy lieutenants--Walter Hinton, Louis Kloor, and Stephen Farrell--and their failed "routine" training flight in a hot air balloon. It is based on a true story. (The structure is true enough based on records we have, but all dialogue has been fictionalized.) The story is set in December 1920. The balloon went off course--way, way, way off course--and the balloon ended up crashing in Canada. These three would have to work together in order to survive...

My thoughts: This one is for those who love reading survival stories and/or adventure stories. The setting is the Canadian wilderness in winter. Three men battling the elements--and sometimes arguing about how to best battle the elements--and looking for any sign of civilization. As I mentioned earlier, the year is 1920. This is still the age of Arctic/Antarctic exploration. But these men weren't looking for that kind of adventure; nor were they prepared...not even slightly. 

I personally found it an interesting read. I have never really given any thought to the military's use--at the times--of the hot air balloon. This was a "routine" training flight that went very, very wrong. But plenty of training flights went right. Just something to think about. This one also makes use--though this might need a trigger warning--messenger pigeons.

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

30. The People's Painter

The People's Painter: How Ben Shahn Fought for Justice with Art. Cynthia Levinson. Illustrated by Evan Turk. 2021. [April] 48 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: From the time he could grasp a pencil, Ben Shahn yearned to draw everything he saw in his village in Lithuania.

Premise/plot: The People's Painter is a picture book biography of Ben Shahn. 

My thoughts: I love learning. I do. And picture books are a great format for learning new-to-me stories. I had never heard of Ben Shahn, a Jewish artist and activist before reading this award-winning picture book. I am SO glad I read it. I thought it was packed with information--in an age appropriate way. The art and text work together so well. (As you'd expect in a picture book about an artist.)

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

29. Ben Yokoyama and the Cookie of Perfection

Ben Yokoyama and the Cookie of Perfection. (Cookie Chronicles #3) Matthew Swanson. Illustrated by Robbi Behr. 2021. [December] 336 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Ben Yokoyama had a pretty good life.

Premise/plot: Ben Yokoyama is back for his third adventure. This time the fortune cookie's fortune brings out the worst in Ben. Yet somehow despite this--or perhaps because of this--his story remains relatable.

His fortune is that practice makes perfect. Ben doesn't read this message in a way that it applies to himself--not really. He reads it and begins seeing imperfection everywhere. His mom. His dad. His best friend. His classmates. Oh, he doesn't exclude himself completely--he sees that he could improve in some areas (like math and baseball). But for the most part, he sees how others imperfections are interfering with him having the best life. The more he goes on a quest for perfection, the more critical (demanding and just plain rude) he is of others (or to others). He becomes a PAIN to be around. 

Will Ben learn that life is best lived imperfectly?

My thoughts: I found BEN to be a jerk in this one. Yet isn't it realistic that we see others flaws before our own? So even though I hated what the fortune did to Ben in this one (before he learned his ultimate lesson), I could understand how it could happen.

This one features a new friend for Ben who leads him astray. I haven't decided if this new friend is purposefully misleading/lying OR if he's just beating to the beat of a very different drum. Regardless, Ben believes EVERYTHING this kid says. Even when it doesn't make much logical sense.

I loved, loved, loved books one and two. Book three is not my favorite or best (in this series). But it's not a bad book, just the narrator is a little insufferable.

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

28. Monster and Boy

Monster and Boy. Hannah Barnaby. Illustrated by Anoosha Syed. 2020. 144 pages. [Source: Library] 

First sentence: Once there was a monster who loved a boy. The monster had never met the boy because monsters are nocturnal and boys (well, most boys) are not. But he knew the sound of the boy’s voice, and he loved that sound. He knew the smell of the boy’s dirty socks, and he loved that smell. He knew the sight of the boy’s slippers by the side of the bed, waiting for the boy’s feet, and he loved those slippers and those feet. Monsters don’t know much about love. Or maybe they do. The monster had lived under the boy’s bed for many years. He listened to the boy playing during the day. He listened to the boy talking in his sleep at night. He heard bedtime stories and songs, he heard snoring and snuffling, and he loved the boy more and more.

Premise/plot: Told from the perspective of a monster under the bed, the book showcases their misadventures after the boy sees the monster for the first time. 

My thoughts: Never has a book started with so much promise and potential. The opening paragraphs hooked me. Unfortunately, the book's plot was flimsy--at best. Flimsy is the wrong word. It is. Whimsical is a better fit. And I hope a fairer fit. I see 'whimsy' as describing the kind of silly/nonsensical happenings that unfold while you are in a dream state. So long as you are in the dream and going with the flow and not questioning too much exactly what is happening and how it is happening and firming up the details, it makes its own kind of sense. The plot and story details just don't hold up (at least not for me) in an awake state of mind. Now some readers may enjoy venturing into whimsical adventures and praise the imaginative narrative. 

I seem to be in the minority here. It seems that almost all readers on GoodReads rate it FOUR or FIVE stars. 

What matters is not what adult readers think of the book--if they like it or not--but whether kids--the target audience--enjoy reading it. Is it appealing to kids? Do kids find it funny? Do they enjoy it enough to want book two in the series? 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

27. Nazi Prison Camp Escape

Nazi Prison Camp Escape (Great Escapes #1) Michael Burgan. Illustrated by James Bernardin. 2020. 128 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: On a summer morning in 1942, Bill Ash joined the other prisoners trudging across the sandy ground toward a small concrete building. The men were being held at a German prisoner of war (POW) camp called Stalag Luft III.

Premise/plot: Nazi Prsion Camp Escape is the first in a new series called Great Escapes. Each book, I believe, will be a stand alone, but all books will feature...'a great escape.' This first book stars real life RAF (Royal Air Force) pilot, Bill Ash. (This American--like some others--joined the War before the United States and volunteered their services to the Allies.) After his plane went down, he was captured and sent to a Prisoner of War Camp. This book doesn't feature one "great escape." But multiple maybe-not-so-great escapes. He was good at escaping, maybe not so great at avoiding capture afterwards. Regardless, the book contains his adventures/misadventures in a war-torn Europe.

My thoughts: The book is too fiction-y to be purely nonfiction. And it is too non-fiction-y to be purely fiction. It is packed with facts. For the right reader, those facts are fascinating. You might even find readers say more please. For the wrong reader, well, those facts might come across as "dry" or "boring." Though the plot is action-packed, so there's that. Still, you can't deny that the text is full of info-dumps. Again, to the right reader these facts are interesting/fascinating. The info dumps are mostly necessary in my opinion. Especially with the audience of the target reader. You need background information for context, context, context. You can hardly talk about the Second World War without explaining all these layers. 

It has been pushed--in the jacket copy at the very least--as being for fans of the I Survived series. Is this fair? Yes. No. Maybe. See, it depends on if you are talking about narrative style/approach OR if you are talking about subject--big events from history. 

There are obviously differences. The I Survived stories are very fiction-y. They feature young protagonists. There's almost always inserted back story that has very little to do with the actual I Survived event. (Like in the Blizzard book, there was a flashback to him encountering a snake.) The chapters are written in such a way to keep you turning pages.

I haven't read the others in the series. But this one is mostly nonfiction. It is packed with information. It is written in a more engaging/appealing style than a history text book. But it isn't necessarily a page-turner UNLESS (and this is key) history is one of the things that excites you. For some readers, history is EXCITING and FUN. I know that is a novel thought. But some people actually enjoy it.

If you read I Survived because you have an interest in HISTORY and the BIG EVENT in the story, then, yes, this series might appeal.

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

26. Raising Lumie

Raising Lumie. Joan Bauer. 2020. 272 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: It's all about warmth right now. Warmth. Wiggling. And eating. There are seven of them in this L litter.

Premise/plot: Olive Hudson is having a rough time of it. Her dad has died. (Her mom died a LONG time ago). She's moving in with a much older half-sister whom she's just met. Not just moving in, but moving to a new city. She really, really, really, really, really wants a dog. But since they are living in a house share, it doesn't seem like it's the right time. But yet it may just be the right time to say yes to raising Lumie. Lumie--if she graduates--will be a guide dog.

My thoughts: There is a DOG ON THE COVER, I repeat a dog on the cover. There are some intense moments of this one. A few pages--if not a few chapters--where Lumie is in danger. So if you are the nervous/anxious sort you may want to know ahead of time.

I liked this one. I did. I am definitely glad I read it. (My sister recommended it.)

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

25. Merry Christmas, Anne

Merry Christmas, Anne. Kallie George. Illustrated by Genevieve Godbout. 2021. 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: I'm so thankful for many things: feathery frosts and silvery seas, and wreaths as round as the moon. But especially for this Christmas. My first Green Gable's Christmas.

Premise/plot: Kallie George has been adapting Anne of Green Gable into an early chapter book series for young readers. This picture book is an adaptation from Anne of Green Gables as well. In this picture book, Anne receives a dress with puffed sleeves and also performs at a Christmas concert.

My thoughts: I have really loved, loved, loved the early chapter books. I didn't love this one as much. I think my expectations were too high. The scenes leading up to Matthew giving Anne the dress are among my absolute favorite in the novel. Truly I love and adore Matthew. And these scenes are so endearing. I remember these scenes so well. And one thing that I definitely remember is that the dress is BROWN. So I was very disappointed that the illustrations get the dress wrong. The dress is NOT yellow. It's just not. Now, I know that this should be a complete non-issue. I mean what difference does the color make in the grand scheme of things??? But it matters to me. I'm like that.

Chances are you won't be bothered by a few little things that aren't quite right (but almost right). The book has a comfy, cozy feel.

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

24. Dear Librarian

Dear Librarian. Lydia M. Sigwarth. Illustrated by Romina Galatta. 2021. 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Dear Librarian, May I tell you a story?

Premise/plot: Dear Librarian is the story of a girl, Lydia, and her special librarian. Lydia is recounting her experience of moving. Her family doesn't have a home of their own, a space of their own. They are staying with various members of their extended family. Lots of change and some uncertainty. But Lydia finds a home--in the library. And she finds a friend in the librarian.

My thoughts: This book is based on the author's experiences as a child. So if the picture book feels a little out of sync with contemporary times, that's probably why. I am not complaining. I do think there are some timeless things in the story itself. In fact I appreciate the fact that it is based on real experiences (and emotions). It feels authentic.

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

23. Watercress

Watercress. Andrea Wang. Illustrated by Jason Chin. 2021. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: We are in the old Pontiac, the red paint faded by years of glinting Ohio sun, pelting rain, and biting snow.

Premise/plot: A young girl is embarrassed by her parents--her immigrant parents. How "embarrassing" to have them stop the car, get out, and pick watercress from the ditch! Why couldn't her parents be "normal"? But though she may not "like" picking watercress, and may not exactly "like" the taste of watercress, she comes to a better appreciation of where her parents are coming from and what memories they may have from the past. 

My thoughts: I liked this one. I did. This one won the Caldecott Medal in 2022 as well as being a Newbery Honor book. I absolutely loved, loved, loved, loved, LOVED the illustrations. Every single spread was just WOW for me. I loved turning pages and seeing the story unfold. It was a beautiful book. I appreciated the text, but, the text to me wasn't as 'wow'. I do think it's good for sharing if you are looking for books about families, traditions, and food. (Soul Food Sunday was another recent read.) And I do think it is relatable.

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

22. Soul Food Sunday

Soul Food Sunday. Winsome Bingham. Illustrated by C.G. Esperanza. 2021. 48 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: On Sundays, everyone gathers at Granny's for soul food.

Premise/plot: This picture book celebrates a young boy's first lesson in cooking soul food. Though soul food had been a part of his life forever (presumably). This Sunday, he's deemed old enough to join his Granny in the kitchen. He is helping and observing. Many members of the family are taking part in the cooking and preparing of the meal.

My thoughts: Definitely enjoyed this one! It is going to be quite a meal they share together. And anticipation builds with each spread. The book celebrates family, fellowship, traditions, food and cooking, and growing up. I thought the narration was great.

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

21. The More the Merrier

The More the Merrier. Davie Martin. Illustrated by Raissa Figueroa. 2021. 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Hey, hey, here comes Bear--
Over rocks, under trees,
Kicking feet, bending knees,
Stepping high, stepping low,
Stepping fast, stepping slow.
And he's not alone, or not for long,
Loose as a goose...
It's Moose!

Premise/plot: The More the Merrier is a fun rhyming book starring LOTS of forest animals. These animals each have their own unique way of being happy, of having fun.

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I liked the rhyme and rhythm of it all. I like books that have a good flow. Some books just have this certain something that makes them great to share as a read aloud. One's appreciation for the text is improved upon reading aloud and hearing it. (Not that it is not enjoyable read silently.) It's just that poetry is meant to be heard or dare I say it... performed???

I think this one should be published as a board book as well.

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

20. The Book of Hugs

The Book of Hugs. Tim Harris. Illustrated by Charlie Astrella. 2021. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Hi, I'm Teddy Bear Tim and I love hugs!

Premise/plot: Teddy Bear Tim loves to hug. And almost as much as actually hugging is talking about hugging.

My thoughts: Reading is subjective. 99.5% of books I feel will find their right reader that just really takes to the book and loves it. So I have no doubt that this one will entertain or 'charm' some readers some of the time.

This one didn't work for me personally. Again, reading is subjective. I don't know exactly why it didn't work for me. I do like teddy bears. I do like hugs. Maybe my expectations were too high?
Maybe I was just confused by the inclusion of monkeys in a book about hugs?

I think the charm being associated with this book is really towards the author. Readers familiar with Tim Harris' story are more likely to be charmed and delighted by the book.

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

19. Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre

Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre. Carole Boston Weatherford. Illustrated by Floyd Cooper.  2021. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Once upon a time near Tulsa, Oklahoma, prospectors struck it rich in the oil fields. The wealth created jobs, raised buildings, and attracted newcomers from far and wide, seeking fortune and a fresh start.

There are no words. Okay, there are words, but not adequate words that do justice to the experience of reading this one. (If that makes sense.) This is without a doubt an emotional read that takes the readers on a journey.

I do think it is for mid-to-upper elementary school. I wouldn't necessarily choose it for the preschool crowd. But what a story--marvelous text, incredible illustrations. Together text and illustrations will break your heart. The first half is filled with so much hope and the possibilities while not endless perhaps seem tangible, within reach. The rest is horrifying. But just because something is horrifying doesn't mean you can ignore it or wish it away. 

A hard read, to be sure, but worth it. 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

18. Nicky & Vera

Nicky & Vera: A Quiet Hero of the Holocaust and the Children He Rescued. Peter Sis. Illustra 2021. [January] 64 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Nicky was born in 1909, into a century full of promise.

There aren't a lot of picture books about the Holocaust. Nicky & Vera is one such book. It tells the story of Nicholas Winton. His work saved over six hundred [Jewish] children trapped in Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia. Vera (of the title) was one such child he rescued. Nick never made a big deal--or a little deal--about his effort to save lives during the second world war, but, in the 1980s he was reunited (on television) with some of those he had rescued decades before.

I read this in e-book format (library e-book). I do think it would have been an even better reading experience for me if I'd read it as a book-book. I think with many books one format is just as good as the other. But that wasn't the case with this one. Picture books have spreads (obviously) two pages working together visually as one. Sometimes a sentence would be spread out over both pages. So your narrative wouldn't make sense until you "turned the page" of the e-book. 

Definitely worth reading for the text and the illustrations. (Though the illustrations are not my personal cup of tea.) They are the kind of illustrations that while I personally may not love them often tend to win acclaim and awards from other people. 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers