54. Nat the Cat Takes a Nap

Nat the Cat Takes a Nap (Ready to Read, Pre-Level 1) Jarrett Lerner. 2023. [January] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: This is Nat. Nat is a cat. Nat the Cat is taking a nap. 

Premise/plot: Nat the Cat is UNHAPPY that the narrator of Nat the Cat Takes a Nap is interrupting his [actual] nap. Dare I say that Nat the Cat is turning grumpy??? The narrator definitely has a plan for how this story should go, how it should unfold. But will Nat the Cat go with flow? go with the plan? Will Nat the Cat ever get back to sleep?

My thoughts: Do you love 'interactive' books where the narrator talks with the characters, and the characters talk back? Do you like cats? love cats? Want an early reader or a "pre-reader" with a big dose of humor?  I do recommend this one. I enjoyed the story. There isn't as much text as say in an Elephant and Piggie book. The text is fairly simple. Depending on how you define, simple, I suppose. It isn't one that a new reader could read cover to cover without help. It has words like "brother" and "hooray" etc. But new readers could read *some* words on their own, could "help" read the story.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

53. To Boldly Go

To Boldly Go: How Nichelle Nichols and Star Trek Helped Advance Civil Rights. Angela Dalton. Illustrated by Lauren Semmer. 2023. [January] 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: It was TV night--the best night--and I could hear the click-click-clicking of buttons as Dad searched for the right channel. As the sweet syrupy goodness of red Kool-Aid splashed into my glass, I knew the real treat was yet to come. 

Premise/plot: To Boldly Go has a framework--for better or worse. The framework is a young girl and her family coming together around the television set to watch Star Trek [The Original Series.] The family is particularly excited that this television show shows one of their own, someone who looks like them. The book then turns a bit into a more traditional picture book biography. But it isn't traditional--not really. This picture book biography is told--focused--through a lens. The subtitle reveals all. It isn't biography for the sake of biography. It is using a woman's life--and work--to provide context and understanding to a slice of American history. 

My thoughts: Star Trek reruns were on way past my bedtime growing up. I occasionally saw the opening scenes and credits--and I was fascinated. But rarely got to see more. I do like the original series. (Though I'm always Team Next Generation). I definitely wanted to read this picture book biography.

Do I love the framework? Do I wish this picture book was more traditional? more straightforward? I don't know. I think the framework works hand in hand with the lens though which this story unfolds. The framework complements this non-traditional [aka unique] storytelling. 

I liked the text. I definitely learned more about Nichelle Nichols. (I didn't know she was a singer/dancer!) I liked the illustrations as well. 

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

52. In Every Life

In Every Life. Marla Frazee. 2023. [February] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: In every birth, blessed is the wonder.
In every smile, blessed is the light.
In every hope, blessed is the doing.

I would personally classify this as a picture book poem. It is based on a Jewish baby-name blessing. (I'm not sure how true it is to the traditional or if it is more loosely based.) The text is sparse. Some spreads of this one are a blend of text and illustrations. There are other spreads that are solely illustrated--no text. 

While this one could certainly be read aloud--gifted to be read aloud--to anyone of any age...I can't help thinking that this has more of an audience with adults, new adults, and those in the transition-y bits of life. Then again, I think if read aloud by a loving, caring, nurturing parent (caregiver, aunt, grandparent), it could maybe become beloved with a younger crowd. Perhaps more of a lullaby.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

51. Harriet Spies

Harriet Spies. Elana K. Arnold. 2023. 240 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: If you're not a people person, you probably wouldn't like living at a bed-and-breakfast. (Even if you really like beds, and you really like breakfasts).

Premise/plot: Harriet Spies is the sequel to Just Harriet. To refresh memories all around, Harriet is visiting her grandmother--who runs a bed and breakfast--for the summer. Her mother, who is pregnant, has been put on bed rest. Her father, who is working and trying to manage everything at the house too, thinks its best for everyone if Harriet has some special time with her grandmother. Harriet and her cat, Matzo Ball, have enjoyed many things about the summer...so far. But Harriet doesn't always get along perfectly with all the guests. In this book, Captain, who resides at the bed and breakfast, misplaces her binoculars, she blames Harriet--accuses her of theft. Harriet, who hasn't always been known for telling the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, isn't believed. Harriet makes a new friend, Clarence, who agrees to help her solve the mystery. Who really took the binoculars...and why????

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I really enjoyed the first novel in the series, Just Harriet. I really like this community. I like the amount of characterization. The light mystery was enjoyable. I am so glad that she's making friends her own age too.

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

50. The Library Fish Learns to Read

The Library Fish Learns to Read. Alyssa Satin Capucilli. 2023. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Library Fish loved her home on the desk of Mr. Hughes, the librarian. It was the perfect place to welcome every visitor to the library. From where she sat, Library Fish could check each book that was borrowed and returned.

Premise/plot: Library Fish, the library pet of Mr. Hughes, learns to read in this second picture book adventure. Library Fish commits fully to this learning-to-read process. And it starts with learning the alphabet and the sound each letter makes. Who will Library Fish read to??? Readers of the first book may just guess!

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. It was just as cute and silly--imaginative--as the first. I continued to enjoy all the illustrations. The library scenes are just as charming as ever. I will say that this one is VERY text heavy.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

49. The Library Fish

The Library Fish. Alyssa Satin Capucilli. Illustrated by Gladys Jose. 2022. [March] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Once there was a fish. She was not an ordinary fish. She didn't live in the sea or the ocean. She didn't live in a river or lake. In fact, when Mr. Hughes the librarian found her, he said, "I'm not quite sure where you came from, but, if you love stories, you've come to the right place. Some libraries have their lions, but this library will have you, Fish."

Premise/plot: Library Fish is adopted by the librarian, Mr. Hughes. Library Fish soon becomes a vital part of all the library doings. But what will happen on a SNOW DAY when the library is closed and oh-so-silent? What kind of adventures or misadventures will Library Fish have on her own?

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I loved all the library scenes. It was cute. Did I love the idea of fish jumping out of her bowl and exploring the library? Maybe not so much. (I have scars.) But if I look at it purely in a creative/imaginative way, it is a silly, fun story.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

48. A Book, Too, Can Be A Star

A Book, Too, Can Be a Star: The Story of Madeleine L'Engle and the Making of a Wrinkle in Time. Written by Charlotte Jones Voiklis and Jennifer Adams. Illustrated by Adelina Lirius. 2022. 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Once when Madeleine was very small, her parents woke her and took her outside to see the splendor of the starry night sky. It was both dazzlingly dark and full of light, and it seemed to go on forever. She could hear the stars singing, telling her that she was part of something beautiful, generous, and loving. The sining of the stars filled Madeleine with wonder and excitement, and she realized there was more to her world than daytime and ordinary things. She had big questions.

Premise/plot: A picture book biography of Madeleine L'Engle, author of Wrinkle in Time. Like many picture book biographies this one is limited in scope. 

My thoughts: What you see is what you get--no more, no less. It is a picture book biography of children's book author, Madeleine L'Engle. Is it a picture book for younger readers or older readers? I'm not absolutely sure which--or even if it's both. Younger readers probably aren't familiar with A Wrinkle in Time.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

47. How To Draw a Happy Cat

How To Draw A Happy Cat. Ethan T. Berlin. Illustrated by Jimbo Matison. 2022. 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Learning how to draw a happy cat is fun and easy! First, draw two rounded triangles. Next, draw two triangles for ears and two big dots for eyes. Then add a triangle for a nose and lines for stripes and whiskers. Now, draw legs and a tail. Add some color! Finally, add a mouth. Hmm, she doesn't look very happy. What do you think she wants?

Premise/plot: Will this newly drawn cat ever be happy and stay happy? Or will this cat keep the illustrator busy drawing more, more, more, more. This story soon becomes quite elaborate and silly. 

My thoughts: I love cats. I do. I was immediately drawn to this one--pun intended--because of the cover. I like the silliness of this one. It is cute, funny, a bit ridiculous. I love the interactive nature of this one.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

46. I Am Picky

I Am Picky: Confessions of a Fussy Eater. Kristen Tracy. Illustrated by Erin Kraan. 2022. [October 18] 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Don't look at me and think I'll eat ANYTHING. I will NOT. I am PICKY. I've been choosy my whole life.

Premise/plot: Is this raccoon a picky eater? Is pickiness all in the eye of the beholder? Is it all relative or subjective? Perhaps. The text definitely reveals that everyone is picky sometimes...in differing ways. 

My thoughts: I like picture books about picky eaters. However, while I really LOVED the cover of this one, I thought the story itself was a little too gross for me...personally. No surprise to anyone...that I can be a picky reader. I think the 'gross' nature of this one--the raccoon's favorite treats from garbage cans--will appeal to certain readers. There's an age and stage that this one will appeal to.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

45. Mushroom Lullaby

Mushroom Lullaby. Kenneth Kraegel. 2022. [October] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: This is a mushroom. This is a mushroom that grows in the park. This is the mushroom that glows in the dark. This is a mushroom growing on a tree. And this little mushroom is hard to see. Here is a mushroom up high in the sky. Here is a mushroom that never stays dry. 

Premise/plot: The jacket copy calls this one "cozy and unique." It is certainly unique. While there are other picture books about mushrooms, they are relatively rare. (The one I'm thinking about are two friends arguing about how to share three mushrooms.) This one is all poem, very little story. 

My thoughts: This is an odd read. On the one hand, I am an adult who absolutely LOVES mushrooms. A day without mushrooms is a sad, sad day. I enjoyed the idea of this one. Though I'm not sure what I expected and how this one held up to my expectations. Did I want more of a story? Maybe. Maybe not.The first half is just all poem; the last half is about someone (???) who lives in a mushroom having friends over and hanging out together. Perhaps all poem with no story. Or perhaps all story with no poem. ON the other hand, I've never met a toddler, preschooler, or young child who wanted anything to do with mushrooms--even fictional ones. I'm not exactly sure *who* this one is for??? 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

44. Dog Can Hide

Dog Can Hide. (Ready to Read, Ready to Go) Laura Gehl. Illustrated by Fred Blunt. 2023. [January] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Dog can hide. Frog can hide. Cat can seek. 

Premise/plot: Dog, Cat, and Frog are playing hide and seek with one another in Laura Gehl's early reader. What you see is exactly what you get: an early reader with limited vocabulary emphasizing certain word families, certain sight words, etc., telling the story of three friends playing hide and seek. 

My thoughts: It has a story. Perhaps it isn't the most exciting story in the world, but, it is a story. (I would say it has more of a story than some of the readers I had in kindergarten growing up. (Though our family still loves to talk about "Let us take a peek at the mean goat.") I liked the illustrations--very expressive. These illustrations will also "help" young readers read the text. There are plenty of clues to help readers. (Though the text, as I mentioned, is simple).

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

43. Mister Kitty is Lost

Mister Kitty is Lost! Greg Pizzoli. 2023. [January] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Mister Kitty is Lost! Can you help me find him? Have you seen Mister Kitty? He is hiding somewhere inside this book. Will you turn the pages and help me look? Mister Kitty has 5 yellow spots. Do you see five yellow spots?

Premise/plot: Mister Kitty is Lost! is an interactive read to share with young ones. Most pages--if not all--ask a question [or two]. This one has plenty of opportunities for adults and little ones to interact not only with each other but with the text, the book, itself. 

My thoughts: I absolutely loved this one. I loved the suspense. I was expecting a surprise regarding Mister Kitty's appearance/identity. I was not disappointed. I didn't know exactly *what* to expect, but I knew there had to be a humorous twist. Something that made Mister Kitty super-unique. I loved the humor of this one. I loved the interactive nature of this one. It reminds me of some of my favorite preschool programs.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

42. Once Upon a Book

Once Upon a Book. Grace Lin and Kate Messner. 2023. [February] 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Alice was tired of heavy sweaters and thick socks and staying inside with nothing to do. "I wish I were someplace that wasn't so frozen and gray!" she grumbled to her mother. She began to stomp away, but something flapped nearby. It was the pages of a book. Curious, Alice began to read.

Premise/plot: Alice, our protagonist, spends the afternoon [or morning, or day] IN a book--literally and figuratively. The illustrations show her stepping right into a book and truly LIVING and EXPERIENCING the action/story of the book[s]. She goes from story to story meeting all sorts of characters--mainly animals, if not exclusively animals. Her landscape is ever-changing. 

My thoughts: I wanted to love this one. I did. I love, love, love books about books. I didn't quite love this one despite me wanting to absolutely do so. I think that is mainly all on me. It is not at all fair to judge a book based on your expectations, what you want the book to be. But the book I desperately wanted this one to be would have Alice stepping into familiar books and stories--meeting characters, being thrown into stories. Instead, it was almost let's travel the globe and learn about different habitats and animals. Yet it wasn't even quite that. [Not nonfiction-y enough to be an informative book]. The illustrations were bright, bold, colorful.

An artistic choice that I personally didn't love was Alice's ever-changing dress. She starts off with a dress imprinted with words. But her dress blends into EVERY landscape. It changes with each story. At first glance--at least my first glance--it looks like arms, legs, head and shoulders--just floating disconnected. Again, that could be 100% just me. Yes, upon a double-take I saw she was still wearing a block-y dress. But it was distracting/disconcerting to me. Again a nitpicky thing. I probably am the only reader who will feel this way.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

41. The Lost Galumpus

The Lost Galumpus. by Joseph Helgerson. Illustrated by Udayana Lugo. 2023. [January] 384 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Getting Mayor Crawdaddy out of his oak tree usually took a catastrophe. Sometimes two. He was a raccon who liked his comforts. "We're being invaded!" I called out, stretching things a bit on account of the snowstorm I was standing in. Possum fur isn't as warm as it could be, especially after dark. 

Premise/plot:  This is the premise that grabbed me, "A time-traveling woolly mammoth finds refuge and rescue at the unlikely hands of a possum and his community of woodland friends." The first sentence sealed the deal. Gilly [a possum] narrates this action-packed charmer. 

Essentially, the story goes like this, a blizzard is interrupted by the sudden appearance of a HUGE SOMEBODY. No one in the woods--including Gilly and Mayor Crawdaddy [the raccoon]--know *what* this "Galumpus" is. The only story they're being told is that this "Galumpus" wished herself there...and that she's too scared to want to go back. Eventually--with a little help from a futuristic robot--everyone learns that time travel has occurred. There's a small window of time to right things...

My thoughts: This one is a bit wild and whimsical. Talking animals make it animal fantasy, yet, the robots and the reality of time travel make it science fiction. Regardless of its classification as "science fiction" or "fantasy" this one is action-packed. At times it can be a bit busy...yet despite it being busy, it held onto charm from cover to cover.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

40. Space Cat

Space Cat. Ruthven Todd. Illustrated by Paul Galdone. 1952. 80 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: The little gray kitten had always been the most adventurous member of his family. He had been the first to explore the roof of the apartment building where he lived with his brothers and sisters. There he had sat for hours admiring the face of the Cat in the Moon until his mother had dragged him in by the scruff of his neck. The next day he had managed to maroon himself on top of the flagpole on the roof and the Fire Department had had to be called to take him down.

Premise/plot: When a [cute, adorable, super-curious] gray kitten befriends Captain Fred Stone, he gets a new name, "Flyball," a new home, and new adventures. Flyball accompanies his human to the moon and back. Their adventure on the moon isn't without some peril--good thing Flyball is there to save the day. 

My thoughts: This charming little book was written in 1952. It is always interesting/intriguing to see how the public [writers, readers] imagined space exploration to be like. This one was written, published, and enjoyed long before NASA sent anyone to the moon--or even into orbit. This qualifies both as science fiction and fantasy. It is told through the perspective of the cat. There are plenty of men [military men] talking rockets, rockets, and more rockets. 

I enjoyed this one. The illustrations are wonderful.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

39. Ready for Spaghetti

Ready for Spaghetti: Funny Poems for Funny Kids. Michael Rosen. Illustrated by Polly Dunbar. 2022. [November] 64 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Up!
Up, up, uppity-up!
The light shines through the window
Up, up, uppity-up!
Here is my nose and here's my elbow
Up, up, uppity-up!
My feet are standing on the floor
Up, up, uppity-up!
My feet are taking me out the door

Premise/plot: A collection of fun/funny poems written for young children by Michael Rosen. The poems take you through the course of a day--though not necessarily the same day. The first poem is a morning poem. The last poem is a bedtime poem. The poems follow four friends. 

My thoughts: I enjoyed this poetry book. It was super fun. I love Polly Dunbar's illustrations. I have for years. Her art always has had a special place in my heart. I adore her work. The poems work for me. I think they are relatable and enjoyable.

On the Swings

Swing me on the swing,
Higher and higher and higher.
I'm a swingy flyer!
Higher and higher and higher.
Swing me on the swing,
Push me, push me, push.
I go swooshy-swoosh!
Push me, push me, push.
Swing me on the swing,
Swinging and swinging and swinging.
Swing me on the swing.
I'm singing and singing and singing.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

38. Knight Owl

Knight Owl. Christopher Denise. 2022. 48 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Since the day he hatched, Owl had one wish. To be a knight. 

Premise/plot: Will owl be successful as a knight? Perhaps. Especially if he's put on night [or knight night] watch. 

My thoughts: Knight Owl is a 2023 Caldecott Honor Book. It is fun, delightful, sweet, adorable. I'm not the biggest fan of owls. But this one was enjoyable. I loved the illustrations. I loved, loved, loved the illustrations.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

37. Squirrel on Stage

Squirrel on Stage. Vivian Vande Velde. 2022. [October 25] 128 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Squirrels tell the best stories. Wonderful squirrel stories I have heard include:
adventures such as "My Death-Defying Escape from A Cat,"
tragedies such as "Uncle Whiskers Drops a French Fry and Watches as a Seagull Steals It Away,"
romances such as "How Your Father and I Met in a Trash Can,"
and comedies such as, "Nearsighted Cousin Chatter Mistakes a Lawn Ornament for Her Brother."

Premise/plot: Twitch the squirrel and Sweetie the Library Rat have an adventure. Sweetie persuades Twitch, who is reluctant, to go see the school play. The librarian has written a stage version of Cinderella. Sweetie loves this story so much. But a squirrel and a rat have a hard time seeing the action on stage....leading to hilarious results as they move closer and closer to the action on stage.

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. The narration alternates between Twitch and Sweetie. It's a fun adventure of two friends who love stories. It was fun to see these two appear on stage in the production of Cinderella. I definitely recommend this series.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

36. Squirrel in the Museum

Squirrel in the Museum. Vivian Vande Velde. 2019. 112 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: I am a very highly educated squirrel. I always paid attention to my mother's life lessons. Some of my mother's life lessons: Don't let an owl eat you. Don't let a weasel eat you. Don't let a fox eat you. Don't let a wolf eat you. 

Premise/plot: Twitch the Squirrel tags along on a field trip to a museum. Twitch normally sticks close to the school, but his curiosity about wolves leads him to want to go on a field trip with a class visiting the museum. He sees many, many, many rooms in the museum. Plenty of misadventures/adventures are had. Not everyone--especially the adults--want a squirrel in the museum. In fact, there's a frantic attempt to CAPTURE the squirrel and get him out, out, out. 

My thoughts: I thought this was a funny read. It's been years since I've read previous books in this series. But it could easily be read as a stand alone. Twitch is just an absolute delight as a narrator. What I would call a hoot. 

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

35. Lily to the Rescue: The Three Bears

The Three Bears (Lily to the Rescue #8) W. Bruce Cameron. 2022. 144 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Everyone knows that Maggie Rose is my girl, and I am her dog. Even squirrels know, because they see me coming at the end of my leash, and they scamper quickly up a tree and then stare down at me. 

Premise/plot: This Lily-to-the-Rescue book might contain the most action of all in the series. After a mama bear is "rescued" and brought into surgery, it is learned that she has recently had cubs. They need to be found quickly. The whole family sets out [perhaps with some other workers/employees] to look for the bear cubs. Lily, of course, goes along. As does the family's other dog. Bryan, Maggie Rose, and Craig are only supposed to look for the cubs on the trail....but when they follow a deer off the trail, well, this grand adventure turns into a misadventure fast. Can these three siblings and two dogs survive in the mountains all night long?????

My thoughts: I would say this one was so compelling I had to read it in one sitting, but, I read all the Lily books in one sitting. Nevertheless, it was packed with action and adventure. There are some "in peril" moments that would have definitely had me on the edge of my seat if I'd been younger. 

I do enjoy this series. If there were more books [there don't appear to be anymore at this point] I would definitely read them.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

34. Lily to the Rescue: Foxes in a Fix

Foxes In A Fix (Lily to the Rescue #7) W. Bruce Cameron. 2021. 128 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: The smells coming in through the open window of the car were cool and clean. They told my nose that our car ride was taking us to a place called "Up in the Mountains."

Premise/plot: Foxes in a Fix is packed with adventure--absolutely packed. Several arctic foxes are ready to be released in the wild. But they'll need transport to Alaska. Lily, Maggie Rose, and their dad fly up to Alaska--thanks to a pilot friend whom Maggie Rose just knows needs a dog--to release these foxes. 

My thoughts: I really enjoyed this one. It is unusually packed with extra adventure. Normally, we just go to visit farms or zoos or a natural park. In this one we get to go to the zoo and Alaska. Lily is as adorable as ever. (She even wears a sweater in this one).

I do recommend the series.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

33. Hot Dog

Hot Dog. Doug Salati. 2022. 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: City summer
steamy
sidewalks
concrete
crumbles
sirens
screech
so hot!
can't sit
or sniff
or wait
crowds
close in...

Premise/plot: Hot Dog is the 2023 Caldecott Medal winner.  This picture book stars a dog and his owner. This dog is a HOT dog. And he has had enough--more than enough--of city life, of hot city life. The pair travel spontaneously [or so it appears to this reader at least] to the ocean for the day. 

My thoughts: I love the illustrations. This dog is just super-super-super cute and adorable [and expressive]. The text is sparse, but descriptive. The text reads like a poem. There are many spreads of this picture book that are wordless. The pictures/illustrations definitely are capable of telling the story all on their own.

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

32. The Secret Sisters

The Secret Sisters. Avi. 2023. [August] 256 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: As far as Ida Bidson was concerned, it was the most exciting day in her fourteen years of life: she was about to leave for high school. It was September 13, 1925, a bright and chilly Sunday morning, when she stepped out of her log cabin home, high among Colorado's Elkhead Mountains.

Premise/plot: The Secret Sisters is the sequel to Avi's Secret School. Ida Bidson, our fourteen year old protagonist, is taking her first steps to fulfilling her lifelong dreams. She's leaving home to attend high school. She'll be boarding with Miss Trudy Sedgewick who will be acting as her guardian for the school year. 

The novel chronicles one semester--the fall semester--at high school. Ida will be meeting teachers, classmates, and...the school principal. Some will be kindred spirits...others not so much. She'll be taking many subjects--most of them new to her. She'll also be experiencing a more 'modern' world. Indoor plumbing. Electricity. Movie theaters with motion pictures. Popular music. 

It is titled Secret Sisters. This is the club that she forms with other freshman girls. Each week they take turns being 'president' of the club and choose a new activity to do. 

My thoughts: I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this one so much. I loved meeting Ida and all of her new friends. They were a hoot! I love that this one is so grounded in the 1920s. Ida is learning a new way to talk, and a new way to "experience" the world around her. In addition to the vocabulary, there's plenty of cultural references to songs, dances, movies, actors, artists, hairstyles and fashion, etc. Even 'new' recipes for 'modern' households. I love that Trudy is so determined to be 'modern' that she is cooking all these recipes from magazines. Readers are learning alongside Ida about this 'modern' world. So it never feels like an info-dump as Ida processes the world around her. 

I loved the characters and characterization. I loved the story. I wouldn't mind a book for each semester of her high school year.

Quotes:

She searched for the country called Latin but couldn't find it. As she flipped through the book, she felt as if the world were getting bigger.
Learning is wonderful. But at the same time--hard. Why is something good hard? Because, she told herself, the more you learn, the more things change. It's not the learning that's hard--it's the changing.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

31. Lily to the Rescue: The Misfit Donkey

Lily to the Rescue #6: The Misfit Donkey. 2021. 144 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Maggie Rose is my girl. I am her dog. In my opinion, this means we should be together every moment. 

Premise/plot: Lily revisits her friends the pigs [whom she met in an earlier book in the series] and meets a new friend, a donkey named Burrito. Burrito is having trouble fitting in/belonging. He's sold...but the other donkeys--older donkeys, don't want anything to do with him at all. Burrito LOVES the pigs from his old place and smells like a pig. Can Lily (who also smells like a pig) help Burrito fit into his new home? And will this lead to a bath???

My thoughts: I do love this series overall. This particular book in the series is fairly uneventful. Bryan, Maggie Rose's brother, goes with Maggie Rose, Lily, and their mom to the farm[s]. Bryan makes a possible new friend and discovers he likes horses. But other than learning that Lily likes to smell horse poop [I could have gone my whole life without needing to know that] not much happens. That being said, Lily is as adorable as ever.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

30. Lily to the Rescue: Lost Little Leopard

Lost Little Leopard (Lily to the Rescue #5). W. Bruce Cameron. Illustrated by Jennifer L. Meyer. 2021. 144 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: I was playing in the backyard with my girl, Maggie Rose, and my friend friend Brewster. Well, Maggie Rose and I were playing. Brewster was watching. Watching is something Brewster does a lot. Napping is something he does even more. Maggie Rose is my girl, and I am her dog. We were playing my favorite game in the entire world, which is Give-Lily-a-Treat. But Maggie Rose ketp getting it wrong.

Premise/plot: Lily helps a lost little [Amur] leopard in this installment of Lily to the Rescue. Lily proves herself essential or vital to the leopard's well-being. What will happen when the leopard finds a new home/sanctuary/zoo??? Will Lily have to move with the leopard???

My thoughts: I love this series so much. I love reading the adventures and misadventures of this adorable, sweet, helpful dog. I love the family dynamics. I love the formula of this series. If you love one of these books, you'll love them all. (And I do love them all. Or at least all the ones I've read.)

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

29. The Secret School

The Secret School Avi. 2001. 157 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: On a cool Monday morning in early April 1925, Ida Bidson, aged fourteen, carefully guided her family's battered Model T Ford along a narrow, twisting dirt road in Elk Valley, Colorado. "Brake and clutch!" she shouted. Ida, only four-feet-eleven and unable to reach the floor of the car, knelt on the torn seat and gripped the steering wheel tightly. Her seven-year-old brother, Felix, hunched on the floor before her and used his hands to push the brake and clutch pedals down. 

Premise/plot: Ida desperately wants the chance to go to high school. Ultimately she wants to go to "normal school" and get her teaching certificate as well. But this eighth grader may not get the chance to graduate eighth grade dashing all her future dreams. Why? Well, their current teacher is leaving abruptly--a family emergency. The school board had decided to end the term early. The two eighth graders wouldn't get a chance to take their final [final, final] exams and graduate. The two wouldn't be permitted to go on to high school the next school term. But Ida, well, she has BIG dreams. And when someone suggests that she should be their teacher for the rest of the term, well, it makes a lot of sense. It has risks, for sure. She'll be a secret teacher at a secret school. Will she get a chance to take her exam? Will she be going to high school after all?

My thoughts: I love, love, love stories of one-room schoolhouses. This one was a PERFECTLY PERFECT fit for me. I loved getting to know Ida. I loved getting to know all her classmates/students. I felt the story was fleshed out. It felt very REAL. I cared about these students and their families. I wanted more, more, more. 

I don't know WHY I'm just now discovering this one. But I am super thankful I read it.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

28. Roscoe Riley Rules #1: Never Glue Your Friends To Chairs

Never Glue Your Friends To Chairs (Roscoe Riley Rules #1) Katherine Applegate. Illustrated by Brian Biggs. 2008. 79 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Hey! Over here! It's me. Roscoe. Welcome to the Official Roscoe Riley Time-out Corner. Want to hang out with me? I have to warn you, though. We're going to be here for a while.

Premise/plot: Roscoe Riley has GLUE, but not just any glue, it is Super-Mega-Gonzo Glue. It is PERMANENT. Of course, how and why he uses this super-permanent glue is an interesting, humorous story. (He's only got the best intentions, right????) 

My thoughts: This is my first introduction to Roscoe Riley. Apparently there's a series! This one strongly reminds me (in the best way) of Junie B. Jones. It also reminds me of Robert Munsch's humor. I like this early chapter book very much. I could see how it could hook young readers and make them want to read more, more, more.

I am so glad I revisited Katherine Applegate's earlier works. I'm definitely going to see if the library has more of this series.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

27. The Real Mother Goose

The Real Mother Goose. Illustrated by Blanche Fisher Wright. 1916. 128 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Little Bo-Peep has lost her sheep. And can't tell where to find them; Leave them alone, and they'll come home, and bring their tails behind them.

Premise/plot: This Mother Goose collection was originally published in 1916. Its cover (and interior illustrations) are recognizable by generations. There are hundreds of poems/verses. 

My thoughts: I enjoyed reading The Real Mother Goose. While I was familiar with some of the Mother Goose rhymes, there were so many that were new to me. The rhymes do vary in quality and relevance. (I'm not sure little ones need to be familiar with each and every poem in this collection in order to "know" their Mother Goose properly). Here are a few of my favorites:

The Tarts
The Queen of Hearts,
She made some tarts,
All on a summer's day;
The Knave of Hearts,
He stole the tarts,
And took them clean away.
The King of Hearts
Called for the tarts,
And beat the Knave full sore;
The Knave of Hearts
Brought back the tarts,
And vowed he'd steal no more. (107)

Sing a Song of Sixpence
Sing a song of sixpence,
a pocket full of rye;
Four-and-twenty blackbirds
Baked in a pie!
When the pie was opened
The birds began to sing;
Was not that a dainty dish
To set before the king?
The king was in his counting-house
Counting out his money;
The queen was in the parlor,
Eating bread and honey.
The maid was in the garden,
Hanging out the clothes;
When down came a blackbird
And snapped off her nose. (62)

The Bunch of Blue Ribbons
Oh, dear what can the matter be?
Oh, dear what can the matter be?
Oh, dear what can the matter be?
Johnny's so long at the fair.
He promised to buy me a bunch of blue ribbons,
He promised to buy me a bunch of blue ribbons,
He promised to buy me a bunch of blue ribbons,
To tie up my bonny brown hair. (127)

Do you have a favorite Mother Goose rhyme?

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

26. Chicken Karaoke

Chicken Karaoke. Heidi E. Y. Stemple. Illustrated by Aaron Spurgeon. 2023. [January] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Duck arrives, ducklings in tow. She warms up her voice with notes high and low.

Premise/plot: Duck is SUPER excited to be participating in karaoke. But the night doesn't exactly go as planned....what surprises are in store for Duck????

My thoughts: I enjoyed this humorous early reader. It is a silly, enjoyable animal fantasy. It is a 'ready to read' level one book.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

25. Sabrina Sue Loves the Sky

Sabrina Sue Loves the Sky. Priscilla Burris. 2023. [January] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Sabrina Sue lived on a farm. She loved being outside and looking up at the sky. She saw lots of birds flying around. They looked so happy and free! I am a bird, Sabrina Sue thought. I want to fly too! 

Premise/plot: Sabrina Sue is a chicken who wants to FLY. Will she get the chance to fly???

My thoughts: I expected a humorous book about a chicken who wanted to fly...and that's exactly what I got. I expected a twist by the end...and again I got that twist ending. Was it the twist ending I thought it would be? No. Since my guess was wrong, I'll share my wrong guess with you. I guessed that she would "fly" in an airplane to make her dreams come true. 

Looking back, my guess seems silly since the cover gives it away. But I guess that just shows how rarely I look to a cover for clues!

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

24. Worm and Caterpillar Are Friends

Worm and Caterpillar Are Friends (Ready-to-Read Graphics Level 1) Kaz Windness. 2023. [January] 64 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Hello! Hello! We are friends, Caterpillar! Yes, Worm. Best friends!

Premise/plot: Worm and Caterpillar are friends. Worm sees only how alike they are. Caterpillar, however, is always quick to point out they are not the same, how different they are. Caterpillar even corrects Worm  now and then; Worm is quick to make conclusions (at time). This is the story of what happens when Caterpillar transitions into a Butterfly. Worm is not a big fan of change, and, well, Worm doesn't know quite what to make of what his best friend has become. (Are butterflies like birds???? Should he be afraid of his flying friend????)

My thoughts: This early reader 'graphic' novel includes information on the life cycle of worms and caterpillars. The story could quite naturally be taken literally at face value. Of course, the story might be interpreted by some readers--other readers--symbolically, allegorically. Regardless of how far you want to take the text--it is a story of acceptance, affirmation, and growth (in friendship).

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

23. I Did It!

I Did It! Michael Emberley. 2022 [October 11] 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: I can do it! I can't do it! Can I do it? I can't do it! 

Premise/plot: I Did It! is an "I Like To Read Comic" for new readers. The protagonist--who personally reminds me of an animaniac, but that is neither here nor there--is struggling with a series of tasks. These tasks are relatable to young children. It opens with stacking blocks, climbing a rope, catching a ball, etc. But ultimately--where the story spends the most pages--it is about this protagonist trying [and trying and trying and trying] to learn to ride a bicycle. 

My thoughts: If this one had not won the Geisel Award in 2023, I may not have picked this one up at the library. The protagonist looks a little like a clown. But judging this book by the cover was a big mistake. I definitely enjoyed this early reader. The text is super-repetitive and easy to read. It could be a big confidence booster to new readers. And there's a story--that matters. Not all early readers have an actual story that is actually satisfying and worth reading. I also found it universally relatable. [At least I think so.] 

It does remind me of one of my favorite picture books, Leo the Late Bloomer.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers