145. Pizza and Taco: Dare To Be Scared

Pizza and Taco #6, Pizza and Taco: Dare To Be Scared. Stephen Shaskan. 2023. [June] 72 pages. [Source: Library] [Graphic novel, early chapter book]

First sentence: Pizza! Pizza! Pizza!

Premise/plot: Pizza and Taco are two friends who spend the entire book trying to scare each other. Trying to 'properly' scare one another. Taco scares a bit easier than Pizza. The running gag is one likes dressing up as a "ghost pepper" and scaring the other. After the initial scare, they dare each other to scare each other.

My thoughts: I really enjoy this series for the most part. I like Pizza and Taco as characters. The first three or four titles in the series were absolutely great. I haven't been as big a fan of the later titles. But I still like the characters. Still interested in keeping up with these two friends. 

This one would be good for those looking for Halloween titles but not too Halloween. Definitely more silly than scary.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

144. Where I Live

Where I Live: Poems About My Home, My Street, and My Town. Edited by Paul B. Janeczko. Illustrated by Hyewon Yum. 2023. [March] 48 pages. [Source: Library] [Poetry collection for young children]

First sentence: Home
East side, West side,
all around the town.
Which side
is the best side?
Wherever you sit down
to eat your supper, pet your cat,
do homework, watch TV.
Any old place
that's your home base
is where you want to be.
X.J. Kennedy

Premise/plot: Where I Live is a poetry collection edited by Paul B. Janeczko. The poems are gathered together into three sections, "Home," "Street," and "Town." Each poem is illustrated. Many poems celebrate the ordinary, the little moments that make up life.

My thoughts: Poetry collections are interesting. I always find a few to love. I rarely love them one and all. Such is the case with this new collection. There were a handful of poems that I definitely enjoyed reading. I thought they worked really well. I could see using them in the classroom, sharing them with young ones. 

One of my favorite visual poems is by Nicholas Virgilio.
"Now the swing is still: 
a suspended tire
centers the autumn moon."

The illustration shows a tire swing with a centered moon. It's a beautiful image.

I loved Ice Cream Truck by Irene Latham
On summer Mondays
we listen
for the jinglesong
that holds
half notes
of winter:
fudgesicle
orangesicle
pushpop
bombpop
firecracker
snowball
and ice cream
on a stick
that drips
unless
your tongue
is swift
like mine.

The Walk
Crunching my boots
through another snowstorm,
each footprint a temporary tattoo
against the frosted prairie.
~ Charles Waters

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

143. I Love You As Big as Texas

Board book: I Love You As Big as Texas. Rose Rossner. Illustrated by Joanne Partis. 2021. 24 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: I love you as BIG as Texas,
you're my little Lone Star heart.
Together here with you
is always better than apart.
You are my Texas Sweet,
my favorite pecan pie.
Even if you stumble,
I'm here to help you fly.
You're my Texas Adventure,
exploring the unknown.
Fort Worth, Laredo, Amarillo,
but it's you who I call home.

Premise/plot: Another Texas-themed board book. (My library ordered them all at the same time.) This one stars a Mama Bear and a Bear Cub. Every spread ties into Texas somehow, someway. 

My thoughts: There are always, always, always going to be animal books illustrating unconditional love between parent and child. But I'm not personally seeing the need to further push that into unconditional love for the state as well. Texas isn't special. It's just one of dozens (and dozens and dozens) of board books written to "highlight" STATES and CITIES. For example, I love you as big as Kansas City. I love you as big as Kentucky. 

I wouldn't say I hated this one. Hate is WAY too strong a word for so meh a reaction. It's just generic and gimmicky. The rhyming isn't awful. But it's not amazing either.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

142. Board book: ABC's of Texas

Board book: ABC's of Texas. Sandra Magsamen. 2021. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Texas is filled with fantastic and beautiful things to see and do. Just follow the A,B, C's, there is an amazing adventure waiting for you! A is for armadillo. Watch as it waddles and makes its ways. B is for bluebonnet. Our state flower will brighten every day. C is for cowboys who ride horses and herd cattle across the land. D is for dude ranches where awesome outdoor adventures are on hand. E is for El Paso's great river raft race on the Rio Grande each year. F is for football. The Dallas Cowboys are a team to root for and cheer!

Premise/plot: What you see is what you get. Mostly. An alphabet book. Each alphabet letter is paired--for better or worse--with something associated with Texas (supposedly). 

My thoughts: This one is written in rhyme--or attempted rhyme. The rhythm is sometimes (often) lacking. I think I would rather it almost be simpler without the extra additions or descriptions. Like "G is for Galveston." Granted, an alphabet poem will never be natural and flowing. Expecting an alphabet poem to act against its nature is not fair. 

The word choices vary in quality. Like "J is for jumping." It elaborates...jumping in waves. But any state with a coast can have waves to jump in. Nothing particularly "Texan" about that. And "I for incredible" was also on the weaker end. (But they can't all be N is for NASA. OR T is for tacos.)

The "deal-breaker" for me, personally, was V IS FOR VIOLINS. Yes, it elaborates this is for Austin Philharmonic. But chances are classical music isn't the first, most dominate, association when it comes to Texas and the music scene. It seems like F should be for FIDDLES. (Because if you're gonna play in Texas, you gotta have a fiddle in the band.) 

Overall, this one reads like the author has never really been to Texas.

 

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

141. Board Book: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe

Board book: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. Adapted from C.S. Lewis. Illustrated by Joey Chou.. 2021. 32 pages. [Source: Library] 

First sentence: Once there were four children. Their names were Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy. One day, playing hide-and-seek, Lucy finds a wardrobe and goes in.

Premise/plot: This is a board book that condenses and adapts C.S. Lewis' The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. It is a "gentle" retelling. It removes much of the darkness and violence. It reminds me of the live-action George of the Jungle where characters fall off bridges and just get "really bad boo-boos." The book does call Aslan a safe lion. I'm not sure the original would ever do that. But all things considered, it's a summary of a good children's classic.

My thoughts: Much thought was put into making this one appropriate for very young ages. It is gentler, milder, less intense. The illustrations are....well....illustrations. I have never thought of Lucy as blond. But I'm not petty about it. Why not have Lucy with blond hair??? I didn't love the illustrations for the most part. But they're not bad. Just not necessarily my own personal cup of tea. I did like Aslan. 

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

140. Poppleton in Summer

Poppleton in Summer (Poppleton #6?) Cynthia Rylant. Illustrated by Mark Teague. 2023. [May] 64 pages. [Source: Library] [Early chapter book, Animal fantasy]

First sentence: It was summer. Poppleton loved lying on his roof in summer. It was his favorite way to relax.

Premise/plot: Do you know Poppleton? Poppleton is back in another early chapter book. These Poppleton stories are set in summer, of course. The three stories are "Pink," "The Jeep," and "The Rain." In Pink, Poppleton gets sunburned. But he doesn't let that stop him from living life and enjoying the company of friends. In "The Jeep," Poppleton (and friend) go to the country in a jeep. He gets a little carried away in this jeep! Good thing there are cows that don't mind helping out. In "The Rain," Poppleton enjoys the rain. 

My thoughts: Is this my favorite Poppleton collection? Probably not. Do I still enjoy Poppleton as a character? Yes. Definitely. Poppleton and friends are just fun to spend time with. I enjoy Cynthia Rylant as a writer; she creates memorable characters and series.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

139. Anne Dares

Anne Dares (Anne #5) Kallie George. Illustrated by Abigail Halpin. 2023. [October 17?] 72 pages. [Source: Review copy] [early chapter book; illustrated chapter book]

First sentence: It was over a year now since Anne had first come to Green Gables. And, oh, how she loved it there. Today was especially wonderful. Diana Barry, Anne's best friend and kindred spirit, was having a party at her home, Orchard Slope. Anne loved parties! Even if she didn't have a party dress with puffed sleeves like the other girls had. Marilla, who, along with her brother Matthew, had adopted Anne, believed in plain and sensible clothing.

Premise/plot: Kallie George has been adapting the classic novel, Anne of Green Gables, into an illustrated chapter book for young readers. This one covers two episodes from Anne of Green Gables. Anne walking the ridgepole of the roof. Anne participating in a Christmas drama and receiving a dress with puffed sleeves from Matthew. 

My thoughts: I haven't read the original in a number of years. I don't remember the order of the incidents in the book perfectly perfect. Part of me thinks the books might be placing these events out of order. But then again, the other part just isn't sure at all. Even if they are out of order, kid readers wouldn't know any different. It would be completely fine. I enjoy her adaptations. I love the characters from the original. These are straightforward adaptations. Nothing weird is being added. It's all good. I do enjoy the illustrations. 

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

138. The Corgi and the Queen

The Corgi and the Queen. Caroline L. Perry. Illustrated by Lydia Corry. 2022. [November] 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Elizabeth of York wasn't a storybook princess. Her younger sister, Margaret, loved playing dress-up in their mother's fancy gowns and twirling around her room in a diamond tiara. But Elizabeth was happiest wearing normal clothes and playing fetch with the family's dogs, Dookie and Jane.

Premise/plot: This picture book biography highlights Queen Elizabeth II's love of dogs--particularly Corgis. Her first Corgi was Susan. And many--though not all--of her doggie companions were descended from Susan. The picture book tells the story of their friendship--in part. But it is also a brief introduction to the life/reign of Queen Elizabeth II.

My thoughts: I loved this one. Particularly I loved, love, loved the illustrations in this picture book biography. I loved that the book ends with a family tree of the Queen (up to date too!) and of Susan! This one is a good introduction to the life and times of the Queen.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

137. The Ice Cream Vanishes

The Ice Cream Vanishes. Julia Sarcone-Roach. 2023. [June] 40 pages. [Source: Library] [Picture book]

First sentence: Keep your eye on the acorn. I'm Squirrel. I'm a natural at making snacks disappear. Exceptional at eating them. Brilliant at hiding them. And as soon as I figure out the right magic words, I'll be the Amazing Squirrel, Vanisher of Snacks--BY MAGIC! Just need to sniff out the right snack and the right magic words.

Premise/plot: Squirrel, the "star" of this picture book, loves magic and wants to be a magician. He wants to make ICE CREAM disappear. He enlists Bear as his "assistant." Can Bear and Squirrel make ICE CREAM vanish?

My thoughts: This one was fun/funny. I enjoyed the illustrations. Squirrel doesn't quite catch on as to why Bear is so wonderful at making ice cream disappear. But that's part of the charm, in my opinion. I would recommend this one in print book. I checked it out as an e-book.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

136. Gnome and Rat

Gnome and Rat. Lauren Stohler. 2023. [June] 80 pages. [Source: Library] [Early chapter book, graphic novel]

First sentence: Cheep-a! Cheep-a! No more sleep-a! gasp! Oh my goodness! EEEEE! It's today! Hat Day!

Premise/plot: Gnome and Rat star in a new early chapter book series. There are five chapters in this early graphic novel for young readers: "Hat Day," "Gnome Fits In a Hat," "Gnome Grows His Hair," "Gnome's New Hat," and "Back Hat It Again."  In all the stories, Gnome loves, loves, loves his hat. But things aren't always well with his hat. He must go a chapter--or two--without his beloved hat.

My thoughts: I absolutely love this one. It is so adorable and delightful. Gnome is just pure delight as a character. I love everything about him! Rat I have less a feel for as a character. But Gnome, well, I was hooked from early pages. I enjoyed all the chapters/stories. I thought there was good flow between the stories. 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

135. Fish and Worm

Fish and Worm. (I Can Read Comics, Level 1) Sergio Ruzzier. 2023. [May] 48 pages. [Source: Library] [Early Reader]

First sentence: It was lunchtime, but Fish didn't want to eat. 

Premise/plot: Fish doesn't want to his his dinner, a worm on a hook. Fish is pressured several pages. Eat the worm. Eat the worm. Eat the worm. He doesn't eat the worm. Instead, he plays with the worm and befriends it. Out of the blue, it's okay that Fish didn't eat the worm. Now it's fine to eat cake and to share that cake with Worm. 

My thoughts: This was a strange early reader. I do enjoy stories of unlikely friendships. But this one was truly odd. Like worms are used as bait to catch fish...so that humans can eat fish. You would think fish parents would be like WHATEVER YOU DO, don't eat a worm if you see a worm on a hook. Better safe than sorry, stay away from worms. This makes it seem like the fish parent(s) are not only are encouraging him to eat the worm, but had something to do with the worm being there and on the hook. I am definitely over-thinking this one. (I do that. The simpler the text, the more likely I am to overthink it.) Speaking of overthinking it, it would be a very WET and messy cake submerged in the water as it is. (The whole book, of course, is underwater.)

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

134. Destiny Finds Her Way

Destiny Finds Her Way: How a Rescued Baby Sloth Learned to Be Wild. Margarita Engle. 2023. [February] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: This is the true story of Destiny, a brave little sloth who did not let an injured eye keep her from learning how to be free in the rainforest.

Premise/plot: NONFICTION PICTURE BOOK. Narrative nonfiction. Destiny is a rescued baby sloth who was able to be returned to the wild. That's the quick story. What you see is exactly what you get with this one. 

My thoughts: I loved this one. I loved THE PHOTOS. I loved the story. It was just a treat to read this one. It was so heartwarming. Yes, I know that gets overused. But how could your heart not melt when reading this story? When seeing these adorable pictures? It's a feel-good read.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

133. Audrey L & Audrey W: True Creative Talents

True Creative Talents (Audrey L & Audrey W #2) 2022. [October] 176 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Diego was flicking boogers again. Not actual straight-from-your-nose boogers, but the crusty crumbly bits of dried up glue that he'd peeled from his palms.

Premise/plot: Audrey L and Audrey W are best, best friends. Or they are supposed to be. But what happens when enough is enough is enough in Room 19? What happens if the table arrangements (the assigned seating at the tables) are completely redone! If Audrey L and Audrey W are assigned different tables, different teams/pods, will they still be best, best, best friends? Or will Audrey W replace her with a new friend (one named Bettina).

Meanwhile, the class is preparing for a talent show. Can Audrey L find her true talent???

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I still enjoy these characters. I still enjoy chapter books with a strong school setting. In particular, ones that flesh out all the students in a particular classroom and follows them through several books. Classroom dynamics are quite interesting. Audrey L is a great main character. But I like seeing the big picture too!

I loved the description of Audrey W being the guacamole to Audrey L's taco.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

132. The Underdogs: Catch A Cat Burglar

The Underdogs #1: The Underdogs: Catch a Cat Burglar. Kate and Jol Temple. Illustrated by Shiloh Gordon. 2021. 160 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Let me tell you how many cats there used to be in THE UNDERDOG DETECTIVE AGENCY.... Zero. Zilch. Not one. Then along came Fang. One eye. Three teeth. A kink in her tail. You wouldn't pick her as a Dogtown detective, would you?

Premise/plot: Fang is a cat. Fang was raised in Dogtown. Fang wants to join the Underdogs Detective Agency. But she is a cat. Oh no! (I jest). Since Fang is the only applicant and there is a cat burglar on the loose, Fang gets to join. Can Fang (a cat) catch a cat burglar.

My thoughts: Probably a large part of my finding this meh, meh, super-meh was mood. (Though I don't recall being in a mood when I sat down with the book. Clearly by the end, I wasn't feeling it.) If you don't find it absolutely hilarious that a CAT--get this a CAT, an actual CAT--wants to work with dogs and catch a CAT BURGLAR, then this one probably won't be your cup of tea. The book's really counting on you finding this CAT trying to fit in with dogs thing to be an absolute RIOT. 

Fang (and company) do have a case to solve. And this case does involve--potentially--an actual cat as a cat burglar. This number one suspect is also a cat star. But a suspect is just that--a suspect who is innocent until proven guilty. Will the cat be the actual cat burglar? Maybe. Maybe not.

Again, I think the book is counting on you finding a CAT to be a CAT burglar to be a delightful hoot. 

I am not the intended audience (obviously). I somehow or other got in a mood while reading this one. It probably isn't the book's fault. Kids may love this one. Especially all the pee jokes. (Dogs peeing is hilarious, don't you know!) 

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

131. Gertie, The Darling Duck of WWII

Gertie, The Darling Duck of WWII. Shari Swanson. Illustrated by Renee Graef. 2023. [March] 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: One April morning in 1945, when the world was weary of war, a duck flew to the top of a tall post poking out of the Milwaukee River near a big drawbridge and settled in. People smiled at the plucky duck nesting on a perch so high above the water in the middle of a busy, noisy city.

Premise/plot: Nonfiction. History. World War II. Picture book. Gertie, a duck, becomes famous at the end of the Second World War. She warms hearts and features front and center (perhaps not literally) in newspapers around the globe. Everyone, apparently, wanted updates on this darling duck, and her nest of eggs. The place she's chosen for her nest is precarious, at best. Will all be well?

My thoughts: I'd not heard of Gertie. I'm going to guess that the book's intended audience will be unfamiliar as well. This book was a DELIGHT. I absolutely loved this narrative nonfiction text. I loved the illustrations. I loved the end pages that include "more of the story."

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

130. City Under the City

City Under the City. Dan Yaccarino. 2022. [November] 68 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: This is Bix. In the city where Bix and her family live, the Eyes help everyone. But Bix hates being helped all the time. She likes doing things herself. Her family does not understand. But they let Bix be Bix.

Premise/plot: This one defies genres in a way. At its most basic, it is a picture book. But it is a futuristic and/or dystopian picture book with some complex topics (or messages or themes). Bix, a child, is tired of living under the watchful eyes of the EYES. Everyone is mindlessly addicted to small screens, I believe, but not Bix who is quite bored. She follows a rat--for many, many, many, many, many spreads. The rat leads her to a crack in the "perfect" world that leads down to a city under the city. This is an abandoned city with a LIBRARY. An actual library with millions of books. Bix, to be honest, has never been interested in reading before. But now these BOOKS lead to everything--knowledge, wonder, awe. After some time living in this city under the city, she decides to go back to her own world, her own family, to share what's she's learned. Once again, books are the building blocks. 

My thoughts: Some are calling this a graphic novel. I'm not sure if it is. It might be. I do think it's definitely science fiction. I also agree that it isn't your typical children's book.

Freedom of choice is a big theme in this one. 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

129. Elena Rides

Elena Rides. Juana Medina. 2023. [March] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Elena wants to ride. Elena buckles her helmet. She readies, she steadies...she pushes, she pedals! She wobbles and bobbles...KA-BANG!     

Premise/plot: Elena (the elephant) is trying her best to learn how to ride a bicycle. Will she bue successful? Will her hard work and and dedication pay off? 

My thoughts: I love this one so much. This one had me at hello. The cover. The end pages. Every perfect word of this perfectly-perfect narrative. (The language is SO delightful). The illustrations. This beginning reader is so charming. I loved everything about this one!

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

128. Have A Slice Day

The Great Mathemachicken #2 Have A Slice Day. Nancy Krulik. 2023. [April] 96 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: "Eggs-cuse me, please," Chirpy said. The little chick was hungry. But she could not reach the feeder. Clucky was blocking Chirpy's path. Clucky was blocking everyone's path.

Premise/plot: Clucky is a Greedy Gus. (I jest). Seriously though, Chirpy and the other chicks are having a BIG problem with one not-so-little chicken named Clucky. Can Chirpy (and a new friend, a duck) find a solution at school??? Perhaps! The school children are learning all about fractions and Chirpy has an idea that maybe just maybe she can apply her new knowledge to the coop.

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. Both books in this series are fun. I do enjoy books about chickens. I don't love, love, love math (or science), but put it into a fun, illustrated story, and I'll give it a chance. I would recommend this one to elementary readers.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

127. Hide and Go Beak

The Great Mathemachicken: Hide and Go Beak. Nancy Krulik. 2022. [January] 96 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: "Tag! You're it!" Clucky clucked. He pecked his friend Chirpy's back. Chirpy ruffled her wings. But she didn't chase the other chicks.

Premise/plot: The first in a new early chapter book series starring a chicken, Chirpy, who loves math and science. Chirpy often sneaks out of the coop and onto the school bus. She is always eager to learn at school and to share her new knowledge with her fellow chickens in the coop.

In this first adventure, she is learning about simple machines. She may just be able to save a life when a FOX is trying to get one of the chickens.

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I did. There are so many books--picture books, early readers, early chapter books--starring chickens. I'm so glad that this sub-sub-sub-genre exists in the publishing world. 

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

126. The Monster Mac and Cheese Party

Monster Mac and Cheese Party. Todd Parr. 2023. 40 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: You are invited to a monster mac and cheese party Friday night! Please bring your favorite mac and cheese. 

Premise/plot: Todd Parr's newest picture book stars monsters at a party, but not just any party--a mac and cheese party. Each monster guest brings his/her own 'favorite' mac and cheese. But what will happen when humans show up with BOXED mac and cheese?

My thoughts: I am not in the target audience for this one. I am not saying it won't be appealing for the target audience. Gross macaroni and cheeses might be absolutely hilarious for the right reader(s). The text is silly. The illustrations are bright, bold, colorful....and silly.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

125. Audrey L and Audrey W: Best Friends-ish

Audrey L. and Audrey W. Best Friends-ish (Book 1) Carter Higgins. Illustrated by Jennifer K. Mann. 2021. 184 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: At the beginning of the school year, Audrey had been super-duper-duper sure that second grade would be twice as fun as first. She was ready.

Premise/plot: Audrey L is having a harder time than she'd like adjusting to second grade. When Audrey W joins the class--and is assigned to her table/group--things get interesting. Audrey is her official welcome ambassador. Are the two Audrey's more similar than different? Do they have potential to be best friends? This is a situational school drama-comedy. Audrey L definitely is having a time of it. (I believe the book spans a week or possibly two. Not much longer.) 

My thoughts: I LOVED the narration in this one. Audrey L is given quite the unique voice and I absolutely loved getting to know HER. I thought it was super-relatable; it had humor and heart. I look forward to reading book two.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

124. Teaching Tornero

Teaching Tornero: The True Story of a Sloth Superstar. Georgeanne Irvine. 2023. [May] 36 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: The early morning sun was just beginning to shine on the San Diego Zoo when wildlife care specialist Sonia arrived at work.

Premise/plot: Nonfiction picture book. I'd classify (personally) it as narrative nonfiction. It is the story--true story--of a sloth named Tornero. He is a two-toed sloth and wildlife ambassador. Features his story, obviously, but also additional facts about sloths, their habits and habitats. There are plenty of photographs.

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one! Though this one is a picture book, I'd say it is definitely for mid-to-upper elementary school because it is text-heavy. (Unless using as a read aloud in which case younger elementary grades might enjoy as well.) I like the balance of photographs and text. There are plenty of photos, but also plenty of text. It isn't a shallow read; it is substantive.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

123. Great Mouse Detective: Basil and the Cave of Cats

Basil and the Cave of Cats (Great American Detective #3? #2?) Eve Titus. Illustrated by Paul Galdone. 1971. 101 pages. [Source: Library] [Link to cover image] 

First sentence: Miniature cats! Breathes there, in all the world, a mouse who is not stirred by those two words? Did the miniature monsters actually exist? Our leading mouse scientists were not certain, but they all believed the answer would be found in the Orient.

Premise/plot: This one was originally titled Basil and the Pygmy Cats. (It's being rebranded/republished as Basil and the Cave of Cats. On this one Basil and Dr. David Q. Dawson go traveling the world. There are two sub-stories--they are out to help a friend/ruler get his kingdom back AND to solve the so-called mystery of if miniature cats ever existed. 

My thoughts: I thought this one was lacking in mystery, lacking as a detective story. It's like the series has taken a turn from being a detective story with a traditional detective and turned into a archaeological quest. This one was 99% world-building. That sounds like it would be a good thing. But imagine it more as an encyclopedia type of world-building. Readers are essentially getting a text-book education on mouse lore that is thousands of years old. Was I interested? Not really. It requires a LOT of suspension of disbelief. Like mice traveling the globe; mice ruling countries. It was just a little too much for me to really enjoy. I much preferred the idea of a mouse living in a mouse town in the cellar of Sherlock Holmes' residence.

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

122. Rock, Rosetta, Rock!

Picture Book Biography: Rock, Rosetta, Rock! Roll, Rosetta, Roll! Presenting Sister Rosetta Tharpe the Godmother of Rock & Roll. Tonya Bolden. Illustrated by R. Gregory Christie. 2023. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [Link to cover image]

First sentence: A long, long time ago, there you were.
Pint-size sensation in tiny
Cotton Plant, Arkansas.
Rosa,
Rosabell,
Rosie Etta.
Who had a clue you'd one
day rock the world?

Premise/plot: This one is a picture book biography of singer/musician Sister Rosetta Tharpe. It is written in verse. It covers her life and career. 

My thoughts: I'd never heard of Sister Rosetta Tharpe before reading this one. (Though I'd heard of This Train. And maybe perhaps even heard *her* version of This Train.) It is always a pleasure to genuinely, actually LEARN while reading children's nonfiction. This one left me super curious to seek out her music and give it a listen.

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers