186. Bear Is Never Alone. Marc Veerkamp. Illustrated by Jeska Verstegen. Translated into English by Laura Watkinson. 2023. [April] 32 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book]
First sentence: Everything in the forest is silent, except for the piano. Not even the birds are singing. That's because Bear's music is so beautiful.
Premise/plot: Bear may enjoy playing beautiful music on the piano. But he doesn't always enjoy feeling pressured to play beautiful music. He doesn't want to be forced to perform. He shouldn't have to give into demands for more, more, more. What Bear wants--what he really really wants--is peace and quiet and ALONE time. Yet sometimes alone time can be experienced with a kind, understanding friend by your side.
My thoughts: I absolutely love the black, white, red illustrations. I don't know if this one is particularly appealing to children--especially very young children? Though I could be wrong about that. Picture books are so subjective. But the concepts being explored are more on the mature (developed) side. Though I think the need for empathy and kindness comes across no matter your age.
187. Before, Now. Daniel Salmieri. 2023. 48 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book]
First sentence: In the dark sky floats a bright planet
Where wet waves crash on a dry stretch of beach
And there are smooth stones in the rough sand
Dew shines on the dull bark of a tree
Outside a little home on a big street
In the home there's a small person in a big chair
And squishy oatmeal in a hard bowl
There are fluffy birds in a prickly nest
Premise/plot: This is a picture book without punctuation. It relies heavily on word-pictures and imagery. I suppose you could call it a picture book poem. If you don't love poetry, if you are not excited by reading poetry--with all its meanings, themes, imagery, etc, then chances are you won't appreciate this picture book. It's about everything and about absolutely nothing. But if phrases like "a cold jacket on a warm face" evoke memories of family for you, then perhaps you will find it beautiful and amazing.
My thoughts: Dare I said this picture book poem is more for older readers? I hate to say that the poem will not be understood by young readers--especially very young readers--but that may be the case. That being said, there's something about reading aloud. One can appreciate and enjoy the experience even if one doesn't quite "get" everything there is to be gotten. (If that makes sense). In other words, you can read Alice in Wonderland to your one year old baby even though he or she may not "comprehend" the story as they would later on.
188. Walter Finds His Voice: The Story of a Shy Crocodile. Ann Kim Ha. 2023. [May] 32 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book]
First sentence: Meet Walter. He's right there, behind the tall grass, in the shallow end of the swamp. Most crocodiles hide so they can pounce on unsuspecting prey. But that's NOT Walter. Walter hides because he's what some may call shy.
Premise/plot: Walter is shy...until he isn't....and he finds his voice via standing up for a friend (a turtle).
My thoughts: Shyness is seen as something to be "cured" or "fixed" in this animal fantasy picture book. I wish it wasn't quite that way. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. And maybe the prevailing opinion is that everyone should be "forced" or "coaxed" into society at large.
I personally wanted a different story. But that is on me.
189. Hattie Harmony: Opening Night. Elizabeth Olsen and Robbie Arnett. Illustrated by Marissa Valdez. 2023. [June] 40 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book]
First sentence: Opening night had arrived...and Wildwood Elementary was preparing for the school play. There was still work to be done, and some of the students had a case of the OPENING NIGHT jitters. Luckily, Hattie Harmony: Worry Detective was ready to help.
Premise/plot: Hattie Harmony (Worry Detective) returns for her second picture book. In this one, she is helping behind the scenes everyone deal with anxiety and stage fright. She has helpful tips for the characters in the books. These tips can also prove helpful (perhaps) (at least in theory) to young readers.
My thoughts: I enjoyed both Hattie Harmony books. Hattie is a fun character with a catchy catchphrase. She is kind, helpful, understanding. The books might come across as slightly didactic, but, not in a horrible way. More like the "educational" and "informational" programs on television. Like I said, I personally enjoyed the book.
190. Rabbit, Duck, and Big Bear. Nadine Brun-Cosme Illustrated Olivier Tallec. 2023. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book]
First sentence: In the forest live three friends, Rabbit, Duck, and Big Bear. They do everything together.
Premise/plot: Rabbit, Duck, and Bear (Big Bear) are best friends who do nearly everything together. But there's one thing that they never do--no matter the season--go down the "long, winding path" [in the woods.] Turns out Rabbit has a secret. Duck has a secret. Bear has a secret. Can you guess the secret?
My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I definitely liked elements of this one. I thought the story was cute. It was a refreshing take on seasons. I liked the big reveal of everyone's secret. It was a treat of a book.
That being said, I didn't love, love, love the illustrations. I loved the text more than the illustrations. I don't know why the way this bear is illustrated bothers me. (It just does). (I do like the way Duck is illustrated). I do still think this is a fun book that I'm happy to recommend.
191. Mr. S: A First Day of School Book. Monica Arnaldo. 2023. [June] 40 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book]
First sentence: The kids in room 2B could tell something was wrong. Even though it was their very first time at school, they had the sense that something was missing. "Where's the teacher?" someone whispered. "Shouldn't they be here by now?" asked someone else.
Premise/plot: A kindergarten class is puzzled by their teacher--or lack of teacher. Where a teacher should be sitting there is only a SANDWICH. On the board is written a name: Mr. S. Could this sandwich be their actual teacher?
The text only tells HALF the story. The illustrations reveal quite the commotion out the window, outside the school. As the school day progresses, so does the drama. Will the students ever have an answer to their question?
My thoughts: This one is super silly, over-the-top ridiculous, absurd, odd. This could be a GREAT thing in the book's favor. There's something to be said for pure nonsense. Of course, not every reader will find pure nonsense hilarious and appealing. Some will.
I didn't love this one. I can see how it might prove very funny as a read aloud. I think some readers will find the humor actually funny.
© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers
No comments:
Post a Comment