230-231. Two more picture books

NO is all I know! Chris Grabenstein. Illustrated by Leo Espinosa. 2023. [May] 40 pages. [Source: Library] [Picture book]

First sentence: Oliver McSnow would always say no! 
no matter what you asked him.
Did he brush is teeth? NO!
Was he hungry? NO!
Would he clean up his mess? NO!
Did he want to swing on the swings? NO!
Oliver said NO! so many times...his NO! started to grow.

Premise/plot: NO! Is All I Know stars a [stubborn] toddler named Oliver. NO is his word of choice for almost all situations. He does manage somehow someway to always say yes to macaroni and cheese. But perhaps his parents just don't ask him if he wants it. Each spread offers an opportunity to laugh. The no-situation is being slightly exaggerated, in my opinion.

My thoughts: I LOVED this one. Is it for kids? Is it for adults? Is it for everyone? Parents have at the very least two options--neither good for the exact-in-the-moment-nowness of a fit--laugh or cry. Can you find the humor--at some point in time--in the situation? Because, to be honest and fair, many fit-throwing situations are ridiculous....later. This book doesn't illustrate HOW his parents handle the no-ness of it all. This focuses solely on Oliver. [Which I think is probably the best call. A book about the parents deciding HOW to deal with Oliver would be a lot less funny. Though definitely realistic for them to come up with a game plan.) It is written as a comedy. 

I do like that Oliver meets his cousin (who always says yes) and the situation begins to resolve. Is it realistic? No. Is it fun? Mostly.

Jungle Cat. Andrew Larsen. Illustrated by Udayana Lugo. 2023. [May] 32 pages. [Source: Library] [Picture book]

First sentence: "Bob!" says Pearl. "Come in!" 

Premise/plot: An apartment cat (named Bob) makes the rounds to ALL four apartments. He likes to think of himself as a jungle cat exploring and having adventures. But one adventure--an adventure outside the apartment complex--brings him to the realization that maybe he's not so wild after all. The apartment residents come together to 'rescue' "their" cat.

My thoughts: I didn't care for this one. At least I didn't care for it as much as I wanted to. I love, love, love, love, love cats. I wanted to love this picture book starring a mischievous cat. I just didn't. It is a fine book. There's no reason why other readers wouldn't enjoy it...or even love it.

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

228-229. Two picture books

228. Mine! Candace Fleming. Illustrated by Eric Rohmann. 2023. [August] 40 pages. [Source: Library] [Picture book]

First sentence: In a tall, tall tree,
at the tip-tippy-top,
hung a single read apple,
just about to drop.

Premise/plot: Various animals--of all shapes and sizes--all wait in anticipation for the apple to drop from the tree. But WHO will get the apple? Each sees the apple as MINE. The story is told in rhyme.

My thoughts: I absolutely LOVED, LOVED, LOVED, LOVED the illustrations. The text is good, solid. But for me personally it was the illustrations that took it from "really like" to "love." I thought the story was cute and playful. It has perhaps slightly more suspense than most picture books. It was interesting to see WHO got the apple in the end.

229. Who Made This Mess? Laura Gehl. Illustrated by Aleksandar Stojsic. 2023. [July] 32 pages. [Source: Library] [Picture book]

First sentence: Loud moos in the night
gave Farmer a fright.
Who made the loud moos?

Premise/plot: Expect the unpredictable. Don't be led astray by common sense OR rhyming clues. For example, COWS (which you can see outside his window) are not the ones mooing.) It is instead a silly owl. This book celebrates all things silly. And it is a celebration...or sorts...though not a "birthday party."

My thoughts: I didn't love this one as much as I wanted to love it. I'm all for celebrating silly. (Though not all the time. There's a time and place for pure silliness and nonsense.) But the illustrations just weren't my personal cup of tea. It didn't help that I read this one back to back with MINE (see above) which I absolutely adored--mainly for the illustrations. That being said, I could see this one being used in libraries and classrooms as a group read aloud to young children.

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

224-227. Some Early Chapter Books

224. Fox Has a Problem. Corey R. Tabor. 2023. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [early reader] 

First sentence: Fox has a problem. It is not a new problem. But Fox has an idea. A big idea. 

Premise/plot: Fox's problem changes throughout this new early reader by Corey R. Tabor. His problem? His kite--one of many kites--is stuck in a tree. A problem sure enough, but is his solution a true solution? Maybe. Maybe not. Is Fox smart enough to find a true solution? Maybe. Maybe not. But with a little help from his friends, all of his problems might find solutions...

My thoughts: I laughed out loud. I'm not lying. I laughed so hard when reading this one. It was such a DELIGHT. There are more in the series that I am excited to read now. I loved, loved, loved it.

225. Mindy Kim and the Summer Musical. Lyla Lee. Illustrated by Dung Ho. 2023. [July] 96 pages. [Source: Library] [early chapter book; series book]

First sentence: My name is Mindy Kim. It's finally summer, and my best friend, Sally, and I have really fun plans.

I've read the first book and the ninth book--none of the books in between. I normally don't read books out of sequence, but, I was intrigued with the 'summer musical' story. I love, love, love musicals. And this one is Cinderella--one of my favorites.

Mindy Kim, our heroine, is trying out for the summer musical (it is a children's production). The book shows her life at home and 'on set.' Plenty going on behind the scenes as well, and not just about the musical itself. 

I may have enjoyed this one even more if I was familiar with all of the characters--family, friends, etc. But I enjoyed plenty. I would recommend this series.

226. Bad Luck Lola (Hola, Lola) Keka Novales. Illustrated by Gloria Felix. 2022. 64 pages. [Source: Library] [early chapter book]

First sentence: The delicious smell of bacon and waffles woke me up in the morning. I knew what that meant--Sunday!

Premise/plot: Lola breaks a mirror her grandmother gave her. She's convinced for almost the entire book that bad luck is coming and is already starting to ruin everything.

MY thoughts: I wanted to like this one because of the Texas setting. But her superstitious woes irritated me so much. I wish I'd started with any other book in the series but this one.

227. Dance of the Feather (Hola, Lola) Keka Novales. Illustrated by Gloria Felix. 2022. 64 pages. [Source: Library] [early chapter book]

First sentence: Happy birthday to you.

Premise/plot: Lola is given tickets to the ballet for her birthday (by her grandparents). Lola then has a sudden desire to dance, dance, dance. But when she doesn't immediately--a few lessons in--get a big role in Swan Lake (like why is she in the production at all???) she finds a way to be cheerful as a chicken.

My thoughts: This book irritated me too. I don't understand how someone who has only taken a few lessons, at best, and mid-course at that. (Just randomly showing up to ballet class and joining in) has been given any part no matter how small. There's a LOT of time between dance class number one and recital number one. And this isn't even a recital, but a production of a ballet--Swan Lake. I do have a tendency to overthink things.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

221-223. Picture Book Parade

221. Bear With Me. Kerascoët (Sebastien Cosset and Marie Pommepuy). 2023. [June] 40 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book] [near wordless picture book]

First sentence: Bear with me!

Premise/plot: Oh how I love thee, let me count the ways. This is a near wordless picture book starring a growing girl (she's an infant on the first spread and starting school towards the second half) and her beloved bear. Throughout the book, you see her growing up. This sequence is beautifully illustrated and super relatable. The conflict in this one--well, one of two conflicts, perhaps--is WHAT will she do at school without bear? (And perhaps just perhaps what will Bear do all day without her while she's at school.) 

My thoughts: I don't always love wordless books, but this near-wordless picture book charmed me from page one. SO much story is expressed on each spread. SO much emotion. So many relatable experiences--from both sides. For example, the sequence where the dad has had ENOUGH and is putting his foot down, so to speak, and washing Bear in the washing machine. Those two pages express so much just through illustrations alone. But I think my favorite pages deal with the girl's attempt to take the Bear with her. Literally, "Bear with me." 

I loved this one so much. It was super cute and adorable. It was very relatable.

222. The Together Tree. Aisha Saeed. Illustrated by LeUyen Pham. 2023. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book] [school, bullying]

First sentence: Rumi joined Ms. Garza's class on the first warm day of spring. 

Premise/plot: Rumi, the new student, is bullied by his classmates. He spends his time during recess drawing underneath a tree. Soon he's not alone. It doesn't happen over night, nor quickly enough for Rumi, perhaps, but unlikely friends can become good friends.

My thoughts: This is a picture book that addresses bullying AND reaction to bullying. The focus isn't so much on the person bullying and the person being bullied as it is the bystanders who witness bullying situations. 

This is a message-driven book. Unfortunately, bullying continues to exist in this world despite all the calls for kindness and compassion. Still every book that promotes kindness and compassion is welcome.

I liked this one. The illustrator has long been one of my favorites. 

223.  Tap! Tap! Tap! Dance! Dance! Dance! Hervé Tullet. 2023. [May] 64 pages. [Source: Library] [Picture book] [interactive]

First sentence: Ready? Place your hand here. Close your eyes. Concentrate. Wiggle your fingers gently to warm them up. Heads up, your turn now....

Premise/plot: This is an "interactive" book that may [or may not] appeal to young children. It invites them to follow the instructions of the book, be directed by the illustrations. It is written in second person, present tense. 

My thoughts: I may not be the right audience for this one. I wanted to be. I just wasn't. I do think it has potential to appeal to young ones. (As do most books). I think if there was more tapping and less swooshing or sweeping, it might have been more enjoyable to me.

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

217-220. Board Book Parade

217. Big Kids No Everything. Wednesday Kirwan. 2023. [April] 36 pages. [Source: Library] [Board book]

First sentence: Big kids NO everything. There are small nos, and there are big nos. Loud nos. And quiet nos. 

Premise/plot: This book celebrates toddlerhood?! Full of puns surrounding the word "no" (no/know). The point it is celebrating is that saying no is a big step to growing up. The scenes capture all the relatable everyday moments of life. The NO of not wanting to wear [particular] pants. The NO of a hangry tantrum. The NO of not wanting to take a bath. My favorite NO however is the "timid no" of a girl surrounded by squirrels after her snack. 

My thoughts: The text is super-simple. It is the illustrations that carry the story--in my opinion. It is the illustrations that provide context, context, and more context. The text cannot stand alone, again this is just my opinion. Is no something to be celebrated? Maybe. Maybe not. Is it a reality for many/most? Probably. Definitely. Whether it is celebrated by parents or not, I think there are recognizable and relatable moments captured in the art. 

Super-sensitive readers [aka monitors] should know there is cartoon nudity (nothing is seen) on one of the spreads. A little toddler [girl, presumably] is running AWAY from a bathtub.

 I really enjoyed this one!

218. Baby Animals First Sounds. Alexandra Claire. 2023. [February] 20 pages. [Source: Library] [Board book]

First sentence: Chirp. Hummingbirds ask for lunch with a "Chirp, Chirp" sound. "Please feed us soon, 'til our tummies grow round." BAA. Two lambs in the field are sister and brother. They say "Baa, baa" when they talk to each other."

Premise/plot: This board book features some familiar animals (pigs, cows, sheep) alongside more unique animals (hummingbirds, mice, snakes). It isn't exclusively farm animals either. 

My thoughts: This one is written in rhyme. It features some photographs of animals. It's basic. 

219. My First Book of Fruit. Fred Wolter. 2023 [March] 20 pages. [Source: Library] [Board book]

First sentence: Apple. There are more than 7,500 different kinds of apples in the world. Banana. A small bunch of bananas is called a hand of bananas! A single banana is called a finger. 

Premise/plot: Concept book about fruit that is filled with I-didn't-know-that-facts. For example, did you know that wood from the pear tree is often used to make musical instruments??????

My thoughts: I didn't know I needed this book. But every spread had a fun, often new-to-me fact. (Though not all facts were new to me.) I liked the simple text and the super bold illustrations. It's also a fun shape. 

220. My First Book of Veggies. Fred Wolter. 2023. [March] 20 pages. [Source: Library] [Board book]

First sentence: Carrot. Carrots can be orange, black, purple, red, white, or yellow. Purple broccoli. Broccoli is a member of the cabbage family, just like cauliflower and Brussels sprouts! 

Premise/plot: Concept book about vegetables that is filled with facts. Did you know that the number of rows on a corn cob is always an even number?!?!?! 

My thoughts: I was familiar with most of these facts about vegetables. But I also fell in love with the illustrations of the vegetables. I never thought vegetables could be cute and adorable. Loved that they included mushrooms. (Even though as the book points out, mushrooms are not technically vegetables.)

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

216. See the Ghost

See the Ghost: Three Stories about Things You Cannot See. David LaRochelle. Illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka. 2023. 64 pages. [Source: Library] [early chapter book] [early reader]

 First sentence: See the ghost.

Premise/plot: This is the third book in the series. The first two are See the Cat and See the Dog. All the books have the narrator speaking directly to the characters and directing the story. The characters interact with the narrator and amuse the audience--usually. The first story is about a ghost (invisible to readers and characters). The second story is about the wind (again invisible to readers and characters). The third story is about a fairy (again invisible to readers and characters). Though some characters are invisible, plenty of action happens.

My thoughts: I don't love, love, love this one as much as the first two books. The first two books are super-special to me. I just love and adore them. I do care about the characters. This one, like the first two, offer plenty of giggles and laughs. I still "really like" this one. I'm reminded that even books I merely "really like" can sound like gushing when I'm in the right mood. I do recommend all three books. 

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

212-215. Picture Book Parade

212. When Rubin Plays. Gracey Zhang. 2023. 56 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book; music appreciation; cats]

First sentence: In a small town by a big forest, there was a little orchestra...a little orchestra that played beautiful sounds. Rubin loved these sounds. They drifted around him and lifted him up, warm and light. Rubin felt like flying. 

Premise/plot: Rubin LOVES, LOVES, LOVES music. He finds it incredibly emotionally moving. He wants to learn to play the violin. But he needs practice. Lots and lots of practice. The sounds the violin makes when he plays it...well...less than ideal...for a human audience. But he plays to a VERY appreciative audience of cats. When it is time to perform for humans, well, the kitties may just crash the party to the delight of all.

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one! I liked the story and the art. I absolutely loved the color palette of the illustrations. Absolutely beautiful! I was so happy to see all the kitties!!! 

213. Luli and the Language of Tea. Andrea Wang. Illustrated by Hyewon Yum. 2022. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book]

First sentence: The playroom was quiet. Luli couldn't speak English. Neither could the others. All around the room, children played alone. Last time, Luli had played by herself too, until she had an idea. 

Premise/plot: The setting for this new picture book is the free childcare at a place offering English as a Second Language lessons for adults. Luli, the protagonist, has the idea to make friends and bring them closer together by offering tea--“Chá!”

All of the other kids recognize this word and are delighted to join her because of the similarities between many, many languages for tea.  

My thoughts: I liked this one. I had never thought of tea as a universal language before, but, it makes sense once you read the book and the back matter. I also don't necessarily link tea--actual tea--with children. But I think this depends completely and totally on one's culture. The book celebrates diverse cultures and SHARING. 

214. I Cannot Draw A Bicycle. Charise Mericle Harper. 2023. 48 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book]

First sentence: This is my shape. My shape can make a lot of things. I can draw a cat. I can draw a skateboard. I can draw a horse. 

Premise/plot: Cat and Horse star in this silly picture book. Horse wants the book to draw a bicycle. The book can't having never seen one. Horse doesn't seem to have a clue how to draw a bicycle either. The book tries...and tries...and fails.The end.

My thoughts: I want my time back. I'm sure this book will find readers who are happy to have read it. There will probably be at least a few who will giggle at the silly antics. But for me personally, this was odd and strange in a way that didn't quite work. I'm not really sure why "the book" is an invisible entity interacting with the characters. When I first read it, I thought it was a dialogue between Cat and Horse. I didn't "get" that Book was also a character. I still don't get *why* that is. I found it unfunny the first time. But a puzzler the second time. 

215. YOU Can't Be a Pterodactyl! James Breakwell. Illustrated by Sophie Corrigan. 2023. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book]

First sentence: "You can be anything you want to be," the teacher said to the class.

Premise/plot: Did the teacher mean what she said? If she did, why did she and ALL the students in the class make fun of Tommy (the protagonist) for saying he was going to be a pterodactyl when he grew up???? The book essentially explores why he wants to be a pterodactyl when he grows up. His dad is supportive of his imagination and even joins in. 

My thoughts: This book makes no sense at the end. It has a twist ending. But I can't unpack what it means. Perhaps because I'm too literal, too stuck in my ways. It's impossible for a boy to grow up to be a pterodactyl. 

The book is silly but I'm not sure if there is a hidden message there. 

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

210-211. Two Fosterland Chapter Books

210. Adventures in Fosterland: Emmet and Jez (Adventures in Fosterland #1) Hannah Shaw. Illustrated by Bev Johnson. 2022. 144 pages. [Source: Library] [chapter book; animal fantasy; series]

First sentence: Thud! The whole world seemed to be spinning around Emmett as he hit the pavement and rolled into a ditch. Ouch. That hurt! Little Emmett brushed himself off and lifted his head, which was now throbbing, and squinted as he watched a truck disappear into the distance.

Premise/plot: Emmett, a pig, becomes best friends with Jez, a cat. These two meet in Fosterland. Emmett is the only of his kind--at least at that time. So he spends a good bit of time thinking he's a cat just like Jez. And Jez is happy to treat him as such. But as the two grow up, their differences become more and more undeniable. Will Emmett (and Jezz) find their forever homes? 

My thoughts: This series is written by Hannah Shaw, aka KITTEN LADY. These characters are based (somewhat loosely) on her own past fosters. The book is told exclusively from Emmett's point of view. And the focus is never on any of the humans, just on other animals. I liked this one very much. 

211. Super Spinach (Adventures in Fosterland #2) Hannah Shaw. Illustrated by Bev Johnson. 2022. 173 pages. [Source: Library] [chapter book; animal fantasy; series]

First sentence: "Pow!" shouted a tiny tabby named Bruce as his paw struck a crinkle ball, sending it flying toward his littermates. "Bam!" called his sister, Sally, as she swiped it out of the air with her fluffy mitts.

Premise/plot: Spinach, a cat, needs corrective surgery that will enable her to live her best life ever and be up for adoption. After the surgery, Spinach wears a super-armor and super-sock. Spinach is convinced she is a superhero--a real one--with actual super-powers. She even finds a sidekick to help her on her adventures. She spends her recovery time at Fosterland and has plenty of adventures...but will her super powers disappear after the special super-suit is gone?

My thoughts: I definitely enjoyed this one. Perhaps even more than the first book in the series. I loved getting to know the characters--mainly kitties--and it was just a great read.

 

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

206-209. Picture Book Parade

 206. Simon and the Better Bone. Corey R. Tabor. 2023. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [Picture book; animal fantasy; dogs; humor]

First sentence: Simon was out playing by the pond when he found a bone. If there was a better bone in all the world, Simon hadn't seen it. But then he spotted something in the pond. It was another bone. A better bone. There was a dog holding the bone. But it was a scrawny little dog. Certainly no match for Simon.

Premise/plot: Simon is a LOVABLE dog who though he has a bone wants a BETTER bone that the pond-dog has or seems to have. Will Simon convince the pond-dog to trade bones? Will Simon be left with any bones by the end of the book?

My thoughts: I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this sweet, humorous picture book. Simon was incredibly lovable--and silly. Readers will inevitably be a bit brighter than Simon which makes for some amusement. I love the way this one ends. 

This one reads differently than most books--literally--in how the pages are turned. I thought this was fun. 

I think this would be a great read aloud for parents, of course, but also for libraries. (I'd say pre-K and Kindergarten could join in on the fun. Not sure if it would work for older grades. Though to be honest, I think readers of all ages could enjoy this one.) 

 

207. How To Talk Like a Bear. Charlie Grandy. Illustrated by Alex G. Griffiths. 2023. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book; animal fantasy; bears; humor]

First sentence: I am going to teach you how to talk like a bear. 

Premise/plot: Best case scenario this is an INTERACTIVE read that kids can join in on. It is written directly to readers. The star of the show, a bear, is going to teach YOU the reader how to talk like a bear. There are several lessons. There are some mishaps along the way, no one gets it right the first time, which could lead to some giggles.

My thoughts: This was SO MUCH FUN. I think this could easily be one to read again-again-again-again. I wouldn't be surprised if it encourages kids--especially younger kids--to try talking like a bear outside the context of reader participation while listening to this one. It's just so much fun, so super-silly. 

I would definitely recommend this one. Again, I think it would work in homes, libraries, and younger elementary grades. 

208. Fox Forgets (Goose and Bear Stories) Suzanne Bloom. 2013/2023. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book; animal fantasy]

First sentence: I have to go. But I'll be right back.

Premise/plot: Fox forgets to tell Bear that Goose has gone...but will be right back. Bear and Fox spend the book looking for Goose. 

My thoughts: I do like some of the books in this series. This wasn't one that I loved...or even enjoyed. But if your little one loves these characters, this one isn't bad. It's just not absolutely wonderful.

I absolutely DO love the illustrations.

209. Bear Can Dance! (Goose and Bear Stories). Suzanne Bloom. 2015/2023. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [Picture book; animal fantasy]

First sentence: I wish I could fly.

Premise/plot: Bear REALLY wants to fly. He spends most of the book wishing to fly and trying to fly. By the end of the book, he learns that while he cannot fly he has learned to dance....and dancing is almost like flying. 

My thoughts: I definitely enjoyed Bear Can Dance more than Fox Forgets! I love the illustrations so much. A good reminder of why I enjoy this series by Suzanne Bloom. Both books are newly reprinted/republished.

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

205. Hope In the Valley

Hope In the Valley. Mitali Perkins. 2023. 304 pages. [Source: Library] [J Fiction; MG Fiction; everybody-fiction, "historical" fiction, realistic fiction]

First sentence:  Our front porch is a mess. Stepping around a discarded skateboard and a rusty tricycle, I avoid a couple of splintery wooden chairs and make my way down the steps. As I cross the street to the old Johnson place, I move slowly, casually, in case eyes are tracking me. The riskiest part of this escape is ducking behind the overgrown oleander bushes. But I'm careful as always. There. Now I'm hidden.

Premise/plot: Hope in the Valley is set in the early 1980s, I believe, in California. Pandita Paul, the protagonist, is going to be an eighth grader in the fall. And she doesn't like change--not this change nor any other, not really. Perhaps because she's already experienced one of the biggest changes she could face--the death of her mother. (And it happened on vacation, when they were visiting her grandparents in India). She is holding onto every single memory, every single moment. She has a BIG secret that her and her mother held. The abandoned mansion across the street is their favorite "quiet" place. In particular the porch swing on the porch. There's a cushion where they hid letters, notes, pictures. This is her "safe place" mentally and emotionally. But soon after her birthday (or perhaps on her birthday), she learns that it is soon to be demolished and sold. She's crushed, angered, scared. Can she find a way to save the past? 

Of course, that's only ONE of a handful of story threads in the novel...

My thoughts: I absolutely ADORE this one so much. I loved the main character. I loved getting to know her older sisters. I loved meeting her friends--not all of them her own age. I loved the characters, the relationships, the stories. I loved the inclusion of drama camp and SOUND OF MUSIC. It is just a fantastic coming of age story.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

202-204. Picture Book Parade (Mini)

202. This Is The First Book I Will Read To You. Francesco Sedita. Illustrated by Magenta Fox. 2023. [May] 32 pages. [Source: Library] [Picture book]

First sentence: This is the first book I will read to you, my sweet child. After we take our bath, I'll put you in your softest pajamas. And wrap you in your blanket. You'll wiggle your feet and squirm as I hold you. And I'll be nervous--to share this moment that only you and I will be a part of. You might not want to listen at first. Maybe you'll want to be doing something else. But then we'll find our way together. 

Premise/plot: A father reads a book to his baby. It is written in second person, directly to the baby--child. 

My thoughts: It is a sweet, sensitive. It isn't trying to be funny--just sincere. It stars a father--not a mother. The only two we meet in the book are father and child (baby). There are folks in picture frames, but no details given. (Nor should there have to be.) 

I'm torn. Part of me is trying to restrain from overthinking a single page. The other part is finding it difficult not to overthink. For example, all the MANY positions the dad is in that would make me actual reading from a book difficult. When you've got a tiny one still needing swaddling, it's probably not best to walk around reading a book. How will you turn pages with just one hand free? And while I'm sure that plenty of the spreads are more metaphorical than literal--a father goes from walking into a nursery with a wooden floor to being outside in the woods--the scene where he's walking up hill reading the book while cradling the baby in his other arm--it just seems hazardous with all the trees about. Again, I know it's imaginative and creative--not literal. 

But I think the sweetness, the tenderness, the emotional journey of this one outweighs even my overthinking.

203. Something's Wrong: A Bear, A Hare, and Some Underwear. Jory John. Illustrated by Erin Kraan. 2021. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [Picture book]

First sentence: "Let's see...I ate my breakfast. I wrote in my journal. I watered my plant. I took my bath. I tried on the gift from my grandma. And I combed my fur. Hmm. So why do I still feel like I'm forgetting something? Something's wrong!"

Premise/plot: Jeff (the bear) feels something is WRONG. As he walks through the woods/forest, he's even more certain. All the animals are looking at him strangely. He needs a friend, his good friend, his best friend, Anders (the hare), to tell him the truth! Will Anders come through and prove he's the best friend a bear could have?

My thoughts: This one is text-heavy but definitely humorous. Also a great example of getting exactly what is promised. The cover lets you know exactly what to expect. 

204. Bing! Bang! Chugga! Beep! Bill Martin Jr. Michael Sampson. Illustrated by Nathalie Beauvois. 2023. [April] 32 pages. [Source: Library] [Picture book]

First sentence: This old car,
it is blue,
yellow, red, and purple too.
With a bing, bang,
Chugga, beep,
Bouncing here and there,
This old car goes everywhere.

Premise/plot: I couldn't find anywhere on the jacket copy that it's meant to be song to "This Old Man," but I think it is meant to be. The jacket copy just says "singsong" story. What you see is exactly what you get. A car (and toy-car) themed rhyming song to share with little ones at home and at school. 

My thoughts: Bill Martin Jr. died in 2004. I don't know exactly how/where these new books are coming from--cowritten with Michael Sampson, but I'm not exactly complaining. I think this one--like so many other classics--fits right in in a pre-K, kindergarten, first grade environment. Or at home, of course. Or the library. I do think you'll probably want to practice singing this one before you have an audience. But I think it is possible to get the rhythm right with a practice-run first.

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

201. Sometimes Shy

201. Sometimes Shy. Julie Bliven. Illustrated by Dang Khoa Tran. 2023. [May] 32 pages. [Source: Library] [Picture book]

First sentence: At first, the sun barely stretches through the crack between my curtains. The morning is slow to cast its glow over the harbor in our little town. Still, no one calls the sun shy. 

My thoughts: This one felt PERFECT to me. 

Premise/plot: Sometimes Shy is a unique (and lovely) twist on the traditional book about shyness. It stars a little boy who is sometimes shy. In addition to being shy (at least sometimes) it shows that he is observant and thoughtful/wise. There are many observations he makes about the world around him. For example, he notes that while no one does call the sun "shy," it certainly can act that way. It is in some ways a day-in-the-life book. After the school day where he is shy, readers meet him in his element, among his immediate family. He is NOT always shy. Sometimes he's exuberant, talkative, playful, joyful, full of energy and life, holding nothing back. 

My thoughts (part 2): I loved this one so much!!! Shyness is NOT condemned in this one. It is honestly explored. I also LOVED that it was not a problem to be solved by the end of the book.

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers