266. How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney?

How Does Santa Go Down The Chimney? Mac Barnett. Illustrated by Jon Klassen. 2023. [September] 33 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: How does he do it? How does it work? Does he cinch up his belt? Or shrink himself down to the size of a mouse? Or stretch out like taffy and step in one leg at a time? Maybe Santa can turn into fire! But probably not. Does he go headfirst? Or feetfirst? Or neither?

Premise/plot: What you see is what you get. This book asks (repetitively) how does Santa go down the chimney? It creatively approaches this age-old question in a silly and exuberant way.

My thoughts: This book borrows heavily from Christmas Eve on Sesame Street. I jest. Mostly. This one doesn't feature a grouch-like grinch out to ruin children's lives. But it does take a more Kermit-like approach to the question. Does it answer it? No. Of course not. But it creatively brainstorms dozens (upon dozens) of possibilities. It then moves on to other legitimate questions. (But not the elephant in the room question of if he exists.)

This book isn't illustrated in your bright, bold, Christmasy tones.

 I'm curious how children would respond to this one. I liked it fine as an adult. I'm not a huge fan of this creative team. I could take or leave Barnett and Klassen's works. I do think they can be overrated. But I liked this one fine.

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

265. Who Was Frank Sinatra

Who Was Frank Sinatra. Ellen Labrecque. Illustrated by Manuel Gutierrez. (Who H.Q series). 2023. [July] 112 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: On December 30, 1942, two days before the new year, a slender singer walked onto the stage of the Paramount Theatre in New York City. Over three thousand fans--mostly teenage girls--shrieked and screamed in excitement. Some cried tears of happiness.

Premise/plot: Who Was Frank Sinatra? is part of a larger--much larger--series of kid-friendly biographies. This is an illustrated chapter book biography--elementary-aged-appropriate--of Frank Sinatra, singer and actor. The book provides a biography of his life, obviously, but also places that life into a larger context. This one includes many mini-biographies of his contemporaries and associates. 

My thoughts: Do kids need to know who Frank Sinatra was? Maybe. Maybe not. My introduction came via the musical High Society. So it was a delight that the illustrator includes an illustration of a movie scene from High Society. It covers his life and career in a very broad kid-friendly way. You don't necessarily associate details of his life with young kids, young readers. I do love his music and some of his movies.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

264. Tig and Lily: Tiger Trouble

Tig & Lily #1 Tiger Trouble. Dan Thompson. 2023. 96 pages. [Source: Library] [early graphic novel]

First sentence: Snap! Crack! Crunch! Snap! Crack! Crunch! Snap! "It is so great to be home!"

Premise/plot: Tig the cat visits the tigers at the zoo...much hilarity results. Lily, one of the tigers in the zoo's exhibit, KNOWS she is a tiger. But after a confusing (and hilarious) dialogue with Tig (a house cat), Lily is beginning to entertain some doubts. Tig is SO confident, so sure, so dogmatic about being a tiger. Not only does Tig see himself as a tiger, he does NOT think that Lily is a real tiger. Can these two ever become friends? 

My thoughts: I thought this one was funny and adorable. I absolutely loved it. Tig was hilarious. Lily was a charmer too.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

263. Good Books for Bad Children

Good Books for Bad Children: The Genius of Ursula Nordstrom. Beth Kephart. 2023. [September] 48 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book biography; nonfiction]

First sentence:  Ursula Nordstrom
was a grown-up
who never forgot
what it was to be a child.

Premise/plot: Chances are children are clueless when it comes to knowing who Ursula Nordstrom is. (Perhaps most parents as well.) But there's a HUGE possibility that you've read aloud to your little one a book edited by Ursula Nordstrom. Nordstrom was a children's book editor. 

My thoughts: I greatly enjoyed this book celebrating books. I loved learning more about her contribution to the world of children's books. I had heard of her before--having studied children's literature at a graduate level. 

I loved the way this one was written.

My favorite quote:

And she would remind anyone who called stories
too naughty, funny, or scary
that there were all kinds of children who need all
kinds of books:
books for children who feel sad
books for children who get mad
books for children who feel different
books for children who are lonely
books for children who have secrets.
Once, when Ursula was asked
to explain why she, a grown-up
who had not gone to college,
who had never been a teacher or librarian,
had any business making books for children,
she declared:
"I am a former child, and I haven't forgotten a thing."

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

262. Garvey's Choice (The Graphic Novel)

Garvey's Choice (The Graphic Novel). Nikki Grimes. Illustrated by Theodore Taylor III. 2023. [June] 144 pages. [Source: Library] [J Graphic novel; MG graphic novel]

First sentence: Mom's got a talent
for origami, but she
can't fold me into
the jock Dad wants me to be.
At least, she knows not to try.

My thoughts, part one: Garvey's Choice (the original) is a verse novel by Nikki Grimes. I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE crazy love this verse novel. It is perfectly, perfect in every way.

Did we need a graphic novel adaptation? If I'd answered BEFORE reading, I'd have said probably not. BUT after reading the graphic novel, I think it is PERFECTLY, PERFECT too. 

Premise/plot: Garvey is an overweight teen who'd much rather sing or read than play sports. There exists between father and son a gap that nothing seems to fill. At least at first. Garvey tries--unsuccessfully--to fill this gap with food. Garvey's dad may talk about sports--a lot--but I don't get the impression that he's actually cruel to his son. The two just aren't speaking the same love languages. In the novel, Garvey makes several choices. Will he choose to try out for chorus and risk rejection or humiliation? He ultimately decides that he has nothing to lose and everything to gain. After all, he's already being teased by his classmates; he's already hating lunch time. What he finds out is that he's really talented at singing; and his singing not only makes him happy in the process, but makes others happy too. That and he makes a second friend. Another choice he makes regards his weight. Will he try to lose weight? Should he try to lose weight? How should he go about it? What can he change in his life to be healthier and happier?

My thoughts part two: EVERYTHING I loved about the original--the turns of phrase, the imagery, the emotional journey, the heart and soul of it all--is present in the graphic novel. Including some/much of the original text. 

Favorite quotes:
Stories are breadcrumbs.
Just follow the trail of books
and you will find me
lost among the galaxies
of scorched stars and ships to Mars. (14)

Over breakfast, Dad
eyes me like an alien
never seen before.
Sometimes, I could swear that he's
hoping to make first contact. (34)

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

261. Cat vs. Vac

Cat vs. Vac (Ready to Read Level 1) Kaz Windness. 2023. [August] 32 pages. [Source: Library] [early reader]

First sentence: Door crack. Sunbeam.
Cat stretch. Daydream.

Premise/plot: What happens when a family's pets accept a delivery package and the humans aren't home? This early reader imagines such an event. The delivery is a vacuum cleaner. And it is ENEMY and FOE. Who will win the day? 

My thoughts: I did not like this one at all. I expected to. I just REALLY did not. This one doesn't have a complete sentence in the whole book. It just doesn't. It is told in rhyme. You can rhyme and write in more complete sentences. Perhaps it isn't just the fragmentation--which is a stylistic choice, for sure. There are two things that didn't quite sit right with me...personally. First, I think the author made a list of all the things that COULD be appealing to young readers--namely boys in my imagination, but perhaps young girls as well. POOP. PEE. UNDERWEAR, etc. Then I think the author tried to include as many as possible.

Vac VROOM,
Vac SCHLOOP!
Vac eat cat poop.
Vac chase. Dog WEE!
Vac GLURP dog pee.

 Such wonderful literature, right??? For those that are offended by animals--pets--in underwear, be warned. (This isn't a deal breaker for me.)

Second, I think the illustrations just aren't my cup of tea. Perhaps they will be yours. Again, illustrations are completely subjective.

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

256-260. Board book parade

256. Hello Baby Penguin! Beverly Rose. 2023. 18 pages. [Source: Library] [Board book]

First sentence: Peep-peep
Peep-peep
Baby penguins are called chicks.

Premise/plot: A board book about penguins for the littlest of 'readers.' This board book is part of a series of board books for parents to read aloud to little ones. Simple text about penguins paired with photographs. 

My thoughts: The penguins are adorable. Of course they are. This one is sweet and adorable enough. I haven't read all the books in the series, but if the library has them, I might just read them all for the cuteness.

257. Hello, Baby (Say Hello in 15 Languages!) Little Bee Books. 2023. 18 pages. [Source: Library] [Board book]

First sentence: Martin is singing. Hello, Martin.

Premise/plot: Meet fifteen little ones from around the world and say 'hello' to each in his/her own language. This one "teaches" little ones how to say hello in fifteen lanuages. The languages include: English, Chinese, French, Korean, Spanish, Arabic, German, Swahili, Navajo, Russian, sign language, Hindi, Portuguese, Japanese, and Italian.There are photographs instead of illustrations. 

My thoughts: Simple text, photographs, and a pronunciation guide for adults who are reading this one aloud. I like the concept--and this is a concept book--I'm not sure I love, love it. But I like it well enough. I definitely appreciate the use of the photographs.

258. You Are New. Lucy Knisley. 2019/2023. 42 pages. [Source: Library] [Board book; originally published as a picture book; not eligible for Cybils]

First sentence: Hello, you! You are new. When you're new....what can you do? You can look and see and peer. You can touch and taste and hear.

Premise/plot: This one is told in rhyme. It celebrates all things baby. It also celebrates growth and change. 

My thoughts: I like this one okay. The text was enjoyable enough. I think--for me--I just did not personally care for the illustrations. Again, this is subjective. I am an overthinker. I just couldn't get passed the lilac/lavender/pink skin tone. 

259. Opposites. (Baby's First Library) Agnese Baruzzi (illustrator) 2023. 20 pages. [Source: Library] [Board book; wordless]

First sentence

Premise/plot: This is a WORDLESS board book to share with little ones. It is a concept book. Each two-page spread illustrate the concept of opposites. 

Adults can turn the pages and talk about the images, perhaps ask questions, etc. OR little ones can get hands-on with the book. Perhaps nibble on the pages. Or older little-little ones perhaps can turn the pages themselves. 

My thoughts: It's hard to review wordless picture books. This one is high-contrast, I believe. The illustrations are all black, white, or red. It's meant for little-little ones, I believe. 

260. See, Touch, Feel Tummy Time. Roger Priddy (Priddy Books) 2023. 10 pages. [Source: Library] [Board book]

First sentence: 

Premise/plot: This high-contrast oversized board book is designed to be stood up and utilized during tummy time. The pages do fold out--some. Some spreads are two pages--which still stands up fine. Some spreads are four pages. 

It is wordless. The pages don't necessarily relate to one another or tell a story. Each just features a bright, bold illustration or photograph. There is a mirror on one of the pages. 

 My thoughts: The title suggests that there are things to touch and feel. I did NOT find this to be the case. There are few different textures or tactile experiences.  Many pages are just bold illustrations. Nothing to feel or touch. Unless you like just touching any board book page. There are two different tactile experiences--a soft plush fabric on one page and a corrugated, rough texture on another.

That's not to say that your little one won't find this one engaging. Just know that there are better books that actually do offer tactile experiences or sensory experiences. Perhaps they don't all fold out, like this one. 

I guess it depends on what matters most.

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

255. Dear Stray

Dear Stray. Kirsten Hubbard. Illustrated by Susan Gal. 2023. [September] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Dear stray,
Some kittens are born with extra claws, like you.
My mom doesn't understand why,
with so much fluff and fuzz and floof to choose from,
I picked sticky, scratchy, spiky you.

Premise/plot: A little girl bonds with her new kitten. The book shows page by page how these two are similar. Both are a little 'wild' and 'prickly' and hard-to-get-to-know. 

My thoughts: I really LOVED the illustrations. The illustrations are so expressive. I enjoyed the story as well. I liked seeing the slow progress of the relationship. I think this is realistic.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

254. The Story of Gumluck the Wizard

The Story of Gumluck the Wizard (Book 1) Adam Rex. 2023. 140 pages. [Source: Library] [speculative fiction; j fantasy; j fiction]

First sentence: Let me tell you how I met the wizard Gumluck. It was Monday. "it is Monday!" he said, in his little brass bed, in the hill that he used for a house. On Mondays Gumluck had visitors. He changed out of his nightgown and into his daygown. "So much to do!"

Premise/plot: Gumluck is a silly goose. NOT literally. He's a literary 'fool' character or 'noodlehead'. This one is narrated by a raven that has a complicated relationship with the wizard. At first, he really dislikes him (for valid reasons) and then through the course of MANY misadventures, he comes to like him and even believe in him. 

My thoughts: This one is described as a "tall tale." I'm not sure I agree with that description. But it is definitely over the top in its silliness, its foolishness. But does being silly make it a tall tale?  This one is an illustrated chapter book for elementary readers. The story was enjoyable enough. I personally didn't love the illustrations--in particular the cover art. I think Gumluck is giving off Donald Duck vibes and that just doesn't work for me--again this is all subjective.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

252-253. Pizza My Heart

252. Norma and Belly #3: Pizza My Heart. Mika Song. 2022. 96 pages. [Source: Library] [Early chapter book; graphic novel]

First sentence:  So, Norma, what's for lunch? 
Well, our choices are: acorn soup, acorn bread, acorn pie, tacos, or acorn salad.
Tacos.
Acorn tacos.
Oh.

Premise/plot: This is the third book in this squirrel food graphic novel series for young readers. The first two books are Donut Feed the Squirrels and Apple of My Pie. Norma and Belly are two of many food-obsessed squirrels we meet in this series. In this one, misadventures [and adventures] center around PIZZA. Will the squirrels get to eat some pizza?

My thoughts: I like the series. Each book seems to center on a different food. All seem to be humorous misadventures. I am an overthinker--which I've mentioned before. I do wish these squirrels looked more like squirrels. But I enjoy their food-obsession and their silliness.

253. One Smart Cookie (Norma and Belly #4). 2023. [August] 112 pages. [Source: Library] [early chapter book; graphic novel]

First sentence: This is the spot, Belly.
This is where you buried the acorns, Norma?
Yes.

Premise/plot: This one stars a lot of squirrels: Norma, Belly, Little Bee, and Gramps. These are food-obsessed squirrels. In this one the squirrels are interested in fortune cookies and the fortune inside the fortune cookies. They want to write the fortunes inside! Will these squirrels be able to type up the messages? Will they get their hands on cookies?

My thoughts: This one may just be my favorite of the four I've read. Maybe. It was definitely silly and fun.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

251. Board book: Bunny Rabbit Show

The Bunny Rabbit Show! Sandra Boynton. 2014/2023. 24 pages. [Source: Library] [board book]

First sentence:  Ladies and Gentlemen.
Can you hear me?
Hello?
I just want to say...
It's THE BUNNY RABBIT SHOW!
Here we go!
We are ten terrific rabbits and we like to dance and sing.
Ten terrific rabbits. We can do most anything.
We're very good at hopping. We're hopping in a row.
We're not so good at stopping. It's the BUNNY RABBIT SHOW!

Premise/plot: It's the BUNNY RABBIT SHOW. And most of it is in song...written in near perfect rhyme with so much rhythm. It's just addictive. 

My thoughts: I personally was hearing "We are the Buddy Bears." This tune worked well for about 90% of the book. It wasn't a perfect fit, obviously. But it worked well. 

This book was cute, adorable, funny. I think it would make a great silly read aloud for little ones.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

248-250. Animal Books Based on True Stories

248. Mighty Muddy Us. Caron Levis. Illsutrated by Charles Santoso. 2023. [October] 40 pages. [Source: Review copy] [picture book]

First sentence: "Tah-tra, tah-tra!" Enid trumpeted her welcome song--finally she was a big sister! The world was just a blur to Baby, but, wriggling and smiling, he reached towards his sister's bouncing sounds.

Premise/plot: Enid and Ely are siblings--big sister, baby brother. As a newborn, Ely was unable to stand which puts him at GREAT risk. Standing is a must for reaching nourishment. And milk and water are essential. Enid stands by to encourage, support, care for, watch out for her baby brother. Will he survive? 

My thoughts: This picture book is based on a true story of an elephant family. Obviously, it's animal fantasy since it is narrated by an elephant. But an author's note shares the true story. There is a lot of text. The amount of text plus the an intense amount of animal in peril makes this a good fit for mid to upper elementary school. (I'd say second grade on up). I can't see this one personally being a good fit for preschoolers though if your little one is obsessed with elephants and has a longer than average attention span, then this one could still work.

I loved this one. I do love, love, love elephants. I like fiction and nonfiction books starring elephants. I was worried for Ely. But I pushed through that worry and was relieved to find a HAPPY, uplifting story. 

The illustrations are WONDERFUL.

 249. Baby Badger (Adventures in Fosterland) Hannah Shaw. 2023. [January] 173 pages. [Source: Library] [illustrated chapter book] 

First sentence: Whoosh. A gust of freezing air blew through the streets, filling the alley with sparkly snow.

Premise/plot: Hannah Shaw, aka "Kitten Lady," is sharing true stories as animal fantasy in an illustrated chapter book series. Badger was/is an orphaned kitty. His first "litter-mates" or "family" were stuffed animals. He is adopted by another mom cat and her kittens. But is Badger ready to exchange his first family (stuffed animals) for a real family? 

My thoughts: This one was super adorable. And it is set during the winter holidays (Christmas, etc.). It is definitely animal fantasy. Badger may be based on a true story--how she came to find her forever family--but the fantasy elements are STRONG. Cats don't really behave as cats. This goes beyond capturing things through a cat's point of view. This is neither good nor bad--it just is. I definitely found Badger and his new family cute, adorable, sweet, lovely.

250. Snowpea The Puppy Queen (Adventures in Fosterland) Hannah Shaw. 2023. [July) 144 pages. [Source: Library] [illustrated chapter book]

First sentence: Snowpea's bedroom was spotless. The cat beds were freshly fluffed, and all the little toys were tucked away neatly into the toy bin. Not so much as a speck of litter was out of place.

Premise/plot: Snowpea is a foster kitten with OCD. Perhaps that's not the best way to sum it all up, but I think it may suffice. Snowpea likes things just so. She is very opinionated and gets a bit anxious when things aren't just so. She's given the task, if you will, of raising puppies--two of them. These are her 'litter-mates.' But these puppies don't care about Snowpea's long list of rules. Can these puppies help relax Snowpea? 

My thoughts: Again, based loosely on a true story. But the characterization is all fantasy. The characters--the cats--in these books don't really act like cats. Again, not necessarily a bad thing. But if you want animals to act like animals, then it might be upsetting to see them so human. For example, Snowpea likes to pick up each piece of food with her paws and bring it to her mouth. And she's training the dogs to do the same. This just isn't realistic--in my opinion--to see animals eating food with their hands like people do. Again, I'm not horribly bothered. This is animal fantasy through and through. I liked this one well enough.

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

243-247. Picture book parade

243. Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh! Mo Willems. 2023. [September] 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Ho. Ho. Whoa! Oh, Hello. Happy holidays! Season's greetings! Festive feathers and peaceful plumage! Jingle bells! Joy! And... Can I drive the sleigh!?!?

Premise/plot: Pigeon is back. This is his first holiday book, I believe. (Though I could be wrong). He wants to drive Santa's sleigh...or does he????? 

My thoughts: I love Pigeon. I do. Perhaps not as much as Elephant and Piggie. But I love, love, love Mo Willems. And Pigeon is always a delight. I've never really been disappointed by any of his adventures. Is this one my new favorite? Probably not. Is it in my top five? Probably yes. Though I can't imagine many parents would be overjoyed if this one became again-again-again in the summer time.

244. Mel Fell. Corey R. Tabor. 2021. 40 pages. [Source: Library] 

First sentence: One day, when Mama was away, Mel decided it was time to learn to fly. She had been in the nest long enough.

Premise/plot: Mel fell...but will Mel also fly? This one joins Mel in her journey down....and up. It is a coming of age story for young readers about the beginning initial steps of independence.

My thoughts: A fun flip of a book. It is not your traditional reading experience--physically. There's some twisting, turning, manipulating of the pages. But it works well. The format becomes part of the storytelling experience. I don't know that I loved it more than Tabor's Fox books. But I definitely enjoyed it.

245. Who's A Goose? Scott Stuart. 2021/2023. 32 pages. [Source: Library] 

First sentence: One goose is goose. And two goose is geese! Bill, will you please keep quiet?! I'm trying to teach!

Premise/plot: A concept picture book about collective nouns. 

My thoughts: I really enjoyed this one. I loved the narration. Bill and Bruce just made me smile! I learned a few new-to-me collective nouns as well. For example, I learned about a BAND of gorillas. I definitely recommend this one. The illustrations were perfectly perfect.

246. Pumpkin Day at the Zoo. Susan Meissner. Illustrated by Pablo Pino. 2023. [July] 32 pages. [Source: Library] 

First sentence: Morning sun
shines down on the zoo, on giraffes
and camels and kangaroos.
All the animals in all their places,
leaning and looking with eager faces.

Premise/plot: Picture book written in verse. ALL the animals at the zoo enjoy eating pumpkins. That's it. The entire plot. 

My thoughts: I didn't necessarily find the rhythm of the rhymes--the flow of the book--to be all that great. Not bad, of course. Certainly serviceable. I enjoyed the illustrations. The book itself is entertaining enough. Definitely worth checking out from the library in the fall. Definitely worth including in your line-up of zoo-themed or animal-themed picture books.

247. Cinderella and a Mouse Called Fred. Deborah Hopkinson. Illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky. 2023. [August] 48 pages. [Source: Library] [Picture Book] [LGBT+ retelling of Cinderella]

First sentence: Once upon a time, there was a small gray mouse who lived in a pumpkin patch. It was a quiet life--until the night a stranger appeared. 

My thoughts, part one: I did not do my 'due diligence' with this one. The book I thought I was getting and actually wanted--a Cinderella retelling from the point of view of one of her mice. I was up for some novelty--the mouse's point of view. I guess I wasn't expecting every other single element to be changed up in this 'fractured' fairy tale. Some retellings remove the romance and make it pure silliness.

Premise/plot: Fred, the mouse, observes Cinderella's so-called magical night. It's nothing like the traditional tale (as you might imagine.) For one thing, Cinderella can't wait to get away from the whole affair. She did not have a magical evening with the Prince--far from it. She can't wait to go back home and get back to work. So the story does not end with a disappointed prince NOT finding Cinderella...it ends with the marriage of Cinderella and a female farmer--both love gardening and pumpkins.

My thoughts, part two: For better or worse, the book does not address her mistreatment by her stepmother or stepsisters. Not a word--that I could find. In this retelling is Cinderella not being forced into servitude? Is she not being bullied by her stepfamily? If she is being used 'as a servant,' or mistreated/bullied how is this resolved by the end? Why doesn't this come up? I mean Cinderella is usually all about escaping one's situation--miserable life--whether she escapes with or without the prince, she's usually depicted as having a bad home life since her dad died.

For better or worse, the book doesn't show Cinderella ever wanting to go to the ball in the first place. Are we to believe that the fairy godmother just showed up and forced Cinderella against her will to go? Maybe. Probably. If she doesn't want to go, is it because she's self-aware that she has no interest in the Prince OR any guy? But again, we're not told that she doesn't want to go. She doesn't seem cranky until after meeting the Prince and spending time with him. He seems infatuated with her, but it is not mutual. 

Are we to assume that when she meets this lady farmer at the fair it is love at first sight? Probably. Apparently. I wasn't surprised that this classic fairy tale has to have a shift of some type--can't send the message that women need men to rescue them, or, that instant love exists. But apparently it's not bad to have insta love if it's same-sex? I don't know. 

This lesbian retelling of Cinderella--we don't learn about Cinderella's romantic interest until the second to last page--wasn't my cup of tea personally. I just think there is not much characterization or depth.

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

240-242. Miscellaneous Parade

240. The Horseback Librarians. Jane Yolen. Illustrated by Alexandra Badiu. 2023. [April] 32 pages. [Source: Library] [Picture book] [Fiction based on true story] 

First sentence: The sun is barely poking its head over the horizon. A young woman on a tan horse called Sand, saddlebags packed full of surprises, has already begun her rounds. She is delivering books to readers in the backwoods of Kentucky.

Premise/plot: Anna Mary (rhymes with library) delivers books in the Appalachian mountains during the Great Depression. The book follows her journey over the course of several days. She makes one or two stops per day in this book. Her last stop is a schoolhouse. 

My thoughts: I wanted to love this one. I didn't quite. Readers are reminded a million times--okay probably six times--that Anna Mary rhymes with library. She brings books to individual families; she's more than someone who delivers books: she's a family friend. She chats, visits, reads aloud, shares meals, etc. She also seems to bring books to a schoolhouse. The book keeps things very simple and not all that detailed. It might be serviceable as an introduction, but it won't satisfy those who actually want to know more about this program. Not much context is given in the actual story though there is an author's note.

The illustrations are very bright and colorful.

241. Fox in Winter. Corery R. Tabor. 2020. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [Early reader]

First sentence:  Fox does not like winter. In winter, Elephant and the Birds go south. 

Premise/plot: Fox does not like being all alone in the winter. He misses his friends. Can he scheme a way to bring them back? Can he fight winter and win? Maybe. Maybe not. Perhaps he can find something to like about winter....if he looks hard enough.

My thoughts: I LOVED this one so much. It was such a fun read. The illustrations were hilarious (in my opinion). I loved the idea of him fighting winter.

242. Feeding the Ducks with Lily and Milo. Pauline Oud. 2023. [May] 32 pages. [Source: Library] [Picture book/board book]

First sentence: Lily and Milo are going to feed ducks in the park. Before they go outside, they put on their coats. There are two coats: a purple coat with flowers and a little orange coat. Which coat is Lily's? And which one is Milo's?

Premise/plot: Lily and Milo are friends. This is apparently the latest in a long-running series starring these two animals. In this adventure, they will feed the ducks...or will they??? The text is 'interactive.' The text has scripted-in questions for little ones to answer. Of course plenty of other books allow for questions and answers, but this one is more scripted. (I couldn't help hearing the narrative in the voice of the narrator of Peppa Pig).

My thoughts: This is neither a board book or a picture book. The pages aren't a sturdy cardboard (like a board book), but they aren't paper either. They are VERY thick paper. So if your little one has "outgrown" board books yet doesn't seem quite ready for traditional picture books, perhaps this is perfect for you.

Readers do need to pay careful attention to the illustrations. I needed to read this one twice because I was lazy the first time around. Apparently. Parents can either let readers be completely surprised by the twist ending and then come back to hunt for clues, or, they can build in questions of their own the first time through. Do you see what I see? What is Milo doing? Should he be doing that? 

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

235-239. Five Fox Books on Parade

235. Fox and the Jumping Contest. Corey R. Tabor. 2016. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book]

First sentence:  The jumping contest was only a few days away, and Fox was determined to win first prize. He would put the trophy right there, just above the fireplace. 

Premise/plot: Fox is a schemer. He is scheming how to "win" the jumping contest. The scheme, of course, involves cheating. The cover clearly shows *how* he plans to cheat. How will his friends respond to his schemes?

My thoughts: I believe this is the first book starring Fox. It wasn't my first to read, however, but it was the first published. Having gotten to know this character--and the characters of his many friends--I can say I enjoyed this one. I'm not sure how I would have felt without some attachment already to Fox (and friends).

 236. Fox and the Bike Ride. Corey R. Tabor. 2017. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book]

First sentence: It was the morning of the bike ride--the Annual Tour de Tip-Top, Slow-and-Steady,There-and-Back bike ride (plus snacks). The other animals were very excited. Fox was not. 

Premise/plot: Fox is a schemer. This time he is scheming how to add ACTION and action-adventure and danger-action-adventure, etc., to the annual bike ride. His friends may like things boring, regular, or traditional. But Fox wants more. Can he get all the action he craves? Will his friends actually like it?

My thoughts: Fox is sneaky. I enjoyed this one. It is packed with silliness and action. I can imagine this would make a hilarious read aloud if you've got some performer in you. I definitely enjoyed this one more than Fox and the Jumping Contest.

237. Fox is Late (I Can Read) Corey R. Tabor. 2018. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [early reader]

First sentence: Fox is late. Fox is late for lunch.

Premise/plot: Fox is late for lunch....but with a little help from a skateboard...Fox might make up his time after all. 

My thoughts: This one has a LOT of repetition which can be very fun. Go, Fox, Go! It was silly and playful. I loved seeing the expressions on all of the faces. His friends are certainly puzzled and possibly irritated by his latest antics. 

238. Fox the Tiger. Corey R. Tabor. 2018. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [early reader]

First sentence: "I wish I were a tiger," says Fox. "Tigers are big. Tigers are fast. Tigers are sneaky. Tigers are the best." Fox has an idea.

Premise/plot: Fox the Tiger won the Theodore Seuss Geisel Award for 2019. In this I Can Read early reader, Fox has an IDEA that becomes contagious. He wants to be a tiger...so he paints on some stripes. He then goes out to face the world as a tiger...or does he? Will his paint fool anyone?

My thoughts: I really enjoyed this one. It was FUN. I am glad that Fox's idea is so contagious. I loved seeing what would happen next. (For example, the turtle decides to become a RACE CAR and paints the number 4 on his shell.) I loved the text and story. I loved the illustrations. I loved the humor--and the heart.  

239. Fox at Night. Corey R. Tabor. 2021. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [early reader]

First sentence: It is night, and Fox is scared. "The night is full of monsters," says Fox. Fox looks for monsters.

Premise/plot: Will Fox find monsters when he looks for them? Or will he find new friends?

My thoughts: This one does not feature the usual cast of characters in the Fox books. (Likely they are all asleep.) It was cute and fun. I enjoyed the funny twist ending.

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

233-234. Picture Book Parade

233. The Scariest Kitten in the World by Terrifying Kitten with help from Kate Messner. Illustrated by MacKenzie Haley. 2023. (August) 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: WARNING THIS IS A VERY SCARY STORY. IT'S SO CREEPY AND SPINE-TINGLING THAT IT WILL SCARE YOU RIGHT OUT OF YOUR SNEAKERS.

Premise/plot: A "scary" kitten, perhaps the "scariest" kitten "in the world" is narrating this one and speaking directly to you, the reader. It is written in second person. It is a suspenseful or "suspenseful" story starring a kitty and her friends. 

My thoughts: I liked it well enough. It isn't quite The Monster at the End of the Book. But it is fun, silly, playful. And it has a cat...the illustrations are adorable as well.

234. It's Fall! Renee Kurilla. 2023. [August] 32 pages. [Source: Library] [Picture book]

First sentence: Colors bursting, shadows tall.
There's lots to celebrate--it's fall!
Early-morning sunny skies.
Back to school with new supplies.
In class, our teacher asks to hear
what things we love this time of year.

Premise/plot: This picture book celebrates all things fall/autumn. (Think activities in September, October, and November.) It does feel like it is segmented into three distinct categories: the start of school, Halloween, and Thanksgiving. It is written in rhyming verse.

My thoughts: I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the illustrations. The color palette is as awesome as you'd expect. I adored the end pages. The illustrations just won my heart. The text is solid. I liked the rhyming. It does seem to have rhythm--not all rhyme does. So it is 'proper' enough in that aspect.

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

232. Virginia Wouldn't Slow Down

Virginia Wouldn't Slow Down: The Unstoppable Dr. Apgar and Her Life-Saving Invention. Carrie A. Pearson. Illustrated by Nancy Carpenter. 2023. [August] 48 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence:  Did you know that you took your first test just one minute after you were born? The test showed doctors and nurses how healthy you were, if you could breathe on your own, or if you needed help--fast!

Premise/plot: This is a nonfiction picture book biography of Dr. Virginia Apgar. Perhaps the test named after her, the Apgar test, is more well known than her personal story...

My thoughts: I really LOVED this one so much. I love picture book biographies--usually. I love, love, love, love babies. I loved the illustrations. The story was engaging.

I had heard of the Apgar test. But I didn't know the full story. Now I have a better grasp of that story.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers