310. Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree

 Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree. Robert E. Barry. 1963. Random House. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

Mr. Willowby's Christmas tree came by special delivery. Full and fresh and glistening green--the biggest tree he had ever seen. He dashed downstairs to open the door--This was the moment he'd waited for.

I loved, loved, loved Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree. It celebrates giving in a fun and playful way. Mr. Willowby starts off a long chain of giving when he chops off the top of his too-tall Christmas tree. A tree that is splendid in every other way. He gives the tree-top to the upstairs maid. She's delighted. Very delighted. How thoughtful! How cheery! But the tree is too-tall for her small room. The top must go! Chances are you can predict at this point how the story will go. But that doesn't mean it is in any way less delightful. This little tree-top gets passed down and re-trimmed again and again and again and again and again. And it's just WONDERFUL to see how much happiness and cheer it brings to others.

I loved the premise. I loved the writing. The rhyming was delightful. It worked very well for me! I think this one would make a great read-aloud. I also loved how uplifting it is. (After reading Baboushka and the Three Kings, I needed a cheery story!)

Why didn't someone tell me about this wonderful and charming picture book?! Why?! Well, I am glad to have discovered it now!

Which Christmas books would you consider classic? Which would you recommend?

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

303-309. Picture Book Parade

303. I Want 100 Dogs. Stacy McAnulty. Illustrated by Claire Keane. 2023. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book]

First sentence: I want 100 dogs.
That sounds fun. But where would 100 dogs sleep?

Premise/plot: A little girl declares she wants 100 dogs, but are her parents receptive to this idea????? As the discussion unfolds, will they be able to reach a compromise????

My thoughts: I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this one. I love that they reason through this scenario. It allows for some amusing imagery and illustrations. I love the ending as well. Very cute! The parents say something...and then the child says something. Very satisfying. Yes, I know this is super-super-super vague. But I also think giving it away before you pick up the book is like a movie trailer where ALL the best lines of the movie are revealed--albeit without context. Trust me this one is fun.

 

304. The Bear and Her Book. Frances Tosdevin. 2023. [November] 32 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book]

First sentence: A bear marched out on a moonlight night.
Her fur was thick, and her eyes were bright.
She sniffed the air, and she licked a paw--
she loved her home, but she wanted more...

Premise/plot: Bear wants MORE so she sets out to see the world one adventure at a time. She takes along with her a book BEAR'S BIG BOOK OF BEING WISE. She uses the book throughout as she meets others and encounters various situations. Will Bear ever settle down?

My thoughts: I liked this one. Bear loves books and living life to the fullest. Most of the book is about her world adventures, but, that's not quite how it ends. I liked that it includes both kinds of adventures--real world and bookish.

305. Out Cold (A little Bruce book) Ryan T. Higgins. 2023. [October 3] 32 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book]

First sentence: It is wintertime in Soggy Hollow, and there are lots of fun things to do outside. But Bruce is not outside. He is inside. With a cold. The mice are inside, too. But not for long. "It was so nice of Bruce to send us outside to play in the snow," says Nibbs. 

Premise/plot: Bruce stars in this "little" picture book. This one is part of a much larger series. There are bigger picture books and littler ones. (Some of the books focus around seasons, holidays, occasions.) These are recurring characters that continue to delight.

My thoughts: READ THE WHOLE SERIES. Read them again again again. I absolutely love, love, love these characters. Bruce is so relatable. I imagine his "children" are as well. (The children being mice.) I love how expressive the illustrations are. These books such great fun. 

306. Just One Flake. Travis Jonker. 2023. [October 10] 48 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book]

First sentence: I want to catch a snowflake. Just one snowflake. Right here: [points to his tongue] I'm not going back inside until I do it. This should work.

Premise/plot: Will our protagonist [a little boy] persevere and actually actually catch a snowflake on his tongue? Or will his many, many efforts be in vain? Will this day in the snow be a happy one? What's the perfect end to the day?

My thoughts: I absolutely LOVE the illustrations. Some of the spreads capture pure JOY and HAPPINESS. It is a fun, sweet seasonal story. 

307. A Very Cranky Book. Angela and Tony DiTerlizzi. 2023. [September] 40 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book]

First sentence: Did you look at my cover and think Wow this looks like a book I should pick up and read? Well, that was the worst idea in the HISTORY OF IDEAS. Because I am a very cranky book.

Premise/plot: The protagonist of this book is a VERY CRANKY BOOK. This is written in second person, the book is speaking directly to you, the reader. The book tries to discourage readers from reading him.

My thoughts: I didn't dislike this one. I just wasn't wowed. Of course, not every book will wow every reader. This one is all about 'breaking the fourth wall' and speaking directly to readers and "interacting" with them. It is very much premise driven. There isn't much substance beyond that gimmick. Of course, some may be amused by this one? It's certainly possible that there is an audience for this type of book. (And this isn't the first or last to use this gimmick.) 

308. The Big Cheese. Jory John. Illustrated by Peter Oswald. 2023. [November] 40 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book]

First sentence: They call me Cheese. The Big Cheese. Oh, say it with me please....THE BIG CHEESE! 

Premise/plot: This one is narrated by a cheese with a big ego. He spends 90 percent of the book being insufferable. Then he learns a lesson. (Will it stick?)

My thoughts: I am not a big fan of Jory John's 'food' series. I know some readers are. I know these books often do well and are well received. All seem to have a didactic message or moral attached. (Yet they do well anyway). I don't dislike the series, it's just not a favorite of mine. 

309. Lullaby for The King. Nikki Grimes. Illustrated by Michelle Carlos. 2023. [October 10] 48 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book]

First sentence: One magnificent morning in Israel,
when the sun warmed the Great Salt Sea,
word spread to every living creature:
The Holy One has, at last, been born.
A season of celebration can begin!

Premise/plot: This holiday book focuses almost exclusively on animals. This isn't unheard of, there are other songs, stories, books about animals worshipping Jesus Christ the newborn King of the universe. Sometimes authors choose to approach the nativity from an animal perspective. This isn't one animal's journey or perspective. Each stanza of this narrative focuses on another animal or group of animals. Each animal bears a gift for Jesus. There are a LOT of animals and a LOT of gifts.

My thoughts: This one is unusual. I haven't decided if it's good unusual or just unusual. I wanted to love this one. I've really enjoyed Nikki Grime's books in the past. The illustrations are bright, bold, striking. Not necessarily realistic. The imagery is substantive. This isn't a cutesy story for toddlers and preschoolers necessarily.

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

302. 10 Dogs

10 Dogs. Emily Gravett. 2023. [September] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: 10 dogs. 10 sausages. 1 dog with all the sausages. 9 dogs with none. 2 dogs each with half of them. 8 dogs wanting some. 3 dogs with more sausages. 7 dogs with less. 4 dogs guard the sausages. 6 dogs not impressed.

Premise/plot:  Is it a story? Is it a math lesson? Why not both? This makes for a fun early-elementary read aloud. Back in the day I wouldn't be surprised if teachers had chosen to extend the book's activity with flannel figures--dogs and sausages. 

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I thought it was fun, playful. I don't always "love" math problems, but an entertaining story with sausages and dogs???? YES please. 

Definitely recommend this one to early grades.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

301. Tig & Lily #2 Party Animals

Party Animals (Tig and Lily #2) Dan Thompson. 2023. [September] 96 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: There is not much going on around here.

Premise/plot: Lily is loving her "boring" day. Napping seems to be the oh-so-perfect way to spend the day. Tig, her smaller companion "tiger," is BORED, BORED, BORED. Tig wants to have a party. He has everything figured out...or does he?

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I absolutely loved, loved, loved the first book. The second book is good just not as good--for me. Lily is adorable being persistent as she tries and fails to invite the other zoo animals to the party. Still I think Lily would have preferred to stay asleep if given a real choice. But parties are always big in children's books...and naps are to be resisted.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

300. Board book: Let's Eat Fruits and Vegetables from A to Z

Let's Eat! Fruits and Vegetables from A-Z. Jacqueline Brooks. Illustrated by Davide Ortu. 2023. 20 pages. [Source: Library] [Board book]

First sentence: From A to Z, Avocado to Zucchini, let's learn about some fruits and veggies! Aa Avocado Asparagus Bb Banana Beet Cc Cherry Carrot

Premise/plot: Concept book for little ones "teaching" the "concept" of fruits and vegetables. 

My thoughts: Why all the quotes??? Well, I'm not sure all the examples classify as either fruit or vegetable. They just happen to fulfill alphabetical needs. Is quinoa a fruit or vegetable? Is vanilla? Maybe???? Maybe not. 

I did not find this one entertaining and I found myself overthinking. That's not the author's fault obviously.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

299. Shark Cam

Shark-Cam. (Critter Cam) Margie Palatini. Illustrated by Dan Yaccarino. 2023. [June] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Swim, Shark. Swim. Swim. Swim. Swim. Teeth. Lots of Teeth. 

Premise/plot: An imaginative take on what a shark might do for fun all while wearing a helmet with a camera.

My thoughts: I enjoyed greatly the critter-cam early readers starring a cat and a dog. I did not like--at all, not even a little bit--this one starring a shark. It just didn't make much sense to this over-thinker. It just didn't. It was weird. Of course, some readers might enjoy this one or find it funny. 

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

296-298 Early Chapter Books Parade

296. Cornbread and Poppy at the Museum (Cornbread & Poppy #3) Matthew Cordell. 2023. 80 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence:  One crisp, clear winter's day, an exciting letter arrived. It was a special invitation for Cornbread, plus one guest of his choosing.

Premise/plot: Cornbread and Poppy are friends. But are they more than friends? I am not suggesting that this book is not age inappropriate by any means. I just think that Cornbread likes likes Poppy. In this one, Cornbread wants to take Poppy to the museum. For him it is thrilling and wonderful. For her, well, it is less so. Not that she dislikes his company, mind you. But well, the museum isn't thrilling, fun, amazing, wonderful. She could think of a lot better ways to entertain herself. She wants Cornbread to go camping with her. (He doesn't want to go camping.) 

My thoughts: The "plot" of this one is just as boring--in my opinion--as my summary suggests. Cornbread is distracted by all the "wonderful" "exciting" exhibits and Poppy is uninterested and just biding time. The day isn't uneventful, by any means, just a bit unevenly paced. It felt pretentious instead of quaint and charming. Still, these two mice are adorable. 

I didn't enjoy this one as much as the first two books. But I still like these characters.

297. Trim Sets Sail. Deborah Hopkinson. 2023. 48 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Some cats are happy curling up at home. Others look for adventure. This is the story of a kitten who was always ready to go.

Premise/plot: Historical animal fantasy in an early chapter book format. Loosely inspired by the real-llife "Trim" who lived in in the nineteenth century and sailed with explorer Matthew Flinders. In this one, the first in a series, Trim is learning about life on board ship and meeting all sorts. 

My thoughts: I wanted to love this one because CATS. It wasn't quite entertaining enough for me personally but I still like the premise of imagining adventures about this explorer cat. Perhaps future books in the series will develop things more. This was very introduction-y and world-building.

298. Trim Helps Out. Deborah Hopkinson. 2023. [October 24] 48 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Trim was a brand-new ship's cat. It was his first morning at sea. He wanted to do a good job. But trim wondered, How can I help?

Premise/plot: Trim wants to be the BEST ship's cat ever. But how can he make himself useful? What jobs can he do? What jobs CAN'T he do? Will he find his place? 

My thoughts: This one is mostly Trim having mini-mis-adventures on board. He's making new friends and getting into a little bit of trouble here and there. For example, he's supposed to be watching out for rats, but he doesn't recognize what rats look like....so he befriends one. It is cute. It wasn't the most thrilling book ever, but I like the idea of historical early fiction starring cats.

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

293-295. Picture Book Parade

293. How To Count to One: And Don't Even Think About Bigger Numbers. Caspar Salmon. Illustrated by Matt Hunt. 2023. [June] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Hello! Welcome to a fun new counting book. Are you ready to start counting? As we go through the book, follow the instructions. Don't worry if you make a mistake! Let's start with something nice and easy. Do you know what an apple looks like? Good! Simply count how many apples you see.

Premise/plot: This is an interactive counting concept book with a twist. The twist is to trick little ones into breaking the rules and counting higher than one. Every page actively discourages little ones from counting higher. The text and illustrations keep getting sillier. Will your little one "accidentally" learn to count higher than one?

My thoughts: I enjoyed this reverse psychology interactive concept book. It was silly, amusing, fun. It kept surprising me. I knew the general idea of it going in, but I didn't know what silly situations would pop up next as I kept turning the pages. This one is a bit on the oversized side. I haven't decided if it would be best shared one on one or if it would be good for a group read aloud.

294. Squash, the Cat. Sasha Mayer. 2023. [August] 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: This is Squash. You might he able to guess how he got his name. Squash is an early-breakfast followed by a midmorning nap and then another nap kind of cat. Squash's best friend is Maggie.

Premise/plot: Squash's human MAGGIE gets upset with him for squashing her new tunnel. Will she forgive him? 

My thoughts: I wish, in a way, that this one was about another topic. I mean sure forgiveness is important and all. Okay it is also extremely relevant to this target-audience (age group). But I wanted MORE Squash being adorable and less life lessons. I thought Squash was adorable.

295. Just Because. Matthew McConaughey. Illustrated by Renee Kurilla. 2023. [September] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Just because they threw the dart, doesn't mean that it stuck. Just because I've got skills, doesn't mean there is no luck. 

Premise/plot: Rhyming couplets offer plenty of enigmas or food for thought for older readers. Each couplet starts with "just because." Each relies heavily on the illustrations. In fact, without the illustrations, the rhymes would have no point. (Though one could argue that some might still not have a point????)

My thoughts: Who is the audience for Just Because? Is it adult librarians? teachers? graduating seniors? At what age do you have to be to really appreciate many mini-life-lessons? This one is for readers who want to unpack meaning in riddles and enigmas. It might be a good conversation starter for small groups. I do think some of the couplets could be interpreted in more than one way. 

I personally was not a fan. Reading is subjective. There are probably readers--of some age--that will appreciate this one and find some depth.

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

292. I Am Mister Rogers

291. I Am Mister Rogers. Brad Meltzer. Illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos. 2023. [October 31] 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: It's a beautiful day in this neighborhood, a beautiful day for a neighbor. 

Premise/plot: This one is a picture book biography--with graphic novel elements--of Mister Rogers. It tells of his life and his life's work, Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. It includes all the highlights--everything you could want with a kid-friendly delivery. 

My thoughts: I love, love, love Mr. Rogers. I do. I really do. For so many decades there were no picture book biographies of Fred Rogers. Then around 2019 or 2020 they started flowing in. Now there are choices. I must say I really loved the text of this one. I can't say that I am crazy in love with the illustrations--when comparing them to the other picture book biographies I've read. But the text more than makes up for it. The illustrations aren't bad--let me make this clear. It is just a very comic/cartoon style. It is an artistic choice that I may not personally love, but it is consistent throughout this series. So it make sense for the series, for sure. I would definitely recommend this one. I loved all the information.

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

291. Detective Duck: Case of the Strange Splash

Detective Duck #1: The Case of the Strange Splash. Henry Winkler. Illustrated by Lin Oliver. 2023. [October 17]  80 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Willow Feathers was the only duck in the world whose father was a beaver. Most ducks are raised by ducks, just like most snails are raised by snails and most giraffes are raised by giraffes.

Premise/plot: Willow Feathers is VERY curious. She wants to be a detective 'when she grows up.' In this her first case, she's investigating a strange splash--a tire in the pond. Can she figure out what made the splash and the who and why behind the splash? 

My thoughts: I wasn't wowed. I thought it would be more fun than it actually was. That may not be the book's fault. Reading is so subjective and so much depends on reader's expectations. Another thing to consider, obviously, is that I'm not the book's target audience. I didn't find it worse than other mystery series books for this age group. I just didn't find it outstandingly better than the typical mystery.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

285-290 Board books on parade

285. Dragon's First Taco (Board Book) Adam Rubin. Illustrated by Daniel Salmieri. 2023. [September] 16 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Hey, little dragon. Do you know what this is? It's called a taco. You are going to love it. Let's make one together.

Premise/plot: A novelty prequel to Dragons Love Tacos. It is a novelty board book because it is taco-shaped (which makes it SO fun to hold and read). In this one, Dragon learns what makes a taco, a taco. It ends with a fundamental truth: One taco is never enough.

My thoughts: I remember reading earlier Dragon picture books years ago yet not recently enough to say I am a fan. I am a BIG, BIG, BIG fan of tacos. I like the taco-shape. It's fun. It's silly. Would I recommend checking it out from the library? Yes. Would I necessarily recommend everyone rush out to buy it? Probably not. Unless your little one REALLY loves the Dragon books OR is a really big fan of tacos. I can imagine that little ones probably would like holding this one, perhaps chewing on it.

286. I'll Be A Chicken Too (Board book) Lana Vanderlee. Illustrated by Mike Deas. 2023. [May] 22 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: If you're a baby chicken,
then I'll be a chicken too.
And if you're a little rooster,
then I'll cock-a-doodle-doo!
If you can bark and wag your tail,
well, then I'll be a dog.
And if you live on lily pads,
of course I'll be a frog.

Premise/plot: Written in rhyme, this one celebrates unconditional love and families. There are so many books about a parent loving a child. Sometimes they star animals. Sometimes they star humans. Some are in rhyme, some aren't. This one is fairly typical. 

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. Yes, it has been done thousands of times. But most are enjoyable enough. This one is cute and fun. Will it stay in print? Only time will tell. This one would make a sweet read aloud with little ones.

287. Fifteen Animals (Board book). Sandra Boynton. 2002/2008/2014. 24 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: I really like animals. I like them a lot. Fifteen animals is what I've got. I've got fifteen animals. They're friendly and tame and I've given each one a special name--

Premise/plot: This counting, animal-themed book features a twist. A twist that is revealed as the protagonist reveals the names of his fifteen animals....I won't be spoiling here.

My thoughts: This one was over-the-top-silly. I liked it. Probably more than most of Sandra Boynton's other board books. I don't always love them. (Though I know they are supposedly always awesome.) 

288. Snow (Board book) Leslie Patricelli. 2023. [September] 26 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: It's snowing! Everything is white. We get dressed. Suits so tight.

Premise/plot: Leslie Patricelli has written so many board books starring the same ADORABLE little baby. In this one, Baby has a play date. Baby and friend will play, play, play in the snow before heading inside.

My thoughts: I typically have loved some of the 'Baby' board books. I didn't love this one. I overthought this one way too much. For example, why is Baby just wearing a diaper in the house when it is winter? Why is the baby bathing with a friend? Do friends really hang around undressed and take baths together? Maybe. Maybe not. I could be overthinking.

289. Leo at the Park (Board book) Anna McQuinn. 2023. [June] 18 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Phew! The sun is hot, hot, hot! Leo and Mommy are going to the park. Yay! Wave, Leo! Yu is here in the shade. 

Premise/plot: Leo and Yu are having a play date at the park. 

My thoughts: This one is set in the summer (presumably). Leo and his friend have a good time playing at the park. The text is simple. The illustrations are joyful and bright.

290. Snow, Snow, Snow. (Board book) Sandra Boynton. 2023. [September] 24 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Oh, there is snow, snow, snow. It's coming down, down, down, and it is fall, fall, falling all around, round, round. And you can tell, tell, tell what's on it's way--ee--yay. Yes! it will soon, soon, soon be Christmas Day!

Premise/plot: All the friends have gathered together to sing, sing, sing and welcome in the holiday season.

My thoughts: Don't give me a song without giving me a tune. Yes, this is me overthinking things. Yes, I think about how I would read this aloud. I don't want to 'perform' a song unprepared.  

ETA: I read the VERY SMALL PRINT and there is a SONG on YouTube. The song is delightful when you hear the tune. I just think it should be more obvious that you have to go to YouTube to enjoy this board book. Turns out it is DOO-WOP.

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

284. All We Need Is Love and a Really Soft Pillow

All We Need Is Love and a Really Soft Pillow! Peter H. Reynolds and Henry Rocket Reynolds. 2023. [October 3] 48 pages. [Source: Library] [Picture book]

First sentence:  Poppy, need anything? Little One, I've got you! We've got LOVE! Love is all we need! Yes, Love and a really soft pillow.

Premise/plot: Poppy and Little One star in the newest book by Reynolds and his son. Is it timeless? Perhaps. Probably. In this one, the two elaborate on all they really need in life....and life does throw some curve balls their direction.

My thoughts: I liked this one. It is hard to separate the text from the illustrations. I didn't personally love, love, love the illustrations. I didn't. They were meh to me--again this is all subjective. The text worked for me. I thought it was a good story. I enjoyed the characters. 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

283. Critter Cam: Puppy Cam

Puppy Cam. Margie Palatini. Illustrated by Dan Yaccarino. 2023. [August] 32 pages. [Source: Library] [Early Reader]

First sentence: Ball? Get the ball! Get the ball! Get the ball!

Premise/plot: The dog in this one is wearing a camera on his helmet. This camera will provide readers with a unique point of view. This is very much a day-in-the-life of perspective of a fun-loving pup. Fortunately this is a forward-facing camera.

My thoughts: I liked this one. I don't know that I loved it as much as the Critter Cam early reader starring the cat. But it was good fun. I think young dog lovers will appreciate this one. 

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

282. Dory Fantasmagory: Can't Live Without You (#6)

Dory Fantasmagory #6: Can't Live Without You. Abby Hanlon. 2023. [September] 160 pages. [Source: Library]

 First sentence: My name is Dory but everyone calls me Rainbow. "Nobody calls you Rainbow," says my big brother, Luke. "Remember?" I whisper. "I'm a teenager named Rainbow." "It's hard to remember you're a teenager when you have syrup all over your face," says my big sister, Violet. I feel my face. It is very sticky.

Premise/plot: Dory returns for her sixth adventure. In this one she becomes extremely clingy to her mother. Not that that keeps her from imagining her best life ever. OR from making great friends with the new babysitter. This one, like previous titles, features MANY adventures and misadventures--a blending of real and imaginary play. This one continues on the stories of her imaginary friends and enemies. 

My thoughts: This one was so funny. It has been a while since I read one of these books. I loved the writing/narrative voice. For example, we learn that Saturday is NIGHTGOWN day and naturally Dory doesn't want to leave the house to go to Creative Dance. I also love the line where Dory offers both the pennies and the PIG to her mother in an effort to persuade her to keep on being a stay at home mom. 

 I do wish my library had the fifth book. I've read the first four and the sixth.

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers