65. This Baby. That Baby.

This Baby. That Baby. Cari Best. Illustrated by Rashin Kheiriyeh. 2024. [February] 40 pages. [Source: Library] [Picture book]

First sentence: Somewhere in the big, big city 
across a beep-beep street
along two bumpy sidewalks
up two tall buildings
to the
third
fourth
fifth
floors,
two happy babies look out their morning windows
at the very same time.
This baby.
And that baby.
This baby has a lot of curly black hair.
It bounces when he giggles.
That baby has a floppy red hat.
It falls off
when she wiggles.

I love, love, love, love, love this one!!!! It stars two babies: THIS baby and THAT baby. It chronicles their parallel lives--will these two get a proper meeting??? 

I love the celebration of family life, the ordinary moments, the oh-so-relatable moments, the blink and they're gone moments. The story is adorable. The illustrations are adorable. Highly recommended....and so rhythmic too. Loved everything about this one.

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

64. Tangle-Knot

Tangle-Knot. Loretta Ellsworth. Illustrated by Annabel Tempest. 2023. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [Picture book]

First sentence: Fia refuses to brush her hair before she goes out to play. "It's a tangled mess," complains Mom. "I like it this way." Her hair always blows around like a tornado and becomes a maze of snarls and knots. The blustery air twists the curls until they're a swirl of tangle-knot, which is not a word, but which is her hair. It's perfect.

Tangle-knot is my hair as well. (Though not perhaps by choice.) I really enjoyed this playful story starring a young girl and her VERY tangled hair. How tangled is it? A bird makes a nest and hatches her three eggs in it. So VERY, VERY tangled. Will she ever brush her hair?

This was a playful and silly story which I appreciated. I love the illustrations. 

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

63. Henry's School Days

Henry's School Days. (Too Many School Days) Robert Quackenbush. 1987/2023. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [Picture book]

First sentence: When Henry the Duck was growing up, he got into a lot of trouble at school--like the time he went to hang up his coat on an overcrowded rack. Before his teacher could stop him and help him find a place for his coat...all the coats came tumbling down!

I feel seen. Henry the Duck has quite a time leading his teachers to say that Henry has too many school days. Will Henry the Duck ever have a good day at school? 

When I was growing up I loved some of Quackenbush's books. I've loved becoming reacquainted with his books as an adult. I absolutely LOVE the story, the characters, and the illustrations.

I am definitely going to see what other "new" books they have by Quackenbush.

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

62. Everything a Drum

Everything a Drum. Sarah Warren. Illustrated by Camila Carrossine. 2023. 24 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book]

First sentence:  You bang and bash. Ta-tum! tum! tum! The trash goes crash! pa-pum! pum! pum! You turn the world into a drum. You turn the world into a drum. The muffin tin says plink! plink! plink! The doggy dish says tink! tink! tink!

A young toddler makes a drum out of everything--literally. The book is written in rhyme and has a certain amount of rhythm to it. Mind you, it will never take the place of Hand, Hand, Fingers, Thumb (the most perfectly perfect book ever). But it was an enjoyable read for me. The narration definitely worked for me. Lots of onomatopoeia throughout. Plenty of repetition--which is thematically appropriate when talking about beats and rhythm. I didn't love the art, however, art is the most subjective thing about picture books.

I personally think this would be a good board book.

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

54-61. More Board Books on Parade

54. Board Book: Marvel Beginnings: Spider-Man Goes to the Farm. (978-1368090377) Steve Behling. 2024. 10 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Moo! On a beautiful spring day, the amazing Spider-Man is swinging back home from a crime-fighting adventure. As he lands on a rooftop, he hears a loud moo. He swings down and sees a cow has broken loose from its corral on a local farm.

Why does this book exist? That's a question you might legitimately have. I certainly did. But this touch-and-feel book surprised me. I thought it would be worse than it actually is. I expected silly cheese, and in part that delivered. It had all the elements you'd expect from ANY farm book: the expected animals and their sounds. Spider-man was "helping" the misadventures. These misadventures weren't quite as dramatic as what you'd find like on Paw Patrol, but somewhat similar vibes. (One adventure is a horse stuck in the mud.) 

Note to self: Though this one released in January 2024, it is NOT on GoodReads. I sure do miss being able to add books. 

55. Mary Had a Little Lamb. (Board Book) (Touch and trace) Silver Dolphin. 2024. 10 pages. [Source: Library] 

First sentence: Mary had a little lamb, little lamb, little lamb. Its fleece was write as snow.

This board book features five nursery rhymes. I was tempted to say familiar nursery rhymes, but, that isn't necessarily the case. (Four were familiar. One was NOT.) It features: Mary Had a Little Lamb, Five Little Speckled Frogs, Bingo, The Ants Go Marching, and Mulberry Bush. Each rhyme has its own two-page spread. Some pages feature cut-outs or holes. There are "tracing" elements. I'm not exactly sure what the point of the tracing elements are. They are not a touch-and-feel element--not really. No new textures to feel or sense--just cardboard and more cardboard. 

56.  Board book: Kisses: A Lift the Flap and Sliding Parts Book. Marta Comin. 2023. [December] 16 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: In the sea, six fish are swimming round and round. They say, "Bloop, bloop, kiss. I'm so glad you're safe and sound." 

I have to say that I crazy love and adore the "kissing" fish which is the first spread. They started with the best--for better or worse. Little ones can slide the fishes to one another and make them kiss. Perhaps parents reading aloud can join in with kissy fish lips of their own. While there are plenty of elements to manipulate in this one--most of them are flaps. (For example, opening the petals of a flower). The most disturbing--for me personally, and this is completely subjective--is the flapping baby head. You can turn a flap to have him kiss one parent and then the other. So there are three baby heads in total. The elephant trunks touching is a good spread. This one--for me--was hit or miss. 

57. Boop Me! Yappy Puppy. (Board book) Claire Baker. 2024. 10 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Puppy's at the park today, looking for a game to play.

Is it a gimmicky interactive book? Yes. Probably. Was it fun--at least at first--to "boop" his nose and have it make a squeak? Yes. I think it would be fun--at least at first. The puppy's nose is also velvety soft. So with the softness of the nose AND the delightful squeak, this one could work well with little ones that love dogs. The adventure itself is simple--puppy playing at the park. The dog is making his own nose boop. The elements are better than the story perhaps.

58. What is Snow? Very First Questions and Answers. (Board book) Katie Daynes. 2018/2023. 12 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: What is snow? It's what flutters down on freezing days.

Is there such a thing as too many flaps? I wouldn't have thought so before picking this one up. I never knew if the flap would reveal text--like an answer to a question--or if it would just be an illustration. Some spreads felt like they had ten or so flaps. Some had text. Some didn't. Some moved the plot forward. Some didn't. The board book format and the lift-the-flap feature seem like they'd be for a younger crowd (toddler, early preschool) the amount of text felt like it might not hold attention spans. This one could work depending on the presentation of the one reading it aloud.

59. Christmas at Nana's House. (Board book) Larissa Juliano. 2023. 20 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Christmas is here, and it is the most magical time of the year at Nana's house. We stand on the sidewalk (I helped shovel!) and see the colorful Christmas lights flicker.

I liked this one more than I thought I would. (Though I have questions.) It is a straightforward enough Christmas-themed story starring a lovely family celebrating Christmas together. Two grandchildren and their grandparents. (No parents in sight, which is one of the questions I have. But it doesn't matter. Not really). This book goes through many traditions. It ends with leaving cookies for Santa. 

60. That's Not My Santa (Board book) Fiona Watt. 2008/2012/2023. 8 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence:  That's not my Santa...his sleigh is too sparkly. That's not my Santa...his sack is too rough.

I have a weakness for GREAT touch-and-feel elements. The story can be a little weak, but give me good textures to feel, and I'll be drawn to it. The story is simple and a bit repetitive. But the textures for the most part are satisfying. I particularly love the rough sack. (Though I will argue that SPARKLY is never, never, never a texture.) Technically, Santa's gloves (look like mittens and definitely are NOT fuzzy despite the text) aren't quite right. But overall this one was pleasing.

61. Baby's First Passover. (Board book). DK Publishing. 2024. 13 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Passover, known in Hebrew as Pesach, is a Jewish festival of eight days. It celebrates how the Jewish people became free from slavery, many years ago. 

I have not read any in this series so I don't have anything to compare it to. Is it short on details? Have too many details? Don't know. Want to know. I definitely had a few questions. Is it unrealistic for a board book to answer all my questions? Probably. This one blends illustrations with photographs. It briefly--very briefly--mentions plagues of Egypt. For "disease" it shows a cow with a thermometer in its mouth. I don't have experience with other board books about Passover to compare this one with. I have read a few picture books, but that definitely does not seem fair. 

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

50-53. Board Book Parade

50. Butts. Katrine Crow. [Board book] 2020. 20 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Who has a fluffy butt like this? A bunny! Who has a feathery butt like this? A chicken!

This is an admittedly silly and playful book featuring photographs of animal butts. There are a series of questions and answers--the question shows the back side, the answer the front side. 

I really LOVED some of these photos. Some of the photos are so incredibly cute and adorable. I think this would be a fun book to read aloud to a little one. 

51. Bellies. Katrine Crow. [Board book] 2020. 20 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Who has a furry belly like this? A lynx! Who has a wet belly like this? A sea turtle! 

I'm not sure if Bellies or Butts was published first. But these two are good companions, and, of course, they are by the same author. This one features photographs of animal bellies. Again, a series of questions and answers. 

I really enjoyed some of the photographs. I do think the answers are perhaps not quite as obvious in this one. Lynx bellies, Bengal bellies, they don't look all that different from any/every cat. Both books--both Butts and Bellies--feature a range of animals. 

52. Counting Our Blessings. Emma Dodd. [Board book] 2020. 24 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: We're counting our blessings one by one. How many will there be? Let's count together, just us two, and very soon we'll see.

Two dogs count their blessings in Emma Dodd's newest board book. The illustrated dogs--parent and pup--are SUPER, SUPER, SUPER, SUPER adorable. The text itself--written in rhyme--is serviceable. Nothing objectionable about it, perhaps a tiny bit bland, but it gets the job done. It celebrates an attitude of gratitude AND counts to ten. 

53. (Little Chunkies) Animals in the Forest. DK Publishing. 2023. [Board book] 10 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: The bees swarm around the nest. The bear wakes up from its afternoon rest. The wolf howls at the glowing moon. The birds sing their pretty tune. 

I was disappointed. Despite it saying this is a "touch and discover" book, there are no touch and feel elements. There are cut-outs, but holes aren't a touch and feel element. There are raised elements, but cardboard in and of itself is not a touch and feel element. The holes might make for an amusing way to turn pages for little hands. Raised elements may or may not catch the eyes and keep attention. But this is hardly an interactive board book.

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

49. Poetry Comics

Poetry Comics. Grant Snider. 2024. 96 pages. [Source: Library] [poetry]

First sentence:  I want to put down on paper the feeling of fresh possibilities. 

Poems told in comic book format. This is a combination I never knew I needed, but now I do know. I want MORE, MORE, MORE, MORE. Love this combination so much.

The book is arranged into the four seasons. It opens with spring. 

This one was love at first sight. I enjoyed many of the poems. I did. But I loved the recurring subject. Each of the four seasons contains a poem titled, "How To Write A Poem." (Each one is numbered.) 

How To Write a Poem #1
Find a quiet place.
A sharp pencil.
A blank page.
Sit still.
Keep quiet.
Wait.
A poem will rush in to fill the space.

What I can't really convey is how LOVELY the poems are when illustrated in the comic format.

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

48. Sing High, Sing Crow (The Great Mathemachicken #3)

Sing High, Sing Crow (The Great Mathemachicken #3) Nancy Krulik. Illustrated by Charlie Alder. 2024. 112 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Feathers tickle
feathers fly
But I've got a feather in my eye!
Chirpy curled up in a tight little ball. She covered her ears with her wings. But nothing she did blocked out the noise of the crows singing their song up in the tree.

Premise/plot: Chirpy (and friends) return in their third adventure. In this one, the chicks are ALL disturbed by the oh-so-noisy crows and their "music." The band isn't made up exclusively of crows. Can the chicks work together to find away to make their super inconsiderate neighbors HUSH or SHOO? Perhaps it's time for Chirpy to go to school and learn a clever way (based on math and/or science) to solve the problem. What Chirpy learns is that music and math go hand in hand...but can that fact prove helpful????

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I do like the series. The first book is Hide and Go Beak and the second is Have a Slice Day.  

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

47. Cookie Queen

Cookie Queen: How One Girl Started Tate's Bake Shop. Kathleen King (Founder of Tate's Bake Shop) and Lowey Bundy Sichol. Illustrated by Ramona Kaulitzki. 2023. 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence:  It was very early in the morning when Kathleen stepped into the kitchen. Kathleen was only eleven, but each morning she made her own breakfast and packed her own lunch for school--and when her parents worked late--she whipped up dinner for her brothers and sister. Kathleen enjoyed cooking, but more than anything, she loved to bake. 

Premise/plot: This is a picture book biography of Kathleen King the founder of Tate's Bake Shop. This picture book celebrates baking--specifically chocolate chip cookies--hard work and entrepreneurship. It is the story of how she kept working and working and working to improve her recipe until it was perfectly perfect and that consistently. She sold many, many, many cookies along the way. 

My thoughts: Who doesn't enjoy reading about cookies? This one could pair with many other books about cookies. I do see this one as being for younger elementary grades. It would be so tempting to pair this one with a snack.

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

46. Bears are Best

Bears are Best: The Scoop About How We Sniff, Sneak, Snack, and Snooze. Joan Holub. Illustrated by Laurie Keller. 2023. 48 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Grrrreetings! My name is Brown Bear. I am the only bear in this book. [You are not]. 

This is a nonfiction picture book about BEARS (plural). It isn't your typical nonfiction picture book, however. It is written in a conversational--playful--narrative. The [many] bears of the book are having quite the dialogue--all in speech bubbles. All the information about each bear--what makes them similar or dissimilar to the others--is revealed through conversation. The conversation isn't dry and info-dumpy. Not really. There's plenty to keep it light and flowing--a bit silly.

I liked this one. It does have more text than you might expect based on the cover. I do think this one could easily be mistaken for just another picture book starring bears. It doesn't scream out "I'm nonfiction!" Because it is so text-heavy, I do think it would be a good fit for most elementary grades--especially second and third grade.

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

45. The Very Hungry Caterpillar at the Bakeshop

The Very Hungry Caterpillar at the Bakeshop (Board book) Eric Carle (World of Eric Carle). 2023. [November] 14 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: The Very Hungry Caterpillar is visiting the bakeshop. He spots a perfectly frosted cupcake! Yum! But there are more treats to sample...

This board book is set in the World of Eric Carle. It stars one of his most famous characters, the Very Hungry Caterpillar. He has starred in many other books in recent years. Almost to the point of becoming over-commercialized and gimmicky. This one, however, is a bit better than some of the others. It features the Very Hungry Caterpillar doing what he does best--eating through yummy food. He isn't introducing us to colors, shapes, numbers, or holidays. He's just being hungry at a bakeshop. Is it as good as the original? No. He doesn't eat through leaving caterpillar shaped holes, but the book does feature shape cut-outs on each spread in the shape of the baked goods. I did like the "raised pieces." 

I liked this one more than I thought I would.

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

44. Henry and the Something New

Henry and the Something New. Jenn Bailey. Illustrated by Mika Song. 2024. 56 pages. [Source: Library] [early chapter book; series book]

First sentence: Today was Field Trip Day. Henry was excited. Everyone in Classroom Ten would ride the bus to the museum. Henry was also worried. Everyone in Class Ten would ride the bus to the museum.

Premise/plot: Do you know Henry? Henry has starred in a picture book and another early chapter book. You can read about Henry in A Friend for Henry and Henry, Like Always. Henry, who is on the autism spectrum, is excited-scared about the class field trip. Should he go? Should he stay? It might be awesome. It might be too overwhelming. Henry does decide to go...but will his non-regular day turn out to be amazing?

My thoughts: I really LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Henry. I love the writing and characterization. So few words yet so relatable. I definitely recommend all the books. I hope there are many, many more in the future. The world needs more Henry. 

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

43. The Great Puptective

The Great Puptective. Alina Tysoe. 2024. 128 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: One day, Sasha the human came home with a strange box. I think it's about time that Truffles got a friend.

Premise/plot: Early chapter book in "graphic novel" format. (In other words, an illustrated chapter book with plenty of speech bubbles showing the dialogue). Truffles is not thrilled that his new "friend" is an enthusiastic puppy named Poppy. Poppy considers herself an amateur detective always on the case. Cases seem to find her most of the time, even if they aren't really proper cases. Truffles may just have enough of Poppy one of these days....

My thoughts: I really LOVED the characters Poppy and Truffles. The book is silly, cute, fun. I loved how the story unfolded throughout the book. Definitely reminded me of old school Garfield and Friends episodes in the best way possible. 

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

40-42. Board Book Parade (Farm Edition)

40. Board book: Country Baby. Laurie Elmquist. Illustrated by Ellen Rooney. 2024. 20 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: We pull on rubber boots
Splash into puddles with both feet
Look for speckled eggs
The sheep's wool is cozy-cozy

My thoughts (preview): I find it incredibly sad that my first and foremost response is to notice all the lack of periods in the text. One period for the whole book. 

Premise/plot: Little ones follow the adventures of a country baby (and country mom) in this board book. The text is descriptive yet still simple. 

My thoughts: I like this one. It is a farm book that does feature a story. It goes beyond animal identification and/or animal sounds. It is set on a farm, but I think it focuses more on the parent-child relationship. I do think the book celebrates nature and 'country life.'

41. Slide and See First Words: Farm (Board book) Helen Hughes. Illustrated by Samantha Meredith. 2024. 12 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Farm buildings
farmhouse
barn
henhouse
There is one house for the famer and houses for the animals, too.

Premise/plot: This is an 'interactive' board book for parents to share with little ones. Each page/spread (including the cover) features a sliding element that reveals words. (Hence: slide and see). There are other peek-a-boo surprises besides words alone. 

Many pages feature questions and answers. Questions like "What color is the barn? Who lives inside the barn? What are they eating?" On the next page--the page with the sliding elements--we've got sentences waiting for the answers to slide in. The barn is red. Inside the barn are the animals. They are eating hay.

Each spread is farm-themed, but there is no continuous story. 

My thoughts: How could I read this one without flashing back to Baby Einstein's Baby MacDonald. I can hear the music even. I do like the sliding elements. I think they are fun. Obviously, I have not tested their durability. I haven't slid them back and forth hundreds of times. I haven't played with the book roughly. I have not tasted it. But I do like it and would easily recommend it. 

Farm books are not "new" or unique. There will always be plenty of new farm books published each year, every year. Probably not all staying in print.

42.  Board book: Don't Push the Button! On the Farm. Bill Cotter. 2024. 24 pages. [Source: Library] 

First sentence: Hey there! Great to see you again! I'm so excited to be visiting the farm with you. Let's go! Don't open the gate that means you!!! Oh, don't worry about that sign. It's probably nothing. Could you flip open the latch? I can't reach it.

Premise/plot: This is an interactive board book in the sense that it is asking readers to participate using their imagination. (Think Blue's Clues or Dora the Explorer or the like). It is written using the second person--you. The book is pure silliness from cover to cover.

My thoughts: These books fall flat unless you're really to engage fully. I do think the book can be appealing because it is enthusiastically over-the-top silly. I think the person reading aloud can help this be an engaging read as well. (Sometimes how you read a book aloud is so important.) 

I like this one, but didn't personally love it.

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

39. The Paper Doll Wedding

The Paper Doll Wedding. Hilda Miloche and Wilma Kane. 1954. 20 pages. [Source: Bought] [Vintage Golden Book, Little Golden Activity Book] 

First sentence: Are you coming to the wedding to see the bride and groom? Then hurry, do please hurry. It will be this afternoon.

Premise/plot: This INTERACTIVE Little Golden Book was published in 1954. At the front of the book, there's a page of paper dolls: the bride, the groom, the bridesmaid, the flower girl, and a cake topper. At the back of the book, there are clothes for the paper doll to wear--if you cut them out. There is also a paper trunk to construct to store the clothes. In the middle of this one is the story of the wedding. There are slots (if you choose to cut them) to slide your doll into the story. It essentially is a 'let's pretend' wedding scenario. 

My thoughts: I bought this one for $1. It was missing the flower girl, but all the other dolls were there. The clothes had not been cut out. I enjoy this one mainly for the vintage illustrations AND the premise. This is exactly the kind of book that I would have enjoyed as a kid. It's the kind of book that I can easily imagine my grandma buying for me. It would almost make sense--in a way--to want to buy two. One to play with and enjoy, and one to keep intact. The original cost was a quarter. I don't know how expensive (or inexpensive) a paper doll book would have been in the early to mid 1950s. The story was sweet and charming.

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

38. Baby Bear's Busy Day

Baby Bear's Busy Day with Brown Bear and Friends. [Board book] "Eric Carle" Odd Dot. 2023. [September] 10 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Hello, Baby bear! Open your eyes. The sun is rising in the sky! Baby Bear, now move your feet. Your tummy says it's time to eat!

Premise/plot: This is a board book in the "World of Eric Carle." It is an interactive book. There are activities for little hands on almost every spread--including the cover. (On the cover, you can turn the wheel to make it day or night.) The book's text is super simple. 

My thoughts: There are so many books in the "World of Eric Carle." Some seem more 'commercial' and 'gimmicky' than others. (As opposed to the actual-actual original stories by Eric Carle.) The art is definitely in the style of Eric Carle. The text is not amazingly wonderful, but it is more than serviceable. It isn't all that bad actually. The book takes you from morning to evening.

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

37. Good Night, Cuddle Tight

Board book: Good Night, Cuddle Tight. Kristi Valiant. 2023. [December] 20 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: When daytime is over and moonlight shines bright, Dad hugs all his bunnies. 

Premise/plot: This board book stars a lovely bunny family. The premise is simple: it is BEDTIME but the little bunnies have extra special requests that are putting off said bedtime. It starts with one....but leads to ALL the bunnies wanting a special, unique, just for them kind of bedtime hug/cuddle. 

My thoughts: I thought this one was adorable. The illustrations are preciously adorable. Yet they are not so precious and cutesy that they miss out on humor or being relatable. One of my favorite scenes: "She grabs his ears and skips 'round to his back. 'Is this a good hug?' 'No, it's like an attack!'" The story is predictable enough, but this one has more story than you might suppose. In other words, it is not entirely dinky. There is an actual story that elevates it.

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

36. Why Do Elephants Have Big Ears?

Why Do Elephants Have Big Ears? Questions -- And Surprising Answers -- About Animals. Steve Jenkins and Robin Page. 2023. [November] 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Why do camels have a hump? 

Premise/plot: This is a nonfiction picture book. The title may include the word 'elephant' but the book covers a wide assortment of animals. Some questions and answers are on a single page. Other questions and answers are a two-page spread. 

Questions include,
Why do spotted skunks do handstands?
Why do wombats have cube-shaped poop?
Why are naked mole rats naked?

There are SO MANY questions and answers. This one is full of I-didn't-know-that-facts.

My thoughts: I really enjoyed this one. I found some questions super-fascinating. I think this is the kind of book that might prove engaging and appealing to young readers. It is not a book that you have to read cover to cover. It can be a book that you flip through casually. The end material does include [even] more facts about the animals.

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

35. Hot Cat, Cool Cat

Hot Cat, Cool Cat. Laura Manaresi. Illustrated by Roberta Angaramo. 2023. [November] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Kit and Kip are friends. But....Kip likes to run. Kit likes to sit. Kip likes cake. Kit likes fish. Kip likes to hug. Hugs scare Kit. Kip likes mice. Kit likes horses.

Premise/plot: Kit and Kip are friends with a lot of differences. This book celebrates their friendship. It is a LEVEL G reader. 

My thoughts: I definitely liked this one. Is it the absolutely most amazing picture book starring cats? Probably not. Is it quite good for a leveled [beginner/early] reader? Yes. It does have a plot. It doesn't jump into the plot, perhaps. But it does have quite an adventure...eventually. 

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

34. Buffalo Fluffalo

Buffalo Fluffalo. Bess Kalb. Illustrated by Erub Kraan. 2024. 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: There once was a Buffalo Fluffalo...a snuffalo, scruffalo, surly old buffalo, who was ever so snarly and gnarly and tuffalo. I'm the Buffalo Fluffalo--I heave and I huffalo. Leave me alone because I've had enuffalo!

Premise/plot: Is Buffalo Fluffalo as tough as he wants you to believe? Maybe. Maybe not. Probably not. Is he adorable? Always and forever.

My thoughts: This picture book is written in rhyme. It is absolutely adorable in the most precious of ways. It is probably more for younger readers than older ones. (It may be "too cute" for some.) I liked this one. I did. I didn't love the text in a love, love, love way. But I did think the illustrations were so incredibly adorable and cute and precious. So I definitely liked it and am happy to recommend it.

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

31-33. Service Pups in Training, 3 Books

31. Tucker's Nose Knows: An Allergen Detection Dog Graphic Novel. Mari Bolte. Illustrated by Diego Vaisberg. 2023. 29 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Tucker is a poodle training to become an allergen detection dog. Poodles are considered to be hypoallergenic. That means they are less likely to cause allergic reactions.

Premise/plot: What you see is what you get. A puppy is in training to be a service dog. In this instance, it is Tucker who is the star. Tucker is learning to isolate out specific scents and give alerts when the allergen is detected. Apparently, Tucker learns different scents on different days of his training. This specific day he is on the scent for gluten. The story is told in comic book form. There are speech bubbles for dialogue.

My thoughts: I hope training is taken more seriously in real life. Each book focuses on puppies in training--but they are all classmates and friends. The training aspects seem a little unrealistic, not that there aren't dogs trained for allergen detection, just the method and process seems a little sketchy. 

The book is a meh for me. I didn't hate it. I didn't love it. The artwork wasn't super amazing quality. 

32. Daphne Shows Support: An Emotional Support Dog Graphic Novel. Mari Bolte. Illustrated by Alan Brown. 2023. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Daphne is a shih tzu puppy. She may be small, but she has a huge heart! She wants to help everyone, and the best way to do that is as an emotional support dog.

Premise/plot: What you see is what you get. A puppy is in training to be a service dog. In this instance, Daphne is the star. Daphne is learning to be an emotional support dog. 

My thoughts: Will readers learn about how emotional support dogs are really trained? I doubt it. I am so skeptical of the methods and processes being depicted. Again just personal opinion. The message of this one is that you have to take care of your own needs first. That is, the dog, Daphne, must take care of her own emotional needs first before she can be good at her own job in helping others. Most of the book just has ALL the puppies (each being trained in their own specialty apparently) doing an agility course and there is a "celebrity" dog. The plot of this one is just weird.

33. Rossi Guides the Way: A Guide Dog Graphic Novel. Mari Bolte. Illustrated by Alan Brown. 2023. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Rossi is a yellow lab puppy. He's training to be a service dog like his great-grandma, Roselle. She's his hero.

Premise/plot: What you see is what you get. A puppy is in training to be a service dog. In this instance, Rossi is learning to be a guide dog. Rossi doesn't have a great training day and gives up--or wants to give up. Will Rossi be encouraged by Daphne to keep trying?

My thoughts: Readers may be more familiar with the concept of guide dogs. This one does focus more on teaching lessons to humans on how to human than it does provide information on how dogs are trained to be service dogs. The series [all three books] seem to have this didactic nature to them. This one is about how everyone makes mistakes and that's okay.

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

30. You Make Me Sneeze!

You Make Me Sneeze! Sharon G. Flake. Illustrated by Anna Raff. 2024. 48 pages. [Source: Library]

Normally I do like to include a first sentence, but sometimes Amazon samples are absolutely unhelpful. If you can't preview the first page of a picture book, then why bother.

Premise/plot:  Cat and Duck are back. These two "friends" are back for another adventure. Duck is convinced that he is allergic to Cat. But instead of creating distance and space between the two, Duck is more stuck on Cat than ever. Cat hopes, perhaps, that Duck will go away. Alas, Cat is not the source of Duck's sneezing.

My thoughts: These two are very silly. Are they as delightful as Elephant and Piggie? No. Not really. The book descriptions sure do like comparing these two to Elephant and Piggie. They do have some surface level similarities. Two friends banter back and forth in speech bubbles. 

I liked this one okay.

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

29. You Are Not a Cat

You Are Not a Cat. Sharon G. Flake. 2016/2024. 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: I am a cat. Meow. You are not a cat. You are a duck. Quack, quack.

Premise/plot: A cat and a duck quibble and fuss. Duck is definitely getting on Cat's last nerve. Duck insists that *today* he is a cat. Yesterday Duck was something else. Tomorrow Duck may be something else. But Duck is a cat...today...and insists on following Cat around.

My thoughts: Cat definitely had decided opinions on what is "regular." Cats meow. Ducks quack. End of story. Cats cannot be ducks. Ducks cannot be cats. And Cat doesn't have time for nonsense. Perhaps if Duck wasn't so insistent at being glued to his side. If Duck had gone away, far, far, away then would Cat have cared if this Duck wanted to meow? Maybe. Maybe not.

 I liked this one okay. It was silly. It had humor. It's an early reader with speech bubbles.

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

28. Barnacle is Bored

Barnacle is Bored. Jonathan Fenske. 2016. Scholastic. 40 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: I am bored. Bored. Bored. BORED. Every day is the same. The tide comes IN. I am wet and cold. The tide goes OUT. I am dry and hot. 

Premise/plot: Barnacle is BORED. Barnacle is full of complaints. Nothing suits. Until...Barnacle realizes something important about life...

My thoughts: I liked this one. I did. I may not have loved, loved, loved it. But I solidly liked it. It is an ocean-themed book about attitude and perspective, about gratitude. Barnacle is not grateful...at all. But by the end of the story, something has changed...for the better.

The first time I read this one, I wasn't overly impressed with the illustrations. They didn't do much for me. Dare I say they bored me?! But after the second or third time around I had come to appreciate them. I found the illustrations could be quite expressive. I love the grinning look of relief on Barnacle when he's NOT eaten.

I appreciate the fact that this is a book that allows for a lot of expression in the reading. I think it's a great choice to share with little ones. They may just ask for it again and again and again and again.

ETA: Barnacle is Bored is one of my FAVORITE books to read aloud. I think it allows for great expression. I adore this one. 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

27. Today is For You!

Today is For You! Sally Lloyd-Jones. Illustrated by Kevin Waldron. 2024. 48 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Shout out, Good Morning! Shout out, Hooray! Shout it together....Hooray for Today! Jump up and smile and take a bow. When is Today? Exactly now.

Premise/plot: Looking for a picture book with enthusiasm and gusto? This is an inspirational/motivational picture book for young readers. It isn't quite Oh the Places You'll Go, but it is certainly in that tradition. The book celebrates living life in every moment. It is written in rhyme and reads like a poem. The narrative voice, like I mentioned earlier, is VERY peppy and excitable. 

My thoughts: I like this colorful poem well enough. I do. I think it can be appreciated by a wide range of ages. Not everyone appreciates these kinds of books. And that's okay. Each "stanza" has a message. For example, "And be who you are. And be that the most." (To be fair, these are the last two lines of a longer stanza.) 

The art is intriguing. The text is integral in the book's design and layout. It wasn't always super easy to read the text. But that is probably a personal preference. (Purple text on purple background, for example). I definitely appreciated some spreads more than others. Some were absolutely BEAUTIFUL and so amazing. I loved the color palettes for some of these. 

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

26. My Thoughts Have Wings

My Thoughts Have Wings. Maggie Smith. Illustrated by Leanne Hatch. 2024. 32 pages. [Source: Library]
 

First sentence: Sometimes when I go to bed, my body is calm and still, but my mind feels busy and loud! When my mom turns off the lights, my thoughts stay on...especially the not-so-good ones. Those thoughts flutter and flap in my head.

Premise/plot: The little girl in this picture book struggles with anxiety. Her mom teaches her how to allow happy thoughts to build a nest in her mind. 

My thoughts: This one deals specifically with anxiety when it comes to falling asleep and staying asleep. The book shows her worrisome thoughts and her happy thoughts. The book is sweet and gentle. The imagery is lovely.

There's more than one way to approach this topic/theme. I do not expect secular picture books to approach it the same way a Christian book published by a Christian publisher would. 

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

25. Cranky

Cranky. Phuc Tran. Illustrated by Pete Oswald. 2024. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: I'm cranky. And this morning I'm also feeling cranky because...well, I'd rather not tell you. It's personal.

Premise/plot: Cranky is cranky. Cranky stays cranky. Cranky does not want to talk about it. Not with his friends. Not with readers. Will Cranky be a little less cranky by the end of the day [aka end of the book]? Perhaps. Perhaps not. Sometimes crankiness lingers and you have to sleep it off.

My thoughts: Not sure exactly what the point of this one was other than to show a cranky construction vehicle going through his busy day all the while being cranky. For readers who think crankiness in others is amusing, then this one might appeal. Or for readers who enjoy construction vehicles. It definitely falls into the "emotions and feelings" category--books that are opportunities for learning about emotions, feelings, and how to cope with all the above. 

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

24. Kitty and Cat: Bent Out of Shape

Kitty and Cat: Bent Out of Shape. Mirka Hokkanen. 2023. [November] 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Cat! Time for a bath! Cat? Where's Cat?

Premise/plot: Kitty and Cat are back for another adventure. In this one the concept being taught is shapes. Cat is avoiding the dread B-A-T-H. But will Cat be successful? Will the others be successful when it is their turn for a bath? 

My thoughts: I liked it well enough. Kitty and Cat are both cute. The story may not be "fresh" or "new" but it is still fun enough. 

If your little one loves cats, then I'd recommend reading this one. (Especially if you can get it at your local library). The great thing about picture books is that you can preview before you buy (if you buy in person) or look at the sample pages if you are buying online.

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

23. Some Cats

Board book: Some Cats. Illustrated by Lydia Nichols. 2023. 12 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Sometimes cats seek. Sometimes they hide. Sometimes they find things and climb right inside! Sometimes cats stretch in the warm morning sun. Other times, climbing just sounds like more fun. Sometimes cats cuddle and snuggle all day, but sometimes they want to leap, jump, and play.

Premise/plot: This board book is a shape book, and a layered shape book at that. It stars PLENTY of cats.

My thoughts: I love, love, love cats. I do. I appreciate board books. I know not many adults read board books for fun, but I do. This rhyming board book is delightful. I like the text, the illustrations, and the textures. 

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

22. Apple vs. Pumpkin

Board book: Apple vs. Pumpkin. Jeffrey Burton. Illustrated by Lydia Jean. 2023. 22 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: When it comes to fall, there's so much to love. The weather turns cool, the clothes get cozy, and there's only ONE treat everyone wants to eat.

Premise/plot: Are you Team Apple or Team Pumpkin? Which "fall" treat do you prefer? In this board book, apple and pumpkin "boast battle" to see which is best. 

My thoughts: I like this one. I do. I love both apples and pumpkins. I have a love-hate relationship with the illustrations. Some spreads I love. Some not so much. But I definitely liked this one more often than not. The text is super cute--precious at times. Such as the following:

Did you know every kid is the apple of someone's eye?
Did you know every kid is someone's little pumpkin?

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

21. The Fabulous Fannie Farmer

The Fabulous Fannie Farmer: Kitchen Scientist and America's Cook. Emma Bland Smith. Illustrated by Susan Reagan. 2024. 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: In a house near Boston in the late 1800s, Fannie Farmer sat at the kitchen table, swinging her legs and peeling potatoes. Or so we can imagine. Like many girls across America, Fannie likely grew up learning to cook from her mother, making dishes that had been passed down for generations. Now, back in the old days, recipes were different from today. Both in books and out loud, the instructions were often cloudier than clam chowder, and the measurements could be downright silly! "A suspicion of nutmeg," "sugar to your taste," "as many yolks of eggs as may be necessary," "yeast sufficient to make them light," "a good lump of dripping or butter."

Premise/plot: The Fabulous Fannie Farmer is a nonfiction picture book--a biography--about Fannie Farmer and her cookbook. Farmer was instrumental in the field. She is the "mother of measurement" and helped revolutionize modern recipes--that is HOW recipes were written. The book is great at contrasting before and after. 

The book includes two of her recipes.

My thoughts: I loved this one. The narration was great--plenty of engaging storytelling. I loved the inclusion of back matter. This one is a good example of a DELIGHTFUL nonfiction read. They sure didn't write biographies like this when I was a kid.

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

13-20. Board Book Parade

13. [Board book] Teeny Tiny Turkey. Rachel Matson. Illustrated by Joey Chou. 2023. 16 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: On a teeny tiny farm, while the moon shone bright, all the forest creatures prepared for party night.

Premise/plot: Teeny Tiny Turkey has nothing to provide for the party. All of her friends are cooking or baking something--or else contributing something else special for the day. But Teeny Tiny Turkey has nothing but herself to bring. Will her 'gift from the heart' make her friends happy?

My thoughts: This one could have gone a completely different direction if the author had a dark sense of humor. Was I actually worried that Teeny Tiny Turkey would be the star of the show and be consumed by her friends? Not really. This one didn't wow me. It was serviceable and just fine.

14. [Board book] If Mama Sings. Laura Wittner. Illustrated by Maricel R. Clark. 2023. 16 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: If Mama sings, I float.
If Mama sings, I sleep.
If Mama sings, I eat.
If Mama sings, I look.

Premise/plot: If Mama Sings is a simple, sweet board book. It takes readers from pregnancy through preschool years. The first spread shows an expectant mother singing to her unborn child. The last spread shows that child joining her in song.

My thoughts: A book doesn't have to be flashy to work. Simple text. Simple illustrations. ALL heart and substance. The tender emotions are strong with this one. I found it very delightful. 

15. [Board Book] The Bedtime Book. Katy Hedley. Illustrated by Paola Camma. 2023. [October 17, cybils eligible] 20 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: El asked Mouse if Mouse wanted to read. Mouse said, "If you read this, I would like that indeed." So El read the green book and that made Mouse smile. Mouse talked about the pictures so the book took a while. "El, please read it again?" Mouse asked with a squeeze. El gave a big smile and said, "Yes, Mouse, as you please."

Premise/plot: El reads Mouse a bedtime story. (El is an elephant. Mouse is a mouse.) It is written in rhyme.

My thoughts: I like it. I don't crazy love it. But I don't not-love it either. It is sweet enough in its way. It doesn't have a particularly unique title. Nor is the premise all that unique or special. It's cozy, familiar, predictable. Nothing wrong with going with the flow. Bedtime books usually come in two varieties: gentle, soothing books meant to lull to sleep OR the more rambunctious protests against bedtime. This one falls into the gentle and peaceful camp. [That's not to say the story is boring.]

 

16. [Board book] Lion, Lion Peekaboo. Grace Habib. 2023. 8 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Lion and Lion's friends are playing peekaboo! Let's play too. Stripy zebra, Stripy zebra....where are you? 

Premise/plot: Interactive board book for parents to share with little ones. This one features "grab and pull" interactive elements on each page. All the animals are hiding, little ones can "find" them and say peekaboo.

My thoughts: I liked this one well enough. I am not sure how well little ones will be able to manipulate the grab and pull bits. NOR am I sure how well the book will hold up to more vigorous readers. But I do think it has potential to be a favorite with little ones even if it doesn't remain a favorite forever. It does feature a mirror at the end. (Mirrors can be very appealing to young ones.)

 

17. [Board book] Baby On Board Train With Tabs to Push and Pull. Sebastien Braun. 2023. 8 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: All aboard the baby train. We're going on a ride today1 All aboard the baby train. The whistle sounds--we're on our way! All aboard the baby train. Up the hill--very slow. All aboard the baby train. Over the top and down we go!

Premise/plot: This one is an interactive board book with activities for little hands to manipulate on each spread. 

My thoughts: The text isn't much--to be honest. The interactive elements, however, are so much better than the text itself. I could see the interactive elements "saving" this one and making it a good choice for little ones that love trains. Again, the text isn't the high point of this one. Most of the interactive elements work for me. The one that I don't quite love--I'm an overthinker--is the train in the tunnel that moves SIDEWAYS. I get that they want a hide-and-seek element perhaps. But trains don't hop off and on tracks like that!

18. [Board book] You're the Apple of My Pie. Rose Rossner. Illustrated by Jill Howarth. 2023. 24 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: You're my favorite gobble gobble, the tur-key to my heart. I only have eyes for you, so mumderful and smart. I'm always on your cider, here to help in any way. Nuthin's better than being together. I love you more each day. You really autumn know that I've fallen for you, it's true.

Premise/plot: This board book is full of puns.

My thoughts: The illustrations are precious in both senses of the word. Yes, this one is cutesy precious and a bit over-the-top. But it's also sweet and fun. The illustrations are colorful and fun--adorable. Will the sentimental cheese work for every reader? Maybe not. 

19. [Board book] Winter with Hedgehog. Elena Ulyeva. Illustrated by Daria Parkhaeva. 2023. 20 pages. [Source: Library] 

First sentence: One chilly morning, Little Hedgehog work up extra early. 

Premise/plot: Little Hedgehog stars in this book celebrating a woodsy winter.

My thoughts: Essentially this one is "when will it be winter?" Little Hedgehog serves as a way to teach a few basic facts to little ones about how forest animals spend their winters. It didn't wow me. It was definitely more a meh for me. (Personally). That being said, the illustrations were cute.

20. [Board book] Bundle up, Little Pup. Dori Elys. Illustrated by Elena Comte. 2023. 20 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: It's quiet outside. Snow swirls softly today. Bundle up, little pup! Let's go out and play!

Premise/plot: What you see is what you get. Young children and their dogs playing in the snow. This isn't the story of one child and one dog--it's a community at play.

My thoughts: I liked this one well enough. It was good to see all the variety--both in humans and pups.

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers