85. Waiting in the Wings

Waiting in the Wings. Julie Andrews and Emma Walton Hamilton. Illustrated by Eg Keller. 2024. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book]

First sentence:  Mr. and Mrs Puddleduck were expecting their first clutch of eggs. It was time to make a nest, but all the good spots by the water's edge were already taken.

Premise/plot: This picture book was inspired by a true event. It is the story of a family of ducks who made a nest near/at a theatre. The actors "helped" the "chorus line" of ducklings make their way safely to the wharf. It is told from the ducks' perspective--so it is animal fantasy. It is a sweet, precious, adorable story--along those lines.

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I do love, love, love Julie Andrews. This picture book celebrates the theatre but does so through the perspective of ducks! I'd never really thought what a duck's view point of musical theatre would be! That added some delight to the story.

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

83-84. Pet Books

83. How to Love a Kitten. Michelle Meadows. 2024. 48 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: On the farm, we run and play. I kick the ball. It rolls away. Under the porch, I bend down low. No ball in sight. Where did it go? A broken toy. A silver pail. Then something moves. Is that a tail? I call out, "Hey--Look what I found! Four kittens and a cat curled around."

Premise/plot: A young girl [and her family] finds a mama cat with new kittens. The family "rescue" her and help care for the mama cat and all the kittens. They are hopeful that they will find the owner of the mama cat since she has a collar and is super-friendly (as opposed to feral). Will all the cats find homes? 

My thoughts: This is an enjoyable beginning reader. This is an "I Can Read It All By Myself" beginning book. It stars plenty of ADORABLE, SWEET, LOVABLE kitties. This would be a good fit for anyone who enjoys cat or kitten stories. 

84. Dalmartian: A Mars Rover's Story by Lucy Ruth Cummins. 2024. 48 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: The visitor's came to Stephen's yard one otherwise ordinary summer night. Quietly and carefully, they went about their work, collecting, bagging, and tagging specimens. Then very suddenly, they had company. The visitors raced to reboard their ship. One of the visitors wasn't quite quick enough. So one was left behind.

Premise/plot: What happens when an alien dog--a Dalmartian--is left behind on earth? Dalmartian chronicles his adventures as he adapts to life on a strange planet and becomes bonded with a human boy. 

My thoughts: I never thought this was a story I "needed," however I thoroughly enjoyed it! I enjoyed the narration. I really loved the illustrations. It is an unusual, strange but lovely twist on the familiar boy gets a dog story. I absolutely loved some of the spreads such as when the Dalmartian discovers bacon for the first time!!! 

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

81-82. Beach Reads

81. A Fox, a Pig, and a Dig. Jonathan Fenske. 2024. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: I am Fox. I am Pig. I like to nap! I like to dig! We like the sand. We like the sun. We think the beach is so much fun.

Premise/plot: A Fox, a Pig, and a Dig is an early reader starring two friends, a Fox and a Pig. This duo has appeared in other early readers. This one is set at the beach in three parts or stories. Fox is trying to be sneaky and prank Pig. But Pig isn't falling for any of it.

My thoughts: Fox and Pig are very silly characters. I have a vague memory of reading a previous title in this series. I am more familiar with Jonathan Fenske's other children's titles. I enjoyed this one. It was summer-y. It was fun. I think it would be a fun read aloud to share with kids. If you have an emerging reader or new reader, you could even take turns reading. 

82. The Squish. Breanna Carzoo. 2024. 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Hello, world! Here I am! What's that? What just happened to me?! That felt awful. I can't ever let that happen again! I've gotta...pick myself up, dust myself off, and be on the lookout! Nothing will get me now!

Premise/plot: Life isn't easy when you are a sand castle on the beach. Life is full of repeated squishes. This book chronicles the mental/emotional health of a sand castle. It is definitely a unique perspective or point of view. Can Sandcastle learn to overcome all of life's obstacles?

My thoughts: This is definitely a unique read. I'd never really considered the point of view of a sand castle. I hadn't thought of using it as imagery or allegory adjacent story of how to cope with life's ups or downs--or squishes as the case may be. The story can definitely be viewed more abstractly with older readers. But it doesn't necessarily lack accessibility for younger readers. It could at its most basic be a cute and silly story. Emotional coping skills are very important no matter your age. 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

80. Tiny Bear Can, Too!

Board book: Tiny Bear Can, Too. Yusuke Yonezu. 2024. 16 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: If the frog...jumps...Tiny Bear jumps, too! If the cat...stretches...Tiny Bear stretches, too! If the snake...wriggles...Tiny Bear wiggles, too!

Premise/plot: Tiny Bear is an active bear in this interactive board book for the very young. Each spread includes two flaps to lift...or flap if you prefer. 

My thoughts: The illustrations are simple yet charming. For being so simple, Tiny Bear comes across--at least to me--as expressive. I'm not sure the other animals are quite as charming. But Tiny Bear is cute and adorable. The book also offers a lot of visual contrast.

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

79. The Boy Who Said Wow

The Boy Who Said Wow by Todd Boss. Illustrated by Rashin Kheiriyeh. 2024. [April] 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: "What a beautiful morning," says Father. "Shall we go to the beach?" Ronan is quiet. "What a lovely afternoon," says Mother. "Shall we go to the park?" Ronan is quiet. 

Premise/plot: Ronan is nonverbal. But after his family takes him to a musical concert, they are wowed along with the world by his WOW. It is inspired by a true story, true events that occurred in 2019. It was a viral moment. 

My thoughts: Music can be MOVING and speak to the soul. Such appears to be the case in this picture book inspired by a true story. I found the story charming. I definitely enjoyed it. 

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

78. Meatballs for Grandpa

Meatballs for Grandpa. Jeanette Fazzari Jones. Illustrated by Jaclyn Sinquett. 2024. 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: On the days we make meatballs for Grandpa, my feet fly up my grandparents' driveway. 

Premise/plot: Felicia enjoys cooking with her Grandma; together they cook spaghetti and meatballs the favorite meal of Felicia's Grandpa. His memory--he has Alzheimer's disease--isn't the best but he definitely remembers LOVING spaghetti and meatballs. These small, scattered moments of recollection bring joy with a tinge of sadness. Felicia loves spending time with both her grandparents. Cooking and eating are definitely something the family loves doing together. Changes may come through the years, but family is forever.

My thoughts: This picture book is a celebration of family, of family memories, of cooking. It also highlights special relationships and bonds between grandparents and grandchildren. This one hits as bittersweet, but I'm not sure younger readers will immediately feel that. Older readers who have experienced more of life may relate to the story more. This is a picture book that may effect readers differently based on age and life experiences. Grandparents are to be cherished even if there are changes along the way.

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

77. They Call Me No Sam!

They Call Me No Sam! Drew Daywalt. Illustrated by Mike Lowery. 2024. 224 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Deary Diary,
I feel like I should introduce myself, since this is my first diary entry ever. My name is No Sam! And I am a human being. Here's me. That's not the name I was born with, though. My real name is Grrowlo-Ruff-Ruff. But since that name was apparently unpronounceable to Mike, the naked-monkey-thing I used to live with, I've had to settle for the name he gave me: No Sam!

Premise/plot: They Call Me No Sam is an animal fantasy for young readers--mid elementary school on up. No Sam!, the narrator, is a dog (excuse me, human being) narrating his adventures. His life hasn't been the easiest. In fact, there are some hard times he's had to endure. But he faces life with a positive attitude perhaps in part because of his dimness. He may not be the absolute brightest, smartest dog on the block. And this makes for plenty of giggles along the way. No Sam's point of view is humorous and amusing. Yet it isn't just one laugh after another. There is heart to this one as well. No Sam is looking for a place to BELONG. Has he found his home?

My thoughts: This one is longer than the average early chapter book. It features a LOT of illustrations. It is the perfect in-between for early chapter book and middle grade. I think readers of all ages can enjoy the subject--a dog being a dog. It is also a humorous read for the most part. It takes reading between the lines, in a way, to really reflect on the darker themes. It also includes a few twists and turns. This one could also be used to talk about unreliable narrators, reading between the lines, etc. I think it could be enjoyed by a wide audience making it perfect for reading aloud--either in a family setting or classroom. I would definitely recommend this one!!!

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

76. Welcome to the Woofmore

Welcome to the Woofmore. Donna Gephart and Lori Haskins Houran. Illustrated by Josh Cleland. 2024. 80 pages. [Source: Library] 

First sentence: Rufus tugged his jacket. He fixed his bow tie. He smoothed his fur. The boss, Ms. Coco, was coming! Everything at the hotel had to be pawfect. Even him! 

Premise/plot: Rufus works at the Woofmore Hotel. The staff at the hotel is quite excited that a celebrity, Greta Garbark, will be visiting during their grand opening. But will all go as planned? Or will there be some unexpected chaos? Will Rufus be able to handle all the situations that come up?

My thoughts: This is the first in a new chapter book series for young readers. It was fun, silly, thoroughly enjoyable.

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers