109. (Board Book) There There Little Kitten

109. Board book: There There Little Kitten. Anna Milbourne. 2025. 10 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars]

First sentence: Little kitten is feeling lonely. Maybe we can be friends.
There, there, little kitten.
Let's tickle under your chin.
Oh dear, it's starting to rain!
A big rain drop has sploshed
onto little kitten's nose.
There, there, little kitten.
Let's stroke your nose better.

Premise/plot: There There Little Kitten is a touch and feel interactive board book for young readers. Each spread includes a touch and feel element for young children. The book stars a little kitten who needs lots of affection.

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I did. I love cats. I tend to enjoy many touch and feel board books. Not all of them all of the time. But this one was good. If your little one loves cats or pets in general, then this one would be a fine choice.


© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

108. First Festivals: Christmas (Board Book)

108. BOARD BOOK: First Festivals: Christmas (Lift-the-Flap). Ladybird Books. 2025. 12 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars]

First sentence: Lights are starting to twinkle, and there is festive cheer all around us...The Christian festival of Christmas has arrived! At Christmas, Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus, who they believe is the Son of God. The story of Jesus's birth is called the nativity. Children often take part in special plays to remember this story. There is always lots to prepare before Christmas day. Christmas is a festival of gift-giving, and many choose to give presents to charity.


This board book is ONE in a series of board books about festivals. Other books in the series include or soon will include: Ramadan, Easter, and Hanukkah. It is not written from a Christian perspective necessarily more a neutral, almost bland objective one. For better or worse. It is what it is.

The book introduces readers to elements of the Christmas season that might be more tied to a Christian observance of Christmas. I think this is a good choice. This isn't about Santa, reindeer, making cookies, or shopping.

It is NOT in any way a book that focuses on the nativity itself, on WHO Jesus is, of WHY he came, of WHY this changes everything.

It is matter of fact, a bit bland, definitely basic.

© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

107. Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas

107. Emmet Otter's Jug-band Christmas. Russell Hoban. Illustrated by Lillian Hoban. 1971. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, Christmas, picture book, animal fantasy]

First sentence: Christmas was coming and it was coming fast. It was coming to the town where the houses huddled with their cozy windows shining in the winter dusk. It was coming to the country where snow lay drifted up against the barns and the firewood was all stacked beside the houses. And it was coming to the river and the little run-down place where Emmet Otter and his mother lived, near Frogtown Hollow. Christmas was coming, and money was more scarce than ever.

Premise/plot: Emmet Otter desperately wants to buy a store bought present for his Ma. Ma Otter desperately wants to buy a store bought present for her son. Both realize that it's an almost impossible dream. Money is not to be had. Ma depends on doing the washing--in her washtub--to bring in a bit of money. Emmet depends on his odd jobs--thanks to the toolbox his father left him. Not a spare penny to be found. But when the town has a talent show with a prize of fifty dollars, both must decide if it's time to risk it all for a dream.

My thoughts: I love, love, love, love crazy-love the Muppet adaptation of Emmet Otter's Jug-band Christmas. I do think the ADAPTATION is better. Or perhaps it is just more familiar. The adaptation gives us music, songs, lyrics. The book gives us song titles and a small fraction of the lyrics. And the two don't really have much of a connection except for one or two song titles that are *almost* the same. Still, this one is an enjoyable, cozy read. It's just not quite as magical as the adaptation.

© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

106. Dance Pants (The Dog and Pony Show)

106. The Dog and Pony Show: Dance Pants. Jeff Mack. 2025. 64 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, if the Cybils exist in 2026 which is questionable, this one would be eligible] [early reader, early comic]

First sentence: Look, Pony. I can dance!

Premise/plot: Dog loves, loves, loves to dance. Dog is wearing DANCE pants and having the time of his life. Pony doesn't particularly care to dance. But Dog is insistent. If Pony can't dance well, Pony needs pants, pants, pants, and more pants. But what if the PANTS Pony needs are DOG'S PANTS?!?!?!

My thoughts: This book had me laughing out loud. I'm not just saying that. I wouldn't lie about that. I found this book amusing, fun, silly. I couldn't help myself. Granted I was reading it later at night when I'm a bit sillier-minded. But still. This one was GREAT fun.

 

© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

105. Mr. Willowby's Head Over Heels Christmas

105. Mr. Willowby's Head Over Heels Christmas. Robert E. Barry. 2025. 40 page. [Source: Library] [christmas, picture book, 4 stars]

First sentence: On the day before Christmas,
December two-four,
Mr. Willowby was pacing
Outside his front door.
There was frost in the air,
Christmas candles burned bright,
But Mr. Willowby's parlor
Did not look quite right.

Premise/plot: Mr. Willowby's Head Over Heels was a LOST manuscript that is now newly published. It is a follow up to Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree--a children's classic from 1963.

Mr. Willowby's ordered Christmas tree is lost in delivery. But some animal friends--led by Barnaby Bear--help save the door by bringing him a great Christmas tree from the woods. However, getting it to Mr. Willowby won't be without trials and tribulations. This is a Christmas-y comedy filled with plenty of woodland animals.

My thoughts: I greatly enjoy Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree. I was so happy to see this one has been published. It is a fun picture book. I enjoyed it very much and would definitely recommend both books.


© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

104. I Survived the Dust Bowl, 1935

104. I Survived the Dust Bowl, 1935. Lauren Tarshis. 2025. 144 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, historical fiction, series book]

First sentence: Eleven-year-old Ray Nicholson stared in horror at the massive cloud racing across the sky. It was a mountain of churning blackness that rose up thousands of feet in the air. It stretched out as far as Ray could see.

Premise/plot: I Survived the Dust Bowl, 1935, is set in the Texas Panhandle. Ray Nicholson is the protagonist. He and his friends are eye-witness to the struggles facing the community: the drought, the dust storms, dust pneumonia and other lung issues, the economy, etc. Ray is in the middle of running away from home--trying to catch a train to California--when a BIG dust storm comes that gives him a new outlook on life.

My thoughts: I liked this one well enough. I think the I Survived series--this is the twenty-fifth I believe--definitely have a time and place in libraries--public, school, classroom, and personal. Young readers often go through a phase where predictable series are EVERYTHING. Binge-reading though a beloved series is such an important stage. And I think the series as a whole is definitely good. I enjoy this series because it always includes some nonfiction back matter to supplement the story. Yet it isn't a separate companion book like another series.


© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

103. Tuck Me In

103. Tuck Me In. Nathan W. Pyle. 2025. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, picture books, science, bedtime stories]

First sentence: One night a beach said, "I'm a bit chilly!" The moon smiled and said, "I'll tuck you in!" So the moon pushed the water up onto the sand. But off in the distance, another beach cried, "Heyyy! Where did my blanket go?" And the moon realized she might have just made a mistake.

Premise/plot: Tuck Me In! is a story written for young children to explain the tide. OR T.I.D.E. Tucking In Divided Evenly. It is a FUN, silly, creative way to explain how high tides and low tides work.

My thoughts: I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this one! It was such a fun read. Highly recommended.

 

 

© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

102. Detective Beans: Adventures in Cat Town

102. Detective Beans: Adventures in Cat Town. Li Chen. 2025. 208 pages. [Source: Library] [j graphic novel, animal fantasy, 5 stars]

First sentence: Okay. We're rolling. Beans! Stop picking your nose. We're starting.

Premise/plot: Detective Beans is an ambitious kitten prone to adorable mischief. Not all the 'adventures' or 'misadventures' are detective related. But all of them star a creative, imaginative, playful, exuberant, slightly hyper kitten. Beans is great fun. He's joined by his friends and neighbors. Some stories are short. Some are longer.

My thoughts: I loved, loved, loved some of the stories in this graphic novel. A few of the stories were more meh. But overall, I highly loved, love, loved this one. BEANS IS SO ADORABLE. If you enjoy animal fantasy, light mystery for young readers, or graphic novels, this one is easy to recommend.

© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

101. Elvis & Romeo

101. Elvis & Romeo. David Soman and Jacky Davis. 2025. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, picture book, dogs, friendship]

First sentence: Elvis was on his way to the dog park for the first time. So was Romeo. Romeo couldn't wait to make a new friend.

Premise/plot: Elvis & Romeo are not friends yet....but they soon will be after meeting at the dog park.

My thoughts: I read two Elvis & Romeo early readers earlier this month. This picture book is their origin story--or the origin story of their friendship. All three books appear to be published in 2025. If you are a dog lover, this picture book is super cute and adorable. Elvis and Romeo each have personality. It's an enjoyable introduction to this duo.

 

© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

100. The Crayon Stub

100. The Crayon Stub. Marcus Cutler. 2025. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, cats, art, creativity, picture book]

First sentence: Alright, I have my fresh new piece of paper and my box of big, beautiful crayons. Time to draw something TOTALLY SPECTACULAR and become WORLD FAMOUS! No big deal.

Premise/plot: Big Cat's big plans don't go as planned--not at all. It starts with Big Cat discovering that he only has one crayon in his crayon box, and that one crayon is a stub--a red stub. Can Big Cat draw a spectacular picture with just a tiny stub of a crayon?! Can Big Cat draw ANY picture with just a stub? Will he get the opportunity? Or will his sibling interfere?!

My thoughts: I liked this one. I did. It was cute enough, silly enough. I didn't love it as much as I'd hoped all things considered. Probably because I'm an overthinker. I didn't really like the humorous direction this one took of the sibling EATING both the paper and the crayon and magically--literally--spitting out a drawing. I thought that was a little too over the top for me. But I think others may enjoy this one.

 

 

© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

98-99. Two Magical Map Early Chapter Books

98. Magical Map #1: Pirates of the Caribbean. Ridley Pearson. 2025. 128 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, children's fantasy, j fantasy]

First sentence: Down an alley that was easily missed, there hung a wooden sign.

Premise/plot: Ridley Pearson's newest series is for young readers; it's an early chapter book. Gemma and Torin are brother and sister. Gemma discovers a mysterious, supernatural journal that is tied to...the Magic Kingdom. It has notes, drawings, maps, etc., for many of the rides and attractions. She doesn't know it when she starts reading it and making her own notes, however, so she is unaware of how her notes are effecting the attractions. In this first one, Gemma and Torin must 'save' their mom's job by fixing the Pirates of the Caribbean. The story has been changed!

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. Could a different story had been told if it was for older readers? Yes. Is this story good for younger readers? Yes. Gemma and Torin work together to brainstorm solutions for fixing the magic that has gone wrong. I liked this one well enough. I did.

99. Magical Map #2: Jungle Cruise. Ridley Pearson. 2025. 128 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, children's fantasy, j fantasy]

First sentence: Uh-oh, trouble was brewing! Friday afternoon, the week follwoing spring break, kids at school were buzzing about the Jungle Cruise attraction at Disney's Magic Kingdom park having suddenly been close.

Premise/plot: Ridley Pearson's newest series is for young readers; it's an early chapter book. Gemma and Torin are brother and sister. Gemma discovers a mysterious, supernatural journal that is tied to...the Magic Kingdom. It has notes, drawings, maps, etc., for many of the rides and attractions. She doesn't know it when she starts reading it and making her own notes, however, so she is unaware of how her notes are effecting the attractions. In this second one, Gemma and Torin try to puzzle out WHY there are real animals--monkeys--causing a great deal of trouble on the Jungle Cruise attraction. Can they fix Jungle Cruise?

My thoughts: I liked this one less than the Pirates of the Caribbean. Though if you like mischievous monkeys this one might still be appealing. I like the idea of liking this series. But there's just not much substance. 



© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

96-97. Two Elvis & Romeo Early Readers

96. Elvis and Romeo Visit the Vet. David Soman. Illustrated by Jacky Davis. 2025. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [animal fantasy, early reader, ready to read level 1, three stars]

First sentence: Hi, Elvis! Hi, Romeo!

Premise/plot: Elvis does NOT want to be at the vet. Romeo is trying to convince his friend that the vet isn't that bad because the vet gives treats after the visit. Will Elvis be convinced?

My thoughts: The illustrations of Elvis and Romeo are CUTE and adorable and lovely. The story itself is super-simple. Two dogs at the vet. Speech bubbles reveal their dialogue/conversation.

I liked this one well enough. It is a ready-to-read reader, level 1. At this level usually any plot you get is a treat. So this DOES have a plot and it DOES have characters. So for being a level one reader, it's good. That being said, leveled readers are never going to be super incredible most amazing thing ever reads. So recommended for the target audience for sure.

97. Elvis and Romeo Go To Dog School. David Soman. Illustrated by Jacky Davis. 2025. 32 pages. [Source: Library]  [animal fantasy, early reader, ready to read level 1, four stars]

First sentence: Elvis and Romeo were at their first day of dog school. Are you ready to learn new things, Romeo? I know a lot of things already. I know how to stay. Do you know how to do that, Elvis?

Premise/plot: Elvis and Romeo are attending dog school. Both dogs have a chance to playfully show off to one another. Elvis teaches Romeo how to catch a ball.

My thoughts: I read both Elvis and Romeo Visit the Vet and Elvis and Romeo Go to Dog School in one sitting. The dog school book has a bit more plot. There are more moments for humor. I liked both books well enough. I do think the illustrations of Elvis and Romeo are cute and adorable. I think for young dog lovers, these two books will be quite appealing. They are level one ready-to-read early readers. There is some plot, but, keep in mind they are early readers.

© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

95. Bob the Vampire Snail

95. Bob the Vampire Snail. Andrea Zuill. 2025. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, picture book]

First sentence: Slam! Thud! Crash! Bob heard a terrifying...scream! Then a stomp, stomp, stomp of running feet. Next came an uncomfortable...crack of a shell. Then finally a powerful...poof! An icky drip.

Premise/plot: Bob the snail is about to become Bob the VAMPIRE snail. He didn't ask for the change, nor did he welcome it. But what's a vampire snail to do?! Learn how to do vampire-y things, of course. So what will Bob drink? The "blood" of tomatoes. Still, it's a lonely life for Bob....or is it?!

My thoughts: This book is weird, strange, odd, quirky, different. The darkness is outweighed by the silliness, for the most part. Reading is subjective. There were things I enjoyed about the story. There are speech bubbles with VAMPIRE facts and SNAIL facts. The premise itself is intriguing. The title alone makes one curious to read it. For me, I didn't quite like it like I'd hoped. I do think it has appeal for the right reader(s).

 

© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

94. Mouse and Spoon: Rabbit Tea

94. Rabbit Tea (Mouse and Spoon) (Ready to Read Level 2). Cynthia Rylant. Illustrated by Janna Mattia. 2025. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, animal fantasy, early reader]

First sentence: On Littleton Street in a little town, three little mice had a bakery. Tom was the youngest, Ginger was the oldest, and Piper was right in the middle. Their shop was called the Mouse and Spoon Bakery.

Premise/plot: Ginger, Piper, and Tom love, love, love, love baking. In this book in the series, these three are catering for a a RABBIT tea party. Six mama rabbits and Two-hundred-and-sixteen children! These three bakers will keep busy, busy, busy preparing food for that many!

My thoughts: I have really enjoyed the books in this series that I have read. It's a fun idea for a series. The mice are ADORABLE and precious. I love how there is a new customer in each book. There are plenty of things that stay the same, and, yet each book is a little different.

© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

93. The Feelings Book: A Touch-and-Feel Playbook

93. Board book: The Feelings Book: A Touch-and-Feel Playbook. Mike Henson. Miguel Ordonez. 2025. 10 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, board book, touch and feel, interactive]

First sentence: Orange is all buzzy and jittery. Can you scratch Orange's paw? Can you choose which emotion Orange might be feeling?

Premise/plot: Board book, concept book, interactive book--that's what you get when you pick up The Feelings Book. The feelings are color-coded. Blue is sad, hurt, worried, sick, gloomy. Green is calm, still, quiet, rested, careful. Yellow is happy, surprised, playful, brave, funny. Orange is excited, silly, confused, nervous, scared. Red is angry, mad, grumpy, cranky, prickly. So the "clues" little ones have are the COLORS and descriptive words. For example, "buzzy and jittery" describe orange.

My thoughts: I have SO MANY THOUGHTS. On the one hand, I love, love, love the TEXTURES are actually TEXTURES. 90% of the time books that are supposed to have different textures to touch and feel get it wrong. They'll include a few textures, but, then use "shiny" as a texture. I thought the textures were good.

On the other hand, I don't love the colors. I'll try to explain. I honestly don't know if I mean saturation or contrast. But *something* is off with the colors. Green and blue look too similar and red and orange look nearly identical. Yellow looks a bit gray. The colors are not *true* colors.

 

© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

92. Days with Frog and Toad

92. Days with Frog and Toad. An I Can Read Book. Arnold Lobel. 1979. HarperCollins. 64 pages. [4 stars, animal fantasy, early chapter book]

First sentence: Toad woke up. "Drat!" he said. "This house is a mess. I have so much work to do." Frog looked through the window. "Toad, you are right," said Frog. "It is a mess." Toad pulled the covers over his head. "I will do it tomorrow," said Toad. "Today I will take life easy." Frog came into the house. "Toad," said Frog, "your pants and jacket are lying on the floor." "Tomorrow," said Toad from under the covers. "Your kitchen sink is filled with dirty dishes," said Frog. "Tomorrow," said Toad. "There is dust on your chairs." "Tomorrow," said Toad. "Your windows need scrubbing," said Frog. "Your plants need watering." "Tomorrow!" cried Toad. "I will do it all tomorrow!" Toad sat on the edge of his bed. "Blah," said Toad. "I feel down in the dumps." "Why?" asked Frog. "I am thinking about tomorrow," said Toad. "I am thinking about all of the many things that I will have to do." "Yes," said Frog, "tomorrow will be a very hard day for you."

ETA: I listened to this on audio. They added an additional story, "Dream" which is found in Frog and Toad Together.

This Frog and Toad book contains five stories: "Tomorrow," "The Kite," "Shivers," "The Hat," and "Alone." I really, really enjoy three of these stories.

Tomorrow is probably my favorite in this collection. (And it's useful for inspiration.) I love Toad's drat's and blah's. Toad has a choice to make--to do the work of each day on that day, to take the work with the pleasure, OR to put off all the work so he can have all the pleasure. But there is always a day of reckoning. So perhaps, it's best that Toad learns this lesson quickly!

The Hat is a delightful story. Frog gives Toad a birthday present, a hat. But the hat is much too big for his friend. He feels awful about that. How can he fix the hat without his friend realizing it?!

Alone is another wonderful story! Toad discovers a note on his friend Frog's door. A note saying that Frog wants to be alone for a while! Toad worries and panics a bit! Why oh why oh why would Frog ever want time away from him?! Does this mean that Frog doesn't want to spend any time with him? Does it mean that Frog doesn't want him as a best friend anymore?!

The Kite is a story about diligence and perseverance. The two friends are having trouble getting their kite to fly. One friend wants to give up, wants to just admit that their kite is junk and that it will never, ever fly. The other wants to keep trying. It's a playful story. And Frog and Toad do shine in it!

Shivers is about the two friends telling a ghost story and getting delicious shivers.


© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

91. Frog and Toad Are Friends

91. Frog and Toad Are Friends. An I Can Read Book. Arnold Lobel. 1970. HarperCollins. 64 pages. [Source: Bought] [3 stars, early chapter book, children's classic, animal fantasy]

Frog ran up the path to Toad's house. He knocked on the front door. There was no answer, "Toad, Toad," shouted Frog, "wake up. It is spring!" "Blah," said a voice from inside the house. "Toad! Toad!" cried Frog. "The sun is shining! The snow is melting. Wake up!" "I am not here," said the voice.

Premise/plot: Frog and Toad Are Friends is an early chapter book. It contains five stories: "Spring," "The Story," "A Lost Button," "A Swim" and "The Letter."

In "Spring" Frog tricks Toad into thinking it is MAY (instead of April) so that he will wake up from his winter hibernation.

In "The Story," Frog asks his friend, Toad, to tell him a story. He finds this an impossible request. After a huge fit, Frog ends up telling Toad a story instead. It is a story of Toad NOT being able to tell a story.

In "A Lost Button," Toad throws an absolute fit over a lost button. He is the exact opposite of Pete the Cat. He is MELTING DOWN. Will the button be found?!

In "A Swim" Toad is embarrassed to be seen in his bathing suit. He is obstinate about it--obviously.

In "The Letter," Frog cheers up Toad by writing him a letter and sending it via snail mail. Literally--a snail delivering a letter.

My thoughts: I love Frog and Toad. I do. I just love them. While this isn't my favorite-or-best Frog and Toad book, it is still worth reading. It contains five stories: Spring, The Story, A Lost Button, A Swim, and The Letter.

My favorites from the collection include "Spring" in which Frog tricks his friend into getting out of bed by changing his calendar and "The Letter" in which Frog cheers up his friend by sending him a letter in the mail.

All the stories highlight this special friendship--highlights each character's strengths and weaknesses. I would definitely recommend any Frog and Toad book!

© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

90. Norman and the Smell of Adventure

90. Norman and the Smell of Adventure. Ryan T. Higgins. 2025. 48 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars]

First sentence: Norman was a porcupine. His best friend was Mildred. Mildred was a tree. They had favorite things they did day after day. But one morning Norman wanted to try different things. "What do you say, Mildred? Let's go do something new! What do you mean you have other plans?"

Premise/plot: Norman and Mildred have a fight. If you've read the first sentence (above), you know Mildred is a tree. Still, Norman has a "fight" with Mildred his best friend. He gets so angry he sets off on his own adventure. He expects Mildred to come after him. She doesn't. She's a tree. Still, he's determined to have an adventure even if it's on his own. He soon makes other "friends." At the end of his adventure he returns home to Mildred to tell her all about it.

My thoughts: This one was definitely silly. Norman is quite a silly character. Meeting "Sally" (the cactus) was fun. (Norman misreads a "sale" sign on the cactus and thinks it's a name tag). The lesson was simple enough: friends don't have to do everything together. I liked it. However, my expectations were a bit higher for this one. I wanted to love it more than I did. I have LOVED, LOVED, LOVED some of his books in the past, and I was expecting to be charmed or delighted. It was a good enough read. But his other books are better.

 

© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

89. Do You See the Tiger?

89. Do You See the Tiger? Philip Ardagh. Illustrated by David Melling. 2025. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars]

First sentence: One rainy night in London town, Penny and Daddy went down, down, down...to an underground station deep below, with its inviting lighting all aglow. They were still drying from the rain when in pulled a clattering silver train. WHOOSH! A voice from a speaker, in one loud burst, said: "Please let the passengers off first!"

Premise/plot: Penny sees a tiger on the train; her dad never sees the tiger and does not believe her fanciful story.

My thoughts: This picture book is written in rhyme. The story is simple enough, yet the narrative is lyrical. The lyrical, rhyming narrative elevates it a bit. The story does seem to drag in places, perhaps a little too much text for the story itself, yet this one has its moments. I enjoyed the celebration of imagination. The illustrator is clearly on Penny's side! I definitely liked the illustrations.

 

© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

88. Kitty vs. Kindergarten

88. Kitty vs. Kindergarten. Martha Freeman. Illustrated by Eda Kaban. 2025. 48 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, pets, school]

First sentence: Kitty was a good, nice kitty who lived with a good, nice family.

Premise/plot: Kitty does not particularly want to go to school with her human child to kindergarten. Kitty is quite content to stay at home and 'be regular' doing all the regular kitty things. However, Kitty is catnapped and taken for show and tell. Will Kitty survive her day at kindergarten? Will Kitty learn anything at school?

My thoughts: It was okay. I wanted to like it more than I did...because KITTY. The story is fine enough. Kitty gets out of his comfort zone. Kitty ends up teaching the kindergarten class a few things. It is enjoyable enough to share with little ones starting school who also happen to love KITTIES.



© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

86-87 Two Board Books

86. [Board book] I Will Love You Till the Cows Come Home. Anne Matheson. Illustrated by Kim Crumrine. 2025. 24 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, board book, parental love]

First sentence: I will love you till the cows come home! No matter how long it takes or how far they roam. They can wander forever to places unknown. I will love you until they find their way home. 

Premise/plot: A parent's love is unconditional in this predictably super-sweet board books for little ones.

My thoughts: I liked this one well enough. The text is simple, predictable, super-sweet. The illustrations are of farm animals. Both are pleasant enough.

87. [Board book] Grumpkin. Nicola Edwards. Illustrated by Sian Roberts. 2025. 24 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, board book, Halloween]

First sentence: Hey, I'm Grumpkin. I'm a pumpkin (obviously), and no one ever lets me forget it. This is my least favorite time of year. I really can't stand Halloween. That's right, I said it. Why could I have been a summer squash instead? Or an orange soaking up the California sun? Or a coconut swaying on a palm tree on a desert island....that's the dream.

Premise/plot: Grumpkin does NOT want to be a pumpkin and he does NOT want to celebrate Halloween. Can Grumpkin ever learn to be content?

My thoughts: I liked this one well enough. Grumpkin is VERY grumpy, cranky, out of sorts. There is a lesson to be learned--obviously. And it's done in a story. This one has more story to it than many other 'Halloween' board books.

© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

85. George & Lenny Are Always Together

85. George & Lenny Are Always Together. Jon Agee. 2025. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, animal fantasy, friendship, picture book]

First sentence: George was always with Lenny. And Lenny was always with George. Say, George! Have you ever noticed that we are always together. Yes, Lenny! It's terrific. We are never alone! I wonder, George. What is it like to be alone? Lonely, I bet. And sad! But George, what if being alone is just as much fun as being together?

Premise/plot: George (the bear) and Lenny (the bunny) are best, best, best friends who are always together. But what if they weren't always together. What if--gasp--they took a few hours away from each other! What if Lenny had alone time? What if George had alone time? What if they had alone-time together?! 

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. The story was cute and adorable. I liked both Lenny and George. I loved, loved, loved the illustrations. Overall, this one is a delightful read about friendship.

 

© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

84. The Elephant's Birthday (Mouse and Spoon)

84. The Elephant's Birthday (Mouse and Spoon). Cynthia Rylant. Illustrated by Janna Mattia. 2025. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [early reader, ready to read level 2, animal fantasy, series book; 5 stars]

First sentence: On Littleton Street in a little town, three little mice had a bakery. They were Ginger and Piper and Tom. Tom was the youngest in the family. Ginger was the oldest. And Piper was right in the middle. They had whiskers and long tails. And like all mice, they were very clean and tidy.

Premise/plot: Cynthia Rylant's newest early reader series, Mouse and Spoon, stars three lovely mice who run a bakery shop. In this book, ELEPHANT is having a birthday party. The order at the bakery is a LARGE one since Elephant is large AND he has many, many monkey friends who will need banana bread! 

My thoughts: This one is adorable. It just is. I enjoyed spending time with Ginger, Piper, and Tom. The book is predictably delightful in that cutesy-sweet way. I will definitely be looking for all forthcoming books in the series. This is the second one I've read this year.

 

© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

83. A Scrub in the Tub

83. A Scrub in the Tub. Jan Thomas. 2025. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book, humor, 5 stars]

First sentence: Pee-ew! SOMEONE needs a scrub in the tub! 
Absolutely!
WHO needs a scrub in the tub?
YOU, Pig! YOU need a scrub in the tub!
Absolutely!
ME? I don't think I  need a scrub in the tub!

Premise/plot: PIG does not want a scrub in the tub. His friends disagree. If Pig wants to hang around with them, a scrub in the tub is not optional. Will Pig take a bath? Will he enjoy his bath?

My thoughts: It has been a while since I've read Jan Thomas' humorous picture books. These are the same beloved characters from earlier picture books. She is great at writing silly, humorous picture books and early readers for young readers. Her books often have again-again appeal. Definitely recommended for fans of Jan Thomas. And if this is your first Jan Thomas picture book, be sure to check out her earlier picture books!

 

© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

82. Who Meows?

82. Who Meows? A Book of Animal Sounds. Robin Page. 2025. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, picture book, concept book]

First sentence: Who meows? A cat meows. Who gobbles? A turkey gobbles. Who croaks?

Premise/plot: Who Meows is a question-answer concept book for little ones teaching animal sounds. It starts with a question, always. Turn the page to find the answer and get the next question. This format gives little ones ample opportunities to guess what animal will be revealed next. The format and structure is simple. The illustrations are colorful.

My thoughts: I liked this one. Or I liked it well enough. For the target audience--toddlers through preschoolers, I think this one is a solid choice. I could see this being a good choice for reading aloud with little ones at home. It might also work for story time at the library, though I'm less clear if this would be ideal. For larger families, older siblings could read aloud with younger ones. The appeal of this text might be limited to younger audiences but that doesn't make it less important to have in the library.

 

© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

80-81. Two Animal Board books

 80. Board book: Cute Cats: A Lift the Flap Book. Christie Williams. 2025. 10 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, board book, cats, pets]

First sentence: Rupert likes a long nap. His favourite spot? A nice warm lap! Leo leaps to catch a fish. Will it make it to his dish? 

Premise/plot: What you see is what you get! Cute cats, cute cats, and more cute cats. Little ones will meet Rupert, Leo, Snowflake, Milo, Coco and Luna. Parents can read the last page of the book to get question ideas to ask while little ones while they read. Questions like, "What's the funniest thing you've seen a cat do?"

My thoughts: I definitely enjoyed this one. It was cute. It was sweet. It was simple. Rhyming text. Flaps to lift. It was a solidly good read IF you are looking for a cat-themed board book to share with toddlers. Don't expect a story, a plot. But what you do have are cute cats being cute.

81. Board book: Cute Dogs: A Lift the Flap Book. Christie Williams. 2025. 10 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, board book, dogs, pets]

First sentence:  Pug likes chewing on a shoe. Let's see what her friend Tom can do. 

Premise/plot: What you see is what you get! This one is similar to Cute Cats, except obviously DOGS. Simple rhyming text. Flaps to lift. Cute dogs being cute. This one is slightly different in that it highlights the dog TOM in most of the text. The dogs your little one will be meeting: Tom, Max, Tilly, Charlie, Pug, and Milo.

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. Again, IF you have a little one that loves pets--cats, dogs, then this one is a delightfully cute read. Short. Simple. Cute. I do like the question section at the end. I'm not sure it's absolutely necessary, however, it is nice. It might prove a useful reminder to parents that yes they can ask questions while reading to keep the experience interactive and engaging.

© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

79. The Wild Robot On the Island

79. The Wild Robot on the Island. Peter Brown. 2025. 48 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, audio book, picture book]

First sentence: In the middle of the ocean an island stood above the waves. It had meadows and forests and rivers and a great variety of animals. Everything was just right on the island. And then a strange new creature arrived. 

Premise/plot: The Wild Robot has been adapted into a picture book. This picture book introduces younger reader to the basic, central story of The Wild Robot. It is stripped of much of the plot and many of the details.

My thoughts: I am conflicted on the rating. IF you only look at it on its own without taking into consideration either the full-length BOOK or the movie adaptation, then this is a cozy, sweet read for little ones. IF, however, you read it comparing and contrasting it with either the novel or the movie, then it's easy to see how much is truly missing. The book in hand is certainly pleasant enough, a good read. It just does not compare in any way with the novel or even the movie. It isn't quite so bad as comparing a full meal with baby food from a jar, mind you. It's just lacking 'the flavor' and substance of the book.

 

© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

78. Zebra and Yak

78. Zebra and Yak The Backwards Alphabet Book. Paul Friedrich. 2025. 48 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, humor, picture book]

First sentence: Are you ready to start the alphabet? Let's go! Z is for Zebra.
What? What's going on? Did I miss my cue from Xylophone? I didn't hear X is for Xylophone. I'm not ready.
Z is for Zebra
I get that. I'm Zebra. But you're way early. It's A is for Apple, B is for something, the other letters, and then it's my turn!
Apple wasn't around. We're starting with Z instead.
This is ridiculous! We need to find Apple!

Premise/plot: Zebra and Yak star in a backwards alphabet book. This catches Zebra and the others by surprise! They are all used to being THE END of the alphabet and not the beginning. The book is full of bantering back and forth between the characters and the narrator (as well as between themselves) as the search for Apple continues.

My thoughts: I loved this one. It was fun, silly, exuberant. I loved the humor. I think it would make a great read aloud. The humor I think would make it appealing to those who have even grown a bit beyond the whole 'concept' of alphabet books.

© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

77. Cool Buds To The Rescue

77. Cool Buds To the Rescue (I Can Read Comics Level 3). Barbara Lehman. 2025. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, early graphic novel]

First sentence: Hello, new day!

Premise/plot: This I Can Read Level 3 early graphic novel stars a handful of arctic friends: Blue (Arctic fox) Puff (Atlantic Puffin), Tip (Arctic Hare), and Sealy (Harbor Seal). The story is quite simple: Tip is a stranded sailor in need of rescue. The other animals come to his rescue and welcome him to their community. Now that there's four it begins to feel like a 'real' town.

My thoughts:  Do I think this one would be good for kids to read? Sure. Yes. Of course. It is a graphic novel for younger readers who are just beginning to read on their own and picking up graphic novels. It includes a guide on how to read graphic novels--the panels, the bubbles, etc. The story is super simple. Not sure if this is the start of a series or perhaps several into a series. Have no idea if there's plan for more books starring these friends.

As an adult reader, it's not my favorite or best. But I do think for the intended audience it works.

© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

76. Lone Wolf Goes to the Library

76. Lone Wolf Goes to the Library. Kiah Thomas. Illustrated by K-fai Steele. 2025. 48 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, early chapter book, series book, animal fantasy]

First sentence: Wolf was reading his library book. He thought about the words. He enjoyed the sound of pages turning. It was very nice. "Mail!" called the careless postman. "Grrrr," said Wolf. But no mail arrived. The next day, Wolf was reading again. "Mail!" called the careless postman. "Grrrr!" said Wolf. He was up to a very good part in his book. But no mail arrived. The next day, Wolf finished his book. He stretched his arms. He picked up his watering can. "Mail!" called the careless postman. A letter smacked Wolf in the bottom. Wolf looked around his garden. There was a letter in the rose bush. There was a letter in the fountain. There was a letter in his fur. "Grrrr!" said Wolf.

Premise/plot: Wolf is on the verge of having AN OVERDUE LIBRARY BOOK. He has a very short amount of time to turn in his book before terrible, horrible penalties occur. BUT returning the book in time may just call for some plotting, planning, and scheming because PEOPLE peopling. He will have to dare go into the library during storybook time. 

My thoughts: I love, love, love, love, love, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Lone Wolf. I do. I crazy love this character. He's wonderfully fabulously a loner. This is the fourth Lone Wolf book released this year. I hope the series goes on forever and ever. In this one, the library setting makes it extra fabulous.

My favorite scene is when Lone Wolf is trying to return his library book via return chute. The unthinkable happens--I imagine it happens frequently in real life--a snotty boy with snotty hands handles the chute and SNOT, snot, and more snot. A "stern librarian" closes the return chute with this message: CLOSED BECAUSE OF SNOT.

 

© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

75. Lone Wolf On Vacation

Lone Wolf On Vacation. Kiah Thomas. Illustrated by K-Fai Steele. 2025. 48 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, early chapter book, early reader] 

First sentence: It was summer vacation. Wolf packed his bags. He watered his plants. He said goodbye to....NO ONE! Wolf didn't have any friends to say goodbye to. Which was just the way he liked it. Wolf couldn't wait to go on vacation. To smell the fresh air. To see the sights. To be alone in new places. And best of all, he wouldn't have to worry about running into anyone he knew.

Premise/plot: Wolf is a lone wolf...a lone wolf by choice. Will his vacation go as planned? Or will he be surrounded by people, people, people, and more people!!! Will he ever get to relax on his vacation? Or will life keep throwing bothersome people and noisy situations in his path?

My thoughts: I love, love, love, love, love, love to infinity and beyond this character. LONE WOLF is awesome. That is all. This is the third Lone Wolf book I've read--I believe there are four published this year. It was WONDERFUL.

Quotes:

"How about a sing-along?" called the bus driver. OH NO. This was not a quiet bus driver. This was a singing bus driver. "The wheels on the bus go round and round," sang the singing bus driver. "Grrrr!" said Wolf.

 

© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

74. Let's Giggle

74. Board book: Let's Giggle. Caroline Jayne Church. 2013/2025. 10 pages. [Source: Library] [2 stars, board book]

First sentence: Laugh out loud or just giggle!
Feel a tickle in your middle!
Roll around and touch your toes!
Give a grin! Wiggle your nose!

Premise/plot: Let's Giggle was originally published as a board book in 2013. It was originally a board book with sound; it had a literal giggle button. It was a novelty, for sure. The giggle button is gone in this reprint. So readers are left with a sweet rhyming text and adorable illustrations. Goodreads does not have the version I have in my hands. They are instead promoting a bilingual edition. If Let's Giggle was indeed a bilingual board book, I think it would have more to offer. (For the record, I tried searching by isbn number, and this book just "does not exist" in their system.)

My thoughts: The illustrations are adorable and cutesy-sweet. If that's what you love, then this one might just work for you. The rhymes are of that darling variety. Which again complements the illustrations. IF that is what you are looking for in a board book to share with little ones, this one may be just right for you. I think I'd have preferred either the original giggle button OR bilingual text. Something to give this one a little extra.

© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

73. This Book is Dangerous!

 

73. This Book is Dangerous! Ben Clanton. 2025. 44 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, picture book]

First sentence: How do I exit this place?

Premise/plot: Narwhal and Jelly have starred in an early chapter book series (or is it an early graphic novel chapter book series???) for years now. This is their first picture book, I believe. In this one, Jelly is having a TERRIBLE time of it. And Jelly is blaming YOU the reader for his current troubles. YOU know the book is dangerous. YOU keep turning the pages. YOU keep aggravating the situation by doing the exact opposite of what Jelly wants YOU the reader to do. Will Jelly make it to the end of the book?

My thoughts: I have not read the Narwhal and Jelly series though I have heard great things. This is an 'interactive' picture book. I'll clarify, if YOU the reader use YOUR imagination and play along with Jelly's game, then the book is interactive.

The book is silly and fun. I can see it having appeal with young readers.

 

© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

72. Owlets and Tarts (Mouse and Spoon #2)

72. Mouse and Spoon: Owlets and Tarts. (Ready to Read Level 2) Cynthia Rylant. Illustrated by Janna Mattia. 2025. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, animal fantasy, early readers, children's books]

First sentence: On Littleton Street in a little town, three little mice had a bakery. Ginger was the oldest, Tom was the youngest, and Piper was right in the middle. Their shop was called the Mouse and Spoon bakery.

Premise/plot: Owl parents are desperate for some sleep--they have three owlets at home. The mice at Mouse and Spoon know just what to do to solve the problem....

My thoughts: Could this book be any more precious? any more adorable? I absolutely love, love, love the illustrations. ADORABLE and delightful. The story is good, pleasant, enjoyable. But it's the illustrations that make this one so joyful. This is the second book, I believe, in a new series by Cynthia Rylant. I've LOVED some of her books in the past. Though this is the second book in the series, it was the first my library had available.

© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

71. Pop Goes the Nursery Rhyme

 

71. Pop Goes the Nursery Rhyme. Betsy Bird. Illustrated by Andrea Tsurumi. 2025. 48 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book, humor, fractured nursery tales, 5 stars]

First sentence: All around the mulberry bush, 
The donkey chased the weasel.
The donkey thought 'twas all in fun...
Pop! Goes the weasel.
Mary had a little lamb,
Its fleece was right as snow.
And everywhere that Mary went,
The lamb was sure to...
Pop! Goes the weasel.

Premise/plot: The weasel gets to go POP in nearly every nursery tale in Betsy Bird's silly and creative play on nursery tales. The 'Secretary Bird' is having a time trying to keep things all proper and sorted and REGULAR. But alas, the weasel is weaselly. 

My thoughts: I definitely enjoyed this one. It was SILLY and goofy and just fun. Though I will admit some bias. Betsy Bird was one of the first book bloggers I started following way, way, way back in the day. (I started blogging in 2006). This book is delightful.

 

© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

70. We Are Sneetches

70. We Are Sneetches. (Board book). 2025. 26 pages. [Source: Library] [board book, Dr. Seuss legacy]

First sentence: We are the Sneetches, 
and we'd like to say
it is good to meet you
on this very fine day.
There's only one place
where you will find Sneetches--
that's spending our days
on hot, sandy beaches!
That's where we swim
and that's where we play.
We have so much fun.
We stay out there all day!

Premise/plot: This is NOT a board book of Dr. Seuss' The Sneetches. It is not. It is a new story featuring The Sneetches. Is this new Sneetch book in line with the original? No. Not really. It is very much "We Are The Buddy Bears" (if you know, you know). This one comes with a not subtle, sweet, moralistic message and no humor.

My thoughts: I don't care for this one as much as I'd hoped. I hoped it was a board book adaptation of The Sneetches. That's a misunderstanding on my part. This book could have an audience, I suppose.

 

© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

69. This Is My World

 

69. Board book: This Is My World:  High Contrast Touch and Feel Book (Board Book). Hannah Eliot. Emily Spikings Illustrator. 2025. 14 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, board book]

First sentence: This is the sun that rises each day. These are the colors you'll see when you play. These are the sounds you may hear, inside and outside, far and near.

Premise/plot: What you see is what you get. A high contrast, touch and feel book. Each spread introduces the youngest of little ones to the world around them. 

My thoughts: The book is high contrast. Black, white. Primary colors. Everything is bold. The illustrations are simple. The touch and feel elements are perhaps not as many as I'd like. Shiny isn't something you can touch and feel, for example. There are really only two textures that offer enough of a sensory experience (crinkly and soft). The book ends with a mirror which I believe is always a hit with little ones.

 

© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

68. Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons

68. Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons. Eric Litwin. Illustrated by James Dean. 2012. 40 pages. [Source: Online Audio and picture book]

 First sentence: Pete the Cat put on his favorite shirt with four big, colorful, round, groovy buttons. He loved his buttons so much, he sang this song: 

"My buttons, my buttons,
my four groovy buttons.
My buttons, my buttons,
my four groovy buttons."

Premise/plot: Pete the Cat LOVES, LOVES, LOVES his shirt with FOUR groovy buttons. But life happens....and, well, Pete learns that things--including buttons--come and go. Is this book primarily teaching young children subtraction skills OR is it teaching coping skills an invaluable life lesson perhaps even more important than subtraction?

My thoughts: This one was the first Pete the Cat book I read, and I must say it is probably my favorite. I love, love, love it so much!!! If I Love My White Shoes was "teaching" colors, then Four Groovy Buttons is "teaching" subtraction. For, Pete the Cat loses each of his four buttons one by one. But does Pete cry?! Goodness no! I absolutely love the end of this one!!! And the moral this time: "I guess it simply goes to show that stuff will come and stuff will go. But do we cry? Goodness, NO! We keep on singing."

I first met Pete the Cat circa 2013 when I checked out all the Pete the Cat books from the library. Each of the original books has an audio version online, and these audio versions have been uploaded to YouTube many times. Since I am not using the library these days, I revisited one of my favorite, favorite, favorite books by listening to it. 

Mom and I's favorite refrain--which we've used almost daily--certainly weekly--is DID PETE CRY? GOODNESS NO! This picture book is teaching a wonderfully important lesson in how to live life.

 

 

© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

67. Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes

 

67. Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes. Eric Litwin. Illustrated by James Dean. 2010. 40 pages. [Source: Online Audio]

First sentence:  Pete the Cat was walking down the street in his brand-new white shoes. Pete loved his white shoes so much, he sang this song:

"I love my white shoes,
I love my white shoes,
I love my white shoes."

Premise/plot: Pete the Cat LOVES his white shoes, but will his shoes stay WHITE when he goes on his walk???? And how will he handle it if they're not perfectly-perfectly white? 

My thoughts:  I love, love, love, REALLY REALLY love Pete the Cat. He is my kind of cat. You should definitely download the free song(s) as well, so you can really sing right along with the book(s). True, you could make up your own tune, but, the song is so perfectly catchy.

So. Pete the Cat has white shoes which he loves. But, when he steps in some unpleasant things: strawberries, blueberries, a mud puddle, a bucket of water, does Pete cry?! Goodness no! He just keeps on walking and singing his song! Is this a concept book about colors (white, red, blue, brown)? Is this a book teaching necessary coping skills to preschoolers and kids? A bit of both. But. It is also just a really fun, very entertaining story about a groovy cat! I absolutely LOVE the repetition, and the fact that this is a book everyone can participate and join in on! Kids could even write their own stories.

Again this book has the refrain DID PETE CRY?!?! GOODNESS, NO! 

 

 

© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

66. Pete the Cat: Rocking In My School Shoes

 

66. Pete the Cat: Rocking In My School Shoes. Eric Litwin. Illustrated by James Dean. 2011. 40 pages. [Source: Online Audio AND library] [4 stars]

First sentence: Here comes Pete strolling down the street, rocking red shoes on his four furry feet. Pete is going to school, and he sings this song: I'm rocking in my school shoes, I'm rocking in my school shoes, I'm rocking in my school shoes."

Premise/plot: Pete the Cat is going to school and having a great time!

My thoughts: I really liked this one. I loved seeing Pete go to school. I loved seeing him read in his school shoes (the library), eating in his school shoes (the cafeteria), playing in his school shoes (the playground), etc. (There is also singing, painting, adding, and writing). I loved the descriptions of the school environment, the participatory way in which it's written so it gets everyone involved, and most of all the repetition. DOES PETE WORRY? Goodness no!!!

I first met Pete the Cat circa 2013 when I checked out all the Pete the Cat books from the library. Each of the original books has an audio version online, and these audio versions have been uploaded to YouTube many times. Since I am not using the library these days, I revisited one of my favorite, favorite, favorite books by listening to it. 

You can search YouTube or check out the audio versions on the official page. 

 

 

© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

65. The Man Who Didn't Like Animals

 

65. The Man Who Didn't Like Animals. Deborah Underwood. Illustrated by LeUyen Pham. 2024. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars] [picture book]

First sentence: There once was a man who loved his tidy home and who didn't like animals. One day, a cat appeared. "I don't like cats," said the man. "Go away." But the cat didn't. The man liked sleeping in the sun. So did the cat. The man liked watching the rain. So did the cat. The man liked to eat dinner precisely at 6 P.M. So did the cat. "Hmph," said the man. "Maybe THIS cat isn't so bad."

My thoughts (preview): I have loved, loved, loved some of Deborah Underwood's previous books. I have LOVED, LOVED, LOVED some of LeUyen Pham's previous books. The fact that one of my favorite writers paired up with one of my all-time favorite illustrators meant only one thing: I MUST READ THE BOOK. I did request my library order a copy! (I am so happy now that others will enjoy it too!) I squealed a bit when I saw it had been ordered and put myself on the hold list....

SOMETIMES YOU DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH YOU NEED A BOOK UNTIL IT IS IN YOUR HANDS. 

Premise/plot: How does a [somewhat cranky] man go from hating animals to loving animals????? One day at a time apparently. It starts with one cat....but of course, one cat never stays one cat. As his heart starts growing day by day, his life is transformed. He is no longer the same man by the end of the book! 

There *is* a twist. It does state this twist on the cover. It does. GoodReads likewise spoils it. However, I went into the book not reading the "fine print" if you will. I LOVED being surprised. I would recommend NOT telling little ones before reading it aloud.

My thoughts: I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE THIS ONE. There are no words for how much this book stole my heart. 

I highly recommend this one as a read aloud. I could see it working in libraries, in classrooms, and, of course, in homes. I think it would be a great one to interject with questions like WHAT DO YOU THINK WILL HAPPEN NEXT?  etc.

 

 

© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

64. His Fairytale Life

 

 

64. His Fairytale Life: A book About Hans Christian Andersen. Jane Yolen. Illustrated by Brooke Boynton-Hughes. 2025. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, picture book, picture book biography, j nonfiction]

First sentence: He was a boy
who lived with a mother
who could not read,
but remembered every fairy tale
she'd been told,
and a father who built things
out of wood, sturdy but graceless,
and a grandfather
who danced in the forests of Denmark
without clothes,
but with flowers in his hair;
a boy who wanted to be a poet,
but did not know his ABCs,
who longed to be a writer,
but had never been to school,
who finally, in his teens,
sat with the three-and-four-
and five-year-olds in class,
learning all he could;

Premise/plot: I give up on finishing the first sentence. His Fairytale Life is a picture book biography of Hans Christian Andersen written as a narrative poem....and also possibly the world's longest sentence. (Not really. I'm sure there are longer sentences about.)

My thoughts: I really enjoyed the illustrations for the most part. The narrative style was unique and unusual. I haven't decided if I liked it or not. I like the idea of liking it. And overall, I do think this is an accessible biography that one could read aloud to children. Particularly if you are a teacher studying a fairy tale unit. The sentence may be LONG but it is packed with information. I'm not quite sure I understand *why* his life was more like a fairy tale than a life. Even after reading it twice.

 

© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

63. How Elegant the Elephant

63. How Elegant the Elephant. Mary Ann Hoberman. Illustrated by Marla Frazee. 2025. 88 pages. [Source: Library] [poetry, children's poetry, poetry collection, j poetry, 3 stars]

First sentence: Abracadabra
The zebra is black
Abracadabra
The zebra is white
Abracadabra
The zebra is dark
Abracadabra
The zebra is light
Is it black striped with white?
Is it white striped with black?
Is it striped from the front?
Is it striped from the back?
Abracadabra
It's ink over snow
Abracadabra
It's snow over ink
Abracadabra
Does anyone know?
Abracadabra
What do you think?

Premise/plot: Mary Ann Hoberman has selected the poems for this poetry collection. The theme is animals and insects. She is sharing her favorites from her previous books of poetry...poetry books that have since gone out of print.

Quotes:

How Elegant the Elephant
How elegant the elephant
How mighty yet how mild
How elegant its mighty mate
How elegant it's child
How toothsome are its ivory tusks
How luminous its eyes
How supple are its floppy ears
How jumbo is its size
How flexible its pudgy knees
How delicate its tail
But best of all
How nice its nose
Which works just like
A garden hose

My thoughts: Poetry is typically hit or miss for me. I definitely enjoyed a handful of these poems. I liked the variety of the poems included. Any reader is likely to find at least a couple that delight. Reading is subjective by its very nature; a reader's taste in poetry is perhaps even more subjective.

Besides the elephant poem quoted above, I also enjoyed "Monkey Business" and "Sheep Counting."

© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers