18. Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemum. Kevin Henkes. 1991. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [picture books; animal fantasy; school; friendship]

First sentence: The day she was born was the happiest day in her parents’ lives.

Premise/plot: Chrysanthemum loves, loves, loves her name until she starts school and is teased by her classmates. Will Chrysanthemum find a way to love her name again and make a few friends in the process?

My thoughts: I don’t know which Kevin Henkes book is my favorite. There are so many great, timeless stories that he has given readers over the years. Chrysanthemum is a charming character that needs a bit of a confidence boost when she starts school. She is just as lovely and unique as her name.

I recommend this one. I don’t know how many times I’ve read it since it was first published. I am a bit surprised that no one has made an animated series starring a class with all his characters—perhaps minus siblings. I think they all take place in the same world.

Text: 4/5
Illustrations:5/5
Total:9/10 

© 2020 Becky Laney of Young Readers

A Friend for Dragon

A Friend for Dragon. (Dragon #1) Dav Pilkey. 2019. Scholastic. 64 pages. [Source: Review copy]

 First sentence: There once was a blue dragon who lived in a little house all by himself. Sometimes Dragon got lonely. "I wish I had a friend," said Dragon. So he went out into the world to look for a friend.

Premise/plot: Dragon is a lovable character created by Dav Pilkey. This is his first book; it is an early chapter book. Dragon is LONELY, oh-so-lonely. His first few attempts at making a friend fail. It seems, at first, that he will always be lonely and friendless. Then he meets APPLE...Is Apple the PERFECT friend for a Dragon?
Perhaps.

My thoughts: This one is super, super, super silly. Dragon is foolish and gullible...but he's also LOVABLE and KIND. I don't love, love, love this one as much as Dragon's FAT CAT but I do like it. I think I liked it more the second time than the first time. So maybe it just has to grow on you.


© 2019 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Bonjour, Mr. Satie

Bonjour, Mr. Satie. Tomie dePaola. 1991. 32 pages. [Source: Bought]

First sentence: Ever since the postcard arrived from Paris, Rosalie and Conrad had been waiting for the arrival of their uncle--Mr. Satie, world traveler--and his companion, Ffortusque Ffollet, Esq. Every day they asked Mama and Papa when they would arrive.

Premise/plot: Rosalie and Conrad are happy to welcome Mr. Satie--and guest--into their home. Mr. Satie arrives and has a wonderful story to tell about recent goings-on in Paris. Mr. Satie was at a gathering of friends--of artists--and he was able to help make peace between two factions. One group LOVED Henri's new style of painting and thought it was the BEST. The other group loved Pablo's new style of painting and thought it was the BEST. It wasn't only that one "needed" to be better than the other. No, each group HATED the other style and thought it the WORST--that it wasn't even worthy of being called art. Can Mr. Satie help maintain the peace--not just for one night--but for good?!

My thoughts: I found the book to be odd. Not necessarily odd in a bad way. Mr. Satie and his family are cats. His friend, his guest, is a mouse. That's not the weird part. I almost expected the whole cast of the picture book to be one or the other or even both. Animals in place of people. But, no, Pablo, Henri, and all the artistic crowds in Paris are people. So it isn't strictly animal fantasy OR historical/realistic. The story itself was okay. I found it interesting. If you're looking for an 'art-appreciation' book to share with little ones, this one is worth considering.

Text: 3 out of 5
Illustrations: 3 out of 5
Total: 6 out of 10

© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers