181. Pilgrim Cat

Pilgrim Cat. Carol Antoinette Peacock. Illustrated by Doris Ettlinger. 2004. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

 First sentence: On a breezy September morning in 1620, a stray cat prowled on the decks, hunting his breakfast.

Premise/plot: Can the presence of a cat save this Thanksgiving-themed picture book? (I'll answer that in 'my thoughts.') Faith Barrett finds a lifelong friend in Pounce, the 'pilgrim' cat of the title. The book essentially is a history lesson about the Mayflower and the Plymouth settlement. It is a history lesson thinly veiled through the perspective of a cat-loving little girl, Faith. 

My thoughts: The answer to the question is NO, not really. Garfield's Thanksgiving is one of my favorite, favorite, favorite, favorite holiday specials. It's incredibly quotable and just GOOD fun. In that special, Jon puts his "date" (Garfield's vet) to sleep with his history lesson. (All the while Jon's Grandma is saving their dinner in the kitchen.) This book reminded me of Jon's history lesson. Pounce is a lovely cat. I'm glad she has kittens. I'm glad she brings so much joy and happiness to Faith. But the book is a little too boring for me to recommend. Though if you *have* to read a Thanksgiving themed book, I suppose having one with a cat could be a bonus.

 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

37. Bubba and Beau Meet the Relatives

Bubba and Beau Meet the Relatives. Kathi Appelt. Illustrated by Arthur Howard. 2004. 32 pages. [Source: Bought]

First sentence: "The relatives are coming!" cried Mama Pearl.

Premise/plot: In their third adventure, Bubba and Beau survive meeting the relatives! It all starts when Mama Pearl learns that family is coming to visit. That sets everything in motion. It is all good fun at first--especially the mud hole. But they won't survive this day without whining and tears.

She dressed Bubba in his brand-new sailor suit. Bubba hated that sailor suit. It was tight. It was stiff. It was scratchier than the toilet brush. Beau got a new bandana. Yuck!

But once the family arrives, then things really get going! 

My thoughts: Bubba and Beau Meet the Relatives is a GREAT addition to this series. I definitely prefer it to the second book. It is just as good as the first book, Bubba and Beau Best Friends. I loved every moment of this one. The narration is FUN, CUTE, CHARMING. Perhaps a tiny bit precious. But anytime the text starts to get too sweet and precious, enter the MUD HOLE.

I would recommend all three books in this series.

 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

49. Bittle

Bittle. Patricia MacLachlan and Emily MacLachlan. Illustrated by Dan Yaccarino. 2004. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book; animals; new babies]

First sentence: In a big yellow house lived a cat and a dog.

Premise/plot: Nigel (The cat) and Julia (The Dog) don’t quite know what to think about the new baby their humans bring home. The duo name the baby Bittle...and life will never be the same again.

My thoughts: I loved, loved, loved this one. It is equal parts silly and sweet. The cat and dog are the parents doing all the hard work. Their hard work and love pay off when it comes to the baby’s first words.

I would definitely recommend this one. It would be great as a board book. It would be fun to have an adaptation of this as a cartoon.

It’s so good I can almost imagine Levar Burton narrating it.

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


© 2020 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Apples to Oregon

Apples to Oregon: Being the (Slightly) True Narrative of How a Brave Pioneer Father Brought Apples, Peaches, Pears, Plums, Grapes, and Cherries (And Children) Across the Plains. Deborah Hopkinson. Illustrated by Nancy Carpenter. 2004. 40 pages. [Source: Bought]

First sentence:  My daddy loved growin' apples. And when he got ready to pull up roots and leave Iowa for Oregon, he couldn't bear to leave his apple trees behind. So Daddy built two of the biggest boxes you could ever hope to see. He set them into a sturdy wagon and shoveled in good, wormy dirt. Then he filled every inch with little plants and trees. Hundreds of them! Daddy was ready for the most daring adventure in the history of fruit.

Premise/plot: Apples to Oregon is a tall tale story. A girl named DELICIOUS is telling the story of how her Dad brought apples, peaches, pears, plums, grapes, and cherries with the family on their trek west on the Oregon Trail. Misadventure abounds but so do solutions to every problem.

My thoughts: If you're looking for a DELICIOUSLY silly story, then this one might fill you up. It is not to be taken at all seriously. There was a man who did bring apples and other fruits to Oregon, but this isn't his story.

The narrative is a tall tale. If you're looking for an example of a tall tale to share with little ones--perhaps to teach the concept of a tall tale--then this one might do well.

Here's an example of the silliness:

The wind began to throw around everything that wasn't lashed down--our boots, baby Albert's diapers, every pot and pan Momma had, even our own little wagon. Next, hailstones big as plums came hurtling out of the sky.
"Guard the grapes! Protect the peaches!" Daddy howled.
So we all started tearing off our clothes and holding them over Daddy's darlings. Bonnets, petticoats, trousers, hats--even Daddy's drawers!

 Text: 5 out of 5
Illustrations: 4 out of 5
Total: 9 out of 10

© 2019 Becky Laney of Young Readers

The Case of the Baffled Bear

The Case of the Baffled Bear. (The High Rise Private Eyes #7) Cynthia Rylant. G. Brian Karas. 2004. 48 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Every Tuesday night Bunny and Jack liked to play Slap Jack. They played for pretzels. It was Jack's idea to play for pretzels. It was Bunny's idea to play Slap Jack. She thought the name was funny. Jack did not.

Premise/plot: Bernard is a bear who delivers messages speedy-quick on his bike. Unfortunately--or fortunately depending on your perspective--his whistle is missing. He's come to Jack and Bunny for help. Can they find his whistle so he can go back to delivering messages?

My thoughts: Jack and Bunny have a new case.  I liked this one. I like the series in general. If you're looking for an early chapter book mystery series, the High Rise Private Eyes series would be a good choice. Cynthia Rylant is an excellent writer!

© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers

John Philip Duck

John Philip Duck. Patricia Polacco. 2004. 48 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Edward was a sweet boy who lived with his family on a small farm just outside Memphis in the foothills of Tennessee. Times were hard. there was a depression on and money was hard to come by. Even though Edward was just a lad, he and his father worked at the same hotel in Memphis. During the work week they stayed at the hotel, but on the weekends they both went home.

Premise/plot: Edward finds an abandoned little duckling; he decides to raise it as his very own. He takes the duck to work with him--at first with the intent to keep him completely out of sight. He teaches the duck tricks--trains him. The boss isn't happy to discover the duck in his hotel, but, he's happy enough when he sees the duck perform. Can Edward train other ducks too?! He's given a month. Will it be enough time?!

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one very much. Parents should definitely introduce their children to the music of John Philip Sousa before or after reading this one. (Sousa in Stereo). Edward LOVES, LOVES, LOVES Sousa's marches, and he trains his ducks to "march" to Sousa.

The goal becomes to train the ducks to march through the lobby and into the lobby's fountain, and to stay in the fountain and swim all day. At the end of the day, they will march out again. That is if all goes according to plan.

This one is loosely based on a true story. There are ducks at the Peabody hotel that were/are trained to do just that. Edward and his father are fictional representatives of that first duckmaster.

Text: 4 out of 5
Illustrations: 4 out of 5
Total: 8 out of 10

© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers

A Squash and a Squeeze

A Squash and a Squeeze. Julia Donaldson. Illustrated by Axel Scheffler. 1993/2004/2017. 32 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: A little old lady lived all by herself with a table and chairs and a jug on the shelf. A wise old man heard her grumble and grouse, "There's not enough room in my house. Wise old man, won't you help me please? My house is a squash and a squeeze."

Premise/plot: Will the 'little old lady' learn a valuable lesson when she takes advice from the 'wise old man'?!

My thoughts: I really like this one. I remember hearing a similar story on Between the Lions back in the day. I enjoyed the rhythm and rhyme of it.

Text: 5 out of 5
Illustrations: 3 out of 5
Total: 8 out of 10


© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Mr. Putter & Tabby Write the Book

Mr. Putter and Tabby Write the Book. (Mr. Putter and Tabby #13) Cynthia Rylant. Illustrated by Arthur Howard. 2004. 44 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: In the winter a big snow always came to Mr. Putter's house.

Premise/plot: In this early chapter book, Mr. Putter has an idea. At first it seems straightforward and simple. He wants to write a book: a mystery novel.

First he had to think of a title. He thought and thought and thought. Finally he told Tabby, "I shall call my book The Mystery of Lighthouse Cove." It was a very good title. It was full of mystery. As a boy he had read lots of books with titles like that.

He's so excited that he thought of a title that he celebrates by fixing a snack...and then taking a nap. Will Mr. Putter write a book?

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one very much. Sometimes the book you think you want to write isn't the book you need to write. I thought this one was funny and charming.

The third day that he was a mystery writer, Mr. Putter woke up ready to write again. He liked being a writer ready to write. First he and Tabby had cinnamon toast and tea. Then Mr. Putter petted Tabby and began to think. He looked out of his window, thinking. He looked at his fire, thinking. He looked at Tabby, thinking. 

I think everyone should write a book like Mr. Putter does. (It is NOT a mystery novel, but a list of good things that he's blessed with and thankful for.)

© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Peedie

Peedie. Olivier Dunrea. 2004/2008. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. 16 pages.

This is Peedie.
Peedie is a gosling.
A small, yellow gosling who sometimes forgets things.

Peedie may forget plenty of things--to eat all his food, to take a nap, to come in out of the rain. But he NEVER forgets to wear his lucky red baseball cap. Or almost never. Readers learn what happens when Peedie puts his special hat in a secret place. (I think secret places are like safe places. And you probably know how tricky those can be!) Can Peedie remember his secret place? Or is his lucky red cap gone for good?

I liked this one! I think this series is very fun, very playful.

© 2011 Becky Laney of Young Readers

My Penguin Osbert

My Penguin Osbert. Elizabeth Cody Kimmel. 2004. Candlewick. 40 pages.

MY PENGUIN OSBERT is the story of a young boy, Joe, and his imaginative, expressive quest to get the perfect Christmas gift from Santa. The book begins with Joe writing a letter to Santa. In previous years, he discovered that whenever he asked for something, he never quite got exactly what he wanted. This year he's determined will be different. He decides the problem was that he was being too vague or general with his request! What does he want? A penguin. A real, live penguin. So he enclosed measurements and pictures and even specified that he wanted a penguin named Osbert. This time Santa delivers EXACTLY what Joe asked for. But Joe may just discover that what he asked for was a little too much to handle. Will Joe finally discover that sometimes Santa knows best? MY PENGUIN OSBERT is a funny, enjoyable read for "kids" of all ages.


© Becky Laney of Young Readers

The Silly Book With CD

The Silly Book with CD. Stoo Hample. 2010/2004/1961. Candlewick Press. 32 pages.

Candlewick Press has reprinted Stoo Hample's The Silly Book; it was originally published along with the Silly Record (LP) in 1961. This latest edition--there was another reprint in 2004--includes the CD containing twenty-three minutes of silly songs and poems. How silly is silly? Very! It's silly nonsense through and through.

I had to listen to the CD a few times before I started to enjoy it. But. Once I gave it some of my time and attention, I must admit that *some* of the silliness worked for me. (Not that I'd want to listen to it continuously for weeks or anything.)

Here's one of my favorites:

Silly Recipe

Cook three pieces of
spaghetti in a pan of
water for two years.

Add one teaspoonful
of chocolate syrup
and mix well.

Spread on bread
and freeze.

Feed to teddy bear.

I also enjoyed "Silly Backwards Talk" and "Silly Story."

© Becky Laney of Young Readers

The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog

The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog! by Mo Willems. 2004. Hyperion. 40 pages.

Oooooh! a hot dog! Yummy! Yummy! Yummy! Aaaaaaahhh...

Pigeon is oh-so-happy to find a hot dog. But he won't be alone for long. He is soon joined by a guest star, Duckling. Duckling is small, cute, and oh-so-curious about the hot dog Pigeon found. He has a dozen questions for Pigeon. Questions like what does a hot dog taste like. Does it taste like chicken? Does Duckling have a plan? Is Duckling setting a trap for Pigeon? Read and see in The Pigeon Finds A Hot Dog.

I liked this one even better than Don't Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus!

© Becky Laney of Young Readers

Knuffle Bunny

Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale by Mo Willems. 2004. Hyperion. 40 pages.

Not so long ago, before she could even speak words, Trixie went on an errand with her daddy....

I think *everyone* should read Mo Willems. And Knuffle Bunny is as good a place to start as any. Readers will meet Trixie, a little girl who is oh-so-easy to love. (This is one of three stories about Trixie. The third book is due out in September 2010.) Readers will also meet Knuffle Bunny, Trixie's attachment object, her must-must have-at-all costs bunny. This one is a cautionary tale. Warning parents (and caregivers everywhere) to take care...else their children like Trixie...may just go boneless. Trixie--despite her fit--is as sweet as can be. (In my opinion). And this one is charming because readers--unlike the clueless-at-the-moment dad--will guess what is causing Trixie so much distress.

I love this one I do. I love Trixie. I love her mom and dad. I love the way this story is told. The text. The art. Everything just works really well.

© Becky Laney of Young Readers

What Does Baby Say?

What Does Baby Say? A Lift the Flap Book by Karen Katz. 2004. Simon & Schuster. (Little Simon). 16 pages.

This may just be my favorite Karen Katz that I've read. It's simple. It's colorful. It's fun.

What does the happy baby say?
What does the sad baby say?
What does the hungry baby say?

Goo-goo, boo-hoo, and ba-ba! And that's just the start!

I like this question and answer format. I like the fact that it's a book for babies about babies. These are emotions that babies can relate to. I also appreciate that this one (like so many of her other books) is multicultural. There are babies of all skin tones featured throughout in the illustrations.

© Becky Laney of Young Readers

Baby Bible: Stories About Jesus

Currie, Robin. 2004. Baby Bible: Stories About Jesus. Illustrated by Cindy Brownsberger Adams. FaithKidz.

and

Currie, Robin. 2008. Baby Bible: Stories About Jesus. Illustrated by Constanza Basaluzzo.

This board book story-bible is great for young readers--babies, toddlers, preschoolers. The book presents a nice variety of stories centered on Jesus--from his birth to his ascension.

Each story is two pages. One of text. One of illustration. The text consists of title, scripture reference, narrative (with interaction prompts), and a concluding prayer.

For example,

Jesus At the Temple
Taken from Luke 2:41-50

Jesus and His family went on a long trip to the temple in Jerusalem. They walked and walked.

Tap your hands on your knees.

They liked to be with all their friends and pray and learn about God.

Fold your hands to pray.

In the temple lived teachers who read lots of books. Jesus asked them many questions. They were surprised that He knew so much.

Show me a surprised face.

You can learn about Jesus by reading the Bible--God's Word.

Thank you, God, for books to learn about Jesus. Amen.

I won't mention the illustrations because with one edition being out-of-print now and the newer edition being a different illustrator--one I haven't even seen--it wouldn't be all that helpful unless you happen to want to seek out this older edition and buy it used.

I will say this--I loved this book.

© Becky Laney of Young Readers

Too Absolutely Small for School

[Note: I wrote this review for Librarians' Choices 2004. So the recommended reads hasn't been updated since then.]

Child, Lauren. 2004. I AM TOO ABSOLUTELY SMALL FOR SCHOOL. Cambridge, MA.: Candlewick. ISBN: 0763624039.

Lauren Child's vivacious characters Lola and Charlie return for their third adventure together in I AM TOO ABSOLUTELY SMALL FOR SCHOOL. Lola is convinced that she is too small to start going to school. Besides that, she is "too extremely busy doing important things at home" to bother with school. Yet through Charlie's persuasive encouragement, Lola soon embraces the concept of starting school where she'll learn to read, write, count, and have the opportunity to make new friends. For each excuse Lola has to not go to school, Charlie is there to give her a good reason why school is important--and most importantly not that scary.



I AM TOO ABSOLUTELY SMALL FOR SCHOOL is a humorous and reassuring look at the common fears many children have about starting school. Child's text and illustrations are unique and charming. Lola definitely has a voice all her own!

CONNECTIONS
Lola has an imaginary friend named Soren Lorensen (illustrated in the last few pages of the book). Ask readers to take turns sharing about any imaginary friends they have or used to have.


Ask children to talk about any fears they have or might have had when they started school.

Lola is very lucky to have such a great big brother. Ask children to share what they love about their big brothers or sisters.

RELATED BOOKS
Other books by Lauren Child featuring Lola and Charlie
Child, Lauren. I AM NOT SLEEPY AND I WILL NOT GO TO BED. ISBN 0763615706
Child, Lauren. I WILL NEVER NOT EVER EAT A TOMATO. ISBN 0763611883

Other books by Lauren Child
Child, Lauren. BEWARE OF THE STORYBOOK WOLVES. ISBN 043920500X
Child, Lauren. CLARICE BEAN, THAT’S ME. ISBN 0763609617
Child, Lauren. WHO’S AFRAID OF THE BIG BAD BOOK. ISBN 0786809264

Other books about starting school
Curtis, Jamie Lee. IT’S HARD TO BE FIVE. ISBN 0060080957
Henkes, Kevin. CHRYSANTHEMUM. ISBN 0688147321
Henkes, Kevin. LILLY’S PURPLE PLASTIC PURSE. ISBN 0688128971
Henkes, Kevin. OWEN. ISBN 0688114490
Henkes, Kevin. WEMBERLEY WORRIED. ISBN 0688170277
Schwartz, Amy. ANNABELLE SWIFT, KINDERGARTNER. ISBN 0531070271
Wells, Rosemary. MY KINDERGARTEN. ISBN 0786808330