319-324. Board Books on Parade (Holiday Edition)

319. Tough Cookie: A Christmas Story. Edward Hemingway. 2018/2023. 30 pages. [Source: Library] [Board book]

First sentence: Once upon a time, while Fox was visiting Christmastown, in the Land of Holiday Treats...a little cookie--still warm from the bakery oven--burst out the front door and shouted, "I'm a sweet cookie!"

Premise/plot: Sugar Cookie Man thinks he should be both sweet and fast...but he isn't. Can he learn to be okay with that? Sugar Cookie Man may not realize his purpose, but he does have one.

My thoughts: I liked this one. I have always enjoyed the Gingerbread Man story. This playfully touches on that story...but only a little. It stars a FOX and a COOKIE. The cookie does boast and the fox does give chase. Sugar Cookie Man learns by trial and error that he was baked with a specific purpose in mind. He's not for eating...but for hanging as an ornament on a tree. (If he was an EATING cookie the book would be quite short since the Fox would have gobbled him up by page two or three.)
 

320.  First Stories: A Christmas Carol. Jean Claude. 2018. 8 pages. [Source: Library] [board book]

First sentence: Ebenezer Scrooge found Christmas a bore. "Bah humbug to all of it!" the old man would roar. On Christmas Eve ghosts came--one, two, and three--To show Scrooge how much fun his dull life could be.

Premise/plot: This board book is a simplistic, basic rhyming adaptation of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Can Dickens' classic holiday story be retold in just eight pages? Yes and no. It introduces little ones to the bare bones basics of the story.

It is an interactive adaption. It features activities for little hands on every page. There are things to spin, push, pull, and slide. 

My thoughts: Is this the most faithful adaptation? Of course not. Is it a fun interactive book for little ones? Yes. The fact that it is "A Christmas Carol" is more for parents than little ones. But the 'surprise' elements of the interactive nature of it is a treat, I think. I enjoyed, for example, making the holiday dinner appear and disappear from the table. It was just fun. 

Is it durable enough to last? It might depend. Not only on your little one, of course. I checked out the library copy. I believe I was the first to do so. One page already has a very loose slide. You pick up the book and it starts sliding down. I was not rough or forceful in my reading. I am a gentle, careful reader.

 

321. The Very Snowy Christmas. Diana Hendry. Illustrated by Jane Chapman. 2013/2023. 16 pages. [Source: Library] [Board book]

First sentence: It was Christmas Eve. Big Mouse was making cheese pies. Little Mouse was making paper chains. "Merry Christmas to us!" sang Little Mouse. "Big Mouse, can I decorate the tree now? Can I? Can I? 

Premise/plot: Big Mouse and Little Mouse are celebrating Christmas together...until they aren't. Little Mouse slips off on his own to go gather some holly. This holly-gathering adventure has a little excitement in it. 

My thoughts: This one--for whatever reason--reminded me of the delightful Brown Bear, Snow Bear by Joyce Dunbar. I enjoyed this one very much. It's a sweet and predictable little story to share with little ones. Mice are always cute and adorable in fiction books.

322. My Magical Santa. [Abrams Appleseed Board Books] 8 pages. [Source: Library] [Board book]

First sentence: On a magical sleigh with his gifts piled up high, Santa set off as the elves waved goodbye. Sleigh bells a-ringing, he soared out of sight and raced round the world in only one night!

Premise/plot: Board books without authors have their own standard perhaps by which they should be judged. Or not. This one is part of Abrams' "My Magical..." series. The premise is simple: Santa is....you guessed it...magical. 

The "quality" of this one comes in the interactive nature of this one. There are things to spin, push, pull, slide. The text is rhyming, but the text is almost irrelevant. (Perhaps why there is no author credited. Or illustrator for that matter.) 

My thoughts: If your little one loves interactive books, then this one might prove serviceable enough. It's a sturdy, holiday-themed board book with plenty of things for little ones to do while parents read aloud the rhyming text. 

I would give it two and a half stars if I was actively giving out half stars. I don't think it merits the one star average on GoodReads. It isn't that bad. 

323. Touch and Trace Nursery Rhymes: Jingle Bells. Editors of Silver Dolphin Books. 2023. 10 pages. [Source: Library] [Board books]

First sentence: Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way! Oh what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh.

Premise/plot: This one includes [some] lyrics from five familiar Christmas songs [jingles]. The songs included are "Jingle Bells," "Let It Snow," "Deck the Halls," "Santa Claus is Coming to Town," and "We Wish You A Merry Christmas." Each song takes up one two-page spread. There are playful illustrations. Each illustration includes a tactile element to "trace." (I ABSOLUTELY LOVE, LOVE, LOVE these tracing elements.)

My thoughts: I really loved this one so much. It is so obviously simple yet it is SO enjoyable. 

324. Slide and See First Words Christmas. Helen Hughes. Illustrated by Kathryn Selbert. 2023. 12 pages. [Source: Library] [board books]

First sentence: Christmas friends. Elf. Santa Claus. Reindeer. Santa is getting ready for Christmas with help from his friends.

Premise/plot: This interactive board book focuses on the WORDS of Christmas. This interactive book even asks questions with sliding elements to reveal the answers. It also asks more open-ended questions. I really like this aspect of it.

My thoughts: Even the cover of the book is interactive. Little hands can make Santa pop up out of the chimney. This one does have more to offer than some of the other interactive books I've reviewed today. [I'm looking at you, My Magical Santa.] It seems to have some thought and care put into the actual narrative. Yes, it's a vocabulary book in some ways. Perhaps it won't "grow" with your little one every year. But I do think it has something to offer parents and little ones.

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

206-209. Picture Book Parade

 206. Simon and the Better Bone. Corey R. Tabor. 2023. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [Picture book; animal fantasy; dogs; humor]

First sentence: Simon was out playing by the pond when he found a bone. If there was a better bone in all the world, Simon hadn't seen it. But then he spotted something in the pond. It was another bone. A better bone. There was a dog holding the bone. But it was a scrawny little dog. Certainly no match for Simon.

Premise/plot: Simon is a LOVABLE dog who though he has a bone wants a BETTER bone that the pond-dog has or seems to have. Will Simon convince the pond-dog to trade bones? Will Simon be left with any bones by the end of the book?

My thoughts: I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this sweet, humorous picture book. Simon was incredibly lovable--and silly. Readers will inevitably be a bit brighter than Simon which makes for some amusement. I love the way this one ends. 

This one reads differently than most books--literally--in how the pages are turned. I thought this was fun. 

I think this would be a great read aloud for parents, of course, but also for libraries. (I'd say pre-K and Kindergarten could join in on the fun. Not sure if it would work for older grades. Though to be honest, I think readers of all ages could enjoy this one.) 

 

207. How To Talk Like a Bear. Charlie Grandy. Illustrated by Alex G. Griffiths. 2023. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book; animal fantasy; bears; humor]

First sentence: I am going to teach you how to talk like a bear. 

Premise/plot: Best case scenario this is an INTERACTIVE read that kids can join in on. It is written directly to readers. The star of the show, a bear, is going to teach YOU the reader how to talk like a bear. There are several lessons. There are some mishaps along the way, no one gets it right the first time, which could lead to some giggles.

My thoughts: This was SO MUCH FUN. I think this could easily be one to read again-again-again-again. I wouldn't be surprised if it encourages kids--especially younger kids--to try talking like a bear outside the context of reader participation while listening to this one. It's just so much fun, so super-silly. 

I would definitely recommend this one. Again, I think it would work in homes, libraries, and younger elementary grades. 

208. Fox Forgets (Goose and Bear Stories) Suzanne Bloom. 2013/2023. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book; animal fantasy]

First sentence: I have to go. But I'll be right back.

Premise/plot: Fox forgets to tell Bear that Goose has gone...but will be right back. Bear and Fox spend the book looking for Goose. 

My thoughts: I do like some of the books in this series. This wasn't one that I loved...or even enjoyed. But if your little one loves these characters, this one isn't bad. It's just not absolutely wonderful.

I absolutely DO love the illustrations.

209. Bear Can Dance! (Goose and Bear Stories). Suzanne Bloom. 2015/2023. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [Picture book; animal fantasy]

First sentence: I wish I could fly.

Premise/plot: Bear REALLY wants to fly. He spends most of the book wishing to fly and trying to fly. By the end of the book, he learns that while he cannot fly he has learned to dance....and dancing is almost like flying. 

My thoughts: I definitely enjoyed Bear Can Dance more than Fox Forgets! I love the illustrations so much. A good reminder of why I enjoy this series by Suzanne Bloom. Both books are newly reprinted/republished.

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

96. Amelia and Me

Amelia and Me (Ginny Ross #1) Heather Stemp. 2013/2020. 207 pages. [Source: Review copy]

 First sentence: EVEN IN AUGUST the early morning in Newfoundland was cold. I snuggled under my quilt until the grandfather clock in the parlour struck three. Then I swung my legs over the side of the bed and reached into the warmth under the covers for my clothes. I wiggled out of my nightgown and quickly pulled on my navy dress and red sweater.

 Premise/plot: Amelia and Me is a historical middle grade novel based on the author's own family. The main character, Ginny, is the author's aunt. The novel opens in 1931 and is set roughly 1931/1932 during the Great Depression. Our young heroine is obsessed with airplanes and wants more than anything to take flying lessons and fly herself. Yes, it's awesome to watch other people fly planes, to keep up with all the news stories and headlines as pilots break one record after another after another. But she wants to FLY herself. The problem? She's young, still in school, and her mother is dead set against it. So what's a girl to do???? Well, if you are Ginny Ross you write the world's most famous woman pilot, Amelia Earhart, and get her advice....

My thoughts: I really loved seeing the photographs at the end of the book. I loved knowing that these characters were real people--even if this is historical fiction and should not be considered strictly nonfiction. 

I went through a period where I read ANYTHING I could get my hands on about Amelia Earhart. Not because I was fascinated with flying or wanted to fly myself, but, because it was my sister's research project and I just happened to read all of her library books. Once I read one or two, well, the rest just seemed to come naturally. I think part of the appeal to me was the mystery surrounding her final flight. Of course, this book is set a good many years before that tragic ending. 

I am curious how many books will be published telling Ginny Ross' story. I am curious, for example, to see if Ginny Ross became a flyer and perhaps flew for the WASP during the second world war??? Of course I don't know the answer to that question! 

 

© 2020 Becky Laney of Young Readers

36. Exile (Keeper of the Lost Cities #2)

Exile. (Keeper of the Lost Cities #2) Shannon Messenger. 2013. 576 pages. [Source: Library][j fantasy; mg fantasy; j fiction; mg fiction; elves; magic]

First sentence: Sophie‘s hands shook as she lifted the tiny green bottle.

Premise/plot: Exile is the second novel in this fantasy series for young readers. Sophie, the heroine elf, has quite a lot going on in her life. Every day brings to light something new: a new gift or talent, a new clue to her past, a new clue to present threats and dangers, a new crisis or disaster. The novel opens with Sophie “discovering” an alicorn. Sophie being Sophie, the two form an unbreakable bond. If anyone can train or tame this magnificent creature, it will be Sophie. Much depends, so readers are told, on this alicorn coming to their Sanctuary. Sophie though new seems to be the one, the key to solving many, many problems that have been damaging or divisive to the community. But can Sophie really be the answer?!

My thoughts: I am pleasantly surprised by how much better this one is to the first book. Don’t get me wrong, you have to suspend your disbelief to read this one. Not just because there are elves, goblins, imps, and feathery dinosaurs—and of course the alicorn. But because of the description of how magic works and feels as you use it or experience it. It can come across as silly or goofy if you take it too seriously. But if you accept it as a purely for entertainment escape from the real world, it’s quite a ride.

I like the characters and relationships. I think my favorite sidekick is Keefe. Followed by Dex. Those two would be my favorites. Fitz wouldn’t be. But at least at this point, it’s just friendships. No crushes admitted aloud, no crushing on awkwardness, no worrying about if so-and-so like-likes me. No obsessing. Just good, solid, foundation building. But if I were to pick a team, at this early stage, it would be Keefe.

© 2020 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Knit Your Bit

Knit Your Bit: A World War I Story. Deborah Hopkinson. Illustrated by Steven Guarnaccia. 2013. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: When Pop left to be a soldier, I wanted to go with him. "I'm brave," I told Pop. "I know, Mikey," he said, patting my shoulder. "And you'll need to be, 'cause it takes just as much courage to stay behind."

Premise/plot: Mikey says he wants to do something BIG to help the war effort. While his sister, Ellie, learns to knit so she can knit her bit, Mikey resists such a simple, little thing. Besides knitting is for girls. BUT when a knitting bee--to be held at Central Park--is announced, Mikey finds himself entering with two of his friends. Perhaps he enters because he's dared to enter. But once he begins knitting lessons, he realizes that it's not so simple and anything but a 'little' contribution to the war effort.

My thoughts: I enjoyed this historical picture book. It was inspired by real events.

The New York Times reported that the event raised $4,000. Mrs. Ethel Rizzo of East 67th Street, who completed an entire sweater in around six hours, won the prize for fastest knitter. Over the course of three days, volunteers knitted 50 sweaters, 48 mufflers, and 224 pairs of socks. Prize winners included four blind women, two men, an eighty-three year old woman, and four children under the age of eleven. 

I would definitely recommend this one! I found it a compelling story with a fascinating author's note.

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

© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Board book: I Love You Honey Bunny

Board book: I Love You, Honey Bunny. Sandra Magsamen. 2013. Scholastic. 14 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: You're sweeter than the sweetest little honeybee. You fill the world with love--you're amazing to me. I love the way you hope, skip, and jump up and down.

Premise/plot: I Love You Honey Bunny is a novelty board book featuring plush bunny ears. The ears might be a big hit for little hands--and little mouths. The text is simple and super-super-super-sweet. "Adorable" comes to mind.

My thoughts: It's a novelty book. It will either appeal--or not. It's not fantastic, wonderful literature. (Nor is it bad literature.) But reading with little ones is super-important no matter the book. Sharing a book--sharing the experience is great for parents and for little ones. And here's the thing--adults don't always get a say in which book will become a FAVORITE, beloved book. Sometimes the books that adults give the least credit to are the ones that become again-again favorites--with seemingly no rhyme or reason. SERIOUSLY THAT BOOK?! And sometimes books that adults love, love, love and buy hoping that it will be a big hit are big duds. I do believe every book has a right reader that will love and adore it.
 

© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Nighty-Night, Cooper

Nighty-Night, Cooper. Laura Numeroff. 2013. HMH. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Cooper climbed out of his mama's warm pouch. Dressed in his jammies, he lay on the couch. His mama sat near him. "I can't sleep," he said. "Please, can you sing, then I'll go to my bed?"

Premise/plot: Cooper can't sleep. His mama finds a way to tell him stories and sing to him at the same time. The tunes she sings: "Rock-a-bye Baby," "The Farmer in the Dell," "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star," "Mary Had a Little Lamb," "Jingle Bells," and "Lullabye and Good Night."

My thoughts: My guess is that all the singing would make this a fun read aloud to share with little ones. I liked this one because I like to make up my own words to familiar songs. I always have. I'm guessing I always will. That's just how my family works. I like it because it celebrates singing in addition to celebrating the bond between parent and child.

My lingering question: Why kangaroos? If Cooper gets to crawl back into his mama's pouch to go to sleep, why would bedtime ever be a struggle? True, bedtime struggles don't always, always, always have to be about separation anxiety--mom or dad leaving the room, being all alone in your bed all alone, sleepy but still awake. True, bedtime struggles could come from "I'm not tired. I'm not ready for bed. I want to play." But the closeness and safety of Mama--being IN the pouch--I'm not seeing why Cooper would ever have stress. In fact, he seems to have the good life.

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

© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Board book: I Dare You Not To Yawn

I Dare You Not to Yawn. Helene Boudreau. Illustrated by Serge Bloch. 2017. Candlewick Press. 28 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Yawns are sneaky. They can creep up on you when you least expect them. There you are, minding your own business, building the tallest block tower in the history of the universe or dressing up the cat when suddenly...

Premise/plot: A boy warns little ones of the dangers of yawning. Yawns lead to being sent to put on pajamas, pajamas lead to being read to, being read to leads to being sung to, being sung to leads to being hugged and kissed, and...

Before you know it, you're tucked into bed, snug as a bug, and wondering..."How did I get here?"

My thoughts: Our little hero tries his best NOT to yawn as he warns others of the dangers of yawning. How did I like this one? I definitely liked it. It made me yawn--in the middle of the day. I think it's a funny story that isn't your typical bedtime story. In fact, the boy almost stereotypes all of the traditional stories. 


© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers