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

164. A Doll for Marie

A Doll for Marie. Louise Fatio. Illustrated by Roger Duvoisin. 1957/2015. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [Picture Book, Classic]

First sentence: In the city of Paris, there lived a doll who sighed from morning to night. She was born long ago, when our great-grandmothers lived. She wore a handsome dress of faded red silk, with long lace pantalets that came down to her pretty shoes, and a plumed hat on her blond curls. She was indeed a precious antique doll. But, alas, she was also a very lonely doll. 

Premise/plot: A [nameless] doll lives at an antique shop. She longs to belong to a girl--to be loved, cherished, treasured, played with. There is one such girl in the neighborhood, Marie, but both doll and girl know this isn't to be. She's much too "valuable" to be purchased by a poor girl. She's purchased--by someone to be an antique showpiece...but it is thanks to some mischievous pets that this doll finds her forever home with Marie.

My thoughts: I thought the story was charming and delightful in an old-fashioned, vintage way. This one was first published in the 1950s. It is a bit on the text heavy side. But as an adult, of course, I don't mind a bit. I don't know if today's generation is much interested in porcelain dolls. But I enjoyed this one very much.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

142. Francine Poulet Meets the Ghost Raccoon

Francine Poulet Meets the Ghost Raccoon. Kate DiCamillo. Illustrated by Chris Van Dusen. 2015. 98 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Francine Poulet was an animal control officer.

Premise/plot: Francine Poulet *was* an animal control officer. Oh how that first sentence takes on a dual meaning once you've read the book once. But I digress. Francine Poulet, our heroine, IS an animal control officer. She is the very best on the job. No one could possibly do a better job. But, she is about to be put to the ultimate test. Enter Mrs Bissinger AND enter the "ghost" raccoon. Meeting these two, "on the job," will test everything Francine believes about herself. So, essentially, Mrs. Bissinger calls in with a complaint that there is a ghost raccoon on her roof...she needs animal control....

My thoughts: This book was a LOVELY and DELIGHTFUL hoot. I loved every minute of it. It was such a fabulous read. It was funny, but it was heartwarming at the same time. Perhaps that doesn't seem unusual? Maybe it does. But I don't associate slapstick comedy with being heartwarming and delightful. I think the illustrations are wonderful at communicating the story. They are so expressive.

 

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

91. I Am Lucille Ball

I Am Lucille Ball. Brad Meltzer. Illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos. 2015. 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: I am Lucille Ball. When I was a little girl, my mother tried to dress me in ribbons and bows. But I was different from other girls. My idea of fun was horsing around with my dad. He used to throw me up to the ceiling, always catching me and making me laugh.

I Am Lucille Ball is a picture book biography by Brad Meltzer. What you see is what you get, this book celebrates everything Lucy. Well, almost everything. It isn't thorough and comprehensive covering every aspect of her life or even mentioning every single role on radio, television, or film. (But I wouldn't expect it to.) The book mainly focuses on her dream, her following her dream, and her being true to herself while following that dream. I'm not convinced every single [picture book] biography needs a moral. (Why can't you just learn about people without the moralizing?) But this one definitely feels didactic towards the end.

"I am Lucille Ball. I believe that humor can take on anything. We all need laughter--every single one of us. And for the best comedy, people have to believe in you. But for that to happen, you have to believe in yourself. I Love Lucy wasn't just the title of the show. It was my most important life lesson: In this world, the person you need to love most is you."

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Click, Clack, Peep

Click, Clack, Peep! (Ready to Read) Doreen Cronin. Illustrated by Betsy Lewin. 2015/2019. 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Farmer Brown stuck his head out the window. The farm was too quiet. Everyone was watching the egg.

Premise/plot: Farmer Brown is in for a BIG, BIG, BIG surprise. The book opens with the farm animals anxiously waiting the arrival of a new duckling. The book closes with a funny surprise for Farmer Brown. What will the baby duck be like when he arrives?! How will the animals react?!

My thoughts: I really love these characters. I haven't read each and every title in the series. But I should, I really should. I loved this one. I thought it was very funny. I definitely recommend it.



© 2019 Becky Laney of Young Readers

A Pig, A Fox, and A Box

A Pig, A Fox, and a Box. Jonathan Fenske. 2015. Penguin. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: I am Fox. I am Pig. I am little. I am big. I have a box. I like to play. I think I will trick Pig today.

Premise/plot: Fox has a plan. He is going to trick Pig. Will Pig be fooled? Or will the joke end up being on Fox?! Fox plays two tricks in this one....

My thoughts: Did I enjoy reading A Pig, A Fox, and a Box? Yes and no. No, in that I'm not the intended audience for it, and, it wasn't quite my type of book. I didn't really "like" the illustrations. Yes, in that it was a good, solid book for young readers.

Readers meet two characters: Fox and Pig. Readers quickly see that Fox is tricksy. He is a kidder, a joker. He really, really WANTS to fool his friend, Pig. Time and time again, the joke is on FOX and not Pig after all. So it was FUN in a way.

© 2019 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Mimi's Adventures in Baking Gingerbread Men

Mimi's Adventures in Baking Gingerbread Men. Alyssa Gangeri. Illustrated by Chiara Civati. 2015. 38 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: "Mimi, time to wake up!" Mimi peeked out the window and saw..."SNOW! MOM! It's a snow day!" She yelled as she rushed downstairs.

Premise/plot: A little girl bakes gingerbread cookies with her grandmother on a snowy winter's day.

My thoughts: Baking can be fun. And few things are more fun for a child than baking with a beloved adult. In this case, it's NONNI. Simple baking techniques are shown in this one.

Overall, I liked this one. The story is the most thrilling but it does try to capture the joy of an experience that actually is thrilling.

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

© 2019 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Mimi's Adventures in Baking Chocolate Chip Cookies

Mimi's Adventures in Baking Chocolate Chip Cookies. Alyssa Gangeri. Illustrated by Chiara Civati. 2015. 38 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Mimi dreamed of fluffy clouds of flour floating over mountains of chocolate chips with untouched ski slopes of sugar...when she woke up, Mimi knew exactly what she wanted to do. "Nonni, can we please bake chocolate chip cookies? I've been dreaming about the ingredients all night!" Nonni pulled out her giant cookbook and they searched for the recipe.

Premise/plot: A little girl bakes chocolate chip cookies with her grandmother. There is a light story driven by the recipe and the baking process.

My thoughts: Baking can be fun. And few things are more fun for a child than baking with a beloved adult. In this case, it's NONNI. Simple baking techniques are shown in this one. For example, how to read a recipe, how to measure, how to mix, how to crack an egg, etc.

Mimi measured 1 cup of chocolate chips and poured them in a bowl. Then she measured a 1/2 cup. "Now we need 3/4 cup of granulated sugar," said Nonni. "Three of these?" asked Mimi with a 1/4 cup measure in hand. "Yes, three of those." 

Overall, I liked this one. The story is the most thrilling but it does try to capture the joy of an experience that actually is thrilling.

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


© 2019 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Finding Winnie

Finding Winnie: The True Story of the World's Most Famous Bear. Lindsay Mattick. Illustrated by Sophie Blackall. 2015. Little, Brown. 56 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: "Could you tell me a story?" asked Cole.

Premise/plot: Cole, the author's young son, asks for a story--a TRUE story; he wants a true story about a BEAR. What the author shares with her son--in the story--and with readers--in the book--is indeed a true story. The story of how a young soldier on his way to war--the author's great-great grandfather finds a bear at a train station, buys it, and takes it with him. The bear's name is WINNIE. And when Harry Colebourn goes to the front, he leaves Winnie in the London Zoo. Many people loved going to see Winnie, but, the best known perhaps is A.A. Milne's young son.

My thoughts: I love several things about this one. I love the personal connection. The author is sharing her own family history with readers. Older readers may enjoy looking at the album at the back of the book. Many photos and captions are included. This grounds the book very well as being a TRUE story. It brings the story to life.

But I also enjoy the framework of this one. It is a book that celebrates storytelling and families. I believe it is a bedtime story he's asking for. I love the idea of parents sharing their own stories with children, and true stories at that! Throughout the story, readers hear the mother and son chatting. It works.

I also just genuinely love the writing of this one!


ETA: I read this first in 2016. I reread it again in January 2019. I love it just as much this second time reading it. I may even love it more. The author has now written a new book for young readers a fantasy novel from the bear's point of view.

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

© 2019 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Board book: Can You See What I See? Christmas

Can You See What I See? Christmas. Walter Wick. 2015. Scholastic. 24 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Can you see a basket, a chick, and 2 bears? Can you see a dog, a pig, and 2 chairs?

Premise/plot: Walter Wick has written MANY 'can you see' books for children. Most of these books are picture books or early readers, however. This one is in board book format for younger readers.

My thoughts: I have a confession. I am HORRIBLE at these types of books. In particular, I am terrible at finding Waldo in just about every 'Where's Waldo?' book that has been published. But this one seems to be much easier. In fact, some of them are easy enough to be obvious even to me.
 

© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers

The Great Cheese Robbery

The Great Cheese Robbery (Pocket Pirates #1) Chris Mould. 2015/2018. 160 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: At the end of the street is an old junk shop.

Premise/plot: The pocket pirates live in a dusty ship in a bottle in an old junk shop. When the shop owner isn't around they explore the shop. But exploring can be dangerous when you're only a few inches tall. Their cat gets kidnapped by mice! It's up to these pocket-sized pirates to rescue him. The mice are demanding a huge block of cheese. The pirates will have to venture to the freezing place where it is ALWAYS winter.

My thoughts: This one has plenty of characters--most of them pirates. It's an action-packed fantasy for young readers relatively new to early chapter books. I liked it. It was over-the-top silly. But silly isn't a bad thing if you're in a just-right mood for a laugh.


© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Board Book: Mustache Baby Meets His Match

Mustache Baby Meets His Match (Board Book) Bridget Heos. Illustrated by Joy Ang. 2018. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. 36 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Baby Billy was born with a mustache.

Premise/plot: This is the sequel to Mustache Baby. In this second book, Baby Billy is mostly at odds with Baby Javier, a bearded baby. The problem? Baby Javier and Baby Billy both want to be THE BOSS and tell the other what to do. Also both babies want to be THE BEST. Can these two learn to be friends and get along?

My thoughts: I liked this one. I did. I don't know that I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED it like I did the first book. But I liked it. The illustrations make this a clever read. It's the little details--often in the illustrations--that bring a smile. For example, when the two compete at running for President.

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

© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Here Comes The Tooth Fairy Cat

Here Comes the Tooth Fairy Cat. Deborah Underwood. Illustrated by Claudia Rueda. 2015. 96 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Cat! You lost a tooth! Did the Tooth Fairy come? She left you a coin! What's the matter? You wanted to meet her? Aw, Cat. I understand...

Premise/plot: A disappointed cat tricks the Tooth Fairy and is punished for his trickery by having to assist the Tooth Fairy on three jobs. If Cat does well, will a meeting with the Tooth Fairy be the result?!

My thoughts: I loved it. I did. I really did. I thought Cat was adorable. Yes, Cat was a bit naughty to want to trick the Tooth Fairy. Yes, Cat, had some not-so-nice thoughts about the Mouse who was also helping the Tooth Fairy. But I love Cat all the same!!! I also found myself loving the narrative. The narrative is all in second person, and, it worked for me really well. I think that's one of the reasons why I loved it so very much. I also LOVED, LOVED, LOVED the illustrations.

Text: 5 out of 5
Illustrations: 5 out of 5
Text: 10 out of 10
© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Here Comes Valentine Cat

Here Comes Valentine Cat. Deborah Underwood. 2015. 88 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Hey, Cat! Any Valentine's Day plans? This is a No-Valentines Zone? Why don't you like Valentine's Day, Cat? Valentine's Day doesn't have to be all mushy. Why don't you make a valentine for a friend?

Premise/plot: Here Comes Valentine Cat is one in a series of books starring Cat. In this one, Cat meets a new neighbor--a Dog. Will Dog prove to be a friend or foe? What kind of valentine should Cat make for Dog? A nice one? A mean one?

My thoughts: I love, love, love this series by Deborah Underwood. This one didn't disappoint. I'm so glad I encouraged my library to order it. (They already had the other books in the series.) I would definitely recommend the series to anyone and everyone who loves cats. I would also say that the book is a great example of narrative style. I love the conversational tone of the books.

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

© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

The Sock Thief

The Sock Thief. Ana Crespo. Illustrated by Nana Gonzales. 2015. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: In a small Brazilian town, Felipe leaves home earlier than usual. He walks a long way to school. Still sleepy, he stops by his family's mango tree. He picks the pinkest mangoes he sees. The sweet fruit wakes him up. Felipe has a secret.

Premise/plot: Once a week, Felipe becomes a SOCK THIEF. On his way to school, he steals socks from the clothes' lines that he passes. In place of the socks he steals, he leaves a mango behind. Why is he a sock thief? Once a week it is his turn to bring a "soccer" ball for the kids to play with. He makes his soccer ball each week with old newspapers and socks.

My thoughts: I liked this one. It is written in English with a few Portuguese words added in. (These are defined in the glossary at the end of the book.) I am not a soccer fan, but, I do like seeing creativity and enthusiasm at work.

Text: 3.5 out of 5
Illustrations: 3.5 out of 5
Total: 7 out of 10
© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Board book: Duck & Goose Colors

Duck & Goose Colors. Tad Hills. 2015. 22 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Duck is yellow, like a field of buttercups. Bluebird is blue, like the sky and the sea. The inchworm is green, like leaves. Duck's feet are orange, like a pumpkin, a carrot, and Goose's hat.

Premise/plot: What you should know about this book: a) it's a board book; b) it's a concept book--teaching colors; c) it stars Tad Hills' Duck & Goose.

My thoughts: I do like Duck and Goose. My favorite book starring Duck and Goose is DUCK & GOOSE FIND A PUMPKIN. If your little one loves these characters, this one is worth reading. It is simple. One sentence per spread, and each sentence is focused on introducing one color. There isn't any story to this one. But not every color concept book can be Mouse Paint. I do like the rhythm of the prose.

© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Board Book: Peppa's First Pet

Peppa's First Pet (Peppa Pig) 2015. Scholastic. 16 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Splish! Splash! Splosh! This is Goldie the fish. Goldie is very special. She is Peppa's first pet. Mummy and Daddy Pig helped Peppa choose her from the pet shop a few weeks ago.

Premise/plot: Goldie the fish is not eating her fish food! Mummy Pig, Peppa, and George decide to take Goldie to the vet. They travel by BUS. On the way to the vet, they meet some of their friends. Mr. Bull, for example, plays his tuba for Goldie, and, other friends decide to sing "The Wheels on the Bus." At the vet, Goldie is judged very healthy and HAPPY. Peppa Pig decides that the bus trip made all the difference.

My thoughts: This isn't my favorite episode of the television show. But the board book is nice enough. If your little one can't get enough Peppa Pig, then you should read the books as well.

© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Board book: Pug in a Truck

Pug in a Truck. Nancy Coffelt. 2006/2015. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. 32 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: This is our truck. It's flat in the front. This is me. My nose is as flat as the front of our truck. This is my friend. He calls me Pug. I'm Pug in a truck!

Premise/plot: This board book is narrated by a pug dog. His owner is a trucker. They travel the roads together hauling/delivering loads. The book is full of trucker lingo: double nickel, dragon wagon, keeping the shiny side up and the greasy side down, etc.

My thoughts: If you or your little one likes dogs, OR, trucks this is a fun little read to share together.  I am thankful the author included a glossary of the trucker lingo. I had heard a few of the words before, but not nearly all of them!


© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Board Book: Good Night, Peppa

Good Night, Peppa. (Peppa Pig) 2015. Scholastic. 16 pages. [Source: Board book]

First sentence: One night, Granny and Grandpa Pig came over for dinner. Later that night, Mummy and Daddy Pig were going out. Granny and Grandpa Pig would stay and babysit Peppa and George.

Premise/plot: Granny and Grandpa Pig are babysitting Peppa and George. There is a problem: Peppa and George aren't tired. Jumping in puddles and splashing in the tub perhaps might have made other little piggies tired, but, not Peppa and George. After being tucked in bed, these two sneak down to watch TV with Granny and Grandpa Pig. What will Mummy and Daddy Pig find when they come home from their date?

My thoughts: Granny and Grandpa Pig are very lenient and relax most of the rules and routines of Mummy and Daddy Pig. But Mummy and Daddy Pig don't seem to mind a bit. Peppa and George love spending time with their grandparents!

I do love the television show. If you and your little ones enjoy the show, you will most likely enjoy the books as well. 


© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers