Look! I Wrote A Book!

Look! I Wrote A Book! Sally Lloyd-Jones. 2019. 34 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: When you want to write a book, first you need a Good Idea. You can get one from: your brain, your notebook, people, all around wherever you go, staring out of the window.

Premise/plot: Sally Lloyd-Jones has written an absolutely hilarious nonfiction guide for children on how to write books. (My library shelves it as nonfiction; I will admit it’s more entertaining than most fiction storybooks.) It includes plenty of writing tips and great examples. It may be the most quotable book I’ve read this year.

My thoughts: Is this the best book Lloyd-Jones has ever written?! I’ll qualify my YES. (For Christian families, her Jesus Storybook Bible remains the absolute best, best, best book she’s given us.) Every page is perfectly perfect. The advice seems to genuinely be true and good. The examples are hilarious. Whether you want to write a book yourself or just have a good time...this is a great book.

Here’s what you also need to know: who’s it for. If you’re writing a book for your grandma, for example, but it’s all about tractors and dump trucks, she will be snoring because it is NOT EVEN INTERESTING to her! You should write about things grandmas LOVE. Like The Olden Days. Or tap dancing. Or you.

A speech bubble dialogue adds a little girl saying, “When I was a tiny baby...” and her grandma enthusing, “It seems just like yesterday.”

If you’re writing a bedtime book for babies, you can’t have scary monsters inside or they will be screaming and not sleeping.

The illustrations steal the show on this spread. The little girl is sitting on a couch with five babies. She’s reading aloud a book titled Monsters Will Eat You. Three babies are crying. Two more look near tears—their eyes drawn big to express terror. Only the stuffed animal grins on without a care in the world.

Now you need a title (which is what your story is called). Here are some Good Titles:

Again the illustrations combine perfectly with the text. The titles are shown in the illustrations. Commentary is provided in the text. About the title, Spiders on the Ceiling, she adds, “This is a Horror Story.” Cleaning My Room is described as a tragedy. When I Was a Baby is labeled a history book. Only One Shoe is called a mystery. Clearly Lloyd-Jones knows how to make readers laugh or smile.

From start to finish, this book is marvelous. Highly recommended.

Text:5/5
Illustrations:5/5
Total:10/10


© 2019 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Board book: Farmblock

Farmblock (Board book) Christopher Franceschelli. Illustrated by Peskimo. 2019. Harry N. Abrams. 92 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Cock-a-doodle-doo! Good morning, ducks! Good morning, farm!

Premise/plot: Does your little one love farm animals? Board books set on the farm featuring farm animals are abundant. Some have a story. Some don’t. Some focus more on concepts: colors, numbers, seasons, etc. The story is very minimal in this one. Through the pages, seasons change. But it doesn’t start off as being an obvious seasons book. It is like the book switches tracks halfway through.

My thoughts: I have read other books In Christopher Franceschelli’s block book series. I typically love them. Sitting down with a new one is usually a joy. I do like this one. I just don’t love it. It is important to keep in mind that I am not the target audience. I think little ones will still enjoy the chunky size, the easy to turn pages, the flips and flaps. 

© 2019 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Charlie & Mouse Even Better

Charlie & Mouse Even Better (Charlie & Mouse #3) Laurel Snyder. 2019. 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Mom was making pancakes.

Premise/plot: This is the third book starring the oh-so-adorable boys Charlie and Mouse. In this one the family is getting ready to celebrate a birthday—the mom’s birthday. Will the day go smoothly and according to plan?! Or will the day be a bit unconventional?! The chapters are “Pancakes,” “Shopping,” “Helping,” and “Surprise.”

My thoughts: I really loved the first two books in the series. I found them delightful, charming, cute, funny. I definitely enjoyed this one as well. I did. I think I will always read about Charlie and Mouse with a smile on my face. Did I love, love, love this one? I don’t know that I would go so far in my gushing. But I would gush about the series as a whole.

© 2019 Becky Laney of Young Readers

One Red Sock

One Red Sock. Jennifer Sattler. 2019. 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: In a big pink chair in a room full of dots...sat a purple hippo wearing one red sock.

Premise/plot: The star of this new picture book is an adorable purple hippo. She is a frustrated hippo. She can’t find a match for her red sock. It is completely missing. So what is a hippo to do?! Will she throw a fit? Have a meltdown? Ask for help? Or brainstorm a solution all her own?

My thoughts: I recommend reading this one at least twice. The first time I read it, I was so wrapped up in the story—including the adorable illustrations—that I completely missed how the rhyming text was planting predictable clues as to what color sock she would try next. I didn’t catch on that this was a color book at all. And I don’t think that is its primary or even secondary purpose. I think the purpose is to teach an important life skill: coping with life when things aren’t perfectly perfect. Sometimes perfect is not going to happen. Sometimes needing something to be perfect causes unnecessary stress. Wearing one red sock and one polka dotted sock isn’t the only right solution, mind you. There could be many different right solutions. I do like that she solved her own problem without too much drama. (That is she doesn’t force her drama on the whole household or the world. She also doesn’t resort to tears and more tears.)

I loved this one. I do wish she had a name, however. I found her a relatable character. Haven’t we all had one red sock days?! It would be super fun to dress up as her.

Text: 5/5
Illustrations: 5/5
Total: 10/10

© 2019 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Once Upon A Goat

Once Upon a Goat. Dan Richards. Illustrated by Eric Barclay. 2019. 34 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Once upon a time, in a faraway kingdom, a king and queen wished for a child.

Premise/plot: A king and queen wish for a child with hilarious results. Their fairy godmother makes a slight mistake, but not all mistakes are unfortunate.

My thoughts: I love this silly mix-up! I love how having a “child” changes this royal couple....and the royal household! The goat steals the show for sure. This one had me hooked from the end papers on.

Text:5/5
Illustrations: 5/5
Total: 10/10 

© 2019 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Hi, Jack!

Hi, Jack! Mac Barnett. Illustrated by Greg Pizzoli. 2019. 80 pages. [Source: Library

First sentence: This is Jack. Hi, Jack! Look, Jack waves hi back!

Premise/plot: Jack is a very naughty rabbit who stars in Mac Barnett’s newest children’s book. Jack isn’t the only character, mind you. There’s also an old lady (the lady) and Rex the dog. It’s told in simple, easy-to-read words and short sentences. It is entertaining.

My thoughts: Mischievous characters can be quite fun to read about. I certainly wouldn’t want too many Jacks in real life! Early readers can often be a little lacking in story. This story is packed with equal parts naughtiness and reprimands. It also includes a bonus section where readers can learn how to draw the characters.

© 2019 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Bear's Book

Bear's Book. Claire Freedman. 2019. 34 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Once upon a time, there was a bear whose favorite thing to do was read. But Bear had a problem: he had read his book of stories so many times that it was falling to pieces...and one day a gust of wind blew all the pages away!

Premise/plot: After his favorite book is gone, Bear decides to write a new book. But writing does not come as naturally as reading!!! In fact, Bear finds himself stumped. But with more than a little help from his friends...he may just find inspiration and an opportunity to exercise his imagination.

My thoughts: At first I thought that Bear and I were peas in a pod. Then upon rereading I realized that Bear never broke down and cried over losing his favorite book. I would definitely have cried ugly tears. I would have found consolation somewhere—someway. But tears would have come first. Maybe Bear has been influenced by Pete the Cat. I love the character of Bear. I do. I think the book is super sweet. I love the themes of friendship and storytelling.

Text:5/5
Illustrations: 5/5
Total: 10/10
© 2019 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Most Marshmallows

Most Marshmallows. Rowboat Watkins. 2019. 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Most marshmallows don’t grow on trees or come from storks or even Mars.

Premise/plot: Just because MOST marshmallows don’t...doesn’t mean that a marshmallow can’t. The book explores the notion of conformity and nonconformity.

My thoughts: The book is quite imaginative for being about conformity. The illustrations are silly in an oddly wonderful way. This book is definitely whimsical.

Text: 4/5
Illustrations: 3/5
Total: 7/10

© 2019 Becky Laney of Young Readers

How To Read A Book

How To Read A Book. Kwame Alexander. Illustrated by Melissa Sweet. 2019. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: First, find a tree—a black Tupelo or dawn redwood will do—and plant yourself. (It’s okay if you prefer a stoop, like Langston Hughes.)

Premise/plot: This picture book is actually an illustrated poem celebrating reading. The book is rich in imagery. The illustrations complement the sentiment quite well. Melissa Sweet used an old copy of Bambi in her collages. Will children notice and appreciate the amount of work put into the details?! Perhaps. But many adults will. Perhaps those on award committees especially?!?!

My thoughts: I love to read. I absolutely love, love, love to read. I don’t necessarily love poetry. Or love all poetry to be more precise. But this is a lovely book. I love the text more than the illustrations. But the illustrations do scream out Caldecott winner or honor. (I rarely “like” award winners. If I gush over the illustrations then that might be a good indication that it’s unlikely to get a fancy sticker.)

Text: 5/5
Illustrations: 3/5
Total:8/10

© 2019 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Nixie Ness: Cooking Star

Nixie Ness: Cooking Star. (After School Superstars) Claudia Mills. 2019. 144 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: “Come back, puppy noses!” Nixie Ness scolded.

Premise/plot: Nixie Ness and Grace Kenny are best, best, best friends. But their friendship is tested when Nixie joins an after-school program—a cooking class or camp—and Grace does not. The two are used to spending each afternoon together. Now Grace goes to Elyse’s house after school. Elyse has a new kitten. Elyse and Grace become inseparable within days. Nixie is frustrated, sad, lonely, angry, and jealous. Nixie is spending time with others too, but, reluctantly. Her teammates are not best friend material. (Though Vera does seem fun!) Can Nixie come up with a (successful) plan to get Grace back?!?!

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. Nixie is a character that is easy to relate to. Friendship among young girls—these are third graders—is such a tricky, tricksy thing to navigate. Emotions run high. I enjoyed the theme of friendship and forgiveness. I also enjoyed the cooking aspect of it. 

© 2019 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao

Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao. Kat Zhang. Illustrated by Charlene Chua. 2019. Simon & Schuster. 40 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Amy can do a lot of things. She can brush her teeth. She can tie her shoe. She can even do both at once...sort of.

Premise/plot: Will Amy ever learn how to make bao like her mom, dad, and grandma?! She tries. She tries hard. She tries often. She listens. She imitates. This book chronicles her attempts to make the perfect bao—one that doesn’t fall apart. It very much celebrates family, family life, traditions, food and feasts.

My thoughts: This picture book was lovely and charming. I enjoyed meeting Amy and her family. I loved her determination. I loved her spirit. She seems like a kindred spirit.

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

© 2019 Becky Laney of Young Readers

The Wolf in Underpants

The Wolf in Underpants. Wilfrid Lupano. Illustrated by Mayana Itoiz and Paul Cauuet. 2019. 40 pages. [Source: Library]

  First sentence: High above the forest lives the wolf. An icy cry. Crazy eyes. In these woods, we know to move our butts when the wolf comes down to eat.

Premise/plot: The forest residents are confident of at least one thing in life: the wolf is to be feared! No doubt about it, an unprepared and uninformed resident is one just waiting to be eaten or devoured. This picture book explores what happens when some actually actually come face to face with the wolf. They are surprised by many many things. For one, he is wearing underpants!!! For another, he is not at all like his description—perhaps with one exception, his teeth are sharp. Could everyone have the wrong impression of the wolf?! Could their preparations have been for absolutely nothing? Is their enemy one of their own imagining?

My thoughts: This is a clever picture book that will appeal to readers of various ages. The wolf is in underwear on most if not all pages. That and the use of the word “butts” throughout will make it hilarious to readers of a certain age. But on a serious note, it says something—something universal—about our culture. There is a market for fear. People can have a livelihood of talking about the enemy, building up fears—all in the name of building awareness, making you prepared, keeping you informed, protecting you and your loved ones. Sometimes what we think we know isn’t worth much. That’s not to say there wasn’t a germ of truth to their fears. The wolf did appear to be vicious and wild, crazy. But that was because of his COLD bum. The underpants that someone kindly knit him and gave him “changed” his life. No matter how much or how little you read into this one, it is an enjoyable read with a few giggles.

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

© 2019 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Anne's Kindred Spirits

Anne's Kindred Spirits. Kallie George. Illustrated by Abigail Halpin. 2019. 64 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: The day dawned bright and cheery at Green Gables.

Premise/plot: Anne Shirley is staying at Green Gables. Her dreams are starting to come true. But will she find a bosom friend? Will she find a best, best friend and kindred spirit? Perhaps. Okay, she does! Her name is Diana. But life still has its hiccups. Marilla misplaces a brooch—a family heirloom—and blames Anne. Anne confesses to the crime so that she can go to the Sunday school picnic. But will Marilla let a “naughty” girl go? In this one, the two must learn how to communicate better!

My thoughts: I love the original novel. I do. I’ve read it dozens of times. I know all the twists and turns. I love all the twists and turns. I appreciate the adaptation. It is a gentle adaptation that is faithful to the original at least in spirit. It presents a few episodes at a time, and illustrates them perfectly. I love, love, love the illustrations!!!

The original novel may not hold the attention of many young readers (as a read aloud). The chapters may prove too long for their attention span. The language may be a little too descriptive and flowery. But this adaptation shares the heart and soul substance of the original with a new audience. Little ones can grow into Montgomery’s original text.

© 2019 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Can You See Me?

Can You See Me? Bob Staake. 2019. 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: I am yellow.

Premise/plot: Can You See Me? This Beginner Book stars a chameleon playing hide and seek. The again again question of the day is, “Can you see me?” This one is repetitive and silly but may prove entertaining to young readers. Color words are often among the first sight words children learn to read.

My thoughts: I am not the ideal audience for this one! I liked it well enough, but didn’t love, love, love it like I have some other early readers. (For example, Go, Dog, Go; Hand, Hand, Fingers, Thumb; Are You My Mother.) Still recommendable to families with young ones ready to read.

© 2019 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Skunk in My Bunk

A Skunk in My Bunk. Christopher Cerf. Illustrated by Nicola Slater. 2019. Random House. 48 pages. [Source: Library]

 First sentence: GOAT. GOAT COAT. A goat in a coat.

Premise/plot: Can a Beginner Reader be entertaining and instructional?! Yes! This one features a series of stories all told in rhyme. The stories have a classic, almost vintage feel to them. Perhaps because of the illustration style. Perhaps because these are the same old rhymes that have been used to teach reading forever. (For example, pigs wearing wigs.)

My thoughts: I loved this one. Most of the stories were enjoyable. A few made me giggle. I loved, loved, loved the one starring a skunk! This is how it begins:

SMELL YELL/ “My bunk has a smell that’s so bad I could yell!”/ SMELL TELL/ “Why does it smell? I don’t know. Can YOU tell?”/ SKUNK BUNK/ “There’s a skunk in my bunk!”/ BUNK STUNK/ “THAT’S why my bunk stunk!”

© 2019 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Board book: Goodnight, Starry Night

Goodnight, Starry Night (Peek-a-boo Art) Amy Guglielmo and Julie Appel. 2019. [October 15] Scholastic. 24 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Goodnight glowing moon up high.../ Goodnight stars. Goodnight sky.

Premise/plot: Love reading? Love art? This rhyming board book combines ART with the oh-so-familiar game of peek-a-boo. And if that wasn't enough, it is also a lovely bedtime book! So the art being shared with little ones:

• Vincent van Gogh's The Starry Night
• Berthe Morisot's The Cradle
• Henri Rousseau's The Sleeping Gypsy
• Franz Marc's The White Cat
• Diego Rivera's Delfina and Dimas
• Vincent van Gogh's The Bedroom

 The book ends with a smidge of information about each artist.

My thoughts: This was a lovely, charming book. I would have loved it even without the peek-a-boo feature. The rhyming text goes so well with the artwork they've selected to highlight. Many pages--though not all--feature a die-cut that allows a peek-a-boo effect with each piece of art. The text is definitely art-driven!

© 2019 Becky Laney of Young Readers

The Pigeon Has to Go to School

The Pigeon Has To Go To School. Mo Willems. 2019. [July] Disney-Hyperion. 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: WAIT! Don't read that title! Too late. Rats...Why do I have to go to school? I already know EVERYTHING! Go on--ask me a question. Any question!

Premise/plot: The Pigeon is back in another picture book adventure. He's starred in MANY books including: Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!; The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog!; Don't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late!; The Pigeon Wants a Puppy!; The Duckling Gets a Cookie?!; The Pigeon Needs a Bath! The Pigeon, our HERO, is trying to convince us readers that he does NOT need to go to school. NOT HIM. NO WAY. What will it take to get him to WANT to go to school?!?!

My thoughts: I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, CRAZY LOVE AND ADORE Mo Willems. I do. I especially love his Elephant and Piggie series. But I also love his Pigeon series. Especially The Pigeon Needs a Bath! and The Duckling Gets a Cookie?! This may be my new favorite in the Pigeon series. Though I will say this, the books build upon one another. It is definitely true that one doesn't have to read them in a particular order in order to enjoy them. BUT... The more Pigeon books you've shared with your little one, your young reader, in the past, the more you will LOVE and ENJOY this latest title. (You both will.)

Does "school" start in the morning?
Because you know what I'm like in the morning! It is NOT pretty. 

I think most can relate to Pigeon!

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



© 2019 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Knights vs. Monsters

Knights vs. Monsters. Matt Phelan. 2019. 176 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Something lurked in the mist. Something large. Something nasty. Four knights and one young girl stumbled half blind on the dark, misty moor as well.

Premise/plot: Knights vs. Monsters is the sequel to Knights vs. Dinosaurs. Sir Erec, Sir Bors, Sir Hector, the Black Knight, and Archer Mel (formerly Squire Mel) are back for another adventure. This time the adventure that happens is not the work of Merlin, a friend, but the work of an enemy to Arthur's court. Their adventure begins when they board a mystery ship...a ship that takes them to Scotland to face off with an evil, manipulative queen (Morgause). 

 My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I liked the first book well enough, I did, but I enjoyed this one a bit more. Perhaps because it has more characters and is more rooted in King Arthur's time. Perhaps because I'm already familiar with the main characters. I would recommend both books to those who enjoy action and adventure mixed with a large dose of humor.

© 2019 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Knights vs. Dinosaurs

Knights vs. Dinosaurs. Matt Phelan. 2018 [October 23] 160 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: When Sir Erec thought the whole thing over, he supposed that he shouldn't have said he'd slain forty dragons.

Premise/plot: Sir Erec is one of King Arthur's knights. When he exaggerates a little too much, Merlin sends him on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to face off with The Terrible Lizard. Three of his fellow knights (Sir Bors, Sir Hector, the Black Knight) and one of the squires (Mel) accompany him to the cave Merlin described. Once there they find a book....and venture outside the cave. The England they know and love is GONE....Merlin has sent them back in time....you see. What kinds of stories will they bring back with them?! That is if they survive....

My thoughts:  For young readers craving action, adventure and humor....I recommend Matt Phelan's new series. This first book is Knights vs. Dinosaurs. These "brave" knights encounter PLENTY of "terrible lizards" (aka dinosaurs.)

© 2019 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Bath Book: Swim with Little Fish!

Swim with Little Fish! Lucy Cousins. 2019. Candlewick Press. 8 pages. [Source: Review copy]


First sentence: Hello! I am Little Fish happy as can be. I love to splash and splish. Come and swim with me!

Premise/plot: Lucy Cousins has several series for children. One of her series stars Little Fish. This book in that series is a bath book. While there are many board books published each year, there aren't as many bath books to be found. In this one, Little Fish swims with his many friends.

My thoughts: I liked this one. I like Little Fish. I do. The book is very colorful and fun.

© 2019 Becky Laney of Young Readers