82. The World and Everything In It

The World And Everything In It. Kevin Henkes. 2023. [March] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

 First sentence: There are big things and little things in the world. Little animals. Tiny flowers. Pebbles. Things so small you can't see them. The big things are big. The sea. The sun. The moon.

Premise/plot: Is there a plot to The World and Everything In It??? Maybe a slight one. It's more of a perspective-reflective poem than a 'proper' story. (Not that poems aren't proper. But not all poems tell stories. Nor should they.) So the premise--big is big, small is small, and in-between is in-between.

My thoughts: I am conflicted. Kevin Henkes' illustrations are predictably delightful. While some of Henkes' picture books are equally strong in story AND illustrations, this isn't one of them. It's a quiet, subtle book. It's an opportunity to look at Henkes' artwork. To perhaps have conversations with a child on your lap. Ask questions--what do you see? can you find the kitten? etc.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

78. The Umbrella

The Umbrella. Beth Ferry. Illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld. 2023. [March] 48 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Dreary.
Weary.
Dim.
Grim.
Drip.
Drop.
Nonstop
Gotta go--rain or snow
Come on, pup.

Premise/plot: There have been plenty of books about rainy days--featuring umbrellas or other rain gear--published through the years. I've never seen a rain-themed book with this big a twist. So the premise, a girl and her dog live in a community where it is seemingly ALWAYS raining, ALWAYS gray. But maybe just maybe change is coming!

My thoughts: I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this one. I loved the text. I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED the rhythm and rhyme of it. I am very particular when it comes to rhyming books. I can be harsh if the rhythm is off or weird. The lyrical flow--the rhythm--of this one is perfectly perfect in every way. I love the language--the onomatopoeia. I love how relatable it is. Rainy days CAN feel endless and always gray. Literally and figuratively--I think this one works. I also love the repetition. Every time we came back to Come on, pup...I just smiled.

I love the illustrations. I absolutely love the use of limited colors. Thematically, this one just works really well. I love that the illustrations are capable of carrying the story on their own. So little ones who can't quite read yet, can "read" the pictures.

 Text and illustrations--both perfectly perfect. This is a picture book. But it needs to be a BOARD BOOK and a PICTURE BOOK. I want this book to say in print forever and ever.

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

100. No More Naps!

No More Naps! A Story for When You're Wide-Awake And Definitely NOT Tired. Chris Grabenstein. Illustrated by Leo Espinosa. 2020. Random House. 40 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Annalise Devin McFleece did not want to take a nap. She would fuss. She would fume. She would scream. She would shriek. But she would not ever--no, NEVER--take a nap. (Do you know anyone like that?)

Premise/plot: Annalise Devin McFleece stars in this oh-so-relatable picture book. It's a good example of what you see is what you get. When a book is titled NO MORE NAPS! parents know exactly what to expect. The cover pictures a defiant, cranky red-haired baby who looks ready to put up a fight. Nap time will not be easy today! No, today it will be an ordeal of sorts. A trial perhaps that all parents must undergo at some point.

The narrative is complex. This one is quite text-heavy. 

My thoughts: I loved this one. What I loved most about the book were the illustrations. They are perfectly perfectly perfect at capturing the emotions and tension. So much of the story can be communicated without the text just by reading the expressions on the faces of the parents, the baby, and the community! The narrative is complex--as I mentioned earlier--and perhaps a little bit too wordy. But it was still a delight--mostly. Not as magical as Janet Wong's Grump. Not as magical as Finn Throws a Fit. Not as magical as Lauren Child's I Am Not Sleepy and I Will Not Go To Bed. But still a fun treat. 

Text: 4 out of 5

Illustrations: 5 out of 5

Total: 9 out of 10

 

© 2020 Becky Laney of Young Readers

46. Prairie Lotus

Prairie Lotus. Linda Sue Park. 2020. 272 pages. [Source: Library] [historical fiction; j fiction]

First sentence: “Should be our last day,” Papa said when they stopped to make camp.

Premise/plot: Hanna and her father are newly moved to Dakota territory; the year is 1880. Her dad will be opening up a dress goods shop once the building is completed. Hanna, meanwhile, hopes to graduate with her diploma and fulfill her mom’s dream. But it won’t be easy because Hanna is half-Chinese. There is some question whether she’ll be allowed to attend school. She doesn’t need the diploma, but she wants it. Her dream is to be a dress maker, a seamstress.

My thoughts: I loved this one so much. As I was reading this one I kept asking myself, are these characters inspired by Little House?! In particular the social scenes with the other kids. I was so pleased to read the author’s note and learn that yes she was inspired to write her own twist to Wilder’s books. Growing up, Park wanted to be Laura’s best friend. As she continued to grow and mature she realized that Laura probably would not have been allowed to be her friend. That Ma would have probably looked down upon her, that her prairie experience would have been completely different—even more challenging. What would it be like to be an Asian pioneer?! Plenty has been written about Chinese settlers in California, but this may be the first—probably is the first for young children—about settling further East.

I found the book to be well written, and the characters well drawn. I loved that Hanna was able to make friends with Bess! 

© 2020 Becky Laney of Young Readers

9. Pig the Tourist

Pig the Tourist. (Pig the Pug #7) Aaron Blabey. 2020. [February] 32 pages. [Source: Review copy] [Animal fantasy; picture book]

First sentence: Pig was a pug and I’m sorry to say, when he went on vacation he’d cause great dismay.

Premise/plot: Pig the Pug has his own series. It is a long series. Blabey is kept busy writing this and other series. The story is written in rhyme. In this adventure, Pig causes trouble, trouble, and more trouble.

My thoughts: I am not a fan of the series. I think the illustrations keep me from actually enjoying the books. The text is enjoyable enough. For little ones that do love the series, that do love dogs, that do like comic mischief...this one will probably be a hit.

Text: 4/5
Illustrations:1/5
Total: 5/10

© 2020 Becky Laney of Young Readers

8. The Return of Thelma the Unicorn

The Return of Thelma the Unicorn. Aaron Blabey. 2019. [December] 36 pages. [Source: Review copy] [Picture book; animal fantasy]

First sentence: Thelma felt a little shocked. In fact, she felt quite torn. You see, she’d made the whole world sad—WE MISSED OUR UNICORN!

Premise/plot: Thelma, our heroine, returns to “being” a unicorn, returns to the spotlight, in Blabey’s sequel. This time Thelma has the support of a very good friend, Otis.

My thoughts: I have not read the first book. (If I have it was so forgettable that I don’t remember doing so.) I enjoyed this one. I enjoyed Thelma and Otis. I thought the rhyming worked well. Did I love it? I would not go that far. Unicorns aren’t quite my thing. I thought it was cute and enjoyable. Little ones that do love all things unicorn will find it super appealing.

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

© 2020 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Serious Goose

Serious Goose. Jimmy Kimmel. 2019. [December] 40 pages. [source: Library]

First sentence: This is a serious goose.

Premise/plot: Jimmy Kimmel introduces readers to a very serious not at all silly goose in his picture book for young readers. He wrote and illustrated the book—this shows because they go together splendidly. I couldn’t imagine one without the other. So the plot is simple, can anybody or anything turn this serious goose into a silly one?! What will it take to make this goose giggle or smile?!

My thoughts: I was always terrible at “Poor, Poor Kitty.” Perhaps even the world’s worst Poor, Poor Kitty player. Probably because I am totally a silly goose. This one is good for a couple of laughs. I definitely enjoyed reading it. I think it would be a good choice for parents to read aloud. I think the page with the mirror is great fun for the intended age group.

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

© 2019 Becky Laney of Young Readers