165. Genius in a High Chair

165. Genius in a High Chair. Rosemary Wells. 2024. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars] [picture book, family, learning to talk]

First sentence: Like all new babies, Koko was born happy and giggly. But Koko had a secret. Inside Koko's head was an inbox! The way into the inbox was through Koko's ears. Koko's mama knew about the inbox behind the ears. She told Daddy about it. "What a baby!" said Mama.

Rosemary Wells has written some GREAT books and some not-so-great books. I will always love her because of Max and Ruby (Ruby and Max) in addition to Noisy Nora! 

This picture book is about Koko learning to talk! The premise is cutesy and clever. Koko's "inbox" is every word--spoken or sung--that she's ever heard. When her inbox is FULL and OVERFLOWING, Koko begins talking, her "outbox" has been activated at last. 

This is a cutesy way to think about how babies process language. 

I definitely enjoyed this one more than most of her most recent books. I think it would be a good read aloud for young readers.

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

149. The Tree of Life

149. The Tree of Life: How a Holocaust Sapling Inspired the World. Elisa Boxer. Illustrated by Alianna Rozentsveig. 2024. 41 pages. [Source: Library] [nonfiction; j nonfiction] [5 stars]

First sentence: In a season of sadness, hope came to the children as a tiny tree, tucked inside a boot. It was winter, World War Two, and the boot belonged to a prisoner in a ghetto called Terezin. There were children in the ghetto too. The prisoner saw they were scared and separated from their families.

Premise/plot: Nonfiction picture book for older readers. (Older readers being mid-elementary school on up). It tells the story of a tree--a sapling--nurtured by those in great peril. Despair perhaps was the easier choice, but hope the better one. This is the story of how the tree survived...and continued to inspire hope for generations.

My thoughts: Definitely worth reading. Words don't really do justice. I don't even know what to say beyond that. 

 

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

142-143. Two Books About Books

142. My Book and Me. Linda Sue Park. Illustrated by Chris Raschka. 2024. 36 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars] [picture book]

First sentence: This is my book. My favorite book. I carry it with me wherever I go. There's jam on the cover from yesterday's toast and crayon inside from when I was little. I read it alone. We read it together. Again and again, and, please, just once more?

Premise/plot: This book celebrates BOOKS and reading and family reading time. It is written in verse (though it doesn't rhyme) and stars several different children with their favorite books.

My thoughts: I liked it. I really liked it. I wanted to love, love, love it...because READING. However the thought of jam on a cover of a book was a little too much for me! (I jest???)

143.  The Book That Almost Rhymed. Omar Abed. Illustrated by Hatem Aly. 2024. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book] [5 stars]

First sentence: The other day, I wrote this book.
You won't believe how long it took.
It rhymed, and I was super proud.
It sounded great when read aloud.
But then my sister came along,
and now the story sounds all wro--

Premise/plot: A young boy has written the perfect rhyming book....until his sister comes along and changes everything. 

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. It could definitely be read by TWO readers for some extra read aloud fun. It could also be dramatized perhaps. It celebrates creativity, imagination, adventure, and spontaneity. I'm not sure the brother would agree it celebrates family. But it is super silly to have squabbling siblings on an imaginative adventure. 

 

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

140-141. Two Sensory Board Books

140. Sensory Ocean. Rose Harkness. Carlo Beranek (illustrator). 2024. 10 pages. [Source: Library] [2 stars] [Board book]

First sentence: Look! It's a Seahorse! Can you pet its scaly tummy? What does it look like? What does it feel like? Look! It's a seashell! Try rubbing it with your fingertips! What does it feel like? What does it sound like?

Premise/plot: On the surface, this appears to be a fairly straightforward interactive touch and feel book for young readers. And in some ways it does deliver that. The ocean setting may make it more unique than other touch and feel books, but, it also offers some limitations...for more literal thinkers.

My thoughts: I always want to love touch and feel books. They are my favorite types of board books to read and review. I love the tactile, textures. I love the interactive experience. I hope for the best each time.

Some readers may not care that there's not much authentic truth in this one. It seems silly to care that none of the "sensory" objects line up with reality in any way shape or form. But some of the interactive sensory elements just seem lazy in my personal opinion. The sea shell spread, for example, is particularly horrible. If you care about details. No sea shell *sounds* like that sound. And no sea shell looks like that either. A few spreads don't seem to even try. Asking readers to feel essentially smooth paper and pretend its a sensory experience. No "petting" an illustrated jellyfish isn't sensory anything. 

Little ones probably don't care. And some spreads do seem to be engaging in one way or another--visually, for example.

141. Sensory Pets. Rose Harkness. Carlo Beranek (illustrator) 2024. 10 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars] [Board book]

First sentence: Look! It's a puppy! Can you pet his soft, furry ear? what does it look like? what does it feel like? Look! it's a cat! Can you scratch her tall scratching post, too? What does it feel like? What does it sound like?

Premise/plot: What you see IS what you get. This is a pet-themed touch and feel book. It stars a dog, a cat, a fish, some rabbits, and a bird. Some of the interaction comes from the pets themselves--or sometimes the environment.

My thoughts: I read Sensory Pets first. For the most part--four out of five spreads--I greatly appreciated it and found it solidly pleasing. The last one is a little questionable. But for the most part a HUGE quality difference from the Sensory Ocean which I reviewed earlier today.

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

138. Detective Beans: The Case of the Missing Hat

Detective Bean and the Case of the Missing Hat. Li Chen. 2024. 208 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars] [graphic novel; j mystery; j fiction; j friendship]

First sentence:  It's Over! I know it was you! 

Premise/plot: Beans is a detective-loving kitten with detective dreams of his own. His first "big" case involves his own missing hat! He left it on the bedside table--next to the open window--and in the morning it is GONE. Can he follow ALL the clues--no matter how many twists and turns--to find the whereabouts of his hat??? 

My thoughts: I loved, loved, loved, loved BEANS. The world of this one is peopled by CATS, and I'm here for it. I love and adore the illustrations AND the story. I love Beans, his mother, and his best friend, Biscuit. I love the main mystery and the back-burner mystery as well. This is a great graphic novel for young readers...and older readers who love all things CAT.

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

137. Are You Small?

Are You Small? Mo Willems. 2024. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars] [picture book]

First sentence: Are YOU small?
This book is small.
(But it has big ideas in it.)
A hamster is small.
(But it can be a big friend.)
A baby tooth is small.
(But it's a big deal when it comes out.)

Premise/plot: Are you big??? or are you small???? Mo Willems explores size and scale in this one. 

My thoughts: It was a solidly good read. My expectations for Mo Willems books are always so high. If you go into this one with reasonable expectations, I don't think you'll be disappointed. If you are expecting the most super-amazing-wonderful-brilliant book of all time, then you might be a little disappointed.

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

136. Anne Dreams

Anne Dreams. (Anne Chapter Book #6) Kallie George. 2024. 72 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars] [early chapter book, adapted book]

First sentence: It was spring in Avonlea.

Premise/plot: Kallie George has adapted L.M. Montgomery's classic orphan novel, Anne of Green Gables, into six early chapter books. These chapter books condense the story and illustrate it. In this sixth and final book, Anne dyes her hair green, enters Miss Stacy's special program, is accepted into Queen's College, and smiles at Gilbert. George has NOT adapted the whole novel. She ends it on a happy, happy note.

My thoughts: I have enjoyed all the previous books in this series. (Anne Arrives; Anne's Kindred Spirits; Anne's School Days; Anne's Tragical Tea Party; Anne Dares) I love, love, love the original novel. These adaptations have been lovely. Not a replacement for the original, but, a nice introduction perhaps. 

I can't help but think that the covers look like old school paper doll books. I would LOVE it if they did use these illustrations to make Anne of Green Gable paper dolls. That would have been a dream come true as a kid.

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

133. Bear and Bird: The Adventure and Other Stories

133. Bear and Bird: The Adventure and Other Stories (Bear and Bird #3) Jarvis. 2024. 64 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars] [early chapter book; animal fantasy; friendship]

First sentence: It was Tuesday. And every Tuesday, Bear and Bird would spend the morning cloud-watching. But not this Tuesday. Because Bird wasn't feeling very well.

My thoughts preview: Bear and Bird have to be my DELIGHTFUL find of the year. This duo has won me over and I can't stop gushing about how much I love and adore these two.

Premise/plot: Bear and Bird are back for their THIRD adventure. This is an early chapter illustrated story book for young readers. It has four inter-connected stories. This one has "The Nothing," "The Hole," "The Mole," and "The Adventure." 

My thoughts: I LOVED this one so much. I don't love it more, mind you, than the first two. But I love it just as much or as equally. My favorite story of this one is "The Nothing." Bear has gone to Bird's house to be supportive of his best, best friend. Bear tries and tries and tries and tries....to no avail. ALL of the things Bear tries...fall flat and go unappreciated. What does Bird want from Bear?????? A companionable nothing. 

I would definitely recommend all three chapter books.  

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

132. We Are Up A Tree

132. We Are Up A Tree (The Dog and Pony Show #2) Jeff Mack. 2024. 64 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars] [early reader, graphic novel]

First sentence: Look, Pony, a tree!
Yes, I see that.
Can I climb it?
You can try.

Premise/plot: Dog has his heart set on climbing a tree. Will it go well? Maybe. Maybe not. Pony is a super supportive friend....for better or worse. But these two undoubtedly have a LOT of fun in this adventure.

My thoughts: I loved, loved, love, love the first book in this series. These two characters won my heart in that book. I was so pleased to read this second book in the series. For me it isn't quite as magical as the first book. But it was still SO much fun. I love the expressiveness of the illustrations. I love the characters. I enjoyed the story. It still packed in plenty of silliness.

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

131. Pizza and Taco: Best Christmas Ever!

131. Pizza and Taco: Best Christmas Ever! (Pizza and Taco #8). Stephen Shaskan. 2024. 72 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars] [graphic novel, early reader, series book]

First sentence: Pizza! Pizza! Pizza!

Premise/plot: It may just be September, but Pizza and Taco are ready for Christmas. They must prepare their letters to Santa Slaw early so they both have time to get on his nice list. The two friends write letters listing everything--and I do mean everything--they want for Christmas. But writing it on a list is no guarantee that you'll get it! (As these two ultimately learn). 

My thoughts: Their eagerness for Christmas is certainly relatable. This one is a fun enough read for young readers who enjoy this graphic novel series for early readers. This is the eighth book. Some have been great. Some have been good. Some have been meh. However, I always enjoy spending time with these two even if the plots here and there get weak in places.

 

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

130. Roar for Reading

Roar for Reading. Beth Ferry. Illustrated by Andrew Joyner. 2024. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars] 

First sentence: The history of lions and libraries is long and curious. No one knows exactly how or why the first lion came to the first library. It may have been because libraries were once small, and books were once rare. And who better to guard something rare and precious than someone who could roar?

Premise/plot: A lion and her cub are outraged to learn that some books are being banned from the library so they decide to roar to let their voices be heard.

My thoughts: Some books preach to the choir. This is one of those books. It is an agenda-driven book with a thinly-fleshed-out story attached. Labeling a book banned is essentially a way to get wider readership. It is free advertising for everyone concerned. I wouldn't be surprised if it keeps some books in print and circulation. In some ways, any PR is good PR. I mean merely that having a book on a banned book lists gets it readers that it might not otherwise get. It is essentially saying: read this book, you'll like it.

On the one hand, I don't like to read books with heavy-handed hammer-banging. On the other hand, I am not in support of banning books.

It is a complex issue with room for LOTS of confusion. It is a LAYERED subject that is often over-simplified. For example, I don't think it is recognized enough that it isn't just one group, one organization, one institution, one mindset, one worldview "doing" all the book "banning." ANYONE from ANY group, ANY individual can be an advocate for banning a specific book. 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

128-129 Two MORE board books

128. Board book: Let's Eat (An All Are Welcome Book) Alexandra Penfold. Illustrated by Suzanne Kaufman. 2024. 26 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars]

First sentence: I like noodles. I like beans. I like rice. I like greens. I like bread. I like fruit. 

Premise/plot: The [illustrated] kids that star in Alexandra Penfold's newest board book love to eat...and love to eat all together with their friends. This is an incredibly simple, bare-bones book to share with little ones. It follows a pattern. I like fill-in-the-blank....except for the one time when they throw in a toot joke. 

My thoughts: Not enough of a story to entertain me personally. However if I had a little one to read aloud to, this one would fit in just fine. When it comes to books and exposure to books, more, more, more I say.  I wouldn't not read this one. Here's another thing, as adults you can never predict what book your little one might absolutely love and form a connection with. It isn't always the one that you would think it would be. 

129. Board book: I Love You Berry Much! Rosamund Lloyd. Illustrated by Kat Uno. 2024. 20 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars]

First sentence: Rise and shine--
it's a brand-new day.
Look who's strolling up my way.
You're so fine-apple!

You make me laugh,
you make me smile.
You look so sweet in any style.
You're one in a melon!

Premise/plot: This is a [mostly] fruit themed book of sentimental puns to share with little ones. Essentially one of those foods-with-faces books that are always equal parts cheese and sugar. (That is cheesy and super sweet.) 

My thoughts: This one is supposed to have lots of bumps for tactile learners. However in my personal opinion the bumps were almost non-existent. So nonexistent that I didn't catch onto the fact that the book was supposed to feature bumps specifically for children who are all about tactile experiences. I had to hunt for the bumps. And I was ultimately disappointed with what I "found." I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE tactile books. So I would have loved it if the book had delivered on that.

So why four stars if I found the book disappointing? I actually enjoyed the illustrations and the rhyming narrative. I thought both were well done.

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

125-126. Two board books

125. You're The Pumpkin In My Pie (Board book). Laura Gehl. Illustrated by Vanessa Port. 2024. 20 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars] 

First sentence: You're the sunny in my sunrise
You're the honey in my tea
You're the sugar on my donut
You're the leaf, and I'm the tree

Premise/plot: This is a fall-themed board book for parents to share with little ones. What you see is essentially what you get. Cutesy pictures packed with sentiment.

My thoughts: I definitely liked this one. I did not like the lack of punctuation. Not a single period in the book. And that's not because the author went with exclamation marks instead. (Which definitely could have been the vibe, a little over the top, but potentially workable.) I do love fall. I especially love pumpkins. I think my favorite line might be, "I'm the ghost and you're my boo."

 126. Richard Scarry's Cars and Trucks Touch and Trace (board book). Richard Scarry. 2024. 14 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars]

First sentence: My! Isn't Busytown a busy, busy place? Just look at all those cars and trucks! The  Pig family is going to the beach to have a picnic. Can you help them find their way there? Please hurry up, Ma Pig!

Premise/plot: What you see is what you get. That's not a bad thing. A busily illustrated book that asks little ones to 'touch and trace' their way through various mazes. Each maze covers a two-page spread. 

My thoughts: I grew up reading Richard Scarry's books. I will never not like a Richard Scarry book. This one is in a board book format. The details are very, very, very small. Then again the target audience is very small, so probably not much of an issue. But Richard Scarry books used to be OVERSIZED in a delightful way. It was easier to spot the many, many details--the little things, the side quests if you will. I do like that there is more than one way to solve each maze.

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

124. The Princess in Black and the Kitty Catastrophe

124. The Princess in Black and the Kitty Catastrophe. Shannon and Dean Hale. Illustrated by LeUyen Pham. 2024. 96 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars] [early chapter book, illustrated chapter book, series book, fantasy]

First sentence: Duchess Wigtower had a problem. A fuzzy, furry, claw-pawed problem. And he was sitting beneath her shredded portrait. Licking his leg. And looking bored. 

Premise/plot: Princess Magnolia is the recipient of a "stray" cat. The cat being absolutely ADORABLE soon wins her heart. But as Magnolia vanishes [to become the Princess in Black] she is always returning to find a HUGE mess. The cat is T-R-O-U-B-L-E. Can she find a way for the cat to fully BELONG in her world? Can she succeed where Duchess Wigtower has failed?

My thoughts: THE CAT. This one is worth reading for the illustrations of the cat alone. Of course the story is entertaining, but, it is the CAT that made me pick up this series again after skipping the past few books. 

This one is the ELEVENTH in the series. I think series books are great for growing readers. I do. Nothing better than sitting down with a BIG stack of books all from the same series and just binging them all with great delight and glee. That could easily be done with this series. 

This one follows the basic formula for the series except now she has a new pet.

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

123. D is for Dogs (Board book)

123. Board book: D is for Dogs. Greg Paprocki. 2024. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars]

First sentence: A is for athletic. B is for barking. C is for cuddly. D is for dogs. E is for eating. F is for fluffy. G is for good. H is for helpful. 

Premise/plot: This board book celebrates dogs a to z. 

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I would have loved it even more if it was cat-themed. However, this one is delightful enough. I think the illustrations are what makes this one work well. I loved how detail the illustrations are for each letter. Plenty to look at. One could definitely slow down the pace of this read aloud by asking more questions. One question, for example, you could ask for each page is how many dogs can you find in this picture? Or what are the dog(s) doing? I definitely recommend this one for dog lovers.

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

122. Board Book: Let's Put That Away!

 122. (Board book) Let's Put That Away: My First Book of Organizing. Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin. 2024. 24 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars]

First sentence: All day long, we take things out and we put things away. Everything has a home! You just have to know where it is. Where do toys go? In the bins! Where do books go? On the bookshelf! 

Premise/plot: A board book concept book on tidying up. It is more about teaching kids to be responsible--at least in part--for tidying up. 

My thoughts: I never knew I needed this book. It is a simple book, in some ways. I love the question and answer format. I don't necessarily love, love, love the illustrations. However I enjoyed the text.

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

119-121. Early Readers Parade

119. Pizza for Pia (Ready to read level 1) Betsy Groban. Illustrated by Allison Steinfeld. 2024. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars] [early reader]

First sentence:  Pia loves to eat. "Mealtime is the best time," says Pia. 

Premise/plot: Pia loves to eat. Pia's family loves to eat. The problem? Pia's family all prefer pizza and they just know that Pia loves pizza too. In this early reader, Pia says she LOVES tacos--not pizza. The solution? Baking taco shells and using pizza ingredients???

My thoughts: It is an early reader. This one is full of p's. I liked it well enough. There is an actual story.

120. Nothing Fits a Dinosaur.  (ready to read level 1) Jonathan Fenske. 2021. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars] [early reader, bath time]

First sentence: "No more playtime," says my momma. "Take a bath. Put on pajamas. And please, tonight, no dino drama." 

Premise/plot: Will there be dino drama? YES. Of course. In this one a little boy and his dino alter ego get into a little trouble. Don't you know that NOTHING fits a dinosaur, so he'll just have to be FREE (without clothes). "These clothes shall feel my dino-might! Roar! I shed them with a mega roar!"

 My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. Not a big surprise since I am a fan of Jonathan Fenske. Perhaps a slight surprise since I don't really love dinosaurs. However, this one is ALL about imagination. This little boy is a hoot. However, as all hoots are, he is difficult to parent perhaps.

121. Nothing Scares a Dinosaur. (Ready to read level 1). Jonathan Fenske. 2024. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [early reader, bedtime, imagination] [4 stars]

First sentence: My bath is done. My books are read. I brush my teeth. I climb in bed. My momma comes to tuck me in. She pulls the covers to my chin. 

Premise/plot: Nothing Scares a Dinosaur is a sequel to Nothing Fits a Dinosaur. Though these were published years apart--2021 and 2024--I imagine them taking place the same night. (Though, of course, it could be the next night.) The book series stars a little boy who loves to pretend to be a dinosaur. In the first book, this DINOSAUR had trouble getting ready for bed because he still wanted to play, play, play. In this next book, he is finally in bed, but will he fall asleep easily? NOTHING SCARES A DINOSAUR except perhaps his momma when she's stern.

My thoughts: I really LOVE both books. I'm so on the fence if they should be a four star or a five star. Fenske's early readers are, in my opinion, so much better than all the rest. These are entertaining, relatable, fun stories. I love the rhythm and rhyme. (Not a big surprise since Fenske is a great writer). I love how both books end!

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

117. I Really, Really Don't Like Parties

117. I Really, Really Don't Like Parties. Angie Morgan. 2024. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book] 4 stars]

First sentence: One day, after school, Dora found an envelope in the bottom of her book bag. 

Premise/plot: Dora, our heroine, is invited to a classmate's birthday party. The problem? Dora really, really does not like--not even a little bit--parties. To the party she goes--reluctantly--at the insistence of her mother. Guess what, she still doesn't like parties, however, she learns that there's at least one other kid who absolutely does NOT like parties either. 

My thoughts: Dora is relatable. As is Tom. I like the story for the most part, I do. I don't love, love, love the illustrations. The style isn't my favorite or best. But the story does make up for it. Dora was a great character and perhaps a kindred spirit.

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

116. The Dictionary Story

116. The Dictionary Story. Oliver Jeffers. Illustrated by Sam Winston. 2024. 56 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars] [picture book]

First sentence:  Most of the time, all the books knew what they were about. But there was one book who was never quite sure of herself. The dictionary had all the words that had ever been read, which meant she could say all the things that could EVER BE SAID. Yet, when you read her pages from FIRST to LAST, she didn't tell a story like all the other books.

Premise/plot: The Dictionary is envious that all the other books in the library tell a story while she does not. She decides to bring the words within to life. And so it begins...

My thoughts: I definitely enjoyed this quirky, fun, celebratory story. The words that are brought to life make for a lively read. The plot is chaotic and silly, yet in a delightful way--at least for me. I enjoyed the resolution. I think this one has potential for readers of multiple ages. I do think young readers could write stories of their own inspired by this one. The possibilities for new stories are endless since the dictionary is vast. It is a creative story book.

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

114. The Fastest Drummer

114. The Fastest Drummer: Clap Your Hands for Viola Smith. Dean Robbins. Illustrated by Susanna Chapman. 2024. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [Nonfiction picture book] [5 stars]

First sentence: Five girls played together in the Smith Sisters Orchestra. Irene on trombone. Erma on vibraphone. Edwina on trumpet. Mildred on violin. Lila on saxophone. Was there a spot for the sixth sister, Viola? Almost every instrument was taken...except for the drums. 

Premise/plot: The Fastest Drummer is a nonfiction picture book biography of Viola Smith. It celebrates music, jazz, women's history, and history-history. 

My thoughts: I have a weakness for music-related picture books, especially jazz-focused picture books. (I blame Hand, Hand, Fingers, Thumb one of the greatest early readers ever.) This one is a biography of a musician, a drummer, Viola Smith. I had not heard of Viola Smith, however, famous drummers--particularly jazz drummers--aren't something I'm particularly familiar with at all.  

What I LOVED about this one was the narrative. The storytelling AND in particular the descriptive word choices make for a super rhythmic read aloud. I loved, loved, loved how the narrative combines with the illustrations to make for a fantastic read.

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers