The Unbudgeable Curmudgeon

The Unbudgeable Curmudgeon. Matthew Burgess. Illustrated by Fiona Woodcock. 2019. Random House. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: How do you budge an unbudgeable curmudgeon who really refuses to budge? You might ask the curmudgeon if he wouldn't mind scooching over a smidgen. Or you could distract the curmudgeon by changing the subject...

Premise/plot: What is a curmudgeon? The end papers provide the definition: "A bad-tempered, difficult, cranky person; a grouch." There are TWO curmudgeons in this one. The first is the brother; the second the sister. Apparently in trying to BUDGE a curmudgeon, she became one herself. (I'm not surprised!)

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I really like the narration. It's just fun to read aloud. I think this story is easy to relate to--no matter how old or young you are.

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

© 2019 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Board book: A Little Book About ABC's

A Little Book About ABC's. Leo Lionni and Julie Hamilton. 2019. Random House. 28 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: A is for alligator. B is for beautiful butterflies. C is for chunks of cheese.

Premise/plot: This board book is inspired by the works/characters of Leo Lionni. It is a concept book--an alphabet book.

My thoughts: What you see is exactly what you get. This alphabet book stars some familiar characters from Leo Lionni's books. There is another book in this "Leo Lionni's Friends" series, A Little Book About Spring. My guess is that there will be more books coming soon.

I wish it was a little bit more transparent who did what when. The two people credited with the work are Leo Lionni and Julie Hamilton. Yet it doesn't say who wrote the text or who did the illustrations. The characters are all Leo Lionni. But is Julie Hamilton just illustrating in the style of Leo Lionni? Did she write the text to accompany the illustrations? If she didn't write the text, who did? (Leo Lionni has been dead since 1999.) 

© 2019 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Board book: A Little Book About Spring

A Little Book About Spring. Julie Hamilton. Illustrated by Leo Lionni. 2019. Random House. 28 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Hello, Spring. I'm so glad to see you. You make the trees bud...the flowers bloom...and the baby birds chirp in their nests.

Premise/plot: This book features classic illustrations and/or illustrations inspired by Leo Lionni's classic characters. This board book celebrates the season of SPRING.

My thoughts: I wish it was a little bit more transparent who did what when. The two people credited with the work are Leo Lionni and Julie Hamilton. Yet it doesn't say who wrote the text or who did the illustrations. The characters are all Leo Lionni. But is Julie Hamilton just illustrating in the style of Leo Lionni? Did she write the text to accompany the illustrations? If she didn't write the text, who did? (Leo Lionni has been dead since 1999.) 

Regardless of all that, is the story good? It is what it is. I personally will never get gushy about a book celebrating seasons. The text is simple and predictable. Not a bad thing for a concept board book about a season of the year. (Weather is usually more simple and predictable in children's books than in real life.) But I do like it.
 

© 2019 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Board book: That's Me Loving You

That's Me Loving You. Amy Krouse Rosenthal. Illustrated by Teagan White. 2018. [December] Random House. 28 pages. [Source: Review Copy]

First Sentence:

Wherever you are,
Wherever you go,
Always remember
And always know...
That shimmering star?
That's me winking at you.

Premise/plot: This book is openly and unashamedly sentimental. But don't discount it because it's about LOVE. A parent loving their child fiercely. Picture books about love are everywhere. That's true enough. But this one has its quirky humor too: "That persistent mosquito? That's me bugging you."

My thoughts: I really love this one. It was first published as a picture book in 2016. I had long been a fan of her books. This was her last, I believe. It was written after her diagnosis of cancer--ovarian cancer. It was published three months before her death. It is dedicated to her three children. It's a lovely, lovely--poetic message worth treasuring.  Children don't have to know the back story for this one. It is a joyful, reassuring book about the endurance of love.

NY Times article, "You May Want To Marry My Husband..." by Amy Krouse Rosenthal

© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Excellent Ed

Excellent Ed. Stacy McAnulty. Illustrated by Julia Sarcone-Roach. 2016. Random House. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: All the Ellis children were excellent at something. Except Ed. And all the Ellis children were allowed to eat at the table, and ride in the van, and use the indoor bathroom. Except Ed.

Premise/plot: This picture book stars a dog named Ed. Ed is puzzled by a few things. Why isn't he allowed to eat at the table? Why isn't he allowed to ride in the van? Why isn't he allowed to use the indoor bathroom? Why is he the ONLY Ellis child excluded from family activities? Perhaps he's not EXCELLENT enough to fit in with such an awesome family? What is he good at anyway?!

My thoughts: I really enjoyed this one. It was fun. It was funny. Ed is a playful, silly narrator. I enjoyed getting to know him.

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



© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers

The Velveteen Rabbit

The Velveteen Rabbit. Margery Williams. Illustrated by William Nicholson. 1922/2014. Random House. 48 pages. [Source: Review copy]
 First sentence: THERE was once a velveteen rabbit, and in the beginning he was really splendid. He was fat and bunchy, as a rabbit should be; his coat was spotted brown and white, he had real thread whiskers, and his ears were lined with pink sateen.

Premise/plot: Do you know what it is to be real? One little Christmas bunny will learn this and plenty of other life lessons in Margery Williams' classic tale The Velveteen Rabbit.

The Velveteen Rabbit opens with a young boy receiving a rabbit for a Christmas present. All is lovely for the rabbit that first day. But the toy is quickly forgotten. He becomes one toy of many, many, many toys. He's not exactly special to the boy or the other toys. In fact, I'd say the other toys bully him a bit. All except for the Skin Horse, the oldest toy in the nursery. It is this horse that tells the Rabbit all about being real, what it takes to be real, what it feels like, how it changes you, etc.

"Real isn't how you are made," said the Skin Horse. "It's a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real." "Does it hurt?" asked the Rabbit. "Sometimes," said the Skin Horse, for he was always truthful. "When you are Real you don't mind being hurt." "Does it happen all at once, like being wound up," he asked, "or bit by bit?" "It doesn't happen all at once," said the Skin Horse. "You become. It takes a long time. That's why it doesn't often happen to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don't matter at all, because once you are Real you can't be ugly, except to people who don't understand." "I suppose you are real?" said the Rabbit. And then he wished he had not said it, for he thought the Skin Horse might be sensitive. But the Skin Horse only smiled. "The Boy's Uncle made me Real," he said. "That was a great many years ago; but once you are Real you can't become unreal again. It lasts for always." (5-8)

My thoughts: The Velveteen Rabbit is one of my favorite Christmas books. I love the nursery magic. I love the ending. It was originally published in 1922. The story and illustrations in this edition are original. This is a beautiful edition of the book. One of the best I've seen.

The Velveteen Rabbit was published several years before A.A. Milne's Winnie the Pooh and House at Pooh Corner. Chances are if you enjoy one, you'll enjoy the other.

Do you have a favorite toy-come-to-life fantasy?


© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Peeps at School

Peeps at School. Andrea Posner-Sanchez. Illustrated by Daniela Massironi. 2018. Random House. 24 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Who is ready for school? The Peeps chicks are!

Premise/plot: This is an early reader starring PEEPS at school. The text is super-simple. The colors are just as bright and bold as the candy.

My thoughts: I am not a fan of the candy, but I am a fan of the toys. This early reader is cute. It may not have much substance in the grand scheme of things--but it's an enjoyable treat. If you have a little one who loves PEEPS this one may be worth your time.

© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Where's Ellie? A Hide and Seek (Board) Book

Board book: Where's Ellie? A Hide and Seek Book. Salina Yoon. 2012. Random House. 18 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Where is Ellie hiding? Is she behind the plant? No, that's a teapot!

Premise/plot: Ellie (the elephant) is hiding. Can little ones find out where she's hiding in this super adorable board book by Salina Yoon?

My thoughts: I love that the elephant's ear and trunk are tactilely pleasing. There are many reasons why I love this one actually. I love, love, love elephants. Always have, always will. I don't think I'll ever outgrow my desire to have a pet elephant. Hide-and-seek books--with or without flaps--can be great fun to read with little ones. This one does not have flaps. A turn of the page reveals the surprise--was that Ellie? or was it something else? The front cover--and almost all of the pages--do have a cut-out. This cut-out is vital to the game of hide-and-seek. And I think it's also great for little grasping hands.

© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Dr. Seuss's You Are Kind: Featuring Horton the Elephant

Dr. Seuss's You Are Kind: Featuring Horton the Elephant. Random House. 2018. 32 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: You are kind. You are an amazing friend. You always listen. If there's a problem, you help fix it. You stand up for what is right. You teach that everyone matters. You protect those who need it, no matter how small.

Premise/plot: This gift book is written in the second person. The publisher's description says this book would make a great substitute for a card.

My thoughts: I love, love, LOVE Horton the elephant. I've reviewed Horton Hatches the Egg, Horton Hears a Who!, and Horton and the Kwuggerbug. This is not a new Horton book. And it isn't really written by Dr. Seuss. So long as you know that this is a novelty gift book featuring illustrations of Horton, I don't think you'll be disappointed. The text is sweet and affirmative. It is definitely gift book quality.

Text: 3 out of 5
Illustrations: 4 out of 5
Total: 7 out of 10


© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Board book: Bathtime Mathtime

Board book: Bathtime Mathtime. Danica McKellar. Illustrated by Alicia Padron. 2018. Random house. 20 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence:

Bathtime Mathtime, 1, 2, 3
Counting helps me add, you see!
Let's find out just how it's done.
Bathtime Mathtime starts with 1!
Bathtime Mathtime, 1, 2, 3
Getting in the bath is slippery!
Careful feet for me and you.
One foot, other foot--that makes 2!

Premise/plot: Bathtime Mathtime is a board book concept book that teaches or illustrates simple addition facts: 1+1=2, 2+1=3, 3+1=4, 4+1=5. It's set, of course, in a bathroom. It stars a naked baby, two puppies, some rubber duckies, some bubbles, and one rhyming care-giver.

My thoughts: My mother would be the first to tell you that sometimes I over-think books. That might just be the case with this board book written by a celebrity. Am I slightly hesitant to like it because a) it's about math b) it's written by a celebrity c) the rhymes are hit/miss and at times slightly awkward.

I liked the beginning. The initial rhymes on the first page worked for me. I am not a fan of the three/slippery line. But I am picky when it comes to rhythm and rhyme. Perhaps obnoxiously so. But here's where the over-thinking kicks in. WHY is the baby getting a bath with TWO puppies. What caregiver would say YES that sounds like an awesome way to spend the evening. It just seems like a big, big job to do for the fun of it. Also I'm thinking that the water looks way too deep for the baby--and the tiny puppies.

I think most readers would enjoy this one.

© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Whose Moon Is That?

Whose Moon Is That? Kim Krans. 2017. Random House. 40 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: "Whose moon is that?" asked the curious cat.

Premise/plot: A curious cat starts an argument when he asks 'Whose moon is that?' EVERYONE has an opinion--the tree, the mountain, a bird, a bear, an ocean.What will stop the argument? Is it the moon's answer or the rising sun?

My thoughts: It was okay for me. I didn't love it. I didn't hate it. I am not the ideal audience for books where oceans and trees speak...and speak in rhyme. Animal fantasy is one thing but I have limits to how far I can suspend my disbelief.

I personally wish the question had been Who Made the Moon?

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


© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers

The Book of Gold

The Book of Gold. Bob Staake. 2017. Random House. 40 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Isaac Gutenberg wasn't interested in much. Not in toys, not in the funny papers, not even in his pet goldfish. His parents tried to tempt him with books.

Premise/plot: Isaac's parents LOVE to read; their son doesn't. They try taking him to the New York Public Library, but that field trip doesn't quite go as planned. He's just as bored by books there as he is at home. But...on that same trip they go to a shop. His parents are looking for a gift. A shopkeeper approaches Isaac and his life will never be the same...

"Tell me, child," she whispered. "Have you heard about The Book of Gold?" Isaac shook his head. "There is a legend," she explained, "that somewhere in the world there is one very special book that's just waiting to be discovered. It will look like any other book, but it holds all the answers to every question ever asked, and when it is opened, it turns to solid gold."

Seeing that he's become curious, she wishes him good luck. "You'll need patience and fortitude to find the Book of Gold!"

Isaac spends his life opening books. Soon it's just not opening books...but DEVOURING books as he reads them one after another. His curiosity grows and grows with each passing year. Will he ever discover The Book of Gold?

My thoughts: I liked this one. It is a bit text-heavy so perhaps it's best for older readers who still enjoy picture books. (In my opinion, one never ever ever outgrows picture books. There's a picture book perfect for each and every age.) The theme is timeless--books are magical--but the story is set in a specific time and place. Isaac, when we first meet him, is a child in 1935 in New York.

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

© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Monkey Not Ready For Bedtime

Monkey: Not Ready for Bedtime. Marc Brown. 2017. Random House. 32 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: "It's time for bed, Monkey! Do you have your pj's on?" "Yes." "Did you brush your teeth?" "Yes." "Where is Mr. Fuzzy?" "Mr. Fuzzy is on be bed." But Monkey couldn't fall asleep.

Premise/plot: Night after night Monkey has trouble falling asleep. Can Monkey's big brother help his little brother out?

My thoughts: Monkey is the star of Marc Brown's new series. I believe this is the third book in the series. Other books include Monkey Not Ready for Baby and Monkey Not Ready for Kindergarten.

It was an okay book for me. I don't actively dislike Monkey and his family. It's more of a lack of feeling. Perhaps a lack of feeling might be called boredom. But I don't know that I care even enough to be bored by Monkey.

Since he's the star of a series, it would be nice if I could feel something toward him.

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

© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Ten Magic Butterflies

Ten Magic Butterflies. Danica McKellar. Illustrated by Jennifer Bricking. 2018. Random House.  40 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Once upon a time, there were 10 flower friends. Were they always happy? Well that depends...

Premise/plot: Ten (talking) flowers become dissatisfied with their life and dream of flying like the fairies they see at night. One flower speaks up and asks the fairy for a bit of magic. The fairy grants the wish: the flower becomes a butterfly. One by one flowers ask and receive the same wish. But will they be happier as butterflies?

My thoughts: This book is ALL about the math. The story is ALL about introducing the math facts:
1+9=10, 2+8=10, 3+7=10, 4+6=10, 5+5=10, 6+4=10, 7+3=10, 8+2=10, 9+1=10. True, she speeds up the process after 5+5 by just saying "Yes, one by one they filled the sky as the sweet little fairy helped each to fly." But essentially this is about the different ways you can get to ten. TOLD IN RHYME.

Would I be more forgiving if it wasn't told in rhyme? Probably. You see, I am a stubborn person who believes that rhyme and rhythm should go together...always, no exception. You can have rhythm without rhyme perhaps. But without rhythm, your rhyme is missing something vital. It's a pretender. And this book lacks rhythm.

Text: 2 out of 5
Illustrations: 3 out of 5
Total: 5 out of 10

© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Board book: Dr. Seuss's 100 First Words

Dr. Seuss's 100 First Words. Dr. Seuss Enterprises. 2018. Random House. 16 pages. [Source: Review copy]

Premise/plot: Dr. Seuss's 100 First Words is a board book word book for little ones. It is an over-sized board book with sixteen pages. Each page has a theme: wild animals, farm animals, mealtime, food, outside, home, myself, toys, colors, things that go, clothes, pets, bathtime and bedtime. Each page is full of words and Seuss's illustrations.

My thoughts: I liked this one. I liked the illustrations. (Some I loved!) I liked the bright, bold colors. I liked the sturdy pages. Little Cats A, B, and C star in this one. I do wish that all three cats appeared on each two-page spread. Often two of the cats appear. It may be completely ridiculous, but why must one be lonely? Why choose Little Cats A, B, and C instead of Thing 1 and Thing 2 if only two were ever going to appear at the same time?!

© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Amanda Panda and the Bigger, Better Birthday

Amanda Panda and the Bigger, Better Birthday. Candice Ransom. Illustrated by Christine Grove. 2018. Random House. 32 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence:  Tomorrow is Amanda Panda's birthday. She will be the first one in Ms. Lemon's kindergarten to have a birthday. That makes her special. And she will be the first one in her class to be six years old. That makes her famous. She can't wait to invite her friends to her party on Saturday. The theme is School Bus.

Premise/plot: Amanda Panda's excitement soon turns to bitter disappointment when she learns that Bitsy's birthday is today--while hers is tomorrow. Bitsy will be the first to have a birthday, the first to turn six. As if that wasn't enough DRAMA (for a nearly-six-year-old) to handle, Bitsy's birthday party conflicts with her own birthday party that Saturday. NOTHING is going right. Can these two friends work out their differences? Can this friendship be saved?

My thoughts: I enjoyed the first book. I did. But I really LOVED this one. It was practically perfect in every way. Bitsy and Amanda Panda are WONDERFUL characters. I love and adore them both.

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

© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Amanda Panda Quits Kindergarten

Amanda Panda Quits Kindergarten. Candice Ransom. Illustrated by Christine Grove. 2017. Random House. 32 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Amanda Panda's favorite color is brown. She wants to be a school bus driver when she grows up. She can run really fast, but only downhill. And she cannot wait to start kindergarten.

Premise/plot: Amanda has a plan for how to have a GREAT first day of school. But things don't go according to her plan. And when they don't she feels like QUITTING. Can this first day be saved--be redeemed?!

My thoughts: I really enjoyed this one. I enjoyed the school setting and the friendship theme. Amanda is Amanda and Bitsy is Bitsy. The two girls are SO different from one another. Can they find a way to get along? Would having to be friends with Bitsy really be THE END OF THE WORLD?!

Text: 4 out of 5
Illustrations: 3 out of 5
Total: 7 out of 10

© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers

The Pink Hat

The Pink Hat. Andrew Joyner. 2017. [December 26] Random House. 32 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: First there wasn't a hat. Then...there was. It was a pink hat. A cozy pink hat. That is, until...a cat grabbed the hat. It was a fun hat. A fun pink hat. That is, until....

Premise/plot: "Pink hat" begins its life, if you will, as a bit of yarn in the hands of a woman. In the course of the book, it has several different owners and MANY purposes. But one day this oh-so-practical hat, this often-worn, well-beloved hat takes part in something special--the 2017 Women's March--when the owner, a little girl, joins in with the crowd.

My thoughts: The book uses just a few words per page to tell the story. The jacket cover reads, "Once there was a pink hat. A cat played with it. A baby caught it. A dog swiped it. That is, until...a girl found it. And one day she wore it someplace special." The illustrations are simple as well. The illustrations are black and white and....PINK. Is the story as simple as it appears to be? You may be the best judge of that. One thing is for certain, the book isn't preachy--at least not in the actual narrative. (We do see signs the women in the march are carrying.)

Chances are the intended audience won't remember the classic Sesame Street sketch, "Bert's blanket." But The Pink Hat definitely reminds me of it.

Text: 3 out of 5
Illustrations: 4 out of 5
Total: 7 out of 10


© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers

That Is My Dream!

That Is My Dream! Langston Hughes. Illustrated by Daniel Miyares. 2017. Random House. 32 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: To fling my arms wide/ In some place of the sun,/ To whirl and to dance/ Till the white day is done./ Then rest at cool evening/ Beneath a tall tree/ While night comes on gently,/ Dark like me--That is my dream!

Premise/plot: That is My Dream is a picture book poem. The poem is Langston Hughes' Dream Variation which was originally published in 1926 in his first poetry collection. The illustrator has placed the poem within the context of the segregated south in the 1950s. The first half reflects the way things are/were--as seen from a young boy's perspective--and the second half reflects his dream: how he wants things to be.

My thoughts: That Is My Dream is a lovely picture book. (Last year I reviewed Langston Hughes' The Dream Keeper and Other Poems.) Hughes' poem is beautiful. The illustrations are absolutely stunning. I loved, loved, loved, LOVED the illustrations. Yes, the text is wonderful. But the illustrations convey just as much--if not a tiny bit more--than the text. Together they make for a compelling, thought-provoking read. I think it would pair well with Patricia McKissack's Goin' Someplace Special. 

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


© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers

I Was So Mad

I Was So Mad. Mercer Mayer. 1983. Random House. 24 pages. [Source: Bought]

First sentence: I wanted to keep some frogs in the bathtub but Mom wouldn't let me. I was so mad. I wanted to play with my little sister's dollhouse but Dad wouldn't let me. I was so mad. I wanted to play hide-and-seek in the clean sheets but Grandma said, "No, you can't." I was just so mad.

Premise/plot: Little Critter is having one of those days. He can't do anything that he wants to do. And the list of things he wants to do is LONG. Rejecting his parents list of things he could do instead, he decides to run away...after packing up a hefty supply of cookies...but will his friends' invitation to play ball change his mind?

My thoughts: I love, love, love Little Critter. I do. This book is fun. Little Critter's list of things he wants to do is quirky. Some readers can probably relate to. Others, maybe not so much. For example, one of the things he wants to do is TICKLE the goldfish.

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

© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers