51. Rebecca the White House Raccoon

51. Rebecca the White House Raccoon. April Genevieve Tucholke. Illustrated by Dave Szalay. 2026. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, picture book, based on a true story]

First sentence: The President was supposed to eat me. I was packed into a slatted box on a sunny November day in 1926 and shipped to the White House with a note that said: EAT ME FOR DINNER.

Premise/plot: Rebecca, a raccoon, the White House raccoon, narrates this historical picture book based on a true story. Is Rebecca reliable narrator? Maybe. Maybe not. But according to Rebecca she was the FAVORITE pet of the President and First Lady. But readers do learn about other pets as well. Pets that may have been slightly less problematic. Many of these 'pets' were a bit 'wild' in addition to the more traditional pets.

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I definitely learned new things while reading it. It's good to have a "political" picture book that isn't divisive. There's plenty of action in this story as well! Overall, I think it would be a fun book to share with young readers.

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



© 2026 Becky Laney of Young Readers

82. Who Meows?

82. Who Meows? A Book of Animal Sounds. Robin Page. 2025. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, picture book, concept book]

First sentence: Who meows? A cat meows. Who gobbles? A turkey gobbles. Who croaks?

Premise/plot: Who Meows is a question-answer concept book for little ones teaching animal sounds. It starts with a question, always. Turn the page to find the answer and get the next question. This format gives little ones ample opportunities to guess what animal will be revealed next. The format and structure is simple. The illustrations are colorful.

My thoughts: I liked this one. Or I liked it well enough. For the target audience--toddlers through preschoolers, I think this one is a solid choice. I could see this being a good choice for reading aloud with little ones at home. It might also work for story time at the library, though I'm less clear if this would be ideal. For larger families, older siblings could read aloud with younger ones. The appeal of this text might be limited to younger audiences but that doesn't make it less important to have in the library.

 

© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

63. How Elegant the Elephant

63. How Elegant the Elephant. Mary Ann Hoberman. Illustrated by Marla Frazee. 2025. 88 pages. [Source: Library] [poetry, children's poetry, poetry collection, j poetry, 3 stars]

First sentence: Abracadabra
The zebra is black
Abracadabra
The zebra is white
Abracadabra
The zebra is dark
Abracadabra
The zebra is light
Is it black striped with white?
Is it white striped with black?
Is it striped from the front?
Is it striped from the back?
Abracadabra
It's ink over snow
Abracadabra
It's snow over ink
Abracadabra
Does anyone know?
Abracadabra
What do you think?

Premise/plot: Mary Ann Hoberman has selected the poems for this poetry collection. The theme is animals and insects. She is sharing her favorites from her previous books of poetry...poetry books that have since gone out of print.

Quotes:

How Elegant the Elephant
How elegant the elephant
How mighty yet how mild
How elegant its mighty mate
How elegant it's child
How toothsome are its ivory tusks
How luminous its eyes
How supple are its floppy ears
How jumbo is its size
How flexible its pudgy knees
How delicate its tail
But best of all
How nice its nose
Which works just like
A garden hose

My thoughts: Poetry is typically hit or miss for me. I definitely enjoyed a handful of these poems. I liked the variety of the poems included. Any reader is likely to find at least a couple that delight. Reading is subjective by its very nature; a reader's taste in poetry is perhaps even more subjective.

Besides the elephant poem quoted above, I also enjoyed "Monkey Business" and "Sheep Counting."

© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

36. Board book: Richard Scarry's Bunnies

 

36. Board book: Richard Scarry's Bunnies. Richard Scarry. 1976/2025. 26 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, bunnies, board book]

First sentence: The cottontail rabbit has a little white tail. Bunnies love to eat the cabbage...in Farmer Brown's garden. Some rabbits have GIANT ears...and some have tiny ones. The snowshoe hare changes the color of his coat to white in the winter...and to brown in the summer.

Premise/plot: Richard Scarry's Bunnies is a classic Golden Book newly republished in board book format. Each two-page spread shares another detail about bunnies...or rabbits. There really is not a cohesive narrative. 

My thoughts: I love Richard Scarry. I do. I grew up with Richard Scarry books. For that reason I will always enjoy rereading these when they're republished. I LOVE all the bunny illustrations. I do. I think parents (guardians, loved ones, etc.) can read these books slowly and talk about the illustrations and the text.

 

© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

35. Board book: Touch and Feel Baby Animals

    

 

35. Touch and Feel: Baby Animals with tactiles for toddlers to explore. (Board book) DK. 2025. 12 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars] [interactive, touch and feel]

First sentence: Let's see what the baby animals are doing! The puppies chase balls, fetch sticks, and dig holes. What is your favorite game to play? Pet the puppy's velvety ears. 

Premise/plot: (Yet another) touch and feel book starring animals published by DK. The good news is that there will always, always, always be a market for a) touch and feel books b) animal books c) farm books. The text is simple. The textures mostly only one type of texture. 

My thoughts: I like interactive touch and feel books. Is this the absolute best one that has ever been published? No. Of course not. Is it perfectly fine and acceptable? Yes.

 

© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

152. The Man Who Didn't Like Animals

152. The Man Who Didn't Like Animals. Deborah Underwood. Illustrated by LeUyen Pham. 2024. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars] [picture book]

First sentence: There once was a man who loved his tidy home and who didn't like animals. One day, a cat appeared. "I don't like cats," said the man. "Go away." But the cat didn't. The man liked sleeping in the sun. So did the cat. The man liked watching the rain. So did the cat. The man liked to eat dinner precisely at 6 P.M. So did the cat. "Hmph," said the man. "Maybe THIS cat isn't so bad."

My thoughts (preview): I have loved, loved, loved some of Deborah Underwood's previous books. I have LOVED, LOVED, LOVED some of LeUyen Pham's previous books. The fact that one of my favorite writers paired up with one of my all-time favorite illustrators meant only one thing: I MUST READ THE BOOK. I did request my library order a copy! (I am so happy now that others will enjoy it too!) I squealed a bit when I saw it had been ordered and put myself on the hold list....

SOMETIMES YOU DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH YOU NEED A BOOK UNTIL IT IS IN YOUR HANDS. 

Premise/plot: How does a [somewhat cranky] man go from hating animals to loving animals????? One day at a time apparently. It starts with one cat....but of course, one cat never stays one cat. As his heart starts growing day by day, his life is transformed. He is no longer the same man by the end of the book! 

There *is* a twist. It does state this twist on the cover. It does. GoodReads likewise spoils it. However, I went into the book not reading the "fine print" if you will. I LOVED being surprised. I would recommend NOT telling little ones before reading it aloud.

My thoughts: I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE THIS ONE. There are no words for how much this book stole my heart. 

I highly recommend this one as a read aloud. I could see it working in libraries, in classrooms, and, of course, in homes. I think it would be a great one to interject with questions like WHAT DO YOU THINK WILL HAPPEN NEXT?  etc. 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

46. Bears are Best

Bears are Best: The Scoop About How We Sniff, Sneak, Snack, and Snooze. Joan Holub. Illustrated by Laurie Keller. 2023. 48 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Grrrreetings! My name is Brown Bear. I am the only bear in this book. [You are not]. 

This is a nonfiction picture book about BEARS (plural). It isn't your typical nonfiction picture book, however. It is written in a conversational--playful--narrative. The [many] bears of the book are having quite the dialogue--all in speech bubbles. All the information about each bear--what makes them similar or dissimilar to the others--is revealed through conversation. The conversation isn't dry and info-dumpy. Not really. There's plenty to keep it light and flowing--a bit silly.

I liked this one. It does have more text than you might expect based on the cover. I do think this one could easily be mistaken for just another picture book starring bears. It doesn't scream out "I'm nonfiction!" Because it is so text-heavy, I do think it would be a good fit for most elementary grades--especially second and third grade.

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

40-42. Board Book Parade (Farm Edition)

40. Board book: Country Baby. Laurie Elmquist. Illustrated by Ellen Rooney. 2024. 20 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: We pull on rubber boots
Splash into puddles with both feet
Look for speckled eggs
The sheep's wool is cozy-cozy

My thoughts (preview): I find it incredibly sad that my first and foremost response is to notice all the lack of periods in the text. One period for the whole book. 

Premise/plot: Little ones follow the adventures of a country baby (and country mom) in this board book. The text is descriptive yet still simple. 

My thoughts: I like this one. It is a farm book that does feature a story. It goes beyond animal identification and/or animal sounds. It is set on a farm, but I think it focuses more on the parent-child relationship. I do think the book celebrates nature and 'country life.'

41. Slide and See First Words: Farm (Board book) Helen Hughes. Illustrated by Samantha Meredith. 2024. 12 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Farm buildings
farmhouse
barn
henhouse
There is one house for the famer and houses for the animals, too.

Premise/plot: This is an 'interactive' board book for parents to share with little ones. Each page/spread (including the cover) features a sliding element that reveals words. (Hence: slide and see). There are other peek-a-boo surprises besides words alone. 

Many pages feature questions and answers. Questions like "What color is the barn? Who lives inside the barn? What are they eating?" On the next page--the page with the sliding elements--we've got sentences waiting for the answers to slide in. The barn is red. Inside the barn are the animals. They are eating hay.

Each spread is farm-themed, but there is no continuous story. 

My thoughts: How could I read this one without flashing back to Baby Einstein's Baby MacDonald. I can hear the music even. I do like the sliding elements. I think they are fun. Obviously, I have not tested their durability. I haven't slid them back and forth hundreds of times. I haven't played with the book roughly. I have not tasted it. But I do like it and would easily recommend it. 

Farm books are not "new" or unique. There will always be plenty of new farm books published each year, every year. Probably not all staying in print.

42.  Board book: Don't Push the Button! On the Farm. Bill Cotter. 2024. 24 pages. [Source: Library] 

First sentence: Hey there! Great to see you again! I'm so excited to be visiting the farm with you. Let's go! Don't open the gate that means you!!! Oh, don't worry about that sign. It's probably nothing. Could you flip open the latch? I can't reach it.

Premise/plot: This is an interactive board book in the sense that it is asking readers to participate using their imagination. (Think Blue's Clues or Dora the Explorer or the like). It is written using the second person--you. The book is pure silliness from cover to cover.

My thoughts: These books fall flat unless you're really to engage fully. I do think the book can be appealing because it is enthusiastically over-the-top silly. I think the person reading aloud can help this be an engaging read as well. (Sometimes how you read a book aloud is so important.) 

I like this one, but didn't personally love it.

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

38. Baby Bear's Busy Day

Baby Bear's Busy Day with Brown Bear and Friends. [Board book] "Eric Carle" Odd Dot. 2023. [September] 10 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Hello, Baby bear! Open your eyes. The sun is rising in the sky! Baby Bear, now move your feet. Your tummy says it's time to eat!

Premise/plot: This is a board book in the "World of Eric Carle." It is an interactive book. There are activities for little hands on almost every spread--including the cover. (On the cover, you can turn the wheel to make it day or night.) The book's text is super simple. 

My thoughts: There are so many books in the "World of Eric Carle." Some seem more 'commercial' and 'gimmicky' than others. (As opposed to the actual-actual original stories by Eric Carle.) The art is definitely in the style of Eric Carle. The text is not amazingly wonderful, but it is more than serviceable. It isn't all that bad actually. The book takes you from morning to evening.

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

36. Why Do Elephants Have Big Ears?

Why Do Elephants Have Big Ears? Questions -- And Surprising Answers -- About Animals. Steve Jenkins and Robin Page. 2023. [November] 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Why do camels have a hump? 

Premise/plot: This is a nonfiction picture book. The title may include the word 'elephant' but the book covers a wide assortment of animals. Some questions and answers are on a single page. Other questions and answers are a two-page spread. 

Questions include,
Why do spotted skunks do handstands?
Why do wombats have cube-shaped poop?
Why are naked mole rats naked?

There are SO MANY questions and answers. This one is full of I-didn't-know-that-facts.

My thoughts: I really enjoyed this one. I found some questions super-fascinating. I think this is the kind of book that might prove engaging and appealing to young readers. It is not a book that you have to read cover to cover. It can be a book that you flip through casually. The end material does include [even] more facts about the animals.

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

13-20. Board Book Parade

13. [Board book] Teeny Tiny Turkey. Rachel Matson. Illustrated by Joey Chou. 2023. 16 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: On a teeny tiny farm, while the moon shone bright, all the forest creatures prepared for party night.

Premise/plot: Teeny Tiny Turkey has nothing to provide for the party. All of her friends are cooking or baking something--or else contributing something else special for the day. But Teeny Tiny Turkey has nothing but herself to bring. Will her 'gift from the heart' make her friends happy?

My thoughts: This one could have gone a completely different direction if the author had a dark sense of humor. Was I actually worried that Teeny Tiny Turkey would be the star of the show and be consumed by her friends? Not really. This one didn't wow me. It was serviceable and just fine.

14. [Board book] If Mama Sings. Laura Wittner. Illustrated by Maricel R. Clark. 2023. 16 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: If Mama sings, I float.
If Mama sings, I sleep.
If Mama sings, I eat.
If Mama sings, I look.

Premise/plot: If Mama Sings is a simple, sweet board book. It takes readers from pregnancy through preschool years. The first spread shows an expectant mother singing to her unborn child. The last spread shows that child joining her in song.

My thoughts: A book doesn't have to be flashy to work. Simple text. Simple illustrations. ALL heart and substance. The tender emotions are strong with this one. I found it very delightful. 

15. [Board Book] The Bedtime Book. Katy Hedley. Illustrated by Paola Camma. 2023. [October 17, cybils eligible] 20 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: El asked Mouse if Mouse wanted to read. Mouse said, "If you read this, I would like that indeed." So El read the green book and that made Mouse smile. Mouse talked about the pictures so the book took a while. "El, please read it again?" Mouse asked with a squeeze. El gave a big smile and said, "Yes, Mouse, as you please."

Premise/plot: El reads Mouse a bedtime story. (El is an elephant. Mouse is a mouse.) It is written in rhyme.

My thoughts: I like it. I don't crazy love it. But I don't not-love it either. It is sweet enough in its way. It doesn't have a particularly unique title. Nor is the premise all that unique or special. It's cozy, familiar, predictable. Nothing wrong with going with the flow. Bedtime books usually come in two varieties: gentle, soothing books meant to lull to sleep OR the more rambunctious protests against bedtime. This one falls into the gentle and peaceful camp. [That's not to say the story is boring.]

 

16. [Board book] Lion, Lion Peekaboo. Grace Habib. 2023. 8 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Lion and Lion's friends are playing peekaboo! Let's play too. Stripy zebra, Stripy zebra....where are you? 

Premise/plot: Interactive board book for parents to share with little ones. This one features "grab and pull" interactive elements on each page. All the animals are hiding, little ones can "find" them and say peekaboo.

My thoughts: I liked this one well enough. I am not sure how well little ones will be able to manipulate the grab and pull bits. NOR am I sure how well the book will hold up to more vigorous readers. But I do think it has potential to be a favorite with little ones even if it doesn't remain a favorite forever. It does feature a mirror at the end. (Mirrors can be very appealing to young ones.)

 

17. [Board book] Baby On Board Train With Tabs to Push and Pull. Sebastien Braun. 2023. 8 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: All aboard the baby train. We're going on a ride today1 All aboard the baby train. The whistle sounds--we're on our way! All aboard the baby train. Up the hill--very slow. All aboard the baby train. Over the top and down we go!

Premise/plot: This one is an interactive board book with activities for little hands to manipulate on each spread. 

My thoughts: The text isn't much--to be honest. The interactive elements, however, are so much better than the text itself. I could see the interactive elements "saving" this one and making it a good choice for little ones that love trains. Again, the text isn't the high point of this one. Most of the interactive elements work for me. The one that I don't quite love--I'm an overthinker--is the train in the tunnel that moves SIDEWAYS. I get that they want a hide-and-seek element perhaps. But trains don't hop off and on tracks like that!

18. [Board book] You're the Apple of My Pie. Rose Rossner. Illustrated by Jill Howarth. 2023. 24 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: You're my favorite gobble gobble, the tur-key to my heart. I only have eyes for you, so mumderful and smart. I'm always on your cider, here to help in any way. Nuthin's better than being together. I love you more each day. You really autumn know that I've fallen for you, it's true.

Premise/plot: This board book is full of puns.

My thoughts: The illustrations are precious in both senses of the word. Yes, this one is cutesy precious and a bit over-the-top. But it's also sweet and fun. The illustrations are colorful and fun--adorable. Will the sentimental cheese work for every reader? Maybe not. 

19. [Board book] Winter with Hedgehog. Elena Ulyeva. Illustrated by Daria Parkhaeva. 2023. 20 pages. [Source: Library] 

First sentence: One chilly morning, Little Hedgehog work up extra early. 

Premise/plot: Little Hedgehog stars in this book celebrating a woodsy winter.

My thoughts: Essentially this one is "when will it be winter?" Little Hedgehog serves as a way to teach a few basic facts to little ones about how forest animals spend their winters. It didn't wow me. It was definitely more a meh for me. (Personally). That being said, the illustrations were cute.

20. [Board book] Bundle up, Little Pup. Dori Elys. Illustrated by Elena Comte. 2023. 20 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: It's quiet outside. Snow swirls softly today. Bundle up, little pup! Let's go out and play!

Premise/plot: What you see is what you get. Young children and their dogs playing in the snow. This isn't the story of one child and one dog--it's a community at play.

My thoughts: I liked this one well enough. It was good to see all the variety--both in humans and pups.

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

311. Perfect Piggies (Board book)

Perfect Piggies: A Book! A Song! A Celebration! by Sandra Boynton. 2010??? 2023. 24 pages. [Source: Library] [Board book]

First sentence: Ba-ddo-bah Doink! Doink!

My thoughts (preview): If a board book is only good if you go to the YouTube channel and watch a video from the author's channel, then is the book really good????????

Premise/plot: Pig-themed entertainment for little ones. This book celebrates all things piggy.

My thoughts: Sandra Boynton has a YouTube channel. Perhaps not all books have accompanying videos. But her most recent ones do seem to [mostly] have videos. If you want the "song" and "celebration" of this board book to shine, you will need to watch the YouTube video. OR else be super-super-super musically inclined and creative yourself. The video has text that the book does not have. It is not a one-for-one correlation. So the video cannot read this book to your little one. 

I liked the video well enough. The board book on its own without the video falls a bit flat for me. Though I do like board books and picture books starring pigs. So I should like this one more than I do.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

248-250. Animal Books Based on True Stories

248. Mighty Muddy Us. Caron Levis. Illsutrated by Charles Santoso. 2023. [October] 40 pages. [Source: Review copy] [picture book]

First sentence: "Tah-tra, tah-tra!" Enid trumpeted her welcome song--finally she was a big sister! The world was just a blur to Baby, but, wriggling and smiling, he reached towards his sister's bouncing sounds.

Premise/plot: Enid and Ely are siblings--big sister, baby brother. As a newborn, Ely was unable to stand which puts him at GREAT risk. Standing is a must for reaching nourishment. And milk and water are essential. Enid stands by to encourage, support, care for, watch out for her baby brother. Will he survive? 

My thoughts: This picture book is based on a true story of an elephant family. Obviously, it's animal fantasy since it is narrated by an elephant. But an author's note shares the true story. There is a lot of text. The amount of text plus the an intense amount of animal in peril makes this a good fit for mid to upper elementary school. (I'd say second grade on up). I can't see this one personally being a good fit for preschoolers though if your little one is obsessed with elephants and has a longer than average attention span, then this one could still work.

I loved this one. I do love, love, love elephants. I like fiction and nonfiction books starring elephants. I was worried for Ely. But I pushed through that worry and was relieved to find a HAPPY, uplifting story. 

The illustrations are WONDERFUL.

 249. Baby Badger (Adventures in Fosterland) Hannah Shaw. 2023. [January] 173 pages. [Source: Library] [illustrated chapter book] 

First sentence: Whoosh. A gust of freezing air blew through the streets, filling the alley with sparkly snow.

Premise/plot: Hannah Shaw, aka "Kitten Lady," is sharing true stories as animal fantasy in an illustrated chapter book series. Badger was/is an orphaned kitty. His first "litter-mates" or "family" were stuffed animals. He is adopted by another mom cat and her kittens. But is Badger ready to exchange his first family (stuffed animals) for a real family? 

My thoughts: This one was super adorable. And it is set during the winter holidays (Christmas, etc.). It is definitely animal fantasy. Badger may be based on a true story--how she came to find her forever family--but the fantasy elements are STRONG. Cats don't really behave as cats. This goes beyond capturing things through a cat's point of view. This is neither good nor bad--it just is. I definitely found Badger and his new family cute, adorable, sweet, lovely.

250. Snowpea The Puppy Queen (Adventures in Fosterland) Hannah Shaw. 2023. [July) 144 pages. [Source: Library] [illustrated chapter book]

First sentence: Snowpea's bedroom was spotless. The cat beds were freshly fluffed, and all the little toys were tucked away neatly into the toy bin. Not so much as a speck of litter was out of place.

Premise/plot: Snowpea is a foster kitten with OCD. Perhaps that's not the best way to sum it all up, but I think it may suffice. Snowpea likes things just so. She is very opinionated and gets a bit anxious when things aren't just so. She's given the task, if you will, of raising puppies--two of them. These are her 'litter-mates.' But these puppies don't care about Snowpea's long list of rules. Can these puppies help relax Snowpea? 

My thoughts: Again, based loosely on a true story. But the characterization is all fantasy. The characters--the cats--in these books don't really act like cats. Again, not necessarily a bad thing. But if you want animals to act like animals, then it might be upsetting to see them so human. For example, Snowpea likes to pick up each piece of food with her paws and bring it to her mouth. And she's training the dogs to do the same. This just isn't realistic--in my opinion--to see animals eating food with their hands like people do. Again, I'm not horribly bothered. This is animal fantasy through and through. I liked this one well enough.

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

186-191. Picture Book Parade (Random edition)

186. Bear Is Never Alone. Marc Veerkamp. Illustrated by Jeska Verstegen. Translated into English by Laura Watkinson. 2023. [April] 32 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book]

First sentence: Everything in the forest is silent, except for the piano. Not even the birds are singing. That's because Bear's music is so beautiful.

Premise/plot: Bear may enjoy playing beautiful music on the piano. But he doesn't always enjoy feeling pressured to play beautiful music. He doesn't want to be forced to perform. He shouldn't have to give into demands for more, more, more. What Bear wants--what he really really wants--is peace and quiet and ALONE time. Yet sometimes alone time can be experienced with a kind, understanding friend by your side.

My thoughts: I absolutely love the black, white, red illustrations. I don't know if this one is particularly appealing to children--especially very young children? Though I could be wrong about that. Picture books are so subjective. But the concepts being explored are more on the mature (developed) side. Though I think the need for empathy and kindness comes across no matter your age.

187. Before, Now. Daniel Salmieri. 2023. 48 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book]

 First sentence: In the dark sky floats a bright planet
Where wet waves crash on a dry stretch of beach
And there are smooth stones in the rough sand
Dew shines on the dull bark of a tree
Outside a little home on a big street
In the home there's a small person in a big chair
And squishy oatmeal in a hard bowl
There are fluffy birds in a prickly nest

Premise/plot: This is a picture book without punctuation. It relies heavily on word-pictures and imagery. I suppose you could call it a picture book poem. If you don't love poetry, if you are not excited by reading poetry--with all its meanings, themes, imagery, etc, then chances are you won't appreciate this picture book. It's about everything and about absolutely nothing. But if phrases like "a cold jacket on a warm face" evoke memories of family for you, then perhaps you will find it beautiful and amazing.

My thoughts: Dare I said this picture book poem is more for older readers? I hate to say that the poem will not be understood by young readers--especially very young readers--but that may be the case. That being said, there's something about reading aloud. One can appreciate and enjoy the experience even if one doesn't quite "get" everything there is to be gotten. (If that makes sense). In other words, you can read Alice in Wonderland to your one year old baby even though he or she may not "comprehend" the story as they would later on.

188. Walter Finds His Voice: The Story of a Shy Crocodile. Ann Kim Ha. 2023. [May] 32 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book]

First sentence: Meet Walter. He's right there, behind the tall grass, in the shallow end of the swamp. Most crocodiles hide so they can pounce on unsuspecting prey. But that's NOT Walter. Walter hides because he's what some may call shy.

Premise/plot: Walter is shy...until he isn't....and he finds his voice via standing up for a friend (a turtle).

My thoughts: Shyness is seen as something to be "cured" or "fixed" in this animal fantasy picture book. I wish it wasn't quite that way. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. And maybe the prevailing opinion is that everyone should be "forced" or "coaxed" into society at large. 

I personally wanted a different story. But that is on me.

189. Hattie Harmony: Opening Night. Elizabeth Olsen and Robbie Arnett. Illustrated by Marissa Valdez. 2023. [June] 40 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book]

First sentence: Opening night had arrived...and Wildwood Elementary was preparing for the school play. There was still work to be done, and some of the students had a case of the OPENING NIGHT jitters. Luckily, Hattie Harmony: Worry Detective was ready to help.

Premise/plot:  Hattie Harmony (Worry Detective) returns for her second picture book. In this one, she is helping behind the scenes everyone deal with anxiety and stage fright. She has helpful tips for the characters in the books. These tips can also prove helpful (perhaps) (at least in theory) to young readers.

My thoughts: I enjoyed both Hattie Harmony books. Hattie is a fun character with a catchy catchphrase. She is kind, helpful, understanding. The books might come across as slightly didactic, but, not in a horrible way. More like the "educational" and "informational" programs on television. Like I said, I personally enjoyed the book. 

190. Rabbit, Duck, and Big Bear. Nadine Brun-Cosme Illustrated Olivier Tallec. 2023. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book]

First sentence: In the forest live three friends, Rabbit, Duck, and Big Bear. They do everything together. 

Premise/plot: Rabbit, Duck, and Bear (Big Bear) are best friends who do nearly everything together. But there's one thing that they never do--no matter the season--go down the "long, winding path" [in the woods.] Turns out Rabbit has a secret. Duck has a secret. Bear has a secret. Can you guess the secret?

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I definitely liked elements of this one. I thought the story was cute. It was a refreshing take on seasons. I liked the big reveal of everyone's secret. It was a treat of a book. 

That being said, I didn't love, love, love the illustrations. I loved the text more than the illustrations. I don't know why the way this bear is illustrated bothers me. (It just does). (I do like the way Duck is illustrated). I do still think this is a fun book that I'm happy to recommend.

191. Mr. S: A First Day of School Book. Monica Arnaldo. 2023. [June] 40 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book]

First sentence: The kids in room 2B could tell something was wrong. Even though it was their very first time at school, they had the sense that something was missing. "Where's the teacher?" someone whispered. "Shouldn't they be here by now?" asked someone else. 

Premise/plot: A kindergarten class is puzzled by their teacher--or lack of teacher. Where a teacher should be sitting there is only a SANDWICH. On the board is written a name: Mr. S. Could this sandwich be their actual teacher? 

The text only tells HALF the story. The illustrations reveal quite the commotion out the window, outside the school. As the school day progresses, so does the drama. Will the students ever have an answer to their question? 

My thoughts: This one is super silly, over-the-top ridiculous, absurd, odd. This could be a GREAT thing in the book's favor. There's something to be said for pure nonsense. Of course, not every reader will find pure nonsense hilarious and appealing. Some will. 

I didn't love this one. I can see how it might prove very funny as a read aloud. I think some readers will find the humor actually funny.

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

171. A Day on the Farm

DK Super Readers, Level 1. A Day on the Farm. DK Publishing. 2023. [April] 35 pages. [Source: Library] [early reader; nonfiction]

First sentence: It is early in the morning. The farm is quiet. Then, the rooster begins to crow. What a noise! Cock-a-doodle-doo! He wakes up all the other farm animals. In the barn, the mother hen starts to cluck. One of her eggs is ready to hatch. 

Premise/plot: Nonfiction EARLY reader. The text is simple. Perhaps not as simple as it could be (think board books with a farm setting). But it is very basic.

My thoughts: This one reminded me a lot of the board books I used to read (and review). Expect photographs of farm animals, names of farm animals, sounds the farm animals make. It's "a day" on the farm. It opens with a rooster and closes with a cat.

I liked it well enough.
 

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

162. What Hedgehogs Likes Best

What Hedgehog Likes Best: Rhymes for Children. Erwin Moser. Translated by Alistair Beaton. 2023. [April] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: The hedgehog's cozy as can be.
Now count the ravens: one, two, three.
The worm lives in her apple-house.
Up in the attic lives the mouse.
The owl is too awake to dream.
The trout is swimming up the stream.
The goat enjoys the morning air.
Those pesky flies get everywhere!

Premise/plot: Yesterday I reviewed What Cats Like Best and What Bears Like Best. All three books are similar. Rhyming couplets featuring animals. No cohesive story, just rhymes that follow a pleasant rhythm. 

My thoughts: I was skeptical a bit at first. My first impression was meh. (Just being honest). But the second time I read them when I was actually writing the review, they began to grow on me a bit. I think knowing that there wasn't a story, that there was no narrative, helped me appreciate them for what they actually do. Here we have rhyme that follows rhythm. Now it is relatively easy to rhyme; I think it comes somewhat naturally. Rhythm is trickier. Some authors get by with very clunky rhythm to their rhymes.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

161. What Bear Likes Best

What Bear Likes Best: Rhymes for Children. Erwin Moser. Translated by Alistair Beaton. 2023. [April] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: The eagle's sitting on her nest.
A walk is what the bear loves best.
The parrot's longing to be free.
The little chick says, "Look at me!"
The hippo's wading through the mud.
The beaver's dam's about to flood.

Premise/plot: Looking for rhyming couplets? Rhyming couplets that star all sorts of different animals? Perhaps this poetry book will be a good fit for you. Each spread rhymes with each other. There is no cohesive story.

My thoughts: These rhyming books are beginning to grow on me the more I read them. I do like the rhythm and rhyme of it. As long as your expectations are reasonable. Now that I know more what to expect, I'm liking them more.

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

154. Hello Baby Sloth! (Board book)

Board book. Hello Baby Sloth (Say Hello! Baby Animals series) Beverly Rose (according to GoodReads). 2023. [March] 18 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Baby sloths live with their mamas in the rain forest. Hello, baby!

Premise/plot: This board book features plenty of photographs of baby sloths (and their mamas). Each spread contains a simple fact. (For example, "baby sloths eat leaves.") 

My thoughts: Board books are for very young "readers." It's all about those early experiences of hearing a book being read and being loved. This one features simple, basic facts about sloths. Most importantly, in my opinion, it features engaging photographs. Readers of all ages can enjoy looking at these adorable sloths.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

137. The Ice Cream Vanishes

The Ice Cream Vanishes. Julia Sarcone-Roach. 2023. [June] 40 pages. [Source: Library] [Picture book]

First sentence: Keep your eye on the acorn. I'm Squirrel. I'm a natural at making snacks disappear. Exceptional at eating them. Brilliant at hiding them. And as soon as I figure out the right magic words, I'll be the Amazing Squirrel, Vanisher of Snacks--BY MAGIC! Just need to sniff out the right snack and the right magic words.

Premise/plot: Squirrel, the "star" of this picture book, loves magic and wants to be a magician. He wants to make ICE CREAM disappear. He enlists Bear as his "assistant." Can Bear and Squirrel make ICE CREAM vanish?

My thoughts: This one was fun/funny. I enjoyed the illustrations. Squirrel doesn't quite catch on as to why Bear is so wonderful at making ice cream disappear. But that's part of the charm, in my opinion. I would recommend this one in print book. I checked it out as an e-book.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

134. Destiny Finds Her Way

Destiny Finds Her Way: How a Rescued Baby Sloth Learned to Be Wild. Margarita Engle. 2023. [February] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: This is the true story of Destiny, a brave little sloth who did not let an injured eye keep her from learning how to be free in the rainforest.

Premise/plot: NONFICTION PICTURE BOOK. Narrative nonfiction. Destiny is a rescued baby sloth who was able to be returned to the wild. That's the quick story. What you see is exactly what you get with this one. 

My thoughts: I loved this one. I loved THE PHOTOS. I loved the story. It was just a treat to read this one. It was so heartwarming. Yes, I know that gets overused. But how could your heart not melt when reading this story? When seeing these adorable pictures? It's a feel-good read.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers