54. Cat's New Book

54. Cat's New Book. Nathalie Belhassen. 2026. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, picture books, cats, friends]

First sentence: This book is new. I just got it, but it's already my favorite! I love hugging its clean cover and stroking its smooth pages. It smells so good. I can read it whenever I want, because it's all mine. But I turn the pages gently so the book will stay new forever.

Premise/plot: CAT has a new book. It's a FAVORITE new book. It's a most treasured and beloved new book. But Cat lends her new book out and makes friends and more friends and even more friends. They all agree that Cat's book is FAVORITE. The book may not stay new and clean, but friendships are forever.

My thoughts: I love, love, love CAT'S NEW BOOK. It's a great book celebrating friendship AND reading. I love the text and the illustrations.


© 2026 Becky Laney of Young Readers

62. Here Is a Book

62. Here is A Book. Elisha Cooper. 2025. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, picture book, book about books]

First sentence: Here is an artist, looking.
And look, here is the artist's garden
made with sun, rain, dirt,
shovels, seeds,
and love.
And here is the artist's home built with wood, hammers,
paint, brushes, a shingled roof, and care,
and her kitchen filled with an oven, bread,
raspberry jam, family, a cat,
and warmth.

Premise/plot: This book celebrates the creation of books poetically--and somewhat abstractly--walking readers through the creative process of writing and publishing a book. The details are more towards an artist illustrating a book or perhaps writing and illustrating a book. 

My thoughts: I enjoy reading books about books. This narrative reads almost like a poem. It is an artistic-creative 'ode' to creating a book. Because of the narrative style I'm thinking elementary aged readers instead of preschoolers or pre-K. 

© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

1. The Many Problems of Rochel-Leah

1. The Many Problems of Rochel-Leah. Jane Yolen. 2024. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book, 3 stars]

First sentence: The first problem Rochel-Leah had was that she was a girl. 

Premise/plot: This picture book is set in a small Russian village--a shtetl--in the 1830s. Rochel-Leah, our heroine, wants more than anything to learn to read. But there are many, many, many obstacles standing in the way. She has spunk and determination, but will that be enough???

My thoughts: This picture book is based on a story passed down through many generations in Jane Yolen's family as happening to a cousin of a cousin of a cousin or some such like way back when. Regardless of its origin, the story celebrates gumption and a LOVE of words, of stories, of the power of such. 

 

 

© 2025 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

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

272-278. Picture Book Parade

272. The Words We Share. Jack Wong. 2023. [October 10] 40 pages. [Source: Library] 

First sentence: Angie! 

Premise/plot: Angie helps out her immigrant parents by translating. The family has [relatively recently] moved to Canada and Angie speaks the best English. She turns entrepreneur--in a way--and makes a 'business' of writing signs in English for others to use in their businesses. But sometimes things get lost in translation....

My thoughts: This is semi-bi-lingual. It is a family-focused picture book that celebrates community. I enjoyed this one.

273. The Yellow Handkerchief. Donna Barba Higuera. Illustrated by Cynthia Alonso. 2023. [March] 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: My abuela wears an old yellow handkerchief that her grandmother gave to her.

Premise/plot: A young girl is VERY conflicted about her grandmother's yellow handkerchief. She both loves her grandmother--abuela--and is ashamed of that old yellow handkerchief. She seems to wrestle with embarrassment that her family--particularly her grandmother--is different from her friends' families. 

My thoughts: This one has a mini coming-of-age lesson within. This one celebrates family and community. I liked it.

274.  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.

ETA: I read this one in April 2023. When a physical book-book copy came into the library I had to check it out and reread it a couple of times. 

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.

 

275. I Am Cat! Peter Bently. Illustrated by Chris Chatterton. 2023. [May] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: I am Cat. Cat is me. A most superior thing to be. I like stretchy-stretchy paw. I like scratchy-scratchy claws. Cat is hungry. Pad, pad, pad. Human sleeping. That's too bad. 

Premise/plot: Cat narrates a lovely rhyming picture book.

My thoughts: I ENJOYED this one oh-so-much. It was a delight. I loved the rhythm and rhyme. I loved the subject! The cat is ADORABLE. The story was amusing. Definitely recommend to cat lovers of all ages.

276. Jack the Library Cat. Marietta Apollonio. 2023. [May] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Jack snuck through the doors of the library each morning.

Premise/plot: Jack, the starring cat of our picture book, LOVES the library. The allergic-to-cats librarian does not appreciate Jack and his desire to be IN the library. She frowns upon those who let the adorable Jack inside the building. But Jack has fans and supporters who understand his need for STORIES. Will the librarian realize that Jack deserves to be in the library?

My thoughts: What a cute story. I enjoyed this one. I liked the library setting. I loved Jack. I loved that it celebrated BOOKS, stories, and CATS.

277. The Digger and the Butterfly. Joseph Kuefler. 2023. [May] 48 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: It was spring, and the big trucks were busy. Working. Building. Transforming.

Premise/plot: Digger makes friends, in a way, with a caterpillar/butterfly. 

My thoughts: I'm not quite sure what to think of this one! Digger gets a chance to SLOW down and relax when the caterpillar makes its cocoon literally ON him. His construction buddies continue to do the work, Digger not so much. 

This one is cute enough, I suppose. It stars construction vehicles (talking ones of course) but also celebrates nature and the natural world. This is definitely an interesting combination. It is part of a series, apparently. I have not read the other books.

278. Champion Chompers, Super Stinkers and Other Poems by Extraordinary Animals. Linda Ashman. Illustrated by Aparna Varma. 2023. 48 pages. [Source: Library] [Poetry book]

First sentence: Calling all contestants! Think you're tops? The most? The best? Are you bigger....taller....faster....smaller....stronger than the rest? 

Premise/plot: A collection of animal poems. The two-page spreads do NOT go together. This has to be intentional. The poem acts like a RIDDLE asking children to guess the animal. There is nonfiction facts about each animal as well.

My thoughts: I didn't love this one as much as I wanted to. I like the premise well enough and the fact that it includes poetry and nonfiction facts.

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

267-270. Picture Book Parade

267. Hopefully the Scarecrow. Michelle Houts. Illustrated by Sara Palacios. 2023. [August] 40 pages. [Source: Library] [Picture book]

First sentence:  A scarecrow stood in the garden. Tall, proud, smiling. Like most of us, he didn't remember the very beginning of his days. He only knew he was created with loving hands. Carefully crafted. Wonderfully made. He did remember the first time she placed him on his perch. She set him up straight, stood back, and smiled. Hopefully, the scarecrow will keep the birds away," she'd said. He hadn't known his name was Hopefully. But he liked it.

Premise/plot: Hopefully (the scarecrow) has a great life--for the most part. It is made better by the stories he hears every day. But the 'little' girl who is his faithful friend and companion doesn't stay 'little' forever. She grows up...and life changes....but can Hopefully still find his place in the world?

My thoughts: This one is lovely, sweet, and enjoyable. I love a good fall-themed story, especially if it is NOT Halloween themed. This one celebrates STORIES and friendship as well. I absolutely love the ending of this one. Definitely recommended.

268. A Walk in the Woods. Nikki Grimes. Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney and Brian Pinkney. 2023. [September] 40 pages. [Source: Library] [Picture book]

First sentence: A week after the funeral,
I stare in the morning mirror,
angry that my father's eyes
stare back at me.
Why, Dad?
Why did you have to leave?

Premise/plot: A Walk in the Woods is, in my personal opinion, a picture book for older readers. The protagonist is a boy grieving the loss of his father. It occurs soon after his father's death. He goes on a walk in the woods. He's following the clues his father left behind to find 'treasure.' This is a nature-centric picture book celebrating life, love, and loss. 

My thoughts: Nikki Grimes and Jerry Pinkney are two BIG names, both beloved. They started this project--a nature-themed picture book--together. He was able to complete a rough draft of illustrations before his death. His son--also an illustrator, also a big name--finished the illustrations. The picture book means so much to all involved. Yes, that's the case with all books, I imagine, but especially so in this case.
It is written in prose AND verse. The themes are, in my personal opinion, complex and weighty. Everyone--no matter their age--can appreciate nature. But this one has a weightiness to it that adults may appreciate more. 

269. I Love You, Daddy. [Board book] Stephanie Moss. Illustrated by Kathryn Inkson. 2023 (2021). 24 pages. [Source: Library] 

First sentence: The morning birds wake us together at dawn. "Daddy, I love you," I sleepily yawn. 

Premise/plot: A lion and his cub spend the day together. This board book is written in rhyming verse.

My thoughts: This one was originally published in the UK. I couldn't figure out if it was also published in the U.S. or if the library just ordered it from the UK. It is cutesy and adorable. If that's your favorite kind of board book, then this one should appeal. If you are drawn to the cover, then you'll appreciate the interior illustrations as well.

270. The Baddies. Julia Donaldson. Illustrated by Axel Scheffler. 2022/2023. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book]

First sentence: There once lived a troll and a ghost and a witch. They were horrible baddies all three. They never said sorry or thank you or please, and their hearts were as hard as could be. 

Premise/plot: Three villains or "baddies" scheme to steal a little girl's handkerchief. Will any of them succeed?

My thoughts: I did not care for this one. You might. I do think humor might be different in the US versus the UK. But I'm not sure that's the reason I didn't like it. I just didn't care about the story or the characters. The 'so what' was missing for me.

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

197-200. Four More Picture Books

197. The Brilliant Ms. Bangle. Cara Devins. Illustrated by K-Fai Steele. 2023. 32 pages. [Source: Library] 

First sentence: It was the very first day of school at Belford Elementary, and the students were so excited to be back.

Premise/plot: The kids may be happy to be back at school, but they are not happy to learn that their librarian from the previous year(s), Ms. Stack, has not come back. Ms. Bangle is the new librarian. Will she get a fair chance? Maybe. Maybe not. Can she out-smart this class of students? Probably. 

My thoughts: Ms. Bangle knows all about reverse psychology. Possibly also love and logic. 

I liked this one okay. Ms. Bangle is certainly a character. Is this a book kids will love? Maybe. Maybe not. Is it a book adult librarians will love? Probably. Possibly. 

198.  Nothing's Wrong! A Hare, a Bear, and Some Pie To Share. Jory John. 2023. 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Chop, chop, chop, mix, mix, mix, pat, pat, pat. "Ahhhhh, a warm apple pie, freshly baked, straight out of the oven. Jeff will absolutely love this! I can't wait to see the look on his face. It'll be perfect for our picnic this afternoon."

Premise/plot: Anders has baked a pie....but things don't go according to plan when a sudden storm ruins everything. Jeff (the bear) doesn't know what is wrong--Anders is not forthcoming. Can he cheer up his friend? 

My thoughts: Very text-heavy (for better or worse). I enjoyed this friendship. Apparently there is a previous book starring these two friends--Something's Wrong. I enjoyed this one enough to put that one on hold at the library. This one has some mini-lessons on friendship tucked in. I'm not sure these lessons are subtle (or that they are trying to be). But these mini-lessons could potentially be useful in teaching readers (of all ages) how to be a good friend in various situations.

I liked it well enough. 

199. Rain. Cynthia Rylant. Illustrated by Lisa Congdon. 2023. 48 pages. [Source: Library] 

First sentence: There is a softness
and a quiet
before the rain comes.

Premise/plot: This book celebrates...you guessed it...RAIN. It focuses on animals and nature. Readers see how various animals react/respond to coming rain, actual rain, and the aftermath of a good rain. (Hint: everyone loves rain). 

My thoughts: What you see is what you get. If you are looking for a picture book about RAIN then this one is a good, strong, [poetic] choice. 

I liked this one. I loved the text more than the illustrations. (But that could just be me). 

200. Our Dragon. Mem Fox. Illustrated by Linda Davick. 2023. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: So here is our dragon! Our dragon is little. He's almost brand-new! And his favorite thing--how I wish it weren't true--is breathing out fire wherever he goes. It comes from his mouth, and it comes from his nose! He doesn't say sorry. He doesn't know how. So his parents say firmly. "Please listen, right now."

Premise/plot: These two human parents are super-frustrated with their new dragon. (Why did they get a baby dragon if they weren't prepared to deal with a baby dragon????) In particular, they get angry that their dragon, their baby dragon, breathes fire. As they continue to try to teach him manners, how to control himself, etc, they continued to scold and express their disappointment. After the baby dragon is crying, then they decide perhaps a little comfort is not out of place. The end.

My thoughts: I did NOT like this one even slightly. Though if I had to pick something to praise about it, it would be the illustrations. I over-think picture books. It's what I do. I read a picture book and take it way too seriously. I think of dozens of questions that pull apart the book's logic and reason. 

In this instance, why are two humans adopting a dragon? Isn't this sending the wrong message about adoption? I'm 99.99% certain that was not the intent. So is the dragon a stand-in for ANY new baby? And if that's the case--which the jacket flap tends to suggest--WHAT on earth is the fire supposed to correlate with???? Fire is literally a hazard--to them, to their house, to everything. And it's something they would have had to known about before bringing it into their home. So obviously they weren't thinking or planning ahead. Fire also seems as natural as breathing to a dragon...so them scolding and reprimanding the dragon until it cries seems not only counterproductive but just plain cruel. It accomplishes nothing useful and is harmful to bonding. Is the fire supposed to represent the messes baby naturally makes? that any and every baby makes? If so, it just seems weird and well, WEIRD. 

I didn't like these two as parents. 

The rhyming felt HORRIBLE in a forced, un-rhythmic way. Like WHY does it have to be told in rhyme like this????

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

195. A Book for Bear

A Book for Bear. Ellen Ramsey. Illustrated by MacKenzie Haley. 2023. [July] 32 pages. [Source: Review copy] [picture book; books about books; friendship]

First sentence: Bear loved books. Every day, Bear sat at the edge of the woods and listened to a girl read. The girl, whose name was Ellen, loved to read. Bear loved to listen. Ellen read....scary books, exciting books, funny books.

Premise/plot: Bear loves, loves, loves books. And he's appreciative of Ellen reading him stories. But he wants to CHOOSE his own book. The two try to come up with the perfect plan for allowing Bear to pick out his own book: the school library, the public library, the bookstore. But in all three, BEARS aren't allowed and their plans, well, they don't go according to plan. Will Bear ever get a book of his own choosing?

My thoughts: I really enjoyed this one. I loved Bear. I loved Ellen. I loved the planning and scheming. It was cute to see their plans in the illustrations. I was satisfied with their conclusion. I think it makes it even more special. I could definitely see a reading and/or writing teacher using this in an elementary classroom. (Especially younger ages.)

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

184. Our Incredible Library Book

Our Incredible Library Book and the Wonderful Journeys It Took. Caroline Crowe. Illustrated by John Joseph. 2023. [April] 32 pages. [Source: Library] [Picture book] [Books about books] 

First sentence: Welcome to the library! A room packed with stories, from ceiling to floor, shelves of adventures for you to explore. But each book has two stories--the tale the words tell, and the tale of the journey it's been on as well... Down there on the shelf, all tattered and worn, is an old picture book: some pages are torn. But once it was new, pages crisp, every one, bursting with colours and brimming with fun. It took pride of place on the new books display, and was borrowed by Nia that very first day.

Premise/plot: This book celebrates readers AND reading. It is the story of ONE book (out of many) and its many readers through the decades. It begins with the book's first day on the "new book shelf" and the first child to check it out. It continues by sharing dozens (well, probably a dozen) of check-out stories. The book highlights how this one book was THE beloved book by so many. 

My thoughts: I enjoy books about books, books about readers, books about reading. The first US publication is 2023. (It was published in the UK in 2022). I love the idea behind this one. The premise works for me. Books can be MAGICAL and WONDERFUL. It is easy to bond with books. 

The part of me that overthinks can't help thinking that this book probably would have been weeded out of the collection when it got so tattered, torn, hold together with tape, etc. The very things that make it "real" (think Velveteen Rabbit) are the things that might lead it being weeded out. Now if it was still getting lots of love--checked out regularly--and if it was still in print, it might get reordered and replaced.

Even with my slight overthinking, I do love this one. 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

71. This Book is My Best Friend

This Book Is My Best Friend. Robin Robinson. 2023. [January] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Excuse me.... I'm sorry, but I NEED this book.

Premise/plot: Sunny and Aarush both LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the same book: Factory Friends. The library apparently only has ONE copy. (Sad, sad, super-sad). These two strangers are about to meet face to face at the library and have a tug-of-war with one beloved book. Both will argue their case, trying to persuade the other that they NEED the book more. And honestly, both have good, solid, valid reasons why they *need* the book. (Sunny's mom is in the hospital; Aarush has new siblings--twins.) The two are able to voice very well their emotions and feelings. The book highlights the magic of reading and what books can mean to us as readers. Also highlighting, of course, the power of a book to unite readers.

My thoughts: In the actual, actual story the two are not named. The jacket flap names the protagonists. In the story, the two never introduce themselves 'properly' I suppose. I guess that may be why. The whole book is their dialogue. It's a healthy dialogue too. The two are actively listening to one another and mostly empathizing. Each wants to keep Factory Friends. So they are pulling other books off the shelf trying to hand-sell substitute books. (Which makes for a great book!!!) (One is interested in robots. One is interested in mice.)

I loved the layers of this one. There's the surface-level of the dialogue. And then there are the deeper layers that are mainly revealed through the illustrations. Definitely a book worth examining closely a couple of times.

In this lovely book about books, there are little gems for older readers (or let's be honest adult librarians and/or teachers) hidden in the illustrations. Look at all the book covers facing out on the shelves of the library.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

50. The Library Fish Learns to Read

The Library Fish Learns to Read. Alyssa Satin Capucilli. 2023. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Library Fish loved her home on the desk of Mr. Hughes, the librarian. It was the perfect place to welcome every visitor to the library. From where she sat, Library Fish could check each book that was borrowed and returned.

Premise/plot: Library Fish, the library pet of Mr. Hughes, learns to read in this second picture book adventure. Library Fish commits fully to this learning-to-read process. And it starts with learning the alphabet and the sound each letter makes. Who will Library Fish read to??? Readers of the first book may just guess!

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. It was just as cute and silly--imaginative--as the first. I continued to enjoy all the illustrations. The library scenes are just as charming as ever. I will say that this one is VERY text heavy.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

49. The Library Fish

The Library Fish. Alyssa Satin Capucilli. Illustrated by Gladys Jose. 2022. [March] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Once there was a fish. She was not an ordinary fish. She didn't live in the sea or the ocean. She didn't live in a river or lake. In fact, when Mr. Hughes the librarian found her, he said, "I'm not quite sure where you came from, but, if you love stories, you've come to the right place. Some libraries have their lions, but this library will have you, Fish."

Premise/plot: Library Fish is adopted by the librarian, Mr. Hughes. Library Fish soon becomes a vital part of all the library doings. But what will happen on a SNOW DAY when the library is closed and oh-so-silent? What kind of adventures or misadventures will Library Fish have on her own?

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I loved all the library scenes. It was cute. Did I love the idea of fish jumping out of her bowl and exploring the library? Maybe not so much. (I have scars.) But if I look at it purely in a creative/imaginative way, it is a silly, fun story.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

42. Once Upon a Book

Once Upon a Book. Grace Lin and Kate Messner. 2023. [February] 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Alice was tired of heavy sweaters and thick socks and staying inside with nothing to do. "I wish I were someplace that wasn't so frozen and gray!" she grumbled to her mother. She began to stomp away, but something flapped nearby. It was the pages of a book. Curious, Alice began to read.

Premise/plot: Alice, our protagonist, spends the afternoon [or morning, or day] IN a book--literally and figuratively. The illustrations show her stepping right into a book and truly LIVING and EXPERIENCING the action/story of the book[s]. She goes from story to story meeting all sorts of characters--mainly animals, if not exclusively animals. Her landscape is ever-changing. 

My thoughts: I wanted to love this one. I did. I love, love, love books about books. I didn't quite love this one despite me wanting to absolutely do so. I think that is mainly all on me. It is not at all fair to judge a book based on your expectations, what you want the book to be. But the book I desperately wanted this one to be would have Alice stepping into familiar books and stories--meeting characters, being thrown into stories. Instead, it was almost let's travel the globe and learn about different habitats and animals. Yet it wasn't even quite that. [Not nonfiction-y enough to be an informative book]. The illustrations were bright, bold, colorful.

An artistic choice that I personally didn't love was Alice's ever-changing dress. She starts off with a dress imprinted with words. But her dress blends into EVERY landscape. It changes with each story. At first glance--at least my first glance--it looks like arms, legs, head and shoulders--just floating disconnected. Again, that could be 100% just me. Yes, upon a double-take I saw she was still wearing a block-y dress. But it was distracting/disconcerting to me. Again a nitpicky thing. I probably am the only reader who will feel this way.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

116. Everything In Its Place: A Story of Books and Belonging

Everything In Its Place: A Story of Books and Belonging. Pauline David-Sax. Illustrated by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow. 2022. 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: The bell rings and I push open the library door.
The book-return bin is full.
Got your work cut out for you, Nicky, Ms. Gillam says.
I gather the books in my arms
and give them a hug.
Welcome home, I whisper.
I head down the rows of numbered shelves
to put them back where they belong.

Everything In Its Place is a picture book celebrating books and reading--obviously. But it also celebrates those subtle-brave moments where decisions are made. A shy, book-loving introvert is "forced" out of her comfort zone--the school library--when the librarian goes to a librarian conference for an entire week. That week she'll be "forced" to brave recess with her classmates. It isn't comfortable. But does it have to be as terrifying as it feels? Probably not. But sometimes how something feels to you is so very very very different from how something feels to others. Nicky--book of poems in hand--braves recess and in the process a tentative new friendship begins. (The potential friend likes poetry too.)

I am not 100% sure this one is supposed to be a poetry (a picture book that is a poem). But it feels like a poem so often. (Not always). 

I do love, love, love, love the end papers. The illustrations point to this being historical. How libraries and school libraries were in the past. (I can testify to that.) 

I did feel safest in my school library. It was a place I loved, loved, loved.

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

24. Dear Librarian

Dear Librarian. Lydia M. Sigwarth. Illustrated by Romina Galatta. 2021. 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Dear Librarian, May I tell you a story?

Premise/plot: Dear Librarian is the story of a girl, Lydia, and her special librarian. Lydia is recounting her experience of moving. Her family doesn't have a home of their own, a space of their own. They are staying with various members of their extended family. Lots of change and some uncertainty. But Lydia finds a home--in the library. And she finds a friend in the librarian.

My thoughts: This book is based on the author's experiences as a child. So if the picture book feels a little out of sync with contemporary times, that's probably why. I am not complaining. I do think there are some timeless things in the story itself. In fact I appreciate the fact that it is based on real experiences (and emotions). It feels authentic.

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

163. The Bookshop of Dust and Dreams

The Bookshop of Dust and Dreams. Mindy Thompson. 2021. [October 26] 272 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: The bookshop is feeling blue today. I sense it the moment my brother James and I arrive home from school. The lights are low, the ever-shifting wallpaper is a cheerless dark gray, with somber books on display--Wuthering Heights, Old Yellow, A Little Princess. The gloom sinks into my bones.

Premise/plot: The Bookshop of Dust and Dreams has an intriguing premise. It is set during the Second World War--1944 to be precise. But its main setting is a bookshop. Rhyme and Reason is one of a handful of magical bookshops. "Our shop isn't a normal bookshop, it belongs to the world of magic ones. Just like the others, Rhyme and Reason finds people from outside of our time and brings them to our door. It searches a hundred years into the future and the past to find customers who need the light and hope it can offer through books and community. Papa says bookshops are good for broken souls and wounded hearts." Poppy, our heroine, is quite a bookworm. She loves, loves, loves, loves her family's bookshop. She loves meeting all the customers--all ages of customers--from all time periods. But the shop has been acting weird, strange, out of sorts, unpredictable, moody. And Poppy feels called--in more ways than one--to try to mend the shop and set things right again. But that process is complicated. How does one *know* what the right thing to do is? There can be a subtle difference between something feeling right and being right. And sometimes doing what is right breaks your heart--shatters it. Still the fate of the bookshop may be in her hands--as incapable and unsure as she feels. 

My thoughts: This book had the potential to be super-fluffy and just pure delight OR the potential to be a weighty complex read. It was certainly heavier than I imagined it might be. The premise is pure delight: a MAGICAL bookshop. Customers coming into the shop from ALL time periods. Being able to read books from other time periods. Books finding the right reader at the right time. Books connecting people together. A true sense of community between readers--no divisions or divides. Pure delight. But it goes beyond that and ventures into more familiar territory perhaps--the battle between good and evil, light and dark. The magic that makes the bookshop possible is more complex than you might think. Magic comes with a price--in the words of Rumpelstiltskin from ONCE Upon A Time. There is a showdown between light and dark in The Bookshop of Dust and Dreams. And the book has more layers than you might expect. I found myself accurately predicting a few things, but it held some twists and turns that I did not guess, would never have guessed.

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

151. A Walk in the Words

A Walk in the Words. Hudson Talbott. 2021. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Drawing always came naturally to me. I drew all the time. I just did it, like breathing.

Premise/plot: Hudson Talbott shares his own story--one that perhaps many, many children (and adults) can relate to--of how learning to read and actually reading was difficult for him. He contrasts his experiences with words with his experiences drawing. He describes his experiences with great detail and imagery--making use of art. The picture book is very visual. "A whole page of text looked like a wall--keeping me out." What he realized is that both art and text can tell stories--great, wonderful, marvelous, amazing stories worth experiencing.

While reading felt overwhelming and exhausting, his approach was practical and ultimately inspiring. "I grabbed overwhelm and broke off over so it just said whelm. It meant the same thing but was more my size. Now I could whelm the words before they overwhelmed me. I'd just read at my own pace. After all, it was my walk in the words. I took time to look for words that I knew. There they were! Like stepping stones leading me onward."

My thoughts: I loved the art. It was so visual, so essential, so fundamental to the story. I loved the text. The story is ultimately a love song to stories...to storytellers...to books. I would recommend it to teachers and parents especially.

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

99. My Very Favorite Book in the Whole Wide World

My Very Favorite Book in the Whole Wide World. Malcolm Mitchell. Illustrated by Michael Robertson. 2020. [December] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Hi! I'm Henley. And this is a story about finding my very favorite book in the whole wide world.

Premise/plot: Reading doesn't come easily or naturally to Henley. He'd be hard-pressed to answer the question "What is your favorite book?" So when that exact question is asked for a homework assignment, he struggles. He visits the library, the bookstore, talks to his parents. But he's got a trick up his sleeve...maybe his favorite book in the whole wide world doesn't exist yet...because he hasn't written it yet.

My thoughts: I liked this one. I didn't love it. I do like that Henley found his voice and authored his own story. There's something cute and adorable about that. 

Yet at the same time, I wanted him to have an actual actual favorite book. You don't have to read yourself to have a favorite book. You don't. Plenty of kids have a stack of favorite books that they've only heard read aloud, that they've only "read" by looking at the pictures. His not having a favorite book makes me sad. Sad that he didn't have a favorite book at home already in his room, by his bed, a book part of his routine.

 I admit that I may be overthinking this a thousand percent. I do that.

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

85. No Buddy Like a Book

No Buddy Like a Book. Allan Wolf. Illustrated by Brianne Farley. 2021. [February] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: We learn important stuff from books. We learn to speak and think. We learn why icebergs stay afloat...and why Titanics sink.

Premise/plot: Another case of what you see is what you get. This is a picture book (in poetic form) about books. From cover to cover this book has one job and only one job: to celebrate how reading engages one's imagination.

My thoughts: This rhyming picture book celebrates the act of reading taking time to highlight how awesome, wonderful, spectacular it is to engage one's imagination by reading. Books fuel the imagination. Imagination fuels books. Much love to be spread.

I loved the theme--obviously. I liked the poem well enough. If rhyming picture books about books are your thing, then this one is definitely for you.

There are dozens of picture books celebrating books, reading, the imagination, curiosity, etc. I happen to like some of the other books a bit more than this one. But this one is solid enough. 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers