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

7. Flat Cat

Flat Cat. Tara Lazar. Illustrated by Pete Oswald. 2023. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [Picture book]

First sentence: Flat Cat was born flat. He wasn't squashed by an out-of-control ice cream truck. He wasn't smushed in a waffle iron by a sleepy short-order cook. He was just flat. Flat as a welcome mat, flat as splashed splat. And wouldn't you know it, Flat Cat liked it just like that.

Premise/plot: Flat Cat loves being flat. This is the story of how Flat Cat became un-flat and rather FAT. Can Flat Cat learn to see some positives at least from being fat and fluffy? Or is the Flat Cat lifestyle the best way to do life?

My thoughts: This was an odd book. Obviously. That almost goes without saying. Cats aren't really all that flat--naturally. The book is silly enough and it could prove appealing. It wasn't quite my cup of tea. 

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

342-343. Two Early Readers (Last Reviews of the Year)

342. Frog Can Hop (Ready to Read, Ready to Go) Laura Gehl. Illustrated by Fred Blunt. 2023. [December] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Frog can hop. Pig can flop. Frog can mop. Pig can flop. Frog can shop. Pig can flop.

Premise/plot: Frog and Pig are friends....mostly. However, Frog does tend to carry the load while Pig, well, Pig mainly just flops, and flops, and flops. But when Frog drops....well, Pig may just have the opportunity to do more than flop.

My thoughts: This is an early reader for those just beginning to learn to read. The illustrations do some of the heavy lifting in terms of storytelling. The plot moves forward mainly because the illustrations clearly convey the action and characters. The simple text is focusing on the '-op' family. (Bop, chop, drop, flop, hop, mop, plop, pop, shop, stop) It also includes two basic sight words: "and" and "can." 

I do think this one has a plot. It is more than just practicing sounding out op words. I enjoyed the humor.

343. Monkey Cam (Critter Cam) Margie Palatini. Illustrated by Dan Yaccarino. 2023. [December] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Yawn.

Premise/plot: This year there have been a whole line of books in the Critter Cam series. This one stars a monkey wearing a camera in an helmet. The plot is super simple. Readers observe the world from two perspective--third person perspective and first person perspective. Monkey is having quite a day.

My thoughts: I liked this one okay. Not my favorite in the series. Not my least favorite in the series. It does feature "monkey speak" which some may enjoy. I certainly enjoyed monkey chatter as a kid.

 

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

341. Sabrina Sue Loves the Moon

Sabrina Sue Loves the Moon. Priscilla Burris. 2023. [December] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Sabrina Sue lived on a farm. One night she saw the moon and the stars. I want to go to the moon, she thought. She thought about the moon in the daytime. She dreamed about the moon at night. She sang about it. 

Premise/plot: Sabrina Sue is a fantastic chicken who stars in her own series of books for young readers. This book is part of a larger series. Sabrina Sue has always been a dreamer--a big dreamer though small in size, and obviously a chicken at that. In this one she dreams of going to the moon....

My thoughts: I've greatly enjoyed Sabrina Sue in the past. I didn't quite love this newest adventure. Some of her dreams seem lofty and difficult, but a chicken going to the moon is a bit too over-the-top for my overthinking brain! Sometimes I have to be in the right mood to enjoy. Definitely some books you have to suspend your disbelief to fully embrace and enjoy. 

I do recommend the series. 

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

340. The 13-Story Treehouse

The 13-Story Treehouse: Monkey Mayhem! Andy Griffiths. Illustrated by Terry Denton. 2011. 256 pages. [Source: Bought]

First sentence: Hi, my name is Andy. This is my friend Terry. We live in a tree.

Premise/plot: Andy and Terry live in a treehouse--a LARGE treehouse at that. They write books together. They are past due for their current book, oh no! And they are having trouble concentrating on their work, their project. They keep getting distracted by MANY things (many monkey related, though somehow sea monsters also make an appearance). Will they ever finish their book? And if they do finish their book will children like you read it?

My thoughts: Very meta. I think this one may have kid appeal. I am NOT the target audience. The humor, in my opinion, is very age-specific. There's a target age group--or humor/maturity phase--that this one was written for directly. Granted humor is always subjective. It is the first in a series. 

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

339. Hanukkah Upside Down

Hanukkah Upside Down. Elissa Brent Weissman. Illustrated by Omer Hoffmann. 2023. [September] 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Noah lived in New York. His cousin Nora lived in Aotearoa New Zealand. 

Premise/plot: Noah and Nora are cousins who live on opposite sides of the world, but the two (and their families) share the same faith. This new picture book follows both Noah and Nora (and their correspondence) as they celebrate Hanukkah. 

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I liked seeing how Hanukkah is celebrated in summer AND winter. There are many things that are the same--traditional, culturally familiar--and things that are different. 

This book offers a unique offering of a Hanukkah themed picture book.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

331-338. Another Board Book Stack

331. This Little Piggy (Let's Count to 10) Jarvis. 2019. 22 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: One little piggy went to market. Two little piggies had a car but couldn't park it. Three little piggies learned how to knit. Four little piggies did their best to keep fit. Five little piggies played the bongos.

Premise/plot: A counting concept board book for little ones starring pigs. The text gets sillier and sillier with every turn of the page. 

My thoughts: I really LOVED this one. I thought it was silly and funny. I really loved the rhyme that went with the number nine. 

Not all counting books are funny. All may help teach little ones to count to ten. But not all are packed with piggy humor.

332. Picken. Mary Murphy. 2019. 12 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Mix and match the farm animals. 

Premise/plot: This is an interactive board book for parents to share with little ones. It has a unique format. One can open up the pages simultaneously and have all the animals be matched perfectly. OR one can mix and match all the farm animals. One can choose to be "proper" or "whimsical."

My thoughts: Will this one be appealing to every parent? Maybe. Maybe not. Same with little ones, of course. One can't really predict how other little ones will react--what they will find amusing. This one has the potential for some laughs. But no guarantees. I can imagine a scenario where parents and young readers can have a lot of fun. For example, what noise do you think a picken (cross between a chicken and a pig) would make?

333. We Love the Farm (Two Books in One) Rachael Saunders. 2019. 12 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence from big book: Who says MOO, MOO?
First sentence from little book: cow

Premise/plot: This board book has a unique format to it. "Two" books in one. The two books obviously go together. The big book asks a question, the little one supplies the answer. There are vocabulary words sprinkled on all the pages. Plenty to point out to your little one. 

My thoughts: This one is cute. It is fun to flip through the little book. I won't lie. One could even add a little humor to story time--if you so desire. One could flip to the wrong answer. And you could be "corrected" by your little one. Does a chicken go moo? NO! This one definitely has potential.

334. We Love Animals (Two Books In One) Lo Cole. 2019. 12 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence of the big book? Who lives on the plains?
First sentence of the little book? lion

Premise/plot: This board book has a unique format to it. "Two" books in one. The two books obviously go together. The big book asks a question, the little one supplies an answer. Each spread shows other animals that also live in the region/type of region. There is more than one right answer. But the little book reveals an animal not on the other spread.

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I liked it. I thought it was cute. Definitely potential for parents and little ones to interact with each other. It is fun to turn the pages of the little book. One could definitely read this book straightforward. Or one could add a little to it. For example? "Who lives in the sea? Does a camel live in the sea? No. Does an owl live in the sea? No. Does a dolphin live in the sea? YES!"

This one would pair well with Baby Einstein's Baby Noah. Just saying.

335. I Thought I Saw an Elephant. Lydia Nichols. 10 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: I thought I saw an elephant? Is it behind the ice cream shop?
I thought I saw an elephant? Is it in the pond?

Premise/plot: A child "sees" an elephant EVERYWHERE, but can you find the elephant too?

My thoughts: I wanted to absolutely love, love, love this one. I love elephants. I like interactive books with sliders. I do like this one. I do. I just don't love it. I thought perhaps it would go in a different direction. But if your little one is up for a game of hide and seek -- or slide and seek -- with an elephant, there's one to be found on every page.

336. I Thought I Saw A Bear. Lydia Nichols. 10 Pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: I thought I saw a bear. Is it in the car? I thought I saw a bear? Is it on the boat?

Premise/plot: A child "sees" a bear everywhere. 

My thoughts: I am SO conflicted. On the one hand, the illustrations are so adorable and fun. The sliders are super cute, fun to manipulate, silly. On the other hand, there is no fun in the seeking when they aren't hidden in the first place. I overthink things. It's what I do. The bear couldn't be more obvious either way the slider is slid. There's no question or doubt...and while it's fun to play with the slides...not sure this one has a point.

337. Colors with Little Fish. Lucy Cousins. 2019. 24 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: I am Little Fish, swimming in the sea. I love spotting colors. Can you spot with me?

Premise/plot: This concept book--concept being colors--stars Little Fish. Little Fish has his own series of books. (Random thought: did he ever got his own television show like Maisy? And if not, why not?)

My thoughts: I like Little Fish. It's been a long while since I've read and reviewed any books starring Little Fish. And to be honest, I haven't been reviewing many Maisy books lately either. This one is nice. It would work as an introduction to the much longer series. Or it would be good if your little one already loves Little Fish.

338. Our Little Love Bug. Sandra Magsamen. 2007/2018. 10 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Your smile is so sweet, it makes our days. You brighten our world in so many ways. You fill our lives with lots of love.

Premise/plot: This board book for the very young features felt on every spread. The message is syrupy sweet. That could be a VERY good thing--depending on your mood. The text is super simple, predictably sweet. The illustrations are bright....and there's felt.

My thoughts: I'm conflicted between thinking this would be great for the youngest of the young because of the simplicity of the book and it's super-sweet (though not terribly exciting narrative). In some ways, this one screams out bedtime book. But then there's the felt. Is it meant to be interactive? Is it meant for an audience that is old enough to be manipulating it, experiencing the different tactiles?

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

327-330. Stack of Board Books

327. Let's Go, Construction Trucks (Spin Me). Scholastic. 2019. 12 pages. [Source: Review copy] [Board books]

First sentence: I move dirt from place to place. I can clear out any space! I am a dump truck. Make my wheels spin. Let construction begin! 
My round roller has no grooves. I make sure the roads are smooth! I am a steamroller. Make my wheels spin. Let construction begin!

Premise/plot: A [mostly] rhyming construction-themed book for young(er) readers. This one has the repetitive refrain: Make my wheels spin. Let construction begin! 

My thoughts: I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the interactive element in this one. Will every young child? Maybe. Maybe not. But if your little one does happen to think it is the greatest thing ever, then the catchy narrative is a bonus. 

I found the interactive element mesmerizing (in a good way, I think). Definitely recommended.

ETA: A few reviewers have pointed out that one truck is mislabeled/misidentified in the story. 

328.  101 Trucks: And Other Mighty Things That Go. April Jones Prince. Illustrated by Bob Kolar. 2019. 14 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Every day, trucks work hard to make our lives faster, easier, and safer!

Premise/plot: This one works for a slightly older audience. It has a main narrative, but it also labels a hundred plus trucks and, in a way, organizes information for young readers. 

My thoughts: This is one of those books that grow with your little one. It does have a main narrative. If time is tight or your little one has a smaller attention span, then one can stick to the main text. If you have more time, or if your little one is CURIOUS and full of questions, one can interact with the smaller pictures and text. One could certainly interact with the text. Parents asking questions for little ones and vice versa. For example, "can you find the truck with the hotdog on it?" or "do you think it would be fun to ride a tram?" The illustrations are definitely on the busier side.

329. Vehicles ABC. Jannie Ho. 2018. 28 pages. [Source: Review copy] 

First sentence: Aa ambulance
Bb bulldozer
Cc carriage
Dd digger
Ee electric car
Ff fire engine
Gg galleon

Premise/plot: A vehicle/transportation themed alphabet concept books for little ones. The illustrations may not be super-realistic, but overall it's not bad.

My thoughts: I like this one. As with all alphabet books there are some odd choices that are made with harder letters, but what are you going to do? That's the nature of alphabet books. 

330. The Goodnight Train Rolls On. June Sobel. Illustrated by Laura Huliska-Beith. 2018/2019. 28 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Stars are twinkling. Moon shines bright. The Goodnight Train chugs through the night. Dream dust lands on sleepy heads. The porter smiles and fluffs the beds.

Premise/plot: This one is a sequel or companion book. There are multiple books in the Goodnight Train series.

My thoughts: It has been a while since I read The Goodnight Train (original) and Santa and the Goodnight Train (a sequel). I rated both books three stars. 

For little ones that love, love, love the previous books in the series, this one might prove quite the treat. I know that trains can be fascinating for young ones and that some never really outgrow their love of trains. (Others do.) This one is written in rhyme. 

The text is silly, but the illustrations are even sillier perhaps.

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

325-326. Two Early Readers

325. Best Buddies: A Pie for Us (An Acorn Book) Vicky Fang. Illustrated by Luisa Leal. 2023. [October 17] 48 pages. [Source: Library] [Early reader; early graphic novel]

First sentence: This is Sniff. Hello. Woof! This is Scratch. Nice to meet you! Meow! They are best buddies. Well, sometimes.

Premise/plot: There are three stories in this early reader. There are color coded speech bubbles. Young readers will always be able to know who is speaking. 

The three stories are "The Pie," "The Box," and "The Thing."  In the first story, these two decide to team up to out-best their human(s). Can working together help them in reaching the goal--getting the PIE. In the second story, "The Box," Scratch LOVES, LOVES, LOVES the box. Sniff is less certain of the box, or the appeal of the box. But how does the box really feel about Scratch??? In the third story, Scratch and Sniff discover a new "thing." It is a mirror. How will these two respond to their mirror-second-selves????

My thoughts: This one was a DELIGHT. I absolutely loved it. It is definitely an early reader. Simple and basic in many ways. Yet there is humor in the stories. I think the book and series will prove appealing to those just learning to read. Definitely recommend for classroom purchase in addition to school and public libraries.

 

326. Best Buddies: Save the Duck (An Acorn Book) Vicky Fang. Illustrated by Luisa Leal. [December 2023] 48 pages. [Source: Library] [Early reader; early graphic novel]

First sentence: This is Sniff. Hi. Woof! This is Scratch. Hello! Meow! They are best buddies. Well, sometimes.

Premise/plot: There are three stories in this early reader.  There are color coded speech bubbles. Young readers will always be able to know who is speaking. 

The three stories are "The Roll," "The Tail," and "The Toy." In the first story, Scratch and Sniff get into trouble with their human(s) when they play with the toilet paper! In the second story, Scratch and Sniff enjoy chasing each other's tails. In the third story, these two argue over a toy duck....

My thoughts: I enjoyed both books. This is the second book in the series. There will be a third book coming in another month or two. All should be 2024 Cybils eligible. I absolutely LOVED this one. I thought the story about the toilet paper was hilarious. All six stories I've read so far (three in each book) have been great fun. Definitely recommended to parents, teachers, and librarians.

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

319-324. Board Books on Parade (Holiday Edition)

319. Tough Cookie: A Christmas Story. Edward Hemingway. 2018/2023. 30 pages. [Source: Library] [Board book]

First sentence: Once upon a time, while Fox was visiting Christmastown, in the Land of Holiday Treats...a little cookie--still warm from the bakery oven--burst out the front door and shouted, "I'm a sweet cookie!"

Premise/plot: Sugar Cookie Man thinks he should be both sweet and fast...but he isn't. Can he learn to be okay with that? Sugar Cookie Man may not realize his purpose, but he does have one.

My thoughts: I liked this one. I have always enjoyed the Gingerbread Man story. This playfully touches on that story...but only a little. It stars a FOX and a COOKIE. The cookie does boast and the fox does give chase. Sugar Cookie Man learns by trial and error that he was baked with a specific purpose in mind. He's not for eating...but for hanging as an ornament on a tree. (If he was an EATING cookie the book would be quite short since the Fox would have gobbled him up by page two or three.)
 

320.  First Stories: A Christmas Carol. Jean Claude. 2018. 8 pages. [Source: Library] [board book]

First sentence: Ebenezer Scrooge found Christmas a bore. "Bah humbug to all of it!" the old man would roar. On Christmas Eve ghosts came--one, two, and three--To show Scrooge how much fun his dull life could be.

Premise/plot: This board book is a simplistic, basic rhyming adaptation of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Can Dickens' classic holiday story be retold in just eight pages? Yes and no. It introduces little ones to the bare bones basics of the story.

It is an interactive adaption. It features activities for little hands on every page. There are things to spin, push, pull, and slide. 

My thoughts: Is this the most faithful adaptation? Of course not. Is it a fun interactive book for little ones? Yes. The fact that it is "A Christmas Carol" is more for parents than little ones. But the 'surprise' elements of the interactive nature of it is a treat, I think. I enjoyed, for example, making the holiday dinner appear and disappear from the table. It was just fun. 

Is it durable enough to last? It might depend. Not only on your little one, of course. I checked out the library copy. I believe I was the first to do so. One page already has a very loose slide. You pick up the book and it starts sliding down. I was not rough or forceful in my reading. I am a gentle, careful reader.

 

321. The Very Snowy Christmas. Diana Hendry. Illustrated by Jane Chapman. 2013/2023. 16 pages. [Source: Library] [Board book]

First sentence: It was Christmas Eve. Big Mouse was making cheese pies. Little Mouse was making paper chains. "Merry Christmas to us!" sang Little Mouse. "Big Mouse, can I decorate the tree now? Can I? Can I? 

Premise/plot: Big Mouse and Little Mouse are celebrating Christmas together...until they aren't. Little Mouse slips off on his own to go gather some holly. This holly-gathering adventure has a little excitement in it. 

My thoughts: This one--for whatever reason--reminded me of the delightful Brown Bear, Snow Bear by Joyce Dunbar. I enjoyed this one very much. It's a sweet and predictable little story to share with little ones. Mice are always cute and adorable in fiction books.

322. My Magical Santa. [Abrams Appleseed Board Books] 8 pages. [Source: Library] [Board book]

First sentence: On a magical sleigh with his gifts piled up high, Santa set off as the elves waved goodbye. Sleigh bells a-ringing, he soared out of sight and raced round the world in only one night!

Premise/plot: Board books without authors have their own standard perhaps by which they should be judged. Or not. This one is part of Abrams' "My Magical..." series. The premise is simple: Santa is....you guessed it...magical. 

The "quality" of this one comes in the interactive nature of this one. There are things to spin, push, pull, slide. The text is rhyming, but the text is almost irrelevant. (Perhaps why there is no author credited. Or illustrator for that matter.) 

My thoughts: If your little one loves interactive books, then this one might prove serviceable enough. It's a sturdy, holiday-themed board book with plenty of things for little ones to do while parents read aloud the rhyming text. 

I would give it two and a half stars if I was actively giving out half stars. I don't think it merits the one star average on GoodReads. It isn't that bad. 

323. Touch and Trace Nursery Rhymes: Jingle Bells. Editors of Silver Dolphin Books. 2023. 10 pages. [Source: Library] [Board books]

First sentence: Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way! Oh what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh.

Premise/plot: This one includes [some] lyrics from five familiar Christmas songs [jingles]. The songs included are "Jingle Bells," "Let It Snow," "Deck the Halls," "Santa Claus is Coming to Town," and "We Wish You A Merry Christmas." Each song takes up one two-page spread. There are playful illustrations. Each illustration includes a tactile element to "trace." (I ABSOLUTELY LOVE, LOVE, LOVE these tracing elements.)

My thoughts: I really loved this one so much. It is so obviously simple yet it is SO enjoyable. 

324. Slide and See First Words Christmas. Helen Hughes. Illustrated by Kathryn Selbert. 2023. 12 pages. [Source: Library] [board books]

First sentence: Christmas friends. Elf. Santa Claus. Reindeer. Santa is getting ready for Christmas with help from his friends.

Premise/plot: This interactive board book focuses on the WORDS of Christmas. This interactive book even asks questions with sliding elements to reveal the answers. It also asks more open-ended questions. I really like this aspect of it.

My thoughts: Even the cover of the book is interactive. Little hands can make Santa pop up out of the chimney. This one does have more to offer than some of the other interactive books I've reviewed today. [I'm looking at you, My Magical Santa.] It seems to have some thought and care put into the actual narrative. Yes, it's a vocabulary book in some ways. Perhaps it won't "grow" with your little one every year. But I do think it has something to offer parents and little ones.

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

314-318. Christmas Books on Parade

314. Jingle Bell Joy. Rose Rossner. Illustrated by Aleksandra Szmidt. 2023. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [Picture book]

First sentence:  Let's deck the halls with holly and cheer. The jolliest season is finally here!
Follow along in merry measure, Christmas has so much to treasure!
Hark! The celebration is about to begin. Glory to Christmas, that feeling within. 

My thoughts (preview): My first thought when seeing this one in person on the library was OH NO, what have I done?!?!?! The amount of glitter on the cover was alarming. Part of me was like can I leave it on the hold shelf and just back away slowly?!?! There were also holly-jolly bears on the cover so I decided to check it out despite my initial misgivings.

Premise/plot: The animal creatures in this holiday picture book LOVE to sing. (Too bad they don't know any of the right words. Oops, that's my personal thoughts creeping up.) 

It is written in rhyme. It stars animals--mainly woodland animals. These animals are singing, singing, singing. Each stanza is very loosely inspired by a single line of familiar Christmas carols. 

For example, "O come all together, standing hand in hand, rejoicing as one in a winter wonderland."
or
"Joy to the World! The time has come to celebrate each other, no matter where you're from."

My thoughts: Would I feel better about this one if it didn't have glitter? A little perhaps.
Would I feel better about this one if it wasn't so forced into rhyming? Definitely.
Do I want anyone messing around with lyrics? No, not really.

The truth is this one is "not regular." I am almost okay with fooling around with secular Christmas songs like "Jingle Bells" or "Up On the Housetop" or "Deck the Halls" or "We Wish You a Merry Christmas." But I am absolutely NOT okay with fooling around with religious Christmas songs like "Hark, the Herald Angels Sing," "Joy to the World," "O Come All Ye Faithful," "Silent Night." 

The author's "inspired" stanza borrowed from "Joy to the World," for example, is so tasteless IF you are a believer who actually, you know, believes. I'll clarify. I am NOT speaking for any other believer other than myself. I am one person. One person does not make decisions for the whole body of Christ. I personally found it distasteful. "The time has come to celebrate each other, no matter where you're from." If you look at it from any other standpoint than looking for rhymes--come and from, then it falls short. Lyrics mean something or should mean something. And the religious Christmas carols are actually truly meaningful and worshipful. The lyrics mean EVERYTHING. 

The book, without a doubt, is not meant to be overthought, scrutinized. Who could possibly be offended by the harmless stanzas and verses? (Possibly me.) Do I want to overthink picture books? No. Not really. Did I overthink this one? Absolutely.

315. Santa's Gotta Go. Derrick Barnes. Illustrated by Courtney Lovett. 2023. 33 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book]

First sentence: Last Christmas, the Macks of 4550 Welling Good Lane saw a story on TV about Santa Clau spending some quality time with a family in Boston, sipping hot cocoa and playing video games.

Premise/plot: The Mack family thinks it would be completely AWESOME and AMAZING to host Santa Claus at their house. What could go wrong????? But when Santa actually stays with the family for an extended period of time--a week or possibly two--the family realizes that it is NOT actually that great having Santa as a guest. In fact, Santa is a super annoying house guest. 

My thoughts: I liked this one. I didn't love it. I didn't hate it. But the good news is is that I didn't overthink it. It was nice to just sit back and read a book in an easygoing way. If this plot hasn't already been used in a movie, it probably should be.

 316. The Twelve Hours of Christmas. Jenn Bailey. Illustrated by Bea Jackson. 2023. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book]

First sentence: In the first hour of Christmas, Santa left for me...a kitten underneath the Christmas tree!
In the second hour of Christmas, the twins dressed up to be...two stomping dinos and a kitten...Uh-oh! Where can she be?
In the third hour of Christmas, it's breakfast finally! Three French toasts, two chomping dinos, and a kitten missing from the Christmas tree.

Premise/plot: This picture book is a [great] spin on The Twelve Days of Christmas. The original song can be a bit annoying. This picture book avoids all the annoyances. It's just good fun.

My thoughts: I definitely enjoyed this one. It may be my favorite of the picture books in today's picture book parade. I loved the family. It seems so authentically human. Like this family has been brought to life. It helps that it stars a kitten who appears to be hiding from the rowdier members of the family. I also adored the illustrations.

317. Holy Night and Little Star. Mitali Perkins. Illustrated by Khoa Le. 2023. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book]

First sentence: As the sky grew dark over Bethlehem, Little Star took her usual spot.

Premise/plot: The nativity story told through the eyes of one of the stars in the sky. The Maker has asked his creation--stars, sun, moon, planets, etc.--to make "Holy Night" extra special. Little Star is reluctant but perseveres through her doubts. Little Star has a special role to play in Holy Night and discovers something wondrous--the Maker in the manger.

My thoughts: This one requires some suspension of disbelief. I don't know that I ever really thought about personifying stars--or a star--and telling a Christian story. Yet I don't think the author meant any disrespect to the traditional story. In fact, the book opens with two passages from Psalms--Psalm 147:4 "He determines the number of the stars; he gives to all of them their names" and Psalm 148:3, "Praise him, sun and moon; praise him all you shining stars!" Would I have loved the book to use the word God? Or Creator? Or King of All Creation? Maybe. But I don't have a problem with this one. Personal preference is personal preference. And the important things--the incarnation--were handled well. 

318. Snowmen's Twelve Nights of Christmas. Caralyn Buehner. Illustrated by Mark Buehner. 2023. 33 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book]

First sentence: On the first night of Christmas
my dog chased up a tree
an elf with a present for me.
On the second night of Christmas
my dog chased up a tree
two tubing twins
and an elf with a present for me.

Premise/plot: Another spin on the song "Twelve Days of Christmas." This one stars ALL snow-creatures. 

My thoughts: I really thought the narrative was clever. I didn't care for the illustrations. I almost wish it hadn't starred all snow-creatures. For example, if the dog had been a DOG instead of a snow-dog, I think it would have been funnier. The dog was VERY naughty!!! But I think this one could be very appealing to some readers.

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

313. Mercy Watson Is Missing

Mercy Watson Is Missing (Tales from Deckawoo Drive #7) Kate DiCamillo. Illustrated by Chris Van Dusen. 2023. [December] 176 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence from prologue: The office of Percival Smidgely, PI, was situated on the third floor of the historic Blinkhopp Building in downtown Gizzford.

First sentence from chapter one: On a bright morning in early autumn, Mercy Watson went missing. 

Premise/plot: Mercy Watson, everyone's MOST FAVORITE PIG, is completely missing. Can the community come together--with or without the help of the 'official' private investigator'--to find Mercy? What could this butter-loving pig be up to? 

My thoughts: I love Kate DiCamillo. Some I love, love, love. Some I merely love. A few I've merely liked. But without a doubt she can create memorable characters and craft great narratives that are engaging for readers of varied ages. I enjoyed this one so much. It is possible I would have loved it even more if I'd taken the time to reread ALL the Mercy Watson books and the Tales of Deckawoo Drive. She has brought all the characters from previous books into this one and it is a true celebration of the community she has created/crafted.

I love the writing. For example, "Mrs. Watson returned to 54 Deckawoo Drive with dread in her heart. What had started as a pebble of worry was turning into a boulder of despair."

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

312. The Brand-New, Never-Used, Perfect Crayons

The Brand-New, Never-Used, Perfect Crayons. Leanne Hatch. 2023. [August] 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Violet was in the art supply aisle when she first spotted them. There were small boxes, medium boxes, big boxes, and...super big boxes. The super big box of crayons had all the colors she would ever need. Eighty-four to be exact.

Premise/plot: Violet, our protagonist, is so thrilled and excited to get a super big box of crayons from the art store. However, she's so happy and proud own them and that they are in such pristine, perfect condition--unlike her old crayons which are junk--that she finds it impossible to enjoy them as intended--coloring. But crayons are made for coloring. They are made to bring joy, and that joy is best expressed through their actual, actual use. Can Violet learn something from her LITTLE sister about how to best use her new crayons? (AND perhaps just perhaps a little about how to best live life.)

My thoughts: I really LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this one. I could relate to it completely. Perhaps not with crayons exactly. But with other things--many other things. (Like fabric). I enjoyed this one. I loved Violet and Marigold--the sisters. I loved the problem and solution.

 

© 2023 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

310. Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree

 Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree. Robert E. Barry. 1963. Random House. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

Mr. Willowby's Christmas tree came by special delivery. Full and fresh and glistening green--the biggest tree he had ever seen. He dashed downstairs to open the door--This was the moment he'd waited for.

I loved, loved, loved Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree. It celebrates giving in a fun and playful way. Mr. Willowby starts off a long chain of giving when he chops off the top of his too-tall Christmas tree. A tree that is splendid in every other way. He gives the tree-top to the upstairs maid. She's delighted. Very delighted. How thoughtful! How cheery! But the tree is too-tall for her small room. The top must go! Chances are you can predict at this point how the story will go. But that doesn't mean it is in any way less delightful. This little tree-top gets passed down and re-trimmed again and again and again and again and again. And it's just WONDERFUL to see how much happiness and cheer it brings to others.

I loved the premise. I loved the writing. The rhyming was delightful. It worked very well for me! I think this one would make a great read-aloud. I also loved how uplifting it is. (After reading Baboushka and the Three Kings, I needed a cheery story!)

Why didn't someone tell me about this wonderful and charming picture book?! Why?! Well, I am glad to have discovered it now!

Which Christmas books would you consider classic? Which would you recommend?

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

303-309. Picture Book Parade

303. I Want 100 Dogs. Stacy McAnulty. Illustrated by Claire Keane. 2023. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book]

First sentence: I want 100 dogs.
That sounds fun. But where would 100 dogs sleep?

Premise/plot: A little girl declares she wants 100 dogs, but are her parents receptive to this idea????? As the discussion unfolds, will they be able to reach a compromise????

My thoughts: I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this one. I love that they reason through this scenario. It allows for some amusing imagery and illustrations. I love the ending as well. Very cute! The parents say something...and then the child says something. Very satisfying. Yes, I know this is super-super-super vague. But I also think giving it away before you pick up the book is like a movie trailer where ALL the best lines of the movie are revealed--albeit without context. Trust me this one is fun.

 

304. The Bear and Her Book. Frances Tosdevin. 2023. [November] 32 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book]

First sentence: A bear marched out on a moonlight night.
Her fur was thick, and her eyes were bright.
She sniffed the air, and she licked a paw--
she loved her home, but she wanted more...

Premise/plot: Bear wants MORE so she sets out to see the world one adventure at a time. She takes along with her a book BEAR'S BIG BOOK OF BEING WISE. She uses the book throughout as she meets others and encounters various situations. Will Bear ever settle down?

My thoughts: I liked this one. Bear loves books and living life to the fullest. Most of the book is about her world adventures, but, that's not quite how it ends. I liked that it includes both kinds of adventures--real world and bookish.

305. Out Cold (A little Bruce book) Ryan T. Higgins. 2023. [October 3] 32 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book]

First sentence: It is wintertime in Soggy Hollow, and there are lots of fun things to do outside. But Bruce is not outside. He is inside. With a cold. The mice are inside, too. But not for long. "It was so nice of Bruce to send us outside to play in the snow," says Nibbs. 

Premise/plot: Bruce stars in this "little" picture book. This one is part of a much larger series. There are bigger picture books and littler ones. (Some of the books focus around seasons, holidays, occasions.) These are recurring characters that continue to delight.

My thoughts: READ THE WHOLE SERIES. Read them again again again. I absolutely love, love, love these characters. Bruce is so relatable. I imagine his "children" are as well. (The children being mice.) I love how expressive the illustrations are. These books such great fun. 

306. Just One Flake. Travis Jonker. 2023. [October 10] 48 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book]

First sentence: I want to catch a snowflake. Just one snowflake. Right here: [points to his tongue] I'm not going back inside until I do it. This should work.

Premise/plot: Will our protagonist [a little boy] persevere and actually actually catch a snowflake on his tongue? Or will his many, many efforts be in vain? Will this day in the snow be a happy one? What's the perfect end to the day?

My thoughts: I absolutely LOVE the illustrations. Some of the spreads capture pure JOY and HAPPINESS. It is a fun, sweet seasonal story. 

307. A Very Cranky Book. Angela and Tony DiTerlizzi. 2023. [September] 40 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book]

First sentence: Did you look at my cover and think Wow this looks like a book I should pick up and read? Well, that was the worst idea in the HISTORY OF IDEAS. Because I am a very cranky book.

Premise/plot: The protagonist of this book is a VERY CRANKY BOOK. This is written in second person, the book is speaking directly to you, the reader. The book tries to discourage readers from reading him.

My thoughts: I didn't dislike this one. I just wasn't wowed. Of course, not every book will wow every reader. This one is all about 'breaking the fourth wall' and speaking directly to readers and "interacting" with them. It is very much premise driven. There isn't much substance beyond that gimmick. Of course, some may be amused by this one? It's certainly possible that there is an audience for this type of book. (And this isn't the first or last to use this gimmick.) 

308. The Big Cheese. Jory John. Illustrated by Peter Oswald. 2023. [November] 40 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book]

First sentence: They call me Cheese. The Big Cheese. Oh, say it with me please....THE BIG CHEESE! 

Premise/plot: This one is narrated by a cheese with a big ego. He spends 90 percent of the book being insufferable. Then he learns a lesson. (Will it stick?)

My thoughts: I am not a big fan of Jory John's 'food' series. I know some readers are. I know these books often do well and are well received. All seem to have a didactic message or moral attached. (Yet they do well anyway). I don't dislike the series, it's just not a favorite of mine. 

309. Lullaby for The King. Nikki Grimes. Illustrated by Michelle Carlos. 2023. [October 10] 48 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book]

First sentence: One magnificent morning in Israel,
when the sun warmed the Great Salt Sea,
word spread to every living creature:
The Holy One has, at last, been born.
A season of celebration can begin!

Premise/plot: This holiday book focuses almost exclusively on animals. This isn't unheard of, there are other songs, stories, books about animals worshipping Jesus Christ the newborn King of the universe. Sometimes authors choose to approach the nativity from an animal perspective. This isn't one animal's journey or perspective. Each stanza of this narrative focuses on another animal or group of animals. Each animal bears a gift for Jesus. There are a LOT of animals and a LOT of gifts.

My thoughts: This one is unusual. I haven't decided if it's good unusual or just unusual. I wanted to love this one. I've really enjoyed Nikki Grime's books in the past. The illustrations are bright, bold, striking. Not necessarily realistic. The imagery is substantive. This isn't a cutesy story for toddlers and preschoolers necessarily.

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers