Arthur's Perfect Christmas

Arthur's Perfect Christmas. Marc Brown. 2000. 48 pages. [Source: Bought]

First sentence: It was three days before Christmas, and Arthur wanted everything to be just right. There would be lots of snow...the perfect tree...and a delicious turkey dinner.

Premise/plot: This picture book is an adaptation of the Arthur Christmas special, Arthur's Perfect Christmas. Arthur wants a PERFECTLY perfect Christmas. D.W. wants one thing and only one thing: Tina the Talking Tabby. Muffy wants many, many, many things. Francine just wants to be heard--for a change. Baxter, well, he wants to RELAX.

My thoughts: The special features a LOT of music. That is something that can't really be conveyed through a picture book adaptation. The book does include many scenes from the special, but it is a bit more concise in terms of story. It is a WORDY book. Though the special can be enjoyed by young ones, the book may be a bit too much to read aloud in one sitting. I'm wondering if it might not have been better as a chapter book.


© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Where Teddy Bears Come From

Where Teddy Bears Come From. Mark Burgess. Illustrated by Russell Ayto. 2009. Peachtree Press. 32 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: In the middle of a deep, dark forest, all the creatures were fast asleep except for a little gray wolf, who tossed and turned and couldn't sleep a wink.

Premise/plot: Little Wolf is having trouble sleeping. He thinks he may have a solution: a teddy bear. But WHERE DO TEDDY BEARS COME FROM?! He asks his mother first. But when she doesn't know he's off on a quest in the deep, dark forest to ask just about everyone his question. Who will know the answer?!

My thoughts: I really enjoyed this one. I loved all the fairy tale twists and turns. Little Wolf asks The Three Little Pigs, Little Red Riding Hood, Goldilocks, and others his all-important question. Will Little Wolf get his teddy bear?!

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

© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

I Want My Hat Back

I Want My Hat Back. Jon Klassen. 2011. Candlewick Press. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: My hat is gone. I want it back. Have you seen my hat? No. I haven't seen your hat. OK. Thank you anyway. Have you seen my hat? No. I have not seen any hats around here. OK. Thank you anyway.

Premise/plot: Bear has lost his hat. Did he lose it? Was it stolen? Will he get it back? Will there be a happy hat reunion?

My thoughts: In this quirky but delightful picture book, children are introduced to a bear who has lost his red, pointy hat. The bear is going from animal to animal asking everyone if they've seen his hat. It takes him a little while to find the culprit--perhaps readers will spot the culprit first!!!--but his hat will be found. Was justice served?! You be the judge.

Probably my favorite scene in this one is when Bear 'interrogates' the rabbit...and walks away. The text and illustrations show that the rabbit is obviously lying. But Bear isn't exactly observant.

Bear: Have you seen my hat?
Rabbit: No. Why are you asking me.
I haven't seen it.
I haven't seen any hats anywhere.
I would not steal a hat.
Don't ask me any more questions.
Bear: OK. Thank you anyway.

I love, love, love the ending.

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

© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers