64. WhoHQ: The Beatles

64. WhoHQ: The Beatles. Ellen Labrecque. Illustrated by Fanny Liem. 2026. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, j nonfiction, j biography, music appreciation]

First sentence: Four young musicians with "mop top" hair stood onstage in black suits.

Premise/plot: This one is a Who HQ biography book for young children. It is a biography of The Beatles: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and George Harrison. It mainly focuses on their career as THE Beatles with only a little bit of what came before and after. (Which is fair). It also gives a little bit of context about the 1960s in general.

My thoughts: There was a time when I loved, loved, loved, loved, loved the Beatles and read anything and everything I could on the Beatles. This one didn't teach me anything new, however, I didn't expect it to. This one is for young readers not adults who have read half a dozen or so books on the Beatles and watched the Beatles Anthology and other documentaries multiple times. It is a good introduction to the group. I'm not sure if this is a book young readers would pick up on their own. It might be one they'd choose if there was an assignment maybe? It would be fascinating to hear from school librarians (and children's librarians in the public library) to see if this one is being checked out by kids and how frequently.

© 2026 Becky Laney of Young Readers

64. His Fairytale Life

 

 

64. His Fairytale Life: A book About Hans Christian Andersen. Jane Yolen. Illustrated by Brooke Boynton-Hughes. 2025. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, picture book, picture book biography, j nonfiction]

First sentence: He was a boy
who lived with a mother
who could not read,
but remembered every fairy tale
she'd been told,
and a father who built things
out of wood, sturdy but graceless,
and a grandfather
who danced in the forests of Denmark
without clothes,
but with flowers in his hair;
a boy who wanted to be a poet,
but did not know his ABCs,
who longed to be a writer,
but had never been to school,
who finally, in his teens,
sat with the three-and-four-
and five-year-olds in class,
learning all he could;

Premise/plot: I give up on finishing the first sentence. His Fairytale Life is a picture book biography of Hans Christian Andersen written as a narrative poem....and also possibly the world's longest sentence. (Not really. I'm sure there are longer sentences about.)

My thoughts: I really enjoyed the illustrations for the most part. The narrative style was unique and unusual. I haven't decided if I liked it or not. I like the idea of liking it. And overall, I do think this is an accessible biography that one could read aloud to children. Particularly if you are a teacher studying a fairy tale unit. The sentence may be LONG but it is packed with information. I'm not quite sure I understand *why* his life was more like a fairy tale than a life. Even after reading it twice.

 

© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

7. Lefty: A Story That Is Not All Right

Lefty: A Story That Is Not All Right. Mo Willems. Illustrated by Dan Santat. 2024. [December] 40 pages. [Source: Library] [2 stars, picture books, nonfiction]

First sentence: Hi, Righty! Did you know...there was a time when people could get into trouble...really, really BIG trouble--

Premise/plot: At its most literal (taken at face value) this is a pun-filled nonfiction picture book about perceptions through the centuries of being left handed (as opposed to right handed). 

My thoughts: I don't know if I'm disappointed because it is Mo Willems and I was expecting to absolutely love it above and beyond OR if it is just truly not my taste. Perhaps a bit of both.

While I almost-almost appreciated some of the illustrations, for the most part they just were not for me. I found them weird, odd, over-the-top. Of course, art is in the eyes of the beholder. Some readers may find the illustrations to be a great fit and wonderful.

The text was okay, fine, nice enough. Again, I am a HUGE, HUGE, HUGE, HUGE fan of Mo Willem--usually. Like his writing usually appeals to me above and beyond. These are books that I reach for again, again, again. The writing was just so so-so. There was one scene that made me smile--the one about cookies. But for the most part, I wasn't super impressed.

The subject is perhaps not the most thrilling, HOWEVER, I do think it's a fine subject. I don't know that left-handed prejudice is alive and well, a current, relevant "thing." I don't think it's been much of an issue for decades. That is, I think it's been steadily declining as an issue for decades. It just is--and no one really cares.

 I do think that this book is not to be taken at its most literal. There are a lot of elephants in the room (not literal, sadly, I wouldn't have minded a cameo from Elephant). I do think the book is a way to talk about other subjects. This tone is heavy-handed (pun-intended). In this sense I think it's a bit didactic. Here's the thing--and I've said this before--a conclusion can be one you agree with (or one you don't agree with, for that matter), and if it's written in a didactic way it can be a bit of a turn-off.

© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

158-161. Four early chapter books about Barbie

158. Barbie in the 1960s. Elizabeth Andrews. 2024. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars] [nonfiction, early chapter books] 

First sentence: Humans have made dolls for thousands of years.

Premise/plot: There is a series of nonfiction early chapter books [for young readers] about Barbie. The first book in the series is Barbie in the 1960s. The last book in the series is Barbie Today. (I will be reading the first four books in the series). 

The first chapter introduces Barbie. (Does she need an introduction? Maybe. Maybe not. This is a nonfiction book, so this chapter is all about her origin story.)

The second chapter has nothing at all to do with Barbie, but takes on history summing up an entire decade in a few paragraphs. The chapter, of course, doesn't really offer much depth or complexity to any topic.

The third chapter focuses back on Barbie. Despite the chapter title being called Barbie Fashion, it would be better summed up as focusing on Barbie's transformations throughout the decade. Her first decade saw a lot of change--in her hair, her body, and yes, her fashion. 

The fourth chapter focuses on Barbie's "big steps." In this particular book, Barbie's careers AND the introduction of Black barbies. 

There are suggested activities which make the book feel like homework. (Just being honest).

My thoughts: I'll start with the positive, I LOVED the photographs of Barbie, her friends, her accessories, etc. Visually, this one worked for me. The book is not for collectors exactly, but for young readers. It serves as a basic introduction. It might include plenty of facts that a young reader might be unfamiliar with. The history lessons felt a little forced. I don't have an issue with the premise of connecting Barbie with the real world. I just thought the narrative felt a little homework-y and not exactly fun. It also, for better or worse, seemed to be pushing a certain view point or agenda. The fun of Barbie is that she can be ANYONE you imagine her to be. The book certainly takes a very serious tone about Barbie.

159. Barbie in the 1970s. Elizabeth Andrews. 2024. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars] [nonfiction, early chapter books]

First sentence: Humans have made dolls for thousands of years.

Premise/plot:  There is a series of nonfiction early chapter books [for young readers] about Barbie. The first book in the series is Barbie in the 1960s. The last book in the series is Barbie Today. (I will be reading the first four books in the series). 

The first chapter introduces Barbie. (Does she need an introduction? Maybe. Maybe not. This is a nonfiction book, so this chapter is all about her origin story.) I did not make a mistake in cutting and pasting, this entire first chapter is reused in EVERY book of the series. 

The second chapter is the history chapter. 

The third chapter again claims to be about fashion but it goes beyond that. These chapters are all about what kinds of Barbies were made and sold in a particular decade. How her "look" [her face mold, her hair, her body] transformed throughout the decade.

The fourth chapter is essentially a continuation of the third chapter...except we're supposed to see how Barbie is mirroring the real world. (Olympic Barbie, Camper Van)

My thoughts: I'll start with the positive, I LOVED the photographs of Barbie, her friends, her accessories, etc. Visually, this one worked for me. The book is not for collectors exactly, but for young readers. It serves as a basic introduction. It might include plenty of facts that a young reader might be unfamiliar with. The history lessons felt a little forced. I don't have an issue with the premise of connecting Barbie with the real world. I just thought the narrative felt a little homework-y and not exactly fun. It also, for better or worse, seemed to be pushing a certain view point or agenda. The fun of Barbie is that she can be ANYONE you imagine her to be. The book certainly takes a very serious tone about Barbie.

160. Barbie in the 1980s. Elizabeth Andrews. 2024. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars] [nonfiction, early chapter books]

First sentence: Humans have made dolls for thousands of years.

Premise/plot:  There is a series of nonfiction early chapter books [for young readers] about Barbie. The first book in the series is Barbie in the 1960s. The last book in the series is Barbie Today. (I will be reading the first four books in the series). 

The first chapter introduces Barbie. (Does she need an introduction? Maybe. Maybe not. This is a nonfiction book, so this chapter is all about her origin story.) I did not make a mistake in cutting and pasting, this entire first chapter is reused in EVERY book of the series. 

The second chapter is the history chapter. 

The third chapter is the "fashion chapter" but again it's not a good fit. These chapters are all about what kinds of Barbies were made and sold in a particular decade. How her "look" [her face mold, her hair, her body] transformed throughout the decade.

The fourth chapter is titled iconic Barbies. Indeed there were some iconic Barbies from this decade.

My thoughts:  I'll start with the positive, I LOVED the photographs of Barbie, her friends, her accessories, etc. Visually, this one worked for me. However, I just have to say that THERE ARE MISTAKES. BIG MISTAKES. THE "CRYSTAL BARBIE" IS not Crystal Barbie. Wrong face, wrong hair, wrong earrings, wrong dress. Crystal Barbie, in my opinion, is iconic. The doll photographed looks likes a 90s doll.

The book is not for collectors exactly, but for young readers. It serves as a basic introduction. It might include plenty of facts that a young reader might be unfamiliar with. The history lessons felt a little forced. I don't have an issue with the premise of connecting Barbie with the real world. I just thought the narrative felt a little homework-y and not exactly fun. It also, for better or worse, seemed to be pushing a certain view point or agenda. The fun of Barbie is that she can be ANYONE you imagine her to be. The book certainly takes a very serious tone about Barbie.

 161. Barbie in the 1990s. Elizabeth Andrews. 2024. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars] [nonfiction, early chapter book]

First sentence: Humans have made dolls for thousands of years.

Premise/plot:  There is a series of nonfiction early chapter books [for young readers] about Barbie. The first book in the series is Barbie in the 1960s. The last book in the series is Barbie Today. (I will be reading the first four books in the series). 

The first chapter introduces Barbie. (Does she need an introduction? Maybe. Maybe not. This is a nonfiction book, so this chapter is all about her origin story.) I did not make a mistake in cutting and pasting, this entire first chapter is reused in EVERY book of the series. 

The second chapter is the history chapter.  Or "history" chapter. This one was all about women entering politics and technological advances.

The third chapter is the "fashion chapter." These chapters are all about what kinds of Barbies were made and sold in a particular decade. How her "look" [her face mold, her hair, her body] transformed throughout the decade.

The fourth chapter is just more of the same--highlighting more Barbie releases. (Olympics! President!)

 My thoughts: I'll start with the positive, I LOVED the photographs of Barbie, her friends, her accessories, etc. Visually, this one worked for me. The book is not for collectors exactly, but for young readers. It serves as a basic introduction. It might include plenty of facts that a young reader might be unfamiliar with. The history lessons felt a little forced. I don't have an issue with the premise of connecting Barbie with the real world. I just thought the narrative felt a little homework-y and not exactly fun. It also, for better or worse, seemed to be pushing a certain view point or agenda. The fun of Barbie is that she can be ANYONE you imagine her to be. The book certainly takes a very serious tone about Barbie.

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

149. The Tree of Life

149. The Tree of Life: How a Holocaust Sapling Inspired the World. Elisa Boxer. Illustrated by Alianna Rozentsveig. 2024. 41 pages. [Source: Library] [nonfiction; j nonfiction] [5 stars]

First sentence: In a season of sadness, hope came to the children as a tiny tree, tucked inside a boot. It was winter, World War Two, and the boot belonged to a prisoner in a ghetto called Terezin. There were children in the ghetto too. The prisoner saw they were scared and separated from their families.

Premise/plot: Nonfiction picture book for older readers. (Older readers being mid-elementary school on up). It tells the story of a tree--a sapling--nurtured by those in great peril. Despair perhaps was the easier choice, but hope the better one. This is the story of how the tree survived...and continued to inspire hope for generations.

My thoughts: Definitely worth reading. Words don't really do justice. I don't even know what to say beyond that. 

 

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

114. The Fastest Drummer

114. The Fastest Drummer: Clap Your Hands for Viola Smith. Dean Robbins. Illustrated by Susanna Chapman. 2024. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [Nonfiction picture book] [5 stars]

First sentence: Five girls played together in the Smith Sisters Orchestra. Irene on trombone. Erma on vibraphone. Edwina on trumpet. Mildred on violin. Lila on saxophone. Was there a spot for the sixth sister, Viola? Almost every instrument was taken...except for the drums. 

Premise/plot: The Fastest Drummer is a nonfiction picture book biography of Viola Smith. It celebrates music, jazz, women's history, and history-history. 

My thoughts: I have a weakness for music-related picture books, especially jazz-focused picture books. (I blame Hand, Hand, Fingers, Thumb one of the greatest early readers ever.) This one is a biography of a musician, a drummer, Viola Smith. I had not heard of Viola Smith, however, famous drummers--particularly jazz drummers--aren't something I'm particularly familiar with at all.  

What I LOVED about this one was the narrative. The storytelling AND in particular the descriptive word choices make for a super rhythmic read aloud. I loved, loved, loved how the narrative combines with the illustrations to make for a fantastic read.

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

73-74. A biography and "biography"

73. The Story of Jim Henson. Stacia Deutsch. 2021. 70 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Jim Henson was 13 years old when he saw his first television show.

A early chapter book biography of the legendary Jim Henson. It is a biography that covers his whole life focusing mostly on his career and legacy. It isn't just the story of Sesame Street or the Muppet Show. 

My thoughts: I really enjoyed the illustrations. It was great for nostalgia. I don't know that I learned anything as an adult reader. (I grew up watching many though not all of Henson's works). I think for the target audience it would be a good--though basic--introduction. I do love the inclusion of Emmet Otter's Jug Band Christmas. Though it would have been awesome to see the inclusion of the BEST Christmas production that he did--The Muppet Family Christmas (1987). 

74. What is the Story of Captain Picard? David Stabler. 2023. 112 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: On the evening of September 28, 1987, Star Trek fans all over the world turned on their TV sets with great anticipation.

Is it a biography? Not really. Only a little. It is the story of Star Trek's Captain Picard. It explains a little bit about Star Trek and the fandom, the restart of the series in the "next generation," and provides a fictional biography of Captain Picard. But it also does give a tiny biography of the actor who played Picard, Patrick Stewart, as well as the tiniest biography of Star Trek's creator, Gene Roddenberry. 

My thoughts: Is this one necessary? Probably not. Is it fun? A little. I do remember watching Star Trek the Next Generation as it aired [for the first time.] I have very fond memories of watching the show. I did read Patrick Stewart's memoir earlier this year.

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

47. Cookie Queen

Cookie Queen: How One Girl Started Tate's Bake Shop. Kathleen King (Founder of Tate's Bake Shop) and Lowey Bundy Sichol. Illustrated by Ramona Kaulitzki. 2023. 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence:  It was very early in the morning when Kathleen stepped into the kitchen. Kathleen was only eleven, but each morning she made her own breakfast and packed her own lunch for school--and when her parents worked late--she whipped up dinner for her brothers and sister. Kathleen enjoyed cooking, but more than anything, she loved to bake. 

Premise/plot: This is a picture book biography of Kathleen King the founder of Tate's Bake Shop. This picture book celebrates baking--specifically chocolate chip cookies--hard work and entrepreneurship. It is the story of how she kept working and working and working to improve her recipe until it was perfectly perfect and that consistently. She sold many, many, many cookies along the way. 

My thoughts: Who doesn't enjoy reading about cookies? This one could pair with many other books about cookies. I do see this one as being for younger elementary grades. It would be so tempting to pair this one with a snack.

 

© 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

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

21. The Fabulous Fannie Farmer

The Fabulous Fannie Farmer: Kitchen Scientist and America's Cook. Emma Bland Smith. Illustrated by Susan Reagan. 2024. 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: In a house near Boston in the late 1800s, Fannie Farmer sat at the kitchen table, swinging her legs and peeling potatoes. Or so we can imagine. Like many girls across America, Fannie likely grew up learning to cook from her mother, making dishes that had been passed down for generations. Now, back in the old days, recipes were different from today. Both in books and out loud, the instructions were often cloudier than clam chowder, and the measurements could be downright silly! "A suspicion of nutmeg," "sugar to your taste," "as many yolks of eggs as may be necessary," "yeast sufficient to make them light," "a good lump of dripping or butter."

Premise/plot: The Fabulous Fannie Farmer is a nonfiction picture book--a biography--about Fannie Farmer and her cookbook. Farmer was instrumental in the field. She is the "mother of measurement" and helped revolutionize modern recipes--that is HOW recipes were written. The book is great at contrasting before and after. 

The book includes two of her recipes.

My thoughts: I loved this one. The narration was great--plenty of engaging storytelling. I loved the inclusion of back matter. This one is a good example of a DELIGHTFUL nonfiction read. They sure didn't write biographies like this when I was a kid.

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

265. Who Was Frank Sinatra

Who Was Frank Sinatra. Ellen Labrecque. Illustrated by Manuel Gutierrez. (Who H.Q series). 2023. [July] 112 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: On December 30, 1942, two days before the new year, a slender singer walked onto the stage of the Paramount Theatre in New York City. Over three thousand fans--mostly teenage girls--shrieked and screamed in excitement. Some cried tears of happiness.

Premise/plot: Who Was Frank Sinatra? is part of a larger--much larger--series of kid-friendly biographies. This is an illustrated chapter book biography--elementary-aged-appropriate--of Frank Sinatra, singer and actor. The book provides a biography of his life, obviously, but also places that life into a larger context. This one includes many mini-biographies of his contemporaries and associates. 

My thoughts: Do kids need to know who Frank Sinatra was? Maybe. Maybe not. My introduction came via the musical High Society. So it was a delight that the illustrator includes an illustration of a movie scene from High Society. It covers his life and career in a very broad kid-friendly way. You don't necessarily associate details of his life with young kids, young readers. I do love his music and some of his movies.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

263. Good Books for Bad Children

Good Books for Bad Children: The Genius of Ursula Nordstrom. Beth Kephart. 2023. [September] 48 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book biography; nonfiction]

First sentence:  Ursula Nordstrom
was a grown-up
who never forgot
what it was to be a child.

Premise/plot: Chances are children are clueless when it comes to knowing who Ursula Nordstrom is. (Perhaps most parents as well.) But there's a HUGE possibility that you've read aloud to your little one a book edited by Ursula Nordstrom. Nordstrom was a children's book editor. 

My thoughts: I greatly enjoyed this book celebrating books. I loved learning more about her contribution to the world of children's books. I had heard of her before--having studied children's literature at a graduate level. 

I loved the way this one was written.

My favorite quote:

And she would remind anyone who called stories
too naughty, funny, or scary
that there were all kinds of children who need all
kinds of books:
books for children who feel sad
books for children who get mad
books for children who feel different
books for children who are lonely
books for children who have secrets.
Once, when Ursula was asked
to explain why she, a grown-up
who had not gone to college,
who had never been a teacher or librarian,
had any business making books for children,
she declared:
"I am a former child, and I haven't forgotten a thing."

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

232. Virginia Wouldn't Slow Down

Virginia Wouldn't Slow Down: The Unstoppable Dr. Apgar and Her Life-Saving Invention. Carrie A. Pearson. Illustrated by Nancy Carpenter. 2023. [August] 48 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence:  Did you know that you took your first test just one minute after you were born? The test showed doctors and nurses how healthy you were, if you could breathe on your own, or if you needed help--fast!

Premise/plot: This is a nonfiction picture book biography of Dr. Virginia Apgar. Perhaps the test named after her, the Apgar test, is more well known than her personal story...

My thoughts: I really LOVED this one so much. I love picture book biographies--usually. I love, love, love, love babies. I loved the illustrations. The story was engaging.

I had heard of the Apgar test. But I didn't know the full story. Now I have a better grasp of that story.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

193. The Story of Barbie

The Story of Barbie and the Woman Who Created Her. Cindy Eagan. Illustrated by Amy June Bates. 2017. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [Nonfiction; picture book biography]

First sentence: Ruth Handler loved to invent. She was always thinking of new ideas for fashionable jewelry and dollhouse furniture. 

Premise/plot: This is a picture book biography. Is it of Ruth Handler? Yes. In part. Is it of Barbie? Yes. In part. It is perhaps slightly limited in scope. It is the story of how Ruth Handler created/invented/marketed a doll, Barbie. It is about Ruth's vision for the doll, and the ongoing, continuing vision for the doll. That vision, that persona has changed--evolved--through the decades.

My thoughts: I think the 'wow' factor of this one (if it has one) is the artwork. Amy June Bates was able to 'capture' the many, many, many, many, many 'looks' and 'styles' of Barbie as she has involved from 1959 to the book's publication in 2017. These illustrations will pack NOSTALGIA for adult readers. For children, perhaps, more of an opportunity for context and backstory. It might be a good introduction to all Barbie has been and has meant--in the past. Of course, Barbie is never solely defined by her past. She's never solely defined at all. 

I think one of the strengths of the narrative of this picture book is that while, yes, Barbie is a "singular" icon packed--for better or worse--with meaning, she is also defined by each and every child who has a doll. She is WHO YOU imagine her to be.

 

© 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

170. Spacebusters Race to the Moon

DK Super Readers (Level 3) Spacebusters Race to the Moon. Philip Wilkinson (according to Goodreads) 2023. [April] 48 pages. [Source: Library] [Nonfiction, early chapter book]

First sentence: Three, two, one--blastoff! With a great roar, the Apollo 11 rocket lifted off the ground. Flames and smoke poured from its base as it started its dangerous journey to the Moon. President John F. Kennedy had promised an American would reach the Moon before the end of the 1960s. The astronauts could make history! 

Premise/plot: This is a nonfiction book for young, independent readers. It focuses on one mission of the space race in the 1960s--the flight of Apollo 11. The last chapter--the fourth chapter--gives a brief summary of later missions. 

My thoughts: Is this the most compelling, engaging book for young readers about the space race, about Apollo 11? No. Not really. It's good; solid; basic. But I've read other books--including some picture books--that do a better job of telling this specific story. This one blends photographs AND illustrations. 

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

151. Flashback to the Fly 90s

Flashback to the Fly 90s! Patty Michaels. Illustrated by Sarah Rebar. 2023. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [Nonfiction, Beginning readers, ready to read level 2]

First sentence: Are you ready for an amazing time-traveling adventure? We are going way back...to the fly 1990s! Lace up your Doc Martens as you learn about fabulous fads, fresh trends, and other majorly cool things that helped define the decade. Toys in the '90s were off the hook. Kids loved Beanie Babies, Tamagotchis, Furbies, and Tickle Me Elmo. The store Build-a-Bear Workshop debuted in 1997, letting kids make their own unique stuffed animals!

Premise/plot: This is a nonfiction title for young readers. It has three chapters or sections: "Off-the-Chain Trends," "Super-Fresh Fashions and Fads," "You've Got Mail!" The book ends by encouraging readers to find someone who grew up in the 1990s to find out more about what life was like. 

This one covers many of the same areas as the book on the 1980s. This could be helpful for young readers. There is some continuity. 

My thoughts: Again, this one doesn't cover everything. But it does have substance. I like that it does cover many of the same topics and sub-topics as the book on the 1980s. So one could easily compare "phones in the 1980s" vs. "phones in the 1990s." "Video games in the 1980s vs. Video games in the 1990s." 

I liked this one a little more, perhaps. 

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

150. Flashback to the Awesome 80s

Flashback to the Awesome '80s! Patty Michaels. Illustrated by Sarah Rebar. 2023. [May] 32 pages. [Source: Library] [Nonfiction, early readers, beginning to read level 2]

First sentence: Let's go traveling back in time, way back...to the awesome 1980s! Get ready for a totally tubular ride as you learn about trends, fads, and other rad things that helped define the decade! Some of the most popular toys were Teddy Ruxpin, Transformers, Rubik's Cube, Cabbage Patch Kids, Simon, and Strawberry Shortcake. 

Premise/plot: This is a nonfiction title for young readers. It has three chapters or sections: "Totally Trendy!" "Far-Out Fashion and Fads," and "Say What?" The book ends by encouraging readers to find someone who grew up in the 1980s to find out more about what life was like. 

My thoughts: Does this one cover everything there is to cover? No. Of course not! Does it cover a good amount? Probably yes. I thought it had substance. More substance than I was initially expecting. Yes, it tries a little too hard with the language. I didn't agree 100% with every single little thing. (Like the assertion that many TVs made in the 80s did not have remote controls.) Some of the photographs are misleading, in my opinion. 

I do think the goal is to show how some things remain the same and how some things are very different.

Things that could have been included--but weren't--BARBIE, My Little Pony, Care Bears, Smurfs, Inspector Gadget, Muppet Babies, etc.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

138. The Corgi and the Queen

The Corgi and the Queen. Caroline L. Perry. Illustrated by Lydia Corry. 2022. [November] 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Elizabeth of York wasn't a storybook princess. Her younger sister, Margaret, loved playing dress-up in their mother's fancy gowns and twirling around her room in a diamond tiara. But Elizabeth was happiest wearing normal clothes and playing fetch with the family's dogs, Dookie and Jane.

Premise/plot: This picture book biography highlights Queen Elizabeth II's love of dogs--particularly Corgis. Her first Corgi was Susan. And many--though not all--of her doggie companions were descended from Susan. The picture book tells the story of their friendship--in part. But it is also a brief introduction to the life/reign of Queen Elizabeth II.

My thoughts: I loved this one. Particularly I loved, love, loved the illustrations in this picture book biography. I loved that the book ends with a family tree of the Queen (up to date too!) and of Susan! This one is a good introduction to the life and times of the Queen.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers