43. You're a Poet

43. You're a Poet: Ways to Start Writing Poems. Sean Taylor. Illustrated by Sam Usher. 2025. [March] 72 pages. [Source: Library] [nonfiction, poetry, 5 stars]

First sentence: It was bright. It was warm. And Piglet's mom said it would be a good day to go for a walk up the hill.

Premise/plot: You're A Poet wears many hats. You're a Poet IS a fictional story starring a young pig, Piglet, who discovers through the help of his family that he is a poet, that he has a gift for words. It isn't just one fictional story but a series of stories. So one could say perhaps that in some ways it is a chapter book as well. You're a Poet is a nonfiction book teaching children HOW to write their own poems. The fictional stories are the jumping off point. But step by step instructions follow each story. These bonus activities are for children and don't always use the technical poetry terms, however, they are for the most part meaty activities. 

My thoughts: This one would be a good fit, in my opinion, for elementary aged students. I don't necessarily see it as a read aloud as is, though one could just read the fictional stories. I take that back--slightly. I think if teachers are teaching a poetry unit, then I think they could read the story and share/teach/do the activity perhaps breaking up the book over a series of lessons. OR a teacher could have this one in the classroom for students to read on their own. I talk about school instruction, but I  am not excluding homeschool environments. (That is never my intent).

 

© 2025 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

108. My Extraordinary Face

My Extraordinary Face: A Celebration of Differences. Marissa Suchyta and Samir Mardini. Illustrated by Violet Tobacco. 2024. 35 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars] [picture book]

First sentence: Every face is special. Your face is one of a kind. 

Premise/plot: This is an instructional--or perhaps motivational--picture book that celebrates facial differences with the mind to encourage young children [or siblings of those special-faced children] how to cope in a world that doesn't always celebrate or appreciate differences--particularly physical differences.

The illustrations show a [small] handful of special, extraordinary faces. These illustrations obviously don't cover any/all facial differences. [I don't find that problematic. Just stating the obvious]. 

The book addresses some scenarios in which a child with an extraordinary face--to use the book's language--might be stared at or questioned. What do you do in that situation? 

Quoting from the book, "gather up all the love and care and kindness inside you. Let it fill your entire chest. Now blow it all out into an enormous bubble around you. Your bubble blocks the stares. Inside the bubble, you are powerful. Let's practice blowing up your bubble. Take a deep breath in and let it all the way out. In here, you are safe. Now think about three things that make you proud. Think of those amazing things and keep your head up high. Stand up tall. Fill your bubble with pride..."

The book also encourages young ones to create a plan for handling these situations and rehearsing what to do, what to say, how to react. Practice. Practice. Practice until you're comfortable and confident talking about what makes your face special, different, unique, extraordinary. 

The book concludes with some tips for adults. One tip, for example, is to talk openly with your young child about his/her difference(s). To be proactive in talking about the encounters he/she may experience in the future. Another suggestion--which I'm not sure I'm 100% supportive of--is having parents talk with teachers about having discussions with the whole class to explain a student's differences.

My thoughts: I honestly don't know how to feel about this one. My expectations were high because I do think the topic/subject is important. This isn't a picture story book. This is more a motivational pamphlet in picture book form. Again, not a bad thing. 

It does seem a bit 'new thought' to me. Which may not be problematic for 99% of potential readers. But Christians readers may want to read this before hand before reading aloud and sharing with little ones. I do think the Christian perspective would be different.

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

50-53. Board Book Parade

50. Butts. Katrine Crow. [Board book] 2020. 20 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Who has a fluffy butt like this? A bunny! Who has a feathery butt like this? A chicken!

This is an admittedly silly and playful book featuring photographs of animal butts. There are a series of questions and answers--the question shows the back side, the answer the front side. 

I really LOVED some of these photos. Some of the photos are so incredibly cute and adorable. I think this would be a fun book to read aloud to a little one. 

51. Bellies. Katrine Crow. [Board book] 2020. 20 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Who has a furry belly like this? A lynx! Who has a wet belly like this? A sea turtle! 

I'm not sure if Bellies or Butts was published first. But these two are good companions, and, of course, they are by the same author. This one features photographs of animal bellies. Again, a series of questions and answers. 

I really enjoyed some of the photographs. I do think the answers are perhaps not quite as obvious in this one. Lynx bellies, Bengal bellies, they don't look all that different from any/every cat. Both books--both Butts and Bellies--feature a range of animals. 

52. Counting Our Blessings. Emma Dodd. [Board book] 2020. 24 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: We're counting our blessings one by one. How many will there be? Let's count together, just us two, and very soon we'll see.

Two dogs count their blessings in Emma Dodd's newest board book. The illustrated dogs--parent and pup--are SUPER, SUPER, SUPER, SUPER adorable. The text itself--written in rhyme--is serviceable. Nothing objectionable about it, perhaps a tiny bit bland, but it gets the job done. It celebrates an attitude of gratitude AND counts to ten. 

53. (Little Chunkies) Animals in the Forest. DK Publishing. 2023. [Board book] 10 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: The bees swarm around the nest. The bear wakes up from its afternoon rest. The wolf howls at the glowing moon. The birds sing their pretty tune. 

I was disappointed. Despite it saying this is a "touch and discover" book, there are no touch and feel elements. There are cut-outs, but holes aren't a touch and feel element. There are raised elements, but cardboard in and of itself is not a touch and feel element. The holes might make for an amusing way to turn pages for little hands. Raised elements may or may not catch the eyes and keep attention. But this is hardly an interactive board book.

 

© 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

279. Beulah has a Hunch!

Beulah Has a Hunch! Inside the Colorful Mind of a Master Inventor Beulah Louise Henry. Katie Mazeika. 2023. [October 17] 40 pages. [Source: Library] [2024 Cybils Eligible in Nonfiction Elementary]

First sentence: Beulah Louise Henry was frustrated. Again. Scritch...scratch...erase! Beulah had a hunch, a new idea for an invention. She could see it clearly in her mind, and she desperately wanted to draw it in perfect detail. But no matter how precise the image in her head was, the drawing on her slate was a mess.

Premise/plot: Picture book biography of Beulah Louise Henry. Chances are you've never heard of her, I certainly hadn't. But she was a MASTER inventor earning the nickname "Lady Edison." The back matter elaborates just how many patents she had and some of her inventions. (To name a few, she invented dollies that open and shut their eyes and gave dolls voice boxes. But that's just the smallest fraction of what she thought up.) 

My thoughts: I learned so much from reading this one. I love to learn from children's books. I do. Sometimes I'm familiar with a subject, sometimes it's completely new. This falls into the completely new category. But if someone wanted to do a historic take on Shark Tank as an educational program, she'd keep popping up and making appearances. This does make me curious how many hundreds--if not thousands--of 'untold' stories there are out there.

 

© 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

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

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

165. Cats and Kittens

DK Super Readers (level 2): Cats and Kittens. D.K. Publishing. 2023. [May] 35 pages. [Source: Library] [early reader, nonfiction]

First sentence: Purr, purr. Meow, meow. What's that? It's a cat, of course! There are more than 500 million cats around the world. That's a lot! Cats are one of the most popular pets in the world. Cats are covered in soft fur. Their fur can be different colors and patterns. Cats have sharp claws and teeth. They have pointed ears and bright eyes. Cats have thin, wiry whiskers that stick out around small noses and have long tails. 

Premise/plot: Nonfiction early reader for young readers. This one features photographs of cats and kittens. It is organized into five chapters: "Let's Meet Cats," "Types of Cats," "Parts of A Cat," "Kittens," and "Fun with Cats." It is packed with basic information about...you guessed it...cats and kittens.

My thoughts: I love, love, love, love, love cats (and kittens). This was an easy choice for me to choose at the library. I regularly check to see if there are any new books--fiction or nonfiction--starring cats. I would recommend this one to young readers who love cats and kittens. The photographs are super cute and adorable. The narrative flows nicely. Good layout. There is a glossary.

 

© 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

134. Destiny Finds Her Way

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

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

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

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

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

131. Gertie, The Darling Duck of WWII

Gertie, The Darling Duck of WWII. Shari Swanson. Illustrated by Renee Graef. 2023. [March] 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: One April morning in 1945, when the world was weary of war, a duck flew to the top of a tall post poking out of the Milwaukee River near a big drawbridge and settled in. People smiled at the plucky duck nesting on a perch so high above the water in the middle of a busy, noisy city.

Premise/plot: Nonfiction. History. World War II. Picture book. Gertie, a duck, becomes famous at the end of the Second World War. She warms hearts and features front and center (perhaps not literally) in newspapers around the globe. Everyone, apparently, wanted updates on this darling duck, and her nest of eggs. The place she's chosen for her nest is precarious, at best. Will all be well?

My thoughts: I'd not heard of Gertie. I'm going to guess that the book's intended audience will be unfamiliar as well. This book was a DELIGHT. I absolutely loved this narrative nonfiction text. I loved the illustrations. I loved the end pages that include "more of the story."

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

124. Teaching Tornero

Teaching Tornero: The True Story of a Sloth Superstar. Georgeanne Irvine. 2023. [May] 36 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: The early morning sun was just beginning to shine on the San Diego Zoo when wildlife care specialist Sonia arrived at work.

Premise/plot: Nonfiction picture book. I'd classify (personally) it as narrative nonfiction. It is the story--true story--of a sloth named Tornero. He is a two-toed sloth and wildlife ambassador. Features his story, obviously, but also additional facts about sloths, their habits and habitats. There are plenty of photographs.

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one! Though this one is a picture book, I'd say it is definitely for mid-to-upper elementary school because it is text-heavy. (Unless using as a read aloud in which case younger elementary grades might enjoy as well.) I like the balance of photographs and text. There are plenty of photos, but also plenty of text. It isn't a shallow read; it is substantive.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

114. Pew! The Stinky and Legen-dairy Gift

Pew! The Stinky and Legen-dairy Gift From Colonel Thomas S. Meacham by Cathy Stefanec Ogren. Illustrated by Lesley Breen. 2023. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: In late summer of 1835, Thomas Meacham wanted to give the President of the United States a gift to show off the talents of his farming community. A slice of an idea grew into a huge idea, a colossal idea...CHEESE!  

Premise/plot: Nonfiction picture book. This one is about a COLOSSAL cheese given to the President of the United States by Thomas Meacham, a dairy farmer. How colossal is colossal?!?! Four feet in diameter, two feet thick, and weighed 1400 pounds. Truly colossal! This gift was on display...but...as weeks turned to months turned to a year...well, this cheese got STINKY. What's a President to do except have a HUGE cheese-eating party?!?! Will the spirit of the cheese linger on in the White House?

My thoughts: I wish the book had just said WHICH president received this legen-dairy stinky gift! Instead of just repeating "President of the United States." True, kids might not care *which* president had to live with the stink. But I do. I believe that the President in question was Andrew Jackson who remained in office through March 4, 1837.

 I thought the story was entertaining and lively. It's nice to have a history lesson packed with fun.

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

113. How Do You Spell Unfair?

How Do You Spell Unfair? MacNolia Cox and the National Spelling Bee. 2023. 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: MacNolia Cox was no ordinary kid. Her idea of fun was reading the dictionary. From A to Z, she learned words' meanings and spellings. She loved to read, study, and spell. In 1936, the eighth grader won her school spelling bee. After MacNolia passed a fifty-word written test and an oral competition, she advanced to the Beacon Journal newspaper's citywide bee.

Premise/plot: Nonfiction picture book about MacNolia Cox's experiences with the National Spelling Bee in 1936. The National Spelling Bee is held in Washington, D.C. She was one of two African-American children competing in the Spelling Bee--both being among the first to do so at the national level. 

My thoughts: This is a picture book that explores prejudice and discrimination from a specific historic event. Chances are most readers have not heard of this particular instance. Though MacNolia Cox seems to have been greatly celebrated--especially at a local and statewide level--at the time. 

I was not familiar with the history of spelling bees--regional or national. And the epilogue gives an overview of how spelling bees eventually became integrated.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers