60. Dragon's Fat Cat

60. Dragon's Fat Cat (Dragon #2) Dav Pilkey. 2019. (1992) Scholastic. 64 pages. [Source: Review copy] [5 stars, early chapter book, animal fantasy]

First sentence: One snowy day in January, Dragon heard a funny noise. "Meow!" "That sounds like a cat," said Dragon.

Premise/plot: Dragon makes a new friend in this early chapter book by Dav Pilkey. That friend is, you guessed it, a cat, a FAT, GRAY CAT. There are five chapters in this one:

• "Meow!" 
• Life With Cat
• Problems
• Left Behind
• Home Again

In the first chapter, Dragon meets a fat, gray cat and invites him inside.

In the second chapter, Dragon takes the cat inside and names him, "Cat." Dragon prepares a special bed for his new friend/pet. (The Cat takes Dragon's bed.)

In the third chapter, readers learn just how much Dragon does NOT know about owning a cat.
(Dragon does NOT know that his cat needs a litter box, for example.) He eventually finds himself at a pet store.

In the fourth chapter, Dragon realizes that he left Cat behind at the pet store. He must find and "rescue" Cat. When he finds Cat, he finds a big surprise! The reason why Cat was so FAT...

In the fifth chapter, Dragon returns home with Cat and her kittens. He starts preparing beds for all the little ones--he's named each one KITTY. Will Cat and kittens sleep in their beds?! Or will they still have ownership of Dragon's big bed?!

My thoughts: I loved, loved, loved, loved, CRAZY-LOVED this one. I enjoyed the writing very much. It was funny.

Dragon liked living with Cat,
and Cat liked living with Dragon.
But Dragon did not know
how to take care of Cat.
He did not know how to train Cat.
That was a problem.
Dragon did not know what to feed Cat.
That was a big problem.
And Dragon did not know what to do
about all the yellow puddles Cat made.
That was a smelly problem.

 I think this one will hold great appeal for young readers. I first read and reviewed this one in 2009. It has been newly republished this year.   


© 2026 Becky Laney of Young Readers

157. All at Once Upon a Time

157. All at Once Upon a Time. Mara Rockliff. Illustrated by Gladys Jose. 2024. 48 pages. [Source: Review copy, picture book, humor] [5 stars]

First sentence: Once upon a time (now, tell me if you've heard this one before), locked up in a tower, lived a princess with the longest....

Premise/plot: Looking for an over-the-top SILLY book that makes as much sense as any fantastical dream? All At Once Upon a Time thrives on the dot, dot, dot for fracturing ALL the fairy/folk tales that ever could be. (Well, most of them. More than you might expect in just forty-eight pages). 

My thoughts: This one is ridiculously silly and sometimes that kind of humor can be a very good thing. This would be a GREAT fit for teachers who are required to teach fairy/folk tale units that also include a WRITING section where kids have to write their own twisted tale. 

Because this one can be expanded upon in classrooms, it goes beyond the traditional audience you might expect. I think it builds upon a knowledge of the originals. 

 I definitely enjoyed it! Just a few of the fairy tales it fractures:

• Rapunzel
• Pinocchio
• Jack and the Beanstalk
• Goldilocks and the Three Bears
• Little Red Riding Hood
• Hansel and Gretel
• Three Little Pigs
• Cinderella
• The Frog Prince

The illustrations feature even more.

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

1. Happy Cats

Happy Cats. Catherine Amari and Anouk Han. Illustrated by Emi Lenox. 2021. 32 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: white cat
black cat
blue cat
brown cat
high cat
low cat
always upside down cat
fluffed cat
bare cat
round cat
square cat
long cat
short cat
rarely-ever-there cat

Premise/plot: Plenty of cats can be found in Catherine Amri and Anouk Han's Happy Cats. This one is essentially an illustrated poem. The stars of the show are the cats themselves, perhaps. 

My thoughts: I love cats. I do. I really LOVE, LOVE, LOVE cats. Crazy about cat books as well. Most of the time. This one was so delightful. Not just because it stars cats. Not just because the illustrations are satisfying--they are though. No, I love this one so much because the rhythm and rhyme delight. Rhyme can prove challenging, but, it is so much easier to "get right" than rhythm. Rhyming can be accomplished with practice and effort. Rhythm, however, I think is more of a gift. Some rhyming books just lack all sense of rhythm. Other books just make it look absolutely effortless. Rhythm looks so effortless in this one. It is FUN. The rhythm of the text makes you WANT to read it aloud (even if you're alone). I also think the rhythm will help make this one appeal as an again-again.

 

© 2024 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

196. Dogtown

Dogtown (A Dogtown Book #1) Katherine Applegate and Gennifer Choldenko. 2023. [September] 352 pages. [Source: Review copy] [Animal fantasy; J Fiction; MG Fiction]

First sentence: I know what you're thinking: That poor dog only has three legs. But don't go there. It's not that bad, okay? So, I'm not American Kennel Club material. Big deal. My eyes are sharp, my nose is wet, my coat puppy soft, and the white patch over my eye? It's a charmer, I don't mind saying. My name is Chance. I'm pleased to meet you.

Premise/plot: Dogtown is an animal shelter (dog shelter). It features dog-dogs and robot-dogs. (Presumably, this animal fantasy is futuristic animal fantasy). It stars Chance, our LOVABLE, adorable, super-kind hero. He's long been a resident at Dogtown. This is the story of his friendships at Dogtown. In particular, how he made [close] friendships with two unlikely residents: a mouse (named Mouse) and a robot dog, Metal Head. The book contains their adventures/misadventures.  

My thoughts: Does this one feature a dog in peril? Yes and no. No, in that it isn't just one dog in peril. It is DOGS (plural) in peril. Though this one doesn't feature direct-direct sads, it features plenty of potential peril. Does it have heart and substance? A thousand times yes. I loved, loved, loved, loved this one so much. I LOVE the emotional journey of this one. Very feel-good. Very warm-and-cozy. Yet not instant. Do I see myself rereading it? YES. I already want to reread it. I could reread it a million times and still be moved by how awesome it is.

I loved the story. I loved the characters. I loved EVERYTHING. 

My favorite, favorite, favorite element of this one is the inclusion of the BOOK BUDDY program. Pairing school-age children with shelter-dogs for reading time. These scenes were HEART-MELTING. 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

195. A Book for Bear

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

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

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

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

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

139. Anne Dares

Anne Dares (Anne #5) Kallie George. Illustrated by Abigail Halpin. 2023. [October 17?] 72 pages. [Source: Review copy] [early chapter book; illustrated chapter book]

First sentence: It was over a year now since Anne had first come to Green Gables. And, oh, how she loved it there. Today was especially wonderful. Diana Barry, Anne's best friend and kindred spirit, was having a party at her home, Orchard Slope. Anne loved parties! Even if she didn't have a party dress with puffed sleeves like the other girls had. Marilla, who, along with her brother Matthew, had adopted Anne, believed in plain and sensible clothing.

Premise/plot: Kallie George has been adapting the classic novel, Anne of Green Gables, into an illustrated chapter book for young readers. This one covers two episodes from Anne of Green Gables. Anne walking the ridgepole of the roof. Anne participating in a Christmas drama and receiving a dress with puffed sleeves from Matthew. 

My thoughts: I haven't read the original in a number of years. I don't remember the order of the incidents in the book perfectly perfect. Part of me thinks the books might be placing these events out of order. But then again, the other part just isn't sure at all. Even if they are out of order, kid readers wouldn't know any different. It would be completely fine. I enjoy her adaptations. I love the characters from the original. These are straightforward adaptations. Nothing weird is being added. It's all good. I do enjoy the illustrations. 

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

126. The Monster Mac and Cheese Party

Monster Mac and Cheese Party. Todd Parr. 2023. 40 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: You are invited to a monster mac and cheese party Friday night! Please bring your favorite mac and cheese. 

Premise/plot: Todd Parr's newest picture book stars monsters at a party, but not just any party--a mac and cheese party. Each monster guest brings his/her own 'favorite' mac and cheese. But what will happen when humans show up with BOXED mac and cheese?

My thoughts: I am not in the target audience for this one. I am not saying it won't be appealing for the target audience. Gross macaroni and cheeses might be absolutely hilarious for the right reader(s). The text is silly. The illustrations are bright, bold, colorful....and silly.

 

© 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

117. Truffle: A Dog (And Cat) Story

Picture book: Truffle: A Dog (And Cat) Story. David McPhail. 2023. [June] 40 pages. [Source: Review copy] [Link to Cover Image] 

First sentence: Truffle was born on a farm.

Premise/plot: This picture book is a "biography" of Truffles, a dog who only slowly--oh so slowly--began to change his opinion on cats. This dog was a cat-hater for many, many, many years. In fact, he wanted to travel to a place where there were NO CATS. (The travel agent said, no, such a place doesn't exist!) How does a dog come to have a cat for a best, best friend???

My thoughts: This picture book has an old fashioned [delightfully old-fashioned] vibe. It does read more like a biography than most picture books. There is story, but it goes at its own pace. I don't mind the slower pace. I enjoyed the illustrations and the story. I LOVE the direction the story goes. I love the inclusion of tea, for example. I don't know that this one will have much appeal to young children--or masses of young children. It's not your typical book. But I--as an adult--really enjoyed it.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

115. The Teachers I Loved Best

PICTURE BOOK: The Teachers I Loved Best. Taylor Mali. Illustrated by Erica Root. 2023. [March] 32 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Easy teachers who gave easy tests
are not the teachers I loved the best.
No, I loved the teachers who made me work hard
in the classroom, the science lab, the theater, and the schoolyard.
Those are the teachers who stand out from all the rest.
Those are the teachers that I loved the best.

Premise/plot: This picture book celebrates teachers. It is written in rhyming verse. It particularly pays tribute to the arts--art teachers, music teachers, theater teachers, etc. The narrator of the poem concludes that the best teachers are the ones who love their students and are loved in return.

My thoughts: I wanted to love, love, love this one. I didn't quite. Not because I don't love and appreciate teachers. (I do). I just thought the rhythm was slightly off throughout this picture book written in verse. Just a personal opinion, I know. At times it felt a little clunky. Still, I appreciate the premise of this one.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

111. Ways to Build Dreams

Sadly No Cover Yet

Ways to Build Dreams. Renee Watson. Illustrated by Nina Mata. 2023. [October] 208 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Everything feels new. The clothes I got for Christmas still fit in that stiff way that new clothes fit, and they haven't been worn enough to start fading. We've finally stopped eating holiday food and have gone back to more everyday meals--peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, burgers and fries, spaghetti. We're two weeks into the new year, and still people are saying Happy New Year! if it's the first time they've seen someone since December.

Premise/plot: This is the fourth Ryan Hart novel. Previous books include: Ways To Make Sunshine, Ways to Grow Love, and Ways to Share Joy. This LOVELY chapter book covers Ryan Hart's last five months in elementary school (aka, January - May of her fifth grade year). Readers spend time with Ryan Hart at school and home. 

My thoughts: I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, crazy love the Ryan Hart series. I adore every single member of her family. I love Ryan, Ray, Rose, the parents, and the grandma. I ADORE the relationships between all the family members. I love seeing the complexities of those relationships. I love seeing Ryan hang out with her best friends. I love seeing her strive at school. I love the occasional trip to church. Everything about Ryan Hart's world is one I'm invested in--I just adore this series so much. 

This one has so many perfectly-perfect scenes. I don't know if this is the last book, but if it happens to be the last book it is incredibly satisfying. (Do I want it to be the end? No. Never. I want to be friends with Ryan forever and ever and ever.) 

Quotes:

Always, they ask, What do you want to do when you grow up? but I have never been asked, Who do you want to be? I've never thought about there being a difference.
Like she [her Grandma] is thinking again about how I am changing, changing. She is smiling at me in a way that tells me her love is not based on what I do, but who I am.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

104. Mihi Ever After: A Giant Problem

A Giant Problem. (Mihi Ever After #2) Tae Keller. 2023. [May] 208 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Mihi Whan Park was sitting in the library for indoor recess. Again. Two months ago, she'd: 1) discovered a portal to a fairy tale world 2) met Sleeping Beauty, Snow White's evil queen, and Goldilocks's three bears 3) survived a horde of enchanted ladies-in-waiting.

Premise/plot: Mihi and her (new) friends Reese and Savannah return to the dangerous fairy tale realm (the portal is a refrigerator in the school library). Though these three barely escaped the first time round, these three are back again for a second adventure. Why? Well, Genevieve, Mihi's nemesis (frenemy), has ventured into the realm. Mihi thinks that Genevieve will need help to survive and return. She surely knows that it took all three of them [Mihi, Reese, Savannah] to escape the first time. So much trickery and deceit in that realm. 

Expect a giant, a beanstalk, and Jack in this second book.

 

My thoughts: The Rainbow Realm is topsy-turvy and unpredictable. Mihi and friends do have trouble detecting who is being honest and who is lying. To be fair, sometimes it's because they are just in a tough predicament where they have to make a decision to move forward. Even a bad mistake is movement forward. There are a lot of villains in this one. Few are just openly villainous. Many are "I'm just misunderstood" or "I'm trying to rewrite my story." A few villains they trust turn out to be honest (a wolf and fox), but others are just lying (a witch?). 

I am not the intended audience for these--obviously. I think they are certainly entertaining...especially for kids in that intended age range. (Perhaps not so much for adults just for the fun of it.) These books--the first two--focus a lot on the tricky relationships. It is so tough to make friends and keep friends. Both books look at what makes a friend a good friend in addition to how to BE a friend even when the other person isn't the kindest or nicest.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

100. BugBlock

Board book: Bugblock. Christopher Franceschelli. Illustrated by Peski Studio. 2023. [April] 84 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Bugs are incredible! They have lived on earth since before the dinosaurs. Scientists who study bugs are called entomologists. 

Premise/plot: This is an insect-themed, bug-themed board book for young readers. This is part of Abrams' "Block" series of board books. This one is more informational and nonfiction than the other books in the series, I think. (Though I suppose many can be considered 'concept' books.) It is packed with facts.

My thoughts: I don't particularly like bugs or insects. I do like good nonfiction. This one is full of interesting information. While it may not appeal to every single little one, there will be plenty who will enjoy it.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

98. Newton & Curie: The Science Squirrels

Newton and Curie: The Science Squirrels. Daniel Kirk. 2020. 40 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Newton was sitting under a tree when an apple bounced off his head. 

Premise/plot: Newton, a squirrel, becomes fascinated with how the world works [aka science] after an apple falls on his head. Curie, his sister, is perhaps less fascinated but she is super playful. [She likes the end results.] These two squirrels observe the humans, in particular he observes the nearby SCHOOL (and playground). He takes advantage of proximity and learns (not without some failures). This one focuses on simple machines. 

My thoughts: I was looking for an "N" title for my Alphabet Soup Challenge. This science-themed picture book stars two adorable squirrels. It definitely packs a few science lessons into the main story narrative. There's even a glossary at the back of the book. It was cute to see science-in-action since it was squirrel-sized science. (Newton figures out how to make a squirrel-sized seesaw and a squirrel-sized swing.)

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

96. Picky Panda

Picky Panda. Jackie Huang. 2023. 40 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Everyone called him Mr. Panda. He was a very picky panda. Mr. Panda worked in the corner office on the highest level of the tallest building, where he made very important decisions. For Mr. Panda, decisions were easy. Everything was either yes...or no. Good...or bad. Right...or wrong. Black...or white.

Premise/plot: Mr. Panda likes his black and white world...literally. If it's not black OR white, then it's wrong. When someone gifts him a red flower, he becomes out of sorts. It's a lovely gift...but can it fit into his world? Through his perspective, his so-called 'picky' perspective, the flower just looks completely out of place no matter where he puts it. Can he find a place...a literal place...for color in his life.

This one is a lift-the-flap book.

My thoughts: I'm conflicted. I think perhaps I am overthinking this one a bit too much. I am making an assumption--right or wrong--that the book is meant to be humorous. Ha ha look at Mr. Panda act totally ridiculous. I personally didn't find the book humorous. (Then again, maybe that wasn't the author's intent?) 

I didn't find the book written to encourage empathy or understanding for Mr. Panda. (Though perhaps that wasn't the author's intent either?) There can be beauty in the simplistic 'order' of black and white. Black and white is not without its own perfect beauty. 

What I am missing in my analysis of this one is a sense of what Mr. Panda *actually* feels. What is it about black and white does he love? Is it a need, an impulse, a compulsion to have things be black and white? Is it just a slight preference? What is it about color that displeases him? How does seeing color effect him? Does color overwhelm him? What kinds of physical, mental, emotional reactions does he experience as he wrestles with color? His reactions to it feeling "wrong" may not seem "logical" to readers, but it doesn't negate his actual reactions.

Again, I'm 1000% overthinking this one. I am. I know I am. But it just didn't strike me as funny or inspiring. If it's meant to be inspiring, then it's a bit simplistic. There's always more going on behind the scenes.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

91. A Day in the Sun

A Day in the Sun. Diana Ejaita. 2023. [May] 32 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Good morning, Sun!

Premise/plot: Each two-page spread of this new book is set in a different country. (The first spread is Madagascar.) The narrative praises--almost to the point of worship and adoration--the sun, the universal sun that unites us one and all. Each spread takes note of a reason to love the sun, to be thankful for the sun. The book ends with a, "Good night, Sun. Thank you for today."

 My thoughts: Reading is subjective. Reading is subjective. Reading is subjective. This one wasn't for me. I didn't care for the illustrations--though you might. I didn't care for the narrative--though you might. I liked the concept of each spread being set in a different country. The book is a love song to the sun. But it isn't just a lower-case, sun. It is an upper-case Sun. While many pages are mostly harmless, I didn't like the ending..."The Sun gifts every one of us with life! Good night, Sun. Thank you for today." It just felt OFF. Again, reading is subjective. Perhaps this isn't a picture book intended to turn little ones into literal sun-worshipers. I'm not saying that it definitely is. I just felt it was odd there towards the end.

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

81. Pocket Full of Sads

Pocket Full of Sads. Brad Davidson. Illustrated by Rachel Mas Davidson. 2023. [April] 40 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: My heart feels heavy, like my pocket's full of sads. Like when you get a new toy and it breaks on the first day. Or when you wait for your best friend to sit with you and they sit with someone else. I don't know why I feel this way, but it won't stop.

Premise/plot: Bear has a pocket full of sads. Rabbit, his friend, stops by ready and eager to go fishing. But Bear just isn't ready to spring out of the door. Rabbit tries, and tries, and tries, and tries, and tries, and tries (her best) to cheer Bear up. But it is only in her silent companionship that Bear begins to feel better. 

My thoughts: I like this one. Rabbit is a lovable friend. I don't blame her for her busy activism in trying to cheer Bear up. But she is a little too much to handle. I'm glad that Bear didn't lose patience with Rabbit. (It might have been so easy to just yell at her to go away.) Bear and Rabbit seem like good folk.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

77. I Love You Like Yellow

I Love You Like Yellow. Andrea Beaty. Illustrated by Vashti Harrison. 2022. 48 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: I love you like yellow.
I love you like green.
Like flowery orchid
and sweet tangerine.
I love you like silly.
I love you like mad.
Like joyous and jolly.
Like silent and sad.

Premise/plot: Picture book poem. This picture book--beautifully illustrated--celebrates families and unconditional love. 

My thoughts: I can be a harsh critic when it comes to rhyming picture books. This one was beautiful. It wasn't too 'precious' [aka saccharine]. The narrative was packed with imagery. I liked seeing all the many different scenes from life. I like the vignettes of different families. This isn't the story of one family--one parent, one child. It is broader and more universal than that. 

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers