9. Fireworks

9. Fireworks. Matthew Burgess. Illustrated by Catia Chien. 2025. 44 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, picture books, Caldecott Medal]

First sentence: In the summer, the sun rises
between buildings on our block
to greet us at breakfast,
and it beats warmer and brighter
when we venture out across
steamy city sidewalks.

Premise/plot: A poetic look at a summer day. It is implied that it is the fourth of July, though, that is not stated specifically. But there is a HUGE fireworks display in the evening that they (siblings?) watch from the rooftop.

My thoughts: What makes this one pop? POETIC language, great imagery, and phenomenal illustrations. I love, love, love, love, LOVE the illustrations. I do. The illustrations are incredible. The text is so descriptive and packed with imagery.


© 2026 Becky Laney of Young Readers

205. Hope In the Valley

Hope In the Valley. Mitali Perkins. 2023. 304 pages. [Source: Library] [J Fiction; MG Fiction; everybody-fiction, "historical" fiction, realistic fiction]

First sentence:  Our front porch is a mess. Stepping around a discarded skateboard and a rusty tricycle, I avoid a couple of splintery wooden chairs and make my way down the steps. As I cross the street to the old Johnson place, I move slowly, casually, in case eyes are tracking me. The riskiest part of this escape is ducking behind the overgrown oleander bushes. But I'm careful as always. There. Now I'm hidden.

Premise/plot: Hope in the Valley is set in the early 1980s, I believe, in California. Pandita Paul, the protagonist, is going to be an eighth grader in the fall. And she doesn't like change--not this change nor any other, not really. Perhaps because she's already experienced one of the biggest changes she could face--the death of her mother. (And it happened on vacation, when they were visiting her grandparents in India). She is holding onto every single memory, every single moment. She has a BIG secret that her and her mother held. The abandoned mansion across the street is their favorite "quiet" place. In particular the porch swing on the porch. There's a cushion where they hid letters, notes, pictures. This is her "safe place" mentally and emotionally. But soon after her birthday (or perhaps on her birthday), she learns that it is soon to be demolished and sold. She's crushed, angered, scared. Can she find a way to save the past? 

Of course, that's only ONE of a handful of story threads in the novel...

My thoughts: I absolutely ADORE this one so much. I loved the main character. I loved getting to know her older sisters. I loved meeting her friends--not all of them her own age. I loved the characters, the relationships, the stories. I loved the inclusion of drama camp and SOUND OF MUSIC. It is just a fantastic coming of age story.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

57. Rosetown Summer

Rosetown Summer. Cynthia Rylant. 2021. [July] 96 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Rosetown Paper and Press sat on Main Street in Rosetown, Indiana, and it was one of Flora Smallwood’s favorite places to be. The shop belonged to Flora’s mother and father, and all of its beautiful cards and calendars and journals had been printed on an old-fashioned letterpress in the back room.

 ETA: I first read Rosetown Summer in August 2021. I enjoy this sequel. Definitely. Both books are great. But this one is shorter and even less happens. The writing is still great. But set your expectations a bit lower. Definitely character driven.

Premise/plot: Yesterday I reviewed Rosetown by Cynthia Rylant. Rosetown Summer is the sequel. It is set in the summer of 1973 in Rosetown, Indiana. Fourth grade is complete, and Flora and Yury have the whole summer ahead. But change is coming...the owner of Wings and a Chair Used Books may be moving away!

My thoughts: I loved, loved, loved the first book. I love, love, love this second book. Flora and I are just kindred spirits I tell you. Except FLORA is better with glue. Definitely better at glue! This was just a treat of a book.

Quotes:

Yury says I should write stories,” Flora said. “But I’d rather read them.”
Her father nodded. “I’d rather look at photographs than take them,” he said.
“Really?” asked Flora.
“But I guess if all photographers felt that way,” answered her father, “we wouldn’t have any photographs to look at.”


The bookshop had, in many ways, become their story, Flora and Yury’s. Every story needs a setting and a beginning, and Wings and a Chair had given them both.

“Is Miss Meriwether going to move away?” she asked her mother. Flora wasn’t sure she really wanted to know the answer. When a question is so big inside one’s mind, sometimes a person does not really want to know its answer.
Her mother sighed. She looked away a moment, then looked back at Flora.
“She seems torn,” Flora’s mother said. “Miss Meriwether is at one of life’s crossroads: to stay or to go. This is a problem many people face.”
Flora shook her head. “Not me,” she said. “I would always choose to stay.”
Her mother smiled. “But if you aren’t at a crossroads yet, dear,” she said, “how can you know? Sometimes a person really must choose between two good things.”
Two good things, thought Flora.
“I would choose the thing that involved a cat,” she said.
Her mother laughed.

“Could I help you with Toddler Story Time until school starts?” she asked, looking partly at his large friendly face and partly at the craft table in the far corner.
“I am good with glue,” she added.
Mr. Anderson hesitated for just a moment, and then he laughed.
“You’re hired!” he said. “I am terrible with glue!”

Mr. Anderson was pleased to see her.
“Good morning, Flora!” He beamed at her. “Are you ready to get started? We need lettuces and carrots and paper pails to put them in. Here, let me show you.”
And just like that, Flora stepped from the old to the new. Here she was, by herself, being Flora in a different way. She could hardly believe it. This thing she was doing alone.


“Do you remember the story of Peter Rabbit?” Flora asked Nessy.
“Sure,” said Nessy. “He squeezed under the gate.”
“He did,” said Flora. “Mr. Anderson read it to the toddlers today, and they listened to every word. Two little girls held hands while they listened.”
“That was us,” said Nessy with a giggle.

Flora regarded this necklace as something so meaningful that she had carefully put it away and planned to wear it only on special occasions.
So why she decided to start wearing it every day during these ordinary last days of summer, Flora wasn’t sure. One morning she opened a dresser drawer, removed the box, and put the necklace around her neck. And now she did this every morning.
There is a meaning to some things that a person cannot always define. When an object has some link to the heart, it is often because it came from someone dear or was loved by someone dear who has passed away. Or sometimes the object is a treasured reminder of an experience: a winning game, the first sight of the ocean, a project carried through with intense devotion.


“Did you know that people used to ride horses to the bank in Rosetown?” she asked him. She would have to think all of her many thoughts later.
“You have told me that a million times,” said Yury with a smile.
Flora smiled too. They had spent a lot of time together if a story had been shared a million times. A lot of time. Enough for a foundation.
Flora bent over and gave Friday a big hug.
Maybe someday she would take Yury to see the Tree of Life.
But for now it was almost time to start fifth grade.
What a beautiful day this was. In Rosetown, Indiana.

 

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

51. Harriet Spies

Harriet Spies. Elana K. Arnold. 2023. 240 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: If you're not a people person, you probably wouldn't like living at a bed-and-breakfast. (Even if you really like beds, and you really like breakfasts).

Premise/plot: Harriet Spies is the sequel to Just Harriet. To refresh memories all around, Harriet is visiting her grandmother--who runs a bed and breakfast--for the summer. Her mother, who is pregnant, has been put on bed rest. Her father, who is working and trying to manage everything at the house too, thinks its best for everyone if Harriet has some special time with her grandmother. Harriet and her cat, Matzo Ball, have enjoyed many things about the summer...so far. But Harriet doesn't always get along perfectly with all the guests. In this book, Captain, who resides at the bed and breakfast, misplaces her binoculars, she blames Harriet--accuses her of theft. Harriet, who hasn't always been known for telling the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, isn't believed. Harriet makes a new friend, Clarence, who agrees to help her solve the mystery. Who really took the binoculars...and why????

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I really enjoyed the first novel in the series, Just Harriet. I really like this community. I like the amount of characterization. The light mystery was enjoyable. I am so glad that she's making friends her own age too.

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

33. Hot Dog

Hot Dog. Doug Salati. 2022. 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: City summer
steamy
sidewalks
concrete
crumbles
sirens
screech
so hot!
can't sit
or sniff
or wait
crowds
close in...

Premise/plot: Hot Dog is the 2023 Caldecott Medal winner.  This picture book stars a dog and his owner. This dog is a HOT dog. And he has had enough--more than enough--of city life, of hot city life. The pair travel spontaneously [or so it appears to this reader at least] to the ocean for the day. 

My thoughts: I love the illustrations. This dog is just super-super-super cute and adorable [and expressive]. The text is sparse, but descriptive. The text reads like a poem. There are many spreads of this picture book that are wordless. The pictures/illustrations definitely are capable of telling the story all on their own.

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

167. Just Harriet

Just Harriet. Elana K. Arnold. 2022. 208 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: My name is Harriet Wermer. There are some things you should know about me before I tell you everything else. Let's start with the worst things first. Sometimes I lie. I don't know why I lie, and it's usually about dumb things that people figure out right away, or really soon. 

Premise/plot: Harriet's summer doesn't go according to her plan. [Well, her parents' plans either if you think about it]. Her mom--who is pregnant--is put on bed rest. Harriet [and her cat Matzo Ball] are sent to live with her grandmother [nanu] who owns a bed and breakfast [and a dog]. Harriet normally loves, loves, loves to spend time visiting her nanu on the island. But not for the whole summer, not in this way with her mother being sick and her father being worried. But sometimes what you DON'T WANT is exactly what you need. There is a light mystery in this coming of age novel starring a soon-to-be fourth grader.

My thoughts: I definitely enjoyed Just Harriet. I loved Moneypenny [the dog] and Matzo Ball [the cat]. I enjoyed the special relationship between grandmother and granddaughter. I liked seeing Harriet explore the island and work on a little light mystery. Harriet is really taking the time to consider what her father's childhood on the island was like. [Which I appreciated.] It was a good read.

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

137. Halfway to Harmony

Halfway to Harmony. Barbara O'Connor. 2021. 240 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: The night that Posey and Evalina moved to Harmony, Georgia, Walter Tipple had that dream again. The one about his birthday.

Premise/plot: Walter Tipple is still mourning the loss of his older brother, Tank. But his summer--and life--take a turn for the better AFTER Posey, Evalina, and Porkchop (the dog) move in next door. From the start these kids are drawn to each other and to some adventures/misadventures. Like finding a "dead" body in the woods. That turns out to be the knocked unconscious JUBILATION T. FAIRWEATHER aka "Banjo" who has dreams of his own...dreams involving a hot air balloon and a certain contest. But dreams don't always go as planned....

My thoughts: I really enjoyed this one! I love Barbara O'Connor's books. I really loved the characterization of Walter and Posey. And Banjo was a hoot. The book dealt with some heavy subjects but not in an oppressive way. I felt the resolution was as happily ever after as one would expect in such a case.
I thought the book did a good job of honoring Tank.

 YES, there is a dog on the cover. But it is a SAFE READ.

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

136. The Becket List

The Becket List: A Blackberry Farm Story. Adele Griffin. 2019. 208 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Today we're moving to Blackberry Farm. My parents are taking over the Old Post Road Animal Clinic, and we'll all help Gran run Branch's Farm Store.

Premise/plot: The Branch family is moving. Caroline, the oldest, is sad to be leaving her best, best friend. Nicolas, Rebecca's twin brother, is anxious and hesitant. And Rebecca, our hero, well she's super excited and adopted a new nickname: Becket. She is making (and making as she goes) a bucket list of everything a *real* country girl would do and doing it. The summer is full of changes...some great...some not so great. But it's packed with adventures and misadventures for the whole family.

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I liked the writing. I loved the illustrations by LeUyen Pham. She's one of my favorite, favorite illustrators. The pace of the story is good.

I would just remind readers to be careful and OBSERVE the cover. NOTICE the dog on the cover. Question if you should read a book with a dog on the cover. Look for reviews (like this one) that may contain advice about reading books with dogs on the cover. Look for SPOILERS that alert you if the book is safe or not safe to read BECAUSE OF THE DOG ON THE COVER. Don't be like me and go in unprepared....

In other words....THIS BOOK IS NOT AT ALL SAFE FOR THOSE AVOIDING BOOKS WHERE DOGS DIE.

Quotes:

• But I know Gran likes loud truth more than soft politeness. That's why we get along.
• In the beginning, I figured if I did ten things that I hadn't ever done, it would make me into a real country kid. But this summer didn't follow my list. I never knew what I needed to learn next.

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

109. Rosetown Summer

Rosetown Summer. Cynthia Rylant. 2021. [July] 96 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Rosetown Paper and Press sat on Main Street in Rosetown, Indiana, and it was one of Flora Smallwood’s favorite places to be. The shop belonged to Flora’s mother and father, and all of its beautiful cards and calendars and journals had been printed on an old-fashioned letterpress in the back room.

Premise/plot: Yesterday I reviewed Rosetown by Cynthia Rylant. Rosetown Summer is the sequel. It is set in the summer of 1972 in Rosetown, Indiana. Fourth grade is complete, and Flora and Yury have the whole summer ahead. But change is coming...the owner of Wings and a Chair Used Books may be moving away!

My thoughts: I loved, loved, loved the first book. I love, love, love this second book. Flora and I are just kindred spirits I tell you. Except FLORA is better with glue. Definitely better at glue! This was just a treat of a book.

Quotes:

Yury says I should write stories,” Flora said. “But I’d rather read them.”
Her father nodded. “I’d rather look at photographs than take them,” he said.
“Really?” asked Flora.
“But I guess if all photographers felt that way,” answered her father, “we wouldn’t have any photographs to look at.”


The bookshop had, in many ways, become their story, Flora and Yury’s. Every story needs a setting and a beginning, and Wings and a Chair had given them both.

“Is Miss Meriwether going to move away?” she asked her mother. Flora wasn’t sure she really wanted to know the answer. When a question is so big inside one’s mind, sometimes a person does not really want to know its answer.
Her mother sighed. She looked away a moment, then looked back at Flora.
“She seems torn,” Flora’s mother said. “Miss Meriwether is at one of life’s crossroads: to stay or to go. This is a problem many people face.”
Flora shook her head. “Not me,” she said. “I would always choose to stay.”
Her mother smiled. “But if you aren’t at a crossroads yet, dear,” she said, “how can you know? Sometimes a person really must choose between two good things.”
Two good things, thought Flora.
“I would choose the thing that involved a cat,” she said.
Her mother laughed.

“Could I help you with Toddler Story Time until school starts?” she asked, looking partly at his large friendly face and partly at the craft table in the far corner.
“I am good with glue,” she added.
Mr. Anderson hesitated for just a moment, and then he laughed.
“You’re hired!” he said. “I am terrible with glue!”

Mr. Anderson was pleased to see her.
“Good morning, Flora!” He beamed at her. “Are you ready to get started? We need lettuces and carrots and paper pails to put them in. Here, let me show you.”
And just like that, Flora stepped from the old to the new. Here she was, by herself, being Flora in a different way. She could hardly believe it. This thing she was doing alone.


“Do you remember the story of Peter Rabbit?” Flora asked Nessy.
“Sure,” said Nessy. “He squeezed under the gate.”
“He did,” said Flora. “Mr. Anderson read it to the toddlers today, and they listened to every word. Two little girls held hands while they listened.”
“That was us,” said Nessy with a giggle.

Flora regarded this necklace as something so meaningful that she had carefully put it away and planned to wear it only on special occasions.
So why she decided to start wearing it every day during these ordinary last days of summer, Flora wasn’t sure. One morning she opened a dresser drawer, removed the box, and put the necklace around her neck. And now she did this every morning.
There is a meaning to some things that a person cannot always define. When an object has some link to the heart, it is often because it came from someone dear or was loved by someone dear who has passed away. Or sometimes the object is a treasured reminder of an experience: a winning game, the first sight of the ocean, a project carried through with intense devotion.


“Did you know that people used to ride horses to the bank in Rosetown?” she asked him. She would have to think all of her many thoughts later.
“You have told me that a million times,” said Yury with a smile.
Flora smiled too. They had spent a lot of time together if a story had been shared a million times. A lot of time. Enough for a foundation.
Flora bent over and gave Friday a big hug.
Maybe someday she would take Yury to see the Tree of Life.
But for now it was almost time to start fifth grade.
What a beautiful day this was. In Rosetown, Indiana.

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

53. Moon Camp

Moon Camp. Barry Gott. 2021. [May] 32 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: I had my summer vacation all planned out: sleeping in, playing video games, and having a whole lot of fun. But then....

Premise/plot: Lucas is not thrilled that his parents have signed him up for camp ON THE MOON. But will his misadventure turn into the adventure of a lifetime?

My thoughts: I thought this was a nice take on the traditional summer camp story. All the universal elements are there--including homesickness--but the setting is definitely 'out of this world.' Overall I enjoyed it. I loved that Lucas was finally able to make a new friend and redeem the camp experience.

I enjoyed the illustrations and the text.

 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

The Book in the Book in the Book

The Book in the Book in the Book. Julien Baer. Illustrated by Simon Bailly. 2019. Holiday House. 56 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: What a beautiful day! The air is so clear. The sky so blue. Thomas is on vacation with his parents. Hooray!

Premise/plot: Thomas is on vacation with his parents. He gets bored. He loses his parents. He finds a book. The name of the book is The Book in the Book in the Book. He reads the book which stars him and his family on vacation. He gets bored. He loses his parents. He finds a book. The name of the book is The Book in the Book in the Book. He reads the book which stars him and his family on vacation. He gets bored. He loses his parents. He finds a book. The name of the book is The Book in the Book in the Book. He reads the book which stars him and his family on vacation. He gets bored. He loses his parents. He gets woken up by his parents--in each book.

My thoughts: This is a premise-driven picture book that is Inception-like. It is odd and strange and a bit boring. Since all the focus is on the premise--to see how many layers this one can get before he wakes up from his dream--there is no characterization. I don't care about Thomas or his family. I just want the book to be over.

Text: 2 out of 5
Illustrations: 2 out of  5
Total: 4 out of 10


© 2019 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Board book: Beach Day

Beach Day. Karen Roosa. Illustrated by Maggie Smith. 2001/2018. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. 30 pages. [Source: Review copy]

Waves roar,
Rush, and soar!
Rolling, crashing
To the shore.

Premise/plot: Beach Day was originally published as a hardcover picture book in 2001. It is newly reprinted in board book format. This board book CELEBRATES a fun day at the beach--a fun day OUTDOORS--and the celebration is ALL VERSE.

My thoughts: Those that know me know that I can be harsh when it comes to books written in rhyme. I have nothing but praise to offer for Karen Roosa's Beach Day. Her rhymes go above and beyond my expectations or standards. Lovely rhythm and rhyme throughout. Everything feels NATURAL and never forced.

Waves lapping,
Babies napping.
On the water
Sails are snapping.
Launch a boat,
Help Father float,
Build a castle
With a moat.

Text: 4 out of 5
Illustrations: 4 out of 5
Total: 8 out of 10

© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers

The Man Who Cooked For Himself

The Man Who Cooked For Himself. Phyllis Krasilovsky. Illustrated by Mamoru Funai. 1981. Parents Magazine Press. 42 pages. [Source: Bought]

 First sentence: There once was a man who lived with his cat in a little house on the edge of a wood. He didn't have a wife or children so he always cooked his own supper, cleaned the house by himself, and made his own bed. The man didn't even have a car or a telephone. But he had a friend who visited him every few days bringing him the things he needed.

Premise/plot: What will happen to 'the man' when his friend goes on a summer vacation for three weeks? The friend brings over one last bunch of groceries before he leaves. But will the man's list be thorough enough? long enough?

My thoughts: It's a strange little book. But a strangely charming little book at that. Is it realistic? Yes and no. When the man is hungry and desperate for food, he happens upon a pond where he can fish, wild blueberries, an apple tree, an oak tree, and some watercress. With just a paperclip and some string he catches four fish. As the story went on, the illustrations became hilarious. Readers see the man bent over picking up apples--apples stuffed into his pockets until they're bulging. The man--in the end--learns a valuable lesson about laziness--DON'T--and on how to live off the land.

Text: 3.5 out of 5
Illustrations: 3.5 out of 5
Total: 7 out of 10

© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers

A Bargain for Frances

A Bargain for Frances. Russell Hoban. Illustrated by Lillian Hoban. 1970/1992. HarperCollins. 64 pages.

It was a fine summer day, and after breakfast Frances said, "I am going to play with Thelma."
"Be careful," said Mother.
"Why do I have to be careful?" said Frances.
"Remember the last time?" said Mother. 
"Which time was that?" said Frances. 
"That was the time you played catch with Thelma's new boomerang," said Mother. "Thelma did all the throwing, and you came home with lumps on your head."
"I remember that time now," said Frances.
"And do you remember the other time last winter?" said Mother. 
"I remember that time too," said Frances. "That was the first time there was ice on the pond. Thelma wanted to go skating, and she told me to try the ice first."
"Who came home wet?" said Mother. "You or Thelma?"
"I came home wet," said Frances.
"Yes," said Mother. "That is why I say be careful. Because when you play with Thelma you always get the worst of it."

Poor Frances! Her mother was right. Again. Thelma had ulterior motives with wanting to play tea party with her friend, Frances. And Frances got tricked! Tricked into trading her money for Thelma's old tea set. Her ugly old plastic tea set. (A set so ugly that even Gloria sees it as junk.) Thelma then uses the money to buy a new tea set--the exact tea set that Frances had been saving for for months and months. Will Frances get even with Thelma? Can she outwit this trickster? Can this friendship be saved?!

I have enjoyed rereading the Frances books. Have you read any of these? Do you have a favorite?

• Bedtime for Frances. Russell Hoban. Illustrated by Garth Williams. 1960/1996. HarperCollins. 32 pages.
  
• A Baby Sister for Frances. Russell Hoban. Illustrated by Lillian Hoban. 1964/1992. HarperCollins. 32 pages.
• Bread and Jam for Frances. Russell Hoban. Illustrated by Lillian Hoban. 1964/1992. HarperCollins. 32 pages.
• A Birthday for Frances. Russell Hoban. Illustrated by Lillian Hoban. 1968/1995. HarperCollins. 32 pages.
• Best Friends for Frances. Russell Hoban. Illustrated by Lillian Hoban. 1969/1994. HarperCollins. 32 pages.
• A Bargain for Frances. Russell Hoban. Illustrated by Lillian Hoban. 1970/1992. HarperCollins. 64 pages.

© 2011 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Best Friends for Frances

Best Friends for Frances. Russell Hoban. Illustrated by Lillian Hoban. 1969/1994. HarperCollins. 32 pages.


It was a fine summer morning, so Frances took out her bat and ball. "Will you play ball with me?" said her little sister, Gloria. "No," said Frances. "You are too little." Gloria sat down and cried. Frances walked over to her friend Albert's house, singing a song: 

Sisters that are much too small

To throw or catch or bat a ball

Are really not much good at all,

Except for crying.

It was easy for Frances to dismiss Gloria as an unworthy playmate, but when Albert (and later Harold) dismiss Frances, well, Frances learns that sometimes a sister can be a friend--a best friend. It's summer and Frances loves to play with her friends. One day Albert rejects Frances because it's his "wandering" day. And the next day, Albert and Harold reject Frances because she's a girl, and girls can't play baseball as well as boys. But Frances is not to be stopped. Even if it means playing with her little sister, she'll show Albert what is what! If Albert wants a no-girls-allowed club, then she'll start a no-boys-allowed club.

"Do you want to play ball?"
"All right," said Gloria.
"If any boys come, they can't play," said Frances, "and I think I will be your friend now."
"How can a sister be a friend?" said Gloria.
"You'll see," said Frances.
"For frogs and ball and dolls?"
"Yes," said Frances.
"And will you show me how to print my name?" said Gloria.
"Yes," said Frances.
"Then you will be my best friend," said Gloria. "Will it just be today, or longer?"
"Longer," said Frances. (20-21)

I do like this one. But Frances isn't always nice in this one. Then again neither is Albert. Or Harold. The only one that is nice all the time is Gloria.

© 2011 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Scaredy Squirrel At The Beach

Scaredy Squirrel At The Beach. Melanie Watt. 2008. Kids Can Press. 32 pages.

Scaredy Squirrel never goes to the beach. He'd rather vacation at home alone where it's safe than risk being surrounded by the wrong crowd.

To avoid encountering the wrong kinds of crowds, Scaredy Squirrel plans on making his own private beach, right at the bottom of his nice happy nut tree. True, kitty litter doesn't have quite the same feel as sand. But still, a few sacrifices must be made for safety, right? But there is one thing his beach needs--really needs to be complete. Seashells. What's a squirrel to do? This one heads off to the real beach to get a few. To bring home. What will he learn along the way?

This one is funny and cute. I definitely liked it!

© Becky Laney of Young Readers

Neil Armstrong is My Uncle

Marino, Nan. 2009. Neil Armstrong Is My Uncle & Other Lies Muscle Man McGinty Told Me. Roaring Brook Press. 154 pages.

Muscle Man McGinty is a squirrelly runt, a lying snake, and a pitiful excuse for a ten-year-old. The problem is no one on Ramble Street knows it but me. In the entire town of Massapequa Park, only I see him for what he really is. A phony.

Tamara Ann Simpson, our narrator, can't stand Muscle Man McGinty. Not even a little bit. It drives her crazy that the other kids in the neighborhood are so nice, so friendly, so trusting. Who is Muscle Man? Well, he's a foster kid, for one thing. A new kid for another. But why should that really matter to Tamara? Well, her best friend--also a foster kid--has just moved, has just reunited with her mother. And Muscle Man has taken her place in the foster home.

Set in the summer of 1969, it's a character-driven coming-of-age story. Of lazy and not-so-lazy summer days filled with kickball, friends, and ice cream. It's a story about friendship, in a way, but it's more about capturing a time than anything else. (There's some talk of Vietnam, some talk of the astronauts landing on the moon, etc.)

Is it my most favorite children's book set during that time? Probably not. I really really love Shooting the Moon. But it's a good book.

© Becky Laney of Young Readers

Jemma Hartman, Camper Extraordinaire

Ferber, Brenda A. 2009. Jemma Hartman, Camper Extraordinaire. FSG. 215 pages.

Tammy said we'd be best friends forever, and I believed her. I was standing on her driveway, squinting in the August sun. The moving truck had left, and Tammy's parents and older brother were already in their minivan. Tammy and I did our secret handshake, complete with butt bump and shimmy. We hugged and promised to call. Then Tammy climbed into the van, and they drove away. The Eriksons were moving to Chicago, only thirty minutes away by car from our life here in Deerfield. But when you were about to start fifth grade, anything further than a bike ride was another world.

It's almost been a year since Jemma said good-bye to her best friend, Tammy. Now the two are getting ready to go to summer camp together. And everything will be perfect again, right? Two girls, two best friends, everything falling exactly into place, right? After all, how much can a girl change between fourth grade and sixth grade? Yes, these two sixth-graders-to-be are getting ready to reunite...but is Jemma ready for the new Tammy?

Six young girls in a cabin together for four weeks. What can go wrong?!

Jemma's summer may not be going according to the way she had planned it. But can Jemma learn to deal with life, to make the best of every circumstance?

I really liked this one. Jemma is not a perfect heroine. She makes mistakes now and then. But she's a heartfelt girl. And I could feel her pain and confusion. I understood her jealousies and insecurities. I felt like I could completely relate to her as a character. And I thought the other characters: Annie and Kat, Delaney, Brooke, and Tammy were all well-done too. Perhaps not as fleshed out as the heroine herself. But certainly more than two-dimensional.

© Becky Laney of Young Readers

Where is Baby's Beach Ball

Where is Baby's Beach Ball? by Karen Katz. 2009. A Lift the Flap Book. Simon & Schuster.

Lift-the-flap books can be fun now and then. Such is the case with this fun seasonal book. Yes, it's not quite the time to be reviewing summer books, it being Labor Day weekend and all, but better late than never, right?

The baby has lost her beach ball. Can you help her find it?

Baby is playing at the beach!
But where is Baby's Beach ball?
Is it behind the umbrella?
...
No! But here are some pretty seashells!
Is it in Mommy's beach bag?
...
No! But I found my sand pails and and shovel!

I liked this one. I think if you like Karen Katz especially, then this one is one to seek out. (Or if you're planning a beach vacation with your little ones along.)



© Becky Laney of Young Readers

Rattletrap Car

Root, Phyllis. 2001. Rattletrap Car. Illustrated by Jill Barton. Candlewick.

What's a family to do when they need a vacation--a relaxing day at the lake--but their car doesn't go fast or far? Read and see in Rattletrap Car.

Junie was hot. Jakie was hot. Even the baby was hot, hot, hot.
"Let's go to the lake," said Junie and Jakie.
"Go," said the baby.

Even though the father thinks the car isn't in any condition to make it all the way to the lake and back, he's game to give it a try. So they all make preparations. What do they bring? Razzleberry, dazzleberry, snazzleberry fizz; chocolate marshmallow fudge delight; a beach ball; a surfboard; and a three-speed, wind-up, paddle-wheel boat. Do they make it? Is there day everything they hoped it would be? You'll have to read and see for yourself.

Loved everything about this one: the story, the characters, the language, the illustrations. (The rattletrap car, for example, goes "flippita fluppita fizzelly sizzelly wappity bappity lumpety bumpety clinkety clankety bing bang pop!") This one is fun. Purely silly. Worth a giggle or two at least.

© Becky Laney of Young Readers