25. Squash the Cat: Stuck in the Middle

 

25. Squash the Cat: Stuck in the Middle. Sasha Mayer. 2025. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, cats, jealousy, toys, picture book]

First sentence: This is Squash. Squash is a sleeping in-the-sunshine, celebrating-from-the-sidelines, and then a nap-in-the-lap kind of cat. 

Premise/plot: Squash loves Maggie--his human. Maggie loves Squash too. They are the best, best, best of friends....until.....PIRATE LOU appears on the scene. This is a PIRATE stuffed animal. Now Squash is having HIS space invaded. Can Squash make peace with this new.....thing.....on Maggie's lap, Maggie's bed, etc.

My thoughts: If Squash wasn't so absolutely DELIGHTFULLY adorably illustrated would I rate this one so high?????? The world will never know because Squash IS so adorable and irresistible. The story is simple enough--jealousy. But it's also told in a fun and cute way.

 

© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

158-161. Four early chapter books about Barbie

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The second chapter is the history chapter. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The second chapter is the history chapter. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

98-102. Early Chapter Books (Mostly)

98. Roger Takes a Chance. (Book Buddies #4) Cynthia Lord. Illustrated by Stephanie Graegin. 2024. 80 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Roger was a toy chick that lived with his mother, Olive, on a shelf in Farmer Bickford's barn. Olive the hen liked the quiet of the barn. She was happy on the shelf watching the real pigs, chickens, and cows. "Just cozy up to me, my little chick," Olive would say to Roger. "The shelf is a safe home. And safe is best." Roger thought safe was boring. He wanted to do fun things. He wanted to go to new places.

Premise/plot: Olive and Roger become the newest pair of book buddies at the local library. Children can check out "book buddies" (Olive and Roger come as a pair--a velcroed pair) along with their books. Olive and Roger are checked out by kids whose family is going to the airport to pick up the grandpa. Roger is EXCITED. Airports could be VERY exciting indeed. Especially if he can get the velcro loose enough to escape from under the wing of Olive. But does he take his independence a little too far? 

My thoughts: I really LOVE the Book Buddies series by Cynthia Lord. I could not relate as much to Roger, however, I do with Olive! The book has a LOT of adventure. Seeing Roger on his own at the airport was very entertaining. I do like all the twists and turns this one takes. Highly recommend this series.

99. Monti and Leo: A Newcome in Pocketville. Sylvie Kantorovitz. 2024. 80 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence:  There were four things Monti Mole loved to do in the morning. One, he welcomed the day. Two, he stopped by the Pocketville Bakery. Three, he visited the Pocketville Library. And four, before heading home for lunch, Monti settled on his favorite rock by the river and gazed peacefully at the water. It was a perfect routine! Until one day...

Premise/plot: Monti Mole's perfect life--perfect routine--is disrupted when Leo Lizard moves to town. But can change actually be a great thing? Is his life actually improved by Leo's arrival? Could Leo be the BEST BEST BEST friend Monti never knew he needed? Not everyone in town is thrilled with the newcomer. Some people are giving him the cold shoulder (if you will), can Monti help the others in town welcome Leo? 

This is an early chapter book, the first in a new series. It is told partly in graphic novel form. In other words, highly illustrated chapter book where the narrative is mostly (though not exclusively) told in dialogue--speech bubbles. The panels are well spaced and not confusing. I enjoyed this one very much. I would definitely be interested in reading more in the series. The book celebrates friendship--going above and beyond for a friend.

 

100. Dog Gets a Pet (Dog and Pony Show #1). Jeff Mack (Ready to Read Graphics Level 1). 2024. 64 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Look, Dog. I got you a pet. What is it Pony?

Premise/pot: Dog and Pony are friends. Pony surprises Dog with a pet. What kind of pet? The one Dog has always wanted? No. Not exactly. It is a rock. A pet rock. Will Dog be grateful? Maybe. Maybe not. Can he make the most of the situation? Perhaps with a little imagination. 

My thoughts: I loved this one so much because there is a certain exuberance to it. These characters leap off the pages. There is humor and liveliness. It is an early graphic novel. All of Pony's speech bubbles have an orange background. All of Dog's speech bubbles have a yellow background. It is a full story. I think it would be easy to identify the problem (and solution) and also identify character traits and track character growth. Plenty of places to stop and pause and ask what do you think will happen next.

101. Cornbread and Poppy for the Win (Cornbread and Poppy #4). Matthew Cordell. 2024. 80 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: It was almost time! The annual Small Rodents Competitive Cycling Championship Classic--the SRCCCC--was tomorrow. Cornbread and Poppy had been training for months. Cornbread arrived at Poppy's house. He checked his watch.

Premise/plot: Poppy and Cornbread and excited about the upcoming bike race. Poppy is a LOT more excited than Cornbread. Perhaps competitive is the better description. But both are ready to participate and have been diligent in training. What will happen on race day? Can their friendship survive? Perhaps even thrive?

My thoughts: This one was SO funny. I have always enjoyed Poppy and Cornbread as characters. Most of the books at least. The one about the museum was a little dull. But this one had me laughing. It also has its sweeter moments between the two. There is a CARS moment, if you will.

102. Slice of Mallow (Slice of Mallow #1) Adam Foreman. 2024. 80 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Hi, I'm Mallow the Marshmallow. I can stretch! I can squish! I'm loveable! I'm excitable! Who are you talking to Mallow? The reader. The reader? Where? There!

Premise/plot: Slice of Mallow is a graphic novel early chapter book. It stars Mallow and friends--all foods, mostly except for the ghost). Is there a plot? Is having no plot a plot? 

My thoughts: I am NOT the target audience for this one. Notice how I didn't *have* to say that about the other early chapter books I reviewed today. Because though I am not the target age of the target audience, I thoroughly ENJOYED the books. This one offers little plot, little characterization, and overloads on the ridiculous silliness. Which may prove appealing to some readers--young readers. I just wanted my time back. And that is rare for me to say that about a book with so few pages.

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

221-223. Picture Book Parade

221. Bear With Me. Kerascoët (Sebastien Cosset and Marie Pommepuy). 2023. [June] 40 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book] [near wordless picture book]

First sentence: Bear with me!

Premise/plot: Oh how I love thee, let me count the ways. This is a near wordless picture book starring a growing girl (she's an infant on the first spread and starting school towards the second half) and her beloved bear. Throughout the book, you see her growing up. This sequence is beautifully illustrated and super relatable. The conflict in this one--well, one of two conflicts, perhaps--is WHAT will she do at school without bear? (And perhaps just perhaps what will Bear do all day without her while she's at school.) 

My thoughts: I don't always love wordless books, but this near-wordless picture book charmed me from page one. SO much story is expressed on each spread. SO much emotion. So many relatable experiences--from both sides. For example, the sequence where the dad has had ENOUGH and is putting his foot down, so to speak, and washing Bear in the washing machine. Those two pages express so much just through illustrations alone. But I think my favorite pages deal with the girl's attempt to take the Bear with her. Literally, "Bear with me." 

I loved this one so much. It was super cute and adorable. It was very relatable.

222. The Together Tree. Aisha Saeed. Illustrated by LeUyen Pham. 2023. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book] [school, bullying]

First sentence: Rumi joined Ms. Garza's class on the first warm day of spring. 

Premise/plot: Rumi, the new student, is bullied by his classmates. He spends his time during recess drawing underneath a tree. Soon he's not alone. It doesn't happen over night, nor quickly enough for Rumi, perhaps, but unlikely friends can become good friends.

My thoughts: This is a picture book that addresses bullying AND reaction to bullying. The focus isn't so much on the person bullying and the person being bullied as it is the bystanders who witness bullying situations. 

This is a message-driven book. Unfortunately, bullying continues to exist in this world despite all the calls for kindness and compassion. Still every book that promotes kindness and compassion is welcome.

I liked this one. The illustrator has long been one of my favorites. 

223.  Tap! Tap! Tap! Dance! Dance! Dance! Hervé Tullet. 2023. [May] 64 pages. [Source: Library] [Picture book] [interactive]

First sentence: Ready? Place your hand here. Close your eyes. Concentrate. Wiggle your fingers gently to warm them up. Heads up, your turn now....

Premise/plot: This is an "interactive" book that may [or may not] appeal to young children. It invites them to follow the instructions of the book, be directed by the illustrations. It is written in second person, present tense. 

My thoughts: I may not be the right audience for this one. I wanted to be. I just wasn't. I do think it has potential to appeal to young ones. (As do most books). I think if there was more tapping and less swooshing or sweeping, it might have been more enjoyable to me.

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

105. Dazzle Makes a Wish

Dazzle Makes a Wish (Book Buddies #3) Cynthia Lord. Illustrated by Stephanie Graegin. 2023. 80 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: For weeks the unicorn waited on the toy store shelf. Families came and went, but no one bought the snow-white unicorn with a twisty horn and a sparkly pink tail. On his tag, it said his name was Dazzle. It also said that unicorns can grant wishes, but only for someone with a good heart. Dazzle didn’t know if he could grant a wish for himself. But he thought it was worth a try. So every night, he made the same wish. I wish for a home and a child of my own.

Premise/plot: Dazzle (the unicorn) has one wish--to belong to one child and be LOVED. Unfortunately, Dazzle's wish is unlikely to come true--at least in the traditional sense. Dazzle is purchased, but, not for one child. He is instead purchased for many children. He is "rescued in the wild" (if you will) by Anne the Librarian. (Or is it Ann the librarian?) Dazzle becomes a book buddy. Children (with library cards) can check out a toy--a book buddy--in addition to checking out books. Dazzle goes home with Maya as a book buddy...and adventures are had....

My thoughts: I absolutely love the Book Buddies series. I've read all three books. I highly recommend the series. It is everything I would have LOVED as a kid growing up. Let's be honest, it is everything I love now as an adult. Books and toys just go well together. I love the fantasy of it as well. Each book introduces us readers to a new toy, a new child, and new adventures. The toy sections very much read like Toy Story (minus the scary/creepy elements). While Dazzle is the toy selected by Maya; Maya's brother chooses a garden gnome whom he pretends is a wizard. It's just silly goodness. 

To be honest, Dazzle would not be my first choice of toy to bring home. I definitely discriminate against glitter. I just have a zero tolerance level for shedding glitter. This book might help me feel guilty about that. But still. 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

22. Nubby

Nubby. Dan Richards. Illustrated by Shanda McCloskey. 2023. [January] [Source: Library]

First sentence: Nubby was done. He had been carried, buried, dropped, dragged, torn, worn, chewed on, sat on, and even used as a nose wipe. Repeatedly. A bunny can only take so much. He needed a new beginning. 

Premise/plot: Nubby, a toy bunny, thinks the grass is greener on the other side of the fence. (Not really. Well, not literally). Nubby HATES his life. Surely ANYTHING is better than staying "stuck" in the same place. So Nubby runs away from home, but, his new beginning...leads to many new beginnings...all of them equally less than ideal. HOME has never meant more to Nubby. Can this 'prodigal' toy find his way back home??? 

My thoughts: I enjoyed reading Nubby. It was a lovely read with a great message. It was definitely SHOW not tell. (Any picture book can 'preach' about contentment and gratitude.) The story was entertaining. The illustrations really help tell the story. I loved some of the expressions in the artwork.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

118. Marco Polo Brave Explorer

Marco Polo Brave Explorer (Book Buddies #2) Cynthia Lord. Illustrated by Stephanie Graegin. 2022. 80 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Marco Polo was a mouse Christmas ornament. He was small enough to fit in a pocket and made of soft felt. His tail and arms had wire inside and could be bent to hold things or curled to dangle from a finger or a coat hook.

Premise/plot: Ivy Lost and Found is the first book in this series. Librarian Anne is still offering book buddies to her young patrons. Children can check out stuffed animals and books from the library for two weeks at a time. Children are encouraged [strongly] to journal the adventures they share with their book buddy toy. Marco Polo may be super small and tiny, but he wants his chance. He seems to be well liked--at the library--but when it comes time for children to pick out what book buddy they want to take home, well, he's had so much disappointment. But Seth seems to be a little boy with possibility. Seth seems stubbornly set on MARCO POLO as his choice. Seth will be having his very first sleepover [with a kid his own age] and Seth wants Marco Polo to help him feel brave....

My thoughts: I love, love, love, love this book. I think I may like it even more than the first book. I loved the story from Marco's point of view but I also enjoyed the story from Seth's point of view. The book seems relatable and just fun.

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

134. Ivy Lost and Found

Ivy Lost and Found (Book Buddies #1) Cynthia Lord. Illustrated by Stephanie Graegin. 2021. [September] 80 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Ivy's first memory was the birthday party. There was music and bright balloons. A girl's face lit up with joy.

Premise/plot: Ivy's owner is all grown up and a librarian (named Anne.) Ivy has spent many, many, many lonely years (well, it felt like forever) packed away and forgotten. Now that she's been rediscovered, she's joining other toys (dolls, stuffed animals) at the local library. Ivy finds herself one of "book buddies" that can be checked out for two weeks at a time. But she is NEW to this and a bit hesitant. Does she want to be checked out? Is being played with again worth the risks of the unknown dangers?

My thoughts: I really LOVED this one. I did. It was a tiny bit sad--that she spent years forgotten and packed away--but this time makes up such a small part of actual text. And the story is just wonderful! I really enjoyed getting to know Ivy and some of the other toys. And we do spend time with the family (the young children) that checks her out of the library. Ivy *is* needed in this home. And it's good to be needed again.

 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

124. The Velveteen Rabbit

The Velveteen Rabbit. Margery Williams. Illustrated by William Nicholson. 1922/2014. Random House. 48 pages. [Source: Review copy]

Do you know what it is to be real? One little Christmas bunny will learn this and plenty of other life lessons in Margery Williams' classic tale The Velveteen Rabbit.

The Velveteen Rabbit opens with a young boy receiving a rabbit for a Christmas present. All is lovely for the rabbit that first day. But the toy is quickly forgotten. He becomes one toy of many, many, many toys. He's not exactly special to the boy or the other toys. In fact, I'd say the other toys bully him a bit. All except for the Skin Horse, the oldest toy in the nursery. It is this horse that tells the Rabbit all about being real, what it takes to be real, what it feels like, how it changes you, etc.

"Real isn't how you are made," said the Skin Horse. "It's a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real." "Does it hurt?" asked the Rabbit. "Sometimes," said the Skin Horse, for he was always truthful. "When you are Real you don't mind being hurt." "Does it happen all at once, like being wound up," he asked, "or bit by bit?" "It doesn't happen all at once," said the Skin Horse. "You become. It takes a long time. That's why it doesn't often happen to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don't matter at all, because once you are Real you can't be ugly, except to people who don't understand." "I suppose you are real?" said the Rabbit. And then he wished he had not said it, for he thought the Skin Horse might be sensitive. But the Skin Horse only smiled. "The Boy's Uncle made me Real," he said. "That was a great many years ago; but once you are Real you can't become unreal again. It lasts for always." (5-8)

The Velveteen Rabbit is one of my favorite Christmas books. I love the nursery magic. I love the ending. It was originally published in 1922. The story and illustrations in this edition are original. This is a beautiful edition of the book. One of the best I've seen.

The Velveteen Rabbit was published several years before A.A. Milne's Winnie the Pooh and House at Pooh Corner. Chances are if you enjoy one, you'll enjoy the other.

Do you have a favorite toy-come-to-life fantasy?

 

 

© 2020 Becky Laney of Young Readers

123. The Nutcracker of Nuremberg

Nutcracker of Nuremberg. Alexandre Dumas. Illustrated by Else Hasselris. Translated by Grace Gingras. 1844/1930/2013. Pook Press. 172 pages. [Source: Bought]

First sentence:  In the city of Nuremberg lived a much respected Chief Justice called President Silberhaus, which means "house of silver." He had two children, a nine-year-old boy, Fritz, and a daughter Marie who was seven and a half years old. 

 Premise/plot: Marie and Fritz receive a Nutcracker--to share--from Godfather Drosselmayer one Christmas. When the Nutcracker is injured--due to her brother's reckless play--Marie cares for him. She places him tenderly in a doll bed, and is so worried that she watches over him long past bedtime. What follows is either a very vivid dream--well, many, many, many dreams--or an incredible fantasy adventure involving the Nutcracker, vengeful mice, and one very wicked Mouse King. The story occurs over several weeks--not one night--and there is a story within a story. The inner story is extremely bizarre! It gives this Nutcracker a potential back story that will fascinate and captivate the young Marie. Is it true? Is it a fairy tale? 

My thoughts: The book opens with a preface, an excuse for the retelling. The author had taken his daughter to a birthday party. During the party, he made his escape and fell asleep in one of the rooms of the house. The children find him asleep and tie him up. To secure his release, he offers several bribes. The first--for candy--is rejected, as is the second--for fireworks in the park. But the third, well, the third is accepted. The children demand a fairy story. He warns that the story he's about to tell is not his own, not of his own making. But they don't care about originality. They want a GOOD, entertaining story.

In three parts, the tale of the Nutcracker is related to his young audience--who had already freed him. The first part introduces readers to Marie and her family. It is Christmas, of course, and she's taken a special interest in a Nutcracker. Her brother took an interest as well which led to the Nutcracker getting broken. Marie takes on the role of nurse, and this role continues even after the rest of the family has gone to bed. She remains behind in the living room (or equivalent) and reality becomes a bit blurred in what follows. It involves the Nutcracker and the rest of the toys coming to life and doing battle with mice led by a Mouse King. What readers learn is that somehow, someway, Marie gets injured--her hand, I believe--by broken glass. Marie remains in bed recuperating for the second and third parts of the story. Her godfather visits her and tells her the story of "The Nut Krakatuk and the Princess Pirlipate." This is a dark fairy tale of a king, queen, and princess cursed by mice seeking revenge, and, of what was done to try to break the curse. The third part of the story focuses once more on Marie, the Nutcracker, and the Mouse King. Several threats are made against the Nutcracker to Marie by the Mouse King, and several times she tries to appease him. For example, she gives in to his demand for all her candy, for all her dolls, etc. But it is inevitable: The Mouse King must do battle once and for all with the Nutcracker, and Marie, I believe, does find a sword for The Nutcracker. After the battle, the Nutcracker takes Marie away with him to a fantasy land where just about anything is possible....

I liked it. I did. But I'm not sure I loved, loved, loved it.

© 2020 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Festival of Mud

Board book: Peppa Pig: Festival of Mud. 2019. Scholastic. 12 pages. Scholastic. [Review copy]

First sentence: Peppa is going to the Children's Festival. She's so excited! It's a big outdoor party with lots to see and do.

Premise/plot: Looking for a book that doubles as a toy? Or perhaps you'd prefer a toy that doubles as a book? Do you have a little one who could watch Peppa Pig for hours? This one isn't quite a proper-proper book. It is one that is mainly for PLAYING. It is a Water Wonder book; little ones can "color" each page with water...again and again and again and again.

The narrative--though flimsy--is that Peppa Pig is at a festival with her family and friends. This festival will have them camping overnight.

My thoughts: I do like the show Peppa Pig. I do. Some books are better than others. Some are truly entertaining and worth reading again and again. Other books tend to be more junky. That being said, there is absolutely nothing wrong with activity books to engage little ones. And since it involves WATER and not actual paint, it's not horribly messy and inconvenient.

Text: 3 out of 5
Illustrations: 3 out of 5
Total: 6 out of 10


© 2019 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Board book: Ready, Set, Drive!

Ready, Set, Drive! (Paw Patrol Drive the Vehicle) Courtney Carbone. 2019. Scholastic. 12 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Can you help the PAW Patrol race to the rescue?

Premise/plot: This one does not have an overall story. (Don't die of surprise, please) Every spread is a different scenario. The first scenario:

Paw Patrol, there's been a rockslide on the old trestle bridge. A train is trapped! Rubble, I need you and your bulldozer to scoop the boulders off the track. 

Each scenario offers readers an opportunity to "drive" one of the vehicles. The dashboard of each vehicle is a pop-up.

My thoughts: Does your little one love, love, love the Paw Patrol? Does your little one have a favorite pup? This one is a toy--let's just be honest and up front about that. There is a flimsy story on each spread, but that's about it in terms of story. Little ones may even want to make up their own stories--additional stories--if they enjoy "driving" the vehicles.



© 2019 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Board book: Pups Save a Pinata

Paw Patrol Water Wonder: Pups Save a Pinata. 2019. Scholastic. 12 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: It's almost time for Alex's birthday party.

Premise/plot: Mayor Humdinger steals Alex's pinata. Can the pups save the day? Will Alex have a happy birthday?

My thoughts: As an adult it is easy to dismiss this book as more toy than book. But children do sometimes needs a distraction. And parents sometimes--if not always--prefer distractions that are not messy. This one allows children to "paint" in color with just water. And it's reusable. So there is that. 

If your little one loves Paw Patrol, this might be a good treat.

© 2019 Becky Laney of Young Readers

The Little Rabbit

The Little Rabbit. Nicola Killen. 2019. Simon & Schuster. 32 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Ollie and her toy bunny had been waiting for the rain to stop for a long, long time.

Premise/plot: Ollie has quite an adventure with her bunny after the rain stops. But is her bunny a toy or a real bunny?

My thoughts: This little picture book is a lovely celebration of imagination. I enjoyed the text, I did. But I really loved, loved, loved the illustrations. Together the story they tell is fun.

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

© 2019 Becky Laney of Young Readers

The Santa Claus Book

The Santa Claus Book. Eileen Daly. Illustrated by Florence Sarah Winship. 1972. 24 pages. [Source: Bought]

First sentence: Santa's sleigh was piled high with toys. And Santa's list of boys and girls was so long that it made a curly tail behind the sleigh. "Ho-ho!" laughed Santa as the sleigh landed softly on a rooftop. "This is a good Christmas!" Down the chimney he went. He put a doll under the Christmas tree and a yellow truck beside the doll. At John's house, he left a train. And he put a surprise in the red caboose.

Premise/plot: Santa is going about his business one Christmas Eve when he happens upon a puppy, a lost puppy. Santa is determined to return the pup to his owner. So he takes the puppy with him on his toy deliveries. Will the puppy be reunited with his owner?

My thoughts: I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE  vintage books. You grow up with an image of what Santa looks like, and that is for you the real Santa. This Santa is "the real Santa." The Santa of all my childhood wrapping papers. The story is fine. I hope that the puppy does not make a mess in Santa's bag or in the boy's stocking.

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

© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers

I Like Toys

I Like Toys. Lorena Siminovich. 2011. Candlewick Press. 10 pages.

Circle
ball
yo-yo
car


Triangle
playhouse
spinning top
sailboat

I was a big, big fan of Lorena Siminovich's I Like Bugs and I Like Fruit. So I was super-excited to learn that there were two new books in the  Petit Collage series: I Like Toys and I Like Vegetables.

I Like Toys is a concept board book about shapes. The circle shape can be found in a ball, a yo-yo, and the tires on a car; the square shape can be found in a jack-in-the-box, a box, and a tower of blocks. Four shapes are includes in all: triangle, rectangle, square, and circle. Each page has a touch-and-feel element to it (the tires on the car, the sail on the sailboat, a block in the block tower, etc.

The art and design of this one makes it fun. While I wouldn't say this is my favorite book in the series, I can easily say that I'd recommend the series as a whole. The whole series is high quality.

© 2011 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Have You Seen Duck?

Have You Seen Duck? Janet A. Holmes. Illustrated by Jonathan Bentley. 2011. Scholastic. 24 pages.


This is Duck.
Duck lives at my house.
Duck thinks I'm the greatest.
I'm Duck's hero.
Wherever I go, Duck goes too.
Duck's not frightened of anything when he's with me.
Duck won't start his dinner until I've started mine.
Duck can't go to sleep unless I'm in bed too.

I loved this one. I did. I just loved it. I thought it sweet and simple. I loved the devotion between a little boy and his favorite stuffed animal, Duck. The book shares the good times--when they're together--and the bad times--when they're apart.

For the worst does happen, one day Duck goes missing. And the little boy begins his quest to find his friend. He asks everyone if they've seen his duck. With each person he asks, he gives a different description of his best friend. He tells one, "He's yellow and raggedy." Another, "he smells like a blanket." Yet another, "He feels soft and woolly." Which leads to my favorite scene in the entire book:

"Have you seen Duck?" I asked the dog next door.
"He sounds like..."
But I don't know what Duck sounds like.
Duck doesn't make any sound at all.

But this search won't be easy, it won't be quick. The boy has to learn how to cope with life--a little--on his own. When the two are finally reunited it is sweet and wonderful.

I just loved it! I would definitely recommend this one!

Text: 4 out of 5
Illustrations: 3 out of 5
Total: 7 out of 10

© 2011 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Knuffle Bunny Free

Knuffle Bunny Free: An Unexpected Diversion. Mo Willems. 2010. September 2010. HarperCollins. 52 pages.

One day, not so long ago, Trixie took a big trip with her family. They were on their way to visit Trixie's "Oma" and "Opa" in Holland. So that meant taking a taxi to the airport, waiting in line, watching Knuffle Bunny go through the big machine, waiting some more, and (finally) getting onto a real airplane!

Trixie is back in her third adventure. She's lost Knuffle Bunny at the local laundromat, the local school, what's next? The airplane, of course! It has been a few years since Trixie went boneless at the loss of Knuffle Bunny. Her parents tell her again and again that she is bigger now. Her grandparents tell her again and again that she is bigger now. But is it true? Can Trixie be okay without Knuffle Bunny by her side? (It helps when Trixie dreams of Knuffle Bunny having adventures in China--the next destination for that plane. It does NOT help when Oma and Opa try to buy her a replacement bunny--that speaks Dutch and dances!)

It's not quite what I was expecting. To be honest. Because I wasn't expecting Trixie to be this mature. To be okay with her loss this time. I think this surprises her parents a bit too! I'm not sure I loved it. Not in the same way I loved the first one or the second. But I liked it.

The art--like always--is fabulous! My favorite illustration? Trixie in the bathtub! My favorite twist? Reading Trixie's "first letter." When you read the book--be sure to read this letter! It might be easy to miss.

The Knuffle Bunny books should be read in order. My reviews of Knuffle Bunny and Knuffle Bunny Too.



© Becky Laney of Young Readers

Shark Vs. Train

Shark Vs. Train. Chris Barton. Illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld. 2010. April 2010. Little, Brown. 40 pages.

Two boys are playing together. One has a toy shark. One has a toy train. Both boys are competitive. Both boys are spirited and imaginative. In scenario after scenario after scenario, the two battle it out for supremacy. Trains do better at giving rides at carnivals. But do horribly at diving off the high dive. I liked that it (eventually) showed the two had some things in common. There were situations where neither did better, neither won. Both made too much noise at the library. Both failed at performing in a piano recital. Shark Vs. Train is unique and very silly.

It's not really my type of book. (I'm not the target audience for the book.) But I can appreciate the humor. I can see why kids would like this one. Why it would be appealing...



© Becky Laney of Young Readers

Begin Smart: Baby Says

Baby Says. Begin Smart Books. 2009. October 2009. 16 pages.

This one isn't so much a book as it is a collection of vocabulary picture cards strung together on a plastic teether ring. There are words/pictures on the front and back of each card. This product is recommended for babies age six to twelve months. What kinds of words are included? dog, cat, fish, bird, ball, duck, baby, book, apple, truck, boat, train, sun, moon, flower, etc.


© Becky Laney of Young Readers