176. Odder

Odder. Katherine Applegate. Illustrated by Charles Santoso. 2022. 288 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: not (exactly) guilty
In their defense,
sharks
do not (as a rule) eat
otters.
True, sharks sometimes
taste them
by mistake, leaving
frowning bites
or the jagged clue
of a tooth or two.
But then,
in fairness,
nobody's perfect.

Premise/plot: Katherine Applegate's newest novel is an animal fantasy novel written in verse. Odder is an otter who has twice been rescued by humans--first as a pup and then a second time three years later. She has spent some time in the wild, but, ultimately her home may not be in the wild. 

My thoughts: I loved, loved, loved, LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this one. I know my summary is on the weaker side. It is. I know it. You know it. But this one is SO GOOD. Trust me. Odder's voice is captured perfectly-perfectly. I loved her voice. The poems are so wonderful and compelling. I had all the feels for this one. I was definitely nervous in places--you may be too--but ultimately this is a grin from ear to ear read that is just incredibly satisfying. 

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

175. Max Can Read

Max Can Read. Rosemary Wells. 2022. [October] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: One day the mail carrier brought a big package to Max and Ruby's house. It came all the way from Uncle Gyorgy in Bulgaria. Inside were two boxes. "Happy Valentine!" said Max. "No, Max," said Max's sister, Ruby. "The picture on the card says Happy Double Birthday, Macks and Rubi!" 

Premise/plot: Max's gift from his uncle doesn't have instructions written in English. For most of the book, he struggles with trying to read the instructions. Frustrated that Ruby is playing with her gift, he is persistent and stubborn. If Ruby is too busy to help, it's Grandma to the rescue!!! But Grandma can't read Bulgarian either! But then Max realizes something--he doesn't need to read the words. He can READ the pictures in the instructions and perfectly-perfectly put together his air-powered jet-pack space suit. 

My thoughts: I am just going to confess at the start that I absolutely love, love, love, crazy love Max and Ruby. The television show is one of my absolute favorites. The theme song is a masterpiece. (I'll leave it to you to determine if I'm in jest.) I crazy love and adore Max and Ruby (Ruby and Max). So when it comes to reading books about Max and Ruby, well, I might be biased. 

What I love about this one is that Max (once again) proves he's smart and clever. He also makes a good point, there are many ways to READ. And you might even argue that the life skills of being able to read instructional pictures can be just as difficult as learning to read. Both skills are needed. Mechanical skills are important too.

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

174. A Very Mercy Christmas

A Very Mercy Christmas. Kate DiCamillo. Illustrated by Chris Van Dusen. 2022. [September] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Stella Endicott felt joyful. She felt like something miraculous might happen. She wanted to sing.

Premise/plot: Kate DiCamillo's newest picture book stars beloved characters from previous series (Mercy Watson and Tales from Deckawoo Drive). It is a Christmas story. Stella Endicott, our heroine, is gathering together a group to go caroling. But, well, the animals seem more inclined than the humans. Still, there's much joy to be found...and miracles can happen.

My thoughts: I really enjoyed this one! I love Kate DiCamillo. I do. I loved seeing all the animals "singing" and expressing joy. I thought the story was cute. Definitely a sweet, heart-warming holiday tale. I do think a previous knowledge of Mercy Watson (and friends) helps a bit. This may not be the absolute best introduction to these characters. But loved it cover to cover.

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

173. Creepy Crayon!

Creepy Crayon! Aaron Reynolds. Illustrated by Peter Brown. 2022. [August] 48 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Jasper Rabbit was struggling in school. He was flunking math. He was failing spelling. The only subject he was passing was art. Jasper needed serious help. That's when he found...the crayon. It was purple. Pointy. And perfect. And somehow...it looked happy to see him.

Premise/plot: Creepy Crayon is a Twilight Zone-esque picture book. Jasper Rabbit, the protagonist, is about to enter the Twilight Zone. He's about to learn that some things are too good to be true. (Among other things). The purple crayon, at first, seems like the BEST, BEST, BEST thing that ever happened to him. But, he starts to change his mind over the next few days. His dream-come-true turns nightmarish!

My thoughts: I have not read the other titles in the series. There's also Creepy Carrots and Creepy Pair of Underwear. In fact I had never heard of this series until coming across this one. I am so glad I read this one. I loved the Twilight Zone vibes. It was so deliciously creepy.

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

172. The Three Billy Goats Gruff

The Three Billy Goats Gruff. Mac Barnett. Illustrated by Jon Klassen. 2022. [October 18] 48 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Once upon a time there was a bridge. And beneath that bridge, there lived a troll. 

Premise/plot: The troll who is "practically starving" narrates Klassen's adaptation of the folk tale The Three Billy Goats Gruff. It has many--if not most--of the traditional elements of this one, including all the clip, clop, clip, clops. But it adds a bit more as well--the troll's perspective for one. The goat LOVES to 'count the ways' he likes to prepare (and eat) goat. But it is the lengthier ending that allows for the most creative expression.

 My thoughts: I really enjoyed this one! I'll have to recommend it to my sister who does a folk/fairy tale unit. I really liked that they kept the bare bones of this story. It isn't too 'out there' of an adaptation. But I also really love the originality in it! I love the ending. I think it works well. 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers