Introducing Snugglebug!!!

You know how much I love baby reviewers! Well, I am very proud and happy to introduce you to our newest baby reviewer, Snugglebug!!! Snugglebug's reviews will be written by his mama, Ladybug.

McBratney, Sam. 1996. Guess How Much I Love You. Illustrated by Anita Jeram.

Originally published in 1996, Guess How Much I Love You is a definite must read for anyone young or old. Four-month old Snugglebug was mesmerized the first time his mama, Ladybug, read it to him. The illustrations by Anita Jeram are simple enough to catch his eye and detailed enough to keep him interested. He studied the illustrations of Little Brown Hare and Big Brown Hare while listening intently to the story of Little Brown Hare's attempt to prove he loves his father, Big Brown Hare, more than his father loves him.

The author, Sam McBratney, uses just the right number of words for each page so little eyes are not bored before reaching the end of the page. The number of pages are also the perfect amount reaching an end to the story just as the small one's attention span also reaches an end.

While not a classic yet, Snugglebug declared it one of his favorites. Ladybug noted the only downside is the pages are not thick enough for Snugglebug to turn them. Ladybug would strongly recommend one's parents purchase this book as a board book for anyone Snugglebug's age.

Tap Dancing on the Roof

I've enjoyed many of Linda Sue Park's books through the years. And I was pleased to discover her book of poetry, Tap Dancing On the Roof, a collection of sijo poems. (There is an introduction to explain just what sijo means.) The poems cover a wide variety of topics--most of them every day activities from reading, eating, playing sports, school, etc. Here is my favorite from the book:




Shower

Hurry, wash fast, sister's used up most of the hot water again. Soap, scrub, rinse. Rub and wrap. Hair shining, skin glowing, smelling fine: From a tiled cocoon, a butterfly with terrycloth wings.

While that one is my favorite, there are many other enjoyable poems found within Tap Dancing On the Roof. I didn't love the illustrations. I found them a bit boring and uninviting. But the text itself, the poems themselves are quite nice.

Splat the Cat

Scotton, Rob. 2008. Splat the Cat.

Splat the Cat is incredibly rich in detail. One that you might have to read twice just to notice everything. (I did.) On the surface, Splat the Cat is your typical first-day-of-school story. Splat is a cat that is nervous, anxious, and jittery as can be about the first day of Cat School. (His tail is one big question mark!) On that first page, Splat is making a face that I feel almost everyone can relate to!

I love that on the next page--when Splat and his pet mouse, Seymour, are trying to "hide" from the day, that you can still see them through the sheets. I love that kind of intricate detail. The illustrations have such depth, in my opinion.

But no matter how much Splat dreads the day, his Mama is insistent--very insistent--that he must go to school. No matter that the front door and the gate and the lamppost not wanting to let him go. Seymour and Splat must go to school. Though Seymour is concealed in Splat's lunch box.

Cat School is full of new things. Classmates. A teacher. Mrs. Wimpydimple. (That's fun to say isn't it?) One of the first things Splat learns is that cats are amazing...that he is amazing. He also "learns" that cats chase mice. Though for the life of him he can't figure out WHY a cat would want to do such a thing!

As older readers (and younger readers) might have guessed, there comes a time during the day when Seymour's presence is made known. When the classmates (and perhaps even the teacher) try to chase him. But Seymour gets the best of them. And in fact, he endears himself to everyone when he upon nudging from Splat saves the day.

I'll leave the rest to your imagination. But needless to say, the second day of school looks to be off to a much better start for Splat!

This one is fun. Pure and simple. It's fun. It covers a wide range of emotions. And it's one that parents, children, and teachers can all relate to in one way or another.

Other reviews: 100 Scope Notes, Cheryl Rainfield, Julie M. Prince, Bookami, The Reading Tub, Class Brain, Charlotte

Author/Illustrator website.

Say Hello

Foreman, Jack & Michael. 2008. Say Hello.

Sometimes less is more. Such is the case with Say Hello by Jack & Michael Foreman. This book is simple. Very simple. But it is in its very simplicity that it shines, that it works. Say Hello is a story about feeling left out, feeling alone, being on the outside looking in. It's a story of friendship too. Being brave enough to say hello. Brave enough to join in. Brave enough to smile. Brave enough to try to make new friends wherever you may go.

Perfect for those kids on the shy side.

Product description:

This striking book, written and illustrated by a father and son, reminds us all that it doesn't take much to say hello when a child is feeling left out and alone. This thought-provoking tale is brought to life with Michael Foreman's stark, evocative illustrations and offers an uplifting message.

Other reviews:

Lookingglass Review,

You Can Be My Friend

Charlie and Lola: You Can Be My Friend! The book is based on a TV show which is based on characters created by Lauren Child. I love Charlie and Lola. I do. I LOVE them. I love the show. I love the books.

In this episode, we see Lola making a new friend. (Not a new best friend, but a friend.) It's a bit tricky there for a while, but soon Lola's bubbly personality--okay the bubbly pink milk--brings out the giggles in her very very very shy acquaintance...and friendship isn't that far away once the giggles begin.