150. Flashback to the Awesome 80s

Flashback to the Awesome '80s! Patty Michaels. Illustrated by Sarah Rebar. 2023. [May] 32 pages. [Source: Library] [Nonfiction, early readers, beginning to read level 2]

First sentence: Let's go traveling back in time, way back...to the awesome 1980s! Get ready for a totally tubular ride as you learn about trends, fads, and other rad things that helped define the decade! Some of the most popular toys were Teddy Ruxpin, Transformers, Rubik's Cube, Cabbage Patch Kids, Simon, and Strawberry Shortcake. 

Premise/plot: This is a nonfiction title for young readers. It has three chapters or sections: "Totally Trendy!" "Far-Out Fashion and Fads," and "Say What?" The book ends by encouraging readers to find someone who grew up in the 1980s to find out more about what life was like. 

My thoughts: Does this one cover everything there is to cover? No. Of course not! Does it cover a good amount? Probably yes. I thought it had substance. More substance than I was initially expecting. Yes, it tries a little too hard with the language. I didn't agree 100% with every single little thing. (Like the assertion that many TVs made in the 80s did not have remote controls.) Some of the photographs are misleading, in my opinion. 

I do think the goal is to show how some things remain the same and how some things are very different.

Things that could have been included--but weren't--BARBIE, My Little Pony, Care Bears, Smurfs, Inspector Gadget, Muppet Babies, etc.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

149. Failure to Launch (Waffles & Pancake)

Graphic novel: Waffles and Pancake: Failure to Launch. Drew Brockington. 2023. March. 64 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Pancake! This is so cool! We get to watch a space shuttle launch! It's cooler than a Popsicle in a snowstorm, Waffles! 

Premise/plot: Waffles and Pancake (two adorable space-obsessed kittens) are so excited to watch a space shuttle launch. But what will happen when the launch is canceled? Will these two kittens find a different way to spend the afternoon? YES! (Perhaps they've learned from Pete the Cat to keep things groovy and not to cry). These two set out to build (and launch) or "build" and "launch" a shuttle of their own.

My thoughts: I really enjoyed this graphic novel for elementary readers. It is the third in the series. It stars two science-loving kitties. I love the enthusiasm these two have for learning. I love the family scenes too.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

148. Oslo Learns to Swim

Oslo Learns to Swim (Ready to Read, Level One) Doug Cushman. 2023. [May] 32 pages. [Source: Library] [Early reader, beginning reader]

First sentence: Where are you going, Rex? I am going swimming. Come with me. Will we be cold? It is a hot day.

Premise/plot: Rex, a warthog, "teaches" his (oh-so-reluctant) friend, Oslo, an oxpecker, how to swim. Oslo has zero interest in learning to swim. NONE. Rex thinks Oslo should want to learn to swim. He's just as insistent as Oslo is resistant. Will Oslo learn to swim?

My thoughts: I was underwhelmed. Granted I am not the intended audience for this one. Granted I overthink things. The over-thinker in me is like why does Oslo *need* to learn how to swim? Why does it matter so much to Rex that Oslo learns to swim just so they can swim together in the future? Like isn't Rex being just a little too pushy if he's a good friend? Why should Oslo have to do something just because his friend wants him too. Isn't this just peer pressure? But I overthink things apparently.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

147. Board book: Moo-Moo, I Love You!

Board book: Moo-Moo, I Love You! Tom Lichtenheld. Illustrated by Amy Krouse Rosenthal. 2022. [November 1] 34 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Moo-moo, I love you. I love you no matter your moo-d. Good moo-d...bad moo-d...worried moo-d. Shy moo-d... Sad moo-d... Silly moo-d. I love when we share our favorite things... pizza with extra moo-zzarella, farm hu-moo-r, popcorn at the moo-vies...and grooving to moo-sic.

Premise/plot: Love cow jokes? Love stories where unconditional love is displayed between animals? 

My thoughts: What you see is what you get. If you enjoy cows, or cows in literature, then this one might appeal. I mean they are illustrated in an adorable way. Not much substance--just cow jokes involving the word "moo." But the cows are cute.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

146. Kitty-Cam (Critter-Cam)

Kitty-Cam (Ready to Read, Pre-Level 1) Margie Palatini. Illustrated by Dan Yaccarino. 2023. [June] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Jump, Kitty. Jump. Jump. Jump. Dunk, Kitty. Dunk. Dunk. Dunk. Dunk. 

Premise/plot: The kitty that stars in this early reader is wearing a camera to capture the antics of day-to-day life. The illustrations show ALL the action. First from an outsider perspective, second through the cat's first-person perspective. The illustrations are super-expressive. For example, when the cat is "hunting" the fish. 

My thoughts: I really enjoyed this one! It is gimmicky. I won't lie about that. If the premise of a cat wearing a camera appeals to you, then the book will probably delight. Definitely for cat lovers, pet lovers, etc. It's a simple book. But for me--as a cat lover--I just loved every page of this one.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers