Once Upon A Goat

Once Upon a Goat. Dan Richards. Illustrated by Eric Barclay. 2019. 34 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Once upon a time, in a faraway kingdom, a king and queen wished for a child.

Premise/plot: A king and queen wish for a child with hilarious results. Their fairy godmother makes a slight mistake, but not all mistakes are unfortunate.

My thoughts: I love this silly mix-up! I love how having a “child” changes this royal couple....and the royal household! The goat steals the show for sure. This one had me hooked from the end papers on.

Text:5/5
Illustrations: 5/5
Total: 10/10 

© 2019 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Hi, Jack!

Hi, Jack! Mac Barnett. Illustrated by Greg Pizzoli. 2019. 80 pages. [Source: Library

First sentence: This is Jack. Hi, Jack! Look, Jack waves hi back!

Premise/plot: Jack is a very naughty rabbit who stars in Mac Barnett’s newest children’s book. Jack isn’t the only character, mind you. There’s also an old lady (the lady) and Rex the dog. It’s told in simple, easy-to-read words and short sentences. It is entertaining.

My thoughts: Mischievous characters can be quite fun to read about. I certainly wouldn’t want too many Jacks in real life! Early readers can often be a little lacking in story. This story is packed with equal parts naughtiness and reprimands. It also includes a bonus section where readers can learn how to draw the characters.

© 2019 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Bear's Book

Bear's Book. Claire Freedman. 2019. 34 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Once upon a time, there was a bear whose favorite thing to do was read. But Bear had a problem: he had read his book of stories so many times that it was falling to pieces...and one day a gust of wind blew all the pages away!

Premise/plot: After his favorite book is gone, Bear decides to write a new book. But writing does not come as naturally as reading!!! In fact, Bear finds himself stumped. But with more than a little help from his friends...he may just find inspiration and an opportunity to exercise his imagination.

My thoughts: At first I thought that Bear and I were peas in a pod. Then upon rereading I realized that Bear never broke down and cried over losing his favorite book. I would definitely have cried ugly tears. I would have found consolation somewhere—someway. But tears would have come first. Maybe Bear has been influenced by Pete the Cat. I love the character of Bear. I do. I think the book is super sweet. I love the themes of friendship and storytelling.

Text:5/5
Illustrations: 5/5
Total: 10/10
© 2019 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Most Marshmallows

Most Marshmallows. Rowboat Watkins. 2019. 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Most marshmallows don’t grow on trees or come from storks or even Mars.

Premise/plot: Just because MOST marshmallows don’t...doesn’t mean that a marshmallow can’t. The book explores the notion of conformity and nonconformity.

My thoughts: The book is quite imaginative for being about conformity. The illustrations are silly in an oddly wonderful way. This book is definitely whimsical.

Text: 4/5
Illustrations: 3/5
Total: 7/10

© 2019 Becky Laney of Young Readers

How To Read A Book

How To Read A Book. Kwame Alexander. Illustrated by Melissa Sweet. 2019. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: First, find a tree—a black Tupelo or dawn redwood will do—and plant yourself. (It’s okay if you prefer a stoop, like Langston Hughes.)

Premise/plot: This picture book is actually an illustrated poem celebrating reading. The book is rich in imagery. The illustrations complement the sentiment quite well. Melissa Sweet used an old copy of Bambi in her collages. Will children notice and appreciate the amount of work put into the details?! Perhaps. But many adults will. Perhaps those on award committees especially?!?!

My thoughts: I love to read. I absolutely love, love, love to read. I don’t necessarily love poetry. Or love all poetry to be more precise. But this is a lovely book. I love the text more than the illustrations. But the illustrations do scream out Caldecott winner or honor. (I rarely “like” award winners. If I gush over the illustrations then that might be a good indication that it’s unlikely to get a fancy sticker.)

Text: 5/5
Illustrations: 3/5
Total:8/10

© 2019 Becky Laney of Young Readers