Wednesday, January 17, 2024

6. The Knight Snacker


The Knight Snacker. Valeria Wicker. 2023. 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: It was a dark and stormy, tummy-rumbling night. Sir Julian was eager for dinner. He spotted Mom's new recipe: Fusion Fondue. "Eat! It's healthy!" Mom said. But it looked and smelled deadly, like dragon's ooze.

Premise/plot: "Sir" Julian refuses to eat supper (though he pretends) and so later that night he's hungry enough to go on the prowl. This "brave knight" will face his fears as he seeks out a night-time snack. What will he find in the refrigerator to snack on?

My thoughts: I wanted to like this one. But to be perfectly honest I found it meh. I'm torn between two stars and three stars. This one had potential, in my opinion, it just personally disappointed. I am not at all saying that it will disappoint other readers. This is in some ways your typical picky eater picture book with the addition of the protagonist having a knight-obsession. It is imaginative enough in some ways. Just wasn't quite for me. I think one thing in its favor--and I do try to find positives in what I read--is that it has LOTS of descriptions/descriptive words. For example, "His nose twitched. His mouth gagged. But hunger was like a ferocious, five-horned, fire-breathing dragon." 


 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

5. 100 Chapatis


100 Chapatis. Derek Mascarenhas. Illustrated by Shantala Robinson. 2023. [October 17] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: "When will the baby come?" Simon asked his pappa. "Your dad will call from the hospital as soon as your mom has the baby," said Pappa. 

Premise/plot: A grandfather and grandson make one hundred chapatis [Indian flat bread] as they await news of the birth of the baby. It is a great way to pass time and super practical since it will be nice to have food on hand after the baby is born. 

My thoughts: I liked this one. It is always nice when picture books celebrate family AND cooking AND culture. 

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Tuesday, January 16, 2024

4. Ploof


Ploof. Ben Clanton and Andy Chou Musser. 2023. [September] 51 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book, not quite board book]

First sentence: This is Ploof. Ploof is feeling lonely. Can you say hello? 

Premise/plot: Ploof is a cloud that your little one can "interact" with as you read the book aloud. How is it interactive? Think Little Einsteins, Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, Blue's Clues, Team Umizoomi, etc. For example, "What's Ploof pretending to be now? Ah, I see! Good one! Wow! So many shapes! Can you guess them all? Hmmm... Ploof is running out of steam. Let's help puff Ploof back up. Can you blow softly on Ploof?"

My thoughts: I like this gentle read. I love the pastel colors. I like the friendly narrative. Ploof is adorably drawn. Will this one prove an engaging again-again read? I think it has potential for some little ones at least.

I do think this one is for preschoolers (or even younger). I greatly enjoyed it. I'm torn between four stars and five stars. 

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Monday, January 15, 2024

3. Homegrown


Homegrown. Deann Wiley. 2024. [January] 40 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book]

First sentence: Mama says I'm homegrown.

Premise/plot: This picture book explores the many layered meanings of the concept--the word--home. The book celebrates family life, family, love, life, kindness, etc. 

My thoughts: This book closely examines family life, home life, and gives behind-the-scenes glimpses into all things family, all things tradition; it is a celebration of community and culture. 

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Wednesday, January 10, 2024

2. Pizza and Taco: Wrestling Mania


Pizza and Taco: Wrestling Mania (Pizza and Taco #7) Stephen Shaskan. 2024. [January] 72 pages. [Source: Library] [graphic novel; early reader/chapter book]

First sentence: What's up? Nothing. 

Premise/plot: Pizza and Taco have a dilemma of sorts. Their moms (Pizza's mom and Taco's mom) want the two to join after school sports' clubs. The problem? Well, neither Pizza nor Taco like sports or want to play sports. The two do try out for wrestling, and, to be fair they do TRY their best to get into it. Will these two find the perfect after school activity?

My thoughts: This one is not my favorite or best in the series. (This is the seventh title in the series). Several chapters of this graphic novel focus on sports and wrestling. These may appeal to some readers. I liked the solution however. 

I think my favorite part of this one was learning that a Christmas book is coming at the end of 2024. 

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers