Dog Loves Books

Random House

Louise Yates

Not to just flatly restate the title or anything, but Dog loves books. He loves absolutely every little thing about them: the smell, the feel, the way you become immersed in the story and completely lose track of time. And when a dog (or person) loves books like that, they feel compelled to share their love of reading with friends and family, even total strangers.   

Dog follows his heart and decides to open his own bookstore. Judging by their comedic expressions, his friends are aghast at the announcement. Although Dog has put a significant amount of hard work into his grand opening, there is not a crowd of anxious customers waiting by the door as he had expected. Rather, this canine is in for a long, boring day, his body drooping across his desk. Poor, dejected Dog.

Suddenly Dog remembers that he is surrounded by the things he life he loves the most! How could he have forgotten? He fetches (har har) a book from the shelves and is instantly surrounded by a crowd of friendly dinosaurs. Dog is immediately lost in this new world and quite forgets about being alone and his lack of bookstore customers.

I love Louise Yates' illustrations. I love the way Dog flops across a book on his back, luxuriating in the feel of the pages against his fur. I love the way his ears nearly stand at attention, save for the tips that curl forward. I love her use of pastels, though her books never seem too babyish because of it. I love the way Dog prepares a proper tea for himself, with matching cup and pot balanced on a handsome tray. And I love the way he presses both front paw together in pleasure and anticipation when he thinks a customer has entered his shop. There are hundreds of lovable details in this book!    

Although I truly loved the book, it would have been nice to see Dog's bookstore as an immediate rollicking success. But it's far more important that in spite of the initial disappointment, Dog continues to enjoy books in the way he always has and remains committed to sharing that joy with others. This is evident is the way that he takes an active role in assisting his first customer select the right books - wearing a tutu (and sweet striped tights), manning a tiny UFO and stealing an airplane ride.  
      
Louise Yates is also responsible for the wonderful A Small Surprise. 

Review copy provided by Random House.

Highlights Hidden Pictures - 2011

Boyds Mills Press

Highlights for Children

Good ole Highlights. I can remember having a subscription when I was a kid  and one of our favorite features was always the hidden pictures puzzle. This is still one of the first sections we turn to when our issue arrives now and most definitely the one we spend the most time on.  What could be better than an entire book comprised of these great puzzles?

I don't know that there is an age range for this type of thing, as the adults here have been enjoying this book every bit as as much as the six year old does. Of course, some of the hidden objects jump out at you right away, but there are always a handful that remain hidden despite our best efforts. We worked together and found ourselves struggling at the end of each puzzle to find that last elusive banana or thin pencil. Thankfully, there is an answer key at the back of the book if you are absolutely stumped.

The annual set is comprised of four volumes. At forty-eight pages per book, that works out to almost 200 puzzles in all. We have had our copy for just over a week and are already halfway through. Not surprisingly, requests have already been made for the other three volumes in this series. Good, clean, completely addictive fun! 

Review copy provided by Boyds Mills Press.

Cupcakes, Cupcakes and More Cupcakes!

Imagine Publishing

Lilach German; Photography by Danya Weiner

Just to be clear, this isn't a baking book specifically intended for a child to use. But clearly, it is a book that would provide one heck of a lot of enjoyment for children! I don't think I know any child who isn't brought to their knees by the sight of a beautifully frosted cupcake. Their diminutive size makes cupcakes so much more entrancing than a full size cake and they seem nearly custom made for small hands.

The title says it all - this is an astonishing array of goodies in a perfect form. I think cupcakes are an incredibly versatile treat - perfect to take to school, parties, or on a welcome plate for the neighbors. I love how the chapters are divided: The Classics Cupcake Style, Cupcakes for Kiddies, Cupcake Celebrations, A Cupcake to Your Health and Cupcakes for Connoisseurs. Whatever the occasion, Lilach German has devised several recipes that would fit perfectly.    

For Valentine's Day, we decided on Mini Chocolate Valentine Cupcakes, which were coated with a smooth dark chocolate frosting and sprinkled with tiny candied hearts. My six year old was positively drooling over the Mini-Me Marshmallow Cupcakes. The directions say to press one mini marshmallow in the center of the cupcake, attaching marshmallows around it to achieve symmetry. It really makes a huge difference in the cupcake's appearance, but I wouldn't have known to do it on my own. 

There is a great variety of styles and tastes to choose from, and while there isn't a photo on every page, there are enough photos to be satisfying. Some of these cupcakes are classics and others I would never have dreamed of. The Top Hat Cupcakes are simply mesmerizing, while the Gingerbread Cupcakes are just simple. This is one fantastic cupcake compilation!    


Review copy provided by Imagine Publishing. 

Jim - A Cautionary Tale

Random House

Hilaire Belloc and Mini Grey

Hilaire Belloc originally penned the now-classic cautionary tale Jim in 1907. The poem was intended to be a a satirical response to the morality tales that were popular for children in Victorian times. Updated with fabulous illustrations by Mini Grey, this poem is just as enjoyable now as it certainly was over 100 years later. Isn't that amazing that some stories and poems can stand the test of time like that?    


A spoiled little boy named Jim gets everything he could possibly want. He has strict instructions to stay with his nanny, but slips away every chance he gets. One day at the zoo, Jim pulls this exact trick ... and is snapped up by a lion, quick as a wink. The zookeeper makes a move to assist, but being quite heavy, he does not move too swiftly.  When he does arrive, he is greeted by a dead boy.

Jim's mother is not particularly broken up, and points out they had reminded him time after time not to roam. His father seizes the opportunity to use the zoo mauling to create an example for the other children. He even makes up a posterboard with a crudely drawn disembodied head.         

I'm so impressed that Mini Grey didn't make any changes to the original poem. It is her style and presentation that give this such a fresh look. Unfortunately, the illustrations presented here don't do justice to how the book appears in the story. That's because the real pages are full of lovely pop-ups and tabs to pull open. 

The lion practically pops off the page, and you can peep inside the chocolate bar to see the gooey, pink filling. Most impressive in the map of the zoo that unfolds into six quadrants, yet remains attached to the book.  Lots of funny signs and (Do not stroke the snakes) and clever details are tucked in here.  In all, a classic poem gains an all new audience when presented as a super fun and interactive book!

Review copy provided by Random House. 

No Ghost Under My Bed

 

Clavis

Guido Van Genechten

I don't know anyone who has children or even anyone who was a child that didn't think at least one thing in their bedroom seemed scary in the dark. The nightlight makes ordinary objects throw crazy shadows and the house seems to creak overtime at night. Jake the penguin is very young with a large imagination, so he does some conclusion jumping of his own. 

First it is cr ... cr ... crack! that Jack hears. Without wasting any time on rational thought, he quickly concludes there must be a ghost under his ed who is making that noise. Jake's dad comes right in when beckoned, belly flops on the floor to peek under the bed, and deems it a ghost free zone. Shortly after, Jake is sure there is a ghost behind his curtains, in the wardrobe, in the toy chest and under the rug.  Poor Jake's dad is working overtime hustling in there to lay every fear to rest.   

I thought it was funny that the penguins don't wear a stitch of clothing, but live in a nicely decorated house.  Jake has a nice collection of stuffed animals, (including an antelope, bunny and elephant), curtains and the windows and a lamp on his bedside table. Apparently they believe in home furnishings, but not clothing. Eventually, Jake believes his dad that there are no ghosts in his room, not because they don't exist, but because his dad scared them all away. And that's the end of Jake's scary night!  

Review copy provided by Clavis.