Pig Kahuna

 

Bloomsbury

Jennifer Sattler

I think the title's cute play on words gives the reader a little heads up at what this book will be like. Fergus, and his baby brother, Dink, are spending their Saturday on the beach. Dink sports a turquoise Hawaiian shirt paired with orange Bermuda shorts while his brother goes for the super casual look with just a diaper. They are intent on collecting treasures that the big waves are bringing up to the shoreline. They are extremely intent on not touching those big waves. Despite his beach apparel, Fergus is afraid of the water.

Thus far, the two piggies have amassed quite a collection: some seaweed, a pebble that looks like an eyeball, and a shell that may or may not be a real shark's tooth. They are admiring their booty when the best treasure of all appears at the edge of the water - an honest to goodness surfboard. Although surfing is definitely out of the question (no thanks, scary disgusting water), the brothers concoct dry ways to enjoy the board. They adorn the board with their other treasures and name it Dave. 

After some time under the hot sun, Fergus sweetly toddles off to buy ice cream cones. While he is gone, Dink does the unthinkable. Feeling it is too cruel to keep a surfboard tethered to the beach, he tosses it back into the ocean where it can be wild and free! When Fergus sees this, he is so distraught that he forgets all about his fear and leaps in to save Dave. Water swells under the two, they rise up in the air and ... Pig Kahuna indeed!

That one exhilarating surfboard ride is all it take for Fergus to forget about his disdain for the water. After that, the boys are glued to that board, riding the waves all day long. Pretty neat how Fergus was able to conquer his fear of the water - which completely changes the way the spend the rest of their day. These pigs are no longer bound to the hot sand. They are wild and free in the water, surfing and searching for treasures.  

Review copy provided by Bloomsbury. 

His Shoes Were Far Too Tight

 

Chronicle Books

Edward Lear; Masterminded by Daniel Pinkwater; Illustrated by Calef Brown

 

Almost 200 years ago, Edward Lear made his living as a poet and artist, best known for his absurd wit. Mr. Lear had a sense of humor about himself and nearly everything else in the world. His first book of poems, A Book of Nonsense, was published in 1846. Lear poked fun at everything, which was the subject of his poems.

So is this a book of nonsense? Absolutely! The first poem is titled "How Pleasant to Know Mr. Lear!" That seems appropriate, doesn't it? I guess there might be some factual information in there, but it is difficult to separate the fact from fiction. Did he drink a great deal of Marsala, but eschew ginger beer? Maybe that was the key to maintaining his perfectly spherical body.

He weeps by the side of the ocean, 

He weeps on the top of the hill; 

He purchases pancakes and lotion, 

And chocolate shrimps from the mill.

If that poem and the following ones are any indication, Mr. Lear must have been a heck of a guy. I think his most well known poem is The Owl and the Pussycat, which is included here. But are you familiar with The Duck and the Kangaroo or Mrs. Blue Dickey Bird? The Nonsense Alphabet is pretty great too, with a funny stanza for each letter.

A fellow genius and nonsense master, Daniel Pinkwater, selected the poems and wrote the introduction for this book, while Calef Brown provided the brilliant illustrations. I somehow doubt that Edward Lear's original books published so long ago were this captivating, with brightly colored (pink, purple, orange and turquoise) bodies swarming the pages. How wonderful that this duo created a clever way to introduce Lear's poetry to a whole new generation.        

Review copy provided by Chronicle Books.

Encyclopedia Mythologica: Dragons & Monsters

Candlewick Press

Matthew Reinhart and Robert Sabuda

If you are lucky enough to have one of Matthew Reinhart and Robert Sabuda's books fall into your hands, odds are your first word will be "WOW!" Then your mouth will fall open and just hang there while you turn the pages, as you had no idea that a pop-up book could look like this. Reinhart and Sabuda are like the rock stars of the pop up world, creating the most amazing books. This is the final volume in the Encyclopedia Mythologica trilogy series, preceded by Gods and Heroes, and Fairies and Magical Creatures. 

Even though I know what to expect when I open one of these, I am still astounded when a new one is released. Each page features one enormous pop-up in the center of the page, with smaller booklets in the corners. Medusa rears her ugly head on page one, with fanged green snakes rearing every which way. Two pages later, a dragon erupts, tubes of bright red crepe paper forming his tubular body. Other main events: a vampire rising from his coffin, Bigfoot hiding behind a tree, a fearsome winged dragon, and a kraken attacking an unlucky ship.

Although there are technically only six pages, there is so much information (and paper!) tucked into each, that the book measures three inches thick. The booklets in the corners provide written information paired with smaller pop-ups. I like that these have tiny tabbed corners that hold them closed, so the pages stay nice and neat until the reader is ready to release them. 

Yes, the books in the Encyclopedia Mythologica series cost a bit more than the average hardcover children's book, but they are worth every single penny. This is art, engineering, and creativity all tucked up into a neat package. Although the video below shows each page, it honestly does not do the book justice. Leafing through a physical own copy is far more impressive.

Review copy provided by Candlewick Press.

Pomolo Begins to Grow

 

Enchanted Lion 

Ramona Badescu; Illustrated by Benjamin Chaud

Pomelo is a tiny, pink baby elephant. He used to be the size of a radish, but his favorite dandelion suddenly seems rather small. Could it be that he has grown? Pomolo thinks it’s time to do a little measuring. Yes! He has definitely grown. The young elephant is ecstatic, shrieking as he flips his tiny, pink body into the air. 

    

Pomolo’s growth spurt makes him start thinking very hard about himself and his path. He has a lot of unanswered questions about growing up. What has to happen on the inside for him to grow on the outside? Will he grow at the same speed as his friends? Will he change color? It isn’t just physical growth that Pomolo is worried about. He also wonders if his mind will mature to match his body’s pace. Will he lose interest in clowning around and start to like different things? Pomolo has so many unanswered questions, but he feels big enough to take on whatever new adventures come his way. 

I love how the illustrations range from ordinary to fantastical. Pomolo pictures his body parts growing at different speeds, with six funny drawings. One of my favorite pages is the one where he is imagining the inside of his body being controlled by tiny men working gears and levers. But then I also like his reaction to trying new experiences (spicy pepper!) and his little totem pole of how all creatures are connected to one another.

 Pomolo’s thoughts about growth are varied – probably not too far off from what a child would come up with.  He is a bit nervous and has some crazy ideas about what could possibly happen. Exactly why this book is such a great way to discuss physical, mental and emotional growth with your children! They will certainly identify with Pomolo who simultaneously cannot wait to grow up and yet wants to remain a carefree child. 

Review copy provided by Enchanted Lion. 

Scapegoat

 

Bloomsbury

Dean Hale; Illustrated by Michael Slack 

The Choat family owns an unusual pet – a goat named Patsy Petunia Oat. She is an amazing pet, as she can speak! Sadly, she only speaks in the language of goats, which the Choats do not understand. Young Jimmy Choat realizes fairly early on that Patsy is unable to defend herself and begins using her as … his own personal scapegoat.  

When Jimmy comes home from school on Monday sans his coat, he quickly claims their pet goat ate it.  That story works so well, that he claims the same when the tv remote comes up missing. Patsy knows darn well that Jimmy is the culprit, but nobody can understand her goat words. When Mama discovers her purse filled with goo, Jimmy turns to his reliable scapegoat. In fact, Pasty saw Jimmy blow his nose in there and bleats “Jim did. It was nasty.” She’s right  – Jim is kind of nasty. He goes on to blame her for a host of incidents that include breaking baby’s toy boat and even shaving her own goat throat.   

   

Luckily for Patsy Petunia, neighbor Bert Sproat does speak goat. He relates the truth to the Sproats about Jimmy’s untruthfulness. Patsy glares balefully at Jimmy, feeling quite vindicated. Bert Sproat tells her she better not gloat, as he knows the real story behind Jimmy’s goat. Guess Patsy isn’t the angelic goat that she wants everyone to believe.

A funny story punched up with rhyming text and great illustrations makes a terrific book. I knew from the title page this would be a good one, with Patsy lustfully eying Jimmy’s plaid coat, unaware that he is nailing up a little sign on her goathouse that reads “I’m stinky.” Later,  while Jimmy is sick in bed from a bad piece of bass, Patsy is angrily chomping a mean picture of her accuser into the lawn.  Ha!

Review copy provided by Bloomsbury.

Three by the Sea

 

Random House

Mini Grey

What a very strange little story. A black cat, a white dog and a little gray mouse co-exist happily in a hut right on the beach. They have neatly divided the household chores and live in harmony. Dog tends the garden, Cat manages the household cleaning, and Mouse handles the cooking. When you live in a hut by the sea, chores are pretty simple. 

One night, just as the trio are enjoying their dinner of cheese fondue, there is a knock at the door. A fox, nattily dressed in a yellow and brown striped suit, stands smiling on their threshold. He invites himself in and announces he is from the Winds of Change Trading Company, a company that helps fix your life, when you may not even know something is amiss. Not to worry, it is absolutely free.

The next morning, Fox observes the household, asking questions and making observations. He mentions to Mouse that it seems a bit odd that Dog plants only bones in the garden. Fox asks Cat if he isn't a bit tired of eating cheese fondue every night, and he tells Dog it seems unfair for Cat to be napping while he should be dusting. Fox opens his Winds of Change Trading Company suitcase and produces free gifts for each of them: cooking magazines for Mouse, tinned fish for Cat, and a fancy collar for Dog.

With his gifts, Fox has planted seeds of doubt in the household. Suddenly, the three friends are arguing fiercely, each feeling unappreciated by the other two. It takes a disastrous event (the near drowning of Mouse) for them to remember they are the best of friends. When they return to their hut near the sea, Fox is gone, along with their boat, but has left behind several packets of herb seeds as a parting gifts. 

From that day forward, the housemates make changes to their routine. They plant an herb garden together, and plan new meals. They share the work rather than divide it, and frolic together on the beach. So really, the Fox and his mysterious suitcase turned out to be a good thing. Or was it? These three actually were quite content before he pointed out the reasons they shouldn't be. But then he did provide them with some tools to repair their relationship. So was was the effect of the Winds of Change Trading Company? I think this is a story that is open to interpretation.      

Review copy provided by Random House.

The Ultimate Top Secret Guide to Taking Over the World

Sourcebooks

Kenn Nesbitt; Illustrations by Ethan Long

While you thought Kenn Nesbitt was innocently penning more kid-friendly poetry, he was actually hunched down in his underground lair, developing a secret plan for enterprising kids to take over the world. Cue maniacal laughter. His evil plan is conveniently broken down in just ten(ish) easy steps. Earnestly follow Kenn's directions, and you will find yourself rich beyond belief, leading a band of faithful minions, overseeing the world. Or just laughing in your chair. Definitely one of those two things.

Some of the steps are easier than others. There's a reason that Making a Name for Yourself, is step 2. If you can't figure out that Baroness von Crusher will demand more respect than Princess Sparkle Pony, you have not a prayer of Defeating Secret Agents (step 9). But don't worry! Step 1 is Becoming a Genius Overnight, so even if you are not the sharpest spoon in the drawer, it takes almost no effort at all to boost up to genius level. And what does that have to do with fitting a whole pickle in your nose or how much of your brain is made from fish fat? Exactly.


I don't know of a better way to describe this book except to say it imparts super duper valuable lessons that you cannot live another minute without learning. Haven't you always wondered how to make mutant monsters? Wouldn't it be incredibly handy to learn how to stop time? This is the key to learning how to string together the perfect evil catchphrase, letting loose with the perfect diabolical laugh, and creating your very own evil theme song. If you are a person who enjoys sarcasm, wit, and odd ideas - congratulations, you just hit the jackpot. This is the book, people!

Review copy provided by Sourcebooks.

The Honeybee Man

Random House

Lela Nargi and Kyrsten Brooker

Fred lives in Brooklyn, right in the heart of the city. His apartment building is surrounded by linden trees and  other tall apartment buildings. When he climbs up to the roof of his building, Fred loves that he can see the entire city spread before him. But more than that, he loves the bustling miniature city that is entirely contained on his rooftop. 

Fred is a beekeeper. His bees are housed in sectioned beehives that smell like a cross between caramel and ripe peaches. Each of the three buildings is ruled by a queen bee, whom Fred has named Queen Mab, Queen Nefertiti, and Queen Boadicea. While the queens are busy laying eggs, the workers are building wax rooms, feeding babies and visiting flowers all over Brooklyn.

In the summer, Fred rises early and makes his way to the roof with his cup of tea. Settled in his rooftop lawn chair, he closes his eyes and imagine what his city would feel like as a bee, swooping through the city, wind rushing over his back. Fred greets the bees as they emerge from their hive. He knows they will gather nectar from all over Brooklyn and return to the hive to store it in beautifully constructed wax rooms. Later, Fred will carefully remove that honeycomb, harvest the honey, and share the sweet nectar with his neighbors.

Lela Nargi's inspiration for this story was two real life Brooklyn apiarists. I wonder how many of the little details are invented or based on the real apiarists? Fred has fancy names for his queen bees, but his cat's name is simply Cat. He wears slippers to the roof that match his royal blue cardigan, and a plaid newsboy cap covers his balding head. I like the details of his house: the patchwork quilt on his bed, the various wallpaper prints in each room, and the aqua webbed aluminum lawn chair that older people always seem to have.

Review copy provided by Random House.

Without You

Kids Can Press

Genevieve Cote

That looks like quite a sour little pig and rabbit on the front cover, doesn't it? They are pouting just like a couple of kids who haven't yet learned how to iron out their differences while playing together. Is there a more perfect book for a couple of squabbling siblings? Probably not.

Little pig careens across the grass with the wagon, toys spilling from the sides. His rabbit friend cautions him that he's going too fast, but pig doesn't care. After some heated back and forth shouting, the friends decide they are better off not playing together at all.

Each thinks he will be happier on his own, and they make a point of stating all the fun activities that can be done solo. Rabbit can read alone, and pig can cook just fine with no help at all.You don't need a partner for dress-up and it's perfectly fine to play a musical instrument solo or go to the park alone.

There are tons of things you can do by yourself .... but aren't those things more fun with your best friend? Pig and rabbit are struck by this realization at the same time. Books are funnier when you can share the humor,  and cookies taste better with a friend enjoying them by your side. Best of all, made up games the require imagination are double the fun when fueled by two brains.   

This is a perfect book for young children. The words are very simple, as are the illustrations. The lesson is clear cut and easy to understand. Fight, fight, fight ... sad pig, sad rabbit. But look at those broad smiles and the fun they have when they both make an effort to get along.

Review copy provided by Kids Can Press.