How to Get a Job by Me the Boss

 

Random House

Sally Lloyd-Jones and Sue Heap

This is the third book is a really cute series. All three books are how to approach major events from a child's perspective. How to Get Married by Me the Bride is a super useful guide to being a bride, particularly if you need help finding the perfect groom. I expected the path to getting a job to be equally funny.

The little, blond pigtailed girl on the cover is the narrator, dispensing advice and providing job descriptions. She kicks it off a with a pretty great definition of job: something you do to get money for your family. Not to mention, a handy place to go when you feel like getting dressed up and have new shoes to show off. Some days, that's a good as reason as any to push yourself out the door.

This book is a cross between silly, childlike suggestions on jobs and some pretty solid advice. When you are just starting out, you are allowed to choose any job you wish. It's a good idea to stick with something you love to do and you are good at. No sense trying to be a world famous chef if you can't even cook cereal. Do you think you might like wearing white coats and giving advice? Be a doctor. If you enjoy bossing others around and handing out projects, might want to consider becoming a teacher.

After you figure out which job you want, the next step is creating the perfect resume. You write down every single thing you excel at, and tell everyone how marvelous you are. Don't stop talking about your greatness until you land a job interview. This is where the boss asks you tons of questions to find out your secrets and hidden talents. Be on your best behavior here - no biting, or sitting in his lap. Then you get the job, work really hard, and become the boss!   

The whole book is cute and funny, and probably really close to what children really believe about the workforce. I would imagine readers will pipe up fairly quickly with their own ideas on jobs they are considering and what they entail.  If you glean nothing else from this book, at least remember never to take your gerbils on a job interview.

Review copy provided by Random House.

Kangaroo for Christmas

 

Enchanted Lion

James Flora

Another lovely James Flora reprint by Enchanted Lion. The first, The Day the Cow Sneezed, was re-released last year, with the announcement that two books per year would follow, depending on the success of the first. I think the appearance of this kangaroo is a very good sign for Floraphiles.

It's Christmas time, the snow is softly falling, and sweet Kathryn has just received a rather large delivery from her Uncle Dingo. When her daddy carries that box into their house, an exuberant kangaroo hops out and starts knocking over furniture. Kathryn names her Adelaide and gives her a good brushing while her dad calmly sits down to read his paper. Either this gift is less alarming than I would have thought or Kathryn's dad has had one too many eggnogs. 

Kathryn and Adelaide are happily skipping through town on the way to Grandmother's house when a ferocious dog erupts with loud barks. Alarmed, Adelaide starts hopping faster and faster, weaving into traffic, through the Zwickys' apartment, and into the grocery store. Sausages flying, they bounce into the bakery and careen through the toy shop, where those big kangaroo feet mistakenly slide into a pair of roller skates. With one giant leap, the pair leap high above the houses, skating along telephone wires through the falling flakes. At least from there, they are able to spot Grandma's house.

Grandma does not seem surprised at all by the appearance of her granddaughter riding a kangaroo. On the way down, Adelaide skips through a batch of taffy that was cooling on her front porch, and is now stuck firmly to the roof of Grandma's car. No problem, she'll just drive her home that way. Although Adelaide is stuck fast, she hops with enough power to lift the whole car. One eventful, but accident free ride and they arrive home safely. Santa Claus brings soft boots for Adelaide's aching feet and they finish up the holidays quietly.           

This book is very much in the same style as Flora's first book. The pages again alternate between black and white, and vibrant colors - though the color scheme here is turquoise, salmon pink, and tan. And just as in The Day the Cow Sneezed.the story is a tumultuous series of events. All the commotion makes for an exciting read, plus there are tons of background details to pore over.

I adore the ferocious barking dog, the expression of bewilderment on the faces of the drivers, Mr. Zwicky's interrupted bath, and the bevy of doughnuts wrapped round Adelaide's tail as they emerge from the bakery. I like that she named her kangaroo Adelaide, that pink and turquoise are the main colors in a book that takes place at Christmas time, and the family's willingness to welcome a kangaroo into their home with no fuss. Such a fun book!
      
Review copy provided by Enchanted Lion.

Cool Animal Names

 

Charlesbridge

Dawn Cusick 

I have always found it amusing to take two completely different creatures and mash up their names to make a funky new animal. There is just something about animals and their names that make them fun to manipulate. The difference between that game and this book is that these animals actually exist.

Part One features one common animal and all the unique animals that share that name. For example, we are all familiar with elephants, but did you know there are also Elephant Shrews, Elephant Hawk Moths, and Elephant Beetles? Each of these has a photo and a paragraph on how their names were bestowed. Elephant Ear Coral are relatives of jellyfish that look exactly like a bunch of elephant ears piled up, while Elephant Seals have really large noses that resemble trunks. 

Part Two introduces different species and some of the unusual animals in those particular species. I think Owls are some of the coolest birds, and that was before I was aware of all the different types. Eagle Owls have two big tufts of feathers on their heads that look like a cross between giant eyebrows and tiny mohawks. They are the largest of all owls, earning their name by living in the same areas as eagles. Fish Owls have extra fringe on their feathers to help them fly quietly, so they sneak up on fish to eat. They also have spiny tipped toes for gripping those wriggling fish dinners.   

It is important to mention how visually stimulating this book is. In all, we are introduced to over 250 incredible animals, and treated to a photo of every single one. Most of the photos are surrounded by colorful circles and ovals, for a pleasing rainbow effect. The facts and tidbits presented are short little blips, ideal for reading aloud to younger kids. Interesting animals combined with a terrific presentation makes this a really cool book. 

Review copy provided by Charlesbridge.

Blowin' in the Wind

 

Sterling Publishing

Lyrics by Bob Dylan; illustrations by Jon J. Muth

According to Bob Dylan, he only needed about ten minutes to write Blowing in the Wind. It went on to become wildly popular, inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and ranked as #14 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the "500 Greatest Songs of All Time". And now it has been adapted into a format accessible to children. This picture book is Jon J. Muth's attempt at helping a new generation of readers be as inspired as he was when he first heard Dylan through his transistor radio in 1972. And what a fabulous job he does.

The song lyrics are gracefully accompanied by the most beautiful watercolors. It is immediately obvious how much time and thought was put into this book. The illustrations are done in such a way that they relate directly to the lyrics, but in a natural setting that includes children. I find it extremely clever how the lyrics are the words to the story and the illustrations fit each verse perfectly (including seas, cannonballs, mountains) and yet Muth still manages to make a cohesive story of it. 

The very first illustration is of a little boy holding a large red ball, looking out a window at a paper airplane soaring past. This airplane appears on nearly every page and is meant to represent "the answer" that is blowing in the wind. The little boy from the house (clutching his red ball) stares out at the many roads he has to choose from. A girl in a brilliant red canoe picks him up, and they glide across the seas. Three other children join them from various locations, until they are all tossing the ball to each other, with the flags of their nations draped across a cannon.   

Physically, the book feels very luxurious. This is an oversized edition, with lovely, large pages. The front and back covers are constructed from thicker material than most other picture books, with the CD safely tucked in a neat plastic case embedded in the front. The overall effect is that the book feels substantial, heavy in your hands. And once you see the stunning watercolors waiting inside, it is confirmed that you have found a gem of a picture book. Blowin' in the Wind poses a series of questions about peace, war and freedom. The song is open for interpretation, and each person who listens may define it as they see fit. Truly, a very special book for a new generation.  


Review copy provided by Sterling Publishing.

Little Pig Joins the Band

 

Charlesbridge

David Hyde Costello 

Little Pig is the youngest piglet of the family, which is how he ended up with that particular nickname. His real name is Jacob, but nobody seems to remember that. My expectations were that this book would be adorable, and it definitely is. I had not anticipated that it would also be funny, but it hits that mark as well.

While the pigs are visiting at Grandpa's house, they break out a box from his marching band days. Grandpa squeezes into his old band jacket and the grandpigs take turns choosing instruments from the box. Actually, Little Pig selects instruments from the box and his older brothers and sisters take turns pulling them from his hands. Little Pig is lost behind the drum, can't quite get the trombone off the floor, and the tuba is too cumbersome to even consider!

Grandpa claims his jacket still fits, but one button lets loose with a poink and sails through the air. Every question Little Pig asks of his siblings is completely misheard, in a comical way. He inquires about playing a kazoo and his sister replies "Gesundheit" as she waltzes away with the trumpet.When he asks if they have any piccolos, his brother tells him to check in the fridge, behind the the olives.

As Little Pig watches his brothers and sisters mill around with their instruments, randomly playing different tunes, he stumbles upon a realization. What this band really needs is a little organization. Little Pig grabs a whistle, lines up the pigs, and soon has everyone marching together in step. He might be too small to carry an instrument, but he's terrific at organization and seeing what needs to be done. It isn't always the biggest and oldest pigs that are the most useful - sometimes it is the small guys with the greatest ideas.      

Review copy provided by Charlesbridge.

Birds of a Feather

 

Boyds Mills Press

Jane Yolen; Photographs by Jason Stemple 

Jane Yolen and Jason Stemple certainly know their birds, previously collaborating on Wild Wings and Fine Feathered Friends. They are back with another beautiful book of poetry.

Each page offers a thoughtful poem, a stunning photo and an informative paragraph on one bird. This is kind of a field guide for youngsters, beautifully put together. Learn about fourteen interesting birds, including some I am familiar with, like the Eagle and Sandpiper, and others slightly more exotic. I had never heard of an Oystercatcher before, but I love the rings of yellow and orange around the eye, accented with brilliant orange beaks. 

The Eastern Kingbirds's poem refers to that bird as the "flying ninja." I laughed, as the photo is of a small, unassuming brown bird who doesn't look very ninja-like. The descriptive paragraph confirms that this bird regularly attack hawks and crows in an effort to protect their nests. The photo of the Chickadee is so perfect, that you will want to reach right out and stroke those soft feathers.

Rhymes range from rhymes, to Haiku, to downright silly - something for everyone. What a beautiful way to introduce a child to the world of birding.    


Review copy provided by Boyds Mills Press.