For Immediate Release Reviews - Kids

Fiona Ross

Chilly Milly Moo is a very special cow. Her tendency to overheat means she has a very difficult time in the summer. It probably doesn't help that she insists on wearing a knit cap and boots year round, but apparently that's her thing. Does fashion ever really make sense?

It might not be too hot for boots, but it is certainly too hot for milk making. Millie skulks around the barn, embarrassed by her inability to perform her main function. It doesn't help that the other cows are lolling around in the pastures, bragging about the quantities of milk they regularly produce. While Millie sulks, they loudly proclaim that the heat from the sun's rays boosts their milk production. Poor Chilly Milly Moo. The farmer informs her that if she doesn't make milk, she won't be able to stay at the farm.

This dried up cow goes to bed feeling confused and unappreciated, and wakes to find a snowstorm raging outside. While the other barn inhabitants are shivering, moaning and groaning about the temperature, Milly Moo is pleased as punch to see the farmer arrive. Strange noises erupt from her midsection when the farmer settles on his milking stool. Once the farmer sees what his crazy cow can do, he can't believe his fortune. The snowstorm has turned Chilly Millie Moo into an ice cream dispenser!

Fun book, funny ending, and great illustrations. This is the first children's book from Fiona Ross, but I have my fingers crossed that this is her signature style of illustration and hope to see more. The digitally created illustrations have kind of a messy look to them, almost like smudges of ink everywhere. The font runs in different directions (I particularly like the sentence printed on the farmer's bum) creating a sense of whimsy. It is certainly fitting that the cow unique enough to wear a hat with a pom pom is the who who astonishes the farmer in the end.

Review copy provided by Candlewick Press.

The Busy Beaver

2012-01-17T10:01:00.000-08:00

Nicholas Oldland

While we were reading Making the Moose Out of Life, I was thinking "That nutty beaver really deserves his own book." Apparently, Nicholas Oldland had that same thought, plus the ability to illustrate and create a book. He chose to title it The Busy Beaver, which is funnier and more sensible than That Nutty Beaver.

The expression "busy as a beaver" is a commonly used one, as we all know these animals to be an incredibly busy bunch. This one is no exception. The only problem is, he is so busy that he doesn't take any time to think things through. He's distracted and careless. He fells more trees than he needs, leaves the forest a mess, and builds sub-par damns. Worst of all, the other animals are starting to get hurt by the beaver's careless ways. Bear is clunked in the head by a piece of fallen wood, birds have lost their nest, and moose once looked down at his own leg to see his own leg being enthusiastically chewed.

The mayhem continues until the day the beaver miscalculates the direction of a falling tree and finds himself pinned under it. He wakes up in the hospital, flat on his back, covered in bruises and bandages.While recuperating, the beaver has time to self-reflect. He finally notices the mess he has made of the forest and his injured friends. He feels terrible and resolves to make amends.

Understandably, the others are worried about the beaver's return to the forest, but he remains true to his word. He apologizes to his friends, cleans up the forest, plants saplings to replace the missing trees, and builds a nest for the homeless birds. The beaver also discovers when he isn't rushing around frantically felling as many trees as possible, he has time for other activities he loves .... like naps. And the whole forest is at peace.

I like how every one of Oldland's book has a lesson to be learned. This is pretty much "stop and smell the roses" but with a "don't chew on your friend's leg" presentation. It is adorable and so very funny. There are plenty of hilarious illustrations, like the way the momma bird clutches her babies in her wings and glares balefully at the beaver after he demolishes her tree. Fantastic way to read your kids an important lesson.

Review copy provided by Kids Can Press.

Where's Waldo Now?

2012-01-10T16:58:00.000-08:00

Martin Handford

Waldo books don't ever seem to decrease in popularity. These books stand the test of time and constantly manage to find a new audience. It doesn't matter how many times we look through a Waldo book, I can't ever seem to remember where I spotted him or his cohorts. Which essentially means, every time we pick one up, it is pretty much like seeing it for the first time.

I love that Candlewick is releasing the entire six book series in affordable paperback editions. Plus they have included a handy little circle in the upper left of the cover, indicating where it falls in the series. This makes it really easy for parents to keep track of the editions they already have and those that are needed to complete a collection.

In addition to finding Waldo on each page, of course you must also find his four close friends hiding on each page: Odlaw (Waldo spelled backwards), Wizard Whitebeard, Wenda, and Woof. Those careless travelers have dropped five precious belongings in each scene: Waldo's key, Woof's bone, Wenda's camera, Wizard Whitebeard's scroll, and Odlaw's binoculars. I find it difficult to find Woof when all you can see is his tail, so the odds of finding Waldo's key seems like an impossible feat.

This edition contains a dozen scenes to hunt in. Waldo has been reading history books, so this book is put together in a time line format. The first scene is the time of cavemen, then ancient Egyptians and their pyramids, games in ancient Rome, and so on. The last scene is meant to be the future, with space cars flying around glass domed shopping structures. Even after all that hunting, there is a bit more tucked in at the end. The last two pages contain a checklist for each scene of additional random things to search for, like an insolent statue, yellow teeth, and sunbathers in peril. Truly, this book could keep you (or small children) engaged for hours on end.

Review copy provided by Candlewick Press.

Paul Thurlby's Alphabet

2011-12-30T09:53:00.000-08:00

Paul Thurlby

There are so many alphabet books on the market that any newcomers must be pretty special to stand out. Paul Thurlby must be aware of that fact because he sure nailed it. He describes his unique book as "the challenge of fusing the object of the word with the shape of the letter." Even the cover is cheery, like the boy with the sparkly scarlet A body is cheerily waving the readers in. Appropriately enough, the A in this book is for awesome!

No crunched up alphabet here - each letter gets its own two page spread. The left page shows both upper and lower case letter against a solid colored background. The right page is the uppercase letter embedded in or transformed by design. Just underneath the letter is the two word description. Some of them are obvious, like D for dog or R for rabbit, with others a bit more abstract.

A fun game to play the first time through the book is to cover the written description with your hand and try to guess what the letter stands for while only being able to see the picture. We stumbled on H for Hang and F for Fierce, but had fun with our guesswork.

I like how the solid colored pages have small scuff marks and little bits of color in various places. It gives a nice patina to the pages, like this is an older, well-loved book that has been passed down through the ages. The style of the illustrations reinforce this thought, as Paul Thurlby has a very distinctive, vintage type style.

At the back of the book is the Artist's Note, which provides some interesting insights into how this book came to be. I love learning how writers and illustrators come up with their ideas, or how a particular project evolved. Another little perk: the book's dust jacket is doubled up. Remove and unfold to reveal a nice poster of the entire illustrated alphabet.

Review copy provided by Candlewick Press.

I Want My Hat Back

2011-12-26T09:45:00.000-08:00

Jon Klassen

There is not a lot of middle ground on this book. Readers will either find it wildly funny and truly love it, or dismiss it as an odd children's book they don't get. The style is quite distinctive and the humor is deadpan. I find it hilarious, particularly the surprise ending.

The storyline is very straightforward: the bear has lost his hat and wants it back. He makes the rounds, asking all the other animals if they have seen it. Neither the fox nor the frog have seen the bear's headgear and they are quite polite about it. The rabbit, however, seems very defensive, and not a little bit shifty. Also, he's wearing a pointy red hat while they are talking, but this apparently doesn't register with the bear as he thanks rabbit for his time and moves on. The bear asks three more animals about his hat before he becomes discouraged and lies down on his back in the grass.

He starts to worry that he will never find his hat again, and he misses it terribly. That hat was the perfect shade of red, and tapered to a nice sharp point .... wait a minute. The bear sits bolt upright. He just SAW a hat like that. With narrowed eyes, he lumbers past the line of animals to confront the rabbit, who still wears that crimson headpiece. After a bit of a stare down, the Bear emerges triumphant, flatly remarking "I love my hat." As for the rabbit? No good comes to liars or thieves, but you'll have to ask the bear about that.

It is very humorous how the bear doesn't change position or expression for the first seven pages. The other animals are illustrated similarly, staring forward in a flat sort of way. It would be creepy if the overall effect wasn't so darn funny. All the pages that are directly related to the hat share the common element of red. The hat itself is red, the rabbit's words are the only red text, and the page with the bear's realization stands out with a solid red background. The entire book is very clever, in an understated way. And extremely funny!

Review copy provided by Candlewick Press.

10 Trim-The-Tree'ers

2011-12-17T17:23:00.000-08:00

Janet Schulman, Illustrated by Linda Davick

This is an adorable little Christmas board book - just right for tucking into a little one's stocking. I love adding to our collection of Christmas books - getting them out each year brings back so many memories from years past.

Ten little tots band together to get their tree ready for the big day. These kids may be young, but they know the proper steps to tree trimming. First, one shiny gold star is balanced at the tippy top, before two strings of colored lights are carefully draped on the branches. Ornaments are added layer by layer (in specific amounts, of course) - my favorite is the five blue reindeer with glowing red noses. One pretty present for each neighbor is placed under the tree before they gather round for caroling.

Seasonally appropriate, fun, bright and silly - this is perfect for the toddler set. The easy chair is purple, the walls are salmon, and the staircase is gold, making for an especially cheerful and eclectic house. Round faced kids tumble all over the pages, sporting holiday attire. One child is dressed an elf, another as an angel, and a third has donned a snowflake sweater to match the ornaments. The very last page gives a nice pictured recap of the countdown.

Review copy provided by Random House.

My Name is Elizabeth!

2011-12-09T14:48:00.000-08:00

Annika Dunklee; Matthew Forsythe

I love how simple this book is. Elizabeth speaks in that straightforward, short sentence way that only children can. She is happy with her life and herself and turns out that she isn't shy about speaking up.

Elizabeth loves her name, all nine letters of it. She wakes in the morning and proudly exclaims "My name is Elizabeth." though her only audience is her pet duck. She likes that a queen has been named after her (and not the other way around).That and some of the illustrations show that Elizabeth seems to be a bit of a character. She plops down in the sink basin to brush her teeth, wears funny hats, and owns a pet duck.

Elizabeth is such a great name, so why do people insist on shortening it up and using those ridiculous nicknames instead? She's not a Beth, Liz, or Lizzy and certainly not a Betsy. Elizabeth gets a bit more irritated with each nickname, until she loses her patience. She announces to the entire town (in really big letters) her FULL name. It turns out that Elizabeth has four middle names, so her full name is quite a mouthful. With a curtsy, she graciously adds "But you may call me Elizabeth." And everyone does.

I have no idea why Elizabeth has a pet duck, and the storyline does not address it. When Elizabeth dons her winter hat, she places a crown on the duck's head and he seems to wear it quite willingly. Even after his leash and collar fly off, he sticks close to Elizabeth's side. This is one well trained duck! He's got his own funny facial expressions and it wouldn't surprise me one bit if he wasn't equally offended by the nicknames. I wish his name had been provided, because I am sure it would have been funny.

I love that the entire book is done in just four colors: black, white, soft blue and a solid orange. A unique choice, the effect is both bold beautiful. The orange really stands out against that baby blue. Probably as much as Elizabeth and her duck stand out in that town.

Review copy provided by Kids Can Press.

Animal Naps

2011-12-05T03:56:00.000-08:00

Catherine Ham

Could it possibly get any cuter than an entire book of animals napping? From the front cover, I had assumed it would just be adorable photos of tucked in animal babies to ooh and ahh over. There's actually poetry inside! You can still ooh and ahh over the photos, but there is plenty to read as well.

What a fantastic choice this would read right before your child's nap. Nothing like two dozen photos of sleeping animals to conjure up some drowsiness. Looking these photos over makes you realize how differently animals settle in for their shuteye. Koalas sleep tucked into the crooks of trees and somehow manage not to come tumbling down. Hedgehogs roll up into tight, spiny balls, while hippos slumber with their nostrils underwater.

Ducks are some of the most peculiar nappers, balancing on one leg, with heads tucked under a wing. The bat photo is particularly interesting, as their wings closed tightly around their bodies make them appear as though they are folded inside personal sized black umbrellas. My favorite photo by far is the lizard, who clutches a leaf with his tiny claws as if it were a favorite blankie. He looks so sweet - not a word usually used to describe lizards. So many sweet and adorable snoozers, plus fun poems. The perfect napping book!

Review copy provided by Charlesbridge.

How to Get a Job by Me the Boss

2011-11-30T18:38:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-22T18:53:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-15T17:04:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-11T18:36:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-05T18:19:00.000-07:00

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

2011-11-02T03:57:00.000-07:00

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.

Big Wolf and Little Wolf: Such a Beautiful Orange

2011-10-30T17:20:00.000-07:00

Nadine Brun-Cosme; Illustrated by Olivier Tallec

This is the third and final book in what is most likely my all time favorite picture book series. If you are not familiar with The Little Leaf That Wouldn't Fall and the original Big Wolf and Little Wolf, you must check them out.

The two wolves awake one morning, both spying a beautiful orange hanging above their heads. It looks so sweet and so bright, that piece of fruit is all they can think about. Big Wolf climbs up and picks it, discovering it to be even brighter and more round in his paw than he had imagined it would be. Although Big Wolf very desperately wants that sweet orange for himself, he casually tosses it to his small blue friend. The orange globe sails over his head and rolls down the hill. One glimpse of Big Wolf's dejected face is all Little Wolf needs, to know he must retrieve the orange.

Big Wolf waits for a very long time, but there is no sight of his friend. Alarmed, knowing it will be getting dark soon, he ventures after Little Wolf, right into the city. Big Wolf soon finds the sweet orange lying on the street, but there is no blue wolf in sight, and he is terribly worried. When night sets, Big Wolf does not know what to do. He wants nothing more than to be under their tree, safe and sound. Instead, he is alone in a strange place: no grass, no trees, only silence. Not knowing what else to do, he lets out a long howl. And in that instant, he knows Little Wolf is near.

Big Wolf makes it through the night, and things look more promising in the morning. Eventually, he finds a hill very much like his hill, with a tree that looks similar to his old tree. And under that tree .... a tiny blue wolf! Upon closer inspection, this new area is nicer than the old, with a sandy beach and a very large body of water. Best of all, the smile on Little Wolf's face seems a bit brighter. Big Wolf forgets how scared and cross he was, and tosses the sweet orange to his friend, without a word. The two friends live happily ever after, on this new patch of land, under their new tree.

Although I loved this book, I thought it was quite different from the first two books in the series. It seemed deeper and darker, a few of the pages were almost desolate. And I found myself feeling a bit angry with Little Wolf, who seemed to be happily cavorting on the beach while his larger friend was roaming the streets, worried to death while searching for him. But Big Wolf holds no grudge, so nor will I. Again, the phrasing here is just as perfect as in the other books and the illustrations are just as dreamy. A bit darker, yes, but I wouldn't miss this one for the world.

Review copy provided by Enchanted Lion.

Junie B.'s These Puzzles Hurt My Brain

2011-10-23T06:16:00.000-07:00

Barbara Park; Illustrated by Denise Brunkus

Barbara Park has written over thirty books in the ultra popular Junie B. Jones stories. If your kids are at that magic age where they adore reading about Junie's B's antics, they will be thrilled to discover she now has her very own puzzle book!

This book is exactly the same size as a typical chapter book paperback, so it will slip right in on the shelf with the rest of the Junie B. series. I would estimate the age range for these puzzles would be about 4 to 7 years old. With 219 pages of puzzles, there are so many activities to choose from. Connect-the-dots, word scrambles, triangle mysteries, line tangles, mazes, spot the differences, and tons more. Plus, there are two sheets of stickers tucked in at the back, behind the answer pages.

Barbara Park has written a paragraph for each puzzle, explaining what sort of help Junie B. requires from the reader/puzzle solver. Grandma Miller made blueberry pancakes and you have to figure out which car goes to Grandma and the pancakes. Color in the triangles to find out what Junie B. just accidentally broke. Find the six differences between the photos of Room Nine on the bus heading to their field trip.

Tons of puzzles to choose from, plus a fair amount of reading for your child, and some great illustrations. The perfect activity book for a Junie B. Jones fan. Plus, at $5.99, that's a pretty inexpensive puzzle book. May want to tuck this one away for a stocking stuffer.

Review copy provided by Random House.

From Pie Town to Yum Yum

2011-10-17T03:34:00.000-07:00

Debbie Herman; Illustrated by Linda Sarah Goldman

Have you ever wondered how some towns and cities have ended up with such unusual names? Toponymy is the study of place names, taking into consideration the origins, meaning and use of the place. Not your typical dry geography book, this compiles some of the some the wackiest U.S. community names and attempts to provide reasonable explanations on how those came about. My favorites are Monkey’s Eyebrow in Kentucky and New Jersey’s Cheesequake.

To be fair, each state is allotted the same amount of space: a double page spread. Listed in alphabetical order, we start with Scratch Ankle, Alabama and work our way through to Hole-in-the-Wall, Wyoming. I really like the uniform way the book is organized. One town in each state is highlighted, with the explanation interspersed with fun little drawings. The opposite page provides a general summary of the state, with three specific sections: Info to Know, Lay of the Land, and Road Trip. They give just enough to information to hook the reader and keep it interesting.

It really is fun to learn about the crazy names that exist in the U.S. and how they came about. Frequently, it was the residents of a town who got together to decide on a name for their community. Some places were named for specific people, local taverns or other geographical events, while others were just plain old mistakes. Peculiar, Missouri was named when the postmaster’s suggestions were repeatedly rejected by the Post Office Department. He finally said he didn’t care what the town was named, as long as it was peculiar. And so it was. Yum Yum, Tennessee was created when a general store owner thought it would be good to name the town after a popular brand of cookies.

This is a cross between a trivia book and a geography/history lesson. But the authors have put it together in such a fun way that it doesn't feel like a lesson at all. We took turns guessing how towns got their names, and ending up giggling over the little balloon comments in the illustrations. Great book!

Review copy provided by Kane Miller.

The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes

2011-10-15T06:10:00.000-07:00

Gary Rubinstein and Mark Pett

Beatrice Bottomwell is famous in her town, though most people don't have any idea of her real name. She is known simply as "the Girl Who Never Makes Mistakes." Beatrice is ultra careful and methodical and quite enjoys her error free life. Still, solid perfection must be a lot of pressure for a little girl.

When Beatrice arrives at school each morning, she is perfectly put together, with her homework ready to turn in. She has won the Graysville talent show three years in a row with her juggling act, and feels quite confident about adding a fourth year to her name. Beatrice's little brother Carl is not famous, as his typical day includes a whole raft of mistakes. He eats his crayons (non-toxic!) and draws with his green beans.

On the morning of the talent show, something very unusual happens. Beatrice almost makes a mistake. While carrying four eggs from the refrigerator to the counter, she slips on a stray piece of rhubarb and .... airborne eggs! Scrambling, reaching, and grabbing - Beatrice manages to nab all four eggs safely to retain her title of the Girl Who Never Makes Mistakes. No shells were cracked, no yolks were spilled, and yet Beatrice can't help thinking of her close call. Could she make a mistake?

That night at the talent show, Beatrice performs her usual juggling routine. Everyone expects her usual perfection. Instead, there is a mishap that results in the Girl Who Never Makes Mistakes standing on stage, soaking wet, covered in pepper, with a hamster flat on her head. This was her first mistake and it was a big one. Beatrice is shocked, the crowd is stunned.Then Beatrice starts to laugh - a mistake is not the end of the world.

I don't think any real attempt was made to disguise the obvious lesson, which is fine. Children need to learn to deal with failure. If they cannot grasp that concept, they will become paralyzed by fear, which will keeping them from trying new activities. After Beatrice's mistake, she starts living more carefree. Taking a page from Carl's book, she acts sillier and consequently has a lot more fun. Of course that is am important lesson for kids to learn. Who better to teach it than Beatrice Bottomwell and her hamster?

Review copy provided by Sourcebooks.

Let's Make Some Great Art

2011-10-11T14:37:00.000-07:00

Laurence King

Marion Deuchars

I really love this book. It is creative, incredibly clever, and full of projects that are both fun and easy. Professional artist and renowned illustrator Marion Deuchars created these projects in an effort to keep her sons inspired and stimulated. Hey, if her kids need a prod here and then, I don't feel so badly about my own!

The book's core ideas are inspired by the work of twelve famous artists, including Pablo Picasso, Piet Mondrian, and Leonardo da Vinci. Deuchars gives a brief introduction of each, explaining the type of art each was best known for, and then reveals several projects that relate to that specific claim. Make modern art from squiggles, try your hand at collage, conduct color experiments, re-create Mona Lisa's smile, or try painting Jackson Pollack style with paint and marbles. What will your children be inspired to create?

I like how this book is a cross between a history lesson and fifty art lessons, with a little bonus course on how easy it to use your imagination to come up with great things. I also love how varied the projects are - there is a bit of everything. Make animals from inky fingerprints, create your own color wheel and experiment mixing the colors, draw a shark in the pre-drawn tank, make a mobile from simple geometric shapes, fiddle around with tangrams, or draw circles by hand and compare them to compass drawn circles.

The projects mentioned just barely scratch the surface of what you will have to choose from! At 224 pages, the ideas are not technically "endless" but it sure feels that way. Opening this book for the first time is akin to having a bomb of creativity dropped in your lap. The next time you hear "I'm bored. There's nothing to do." you will have hundreds of suggestions at your fingertips.

I think maybe best of all, this book will help kids realize that it is possible to create great things from very simple ideas. Some of the pages are blank, apart from a single one sentence direction. They might need that little push to get started, but hopefully, this will show them that art is fun to create and there are no boundaries.

Review copy provided by Laurence King.

Where in the Wild?

2011-10-05T17:17:00.000-07:00

Random House

David M. Schwartz and Yael Schy; Photos by Dwight Kuhn

Being able to disappear into their surroundings is a necessary skill for many animals. Camouflage helps them find prey or keeps them from becoming another predator's dinner. As this book shows, their ability to blend into their surroundings is pretty amazing.

Each page consists of a clever or elegant poem paired with a beautiful photograph. The rhyme offers clues to help the readers locate which animal is being cleverly camouflaged by the flowers and foliage. And I do mean cleverly! You'll have to look very closely, as these guys are masters of disguise. Luckily for clueless parents, the photo page lifts up, revealing an identical photo beneath with the backgrounds grayed out, so the hidden animal is instantly revealed.

In addition to providing the answer to the puzzle, the opposing page folds out to reveal fascinating facts about each animal's natural history and how it relies on camouflage to survive. Brightly colored tree frogs have poisonous skin that predators won't eat. Gray Tree Frogs are non-toxic, so they rely on their rough gray-green skin to blend seamlessly against tree bark. Crab Spiders completely disappear when perched on yellow flower petals, and Green Snakes look just like thick blades of grass.

Several paragraphs of information on eleven different animals makes this a fairly substantial read. Beautiful photography, fun rhymes and a game of hide and seek combine to become an incredibly enjoyable book of nature. Younger children will enjoy finding the animals, while older kids will be more apt to learn more about these animals that are able to hide in plain sight.

Review copy provided by Random House.

Edwin Speaks Up

2011-10-04T18:34:00.000-07:00

April Stevens; Illustrations by Sophie Blackall

How cute is baby Edwin in his little striped sleeper? Mrs. Finnemore gets major points for her ability to present her children so adorably that you don't even see their horrid behavior coming. The girls wear sweet print dresses, finished off with a contrasting bow tucked behind one ear, while the boys sport a nice mix of prints and solids. Too bad they are not one-quarter as well behaved as they are well-dressed.

Mrs. Finnemore seems so well put together on the surface. Her sleek white fur is perfectly smoothed back, and her banana yellow pocketbook matches her pumps exactly. She wears a print dress similar to her daughters, and smiles sweetly she loads all five ferret children into her baby blue car for a quick grocery trip. Mrs. Finnemore has it going on!

We see a crack in the facade when the baby blue car arrives at the grocery store with her banana yellow purse teetering on the roof. Her neatly attired children are actually wild beasts who somersault through the aisles and knock over displays of canned goods with their wrestling matches. Mrs. Finnemore simply ignores her children's behavior, serenely tossing fruit into her cart. She is in her own world - so much so that she manages to switch carts with another shopper, leaving poor Edwin behind. When the carts are switched back, the sugar needed to make Edwin's birthday cake rolls away with the other shopper.

To the Finnemores, it sounds as though Edwin is just babbling. Sure, most of his words are made up nonsense, but he is more coherent than they give him credit for. Only Edwin realizes there isn't any sugar for his cake in the cart, calling out "Sweetin do a bye bye" as the cart rolls away. On the way home, Edwin's mom comments that she can't believe her youngest is turning one, and that he will be talking soon. Poor, clueless, Mrs. Finnemore. Super glad I don't live by those ferrets.

I wonder if Mrs. Finnemore is on some sort of ferret sedative or if she has trained herself to ignore the misbehavior. Or maybe ferrets are just naturally laid back. Although I love the appearance of the Finnemore family, the backgrounds are super enjoyable also. My favorites are the long pastel pink bench that stretch out inside Mrs. Finnemore's auto, and how each aisle at the grocery store is ultra orderly (until the kids tumble through) with the products lined up just so.

Review copy provided by Random House.

Acorns and Stew, too

2011-09-29T10:27:00.000-07:00

Kane Miller

Ruth Orbach

I was initially attracted to this book because of the vintage style illustrations. They remind me of a few of the treasured picture books from my childhood. Then I read that this was originally published over twenty-five years ago as "Acorns and Stew." This is a revised edition with original illustrations, but updated contemporary text. These are not vintage style illustrations, but the real deal!

Lenore loves living in her beautiful row house, with its sunny yellow door and a giant tree right growing right outside her front stoop. She adores curling up in her cozy room, the fuchsia comforter spread neatly across her big yellow bed. Her cat, Sam, follows her everywhere, sleeps in her bed, and curls up under the kitchen chair while she eats breakfast. Most of all, Lenore loves the ducks who live by the lake. She feeds them every day and they love her right back. With all this happiness, why is Lenore worried?

Cold weather is coming and Lenore knows her ducks will have to fly away for the winter. Cut to illustration of the little girl and the ducks with tears running down their cheeks (and beaks). Lenore brainstorms and comes up with an idea she believes will work. She gathers up the materials and starts sawing, hammering, painting and sewing right there in her cozy house.

On the first day of winter, Lenore treats the ducks to a banquet table loaded down with a feast, which includes acorns and stew (book title!), porridge, biscuits, and plums. Then she buttons each one into the winter coats she stitched up, and directs them to the tiny, colorful houses she built. The ducks will be able to stay all winter long!

This book cracked me up. Ducks enjoying acorns and stew, wearing overcoats and living in brightly colored homemade houses. Completely illogical ... and wonderful. Black and white drawings punctuated with splashes of bright pinks, oranges, and yellows give the book such a happy feel. Now you know that if you happen to see a duck wearing an overcoat this winter, feel free to offer him an acorn or a dish of stew.

Review copy provided by Kane Miller.

More free printable bookplates!

2011-09-23T13:19:00.000-07:00

Helen Dardik of Orange You Lucky designed and offered these bookplates as a token of appreciation for her blog readers. Cute internet stuff is always better when it's free, right?

Helen mentions that she likes to use these in her "ever growing collection of unique and interesting vintage books." I like putting them inside children's books that we receive as gifts, so we can add the giver's name and date. It's just a nice reminder each time you read those books. These are especially good because they have that second line for extra writing room.

The Busy Life of Ernestine Buckmeister

2011-09-22T14:57:00.000-07:00

Flashlight Press

Linda Ravin Lodding; Illustrated by Suzanne Beaky

Ernestine Buckmeister leads a life that few of us would envy. For starters, she is saddled with one heck of a name. Worse, her parents seem to live by the adage that "idle hands are the devil's handiwork" and schedule Ernestine's life accordingly. This kid is as busy as if she were holding down a full time job! Actually, it's more like two full time jobs - Nanny O' Dear is around to keep Ernestine on track.

Ernestine has a different after-school activity every day of the week. Her week is comprised of the following: sculpting, water ballet, knitting, tuba lessons, and yodeling. The weekends are neatly wrapped up in karate and yoga. In between school, homework and her rigorous extracurricular activities, Ernestine has zero free time. She does however, have a gigantic white board spanning an entire wall in her room for her schedule. Ernestine is sitting in bed one night, staring at this very thing that represents her over-scheduled life ... when she has a revelation.

The next day, Ernestine casually announces to Nanny that she will be skipping yodeling for a new activity in the park. The two spend their afternoon running through the trees, making daisy crowns, and building a twig fort. Meanwhile, the parental Buckmeisters are alerted to Ernestine's yodeling absence and are desperately trying to locate her. They frantically run from class to class, but knitting, karate, water ballet, sculpting, yoga, and tuba all yield the same result - no Ernestine. Exhausted, they finally bump into their rosy-cheeked daughter in the park on their way home. Once the Buckmeisters realize how greatly Ernestine benefits from not having every minute of her day scheduled, the whole family slows down.

I like all the little details and bits of humor tucked in here. Most obviously, the author links names with activities, with Mr. Oompah teaching tuba lessons while Mrs. Pearl Stitchem handles knitting. You'll have to look a bit closer to notice the post-it note accidentally clamped to Nanny's hat, the yodeling teacher's goat gnawing on anything he can reach, or the lump of clay stuck to Mrs. Buckmeister's bottom. Overall, extremely cute and a nice little reminder for overzealous parents.

Review copy provided by Flashlight Press.

How to be the Best Bubble Writer in the World Ever!

2011-09-14T04:20:00.000-07:00

Linda Scott

Ah, bubble writing takes me back! If you live under a rock, bubble writing is hand-drawn letters that are so round and puffy that they look as if they are made from bubbles. It is also big FUN (once you learn how) and will enable you to make super sweet posters and design awesome logos. In short, it is the key to popularity. Okay, not really. But it is super fun and makes you feel artistically superior to the kids who live under rocks. Plus, Linda Scott guarantees it will make you happier.

You might think you master the basic bubble letter and you're done. Not so fast. There are 40 hand-drawn typefaces featured here, including robots, lightning strike, caveman, and ribbons. I like that she includes a font for darn near every season/holiday. It is hard to pick favorites, but if pressed, mine would be summer cakes (where every letter is covered with a small cap of sprinkles) and cactus.

Each font page has the entire alphabet written out, so you can see how to make every single letter. Directly above that are several inches of neat lines - space for practicing that font. Tucked in between all those fonts pages are goofy little projects: pages to make your own comic book, bookmarks, door hangers, holiday cards, party invitations, and much more. Scott does a wonderful job of not only presenting the fonts, but also demonstrating creative ways in which to employ them.

In this age of technology, you may be surprised to discover how cool your kids think it is to learn handwritten fonts. I distinctly remember someone showing me how to make bubble letters when I was in seventh grade, and immediately set to impressing my friends. I would have been a rock star with this book!

Review copy provided by Chronicle Books.

Inkblot

2011-09-07T04:00:00.000-07:00

Margaret Peot

What would you say to an activity that will help you tap into your creativity, but requires no particular artistic skill? Let me add that it will be fun and you get to dabble around with art supplies. Margaret Peot explains how creating inkblots can help you overcome creative blocks, inspire ideas and open up avenues for creative expression. All that from blobs of ink and your imagination!

Simply put, just drop, brush, or swab ink on one side of a creased paper. Add a few drops of water. Fold the inked paper in half, and press firmly to make a symmetrical image. Unfold the paper to check the image and add more ink if you are not satisfied with the result. The types of paper and inks that you use will make all the difference in the quality of the finished product.

All right, so we know the steps to create a proper inkblot. Chapter 2 shows us how to add lines and colors to the blob to make it more recognizable. This is as simple as drawing around what you see in your blot and then coloring it in. It's a lot like lying on your back, looking at clouds and picking out shapes. If you having trouble getting started, try thinking of the inkblots as puzzles where you are looking for hidden images. They are there, just cleverly disguised.

I think this book is so inspiring. Before reading this, I had never known about the world of inkblots. It's so neat that the ink is just waiting on the paper for your interpretation. The final outcome is unique - what do you see? Check out Margaret's Subway Inkblog Blog to view the projects that others have made. Or visit the Inkblot Book's Channel for dozens of cool videos. What a wonderful and unique book this is!

Review copy provided by Boyds Mills Press.

Pig Kahuna

2011-08-31T17:54:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-26T08:59:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-25T03:08:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-17T03:09:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-15T08:54:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-11T06:37:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-09T09:37:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-06T06:06:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-02T17:01:00.000-07:00

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.

Creepy Monsters, Sleepy Monsters

2011-07-30T17:58:00.000-07:00

Candlewick Press

Jane Yolen; Illustrated by Kelly Murphy

With a beginning like "Monsters creep, monsters crawl ... " you might think this is leading up to be a fairly scary story. Actually, this is a monster lullaby that is on far friendlier terms. Not a bit scary, but cute and funny and full of sweet little monsters. Find out what life is like in their world and you might be surprised to find out a typical day there isn't too much different from a human's. Except for the horns and all those extra eyeballs.

The creeping and crawling is really monsters erupting from the doors of Cree P. Elementary School after a long day of monster learning. Thrilled to be out for the day, they pour into the local park, swooping down the slide and careening from swings. As darkness falls, the little monsters are greeted by their parents at the doors to their caves, eagerly sliding in and flinging backpacks to the floor.

Burgers (maybe a bit more slimy than ours) and a green salad are gobbled up, and then into the tub to get scrubbed from horn to toe. After plenty of hopping about on the mattresses and requests for "one last drink of water," they are tucked snug in their beds.

I like the disparity between the written words and the illustrations. If you were to take the words at face value, this would be a different story altogether. It is the illustrations that add the humor. The monsters vary greatly in appearance - some striped, some furry, a few with wings and most with horns. It is a rainbow of bodies that seem to have only the one shared characteristic - great big, googly eyes.

I love that their world is so similar to ours, but with tiny details tucked here and there that are purely monster. Worms poke from their salad and eyeballs peer out from the stew pot. All their stuffed animals and backpacks resemble tiny monsters and some of the furniture practically looks alive. It's the best of both worlds!

Review copy provided by Candlewick Press.

Ollie & Moon

2011-07-27T03:54:00.000-07:00

Diane Kredensor ;Photographs by Sandra Kress

Diane Kredensor is an Emmy award-winning children's television director and artist. More importantly, she loves cheese a whole bunch. This is her first children's book, and it was inspired by cheese. That's a good reason to do anything, right?

Ollie loves to surprise his best friend, Moon. And there is nothing Moon likes better than trying to figure out those surprises before they have been revealed. She is tickled pink when Ollie stops by her apartment to let her know ... he's got a surprise in the works. Let the guessing commence.

This pair resides in the heart of Paris, so they are decidedly chic, as evidenced by Ollie's striped shirt and tiny beret. En route, they stop at the fromagerie, where Ollie reveals the surprise is round, just like Brie they are snacking on. Riding the Metro, Moon ferrets out that the surprise is also musical. As they get closer to the surprise, the combination of clues is more confusing than helpful. Moon has no idea what this round, bright, spinning, musical surprise is going to be. She is starting to wonder: will she even like it?

Sandra Kress has provided actual, beautiful photographs of Paris, that serve as the backdrop for the brightly colored characters. It's a cute way to present the story. I like that even thought the story features a pair of cartoon cats, we still get a real life peep at some great scenery. Even the row of bicycles and toilette is quite different from the American version. And yet Ollie still drags along a scrap of toilet paper on his paw when he emerges.

Review copy provided by Random House.

When the World Was Waiting for You

2011-07-14T09:39:00.000-07:00

Gillian Shields; Illustrated by Anna Currey

Typically, I gravitate towards humorous children's books. But once in awhile, there is something to be said for a sweet, emotional one. My favorite gift for parents-to-be is a children's book. This one is particularly nice, as it is all about getting ready to welcome a new child into the world.

This family of bunnies is eager to greet their newest member. But there is no idle waiting - they are busy as beavers (apparently a family of beavers are not as sweet as bunnies when expecting) getting ready. The crib is made up with the coziest bedding and the nursery walls are painted a soft shade of butter yellow. Toys and presents are lined up waiting to be played with, and tiny garments line the drawers. The older children cannot bear the suspense, but Mother Bunny has been down this road before and knows babies create their own schedule.

When the baby does arrive, the family is filled with joy. Small heads press in close, eager to see their sibling. Friends and extended family arrive from near and far, bearing gifts for the newest arrival. It is an exciting time for everyone. And when the visitors hare gone, the family is left to enjoy their new, dear baby.

This is a super sweet picture book. The illustrations are a little bit dreamy, just exactly how you picture things just before you become a parent. And somehow, even though your life is the furthest thing from peaceful when the baby does indeed arrive, reading this years later will help you fondly remember it as being a wonderfully magical time. Definitely the perfect baby shower gift.

Review copy provided by Bloomsbury.

Snow Rabbit, Spring Rabbit

2011-07-02T16:41:00.000-07:00

Il Sung Na

Subtitled A Book of Changing Seasons, this book is just as beautiful and peaceful as her Book of Sleep. Il Sung Na has a distinctive style; her creations are so lovely that you want to climb right into the book. Just as the owl was our guide at night time, a curious white rabbit leads us page to page here.

How do animals react when the air turns cold and winter is on the way? Answers will vary depending on the type of animal. Geese fly south seeking warmer weather, while bears cozy up in dark caves, and sheep grow nice, thick woolly coats. Some animals move very fast, like the squirrels bustling about gathering extra food. Crocodiles slow way down, sinking their thick bodies deep into the mud to make it through winter.

The animals may employ varied methods of surviving the harsh winter, but they do have one thing in common: when the snow is gone and buds are reappearing on the trees, everyone knows it is spring! More importantly, all the animals created by Il Sung Na share the same lovely illustrative style. The turtles' shells are awash with color, looking like clusters of beautiful painted bowls overturned in the water. Black faces and spindly striped sheep legs poke out from coats of thick white curlicues splatted with pastel patches.

I think it's fun that the white rabbit appears on each page, but you have to hunt for him a bit. On the first page, he is large as life, his bright white winter fur luminous against the turquoise background. He watches the geese sweep overhead from a distance, nearly blending into the gray and white patterned rocks he rests on. He just barely peeks his head into the bear cave - it is his shadow that is more noticeable here.

It doesn't matter what season, the animals are always stunning. This is an incredibly lovely book - bright, beautiful and warm.

Review copy provided by Random House.

Slightly Invisible

2011-07-01T03:32:00.000-07:00

Lauren Child

Poor Charlie, he is such a nice kid and really puts up with a lot when it comes to his younger sister Lola. She isn't badly behaved, but she is immensely curious and she likes a certain amount of attention. Although he likes his little sister, at times Charlie just wants to spend a bit of time alone with his best friend (wait for it) Marv. And Lola doesn't want to miss a minute of the fun.

Just when Charlie and Marv are knee deep in their imaginative adventures, Lola interrupts. While they are floating through space hunting Martians, Lola clomps onto their spaceship with her tea set. Just as they had discovered an amazing sea monster while deep sea diving, Lola plops it into her buggy for a stroll around the block. You can't blame the two for coming up with a little scheme designed to get them a bit of a break.

Together, the boys concoct a secret potion that will create invisibility. Judging by the ingredients (pink milk and a bit of banana) I think it is obvious who the intended recipient is. Sure enough, when they open the fridge after a short absence, the potion is gone and Lola's voice is floating out from seemingly nowhere. But it quickly discovered that Lola is just under the bed and it her invisible friend Soren Lorensen who drank the potion.

And it is Soren Lorensen who ate all the cookies. Strangely enough, Soren Lorensen's voice is also invisible, heard only Lola. But he tells her how to catch the tricky creature the boys are tracking, and she relays the information to them. The method is quite unorthodox, involving a tea set and a stuffed rabbit, but it works. And then Soren Loensen and Lola retire to drink the rest of the pink milk, asking Charlie and Marv to not bother or interrupt them.

I don't believe I will ever tire of Lauren Child. Her signature style of mixing and matching patterns and fonts in such a pleasing way results in books that are always such a joy to read. This is one of those extra large picture books that seems like such a luxury spread out. You'll have to look very closely to see Soren Lorensen on the pages. His body is a transparent but shiny like sticker, which makes him fun to search for.

Review copy provided by Candlewick Press.

Small Saul

2011-06-29T18:15:00.000-07:00

Ashley Spires

When you think of pirates, you think of fresh breath, a squeaky clean ship and lavender bunny tattoos, right? Yeah, me too. And yet the other pirates are completely dismissive of Small Saul - they feel he just doesn't fit in. Or could he?

More than anything, Small Saul loves the sea. After failing to meet the Navy's height requirement, SS turns to the only other profession he can think of that would allow him to spend his day on the open water: piracy. Because rough and tough does not come naturally to him, Saul struggles at Pirate College. His growl sounds more like a purr, he picks wildflowers while the others dig for treasure, and tidies when he should be looting.

Nevertheless, Saul squeaks through Pirate College and is lucky enough to nab a position aboard The Rusty Squid. Determined to fit in, Small Saul gets to work. I love the before and after of the sleeping quarters! He scrubs and straightens, adding pillows to the hammocks and tiny curtains over the windows in an attempt to make it more welcoming. The pirates are not impressed. Small Saul is cheerful and chipper, clean and comforting. He is pushed overboard.

Without Small Saul aboard, the ship starts to stink. Mold grows on the deck, foul odors are afoot, and the crew is back to eating bread and gruel. The good ole pirate life doesn't see as attractive as it used to. The crew may be dirty and smelly, but they aren't stupid. They quickly turn The Rusty Squid around and scoop up their most valuable shipmate. And Small Saul returns to pirating the only way he knows how: by cleaning, baking and straightening.

The entire concept and execution are fabulous. It's like Queer Eye for the Pirate Guy. There are tons of small details in the illustrations that crack me up: the funny looks the other pirates shoot Saul, the way he casually tosses a minty fresh breath mint into the captain's straggly toothed mouth, and his Big Book of Bunny Tattoos. Maybe best of all is the tiny frock he fashions for the seagull (from his head scarf) while he is waiting to be rescued. Saul has got to be Saul! And thank goodness for that.

Review copy provided by Kids Can Press.

Rocket Town

2011-06-24T15:28:00.000-07:00

Bob Logan

This is an easy board book to like. It's bright and bold, plus sturdy to boot. Obviously, board books are aimed at the toddler set, and Bob Logan seems to know just what they like. Rockets!

Even though the words are few, I think there's a really cute story being told here. The first page shows a man and his trusty dog walking from their country style farmhouse towards a vintage yellow truck. The scene seems quite pretty vintage until I mention he's wearing a space suit and there's a large sign points down the road, emblazoned with words Rocket Town 17 miles.

The whole town is a curious mix of yesteryear and the projected future. Big, old-fashioned streetlamps mark each corner, and striped awnings adorn the brick buildings. And a giant rocket swoops through, with passengers riding much like they would in a train. Black iron gates surround the park, but the playground equipment inside consists of dozens of rockets! The burger joint looks just as old timey, but the waitresses wear jet powered footwear instead of roller skates.

It's so much fun to see where old fashioned and the future intersect in Bob Logan's mind. The school bus is the same yellow, but hovers five feet in the air. A used rocket shop looks very much like today's used car lots. It is there the man and his dog find a yellow rocket nearly identical to his vintage truck, and they take a very different sort of ride.

I love the thought that went into this story. It's really neat to see an imaginative version of what the future will be like, incorporating many items which will probably be obsolete. I think it is not too often that you find a board book of this caliber. Very clever!

Review copy provided by Sourcebooks.

Cinnamon Baby

2011-06-19T05:39:00.000-07:00

Nicola Winstanley; Illustrated by Janice Nadeau

I loved this book for a multitude of reasons. The first of which are Janice Nadeau's delightful illustrations. Watercolors mixed with pencil drawings and paper collage create the perfect environment, with the addition of swirly curlicues tucked in everywhere: on the bridge, the flowers, the lamp post and even in the font.

Illustrations aside, I also love that the story takes place in a bakery, the characters have unique names (Miriam and Sebastian), it is the woman who is the successful business owner, and an interracial couple is featured in a children's book. Plus, there are cinnamon buns.

Miriam is a baker who wears her crimson hair swirled into a thick bun, very much resembling a large cinnamon roll tucked at the back of her head. Each day she rides her bicycle to her own bakery that sports sweet pink and white striped awnings. Inside, she creates the most wonderful breads, singing joyfully as she works. It was the combination of the Miriam's scented bread and melodic voice that attracted Sebastian. He bought a loaf of bread every day for a year from The Alchemy Bakery before asking Miriam to be his wife.

And now that Sebastian and Miriam are expecting their first baby, the mama-to-be continues her routine of biking to work and singing while she works. She makes a variety of breads, but always saves the cinnamon bread for last, so that the smell will linger in the shop.

When their baby is born, it is a beautiful and perfect child (this is unsurprising, considering Sebastian can play his violin while riding a bicycle). And a loud one. The child refuses to stop crying. Miriam tries everything, Sebastian tries everything, but the baby continues to wail. Finally, Miriam has a brilliant idea. She scoops up the baby and they go directly to The Alchemy Bakery. When the cinnamon begins wafting through the air, the baby's cries stop. She truly is a Cinnamon Baby.

The writing is every bit as enjoyable as the illustrations. I love her description of the breads Miriam is making: "a spicy bread, studded with peppercorns and basil, and a sweet bread with ginger." When the baby is asleep, she describes him as "a little, wrinkled raisin." She uses the perfect phrasing to make you feel as though you are right there inside The Alchemy Bakery with Miriam and Sebastian. So wonderful!

Review copy provided by Kids Can Press.

Free printable bookplates!

2011-06-14T05:52:00.000-07:00

Another round of free printable bookplates, this time courtesy of Urban Nest. The owl initially caught my eye, but I like the others just as much. The flower is sweet, the primary colors are strong and the blue plaid is simple. It's the perfect collection.

The Urban Nest suggests buying Avery labels 8.5″ x 11″ sheets that are sticker-backed. Run these through your printer (with a color cartridge) and you'll have self-adhesive labels all ready to slap into your books.

Adventure Beneath the Sea

2011-06-13T03:41:00.000-07:00

Kenneth Mallory;Photographs by Brian Skerry

Boyds Mills Press routinely publishes some of the very best non-fiction books on the market, and this is yet another excellent addition to their collection. Three and a half miles offshore the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and sixty feet under the Atlantic ocean sits Aquarius, the world's only undersea research station. This pressure-resistant steel cylinder allows author Kenneth Mallory and National Geographic photographer Brian Skerry to spend seven days living in the Atlantic ocean, studying and exploring the sea life. Their findings make for this fascinating book ... a real life adventure beneath the sea.

Although Aquarius is a self-contained space for living, it's a tight fit with dimensions of only 43 feet long and 9 feet in diameter. The underwater pod is attached to a large above water platform called the Life Support Buoy, which produces a steady flow of air and communicates with Mission Control on land. After extensive training, the pair pass the tests necessary to allow them to live underwater for the next seven days.

Living underwater means that they will be able to become humans living like fishes. Actually, they will use scuba equipment and a tagging system to track fish around the reef to see where they go. At a later date, conservation biologists will use this information to design better habitats to protect fish. Very cleverly, the divers devise a way to implant a tracking device inside a moray eel (who are not as easy to catch as the smaller fish): using a bologna sandwich as bait.

The first chapter explains the station and the second chapter gives a rundown of their mission. Chapter three covers the extensive training process needed to set foot on Aquarius, and chapters four and five show what life is like for the next week. All the chapters are accompanied by magnificent underwater photography that makes the whole book come alive. The clear, straighforward writing paired with the photographs really give readers a great sense of what living on Aquarius would be like.Consequently, this book treads the fine line of being both a good learning tool and immensely interesting.

Review copy provided by Boyds Mills Press.

A Book of Sleep

2011-05-26T04:48:00.000-07:00

Random House
Il Sung Na

Every once in awhile, along comes a picture book so beautifully illustrated that it doesn't need a single word of text. This is one of those amazing books that delights your eye with the very first page and holds your attention all the way through. Originally available as a picture book, this was such a success that it is now being offered as a board book. I think the larger version is more entrancing, but you can't beat the durability of a board book.

This is a fantastic bedtime book in nearly every respect. The story centers around night time and how nearly all the animals are ready for sleep when the darkness descends. Only the nocturnal owl remains wide-eyed and alert.

The owl keeps watch over all the other animals as they sleep, and steps in as tour guide to taking a closer look at the dozers. On some pages the owl is very small and artfully hidden, which makes finding his small frame a nice game for readers. He swoops over the snoring elephant, gazes balefully at a row of giraffes and lofts over an enormous whale, before roosting among a large group of slumbering doves.

Animals sleep in all different ways - some stand, some swim, some perch. A clue to a snoozing animal is typically the closed eyes, but we discover there are a few animals who sleep with one or both eyes open! And what about that owl, when does he sleep? Ah, the tired owl gets sleepy when the sun glows brightly and all the others animals rise for the day.

There's nothing as soothing as a book centered around sleep to get your little ones settled in for the night, particularly one as lovely as this. Subdued colors and the tiniest of details make this a visually stunning read. The above photos don't do the book justice. Holding the book in your hands, you will be surprised to find tiny line drawings on every page. Beautiful flower patterns and curlicues are etched in a deep blues and grays on every page, with white stars and tiny animals decorating the corners. Gorgeous!

Review copy provided by Random House.

The Phenomenal Postcard Book

2011-05-25T04:25:00.000-07:00

Seeing as how Waldo is the consummate traveler, what could be more perfect than a book of postcards from him? This little, I mean phenomenal, book contains 30 scenes taken from the seven previously published titles by Martin Handford. The iconic traveler is hidden on each and every one.

You might think it would be easier to locate the traveler on the smaller postcard sized pages, but I still found the task to be a challenge. Waldo is excellent at blending into the scenes. In addition to the main character, on the back of each card is a small checklist with three more items to find.

This is the perfect sized book to toss into your suitcase for a trip. Better yet, pack it in the car and let the kids amuse themselves on the way there. Filling out postcards for their friends is the ideal activity to have on hand while on vacation; just remember to affix an post office approved stamp over the Waldo illustrated one. Remember how great it was to get your own mail as a kid? It's fun to be able to pass that on to the next generation, especially at a time when snail mail is being overtaken by email and social media.

Review copy provided by Candlewick Press.

Scaredy Squirrel Has a Birthday Party

2011-05-21T12:17:00.000-07:00

Melanie Watt

Melanie Watt essentially created a gold mine with her first Scaredy Squirrel book. Better, yet, she continues to invent clever situations for this phobic with each successive book. Although she continues to use essentially the same template, the books always feel fresh, never tired or overused. Soooo, it's really Melanie Watt who is the gold mine. I'm happy to report the squirrel is back for his fifth adventure. And this time he's clad in a sweet powder blue tux!

For those who are familiar with Scaredy's antics, it comes as no surprise that he usually celebrates his birthday quietly in his tree, and is not prone to hosting raucous parties. In fact, he will be inviting just one guest: the guest of honor. A party of one pretty much guarantees there will not be any nasty surprises to ruin the party, like Bigfoot, a pack of surly ants or the dreaded confetti. After receiving a lovely birthday card from his friend Buddy, Scaredy decides to invite him to this year's party. Because allowing an outside guest to attend is a risky move, Scaredy jumps into super plan mode.

I love Scaredy's birthday checklist and corresponding exhibits. Paint chips displayed to choose the party colors, nutty cake recipe at the ready for the cake, dry cleaning slip for aforementioned powder blue tuxedo, and Scaredy's birth certificate to verify the date. Watt is so careful to include so many funny details: boxes checked yes for cute and no for fleas on his birth certificate; the invitation's response choices are Yes, I can or No, I can't - I have to wash my fur. The Wheel of Dos and Don'ts include the single acceptable party activity of sitting quietly and seven bad choices, ranging from listen to loud music to surprise the birthday squirrel.

Although Scaredy is as careful as can be, erecting a germ-free party sign and selecting coversation topics ahead of time for small talk, the party spins out of control. Buddy shows up ... with a dozen of his closest dog friends. Scaredy panics, falls on the ground and plays dead. It always takes a couple hours of playing dead for this little squirrel to aclimate to the situation.In the end, he enjoys his party immensely and begins preparations to make next year's party even better.

Another win for Melanie Watt! Check out Scaredy Squirrel at Night and Scaredy Squirrel at the Beach.

Review copy provided by Kids Can Press.

Pelly and Mr. Harrison Visit the Moon

2011-05-13T10:07:00.000-07:00

Lindsay Ward

Although Lindsay Ward is an accomplished illustrator, this is the first children's book she has both written and illustrated. She is also the pencil behind A Garden for Pig, which I found to be quite similar in style.

For starters, Mr. Harrison is the dog. And I like the chosen name. It conveys a certain amount of formality, which strikes me as completely ridiculous and hilarious. But on the next page he barks in cursive, so maybe he's a lot more advanced than I am giving him credit for.

As Pelly and Mr. Harrison are readying themselves for bed one right, Pelly suddenly notices something odd: a rocket engine attached to her bathtub. That's new! When Pelly and Mr. Harrison climb into the tub, helmets and a steering wheel magically appear. And Mr. Harrison barks in cursive. They land on the moon and are greeted by a friendly alien who gives them a tour of her moon town. She shares the best moon things: spaceship racing, moon rock digging, star catching and moon pie eating. Pelly's favorite is toasting marshmallow by the heat of the sun - called s'moons.

Review copy provided by Kane Miller.

Fox and Hen Together

2011-05-08T11:56:00.000-07:00

Beatrice Rodriguez

When we last saw Fox and Hen, they were happily resting after a frantic escape in The Chicken Thief. It's a possibility that this sequel will find these two living peacefully without incident ... but Beatrice Rodriguez comes through with a heck of a lot more fun than that. This book offers every bit as much excitement as the last, with another fun, unexpected ending.

And now Fox and Hen are blissfully co-habitating in an adorable house carved into the base of a tree. This is a happy house, as evidenced by a series of framed photographs of the embracing couple. The unlikely pair may be long on love but they are short on food. With a kiss, Hen entrusts her egg to Fox (ha! See the twisted humor there?) and sets off with her fishing pole to snare lunch. Just as Hen catches a rather large fish, an enormous bird swoops from the sky, latching firming onto her fish. And the adventure begins!

Sure, Hen could let go, but she has a hungry family at home to feed. She clenches her beak and tightens her grip on her pole. For her efforts, she is deposited neatly into a nest of hungry baby birds who would like nothing better than a tasty chicken lunch. Hen quickly dives into the sea, only to be lustily pursued by a terrifying large sea monster. Brave Hen puts up quite the fight, besting the creature and landing on the beach directly in front of her own cottage. She dashes inside, only to find empty eggshells lying right next to a frying pan. You can't trust a fox!

But it isn't a full-bellied animal who sits in front of the fire. Fox gently rocks a tiny bundle, the baby who hatched while Hen was away. Good thing this is a wordless picture book, because I can only imagine what would have come out of Hen's beak when she was jumping to her conclusions. It sure looks to us like this new arrival has the ears of a fox and the wings of a chicken. Should be a very interesting offspring, indeed.

If you have not tried wordless picture books, I strongly recommend Beatrice Rodriguez. She includes action and adventure, terrific character expressions and plenty of fun-to-read body language. Plus, her books have a way of ending with a wonderful twist. I am delighted to report that we will be treated to one more Fox and Hen adventure, with Rooster's Revenge.

Review copy provided by Enchanted Lion.

The Dog Who Loved Red

2011-05-03T06:41:00.000-07:00

Kane/Miller

Anitha Balachandran

Raja the dachshund has two main loves in his life: chewing and the color red. He is happiest when he can combine these two passions. Thus, Raja gets himself in a fair amount of trouble. The people who share his house do not share his passions. Not when he chews Mrs. Lal's red shawl. Not when he chews Tanvi's red shoes. And certainly not when he chews Mr. Lal's red socks.

After the sock chewing incident, Tanvi takes Raja to the park. Usually he plays ball (a red one, naturally) with his friend Champ. Only today, the ball is nowhere to be found. Raja has red radar and can usually find anything that color right away, but the ball is nowhere to be seen. The gray pigeons haven't seen the ball, nor has the orange striped kitten. Raja finally spots his favorite plaything in the neighbor's yard, but getting it is another story. When he makes it back to Champ, Raja is covered in brown mud, pink netting and a peach sock. But he's got that red ball clamped firmly in his mouth!

I like how all the color words are printed in that hue. Those words pop right out in each sentence, putting the emphasis on the variety of colors, which makes for a festive read. The illustrations are cute too, with the pigeons flapping around wildly like pigeons do, and the sly scowl on the angry neighbor's face. I particularly like Raja's expression when retrieving his ball - that sly look of a dog who knows he is doing something he should not be doing and getting away with it.

Review copy provided by Kane/Miller.

Where's Waldo: The Incredible Paper Chase

2011-05-02T13:53:00.000-07:00

Martin Handford

As amazing and fun as the Where's Waldo (known as Where's Wally in England) books are, there are not very many in existence. Martin Handford drew the original Waldo and cast in 1986, and went on to produce six books total. I know they are wildly popular, so I'm a bit surprised more haven't been produced. The sheer quantity of illustrations required for each page is probably the main reason. Sometimes it would take Handford up to eight weeks to draw a two page sketch. Which means it is that much more exciting when a new book appears!

The Incredible Paper Chase offers seven spreads with the traditional Waldo walking right through the fun. Our favorite was the prehistoric page, with dinosaurs of every color and shape playing games and goofing around. There are plenty of red and white striped bodies to keep Waldo hidden, plus we were side-tracked several times trying to figure out what the dinosaurs were up to. Some of them

Waldo seekers will also enjoy a castle page with the red army fighting the blue; a page full of postcards featuring characters from Waldo's travels; a ferocious man-eating monster gobbling soldiers; armies battling each other wearing dog masks; lines of soldiers standing at attention (this one appears easier, but it isn't); and a hedge maze with lots of lost travelers caught inside. The last puzzle is an enormous party featuring Waldo faces on banners and lots of red and white streamers, making it the most daunting of the bunch.

What sets this book apart from the previous Waldo books is some three dimensional fun at the back of the book. The Muddy Swampy Jungle Game consists of a playing board, wacky Waldo rhyming cards and counters to move about the board. Just roll a die and follow the instructions on each spot until one player reaches the finish line. The Wacky Wado Circus is three pages full of perforated circus performers and characters. Simply punch out all the pieces and set up your own Waldo big tent. I think it's neat that they are trying to provide some additional materials in addition to the traditional Waldo hunt.

Review copy provided by Candlewick Press.

Quentin Blake Bookplates

2011-04-27T06:49:00.000-07:00

Books make the best gifts. And what better way to add a little personalization than adhering an adorable book plate on that front page? I'm sure everyone will already recognize the distinctive illustrations of Quentin Blake. Particularly nice about these is that there are rendered in black and white, which makes them open to even more personalization. Spread out the colored pencils and put the little artists to work.

How lovely to be able to download all three of Quentin's designs for free. Follow his simple instructions "Click the picture you want. When it appears in a new window, choose your computer's Print command. Then cut out and stick into your favourite books!" It doesn't get any easier than that!

15 Minutes Outside

2011-04-25T17:36:00.000-07:00

Rebecca P. Cohen

After realizing she was not giving her family the rich experience of enjoying the great outdoors, Rebecca Cohen made an important resolution for herself and her family: to get outside for a few minutes every single day. On the surface, that seems like a pretty easy resolution, after all, it's only fifteen minutes. Until you to get to the Every. Single. Day. part of that resolution. That's a lot of cold, wet and snowy days, not to mention lazy mom days.

When it comes to getting outside, I'm full of good intentions, and poor follow through. Warm, summer days are easy, but in the winter I am easily sidetracked by cups of coffee and board games spread out on the rug in front of the fire. It's just too easy to stay indoors and the minimal effort it takes to remain on the couch. But this book fights back by making it fun and easy to get your bums outdoors with a minimum of fuss or thought.

I give Rebecca a lot of credit for sticking with her resolution and getting out there - and then writing this to give everyone else a hand! To help on harried days, she composed a list of fifty easy outdoor activities and posted it by their back door. The activities in this book are designed to be simple and low cost. You won't need fancy equipment or special clothing. I like that the book is divided into months of the year, with a weather appropriate outdoor suggestion for every single day in that month, for a total of 365 outdoor ideas. That organization makes it simple to pick up book, flip to the appropriate month and select an activity to try. Cool, huh?

But she doesn't just list thirty items in a boring column. Each one is a small paragraph explaining why the activity is worth doing or how her family had fun with it. For May, some of the suggestions are to invite birds into your garden with bird feeders, host an informal garden tea party, play kickball with the whole family, or check on your seedlings in the garden. One of my favorites was setting up a clear bag with dirt, worms and table scraps, then watching the compost break down.

Of course, I thought some of her ideas were better than others, but that is to be expected in a book of this nature. Overall, I loved the concept, her enthusiasm and the outdoor activities she provided. We will be putting this book to good use - starting this month!

Review copy provided by Sourcebooks.

Press Here

2011-04-21T03:36:00.000-07:00

Chronicle Kids

Herve Tullet

Some of the simplest of ideas can be the most engaging. I had initially thought this book would be best for younger children - maybe three or four year olds. Wrong. My six year old is absolutely taken with this book. I think it must be the interactive quality that has him hooked, or the fact that he thinks he's controlling the dots' outcome. It's probably a combination of the two that makes this book irresistible.

The first page has the single yellow smudgey dot from the cover with the directions "Press here and turn the page." Similarly, each page has a number of dots with a single direction. As you follow the directions, your actions will make more dots appear, change colors and fly about the pages. Soon you will be clapping your hands, rubbing the dots, standing the book up straight and shaking it around - whatever you need to do to make those dots move. I love that you need to rely on your imagination to really be taken in by the book. Just let go and do what the book tells you to do and it feels like magic!

I think this is one of those books that is so simple, it make you think "Why didn't I come up with this?" and really marvel at the person who thought to put it together. So let's all take a moment a marvel at the ingeniousness that is Herve Tullet. He has been creating children's books for 15 years and has come up with some amazing things. It makes me a feel a bit better to find he's no one-hit wonder.

Review copy provided by Chronicle Kids.

Miko Monkey

2011-04-15T15:15:00.000-07:00

House of Ingri

Since the day it arrived, Me! Me! ABC has been the undisputed king of our alphabet book collection. Quirky, adorable little guys present a request/demand for each letter of the alphabet: Admire me, Buckle me, Call me, and so on. As a result of the book's popularity at our house, I can darn near recite those adjectives by memory alone.

I could not have been more excited to learn that Ingri Von Bergen is back in business as House of Ingri making her signature dolls! Of the eight characters featured in the book, five are available now and the other three will be coming later in the year. We really wrestled with our decision, but chose Miko Monkey over Moki Monkey, Picco Panda, Francis Love Bunny, and Marty. It was a tough choice as each character has his/her own personality and are so weirdly cute in their own way. I love the eyes and sweet heart on Francis, Marty's vivid scarlet body and Picco's little panda likeness. But Miko has his his own unique features that won us over.

I was pleasantly surprised when Miko arrived for two reasons. He was quite a bit bigger than I was expecting him to be (even though the dimensions are clearly stated - I'm not too good at visualization) and the quality was amazing. Miko's body is made from soft, no-pill fleece - the good fleece, not the cheap stuff. His face and eyes and bum are done in a brushed faux suede, serged onto the body with a solid zig-zag stitch - no chance of these accidentally coming loose. His hands and feet are weighted with beans, a necessity considering his oversized noggin.

Those are the technical details. The overall result is - he's awesome! Just the right size for hugging and as soft as can be. Predictably, my six year old loves him every bit as much as the alphabet book. I should mention that Miko's most prominent asset is actually his butt. That tan faux suede really stands out against the blue fleece, doesn't? We're not lacking for any monkey butt jokes at our house.

Pig-Pig Piggy Pig, Tito Turtle, and Lilac the Grumpy Gorilla will be released in time for the 2011 holiday season, as well as ... dun, dun, dun, dun .... a second book. House of Ingri has done an amazing job of bringing these characters to life. I'm more than a little excited to see their next batch of products emerge.

Review product provided by House of Ingri.

Cars Galore

2011-04-10T03:58:00.000-07:00

Peter Stein; Illustrated by Bob Staake

Bob Staake illustrations are certainly recognizable, aren't they? I don't mean that in a ho, hum, it's Bob Staake again way. More like ... whee! Bob's back! He has a way of interjecting humor into his illustrations that makes them so appealing.

The writing reminds me of One Fish, Two Fish by Dr. Suess, but on a vehicular level. Rusty, dusty, hunk-of-junk car. Stinky, yucky, smells-like-a-skunk car. A big part of the fun is matching up the cars with their descriptions. Of course, the Noah's Ark car was easy to pick out (the elephants gave it away) but we had to take a closer look to distinguish the jazz car and the song car from the sing-along car.

We loved this book because of the great variety. There isn't an ordinary vehicle in the bunch. Shiny black streets swoop and stretch across the pages, dotted with brightly colored cars, trucks and vans. We noted one large skyscraper car, a yellow finned car with a grinning crocodile behind the wheel, an electric car dragging along the plug, and a bed car with the driver snoozing away. The drivers (various animals and people of all shapes, sizes and temperaments), contents, and scenery are every bit as captivating as the cars.

Once we finished reading this through once, we had the best time flipping back through the pages and choosing our favorites. Clever, cute, and colorful .... this is the car book to have.

Review copy provided by Candlewick Press.

Learning to Fly

2011-03-30T17:40:00.000-07:00

Sebastian Meschenmoser

Waiting for Winter is one of my absolute favorite books. It comes as no surprise that Learning to Fly is just as terrific. Apparently Sebastian Meschenmoser has a policy of only creating brilliant, amazing things. That seems like a pretty good policy to have in place.

More times that I can possibly count, a good story will be accompanied by subpar illustrations or a book with stunning illustrations will be paired with insipid writing. The latter is always worse because your expectations have been built up by the cover art. In any case, it's always a thrill to find an author who is equally adept at both. Sebastian Meschenmoser is both of those things, and funny to boot. Unfortunately, he is also German, and these are the only two books of his, that I know of, available in English.

This is so told in such a straightforward manner, but it's also so wonderfully tongue in cheek. It starts off "Last winter, I found a penguin. He told me he'd been flying." And the penguin goes on to tell him that he thought he would just give flying a try, and it worked out okay. Until he ran into some other flying birds and they confirmed that penguins can't fly. Then he fell. I guess those other birds got in his head. Poor guy.

Sebastian (because the drawn version looks an awful lot like the author; I think this might be an autobiographical tale) takes this poor, dejected penguin home. They eat dinner, get some sleep and run a few tests in the morning. The tests conclude that those birds were right: penguins cannot fly. But what if ....

Determined, the pair set up a training program, study books about flying, and put together some interesting (and downright hilarious) ideas on how to get the penguin flying again. They practice and try every hair-brained idea they come up with: penguin arrow, penguin rocket, penguin kite, penguin catapult. No dice. Until one day, a penguin colony flies overhead. And the penguin effortlessly joins them.

You can do anything you believe you are capable of, and don't let any naysayers tell you any different. Believe in yourself and you can fly with the penguins! I wish all life lessons were delivered like this, as funny ideas with fabulous illustrations. This is simply a brilliant book.

Review copy provided by Kane Miller.

Dream Big Little Pig

2011-03-24T10:05:00.000-07:00

Kristi Yamaguchi; Illustrated by Tim Bowers

Kristi Yamaguchi's personal motto is Always Dream and also serves as the name of her charitable foundation for children. She has always believed in the power of dreams. Naturally, this is the crux of her first children's book. From Kristi: I founded the Always Dream Foundation to inspire children to reach for the stars. Through Poppy, I hope to reach kids directly, helping to pass along our message of hope that you are only limited by how big you can dream! Like Poppy, I learned about adversity and the importance of perseverance. As the mother of two young girls, I’m hoping that Poppy will inspire kids to do the same. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of Dream Big Little Pig will go to support the Always Dream Foundation and the early childhood literacy initiative.

Poppy is a pig with big dreams. And big pig dreams aren't what you might think - they have nothing to do with suey. Poppy wants to be a star, but she isn't quite sure how to get there. She gives ballet a shot, but she leans toward the clumsy and away from the graceful. Her voice isn't good enough to make it as a famous singer, and modeling is (literally) a flop. Despite the encouragement from her family, Poppy is feeling like she won't ever uncover her talent.

And then our pig stumbles upon an ice rink, and immediately thinks it is the most beautiful sight she has ever seen. Although Poppy slips and slides all over the rink, she is determined to learn to skate properly. Poppy has found her passion! And every day the little pig improves until she is swirling and dipping all over the ice, just like a real skating star.

This is a cute book about learning to keep going when the going gets rough. The only negative are the three irritating catch phrases from Poppy's family that are repeated throughout the book. You can always just skip over those and hope your small listeners don't catch on. The message and cute illustrations far outweigh that little annoyance. Plus, the cover is pink and purple with tiny shimmery sparkles - a little girl's dream.

Review copy provided by Sourcebooks.

The Sea of Bath

2011-03-18T18:57:00.000-07:00

Bob Logan

Clever and adorable, and nothing but good, clean fun. I had to say it, this being a bathtub tale and all! Might as well go all the way and also say it's a whale of a good time. Har, har. Thankfully the author doesn't give in to those cheesy tendencies and the result is a really smart and cute book. Bob Logan has worked as a story artist on feature animations such as Madagascar, Open Season, and my favorite, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. Considering that impressive background, it should come as no surprise that his books would be as wonderful as this.

The Captain is snoozing away on his boat, as evidenced by the snoring Z encapsulated in each soap bubble rising from his pipe. As water surrounds the S.S. Rubb A. Dubb, he snaps awake, eyes opened to perfect circles, a wary expression upon his face, as if he is familiar with this water ride. Afloat, the Captain navigates through a large group of ducks of the yellow rubber variety. He passes a deep sea diver and two brightly colored crocodiles. Experienced bathers will recognize the little hand cranks jutting off each body.

The Captain passes by the strangest collection of sea travelers imaginable. An elephant wearing a sailor's cap floats along next to a tipsy, plum hippo, with brilliantly colored fish and sea creatures of all shapes and sizes bobbing along nearby. As raindrops pelt down and the waves start to rise, the Captain secures his cap and readies his craft for stiff weather. He encounters a several ships engaged in a battle - friendly water fire only, and considers racing a strange little boat named Soap. The Captain's voyage ends as it always does, the water mysteriously ebbs away and his ship is left on dry land.

I love how Logan took a mundane activity, put a spin on it and made it come alive. A large part of that I attribute to his charming illustrations. While it is an accurate portrayal of tub time for young kids, it just seems a heck of a lot more interesting from the Captain's point of view. I particularly like that it's just a mess of all kinds of toys, basically anything that will float, that gets chucked into the tub - just like at our house.

Bob Logan has a second book, titled Rocket Town, being released very soon!

Review copy provided by Sourcebooks.

Six Crows

2011-03-15T09:40:00.000-07:00

Leo Lionni

Leo Lionni didn't start writing children's books until he had retired from his official profession as an art director. He was fifty years old when he wrote his first children's book, Little Blue and Little Yellow. He wrote a total of thirty-nine more books over the next thirty-five years - not too shabby for a retiree, eh?

Lionni's illustrations are immediately recognizable and of course, he became a huge influence on other young illustrators. As Lionni was always interested in nature as a child, most of his books prominently feature animals and the great outdoors.

This is a book about problem solving and compromise. A farmer is proud of his field of wheat. Having worked hard, he is anxious to harvest his crops. Little does he know that there are six winged deterrents perched in his way. A dozen noisy crows cluster in a nearby tree, also anxious to help themselves to the farmer's hard work. The black bodied birds swoop down into the field just as wheat is about to ripen.

The farmer chases the crows away, only to have them return. To trick them, he puts together a fearsome looking scarecrow, that holds a large stick in one hand. The birds devise a plan, striking back with their own equally fearsome looking bird kite. Both terrified and furious, the farmer retaliates by adding a second, larger scarecrow next to the first, this one with two sword and a very angry mouth. The birds amp up their creation. And so on, both sides getting angrier. It takes a wise owl (those birds always play the wise role, don't they?) who has been watching the proceedings to talk some sense into both parties before the wheat wilts.

The farmer and the crows all realize it is better for everyone to make peace and come to an agreement. At first they had feared it was too late to make peace, but the owl reassurred them that it was "never too late to talk things over." That's a wise owl, indeed. The wheat is saved ad the owl transforms the angry scarecrow into a friendly one.

Review copy provided by Random House.

When Martha's Away

2011-03-05T17:43:00.000-08:00

Bruce Ingham

What exactly are pets doing with their time once the humans have left the house for the day? If his activity while we are home is any indication, our pug sleeps for 80% of his day, and spends his remaining time rubbing his nose against the furniture. Throw in the occasional pee on a scatter rug to keep us on our toes and that's his whole day. Martha is under the impressions that her big, orange cat just sleeps the day away and boy, has he got news for her!

Martha's cat (whose name is not revealed) has an entire daily routine that good ole Martha knows nothing about. Actually, his routinely is even more jam packed than mine. He kicks his day off by reading Cats Today - the newspaper written specially for felines. He entertains cat visitors and pumps a little iron before calling his cousin in Atlantic City for a relaxing telephone chat. He makes his own lunch, listens to the radio and dons a tiny tuxedo (with tails) to play the baby grand for the neighboring cats. They love his deft piano skills, calling for encores.

These Illustrations are just hilarious. While Martha's car is pulling out of the driveway, her cat is left standing in the window, with his paw raised, as if waving goodbye. No litterbox for this this guy - he reads his newspaper in the bathroom like the evolved cat he is. I like how he pushes a stool over to the stove to make his lunch and throws his little paw behind his head when settling in for a good long chat on the telephone. He is very careful to dash to the sofa just before Martha returns home, so she will believe he has been curled up asleep all day.
See - a cat's routine isn't much different than a human's! And here we thought they just lounged around and slept all day. But really, when Martha's away ... the cat will lift weights and raid the fridge. Who knew?

Review copy provided by Candlewick Press.

Dog Loves Books

2011-02-26T09:39:00.000-08:00

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

2011-02-22T03:42:00.000-08:00

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!

2011-02-18T18:12:00.000-08:00

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

2011-02-13T17:04:00.000-08:00

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

2011-02-06T11:31:00.000-08:00

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.

Bedtime for Bear

2011-01-28T17:01:00.000-08:00

Bonny Becker; Illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton

I can so clearly remember first reading A Visitor for Bear waaaaay back in 2008, when we were introduced to cantankerous Bear and mischievous Mouse. I fell in love with those two on the first read through and was so thrilled when it was followed with A Birthday for Bear in the fall of 2009. Of course, I'm so pleased that Bonnie Becker and Kady MacDonald Denton have teamed up for a third time, with an all new predicament.

While Bear has a sweet moment here and there, for the most part he is a total curmudgeon. Not surprisingly, he has never had an overnight guest before. By now, we know Bear is quite set in his ways, and this extends to his night time routine. Of course, he likes things just so: a perfectly fluffed pillow, his nightcap clapped on snugly, a glass of water on the nightstand, and most importantly - absolute silence. Cue Mouse for sleepover.

Bear lays out his rules for his guest, just so there will be no misunderstandings. And then ... Mouse brushes his teeth extremely loudly, hums when he puts on his nightshirt and proceeds to give his friend a most annoying hearing test. Bear finally lets loose with a bout of very loud shouting and Mouse quiets down in his makeshift, albeit very cozy looking, drawer.

Mouse is fast asleep when Bear wakes him in a panic, claiming to have heard some strange noises. And then Bear, who was so exasperated with his overnight guest, is suddenly quite glad to have a friend staying over. Mouse checks the closet for prowlers and tells Bear a nice bedtime story to calm his nerves. And the two friends fall fast asleep - on their very first sleepover.

Bear and Mouse are the perfect pair of opposites and their friendship just somehow works. Denton has a way of making them both look perfectly lovable, even when one is being gruff and the other is being annoying. I would love to hear a fourth book will be coming along the trail ...

Review copy provided by Candlewick Press.

Have You Ever Seen a Smack of Jellyfish?

2011-01-25T04:10:00.000-08:00

Sasquatch Books

Sarah Asper-Smith

At our house, there is nothing we love more than a good alphabet book, with animal books weighing in at a close second. Predictably, this was a definite winner as soon as we had wrestled it from the wrapper. As a bonus, it was super fun to whip it out and quiz people who hadn't been given the chance to read it. "What do you call a bunch of turtles? Wrong!"

I think it's really cool that a) each animal has their own name for their specific group, and b) so many of them really are not common knowledge. At least that was the result of our informal polling. Author Sarah Asper-Smith must have come to the same conclusion with her research. After reading that a group of ferrets is called a business, she started to research the collective nouns for animals (incidentally this turned out to be more lucrative than our path of just mocking friends and family for their wrong answers) and then illustrated them. She cleverly parlayed her collection into this adorable book.

How many animal groups do you think you can name? I felt pretty confident after Army of Ants and Flutter of Butterflies, but our guessing went downhill from there. I had no idea frogs gathered in a knot or a bunch of rhinoceroses was referred to as a crash. These are fun to learn!

At first glance, the illustrations appear simple, with the animals shown in black silhouette against bright backgrounds. But when you look a bit closer, you'll find fun little details tucked in, like a lone kangaroo sitting still while the rest of the troop gallops past, or a baby elephant tucked in line with the herd. I like the watch of nightingales perched all over their beautiful lime green tree.

This last photo isn't in the book, but rather a collection of the book, (plus I just liked it). Author Sarah Asper-Smith stands in front of all twenty-six illustrations from her book. How cool would that be to have in your house? Click here to read an interesting interview with her on the Indie/Pretty/Perfect blog. I should also mention that you should check out Sarah's Etsy shop to purchase prints or download her free coloring book for just plain fun.

Review copy provided by Sasquatch Books.

Making the Moose Out of Life

2011-01-18T18:20:00.000-08:00

Nicholas Oldland

Who doesn't love a contemplative moose? Actually, those round, glassy eyes make him look more neurotic than contemplative, don't they? I guess he is a little bit neurotic. After all, he's a moose who lives in the wild that doesn't act wild at all. That is a bit odd.

While his friends beaver and black bear cavort happily, the moose always hangs back. Ha, it cracks me up that the animals aren't wearing clothing, but do have skis and patterned winter scarves! The moose prefers to take a prudent approach, keeping dry under his umbrella while his friends stomp in puddles, shivering near a snowbank while they slalom down. Sometimes he feels he might be missing out on something, but he can't quite put his hoof on exactly what that is.

Suddenly it occurs to the moose that he needs to grab life by the antlers! He straps on a life jacket and hops onto a sailboat drifting by. The moose sets sail on an amazing adventure, ending up stranded on a desert island. Instead of being paralyzed by fear, he makes the best of things. He builds a shelter, tracks down his own food, and makes a new friend.

The moose is making the best of life on an island, when a cruise ship appears on the horizon. The moose tearfully bids his tortoise friend adieu and again sets sail. This time he adapts to the life of a cruise goer, playing shuffleboard and grazing at the buffet. When the ship arrives home, the moose is reunited with his old friends. But he is not the same old moose. This moose will no longer remain on the sidelines, but will continue to grab life by the antlers!

So the morale of the story is pretty obvious, but that doesn't make it any less true! The moose shows us that it can be fun to step outside our comfort zones and try new things. Plus, the illustrations are just hilarious. My personal favorites: the beaver puddle jumping with the bear, the moose climbing for coconuts, and the moose and tortoise holding hands. But so many pages are super funny, that it was actually hard to pick.

Author Nicholas Oldland also wrote Big Bear Hug, where the moose plays a cameo role. Does that mean we can look for the next book to be about the beaver? Man, I hope so.

Review copy provided by Kids Can Press.

Aggie the Brave

2011-01-13T18:31:00.000-08:00

Lori Ries; Illustrated by Frank W. Dormer

This is the third book in the popular Aggie series. The two preceding books, Aggie and Ben: Three Stories, and Good Dog, Aggie have gotten scores of good reviews as beginning reader books that also rate highly with preschoolers. After reading this one, I can certainly see the appeal. The little red-haired boy and his adorable dog are pretty easy to like.

In this installment of Ben and Aggie's adventures, the duo is making a trip to the vet's office. The time has come for Aggie to be spayed. I was a little surprised the author chose that particular operation to introduce to kids, but when I gave it a bit more thought, it really is sensible. Spaying an neutering is both an important and common procedure, and one that children should be familiar with. Ben's mom explains in her matter-of-fact way that in addition to preventing puppies, this will help keep Aggie from getting sick when she gets older.

Both Ben and Aggie try very hard to be brave. Ben asks the vet a lot of questions to quell his fears, gives Aggie a big hug and goes home without her for one night. It is a long drive home without his friend and Ben's bed feels terribly empty that night.

When they pick up Aggie the next day, Ben expects her to be excited to see him, running to greet him and jumping around. But when he arrives, Aggie is lying very still, with a paper cone around her head. The vet explains that Aggie needs some quiet time while her incision heals. The paper cone is to keep her from licking her stitches (it's a dog thing). Ben busts out his stash of art supplies and transforms the paper cone into a fierce lion's mane. Each day, Aggie feels a bit better, until she is back to her old self.

This really is the perfect book for beginning readers. The sentences are short and the nice, bright illustrations fill most of each page. Plus, kids get to see that it's okay to be scared, and learn a little bit about responsible pet ownership. This really is a win-win for parents and children alike.

Review copy provided by Charlesbridge.

In Front of My House

2011-01-06T09:50:00.000-08:00

Marianne Dubuc

If you were asked to describe your house to someone who had never visited, what would you say? Before diving into this book, I asked that of myself and was only astounded by how booooring my description was. Thank goodness Marianne Dubuc's descriptive abilities are far more fascinating. Her vision, coupled with her wonderfully simple illustrations. make this a tour you won't want to miss.

This is such a sweet little story about all the tiny details that come to light when you take a hard look at your surroundings. It starts off ordinarily enough: "On a little hill, behind a brown fence, under a big oak tree, is .... my house." And then it drills down into tho details that so many of us take for granted, like the little bird who has taken up residence in the rose bush, or that striped green sock flung under the bed, wayward for three months and counting.

This particular tour twists and turns erratically, jumping from the green sock to a book of fairy tales nearby. From there, it positively takes off, because there certainly is no limit to the imagination when it comes to a fictional book. We meet a family of upstanding rabbits and traipse through a very green forest before coming face to face with the Abominable Snowman. After a quick trip through outer space and across the big blue sea, we meet every type of imaginable creature, including a blue whale named Babette. Through the zoo and across the city, we spot a little hill that seems awfully familiar. "On the little hill ... my house." The tour has come full circle.

Reading this has the effect of allowing you to view your own dwelling in a new light. You may very well feel inspired to put together your own tour. If Marianne Dubuc can include a pirate and a hunk of cheese as part of her tour, what would you include in yours? This is both lovely to leaf though and infinitely inspiring.

Review copy provided by Kids Can Press.

Chick 'n' Pug

2010-12-30T10:03:00.000-08:00

Bloomsbury

Jennifer Sattler

To be honest, I fell for this book based on the cover art alone. We have our own (aging) pug, so I'm definitely biased. Anyone who has owned pugs will probably tell you they are lazy little fiends, but incredibly loving and sweet. And as much as I love a pug, I can still admit that it's really Chick who is stealing the cover with his confident expression and rakishly titled beret.

Chick lives for reading The Adventures of Wonder Pug - each page in his copy has been flipped exactly 127 times. With the henhouse full of boring, snoring hens, energetic Chick sets off to find some real life excitement. Imagine how delighted he is to come across a real, live Wonder Pug right in his own backyard! Chick is spellbound just watching him sleep. And sleep. And sleep some more. Okay, maybe this Wonder Pug needs a little prodding to be wonderful.

Once awakened, Pug continues to do amazing things ... if you considering rolling around on the ground and ear scratching to be amazing. He then resumes napping while Chick flutters nervously about. He's just sure this pug is going to spring into action at any moment! Will he attack the knitted rope or show that Frisbee who's boss?

Chick is so enamored of his new discovery that he is quite sure something exciting could happen at any time. I think Chick has some high hopes that far exceed the real life actions of most pugs. But still, you gotta love a little chick that continues to hold his hero in such high esteem, with no proof that his admiration is deserved.

Eventually the pug's owner comes over and there is a bit of a scuffle over an undignified outfit. After that, Chick takes matters into his own hands (wings?) and helps scare away an evil-looking, fluffy cat lurking nearby. To Chick, the pug he found may be a teensy bit lazy, but he is every bit as cool as his hero in The Adventures of Wonder Pug. This one just requires a little yellow sidekick!

Review copy provided by Bloomsbury.

Spork

2010-12-14T17:28:00.000-08:00

Kyo Maclear; Illustrations by Isabelle Arsenault

The only place I have seen sporks is in fast food restaurants. I wondered if children would know what they are, but apparently they are common in school cafeterias, because my six year old identified it with one glance.

Spork is a cross between a spoon and a fork. He has the rounded lower head of spoon, but on top of that poke three short tines of a fork. His mother is a beautiful spoon and his father is a sharp looking fork. Unfortunately for Spork, cutlery mixing is not common place and he sticks out like a sort thumb in the cutlery drawer. In Spork's kitchen, knives marry knives and spoons stick to their own kind. Poor Spork.

As you might think, Spork feels quite out of place. To fit in, he tries to appear to more spoonish by wearing a bowler hat. This fools no one. He makes himself a paper crown to appear more forkish, but this too falls flat. At dinner time, Spork watches wistfully from the sidelines while others grace the dinner table. His feet remain dry while they enjoy a post-dinner bubble filled soak in the sink.

Until one day ... a very messy thing arrives in the kitchen. This thing has no table manners and slops food from one side of the kitchen to the other. The forks and spoons are in a tizzy because not one of them can keep up with the demands. The thing needs something that was neither spoon nor fork, but a bit of both. Enter Spork, who is just a bit round and just a bit pointy - absolutely perfect (for this thing called a baby)! And so Spork arrives at the dinner table and remains there for many, many meals to come.

Aw, I think this is such a cute book filled with beautiful illustrations. I would never have imagined a really great children's book would be written about something as mundane as a spork, but there you have it. All the utensils are drawn so sweetly, with unique expressions and clothing. And I love how the story is set up so that the cutlery drawer is a whole way of life. Smart writing and the wonderful illustrations make this a winner! And if you really need another reason, there's the little lesson of not discriminating against a utensil (or person) based on appearance.

Review copy provided by Kids Can Press.

Brontorina

2010-12-09T04:01:00.000-08:00

Candlewick

James Howe; Illustrated by Randy Cecil

This book is aimed at anyone who thought they were too small or too large to participate in an activity. Let the big, orange, ballet-loving dinosaur show you that when there's a will, there's a way.

Brontorina's dream has always been to dance. One day, she turns up at Madame Lucille's Dance Academy for Girls and Boys and announces her intention to follow that dream. Madame Lucille is torn. She is not in the habit of turning students away, but she has never had an Apatosaurus turn up at her door either. With a warning to be careful "not to squash the other dancers," the largest and longest student is welcomed into the studio.

As they dance, Brontorina's face lights up with a smile ... until her head crashes into the ceiling. Smile, crash. Smile, crash. Her tail swoops wildly, causing concern for the other dancers and the piano. While Brontorina is indeed very graceful, she is simply too large for the studio. Not does it help that two sour little ballerinas continually mention her lack of proper ballet shoes.

With a sudden realization, Madame Lucille announces that the problem is not that Brontoria is too large for the studio, but rather the studio is too small for all the dancers. After a prolonged search, the troupe settles on a more appropriate venue, complete with a new sign that reads "Madame Lucille's Outdoor Dance Academy for Girls and Boy and Dinosaurs and Cows." This studio welcomes anyone who has a notion to dance!

Review copy provided by Candlewick.

Guido's Great Coloring and Drawing Book

2010-12-07T17:49:00.000-08:00

Clavis

Guido van Genechten

Guido's right on the money. This book really is great! What an awesome treasure chest full of unique projects to draw and color. If you have ever hunkered down with a child and a box of art supplies, thinking it would be an easy way to carve out some quiet time ... you may have been hit with "What should I draw? Now what can I draw? Now what? Mom? Mom?" You will want to meet Guido, grab his great ideas and find your quiet time.

I really love that he doles out the assignments and the child supplies the creativity. And I especially like that it isn't several pages of the same thing over and over. These babies are varied! One page has four bottles/jars in different sizes and shapes, with the directive "Make labels for jars full of delicious food." Another page provides the beginning of a story with plenty of room to continue the exciting tale. Go on to decorate an ice cream cone with your favorite toppings, invent some new traffic signs, or design your own unique mailbox.

Draw, color, count, and above all, put those imaginations to good use. One of my favorite favorite pages has a handful of small ink blobs and says "Add about 827 more dots." Why can't I come up with things like that? While all the pages are black and white, some are more plain than others. Another of my favorites simply states "Draw a slice of sausage." The real charm of this book is that he comes up with very simple, but completely off the wall ideas.

This is one of the best creative books I have seen, and I truly hope this author puts out another book in a similar style. What a wonderful tool to jump start little minds, plus it's just plain FUN.

Review copy provided by Clavis.

The Cat's Pajamas

2010-12-06T17:54:00.000-08:00

Wallace Edwards

An excellent definition for idiom from the first page of the book: "a group of words whose meaning cannot be understood from the meaning of the individual words; an expression, peculiar to a specific language, that cannot be translated literally. As adults, we take these phrases for granted, never realizing how strange they may seem to kids or someone learning our language. We are so used to hearing these expressions that we don't usually give much thought to what they would mean literally. And that's exactly what makes this book so fun - we see our casually used expressions in a whole new light!

Each page has a large, very detailed illustration depicting a literal translation of an idiom. Each expression is also used in a sentence that acurately describes the illustration. Yes, it's a clever concept, but I'm taken aback at how excellently it is executed. "As Judge of the Tiny Tot Talent Contest, Leon had to face the music." And sure enough, there sits poor Leon, with his majestic mane completely blown back by the force of the music from the tiny chipmunk.

In case you need a bit of assistance, the very last page provides the idiom and a brief explanation of what the saying means. To go along with the cover image and title, the author has included one more tiny detail to keep us on our toes: at least one cat is hidden on every single page. Some stand out and some are a bit of a challenge, but the hunt is part of the fun. The last idiom is Princess in her pj's from the cover, but with a slight change. Instead of a playing card, the kitty grips a small note under her paw that says "Did you find a hidden cat on each page?"

I love that this book is dual purpose by teaching us about idioms in a very clever and humorous way. My only regret is that he did not include "ears are ringing" AND "ears are burning" as I know many adults who don't understand the difference. This is actually the second book of illustrated idioms by Wallace Edwards. His first, Monkey Business, was released in 2004, which I have no doubt was equally brilliant.

Review copy provided by Kids Can Press.

Too Little Boys from Toolittle Toys

2010-12-03T18:05:00.000-08:00

Vincent X. Kirsch

I couldn't put my finger on why this book looked so darn familiar. In fact, I would have sworn we had read this a couple years ago because I distinctly remembered the illustration style and that the boys were from a family that owned a large store. Then I realized Vincent X. Kirsch previously wrote Natalie and Naughtily, which is about a pair of sisters whose family lives atop Nopps, the world's greatest department store. Their store must be nearby, as I spotted the sisters window shopping on the second page.

Rudy and Ridley Toolittle are the secret behind the Toolittle Toy Company. This fantastic family company is responsible for making the most amazing toys in the world. It produces what no other group in the toy business has managed: make toys that love to play with children! They are responsible for such gems as the Attachable Floating Fishtail, the Bubble Gum Gun and the Popcorn Popper Rocket. No matter the function, each and every toy clamors to be played with by children.

Rudy and Ridley Toolittle are employed at the family toy laboratories every Saturday, working hard to make sure each toy is playing exactly as it should. One Saturday, Rudy decides he is too big to be playing with toys. Instead, he busies himself with organizing, measuring and sorting. He reads instruction manuals and takes the toys apart to become familiar with their inner workings. Meanwhile, the toys and young Ridley wait patiently, silently thinking "Play with ME!"

When it comes time to put the toys back together, Rudy is stumped. He sits amid a large pile of toy parts, refusing the help of his eager younger brother. He is saved by the Toolittle Zigzagging Giggle-Wiggler, a strange yellow fellow who seems to know exactly how the parts work. Once the toys have been reconstructed, Rudy finds Ridley and the boys return to their regular duties - making sure the toys are playing perfectly!

We particularly loved the back cover, where eighteen toys are pictured with a short description. Each toy is pictured somewhere in the book, the readers only have to find them. I laughed at some of the clever toy inventions, like the "thinking cap" that changes color as your thoughts change.

Click here for a very interesting (and funny) Q & A with the author. Kirsch has a new book coming out in January, 2011, titled Forsythia and Me.

Review copy provided by Bloomsbury.

Crow

2010-11-30T18:02:00.000-08:00

Clavis

Leo Timmers

If it wouldn't completely destroy it, I would just tear this book apart in seconds. Not because I don't care for it, but because I would absolutely love to have some of these illustrations framed and hung on my walls. Leo Timmers is such a genius with his illustrations. Gimme, gimme. Ah, well, I couldn't destroy a book with such a cute story behind these wonderful illustrations, so we'll move onto that.

Crow is a friendly, fun bird. In spite of his personality, he is also one of the loneliest birds around. Sure, he's as friendly as they come, but the other birds won't get close enough to discover that for themselves. Crow sports jet black feathers, with a very large, curved black beak, black legs and a tuft of black feathers at the tip of his noggin. The other birds are positive that a creature as dark as this must have a black heart to match, and so they flee from him with pounding hearts.

Crow feels sad and depressed about his appearance, so he hatches a plan and quickly gathers the necessary supplies. He paints his feathers blue and yellow so that he looks just like a finch! When that fails, Crow breaks out the pail of green and becomes a parakeet. And finally, he uses gray and pink to make himself look like a chickadee. With each new bird "costume" the other birds still flee. Poor Crow cries so hard that all the paint washes clear away.

Now that he has returned to his usual black visage, the other birds flock to him ... to say thanks. They are grateful that his grim appearance chased away "that hideous chickadee, that scary parakeet and that creepy finch." Crow's plan did work, in a roundabout way.

So, yes, in addition to the loveliness of the art, there are several good messages wrapped up in here. The big weeping bird is a great way to get across that you can't always judge a person (bird) by their appearance. A second point is that there's no point in trying to make yourself be someone you're not. Morals, lessons, awesome illustrated birds, what else could you ask for?

Review copy provided by Clavis.

A Garden for Pig

2010-11-15T16:57:00.000-08:00

Kathryn K. Thurman;Illustrated by Lindsay Ward

Pig lives on a very lush and picturesque apple farm. The farmer, Mrs. Pippens, loves her apple orchard and subsequently, Pig is the recipient of all sorts of apple dishes. She happily serves up applesauce, apple pie, baked apples, and apple flambe. I love that Mrs. Pippens is the farmer and not cast in the traditional role of farmer's wife.

When we first see him, Pig looks happy enough, standing ankle deep in his mud pit with a small smile on his face and a curl in his tail. On the very next page, Mrs. Pippins is hard at work in her kitchen surrounded by bushels of apples, and that pig's tune sure has changed. He has his arms (front legs?) crossed, his eyebrows are furrowed and he looks downright cross. Apparently Pig has had it up to here with the apple dishes. Poor Pig longs for ... vegetables.

Since the farmer will not change the feed, the pig alone must take charge of his own diet. He breaks into the vegetable garden and eats like, well, a pig, until he is discovered. Mrs. Pippens returns him to the pigpen and resumes serving apple dishes. Pig cannot escape the confines of his pen and suddenly realizes that he has the ability to grow his own veggies. The way Pig manages to get seeds into his garden (in a very natural way) made the kids listening to the story practically roll on the ground with laughter.

I just plain love the illustrations. The apple trees are all printed with bits of apple recipes and some of the text has a background that looks like linen. There are lots of colors and patterns, with an overall very welcoming effect.At the very back of the book, there is a small section titled "Pig's Tips for Growing Your Own Organic Garden." What a nifty idea!

Review copy provided by Kane Miller.

Just One Bite

2010-11-14T18:26:00.000-08:00

Lola Schaefer; Illustrated by Geoff Waring

I love that this book stands out right off the bat, due to the extreme size. I know we have some large books, but this one seems enormous at 12" x 12" - larger than any other children's books currently on our bookshelves. For some reason, it's just plain fun to read a really large book.

And just why is this book so large? It has to be big to cover the life size bites of eleven animals! It isn't just small animals that put in an appearance - the big guys like the Komodo dragon and black bear show up and really take over the pages. Before we get to them, we start off tiny, with how much dirt a worm can eat with just one scoop. It builds up from there, to how much nectar one butterfly can sip, to how many beetles a frog can flick. We work our way through medium and large animals, all the way to the sperm whale. And that life size bite is so large that the page has to open up to accommodate the giant meal.

I have always loved oversized books, just for the pure novelty. This one is especially enjoyable because all that page room is put to good use demonstrating the actual size of foodstuff in nature. I think sometimes it is hard for kids (and adults alike) to imagine the size of things they read about. This book is wonderful, as they can hold up their own hands for comparison to really get a handle on the sizes. The giraffe's head only partially fit on the page, but we were able to compare his big eye to ours. The elephant's lunch was about the size of a child's whole head! This book gives a great perspective into the lives of eleven amazing animals!

Review copy provided by Chronicle Books.

More Bears!

2010-11-07T16:45:00.000-08:00

Kenn Nesbitt; Illustrations by Troy Cummings

When More Bears! showed up in our mailbox, I was a titch reluctant to open it because of how highly I rate Kenn Nesbitt's poetry books. What if his first crack at a picture book didn't measure up? Yeah, that was a complete waste of a good worry. Kenn is brilliant about knowing what children will like and being able to insert just the right amount of wackiness. It follows that his picture book is hilarious.

This is actually a story about an author who is in the process of writing a story. It's a lovely story and very specific about the fact that it does not contain a single bear; there are no bears and there will not be any bears. The author is working away on his bearless story, when he hears "More bears!!" called out several times. He is compelled to add one bear just so he can continue working, but that one bear will not stop the demands. More and more bears are added until the story is so full that bears are falling off the pages.

So yes, the concept is funny. Obviously the title of the book is also the catchphrase - repeated page after page. It's perfect, as kids catch on quickly and really get into it. I can only imagine how popular this would be read aloud to a large group. But it is the bears themselves that had us laughing. Bears named Captain Picklehead, Bobcat Sam, and Excellent Steve. We cracked up every time a new bear entered the scene. Our personal favorite was the bear named Elbow, who wore his underpants on the outside of his pants.

Not to give away the ending, but my six year old asked "Will there be a sequel, called More Chickens!!?" I would love nothing more than to see Kenn and Troy collaborate again and give us more hilarious picture books!

Review copy provided by Sourcebooks.

Play All Day!

2010-10-29T04:08:00.000-07:00

Taro Gomi

The sub-caption is A Really Giant Book of Punch-Out-and-Play Games, Toys, Finger Puppets, Boxes and More! There's a reason they chose to print that on the front cover, because it's a very accurate description of what you'll find inside. Gosh, I love Taro Gomi. He has proven himself the king of curbing boredom with his big books of Scribbles, Doodles, and Squiggles. This book takes a slightly different direction by making the play three-dimensional, though I can see how Punchies may not have been the best title.

This isn't just a book of flat objects you punch out. These are three dimensional play things that really go the distance (hence the title ... Play All Day) after they have been removed. Drum up a game of Ring Toss with the stand up target and two sets of patterned rings or put together a set of the Treasure Boxes to create your own game. There's an awesome set of finger puppets that includes people and animals as well as smiling flowers and trees. One of my favorite is the Zoo Animals - the legs are pieced separately and attach to the bodies, so the animals stand unassisted.

This is the sort of book that is a true gold mine on a rainy stay-in-the-house sort of day or any time you are in need of a quiet activity. I like that the activities are quite varied - make a string of hooked monkeys, put together some picture frames, or set up an entire village. All the pieces are made from heavy cardstock, and the tabs on the constructed boxes are nice and wide, making this a durable set when treated properly. There are very few printed instructions, but the tabbed pieces are clearly marked, so it is more a matter of punch and go!

Even though you may have already assumed this, it bears mentioning that the illustrations are the usual delightful sort we expect from Taro Gomi. Bright colors, sweet expressions and a wide variety of activities are waiting inside the cover. Although the play things are pre-printed, they still require a healthy dose of imagination when used in play. This is a terrific book guaranteed to jump start all sorts of creative play.

Review copy provided by Chronicle Books.

Dear Tyrannosaurus Rex

2010-10-27T03:51:00.000-07:00

Lisa McClatchy; Illustrated by John Manders

I have always considered the ridiculously short arms of a Tyrannosaurs Rex to be their best feature. Those puny appendages dangling from the large body never fail to make me laugh. Although these illustrations from John Manders have made me believe there are an entire host of funny things about these guys - from their stripey bodies to their comical expressions, or the way their tongues loll out the side of their mouths as they run in a concentrated way. All those things are scientifically proven, of course.

With her sixth birthday quickly approaching, Erin has come to the conclusion that the pièce de résistance to her party would be if she could have a REAL dinosaur in attendance. The best way to get him to come? She'll write a letter that describes the party in detail - the celebration will be so fun and fabulous that he won't be able to resist! The book is basically Erin's letter to T-Rex, giving him a rundown of what to expect, if he should accept her party invite.

Erin will include a map to her house, and there will be the obligatory party signs and balloons marking her street, so no worries about a dinosaur roaming the neighborhood, forlornly clutching a wrapped package. All the guests will enjoy dinosaur favors and hats to celebrate the guest of honor. The words make it seem like a standard birthday party with games, pizza and cake, but the illustrations show it to be anything but ordinary. The dinosaur gets first crack at the pinata, the bat the size of a toothpick in his claw. He is good natured enough to give the children dino rides around the yard, help blow out the birthday candles (whew!) and allow his tail to be used as a slide.

Is Erin's letter attractive enough to lure a T-Rex to her party? Seemed persuasive enough to me - I kind of want one at my next birthday party ....

Review copy provided by Random House.

Piggies in the Pumpkin Patch

2010-10-19T17:21:00.000-07:00

Mary Peterson and Jennifer Rofe

What sort of trouble can two devilish little piggies get into while their mama naps? Bear in mind that they have an entire farm at their disposal and plenty of energy. They cover so much territory that the inside cover provides a little schematic of everywhere they traveled. The map was a big hit at our house - those little black dashes mark their path of mayhem from start to finish.

This is the perfect autumn book, bursting with fat orange pumpkins and rife with scampering squirrels. Crisp yellow sheets are flapping on the line, plump bunnies line the garden and an entire hive bees buzz nearby. This farm is simply ideal for a pair of mischievous piggies.

I like the use of prepositional directions: under the sheets, over the green beans, behind the sheep and between the cats. There is also a wonderfully liberal use of adjectives, so it's actually under crinkly, clean sheets, over the growing, green beans and between teasing tabby cats. The pigs chase bushy tailed squirrels and race through muddy fields, having the time of their lives until they find themselves in the big bull's pen and have to escape through a swarm of stinging bees. They return to their mama, tuckered out from the adventure, soon fast asleep, happy as pigs in ... a pumpkin patch.

The illustrations are super cute, with colors and patterns abound. No plain jane sheep here - these guys sport a sweet design of tiny white and orange spirals on their golden backs. The piggies are equally adorable, with perfect pink snouts and black patches dotting their plump white bellies. Even though their eyes are just round black dots, they manage to convey a look of innocence while racing about. Okay, the bull isn't cute, but the little squirrel rears racing away from him definitely are!

Of course, the trailer gives us an actual look inside the book, complete with animation and a peppy tune.

Review copy provided by Charlesbridge.

Baby Baby Baby!

2010-10-18T18:00:00.000-07:00

Marilyn Janovitz

It's true that all a board book really needs to fulfill its purpose is durability. Be the book that can stand up to the rigors of a toddler and everyone loves you. Every once in awhile, a board book will come along that catches my attention by going over and above my expectations. I particularly like this one because of the flowing rhyme. Reading this is as close to singing without actually singing. It's catchy and fun!

Like most great board books, this has a simple set up. Everyone in the family, from Mommy all the way down to the family cat, has an activity they love to do with baby. Daddy's baby likes to dance, Grandma's baby likes to splash in the bath, and Puppy's little baby likes to crawl. The book has a nice little wind down where the baby does some hugging and snuggling and settles down for sleep. The verb is printed in triplicate, like in this excerpt:

Bitsy bouncy baby
On a bumpity lap
Mommy’s little baby likes to
CLAP
CLAP
CLAP!

The bright colors (mom's red hair - wow!) are stimulating and the illustrations are pleasing - we particularly liked the perfectly round heads. Clearly, this is a book for younger children, but my six year old has been reading it aloud for several days. He's hooked on the the rhymes and enjoys acting out the motions. If an older kid has taken this much of a shine to it, I imagine younger children would be bowled over. The downside to this book - it's so freaking catchy that I can't get it out of my head! Daddy's little baby likes to dance, dance, dance!

Review copy provided by Sourcebooks.

The Eensy Weensy Spider Freaks Out!

2010-10-11T17:31:00.000-07:00

Enchanted Lion Books
James Flora

Troy Cummings

Where I come from, this nursery rhyme spider is commonly known as the Itsy Bitsy Spider. A bit of internet detective work turns up that it also acceptable to use Incy Wincy or Eensy Weensy. No matter the name variation, most of us are familiar with the tale as it is one of the more popular nursery rhymes. Have you ever considered that the spider might be a bit disoriented by the big wash off the waterspout? What happens if she isn't soothed by the sun coming out?

Not only does Eensy Weensy freak out big time after the waterspout incident, there just happens to be a news reporter on site who records it. Embarrassed, she holes up in her garden apartment until her ladybug friend comes to talk some sense into her. Instead of climbing right back onto that fickle spout, the spider starts out smaller - climbing a flower pot. With one successful climb under her belt, she moves onto a fire hydrant and then a dog.

Eensy is feeling so good about her successes that she just keeps climbing and climbing. Before we know it, she scales that waterspout with no hesitation, then scoots clear across a telephone line to a wrecking crane high in the sky. That's high enough, right? Not for this spider. She climbs to the top of a hotel, to a radio tower and manages to end up on the tip-top of a rocket. There you have it - space travel is what happens when a spider freaks out big time!

I like that the story works off an old familiar nursery rhyme, in an updated fashion. After her initial hesitation, she works up some courage and gradually starts to regain her confidence. I can see how this would be a useful parenting tool as a little "remember when the spider was scared to climb again?" encouragement. The video below is set to a jazzy little rendition of the spider song we know and love. Enjoy!

Review copy provided by Random House.

Penguin

2010-10-09T08:12:00.000-07:00

Candlewick Press

Polly Dunbar

From the wide-eyed wistful stare of the big guy on the cover all the way to the flick of a blue tail on the last page, Penguin has always been my very favorite Polly Dunbar book. I love Penguin. I adore Ben's apple green pajamas imprinted with white stars, the pants sloping downward a bit and the top rising up, giving us a quick glimpse of toddler belly. I love the expressive faces, the spare white backgrounds, and most of all, the way a simple story becomes much more. I'm so thrilled to find it has been released in paperback - only $6.99 and you can be loving it too!

Ben tears open his beautifully wrapped birthday present to find a most interesting looking penguin nestled inside. Delighted, he believes they will become the best of friends. To his dismay, Ben quickly discovers that Penguin seems to be the strong, silent type. He refuses to speak! Ben tries charming him to speech with tickling, funny face making and dizzy dancing. Not a peep.

No more Mister Nice Guy, Ben ridicules, mocks, and imitates Penguin. Still nothing. They stand off, studiously ignoring each other. Ben sends Penguin to a rocket and fired him in outer space. Upon his return, he then offers him to a passing lion. Ben flies into a rage, cheeks darkening, tears flowing, he yells and shrieks. The lion comes over and gobbles him down for being too loud. Penguin looks shocked, then runs over and bites the lion square on the nose. Out pops Ben and a torrent of words spring past Penguin's beak. He speaks! He loves Ben.

How the idea for the book came about (from Polly's website): Polly wrote Penguin for her brother Ben. It was he who gave her the original penguin, who was made from black velvet in Paris in 1930. His real name is Pingouin. Ben said "You can keep Pingouin but watch out, he bites!" I love that her story has a family history, and she used her brother as one of the main characters.

This is a wonderful interview with Polly Dunbar back in 2008 from the Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast blog. Well worth reading!

Review copy provided by Candlewick Press.

The Day the Cow Sneezed

2010-10-03T19:07:00.000-07:00

Originally written and illustrated in 1957, this book had officially been tagged "hard to find" by Flora lovers. Thanks to a fresh reprinting by Enchanted Lion, more of us can be introduced to this great author and illustrator, who we otherwise may have missed out on. James Flora was a commercial artist renowned for creating amazing illustrated record covers in the 1940s and 50s. He created his first children's book, The Fabulous Firework Family in 1955, when his first baby was born. He wrote this one to prove the first one wasn't just a fluke, and many more successes followed.

Fletcher's morning routine includes taking his cow, Floss, down to the creek for a drink of water. Distracted by a bunny rabbit one cool day, Fletcher runs off, leaving Floss to stand knee deep in that chilly creek water. Shaking and shivering, she lets out a powerful sneeze: KA-CHOW. That sneeze sets off a series of unfortunate events that results in an impromptu fireworks show and the release of an entire zoo. That's quite a sneeze!

Of course, there are many steps in between the cow sneeze and the big fireworks show. There happens to be a billy goat driving a policeman's motorcyle with a cat on his back, a huge hole in the side of the schoolhouse wall and a flattened out fire truck. Not enough? Throw in some angry townspeople and see how zoo animals fare after tangling with a steamroller. Now that's a story!

You can see the genius of James Flora's illustrations in the photos here. Half the pages in the book are black and white, while the other half shout with vibrant pinks and blues. James Flora is very well known for his illustrations but they are not the only wonderful thing on these pages. I like his habit of calling attention to certain words by putting them in all caps, nearly on every page: POW! WHAMBO! and my personal favorite KA-BLOWIE-BLAM! I also enjoy the language he uses, specific phrases such as "scrunched as flat as corn flakes." It's just plain good reading paired with some spellbinding illustrations that make this a book you won't want to miss.

Publisher Claudia Zoe Bedrick is a Floraphile, and depending on the success of the first reprint, Enchanted Lion will continue to republish two Flora titles a year. This is much needed news as only a handful of Flora books are currrently available on Amazon. I can't wait to hear what other books will be offered! The dedication on the inside cover of this one reads "For Caroline Flora: An early-mooing non-sneezer." Based on this book, I think I could easily become a Floraphile myself.

Review copy provided by Enchanted Lion.

My Name is Not Isabella

2010-09-27T11:52:00.000-07:00