Keep Your Eye on the Kid: the Early Years of Buster Keaton by Catherine Brighton.

A tantalizing look into the life of Buster Keaton and how he became a movie star in the 1920s.  This picture book biography briefly tells the reader about the childhood and eventual film success of Keaton from his own point of view.  From being sucked out of the window by a tornado to being tossed bodily across the stage by his father as part of the act, Keaton’s childhood leads him directly to his movie career.

Being written in the first person gives this book an immediacy and inherent ring of truth.  That is needed, because so much of his life is easy to disbelieve.  The illustrations are the true star of the book, using a style that evokes the feel of the 20s.  They offer unique vistas of not only the stage and movie sets but also the streets of the time.  Giving readers their own feeling of flying through the air at times, they are the perfect accompaniment to this true story.

Though I have watched most of Keaton’s films, I knew little of his childhood and his theater background.  It was  great to learn more and wonderful to see that Keaton is being presented to another generation of children who can watch in disbelief as he risks his life time after time on the set.  Recommended for ages 7-10.

Alfred’s Nose by Vivienne Flesher.

I’ve always enjoyed picture books for small children that use photographs.  I know that that is why this one zoomed to the top of my toppling picture book piles.  Anyone else a sucker for photos?  Frankly, I’m not sure why I am…

Alfred is a French bulldog with a smooshed-looking nose.  Everyone loves him, but he hates the way he looks.  His tongue always sticks out, his nose won’t hold up glasses, and his head is as round as a pumpkin.  To fix this, Alfred looks for accessories that will help.  He finds a bin of animal noses that he can strap on his face, but only one of them will cover both his nose and tongue!  And then he can’t give his sloppy kisses!  What’s a dog to do?

Crisp, clear colored photographs make this book work.  As does the equally clear text that moves the story right along.  The selection of fake noses will have both you and the children you are sharing the book with laughing.  I am particularly partial to the elephant nose, myself. 

Not a revolutionary picture book, but one that will bring smiles to everyone who reads it.  Recommended for ages 4-6.