Picture Books

Review: Big Brothers Don’t Take Naps by Louise Borden

| Tasha

big brothers dont take naps

Big Brothers Don’t Take Naps by Louise Borden, illustrated by Emma Dodd

Nicholas adores his older brother, James.  He follows him everywhere and happily James includes him too.  James can write his own name (as well as Nicholas’), he goes to school, but most importantly, James doesn’t have to take naps!  James can use the phone all by himself, he helps Nicholas cross the road, and can read books too.  James shows Nicholas how to be a great big brother, how to share, and how to do things together.  That includes working together to help pick out a name for their new baby sister.  Which makes Nicholas a big brother too!

Borden writes with a gentleness combined with enthusiasm.  This is a book that captures a very special relationship and shows new siblings a book where everyone is excited by the new baby coming.  James may be a bit too ideal of an older sibling, since there is no negativity shown in this book at all.  But those parents looking for a book that shows siblings sharing and in a loving relationship will find a lot to praise here.

Dodd’s digital illustrations are bright colored and show the brothers relationships vividly.  The large expanses of colors are only outshone by the boys themselves with their bright cheeks and activity. 

A very positive look at siblings and new babies, this book definitely is a great pick for new big brothers and sisters.  Appropriate for ages 3-5.

Reviewed from library copy.

Also reviewed by:

Review: Bugs by the Numbers by Sharon Werner

| Tasha

bugs by the numbers

Bugs by the Numbers by Sharon Werner and Sarah Forss

The creators of Alphabeasties and Other Amazing Types return with a bug book where it is all done by the numbers.  After an energetic introduction, readers turn pages to see bugs made up of numbers.  The numbers have special reference to that insect, whether it is the number of legs, number of eyes, or how far they can jump.  The design of the book is eye-catching and very engaging.  The ground is bright colors that change from page to page and the bulk of the numbers are explained there.  But other pages have large flaps that open:  wood for the termites, a tree for the walking stick, and leaves for the caterpillar.  This is a vibrant book that will have everyone engrossed in learning facts about bugs.

The typographical design is truly amazing with the insects fully rendered in numbers, used in different sizes and amounts of boldness.  The backgrounds are primarily white with large areas of color, leaving the detail to the insects themselves.  It is a strong design that is intriguing and great fun.

This book worked particularly well read-aloud, which is something I had not expected.  The facts read naturally and provide lots of opportunities for further discussion.  There are facts that are well known and others that are strange and intriguing.  It makes for a great book for kids to nod along that they know the information and then in the next sentence to be learning something new.

A great bug book, this deserves a place in every public library.  I know it will be one of my picks for holiday presents for any nature-loving kid.  Appropriate for ages 5-8.

Reviewed from library copy.

Also reviewed by

Review: Because of You by B. G. Hennessy

| Tasha

because of you

Because of You: A Book of Kindness by B. G. Hennessy, illustrated by Hiroe Nakata

This book speaks to the power of people in two distinct ways.  It speaks in pairs of lines that have similar themes but look at them from different points of view.  So the world is better for having a new person to love and care for, but also the world is better because there is a new person who will love and care for others.  This pairing happens throughout the book, strengthening the message that each person has value and impact in the world.  The book ends with the breaking of the pattern where it is expanded to include the impact of people around the world helping and caring.   “It is called peace.”  And then the book turns it once again and tells the reader that peace starts with individuals and it may happen “because of you.”

This book is written with conviction that radiates throughout it.  It also has a very strong format with the repetition of form.  It reads aloud effortlessly, celebrating the impact that each of us can have.  Nakata’s illustrations are quiet and sweet, a feeling that is helped by the small size of the book.  They include children and families of different ethnicities making the message even more universal.

While this will be enjoyed by children, it would also make a great gift for adults.  Appropriate for ages 4-6.

Reviewed from copy received from Candlewick Press.

Book Review: A Storm Called Katrina by Myron Uhlberg

| Tasha

Layout 1

A Storm Called Katrina by Myron Uhlberg, illustrated by Colin Bootman

This is the heartfelt fictional story of Louis, a 10-year-old boy living in New Orleans when Hurricane Katrina hits.  When the storm hits, no one is really worried, until it worsens.  Then there is no time for the family to gather any belongings except Louis’ horn.  When they leave their home, they find a piece of porch floating and Louis and his mother climb aboard.  His father pushes the porch with them safely on top.  On the way, they saw disturbing things: a dog they are unable to rescue and a body floating by.  When they finally got out of the deeper water, they headed for the Superdome with the rest of the crowd.  His father went in search of food and water, leaving Louis and his mother in the seats.  But when some people got rowdy, they moved to a safer part of the Superdome.  The question becomes how will they ever find Louis’ father again?

Beautifully written and illustrated, this book bring images from the flood to life.  Uhlberg manages to write in an unflinching and honest way, while still keeping his young audience clearly in mind.  There are difficult issues here, but they are presented in a way that can be glossed past or more deeply explored.  Uhlberg also manages to build moods very skillfully from the storm itself to the days of waiting in the Superdome, there is a constant sense of hope.

Bootman’s artwork is exceptional.  He evokes fear, concern, but above all love and hope in his images.  The paintings play light against dark throughout, until the climax of the theme at the end of the book. 

A personal and powerful look at the impact of Hurricane Katrina, this book would work well in a classroom setting and for any child wanting to learn more about the hurricane.  Appropriate for ages 6-9.

Reviewed from copy received from Peachtree Publishers.

Also reviewed by:

Review: Rapunzel by Sarah Gibb

| Tasha

Rapunzel

Rapunzel by Sarah Gibb

I must admit that I usually mentally shrug when new versions of classic fairy tales are released.  There are so many versions out there, that it takes something special to get my attention.  Well, Gibb’s new Rapunzel is special indeed.  She takes the classic story and simplifies it without losing any of the romance or drama of the original.  There are no parts of the story that will be missed, somehow she edited and simplified without any loss of plot points.  That alone is rather brilliantly done.

But then add in the remarkable illustrations that are delicate, romantic and simply lovely.  They create a world that readers are happy to enter and to linger in.  They include small details that are very engaging.  I found myself looking at tiny details with the book up close to my face, just absorbed by the world Gibbs created in this book.  The illustrations move from pink and rosy to dark and mysterious, even threatening.  Gibbs uses colors very effectively as well as silhouettes.  Just when readers get used to the silhouette illustrations, you turn the page for an airy illustration of Rapunzel’s tower.  Turn the page again, and you are journeying through an amazing forest with the prince.  It’s a world that embraces, changes, and creates such moods.

Highly recommended.  If you are going to read one new version of a fairy tale this year, choose this one.  Remarkable.  Appropriate for ages 5-8, and older romantics.

Reviewed from library copy.

Also reviewed by

Review: Apple Pie ABC by Alison Murray

| Tasha

apple pie abc

Apple Pie ABC by Alison Murray

A small black-and-white dog desperately wants a piece of apple pie in this alphabetical story.  It all starts with a girl making A for apple pie and a happily sleeping dog.  But as soon as the pie is in the oven with B for bake it, the dog is very interested in the pie.  Then the pie must C for cool it and D for dish it out.  Though the girl gets to eat some pie, the dog must make due with just a crumb.  But after that one delicious crumb, he just can’t stop thinking about eating pie!   This cheery picture book mixes the alphabet with an alphabetical storyline more robust than in other books that try this technique.  Readers will love the many ways the dog tries to get pie and then the very satisfying and delicious conclusion.

Murray has created a book that really works the alphabet into the story.  Even without the alphabet as part of the book, this story and the writing would stand on its own.  That’s something that can rarely be said about an alphabet picture book.  The writing is kept very simple and solid.

Murray’s illustrations are a treat in this book.  They have a natural, old-fashioned quality to them that makes the book warm and inviting.  Add the apple pie element, and you have a book that feels like a classic picture book yet still has a modern perspective too.

A delight of a picture book that will satisfy yet leave young readers eager for seconds.  Appropriate for ages 2-4.

Reviewed from library copy.

Also reviewed by

Review: Brownie & Pearl Take a Dip by Cynthia Rylant

| Tasha

browniepearl

Brownie & Pearl Take a Dip by Cynthia Rylant, illustrated by Brian Biggs

It’s a very hot day.  After sitting in front of the fan with lemonade, Brownie and Pearl decide to head for the pool.  Time for swimsuits, a beach ball and sunglasses.  They head to their small pool that is just the right size for both of them.  It feels so nice, but then Pearl leans in a little too close and gets a lot wetter than she wanted to.  In the end, it still feels nice to have a dip, but also nice to spend time drying out in the sun.

Rylant has created a very cheery series for toddlers.  Brownie and her pet cat Pearl have small adventures that very young children will relate to and understand.  Rylant has an ear for simplicity in her writing, creating a book that is simple but tells a full story.

Biggs’ illustrations are equally warm and friendly.  They are large, bright and warm.  The colors are rich and vibrant, creating a book that would work well for a group of toddlers as well as one-on-one.

A great pick for a hot summer day, this book will be enjoyed by children ages 2-4.

Reviewed from copy received from Beach Lane Books.

Also reviewed by

Book Review: Bear with Me by Max Kornell

| Tasha

bear with me

Bear with Me by Max Kornell

Owen had a great life before Gary showed up.  One day his parents just showed up with a big bear.  They said they had always wanted a bear.  But Owen didn’t want a bear at all.  Gary was going to sleep in Owen’s room, share Owen’s toys, and live with them as part of their family.  Now his parents were busy with Gary and Gary snored when he slept!  He even left the covers off the markers so they dried out and broke the swing in the backyard.  Owen finally had enough and went outside by himself.  Gary found him there and slowly, slowly the two of them became friends.  Perhaps having a bear join the family wasn’t as bad as Owen had thought.

Kornell writes with a wry sense of humor that works very well here.  The use of an intruding bear as a stand-in for a new sibling works well in his hands.  He keeps the text straight-forward but humorous.

The illustrations add much to the book.  They are done in an intriguing style of cut-paper that has been drawn on and then added to the scenes.  Each character is often their own cut out on a background that is one large sheet.  The lines are simple and the colors bright.  Gary is a wonderfully large bear that is completely non-threatening and looks just as worried as Owen.

Ideal for blended families or new adoptive siblings, this book has loads of appeal.  Appropriate for ages 4-6.

Reviewed from copy received from G. P. Putnam’s Sons.

Check out the book trailer:

Book Review: Little Croc’s Purse by Lizzie Finlay

| Tasha

little crocs purse

Little Croc’s Purse by Lizzie Finlay

This little morality story features Little Croc who found a purse one day.  He had to decide if he was going to return the purse with its money or keep it all for himself.  He decides to return the purse, but on his way to the police station, he meets with several temptations.  He manages to avoid spending any of the money and once he’s at the police station finds out that the woman who owns the purse wants to meet him.  When she arrives, she checks for a special locket in a hidden pocket and then leaves the entire purse and the money for Little Croc.  Little Croc doesn’t spend it all in one place either, leading to a very satisfying conclusion to this book.

Finlay manages to make not only a morality tale, but a picture book that works as a story as well.  While there is definitely a moral about honesty here, the story is about more than that.  Her writing is light-toned and even the moment with the bully is brief and easily handled.  This helps lift the tone of the entire book. 

Her whimsical illustrations also do that with a tiny crocodile lugging a very large, very flowery, rather pink purse.  Even better, when Little Croc does buy something for himself, it is a pair of very red boots.  He also never shrinks away from carrying the purse and owning it as his own after it has been given to him. 

A book about honesty, thoughtfulness and caring for others, this book is sweet and jolly.  Keep it in mind for parents looking for books about manners and honesty for preschoolers.  Appropriate for ages 4-6.

Reviewed from copy received from Eerdmans Books for Young Readers.