New Picture Books!

We've gotten some fun new kids's books in.  Here are my faves!

Daddy Long Legs by Nadine Brun-Cosme and Aureli Guillerey

This adorable book is a cute interaction between a boy and his father.  When the car has trouble starting, Matthew gets worried that Daddy might not be able to come get him after school.  Daddy lets Matthew know in bigger and crazier ideas, that he will always find a way to get to his son.

Raymond by Yann & Gwendal Le Bec

Raymond is a dog who has a pretty good life.  But he wonders if it could get even better if he did things more like his human family does.  He becomes very successful but has to wonder if giving up his former life is worth it.  This is an especially cute read for those who love to imagine their pets doing great things and there are enough puns to satisfy adults as they read aloud.

MINE! by Jeff Mack

Can you write a hilarious, spot-on (for toddlers and young children) book with only one word?  Jeff Mack can! The expressions of the mice are priceless and the action-oriented illustrations keep the story rolling until the surprise ending.  This is just flat-out fun!

Super Narwhal and Jelly Jolt by Ben Clanton

Follow the adventures of Narwhal (Unicorn of the Sea) and sidekick Jelly as they go on some super adventures in the second book in the series.  This fun graphic novel is excellent for younger readers who love adventure but may be intimidated by chapters.  Plus--it's about superheroes; you can't beat that!

New Book Review--Scar Island

Welcome to Scar Island.  Actually, un-welcome...

Island, lighthouse, asylum, boys' reform school, sanctuary or prison?

Yes.

I found this book to be strongly written, great character development and excellent pacing.  While I usually lament the lack of plot resolution in action books--this one didn't actually  need it.  The resolution is built into the characters and continues to tell the story after the last page.  The story is dark but not too dark, scary but not overwhelming.  While an experienced reader can't help but draw comparisons between this and Lord of the Flies the author deflates any arguments of comparison by referencing that and other classic titles--incorporated so that I now want to read or re-read the books mentioned.

The adult/parent/educator part of me really enjoyed the homage paid to classic literature as well as the emotional appeal of reading aloud that plays a part in the plot as well as an unexpected librarian who acts almost as an oracle.

I am taking this book home for my boys to read--they are going to love the dismal setting, the well-paced action and the strong characters.  Z and E will identify with some, shy away from others, and feel the sense of healing they undergo as the story reaches its peak. Fantastic adventure with just enough poignancy to satisfy but more than enough action to keep things exciting!

Thank you Dan Gemeinhart for this superb story!

New Book Review--Children's Books!

Woo hoo!  New picture books came in and I really enjoyed these:


The Secret Project by Jonah Winter and Jeanette Winter

This nonfiction picture book is an excellent introduction to an incredibly powerful part of recent science history, the invention of the atomic bomb.  Living in New Mexico, close to Trinity Site anything set here peaks my interest.  In an understandable way, the author details the secrecy and importance of what the scientists did in the secret lab in the secret town and captures a little of how their daily lives were lived in such a remote area.  The text concentrates on the secrecy and scientific importance of the project but does not overlay moral judgement of if it "should" have been done.




The Unexpected Love Story of Alfred Fiddleduckling by Timothy Basil Ering

Apropos of the title, I unexpectedly fell in love with the story of Alfred Fiddleduckling.  From his beginning as a precious cargo to his lonely adventure on the sea, Alfred Fiddleduckling is special.  I melted when I saw the illustration of him discovering the fiddle (I play violin so I already have a soft spot here) and learning the magic of the sounds he could make.  The rest of the story is haunting but beautiful and the author cleverly lets the young readers finish the story on their own.




Good Night! Good Night! by Carin Berger

If you've ever had to put a toddler (or toddlers) to bed... read this! You'll laugh at the accuracy!




Bob, Not Bob! by Liz Garton Scanlon & Audrey Vernick, illustrated by Matthew Cordell

Poor Little Louie has a cold.  And, even though he's a big boy, he wants his mom when he doesn't feel good.  Unfortunately for him, his stuffy nose confuses everybody so that his beloved dog, Bob comes trotting to the rescue every time Louie calls for "Bob (mom)!"  I love the indicative font that shows who Louie is calling when the mistake happens (hint, look for the heart).  It's just a sweet story of how important mom really is and how she can make things better even when you're sick.

More to come!