Review - El Chupacabras

El Chupacabras
by Adam Rubin
illustrated by Crash McCreery
Date: 2018
Publisher: Dial Books
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 48
Format: e-book
Source: library

From the bestselling author of Dragons Love Tacos comes a whimsical re-telling of the chupacabra folktale, written in a blend of English and Spanish

A long time ago, a girl named Carla lived on a goat farm with her father, Hector. One night, a goat disappeared from the farm and turned up flat as a pancake. Only one creature could do that--El Chupacabras, the goatsucker! Legend has it that El Chupacabras is a fearsome beast, but you can't believe everything you hear...and sometimes the truth is even more interesting.

Told in equal parts English and Spanish by bestselling author Adam Rubin, and cinematically illustrated by acclaimed Hollywood creature creator Crash McCreery, this lighthearted take on a modern legend is not told in the traditional bilingual style.

Each sentence is half-Spanish/half-English followed by a repetition of the same line translated the other way around. This mirroring technique allows the languages to intermingle equally. A fun and unique way to introduce either Spanish or English to new readers.

A note from author Adam Rubin: "I decided to tell this story in an unusual way to explore the beauty of harmony. It's easy to dismiss the unfamiliar, but compassion takes a little more effort. With so many people trumpeting divisiveness right now, it's more important than ever to teach kids that there is more than one way to understand the world."

(synopsis from Goodreads)

I actually did not think I was going to like this one at first. Between the e-book acting up (making it so that I couldn't even see a bunch of the pages) and the weird half-Spanish/half-English sentences, I was about ready to give up. But the illustrations are so gorgeous that they kept me turning the pages (what pages I could see), and I started getting used to the bilingual text. By the time I got to the end, the e-book had decided to behave, and I was able to read all the pages. What we have here is a funny, charming story about el chupacabras, a goat-sucking creature who ends up saving the day.

El chupacabras isn't as scary as you might expect. Yes, he sucks goats (leaving them as goat pancakes, which was actually pretty funny to see illustrated). But he's also a gentleman who likes to eat chocolate and churros. After Carla's father gets into trouble with some magic dust, Carla enlists the help of el chupacabras to save the town from a herd of giant, marauding goats.

The illustrations... Oh, my goodness. I loved them. They strike just the right balance between beauty and humour, depicting the humans, goats, and mythological creature in stunning detail. I'm definitely going to be watching for more work from this artist!

So, despite a bumpy start, this book turned out to be quite good. It introduces the myth of el chupacabras in a fun way, and teaches a little bit of Spanish (or English, as the case may be) while it's at it. I'd definitely recommend this one!

Quotable moment:

Premise: 4/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 4/5
Illustrations: 5/5
Originality: 5/5

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall: 4.33 out of 5

Review - Phoebe and Her Unicorn

Phoebe and Her Unicorn (Heavenly Nostrils #1)
by Dana Simpson
Date: 2014
Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing, LLC
Reading level: MG
Book type: comic collection
Pages: 224
Format: e-book
Source: library

A boy and his dog... a girl and her... unicorn? It all started when Phoebe skipped a rock across a pond and accidentally hit a unicorn in the face. Improbably, this led to Phoebe being granted one wish, and she used it to make the unicorn, Marigold Heavenly Nostrils, her obligational best friend. But can a vain mythical beast and a nine-year-old daydreamer really forge a connection? Indeed they can, and that's how "Phoebe and Her Unicorn" unfolds. This beautifully drawn strip follows the unlikely friendship between a somewhat awkward girl and the unicorn who gradually shows her just how special she really is. Through hilarious adventures where Phoebe gets to bask in Marigold's "awesomeness," the friends also come to acknowledge that they had been lonely before they met and truly appreciate the bond they now share.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

I may have found a favourite comic. I loved reading about the adventures of Phoebe and Marigold!

At first, I thought this was a graphic novel, but even though there are a few continuous stories within the book, there's no overarching plot. So, really, it's a comic collection. But that didn't prevent me from enjoying the little stories that were included, such as the friends' slumber party, their detective agency, Phoebe's nemesis and her birthday party, the piano lessons, meeting the parents, Phoebe's new spelling partner, and more.

There's something kind of deep and profound to some of these comics, and the whole thing reminded me a bit of Calvin and Hobbes... except in this case it's a little girl and her unicorn. The book is marketed to middle graders (which becomes evident at the end where there are directions on making slumber-party snack mixes and Marigold puppets), but I have a feeling quite a few of the panels would go over kids' heads. There are plenty of references that only adults would get. (That said, there's absolutely nothing in here that would be inappropriate for children, so if kids want to read it, there's no reason why they shouldn't.)

The filler at the end I could've done without, although I did like the pages explaining how to draw Marigold and Phoebe. I'm always amazed at how artists can make it look so simple; I have a feeling that, if I tried to draw Marigold, she'd end up looking like a giraffe with rickets.

The library has more of the Heavenly Nostrils books, so I'm definitely going to be checking those out in the future. I want to see Phoebe and Marigold's relationship grow, and I'm also curious about some of the other characters that were introduced. Will Dakota remain a thorn in Phoebe's side? Will Max end up being a friend as well as a spelling partner? Will Phoebe ever practice the piano and satisfy her piano teacher? I guess I'll have to keep reading to find out!

Quotable moment:

Writing & Editing: 4/5
Illustration: 4/5
Originality: 4/5

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 ladybugs

Review - Stormy Weather

Stormy Weather
by Debi Gliori
Date: 2009
Publisher: Bloomsbury Childrens
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

As a mama fox tucks her baby into bed, she soothes his nighttime fears of the storm outside his window with the promise of watching over him while he sleeps, just like all other baby animals around the world.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

I did not like this. I get where the author was coming from, but I didn't find the book reassuring. In fact, I wanted to shout at the mama fox, "Don't make promises you can't keep!" In an era of climate change, I don't know if it's a great idea to put such fantasies in kids' heads. If our house floods from torrential rain? No problem; I'll just build a boat and we'll sail away to somewhere sunny. If we get snowed in by a monster storm? No problem; I'll just build us a four-poster bed out of snow. These sorts of ideas are all fine and good until some sort of real disaster happens, and then this book is going to seem like a slap in the face.

Also, I really didn't like the illustrations. Some were cute, but others I found kind of scary. I think that giant owl might actually give me nightmares.

If you live somewhere where you're positive you're never going to have to explain to your kids why Mother Nature seems to be out to get them, go ahead and read this book. But for the majority, I'd say skip it. There must be better books about bedtime rituals and reassurance out there.

Premise: 3/5
Meter: 3/5
Writing: 3/5
Illustrations: 2/5
Originality: 3/5

Enjoyment: 1/5

Overall: 2.29 out of 5

Review - Don't Touch This Book!

Don't Touch This Book!
by Bill Cotter
Date: 2016
Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

Larry the lovable monster from Don't Push the Button! is back with another hilarious, interactive adventure!

I know what you're thinking: this is a pretty cool-looking book. But...

DON'T TOUCH THIS BOOK! (Don't even try it, bub.)

Okay, okay. You can touch, but you can only use ONE finger.

Whoa. How'd you do that?

Larry is a loveable monster, but he has trouble sharing. It's up to you to show him how it's done!

(synopsis from Goodreads)

I just read this book, along with Don't Push the Button!, and this is the stronger of the two. While the other book simply had kids pressing the button on the page, this book is a lot more interactive, getting readers to stroke the pages, stand up and twirl around, flap their arms, and just generally have a great time "controlling" what happens next.

Larry the purple monster is back, this time with his own book (which is cleverly displayed within the book itself; I liked the page where he was holding open the book, which showed a picture of him holding open the book, which showed a picture of him holding open the book, etc.). He has readers touch the pages to create colour, make rainbows, and swirl them into shapes; he has readers make robot noises, which turns him into a robot; he has readers roar like a dinosaur, which... well, I'm sure you can guess.

This book is a lot more varied than Don't Push the Button! and therefore a lot more fun. The gimmick might get old after a few reads, but it'll be amusing for the first few times (your mileage may vary, of course).

Quotable moment:

Premise: 4/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 3/5
Illustrations: 3/5
Originality: 4/5

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall: 3.67 out of 5

Review - Don't Push the Button!

Don't Push the Button!
by Bill Cotter
Date: 2013
Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

There’s only one rule in Larry’s book: don’t push the button.

(Seriously, don’t even think about it!)

It does look kind of nice though…Okay, quick. No one is looking. — push the button.

Uh, oh.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

I got Don't Push the Button! and Don't Touch This Book! from the library at the same time, and I just read both in quick succession. I have to say, I think that this one is the weaker of the two, despite being the book that started it all.

We meet Larry, a purple monster, who introduces himself and shows us the button, which we're not supposed to push. We're not given a reason why. We're just told that we shouldn't. And what happens when someone tells you not to do something (especially when they don't give you a good reason)? You just want to do it more.

The rest of the book shows us the results of pushing that button. It's a cute gimmick, but I thought the execution was a bit weak... especially once I read Don't Touch This Book!

This is cute enough, but if I were to give it as a gift, I'd probably want to give it along with Don't Touch This Book! Reading the two books together would make for a fun storytime for kids.

Premise: 3/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 3/5
Illustrations: 3/5
Originality: 4/5

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall: 3.17 out of 5

Review - Quit Calling Me a Monster!

Quit Calling Me a Monster!
by Jory John
illustrated by Bob Shea
Date: 2016
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 40
Format: e-book
Source: library

The talented creators of I Will Chomp You! brilliantly frame the struggle to buck stereotypes and learn empathy in this monster’s hilarious lament.

Floyd Patterson is so much more than shaggy purple fur and pointy monster teeth— why can’t people just see him for him? Jory John and Bob Shea have struck gold in creating a knee-slapping, read-it-again story that will start a valuable discussion about how we treat others and how it feels to be seen as “different.”

(synopsis from Goodreads)

The synopsis makes this book sound deeper than it really is. It's basically just the whiny lament of Floyd Peterson, a monster who doesn't want to be called a monster... even though he is. I'm not quite sure what the point is supposed to be. It's like denying who you are because other people misunderstand what that is. That's not your problem... it's theirs.

This book reminded me of another of Jory John's picture books, The Bad Seed. But that one was a lot more amusing, and the play on words worked in the premise's favour. The seed really was "bad", and there was a whole story about how he got that way. In this book, Floyd is just a monster who seems to be in denial about his identity. It confused me as an adult... so I'm not sure how this would play with kids.

Premise: 3/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 2/5
Illustrations: 3/5
Originality: 3/5

Enjoyment: 2/5

Overall: 2.5 out of 5

Review - Mystery of the Map

Mystery of the Map (Poptropica #1)
by Jack Chabert
illustrated by Kory Merritt
Date: 2016
Publisher: Amulet Books
Reading level: MG
Book type: graphic novel
Pages: 112
Format: e-book
Source: library

Based on a concept by Wimpy Kid author Jeff Kinney comes Poptropica, a brand-new graphic novel adventure series by Jack Chabert and Kory Merritt. In Mystery of the Map, Oliver, Mya, and Jorge take a ride in a hot-air balloon, only to crash-land on an unknown island filled with extinct animals and a horde of angry Vikings. Welcome to Poptropica, an uncharted group of islands whose existence is hidden from the rest of the world. As the three friends embark on a perilous search for a way home, they quickly discover the shocking reason they were brought there—something that threatens the very existence of Poptropica and their ability to ever make it off the island!

(synopsis from Goodreads)

I've tried a few middle-grade graphic novel series now, and this is probably one of the weaker ones. It relies too heavily on attempts at humour (I say attempts because I don't find booger-eating Vikings or stupid quips about Pizza Hut particularly funny), and there's very little plot. I'm also not a fan of the drawing style; the noseless characters remind me of Fraggles more than anything (only they're not as fun).

As with many graphic novels, the installment ends just as the plot is getting going. But I really have no desire to read on in this case. The idea of historically inaccurate Vikings in a magical land of extinct creatures described by a sentient map is all just too silly for my taste. And I couldn't connect to any of the characters.

There's a decent premise here underneath all the fluff, but it's too silly, juvenile, and underdeveloped to be enjoyable for most readers over the age of about ten.

Plot: 2/5
Characters: 2/5
Pace: 3/5
Writing & Editing: 2/5
Illustration: 3/5
Originality: 3/5

Enjoyment: 2/5

Overall Rating: 2.38 out of 5 ladybugs

Review - Raymie Nightingale

Raymie Nightingale
by Kate DiCamillo
Date: 2016
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Reading level: MG
Book type: prose novel
Pages: 272
Format: e-book
Source: library

Raymie Clarke has come to realize that everything, absolutely everything, depends on her. And she has a plan. If Raymie can win the Little Miss Central Florida Tire competition, then her father, who left town two days ago with a dental hygienist, will see Raymie's picture in the paper and (maybe) come home. To win, not only does Raymie have to do good deeds and learn how to twirl a baton; she also has to contend with the wispy, frequently fainting Louisiana Elefante, who has a show-business background, and the fiery, stubborn Beverly Tapinski, who’s determined to sabotage the contest. But as the competition approaches, loneliness, loss, and unanswerable questions draw the three girls into an unlikely friendship — and challenge each of them to come to the rescue in unexpected ways.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

I guess it had to happen sometime: I read a book by Kate DiCamillo that I didn't absolutely love.

Now, there's nothing wrong with this book, per se. It just didn't click with me. Part of that may be to do with the fact that what's in the book doesn't really match the synopsis. I thought this would be a story about three girls competing in a contest. It's actually not. That's how it starts out, and the contest provides the context in which the girls meet, but the actual plot revolves around rescuing Louisiana's cat from the Very Friendly Animal Center (which is exactly what you might be thinking it is).

The book is very character driven, which is a good thing. I was actually going to read Louisiana's Way Home first, because I didn't realize that this book actually introduces that character. I saw a reviewer say they wish they'd read Raymie Nightingale before they read the companion book, so I figured I'd do that. The characters of the three girls are all drawn very well; they're very distinct and come alive on the page with DiCamillo's trademark precociousness and charm. At times, though, I felt the girls weren't quite acting their age. Raymie sometimes lapsed into sounding too much like an adult, and Louisiana was the opposite (I occasionally had to remind myself that she was not in kindergarten).

Once the plot really got going, with a nighttime rescue mission that involved a shopping cart, a smelly dog, a swan, and a sinkhole, I was pretty engaged (even though I did have to suspend a bit of disbelief that these little girls were wandering around town in the middle of the night on their own; it was 1975, but still). Everything tied up neatly in the end. Perhaps a little too neatly. I just can't shake the feeling that I didn't... well, have any feelings to shake. (The last book I read by this author was The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, which was the best book I've read all year. It almost made me cry, which books so rarely do. Raymie Nightingale had a lot to live up to.)

As I said at the beginning, this isn't a bad book. Not at all. It might appeal more to middle graders, or to readers who enjoy really character-driven stories that might be light on plot. It was just sort of average for me... although I don't think that'll stop me from checking out Louisiana's story in the future.

Premise: 3/5
Plot: 3/5
Characters: 4/5
Pace: 3/5
Writing: 4/5
Editing: 4/5
Originality: 3/5
Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall Rating: 3.38 out of 5 ladybugs

Review - Sparkly Shoes and Picnic Parties

Sparkly Shoes and Picnic Parties (Amelie & Nanette #1)
by Sophie Tilley
Date: 2013
Publisher: Bloomsbury Children's Books
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

Amelie and Nanette are best friends, and have been FOREVER. Because there is nothing nicer than having a best friend to share your secrets and adventures with.

Everyone will be charmed by the wonderfully nostalgic, delightfully innocent and enchantingly carefree world of Amelie and Nanette. Their lives are rich with adventure, sometimes good, sometimes bad (and sometimes a little sad) but always mixed with laughter. From riverside picnics and seaside capers to cake-baking marathons and dressing-up, there's an adventure around every corner. And, even when things go wrong, there's nothing so awful that their friendship (and a big hug) can't make better.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

I get that there are girly-girls who love flowers and bows and butterflies and pretty dresses. And this book might appeal to them. Unfortunately, it didn't appeal to me, and I was pretty disgusted by the time I was finished.

First, it's so girly. It's like a pile of stereotypical female cisgender vomit... with a pretty bow on top (because a bow makes everything better). I'd hate to think that people would buy this for their girls simply because they're girls. Second, the whole premise is one of entitlement. Nanette gets a new pair of shoes and Amelie gets a new dress... so then they have to throw themselves a party because they got new stuff. I cringed reading that, thinking about what it would be like for a kid who's wearing their older sibling's hand-me-downs to come across this book in the library. They'd probably feel like they were missing out on something. Third, when the girls run into trouble on their picnic (Amelie's dog steals one of Nanette's shoes and Amelie's dress gets wet and dirty as they're chasing him), they don't actually solve any of their own problems. Their mothers do, and not even on the page; we're just told their mothers made everything all better (because that's what "good mothers" do... implying that if your mother can't or won't solve all your problems, she's not a good one). I wanted to see these girls more empowered. Instead, all we got were a couple of frivolous, spoiled little girls who couldn't even solve their own problems.

The illustrations are pretty, but they're cavity-inducing sweet. It's all a bit much, with the butterflies and flowers and pastel colours everywhere. The pictures might appeal to some kids, but I'd be hesitant to recommend this book to anyone because of the shallow, superficial, and disempowering message.

Premise: 1/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 3/5
Illustrations: 3/5
Originality: 2/5

Enjoyment: 1/5

Overall: 1.83 out of 5

Review - Little Lou and the Woolly Mammoth

Little Lou and the Woolly Mammoth
by Paula Bowles
Date: 2014
Publisher: Bloomsbury Children's Books
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

When Little Lou finds a wriggly, squiggly piece of wool amongst a pile of toys, she curiously gives it a tug. But - what's this? The wool tugs back - there's something at the other end! And as Little Lou follows the wool, she realises that it's attached to... A giant woolly mammoth! Quick, RUN!

But soon the woolly mammoth gets snagged, and he starts to get smaller... And smaller... And smaller. In fact, he is so small that he doesn't really seem so scary anymore - he's just the right size for a cuddle!

A charming tale of fear, friendship and not judging a book by it's cover, beautifully illustrated by Paula Bowles.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is an odd picture book. The illustrations are cute, but the story is strange and I kind of failed to see the point. Little Lou finds a loose thread and follows it, only to discover a woolly mammoth on the other end. She gets scared and runs away, and the mammoth chases her (which isn't as scary as it sounds, because it's blue and fluffy). But then it gets snagged on something and starts to unravel, becoming smaller and smaller until it's the size of a toy... at which point, it's afraid of Little Lou and runs away, leading to a chase in the opposite direction. She finally catches it, gives it a hug, and everything's good. So... yeah.

Maybe this would work better read aloud at storytime, but I felt the plot was pretty weak. It also can't decide whether it wants to be a rhyming picture book or not, so there are pages where the text rhymes, pages where it sort of does, and pages where it doesn't at all. It wasn't really consistent, and I think it might've worked better if it was one way or the other.

Most of the stars here come from the illustrations, which are colourful and cute. Based on the apparent age of Little Lou, this book is likely aimed at toddlers... and the story is probably a little too sparse to appeal to anyone older.

Premise: 2/5
Meter: 3/5
Writing: 3/5
Illustrations: 3/5
Originality: 3/5

Enjoyment: 2/5

Overall: 2.57 out of 5

Review - Zombies Need Love Too: And Still Another Liō Collection

Zombies Need Love Too: And Still Another Liō Collection (Liō #5)
by Mark Tatulli
Date: 2012
Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing LLC
Reading level: A
Book type: comic collection
Pages: 128
Format: e-book
Source: library

Lio is a successful comic strip syndicated by Universal Uclick in major markets throughout the United States. The main character, Lio, is a small boy with a penchant for befriending squids, monsters, and aliens. Lio is a curious scientist, a comic-book fan, defender of the defenseless and creator of an army of zombie bunnies. All without saying a word. Zombies Need Love Too is Lio's fifth book with AMP.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

I'd never even heard of Liō before I picked up this collection. I'm not sure I've been missing much.

Liō is a kid obsessed with the macabre. While his obsession with vampire fangs and zombies is kind of amusing, there are a few comics in this book that are in shockingly poor taste. I don't find anything funny about kids making fun of overweight people by calling them pigs (really?), pointing fake guns at bank tellers (white privilege, much?), building gadgets to grope women at the bus stop (it's the 21st century!), or buying leg-hold traps and then using them on humans; if Liō were a real child, he'd be in big trouble (and probably in need of a psych evaluation).

That said, there are a few comics in here that I did find pretty funny. Unfortunately, there were more that I didn't get, thought were stupid, or made me uncomfortable... so I don't think I'll be seeking out any more of Liō's adventures.

Quotable moment:

Writing & Editing: 3/5
Illustration: 3/5
Originality: 4/5

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall Rating: 3.2 out of 5 ladybugs

Review - Sam's Pet Temper

Sam's Pet Temper
by Sangeeta Bhadra
illustrated by Marion Arbona
Date: 2014
Publisher: Kids Can Press
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

Sam is so frustrated waiting his turn at the playground that a Temper shows up. Within seconds, the beastly, wild thing clears the place, and Sam happily plays alone with his new pet. But his Temper follows him everywhere, causing more and more trouble, until Sam realizes he needs to put a stop to it. How is the question... Kids will laugh at the relatable situations, while parents and teachers will enjoy the chance to talk about pet Tempers and ways to tame them.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This story is actually kind of fun. Sam finds a Temper at the playground one day (or, more accurately, it finds him), and after he takes it home with him, he gets into all sorts of trouble. Personifying something like a temper is pretty clever, although I'm not sure if really young children will understand the concept. I liked how Sam always tried to excuse his bad behaviour by blaming it on his new pet.

The illustrations are interesting, done in a very limited colour palette (black, brown, red, pink, turquoise, and blue), and heavily stylized. However, one of the illustrations when the Temper turned into a large, snake-like creature, was kind of frightening--I don't think I would've liked that page when I was a little kid.

Overall, the message is good... if the kids are savvy enough to grasp it. The premise is clever, and the illustrations are amusing.

Quotable moment:

"Sammy! What's gotten into you?" asked his mother.
"It's not me," said Sam. "It's my Temper."
"Well, control your temper," said his mother. "Now get washed up for supper."
Sam told the Temper, "You have to be good at home, okay?"
The Temper purred.

Premise: 4/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 4/5
Illustrations: 3/5
Originality: 4/5

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall: 3.5 out of 5

Review - Noisy Poems for a Busy Day

Noisy Poems for a Busy Day
by Robert Heidbreder
illustrated by Lori Joy Smith
Date: 2012
Publisher: Kids Can Press
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 40
Format: e-book
Source: library

Chock-full of playful pocket-sized poems that capture adventures big and small in a child’s day, this collection begs to be read aloud from sunup to sundown!

(synopsis from Goodreads)

Shel Silverstein this isn't. It says something (probably not good) when you can't read a book like this in one sitting. It's only 40 pages, after all! But something about the poems seemed tedious, and I just didn't enjoy this.

The book is divided up like a book of poems, and each one has a title. But, really, the poems are all part of one larger story about the mundane activities of a child's day. Waking, dressing, eating, burping (oh, lord, the burping), playing, fighting, bathing, sleeping, dreaming... If you're a human being, there's nothing new to see here. And the stupid poems were all the same. There were four lines of rhyming text, and then an interjection of some sort. A few poems in, and I was already getting bored.

The mealtime poems (there are three) are especially annoying. There's so much sloppy slurping and burping that I started to feel a little queasy. But the parent is more concerned about their child's grammar than their lousy manners:

"Can I help clean up?"

"May I?"

"OK!"

The illustrations are colourful, but they're very one-note, and I didn't feel anything looking at them. I guess if you like the style, they're fine, but they didn't impress me.

Overall, this is a weak book. It doesn't work as a story (it's far too tedious to read the whole thing at once), and the individual poems are so boring that it's not like you'd want to just pick a few favourites and read them aloud. For better kids' poems, check out Shel Silverstein's books, or even Chris Harris's I'm Just No Good at Rhyming.

Premise: 2/5
Meter: 3/5
Writing: 2/5
Illustrations: 2/5
Originality: 2/5

Enjoyment: 1/5

Overall: 1.86 out of 5

Review - Barkus

Barkus (Barkus #1)
by Patricia MacLachlan
illustrated by Marc Boutavant
Date: 2017
Publisher: Chronicle Books LLC
Reading level: C
Book type: illustrated chapter book
Pages: 51
Format: e-book
Source: library

Meet Barkus. Barkus is loyal. Barkus is generous. Barkus is family.

The exuberant Barkus and his lucky young owner whirl and twirl across the pages of this delightful pre-chapter book series from award-winning author Patricia MacLachlan. The accessible text is ideal for even the newest independent reader, while the warm, humorous story and energetic illustrations will appeal to picture book readers as well as advanced readers.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

Barkus kind of missed the mark for me. I get that it's supposed to be easy to read, but this sort of thing has been done way better by other authors (I kept thinking of the Bink & Gollie series as I was reading this). Barkus seems way too simple in comparison, and almost condescending in the overly simple storyline and word choices.

The illustrations are cute and colourful, but not that special. Overall, this seems like a forgettable sort of book, and I'm not sure who it will appeal to. If a child has graduated from picture books and is looking for something a little more sophisticated, they won't find it here; in fact, this seemed to be aimed at a younger audience than many picture books I've read.

Plot: 3/5
Characters: 2/5
Pace: 3/5
Writing & Editing: 3/5
Illustration: 3/5
Originality: 3/5

Enjoyment: 2/5

Overall Rating: 2.63 out of 5 ladybugs

Review - Arlene Sardine

Arlene Sardine
by Chris Raschka
Date: 1998
Publisher: Open Road Media Young Readers
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 40
Format: e-book
Source: library

So, you want to be a sardine?

Once there was a fish named Arlene, who wanted to be a sardine. She wanted to be a sardine just like the silvery, salty fish that you see in those little tins at the grocery store. With the bold brushstrokes of his vibrant illustrations, Chris Raschka follows Arlene’s journey from a fjord to a big net to a briny bath aboard a fishing boat. And he reveals just how to get packed like a sardine!

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This book falls squarely into the "What were they thinking?" category. All it does is perpetuate the idea that animals are only here to be killed for humans to eat, and even worse, that food is what they aspire to be. The story was one of the most macabre, disturbing, and gruesome ones I've read, and not because of the subject matter. (Even as a vegan, I found the facts interesting. The process of making sardines is explained with the proper terminology, which might appeal to kids who want to know all about how things work.) No, what disturbed me was the way Arlene was introduced, anthropomorphized, and then brutally killed. The book talks about her swimming around in the net until her stomach is empty, then getting pulled out of the sea with all her friends and sent to a factory... where the real horror begins. All of it is painted in a positive light, from the smoking to the canning to the cooking (this book actually tries to make being sealed and cooked in a can look like a good thing). Even worse, the author continually interjects with stupid comments about the dead fish's thoughts and feelings:

I'll bet Arlene felt well rested on the conveyor belt.

and

I wonder if Arlene was a little nervous for the final inspection.

No, Arlene doesn't feel anything. She doesn't feel well rested or nervous. She can't, because she's dead. Any emotions she might've had were taken away so someone could have a snack. I find it really appalling that this book is trying to gloss over the killing aspect, implying that Arlene is still alive to think and feel. Maybe the author/publisher thought they could get away with this because it was just a fish, but I can't imagine that a story about a cow who wanted to become a steak--which then goes into all the details of the slaughter, and then makes the steak sentient and happy to be a dead slab of meat--would go over very well.

One star for the factual information about how sardines are made. But the rest is just so, so wrong.

Premise: 0/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 0/5
Illustrations: 2/5
Originality: 1/5

Enjoyment: 0/5

Overall: 0.5 out of 5

Review - The Bunnies Are Not in Their Beds

The Bunnies Are Not in Their Beds
by Marisabina Russo
Date: 2007
Publisher: Schwartz & Wade
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 40
Format: e-book
Source: library

Here's the perfect bedtime read-aloud for the very youngest child. The text is filled with fun noises—click clack, click clack—and a repeating refrain—good night, good night, sleep tight—that's sure to have kids chiming in as they follow the antics of these bunnies who won't stay in bed. Kids will identify with the mischievous bunnies and their desire to play. Meanwhile, parents will empathize with Mama and Daddy's struggle to get them to sleep.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

Wow... those bunnies are brats. Way to go, Mama and Daddy!

I don't think I would've related to this one when I was a kid. Bedtime was bedtime, and my sister and I didn't have a problem with that. We weren't the type to get up and go play, which is what happens (over and over and over) in this book. I have a feeling I would've just been annoyed at these silly rabbit kids for disobeying their parents. (Oh, and if you can't get your kids to sleep because they have trains and horses and cars and a full brass band in their room... maybe it's time to rethink where you store their toys.)

The illustrations are passably cute, but this book felt way longer than it actually was. Definitely not a favourite.

Premise: 2/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 3/5
Illustrations: 3/5
Originality: 3/5

Enjoyment: 2/5

Overall: 2.5 out of 5

Review - Sleep Tight, Charlie

Sleep Tight, Charlie
by Michaël Escoffier
illustrated by Kris Di Giacomo
Date: 2017
Publisher: Princeton Architectural Press
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 56
Format: e-book
Source: library

It's been a busy day, and Charlie, like any tired rabbit, is ready for bed. He arranges his slippers and glass of water, finds his teddy bear, and checks to make sure there are no monsters under the bed. But just as he drifts off to sleep, TAP TAP TAP, a loud noise outside the window, wakes him up. It's not just the tapping of Bird that keeps him up, Squirrel starts cracking nuts, then Mouse begins playing on the swings. Will Charlie ever get some rest?! This playful and beautifully illustrated picture book is funny and entertaining. Charlie's humorous expressions, inspired by slapstick comedians like Charlie Chaplin, will make you laugh out loud at every turn.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

The cover of this book is odd, in that it doesn't really reflect what you're going to see on the inside. I wasn't even sure if I liked the style of illustration here. It grew on me by the end, but it's kind of dull and muted, and the characters have strange expressions at times. I'm not sure how appealing it would be for kids.

The story is somewhat cute, with Charlie trying to get some sleep, only to be interrupted by noise after noise, and getting more befuddled as his sleep deprivation worsens. The squirrel cracking nuts (with a nutcracker!) was fun, but I didn't like how Charlie ended up treating his neighbours. I get that he was frustrated, but he was awfully mean to the poor little mouse who just wanted to play on the swings; after threatening the mouse with a big cat and making it cry, he then screamed at the poor thing. (So I wasn't very sympathetic when, at the end of it all, Charlie himself was called out by the monster under the bed for snoring too loudly.)

So this book was just mediocre for me. I'm not sure how well it would go over with kids, either.

Premise: 2/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 3/5
Illustrations: 3/5
Originality: 3/5

Enjoyment: 2/5

Overall: 2.5 out of 5

Review - Be Quiet!

Be Quiet! (Bruce #3)
by Ryan T. Higgins
Date: 2017
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 40
Format: e-book
Source: library

All Rupert the mouse wants is to star in a beautiful, wordless picturebook. One that's visually stimulating! With scenic pictures! And style! He has plenty of ideas about what makes a great book, but his friends just WON'T. STOP. TALKING. Children and adults alike will chuckle at this comedic take on bookmaking from acclaimed author-illustrator Ryan T. Higgins.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is the third picture book by Ryan T. Higgins that I've read. While it isn't my favourite, it's still really good.

Rupert the mouse decides he wants to make a wordless picture book because they're "very artistic". Unfortunately, his two friends have other ideas. They mean well, but while they're trying to help, they just keep talking. The result is that there are words on every page of this "wordless" picture book.

The illustrations are as charming as ever, with great facial expressions on Rupert and his friends and a detailed forest setting. Characters from some of Higgins's other books even make cameos. While this book is a little short on story, it's still plenty amusing, and the characters are great.

Quotable moment:

Premise: 4/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 4/5
Illustrations: 4/5
Originality: 4/5

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall: 4 out of 5

Review - Leave Me Alone!

Leave Me Alone!
by Vera Brosgol
Date: 2016
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 40
Format: e-book
Source: library

A 2017 Caldecott Honor Book that The New York Times calls “both classic and ultracontemporary,” Leave Me Alone! is an epic tale about one grandmother, a giant sack of yarn, and her ultimate quest to finish her knitting.

One day, a grandmother shouts, "LEAVE ME ALONE!" and leaves her tiny home and her very big family to journey to the moon and beyond to find peace and quiet to finish her knitting. Along the way, she encounters ravenous bears, obnoxious goats, and even hordes of aliens! But nothing stops grandma from accomplishing her goal—knitting sweaters for her many grandchildren to keep them warm and toasty for the coming winter.

Vera Brosgol's slyly clever and unexpectedly funny modern folktale is certain to warm even the coldest of hearts.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is a bit of a confused book. It doesn't know whether it wants to be folksy or just plain weird. And there's not a lot of consistency, so it's kind of a chaotic read.

I felt for the poor old woman at the beginning. I bet when she had three daughters, she never expected them to spend their early adulthood being brood mares. The poor old thing ends up with thirty grandchildren, with not a son-in-law in sight (which I guess explains why they all have to live with her in her house). Way to pick your husbands, ladies.

So the old woman wants to get some knitting done for her annoying grandchildren. Of course, she can't get it done in that house, with all those dumb kids trying to eat her yarn, so she packs up her stuff (yarn, samovar, etc.) in a big sack and goes into the woods. She builds a fire so she can see to knit, and then is immediately accosted by bears. She tells them to leave her alone, but the bears don't get it because they don't understand English. (Logic fail #1: If you're in a rural Russian setting, it's not surprising that the bears don't speak English. I would be more surprised if they did.)

She leaves the woods and climbs the mountain, where she encounters goats. I thought these guys were actually pretty cute, but the old woman doesn't stay there long because the goats keep trying to eat her yarn (much like her grandchildren... but at least the goats are more discerning; they like the red yarn best). So she keeps walking up the mountain and--now things start to get really stupid--onto the moon. Where she meets moon-men. With scanners. She doesn't like them, either (this woman doesn't seem to like anyone) so she steps through a wormhole into a black void. Yes, a wormhole. It's dark and quiet, and she gets all of her knitting done. (Logic fail #2: If you need to build a fire in the forest so you can see to knit, how are you able to knit in a pitch-black void?)

The woman knits thirty little sweaters (I don't know why; don't give those little parasites gifts, or they'll stay forever!) and goes through another wormhole and back to her house. Everything is just as she left it, apparently. I'm not sure if this was supposed to be a good or a bad thing; to be honest, by that point, I was just waiting for the book to be over.

The illustrations are cute and funny, but the story was so all over the place that I didn't like it at all. If there's a sequel where the old woman tells her three daughters to find their own place and discipline their own darn kids, I might read that; as it was, I was so frustrated by the irresponsible breeding, and the chaos in the house was stressing me out. I don't blame the old woman for continually shouting, "Leave me alone!"

If she'd been smart, she would've stayed in the void.

Quotable moment:

Premise: 1/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 3/5
Illustrations: 3/5
Originality: 3/5

Enjoyment: 1/5

Overall: 2 out of 5

Review - A Library Book for Bear

A Library Book for Bear (Bear and Mouse)
by Bonny Becker
illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton
Date: 2014
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

Curmudgeonly Bear succumbs to Mouse’s entreaties and discovers the joy of books in a hilarious story that fans will covet for their own library.

Bear does not want to go to the library. He is quite sure he already has all the books he will ever need. Yet the relentlessly cheery Mouse, small and gray and bright-eyed, thinks different. When Bear reluctantly agrees to go with his friend to the big library, neither rocket ships nor wooden canoes are enough for Bear’s picky tastes. How will Mouse ever find the perfect book for Bear? Children will giggle themselves silly as Bear’s arguments give way to his inevitable curiosity, leading up to a satisfying story hour and a humorously just-right library book.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

Bear really doesn't like change. He likes his routine, and the seven books on his mantel, thank you very much. So when Mouse takes him to the library, Bear is sure he won't find anything he wants to read. It takes getting sucked in by storytime for Bear to see that the library just might have something to offer him after all.

Like A Bedtime for Bear, this book features charming illustrations with great facial expressions on the characters (especially Bear). The message about trying new things is good. I didn't enjoy this one quite as much as A Bedtime for Bear, though they're pretty close. I'd like to read more of Bear and Mouse's adventures; unfortunately, our library isn't as well stocked as the one in this book.

Quotable moment:

Premise: 4/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 4/5
Illustrations: 4/5
Originality: 4/5

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall: 3.67 out of 5

Review - Mother Bruce

Mother Bruce (Bruce #1)
by Ryan T. Higgins
Date: 2015
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 48
Format: e-book
Source: library

Bruce the bear likes to keep to himself. That, and eat eggs. But when his hard-boiled goose eggs turn out to be real, live goslings, he starts to lose his appetite. And even worse, the goslings are convinced he's their mother. Bruce tries to get the geese to go south, but he can't seem to rid himself of his new companions. What's a bear to do?

(synopsis from Goodreads)

I read We Don't Eat Our Classmates yesterday, and today I had the pleasure of reading Mother Bruce... and now I want to read all of Ryan T. Higgins's books!

The story in this one is simple and sweet, but it was the illustrations that really made it for me. Watching Bruce raise the goslings from cute little babies to surly teenagers to "boring" adults (the book's word, not mine) was so much fun. I loved the amusing ways Bruce tried to deal with his problem, and enjoyed the heartwarming ending. The book doesn't take itself too seriously, so it's pretty funny at times; there's something kind of hilarious about a bear looking up recipes on the Internet and then pillaging the forest for the necessary ingredients.

This is another winner from Higgins, a picture book that will be just as fun for adults to read as it will be for kids to listen to.

Quotable moment:

But Bruce didn't eat
eggs raw like other bears.

Instead, he cooked them
into fancy recipes that
he found on the internet.

Premise: 5/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 4/5
Illustrations: 5/5
Originality: 4/5

Enjoyment: 5/5

Overall: 4.67 out of 5