Review - V Is for Vegan: The ABCs of Being Kind

V Is for Vegan: The ABCs of Being Kind
by Ruby Roth
Date: 2013
Publisher: North Atlantic Books
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book non-fiction
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

Introducing three- to seven-year-olds to the "ABCs" of a compassionate lifestyle, V Is for Vegan is a must-have for vegan and vegetarian parents, teachers, and activists! Acclaimed author and artist Ruby Roth brings her characteristic insight and good humor to a controversial and challenging subject, presenting the basics of animal rights and the vegan diet in an easy-to-understand, teachable format. Through memorable rhymes and charming illustrations, Roth introduces readers to the major vegan food groups (grains, beans, seeds, nuts, vegetables, and fruits) as well as broader concepts such as animal protection and the environment. Sure to bring about laughter and learning, V Is for Vegan will boost the confidence of vegan kids about to enter school and help adults explain their ethical worldview in a way that young children will understand.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

I haven't come across a lot of vegan books for kids. Actually, this may be one of the first ones I've read.

V Is for Vegan is a simple rhyming alphabet book that talks about various vegan foods (and non-vegan things like dairy, eggs, and fur). It's easy to understand, and quite cute overall.

I have to say, I'm not a huge fan of the style of the pictures. And, for some reason, I found the font a bit hard to read in spots. It's supposed to look like a child's scrawl, but the difference in size of some of the letters confused my brain a bit (for example, on the Bb page, it took me a moment to figure out that what looked like "beduty" was actually "beauty")!

But if you're looking for a picture book that introduces some simple ideas about veganism to young children, you can't really go wrong here. It's a non-judgmental look at veganism geared toward the youngest readers, and it oozes fun and positivity.

Quotable moment:

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

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall: 4.14 out of 5

Review - Bunnies on the Bus

Bunnies on the Bus
by Philip Ardagh
illustrated by Ben Mantle
Date: 2020
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: NetGalley

A romping, riotous read-aloud from best-selling author Philip Ardagh and award-winning illustrator Ben Mantle.

Bunnies on the bus!
Bunnies on the bus!
No wonder there’s a fuss
about the bunnies on the bus!

There are bunnies on the bus, and they’re causing mayhem in Sunny Town! Watch as they whiz past the bus stop, fly by the swings, and zoom over the crosswalk — these bunnies aren’t stopping for anyone. They finally reach the station, but where are they hopping off to now? Uh-oh . . . Acclaimed author Philip Ardagh’s rhyming, high-energy text and “Bunnies on the bus!” refrain is ideal for library or classroom read-alouds, and Ben Mantle’s colorful illustrations are chock-full of zany details perfect for repeat reads.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

Where's the plot?

I can see this one becoming a favourite of kids... while being detested by their parents. A bunch of badly behaved rabbits are on a bus that zips madly through town, driven in a reckless (and dangerous) manner. Where are the bunnies going? Who knows? At the end of their rush, they get off the bus and onto a train. Maybe the journey is the destination, but... this is boring.

The pictures are cute, but they can't make up for the lack of story. I don't think I'd recommend this one.

Thank you to NetGalley and Candlewick Press for providing a digital ARC.

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

Enjoyment: 1/5

Overall: 2 out of 5

Review - Hope and Freckles: Fleeing to a Better Forest

Hope and Freckles: Fleeing to a Better Forest
by Bill Kiley
illustrated by Mary Manning
Date: 2020
Publisher: Mascot Books
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 38
Format: e-book
Source: NetGalley

Hope, a white-tailed deer, and her spotted fawn, Freckles, are facing hunger and danger in their forest. Hope decides that they must leave their home and go in search of a better place where they will be safe. When they arrive at a new forest, Hope and Freckles face unexpected challenges that will force them apart. Will they be reunited? After you have read the story of Hope and Freckles, continue to explore the stories of people all over the world who have to leave their homes because of danger or hunger. Let the tale of Hope and Freckles begin to teach you about the millions of people who face the same difficulties that this mother deer and her little boy face as refugees.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

While this purports to be a book about refugees around the world, it's clear that the events in the story are based on what's going on in a particular area: the border between the United States and Mexico. There's nothing wrong with this, of course, but it does lead to some disturbing plot points. (Like Bambi, this book has the potential to traumatize.)

Hope and her son, Freckles, are facing danger in the Olden Forest. So they decide to leave and make their way to the Big Pine Forest where Hope hopes they'll find a better life. But when they arrive, they're confronted with a fence and guards who tell them they can't come in. They might have disease-carrying ticks in their fur, after all. So the deer wait until, finally, they're allowed in... only to find out that the fawns will be separated from their parents. Eventually, Hope gets word that she and Freckles will be allowed to stay, and they are reunited... just before Hope witnesses the other deer being loaded onto trucks and sent back to their dangerous forests without their fawns.

The story is kind of brutal... but so is the treatment of refugees. The message is tempered somewhat by the adorable illustrations. They're perhaps my favourite part of the book.

Sometimes the truth is difficult to face. I think I'd recommend this one with some reservations. It's the kind of book that requires some discussion between kids and adults to get the most out of it (and so children aren't unnecessarily frightened by the thought of someone coming to take them away from their parents). It might not be appropriate for refugee children, since it has the potential to put new worries in their head. But it will probably need to be looked at on a case-by-case basis.

Thank you to NetGalley and Mascot Books for providing a digital ARC.

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

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall: 3.33 out of 5

Review - Dylan's Birthday Present

Dylan's Birthday Present
by Victor D. O. Santos
illustrated by Eszter Miklós
Date: 2020
Publisher: Linguacious
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: NetGalley

Dylan is an American boy like many others. One thing makes him special, though: his parents come from other countries and speak to him in different languages. It's his birthday today and he receives a very unusual present, only to lose it shortly after. Together with his best friend Emma, a sweet bilingual girl born to South African parents, Dylan sets out to find his lost birthday present. During their search, the two friends learn about the value of friendship, of speaking different languages, and of appreciating one's own as well as others' cultural and linguistic background.

This book is a great way to introduce readers to the topic of different languages, cultural diversity, and acceptance of differences. While reading the book, readers will also learn six new words in other languages (link with audio pronunciation for each word can be found in the book).

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is a book that tries to teach a few words of various languages, but ends up coming off as unrealistic and a bit elitist.

Right at the beginning, a subtle swipe is taken at the monolingual. Things don't get much better as we're launched into a ridiculous story. First, Dylan's birthday present is that he can have any present he can think of. (Say what?!) He chooses a chicken. So his father just goes out and buys him a live chicken. The thing inevitably runs away (because who needs fences or coops when you're trying to spoil your kid?) and Dylan and his friend Emma go on a neighbourhood journey to find the lost chicken. They encounter a stereotypical grumpy old woman who looks like she stepped out of historical fiction, and then a man who doesn't speak English. They find the chicken, and then Dylan's dad says he'll build a coop the next day. Um... ya think?

The illustrations are plagued by size issues and aren't very interesting to look at. They're "cute", but I still didn't like them. And for a book that's aiming to teach kids about different languages, only including six words in a 32-page book seems a little lazy. For a much better book that incorporates bilingualism seamlessly into the story, check out El Chupacabras by Adam Rubin.

Thank you to NetGalley and Linguacious for providing a digital ARC.

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

Enjoyment: 1/5

Overall: 1.83 out of 5

Review - AAAlligator!

AAAlligator!
by Judith Henderson
illustrated by Andrea Stegmaier
Date: 2020
Publisher: Kids Can Press
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 40
Format: e-book
Source: NetGalley

When a hungry alligator moves to their town, the residents want him out . . . until they get to know him (and learn what he's actually hungry for!). A timely tale about empathy, acceptance and a community's response to injustice.

Though he's scared at first, a boy who encounters an alligator in the woods soon realizes that all the alligator wants is companionship --- and leftovers --- and the two become good friends. But the mayor of the boy's town simply won't allow it. He even makes an official proclamation, "NO ALLIGATORS! Blah, blah, blah." The townspeople agree with the mayor. At first. But once they see how kind and helpful the alligator is (and how nice it is to have someone to eat all their leftovers!), they decide the alligator should be allowed to stay. They help the alligator avoid the mayor, for a while. But it's becoming harder to find a place for him to hide. Can they all come together and find a way to keep the alligator in their town?

Judith Henderson's funny, whimsical and heartwarming picture book tale offers a playful way to engage children with issues of injustice and civil disobedience. In this timely story, a boy and then an entire community move beyond their fear of the "other" and respond with acceptance; then they movingly take it a step further to make change. It highlights the positive character education attributes of empathy, kindness, caring and courage. Andrea Stegmaier's illustrations include loads of charming details that are not in the text, making them a perfect complement to the story's warm and quirky style. This is a terrific book for lessons on communities and social justice.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

Here's yet another book that minimizes the dangers of wild animals. It might be appropriate for kids in northern latitudes, but it could be problematic for kids in alligator country.

A boy encounters an alligator in the woods, saves it, and eventually befriends it. But the mayor decrees that no alligators are allowed. The townspeople disobey the orders, feed the alligator their leftovers, and everyone is happy. (Except for the mayor; the text implies that he gets eaten, although the pictures suggest something else.)

I don't find books like this funny. I worry that kids will get the wrong idea about wild animals, especially in cases like this where the animal isn't anthropomorphized very much. The townspeople weren't being bigots when they worried about an alligator in their village; they were simply being logical.

The illustrations are okay, and the text is well written. Some kids will probably enjoy this one. But I don't think I'd recommend it to anyone who lives in a place where there's even a remote chance of an alligator turning up in the backyard; the consequences of a child thinking an alligator is a friendly pet could be disastrous.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kids Can Press for providing a digital ARC.

Premise: 2/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 4/5
Illustrations: 3/5
Originality: 3/5

Enjoyment: 2/5

Overall: 2.67 out of 5

Review - Catch That Chicken!

Catch That Chicken!
by Atinuke
illustrated by Angela Brooksbank
Date: 2020
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: NetGalley

The team behind Baby Goes to Market and B Is for Baby visit a Nigerian village for a humorous ode to childhood ingenuity.

Lami is the best chicken catcher in the whole village. Her sister may be speedy at spelling, her friend fast at braiding hair, and her brother brave with bulls, but when it comes to chickens, nobody is faster or braver than Lami. That is, until the day when Lami chases a little too fast, up the baobab tree, and reaches a little too far…ow! How can she catch chickens with an ankle that’s puffed up like an angry lizard? Could it be, as Nana Nadia says, that quick thinking is more important than quick running? Award-winning author Atinuke celebrates Nigerian village life in a story vibrantly illustrated by Angela Brooksbank with a universal message at its heart.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is a story about a little girl in a Nigerian village who's great at catching chickens.

I'm not really sure what else to say about it. It's a simple story, highlighting the girl's skill at catching chickens (until she falls out of a tree and sprains her ankle). I'm not a fan of the way crying was discouraged (after all, the kid was hurt), but that may be a cultural thing. The illustrations are cute and depict the bustling village and all of Lami's friends and relatives.

Those looking for picture books set in other countries might want to check this one out. It's a very simple story, though, probably best suited to younger readers.

Thank you to NetGalley and Candlewick Press for providing a digital ARC.

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

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall: 3 out of 5

Review - Harold and the Purple Crayon

Harold and the Purple Crayon
by Crockett Johnson
Date: 1955
Publisher: HarperCollins
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 64
Format: e-book
Source: library

Share this timeless classic with a new generation of readers! The handsome retro look and the focus on the power of imagination resonate with today's parents and children, making Harold and the Purple Crayon a joy to share.

One evening, after thinking it over for some time, Harold decided to go for a walk in the moonlight. Armed only with an oversize purple crayon, young Harold draws himself a landscape full of wonder and excitement. Harold and his crayon travel through woods and across seas and past dragons before returning to bed, safe and sound.

Full of funny twists and surprises, this joyful story shows just how far your imagination can take you. Harold and the Purple Crayon has delighted readers of all ages for decades and has lost none of its imagination-sparking wonder.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This book has been out for a long time! Despite the fact that it's now 65 years old, it reads as if it could've been written yesterday. Aside from the double length that most picture books of that era had, it's a book that would fit in well in any modern child's library.

Harold decides to go for a walk. Armed with his purple crayon, he draws himself a few adventures, and eventually gets just a little bit lost. The moon, however, has been following him the whole time. With a bit of smart thinking, Harold figures out how to make his way home again.

I don't remember ever reading this one, despite its age. I have, however, read Aaron Becker's Journey, which is a wordless picture book in a similar vein featuring children influencing their adventures with a drawing tool. Fans of either of these books will probably find much to enjoy in the other.

Overall, this was a pleasant surprise. I often find picture books from the mid-20th century a bit long and drawn out. But Harold and the Purple Crayon rolls along at a great clip, and leaves the reader wondering what adventures Harold and his crayon will have next.

Quotable moment:

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

Enjoyment: 5/5

Overall: 4.5 out of 5

Review - Shubh Diwali!

Shubh Diwali!
by Chitra Soundar
illustrated by Charlene Chua
Date: 2019
Publisher: Albert Whitman Company
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

Diwali has arrived! Rangoli art decorates the floor and strings of flowers hang around the doors. Now it's time to ring the bells, light the lamps, and welcome the new year with family and friends. A sweet introduction to the Hindu festival of lights.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

I've read a few Diwali books now, and this is perhaps one of the strongest. Rather than a vague overview of the festival, Shubh Diwali! offers detailed information in a clear and easy-to-read author's note. The charming main text, done in simple verse, is highlighted by colourful illustrations that show families participating in the traditions of this Hindu festival.

I would definitely recommend this one to readers who are interested in holidays and festivals from around the world.

Quotable moment:

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

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall: 3.71 out of 5

Review - The Stray

The Stray
by Molly Ruttan
Date: 2020
Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

Adopting an extraterrestrial leads to mixed results!

When a family goes for a stroll one morning and encounters an adorable little creature with no collar or tag (who just happens to be sitting in the wreckage of an unidentified crash-landed object), they happily adopt the lovable stray. They name him Grub and set about training him, but that works surprisingly... poorly. Taking him for a walk is an unexpected adventure, too. As hard as they try to make Grub feel at home, it's just not working. Could he already have a family of his own? Maybe he isn't really a stray, after all--just lost. But how on earth will they be able to find his family when he seems to come from somewhere... out of this world?

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This looked like it would be cute, but it kind of rubbed me the wrong way. The illustrations are lovely, and the text is strong... but there's something sort of offensive about the whole thing.

A family finds a little creature in a crashed spaceship. They take him home and try to get him to be their pet. But Grub (as they call him) is not really trainable, and has a habit of making objects float. He doesn't seem very happy, either, so the family decides they need to find out who he actually belongs to.

What irked me was the initial assumption made by the family that Grub was little more than a pet. He was in the wreckage of a flying saucer, which led me to believe that he was the one flying it. (There was no mention of anyone else in the ship.) So what's the first thing the humans do? Put a collar and leash on the poor guy and selfishly treat him like their dog. Then they make the assumption that he's someone else's pet. These assumptions bothered me. How do they know Grub wasn't an intelligent being with agency? The way they treated him was rather disturbing, and what it brought to mind for me was colonial expansionists encountering indigenous peoples and viewing them as unintelligent sub-humans. How did this family know that Grub wasn't actually the pilot of that flying saucer? They weren't necessarily unkind to him, but they treated him in a condescending, infantilizing way that made me uncomfortable.

I don't know if I'd recommend this one or not. Maybe if there were some discussion about the family's questionable treatment of poor Grub, it could be a good opening for a conversation. Other than that, though, I don't think the message here is one I'd want to see perpetuated.

Premise: 1/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 4/5
Illustrations: 3/5
Originality: 3/5

Enjoyment: 1/5

Overall: 2.17 out of 5

Review - Lemon Child

Lemon Child
by Nele Brönner
Date: 2020
Publisher: NorthSouth Books
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: NetGalley

The lemons on the tree are finally ripe, and there is great excitement.

Only one of the little lemons is still green. Little Tony has a mind of his own. The view from the lemon tree is enough for him. Who wants to go out into the big wild world? But soon Tony is the only lemon left hanging on the tree. Will he take a risk and jump? When Tony finally lets go, his courage is rewarded.

Nele Brönner’s humorous story about maturity and growing up with her expressive style is sure to charm little listeners.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

Well, that was weird.

This is a book about a reluctant lemon named Tony. While all his brothers and sisters are ripening and falling from the lemon tree, Tony's content to remain green and stay stuck to his branch. But when all of his family is gone, Tony finds that he's a bit lonely. So he decides to take the plunge...

I was engaged with the story up until the ending. After Tony falls from the tree, he isn't really "rewarded", as the synopsis says... unless "rewarded" has a different meaning that I don't know about. He ends up placed on a windowsill where he'll have the same view of the world until he rots. But the lack of a change of scenery was the reason he let himself fall from the tree in the first place!

The illustrations are amusing, and the whole concept is sort of wonderfully absurd. The ending kind of weakened the whole reading experience for me, but I'm not sure what kind of ending the book should've had. When we're talking about an anthropomorphized food, getting placed on a windowsill is probably the least horrifying of options.

Overall... this is weird. But it might appeal to some readers. Check it out for the pictures, anyway.

Thank you to NetGalley and NorthSouth Books for providing a digital ARC.

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

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall: 3.33 out of 5

Review - Pearl Goes to Preschool

Pearl Goes to Preschool
by Julie Fortenberry
Date: 2020
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: NetGalley

Pearl loves to dance! But will she love preschool, too?

Pearl loves attending dance classes at her mother's ballet school. Even though Pearl is the youngest and smallest ballerina, she knows how to count her poses and follow along. When her mom suggests that Pearl try going to preschool, Pearl has a lot of questions: What will she learn? Will there be dancing? A sweet and reassuring story about trying something new that's perfect for young children with separation anxiety -- or who just love to dance!

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is a sweet little picture book that provides reassurance to children who might be on the verge of starting preschool for the first time.

Pearl attends dance classes. But her mother suggests that she might like preschool, too. Pearl thinks she already knows some of the things she would learn there, but as she asks questions and her mother answers, she starts to think that maybe preschool is something she would like to try. So she does. Will she like it as much as dance class?

What I really like about this one is that Pearl has the power. Her mother doesn't just tell her she's going to preschool, but instead introduces the idea and lets Pearl come around to the idea of going. It makes for a positive experience for all involved.

The illustrations are cute, but probably a matter of taste. The scribbly aesthetic won't be for everyone. I think it works well enough here, though.

Overall, this is a cute book. I'd probably recommend it to the pre-preschool set and their parents.

Thank you to NetGalley and Candlewick Press for providing a digital ARC.

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

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall: 3.67 out of 5

Review - Look for Ladybug in Ocean City

Look for Ladybug in Ocean City
by Katherina Manolessou
Date: 2020
Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children's Books
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: NetGalley

Join in the hunt and help look for Ladybug! Daisy and Basil and Ladybug set off on a much needed holiday, away from the busy detective agency. They decide to go scuba diving, but as Sally the instructor teaches them how to dive, Ladybug sneaks away in a submarine and off into Ocean City. Can the pair find Ladybug? Follow Daisy and Basil as they look for Ladybug all over Ocean City. Is he at Seaweed Central Station, Octopus Gardens, the building site or the art gallery? This stylish search and find picture book is full of witty, colorful illustrations packed with visual jokes and all sorts of things to spot to delight children for hours.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is a search-and-find picture book. While the illustrations are certainly detailed, the story left me a little cold. Daisy and Basil, for all of their talk about wanting to find their friend, don't really seem that concerned in some parts of their journey.

While Daisy and Basil are learning how to deep-sea dive, their friend Ladybug gets bored and unilaterally decides to play hide-and-seek. The game takes the trio through many different parts of the ocean, where there are lots of things to look for in the illustrations.

I have a couple of issues. One is that, on a couple of occasions, Daisy and Basil abandon the search for their friend so they can do fun things for themselves. They do this even while lamenting the loss of Ladybug and wondering if they will ever find him. (Do real friends stop to take in a show while their friend is missing?)

The other issue is the text itself. I realize it was probably compressed to fit within the illustrations, but clumping all the dialogue together into single paragraphs can get confusing. The technical aspects of the writing are also questionable in places, and at one point I thought I might've been reading a translation when I came across a sentence with two errors in it:

The engineer pointed out a TWO SEALS CARRYING A ROCK, a FISH DRIVING A EXCAVATOR, and a CRAB WEARING EIGHT HELMETS.

Kids who like this kind of book likely won't notice these things and will just be engrossed by the search. There are (thankfully) answer keys at the back, just in case you can't find everything yourself. I had kind of a hard time with some objects, but that was mostly because they were too small for me to see clearly. I'm not sure how big the printed version is going to be, but reading the e-book on a small laptop screen is a bit tricky.

Overall, I'd probably recommend this to kids who enjoy search-and-find picture books. That aspect helps make up for the lacklustre story.

Thank you to NetGalley and Frances Lincoln Children's Books for providing a digital ARC.

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 - Child of the Universe

Child of the Universe
by Ray Jayawardhana
illustrated by Raul Colón
Date: 2020
Publisher: Make Me a World
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 40
Format: e-book
Source: library

Just like the sun gives shine to the moon,
you light up the world beyond this room . . .
You are grand and marvelous, strong and mysterious.
The history of the world is in your fingertips.

A meditation on the preciousness of one child and the vastness of the universe, this picture book shares the measure of a parent's love along with the message that we are all connected to the broader cosmos.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

I've read other books in this vein before. This one left me a little bit cold. I wasn't a fan of the really loose rhymes ("mysterious" and "fingertips" rhyme here... apparently). The pictures are okay but didn't wow me. The basic premise is that we're all made of star stuff. That's fine. But I've seen it done better elsewhere.

If you're a fan of Raul Colón's work, you may want to check this one out. If you're looking for a better book with the same premise, try You Are Stardust by Elin Kelsey and Soyeon Kim.

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

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall: 3 out of 5

Review - Sasha and His Red Leash

Sasha and His Red Leash (The Secret Diary of a Lucky Pup #1)
by Yossi Lapid
illustrated by Joanna Pasek
Date: 2020
Publisher: Lapid Children's Books
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 25
Format: e-book
Source: author

Sasha is one lucky pup! He takes a long walk each morning, he gets a healthy treat when he comes back, and Big Boss Bob, his loving owner, plays ball with him every day. However, Sasha’s life is not perfect. He hates his red leash, but Bob insists that the leash is needed to keep everybody safe. Will Bob and Sasha find a good solution to Sasha’s troubled relationship with his leash?

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This cute little book will likely appeal to dog lovers. Sasha is a fluffy pup who enjoys playing with his owner, Big Boss Bob. One thing he doesn't like, however, is his red leash. Sasha would much rather be free, so he does everything he can think of to try to get rid of that pesky red leash. But Bob explains to Sasha that the leash is just for his protection.

The book ends with a series of scenes that ask the reader whether or not Sasha is in an unsafe situation (and, therefore, whether or not he needs to wear his leash). This introduces a bit of an interactive element to the book. The main narrative is in rhyme, so it would likely work well as a read-aloud title. (There's some questionable capitalization and comma use, which further makes this more appropriate as a title to be read out loud.)

Overall, this is pretty cute. The illustrations by Joanna Pasek capture the dog's antics as well as its emotions (especially concerning that leash).

Thank you to Yossi Lapid for providing a digital ARC.

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

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall: 3.43 out of 5

Review - Infinity

Infinity
by Pablo Bernasconi
Date: 2020
Publisher: Penny Candy Books
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 72
Format: e-book
Source: NetGalley

How many ways are there to define forever? With machines that power the sun and moon, ballet dancers, desert islands, abandoned bird cages, firefighters, physics, Shakespeare, and more, Argentinian author-illustrator Pablo Bernasconi, finalist for the 2018 Hans Christian Andersen Award, creates a universe where the possibilities are endless.

Pairing stunning imagery with poetic meditations, Bernasconi invites kids and adults to use their imaginations to consider the concept of infinity. Is it an idea that refuses to be caged in a word? Maybe! Is it a jar full of stories and white ink spilled on the snow? Could be! Winner of the Grand Prize from the Asociación de Literatura Infantil y Juvenil de la Argentina (ALIJA) in 2018, Infinity works equally well as a bedtime story, a teaching prompt, or a graduation gift.

(synopsis from NetGalley; see it on Goodreads)

The poetry here will probably go over most kids' (and probably many adults') heads, but the real strength of this book is in its illustrations, anyway. The mixed-media pieces are stunning and thought provoking, perfectly complementing the little snippets of philosophical thought.

I highly recommend checking this one out for the aesthetic alone.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penny Candy Books for providing a digital ARC.

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

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall: 3.83 out of 5

Review - A Stray

A Stray
by Michael Wang
illustrated by Neal Sharp
Date: 2016
Publisher: Marshall Cavendish Children
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 40
Format: e-book
Source: library

A Stray is a story about Myra-Lou who longs to have a stray cat for a pet. Her parents are appalled and her brother is disgusted. But Myra-Lou is insistent. After much haggling and a twist of fortune, Myra-Lou finally gets her stray. This is a story that deals with the irrational attachment that children can have over a dream or an object, and the extent that a family would go to to reach a compromise without abandoning their principles.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is the second book I've read from this author, who apparently bases his picture book characters on his own kids. I have to say, I don't think his children are going to appreciate this when they're older, because they're coming across as weird. In Liam, the Brave we met a boy who was afraid of butterflies. In A Stray, we meet Liam's sister, Myra-Lou, who is obsessed with having a stinky, flea-ridden stray cat as a pet.

I just couldn't understand why Myra-Lou wanted something so disgusting. Yes, kids can get weird notions in their heads. I thought maybe there would've been some message about giving love to the creatures that need it most. There is, but it's subtle. Myra-Lou is mostly just obsessed with having something disgusting (as evidenced by the way she puts her toy cat on the window sill in the rain to let it get dirty, wet, and smelly). I'm also not a fan of the way her parents bought a cat for her at the pet store. Even the note at the end doesn't really discourage this; it mentions adoption as an option, but doesn't highlight the fact that pets bought from pet stores encourage things like puppy mills and irresponsible breeding.

The illustrations are really cute, which is why my rating isn't lower. But I just can't get past this weird kid who wants a dirty, smelly, flea-ridden stray cat to cuddle.

Premise: 2/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 3/5
Illustrations: 4/5
Originality: 3/5

Enjoyment: 2/5

Overall: 2.67 out of 5

Review - Accordionly

Accordionly
by Michael Genhart
illustrated by Priscilla Burris
Date: 2020
Publisher: Magination Press
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: NetGalley

When both grandpas, Abuelo and Opa, visit at the same time, they can't understand each other's language and there is a lot of silence. The grandson's clever thinking helps find a way for everyone to share the day together as two cultures become one family. This unique book includes a bonus fold-out and a note from the author sharing the true story of his own family.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is a simple little story about a multicultural family. When both grandfathers visit at the same time, they feel uncomfortable because they don't speak the same language. Or do they? The little boy knows that both his grandfathers play the accordion, so he encourages them to play... and the two men learn that they have something in common after all.

The story is fine and the illustrations are cute. This would be a nice book for kids who are dealing with similar multicultural or language issues in their own families.

Thank you to NetGalley and Magination Press for providing a digital ARC.

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

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall: 3.33 out of 5

Review - Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns: A Muslim Book of Colors

Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns: A Muslim Book of Colors
by Hena Khan
illustrated by Mehrdokht Amini
Date: 2012
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

Magnificently capturing the colorful world of Islam for the youngest readers, this breathtaking and informative picture book celebrates Islam's beauty and traditions. From a red prayer rug to a blue hijab, everyday colors are given special meaning as young readers learn about clothing, food, and other important elements of Islamic culture, with a young Muslim girl as a guide. Sure to inspire questions and observations about world religions and cultures, Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns is equally at home in a classroom reading circle as it is being read to a child on a parent's lap.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

I read Crescent Moons and Pointed Minarets: A Muslim Book of Shapes a couple of years ago, and quite liked it. Our library just got Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns: A Muslim Book of Colors, even though it came out years earlier. I'm glad I got a chance to have a look at it, because it's just as strong as its companion.

The illustrations are lovely and clear and really help set off the text. I also like that there's a glossary at the back that offers a little more explanation of the terms used in the book, many of which non-Muslim readers won't be familiar with.

Overall, this is a strong picture book that highlights Muslim traditions. I would definitely recommend it, along with Crescent Moons and Pointed Minarets.

Quotable moment:

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

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall: 4 out of 5

Review - T. Rex Time Machine: Dinos in De-Nile

T. Rex Time Machine: Dinos in De-Nile
by Jared Chapman
Date: 2019
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 44
Format: e-book
Source: library

Two T. Rexes are whisked away by their time machine to ancient Egypt, where King Tut mistakes them for Sobek, god of the Nile. They are treated to glorious feasts and magnificent tours. But when the aliens land—they're in the middle of constructing the pyramids—and expose the supposed gods as mere dinosaurs, everyone's mad. Will the dinosaurs escape? This laugh-out-loud romp through time and space is perfect for storytime, bedtime, read-alouds, and guaranteed giggles!

(synopsis from Goodreads)

Let's just cut right to the chase: this is nowhere near as strong as its predecessor. The joke is weak, the story is juvenile, and I didn't really care what happened to the dinosaurs. The whole thing with King Tut reading comic books and the aliens building the pyramids and busting the god-impersonating dinosaurs with a stack of Polaroids is just silly.

I wouldn't recommend this. Readers who loved the first book might want to check this one out, but I'd recommend just sticking with T. Rex Time Machine if you're looking for a book that'll give you a few giggles.

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

Enjoyment: 2/5

Overall: 2.33 out of 5

Review - Liam, the Brave

Liam, the Brave
by Michael Wang
illustrated by Simon Koay
Date: 2016
Publisher: Marshall Cavendish International (Asia)
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 40
Format: e-book
Source: library

Liam, The Brave is a beautifully illustrated story about a boy who overcomes his greatest fear: butterflies. Liam desperately wants to become The Bravest Boy in the World, and he goes through an extraordinary journey of self-discovery to face and overcome his fear. Beyond simply being a story about a boy with an irrational fear, it is also a story about perseverance and more importantly, how accolades don’t matter. What is more important is being true to oneself.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

Liam, the Brave is a story about a boy who is afraid of butterflies. He hates the way they flutter past his ear, tickle his wrists, and look like they're staring at him with those spots on their wings. He tries to avoid them at all costs, and even goes so far as to wear gloves and a beekeeper's hat. But he realizes that this isn't exactly healthy, and he doesn't want to get to be a teenager and still be afraid of butterflies. So he sets about facing his fear to try to overcome it.

I don't have a problem with the overall message. What I do have a problem with, however, is the concept of bravery as it's presented here. In this book, bravery seems to equal not being scared of anything. Liam even concedes in a "bravest boy" competition because he's still afraid of butterflies, even though he faced his fear. That is exactly what I always understood bravery to be: being afraid yet not letting it stop you. (After all, if he weren't afraid, what would be the need for bravery at all?)

The illustrations are really charming. I just wish they were accompanying something with a less muddled message about bravery.

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

Enjoyment: 2/5

Overall: 2.83 out of 5

Review - The Book With No Pictures

The Book With No Pictures
by B. J. Novak
Date: 2014
Publisher: Dial Books
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 48
Format: e-book
Source: library

A book with no pictures?

What could be fun about that?

After all, if a book has no pictures, there's nothing to look at but the words on the page.

Words that might make you say silly sounds... In ridiculous voices...

Hey, what kind of book is this, anyway?

At once disarmingly simple and ingeniously imaginative, The Book With No Pictures inspires laughter every time it is opened, creating a warm and joyous experience to share--and introducing young children to the powerful idea that the written word can be an unending source of mischief and delight.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is a book whose success is highly dependent upon the person doing the reading. As the book has no pictures (and no story, for that matter), voice and inflection in the reader are very important. This really isn't a great book to read silently to yourself.

I got this as an e-book from the library, and it had the option of narration by the author. I read it by myself the first time, and then tried it with the narration. The latter works. The former doesn't. Kids will probably love the text (especially if whoever is reading it to them really hams it up). It's silly and ridiculous and grownups will have to make lots of funny noises. All in all, it's pretty fun...

... for kids.

I can see this being a favourite of children and a dreaded chore for their parents. But, on the plus side, it does send the message that books without pictures can be fun, which is a great way to plant the seed and get young readers interested in something beyond illustrated works.

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

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall: 3.2 out of 5

Review - Time for Bed's Story

Time for Bed's Story
by Monica Arnaldo
Date: 2020
Publisher: Kids Can Press
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: NetGalley

In this engaging, laugh-out-loud funny picture book, a child's bed tells it like it is. Bed has something to say. Bed knows you do not like bedtime. And Bed gets it. But look ... YOU are not so great, either ... Bed is fed up. Bed's patience is wearing thin. For years, Bed has put up with the kicking at night, the jumping during the day, not to mention the storing of all manner of stinky items. But enough is enough. Now it's time to consider Bed's feelings ... In a story that's never been told before, Monica Arnaldo's hilarious picture book explores the point of view of an unusual narrator: a child's bed. Irreverent and full of personality, Arnaldo's Bed is also full of love and compassion, making for a relatable and, ultimately, endearing story. This playful and highly original book offers a lighthearted way to approach discussions on communication, perspective and viewpoint. It can be used to promote critical thinking in young children and an understanding that there are at least two sides to every story. It also contains character education lessons on compassion, respect and empathy.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is a strange (yet surprisingly entertaining) picture book, told in the second-person point of view by a bed (yes, a bed) that refers to itself in the third person.

Have you ever wondered what your bed thought of you? Maybe it doesn't like being kicked or drooled on. Maybe it takes it really personally when you say you don't want to go to bed. Maybe... that bed is just waiting for an opportunity to tell you just how it feels.

The story isn't really a story so much as a gimmick, but it's kind of cute, and it works. The illustrations are what sell the book, though. They're colourful, engaging, and portray the feelings of the annoyed bed quite well.

This might make a good bedtime read. I'd also recommend it to readers who enjoy quirky books about anthropomorphized objects.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kids Can Press for providing a digital ARC.

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

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall: 3.33 out of 5

Review - The Shared Room

The Shared Room
by Kao Kalia Yang
illustrated by Xee Reiter
Date: 2020
Publisher: University of Minnesota Press
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: NetGalley

A family gradually moves forward after the loss of a child—a story for readers of all ages

When someone you love dies, you know what doesn’t die? Love. On the hot beach, among colorful umbrellas blooming beneath a bright sun, no one saw a little girl walk into the water. Now, many months later, her bedroom remains empty, her drawers hold her clothes, her pillows and sheets still have her scent, and her mother and father, brothers and sister carry her in their hearts, along with their grief, which takes up so much space. Then one snowy day, the mother and father ask the girl’s older brother, “Would you like a room of your own?” He wants to know, “Whose?” They say, “Your sister’s.”

Tenderly, and with refreshing authenticity, beloved Minnesota writer Kao Kalia Yang tells the story of a Hmong American family living with loss and tremendous love. Her direct and poignant words are accompanied by the evocative and expressive drawings of Hmong American artist Xee Reiter. The Shared Room brings a message of comfort and hope to readers young and old.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is a depressing picture book. And though I can see what the author was trying to do here, I can't really recommend this one.

The book is about a family whose eldest daughter drowned the previous summer. Everybody is quiet and depressed. Finally, the parents decide to let the eldest son (who had been sharing a bedroom with his younger brother) have his sister's room.

That's really all there is, as far as plot goes. The text is wordy and rather dense, and would probably be a challenge as a read-aloud title. I don't know who this book would necessarily appeal to, other than children who might have lost a sibling. But I would definitely not recommend it for that group, either. This quote is a good example of why:

Several times each day, the mother or the father opened the door to their daughter's room, went in, sat on the floor beside the bed, leaned their head into the sheets and the blanket, sniffed deep, closed their eyes, and sometimes hoped to never wake again.

Kids who've just lost a sibling don't need to also worry about their parents dying!

I'm also a little confused as to why the older brother got the empty bedroom. Would it not have been easier and less emotional for everyone to put the baby sister in there and let the boys continue to share? We're dealing with limited bedrooms, and now we've got a brother and a sister having to share. That's not going to work very well in a few years. Plus, the baby wouldn't necessarily be emotionally distraught at the thought of sleeping in her dead sister's room, as the older boy was.

The illustrations didn't impress me at all. I don't like the watercolour style used here. There's also one very confusing picture of a crying person. Judging by the text, it's probably the brother. But the person has grey hair (in previous pictures of the boy, his hair was dark).

Overall, I can't recommend this. I have read some decent picture books about dealing with loss and grief, but this isn't one of them. I would be afraid of causing further upset to a child by introducing the idea that their parents want to die and leave them behind.

Thank you to NetGalley and University of Minnesota Press for providing a digital ARC.

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

Enjoyment: 1/5

Overall: 2.17 out of 5