Review - Slow Moe

Slow Moe
by Deborah Kerbel
illustrated by Marianne Ferrer
Date: 2020
Publisher: Orca Book Publishers
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: NetGalley

Life moves oh-so-slow when your little brother is a snail. It takes forever to do anything! Really, it's enough to test the patience of even the most understanding big sister. But is Moe just slow or is there something else going on? With charming illustrations by Marianne Ferrer, award-winning author Deborah Kerbel has written a delightful story about love, support and the struggle for tolerance within the often tumultuous sibling relationship.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

I guess this book has an audience, but it just rubbed me the wrong way. It's basically about a kid who manipulates the adults around him, and the older sister who enables the behaviour (even though it bothers her, too).

Moe is so slow that his sister views him as a snail. But he's actually only a snail when he's being asked to do things he doesn't want to do. Otherwise, he's a fast kid. The girl thinks her parents haven't noticed that he's actually a kid. She decides to keep the secret because she loves him.

I don't like the message here. Not that the girl should be tattling on her brother or anything, but enabling his disobedience and passive-aggressive behaviour doesn't seem like a healthy thing to do, either.

The pictures are okay. The colour palette is a bit muted, with lots of greens, golds, and browns. They work well enough, but I didn't find them particularly interesting.

This could've been really funny if the message had been tweaked. As it is, though, it made me a bit uncomfortable.

Thank you to NetGalley and Orca Book Publishers for providing a digital ARC.

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 - Paolo, Emperor of Rome

Paolo, Emperor of Rome
by Mac Barnett
illustrated by Claire Keane
Date: 2020
Publisher: Abrams Books for Young Readers
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 48
Format: e-book
Source: library

A daring dog takes a whirlwind tour of Rome in search of freedom.

Paolo the dachshund is trapped. Though he lives in Rome, a city filled with history and adventure, he is confined to a hair salon. Paolo dreams of the sweet life—la dolce vita—in the Eternal City. And then, one day, he escapes! Paolo throws himself into the city, finding adventure at every turn. Join our hero as he discovers the wonders of Rome: the ruins, the food, the art, the opera, and—of course—the cats.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

I'm really not a fan of children's books in which dogs run away and never return home. Sure, that might be a happy ending for a dog... but it could be a terrifying prospect for a kid who loves their furry companion.

The language in this book is also a bit mismatched with its audience. I don't think young children would understand a good deal of what's being said. At times, this almost reads like a book for adults:

The cat hissed and swiped her claws. Pain spread across Paolo's face. He had been cut, and deeply. But rather than flee, Paolo stood and barked. The cat, frightened by Paolo's indifference to injury, disappeared into the grass.

Paolo hopped from column to column till he stood upon the tallest. "I am Paolo," he said. "The biggest among you has scratched my cheek, and I did not flinch. Will any other cat challenge me?"

The cats were cowed.

(I can already imagine parents having to explain to their kids that, no, the cats were not turned into cows.)

The illustrations didn't impress me much. Rome looks scribbly.

I haven't had a lot of luck with Mac Barnett's books. I know his stuff is popular... but I'm just not seeing why.

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

Enjoyment: 2/5

Overall: 2.33 out of 5

Review - When Emily Was Small

When Emily Was Small
by Lauren Soloy
Date: 2020
Publisher: Tundra Books (NY)
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 40
Format: e-book
Source: NetGalley

A joyful frolic through the garden helps a little girl feel powerful in this beautiful picture book that celebrates nature, inspired by the writings of revered artist Emily Carr.

Emily feels small. Small when her mother tells her not to get her dress dirty, small when she's told to sit up straight, small when she has to sit still in school.

But when she's in the garden, she becomes Small: a wild, fearless, curious and passionate soul, communing with nature and feeling one with herself. She knows there are secrets to be unlocked in nature, and she yearns to discover the mysteries before she has to go back to being small . . . for now.

When Emily Was Small is at once a celebration of freedom, a playful romp through the garden and a contemplation of the mysteries of nature.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is a strange book. It's apparently based on a story that Emily Carr wrote herself called "White Currants". I haven't read the original, nor do I have any desire to. Although, I am curious as to whether the original story is as trippy and uncomfortable as this picture book.

To start with, the language is overly flowery and poetic and probably wouldn't be appealing to its audience. Second, the pictures are kind of creepy. Emily herself is bad enough, but then she meets this creature in the bushes that looks like a sharp-toothed wolf. It's supposed to represent wilderness, but for me, it came across more as a predator lurking in the bushes, ready to lure children away.

This picture book is just too weird for my taste. For slightly older readers, I'd recommend Kit Pearson's middle grade novel called A Day of Signs and Wonders. It's also about a young Emily Carr chafing at the expectations of society... but it doesn't devolve into uncomfortable fantasy to get the point across.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tundra Books (NY) for providing a digital ARC.

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

Enjoyment: 2/5

Overall: 2.33 out of 5

Review - Little Wise Wolf

Little Wise Wolf
by Gijs van der Hammen
illustrated by Hanneke Siemensma
Date: 2020
Publisher: Kids Can Press
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 40
Format: e-book
Source: NetGalley

Little Wise Wolf has time for only one thing: reading books. All right, two things: at night he studies the stars. When the other animals come to him to get answers to their difficult questions, Little Wise Wolf has no time for that. Until one day, a raven appears. The king turns out to be seriously ill, and Little Wise Wolf is called on to use his knowledge to make him better again. On the way to the palace it turns out that, although Little Wise Wolf may know a lot about the things he has read in his books, and seen in the stars, he has a lot to learn about the outside world.

A magnificent story about a little wolf, who slowly realises he may not be as wise as he thinks he is, and that the world is much bigger than that contained within his books.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

I'm not always impressed with translated picture books. But Little Wise Wolf seems to have survived being translated from the Dutch with most of its charm and message intact.

This is the story of a little wolf who spends so much time studying that he has no time for anything else (or so he thinks). When the king falls ill, he sends for Little Wise Wolf to cure him. The little wolf is hesitant at first; he'd rather stay at home and read more books. But he can't refuse the king, and so he begins his journey. As it turns out, shutting yourself in with books all day doesn't make you much of a navigator, and the little wolf repeatedly gets lost. But his friends show him a kindness and teach him a lesson that will last even after the journey is over.

The scrawled-looking illustrations are kind of cute (even though I'm not always a fan of this style). There's plenty to look at in the pictures. And there's something rather amusing about the wolf in his bright red boots and turquoise satchel.

The message is subtle but clear, and the text is nice and neat. Overall, I would recommend this book, especially for those looking for picture books with messages about kindness and empathy.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kids Can Press 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 - The Day Saida Arrived

The Day Saida Arrived
by Susana Gómez Redondo
illustrated by Sonja Wimmer
Date: 2020
Publisher: Blue Dot Kids Press
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: NetGalley

Two girls forge a forever-friendship by learning each other’s language. The Day Saida Arrived demonstrates the power of language to build bonds beyond borders.

What happens when a new friend arrives who doesn’t speak your language? A young girl searches for the words to help her friend feel welcome and happy in her new home, and along the way learns about differences and similarities in countries and words. The two forge a strong bond while they each learn the other’s language, exploring the world around them.

A joyous, lyrical text—including English translations and pronunciations and the complete Arabic alphabet—offers an accessible, fresh approach to talking about immigration. Paired with lushly vivid illustrations, The Day Saida Arrived demonstrates the power of language to build bonds beyond borders.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

The Day Saida Arrived is a lovely little treat for the senses. It combines a basic story about two friends sharing their respective languages with gorgeous illustrations and some basic translations of English and Arabic words.

I'm not entirely sure this will appeal to very young children. The language is steeped in metaphors and comes across as a bit flowery. It's nice, but I question the appeal of the style for younger readers.

The illustrations are colourful, whimsical, and imaginative. If I have one quibble, it's that some of the Arabic words (the English pronunciations, anyway) are kind of hard to read. The cursive font and the distressed sans serif were particularly noticeable in this regard. (I actually had to look one of the words up just to make sure I was reading it right; it should be clearer than that).

Overall, though, this has a lovely premise and a beautiful aesthetic. Readers looking for books on immigration, diversity, and languages might enjoy this one.

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

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

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall: 4 out of 5

Review - When We Are Kind

When We Are Kind
by Monique Gray Smith
illustrated by Nicole Neidhardt
Date: 2020
Publisher: Orca Book Publishers
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: NetGalley

When We Are Kind celebrates simple acts of everyday kindness and encourages children to explore how they feel when they initiate and receive acts of kindness in their lives. Celebrated author Monique Gray Smith has written many books on the topics of resilience and reconciliation and communicates an important message through carefully chosen words for readers of all ages. Beautifully illustrated by artist Nicole Neidhardt, this book encourages children to be kind to others and to themselves.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is a lovely little book for young readers that could help foster discussions around what it means to be kind (and also how we feel when we are kind and others are kind to us). In today's world, these are important messages suitable for all ages.

The illustrations depict mostly Indigenous children, which is nice to see. But that doesn't mean that this book can't be enjoyed, appreciated, and learned from by children of all backgrounds.

While the text and messaging are simple, they're also nice and clear. That makes perfect sense. Kindness shouldn't be difficult.

Overall, this is a nice book, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to other readers. It would also make a great classroom read with some follow-up discussion about kindness.

Thank you to NetGalley and Orca Book Publishers for providing a digital ARC.

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

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall: 3.83 out of 5

Review - Norbert's Big Dream

Norbert's Big Dream
by Lori Degman
illustrated by Marco Bucci
Date: 2016
Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

Norbert is a pig with a dream. It doesn't matter if the other farm animals snicker behind his back, Norbert has always dreamed of swimming the English Channel. He's been preparing and training and finally he's ready for the big swim! But where exactly is the English Channel?! Will Norbert have to give up on his dreams or will his friends come to the rescue after all? A sweet, funny story about dreaming big.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is an okay story about a pig with a dream. Norbert isn't like the other pigs on the farm. While they're eating slop and rolling in mud, he's training for his big dream: to swim the English Channel. But when he's finally ready, he realizes he doesn't know where the English Channel is! He thinks his dream is over... but then his friends come through with a kind gesture.

The whole thing is about following your dreams and having the support of friends. The message is fine. The writing is fairly strong. And the illustrations are pretty cute. If there's one thing I didn't really like, though, it was the depiction of the English Channel. Of course, Norbert has no clue where it is, so he just imagines it as little more than a water-filled ditch. But this perception is never corrected, which might be confusing for some readers.

That aside, however, this is an entertaining little story.

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 - Rapunzel and the Seven Dwarfs

Rapunzel and the Seven Dwarfs (Maynard Moose Tales)
by Willy Claflin
illustrated by James Stimson
Date: 2011
Publisher: August House
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 36
Format: e-book
Source: library

"Once upon a time, a long, long time ago..." So begins the story of... Rapunzel?... and The Seven, or Eight, or NINE Dwarfs?!? Hey, what's going on here??? Welcome to the slightly off-track world of Maynard Moose and the ancient Mother Moose tales. Willy Claflin channels and translates these tales for our entertainment and enlightenment--or maybe just to confuse us. Rapunzel and the Seven Dwarfs exemplifies the lesson in many of these stories "...That there ain't no moral to some stories at all."

Fractured English is translated in the glossary at the front. The cast of characters seems oddly familiar, while the plot is... well, plot is overrated. James Stimson's delightful digital artwork brilliantly renders the details that add wit and substance to every page. Enjoy!

(synopsis from Goodreads)

I don't know how to rate this! On the one hand, I don't really condone fractured English and made-up words in children's picture books. On the other hand, the book is highly entertaining (especially when you listen to the audio).

This book is available with an accompanying CD (or, in the case of the e-book, accompanying narration) so readers can listen to Maynard Moose tell the story in his distinctive voice. That's the best way to experience this one, and I would definitely not recommend simply reading the book. Yes, there are footnotes that explain some of Maynard's unique moose terminology, but I fear that this could be confusing for beginning readers who might not get the joke. As an audio experience, however, I think this could work quite well.

The story is basically a mashup of a couple of fairy tales. It starts out with a spin on "Rapunzel", then moves into "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" (except, in this case, "there were eight or nine seven dwarfs"). The story ends with exploitative capitalism and a number of hackneyed happy endings, but the whole thing is just so silly that it's a lot of fun. The pictures are a nice complement, too.

Despite being unsure if I was going to like this one, I was pleasantly surprised. Just make sure you're able to listen to the audio; that's half the fun right there!

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 - The Ninjabread Man

The Ninjabread Man (Tadpoles Fairytale Twists)
by Katrina Charman
illustrated by Fabiano Florin
Date: 2016
Publisher: Crabtree Publishing Company
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

In a terrific twist on the original tale of The Gingerbread Man, follow the amazing Ninjabread Man as he dips and dives out of danger!

(synopsis from Goodreads)

Talk about an overdone trope. Goodreads lists six picture books about this Ninjabread Man. It might have been clever the first time, but... is "ninja" really the only word that sort of rhymes with "ginger"?

I read another book called The Ninjabread Man back in January of this year (2020). It was just as stupid as this one. While this particular version, put out in the Tadpoles Fairytale Twists series, isn't quite as grating as the one from the Twisted Fairy Tales series, it still has its issues. The grammar is better, to be sure, but the story is weak and ends in unsatisfying silliness.

I was also put off by the reading recommendations at the end. Making the kid look at all the pictures first and try to figure out what happens before they're actually allowed to read the book? Are spoilers the new trend in teaching children how to read? (If I'd already figured out the story from being told to look at the pictures beforehand, I wouldn't have had much incentive to actually read the book.)

Overall, this is a lacklustre effort. Authors need to cool it with the "ninjabread" men. The concept was stupid the first time.

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

Enjoyment: 1/5

Overall: 1.83 out of 5

Review - I'm Going to Give You a Polar Bear Hug

I'm Going to Give You a Polar Bear Hug
by Caroline B. Cooney
illustrated by Tim Warnes
Date: 2020
Publisher: Zonderkidz
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: NetGalley

Let’s get ready to snuggle! This highly engaging sequel to the bestselling and beloved I’m Going to Give You a Bear Hug imagines all the cozy, warm hugs little ones love to receive on cold, blustery days.

From acclaimed author and illustrator pair Caroline B. Cooney and Tim Warnes comes I’m Going to Give You a Polar Bear Hug, a delightful picture book with adorable, cuddly illustrations that inspires children to snuggle up and enjoy this playful story overflowing with winter fun.

Imagine who might stomp, sled, and swish through the snow to give a warm hug in these whimsical rhymes and sweet, playful illustrations. Cooney’s story encourages parents and grandparents and their children and grandchildren to giggle and play as they cozy up for their own celebration of the winter season.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

I just finished reading Snow Song by A. K. Riley and Dawn Lo, and I'm struck by how similar it is to I'm Going to Give You a Polar Bear Hug in both premise and execution. Both books feature snowy settings with a repeated word that forms the backbone of the verse. I enjoyed I'm Going to Give You a Polar Bear Hug more, though, because the repetition didn't cross the line into annoying territory.

The pictures are adorable and clearly show that this whole story is an imaginative fantasy. (So, don't worry; the little kid isn't actually hugging polar bears!) It's a story about friends and family and the comfort of a good hug on a cold, snowy day.

I'd recommend this to fans of books like Snow Song, as well as to those looking for stories that feature children using their imaginations.

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

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

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall: 3.57 out of 5

Review - Snow Song

Snow Song
by A. K. Riley
illustrated by Dawn Lo
Date: 2020
Publisher: Kids Can Press
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: NetGalley

An enchanting story told in rhythmic free verse of a young girl exploring the world on a wintry, snow-filled day. This beautiful picture book uses rhythmic and sensory free verse to tell the story of a young girl exploring the outdoors on a wintry day. Everywhere she goes, the snow fills her with wonder and delight. There are fine pearls of snow, a twirl of snow, a curl of snow. The sky unravels into snow, the pond lathers up with snow, the hills are knitted caps of snow. All she encounters is framed by the snow. It captivates her, swaddles her world, and makes everything snug --- from first light, to the darkness of bedtime. A. K. Riley has crafted an evocative and playful ode to the winter snow that perfectly captures the magic of a winter's day for a child. The verse alternates from slow to fast, deftly playing with pace and sure to keep readers engaged. Dawn Lo's fresh illustrations create a charming visual narrative of snow-filled scenes filled with joy. With a simultaneously classic and contemporary feel, this enchanting read-aloud is perfect for a winter-themed story time, a discussion of poetry, or a classroom unit on the seasons. It also touchingly explores ideas of how communities and friendships are enhanced through shared experiences.

(synopsis from NetGalley; see it on Goodreads)

Snow Song features a simple (perhaps too simple) narrative and playful pictures to show a young girl's fun on a snowy day.

While I do think this book will have an audience, I personally found the writing to be terribly grating. If I have to read the word "snow" one more time, I might scream. (It's repeated so often that it runs the risk of losing meaning and sounding like a nonsense syllable.) There are some nice words used in the descriptions of the snow, but I just felt that that one noun was used far too much.

The pictures are fun and show lots of joy and exuberance. Kids will likely enjoy looking at them on their own.

Overall, this book wasn't a good match for me, but I can see it appealing to other readers.

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

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

Enjoyment: 2/5

Overall: 2.57 out of 5

Review - If You Were Night

If You Were Night
by Mượn Thị Văn
illustrated by Kelly Pousette
Date: 2020
Publisher: Kids Can Press
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: NetGalley

A poetic and evocative exploration of the natural world at night illustrated in illuminating paper-cut dioramas.

This dreamlike picture book asks the question: if you were night, what would you do? If you saw the moon tiptoe past your window, would you nestle under the covers? Or would you step outside to follow it? What if you felt a tail brush your ankle, would you freeze? Or skitter away? And if you saw an owl swoop from a branch, would you hide? Or join the hunt? All the while, the child pictured in the book chooses adventure, and thrillingly experiences a night like no other.

From the award-winning and acclaimed author Mượn Thị Văn comes a lyrical and evocative exploration of the natural world at night. The poetic language of the text engages all the senses as it gently poses questions that pull readers' imaginations outdoors, where night creatures roam and everything seems different. Kelly Pousette's intricate paper-cut dioramas, intriguingly presented with shadows and darkness falling around them, are packed with charming details for children to investigate. This unique and thought-provoking book is sure to encourage observation and spark curiosity --- and many conversations. A wonderful read-aloud or bedtime story, this book also ties in beautifully with primary lessons about the natural world.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is a simple, gentle picture book that explores the idea of what a child might do if they personified the night.

The concept is a little bit abstract, and I'm not exactly in love with the writing, but the pictures more than make up for the narrative's shortcomings. The cut-paper illustrations are detailed yet soft, bringing to life a nocturnal world full of busy critters.

I'd recommend this one to fans of cut-paper illustration, as well as to parents who are looking for a good book for winding down at bedtime.

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

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

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall: 3.5 out of 5

Review - The Arabic Quilt

The Arabic Quilt
by Aya Khalil
illustrated by Anait Semirdzhyan
Date: 2020
Publisher: Tilbury House Publishers
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 36
Format: e-book
Source: NetGalley

That night, Kanzi wraps herself in the beautiful Arabic quilt her teita (grandma) in Cairo gave her and writes a poem in Arabic about the quilt. Next day her teacher sees the poem and gets the entire class excited about creating a “quilt” (a paper collage) of student names in Arabic. In the end, Kanzi’s most treasured reminder of her old home provides a pathway for acceptance in her new one.

This authentic story with beautiful illustrations includes a glossary of Arabic words and a presentation of Arabic letters with their phonetic English equivalents.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is a story about an Egyptian-American girl at a new school. Embarrassed by her language (and her lunch), she finds herself not quite fitting in. But after a project at school where everyone makes a quilt featuring their names written in Arabic, the kids learn that knowing more than one language can be a valuable skill.

The theme and message aren't quite as focussed as I would like. Is it a book about Kanzi's grandmother's quilt? Is it a book about bullying? Racism? Spicy meatballs? There's quite a bit thrown in here, and I'm not sure the message gets across as well as it could.

But the illustrations are cute, and the overall theme about the value of diversity is nice. Those looking for picture books about the immigrant experience might like this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tilbury House Publishers 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 - Little Green Donkey

Little Green Donkey
by Anuska Allepuz
Date: 2019
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: NetGalley

From the creator of That Fruit is Mine! comes a laugh-out-loud cautionary tale, sure to resonate with all picky eaters and their parents! Little Donkey LOVES eating grass - it's just so sweet, and crunchy, and juicy! His pillow is even made from grass so that he can roll over in the morning and eat his own bed. "Why don't you try some other food?" suggests his desperate mum, putting on a juggling display of colourful fruit as a way to entice her little one to eat something new. But Little Donkey sees no need. Until, that is, he catches a glimpse of his reflection... Anuska's debut authorial picture book, That Fruit is Mine!, has been published into over ten languages worldwide. A book about trying new things and the hilarious show down between a child and their parent when it comes to the dinner table. This adorable character will help encourage kids to branch out and try more food (even if, in the end, their obsessive impulses can't quite be quelled!).

(synopsis from Goodreads)

Little Green Donkey is obviously aimed at picky eaters. While the idea is cute, I've seen the concept done better.

Little Donkey loves to eat grass. He wants to eat nothing but, and eventually turns green from eating too much of the stuff. His mother thinks he needs a more varied diet, so she offers some other options until he finds one he likes. Then he eats too much of that... and turns a different colour.

Similar picky-eater themes can be found in books like Fussy Flamingo by Shelly Vaughan James (in which a flamingo refuses to eat the one food she should be eating, opting instead for various foods that turn her all sorts of funny colours) or Mrs. Pig's Bulk Buy by Mary Rayner (in which Mrs. Pig, fed up with her piglets' continual demands for ketchup, feeds them nothing but). Little Green Donkey is amusing, but the premise is done better in Fussy Flamingo and the message is more realistic in Mrs. Pig's Bulk Buy. Depending on the child, however, Little Green Donkey might be a good choice for a picky little eater.

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: 2/5

Enjoyment: 2/5

Overall: 2.5 out of 5

Review - Noodle Bear

Noodle Bear
by Mark Gravas
Date: 2020
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: NetGalley

In a kid-friendly debut from a TV animator, Bear finds fame as a champion eater of his favorite food — but realizes he’s hungry for his old friends.

Bear is so crazy about noodles that when he wakes up from his winter sleep he is already craving them! But his cave is bare, with no noodles to be found. His friends try to distract him with their own treats, but Bear decides it’s time to set off to the big city to seek his fortune as a game-show contestant and a sure fill of his prized food. But what’s the sense of becoming a big TV star (and having all the noodles he can eat) when there’s nobody to share it with?

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This book's theme of realizing that home and friends are what are truly important is highlighted by fun illustrations in this kid-friendly romp featuring noodles. Lots and lots of noodles.

Bear has spent all winter watching his favourite game show, Noodle Knockout. Now he's hungry for noodles! None of his friends have any, so he sets off for the big city to be a contestant on the show. He does really well and eats lots of noodles. But he soon starts to long for his friends. So he returns home to the forest... with enough noodles for everyone.

The story is very simple (and rather silly), but I think kids might enjoy it. The illustrations are cute. The message is inoffensive, if a little boring.

Overall, this is a decent book. Check it out for the illustrations. And have a look if you're a noodle fan... although, the book might make you hungry!

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 - An Ordinary Day

An Ordinary Day
by Elana K. Arnold
illustrated by Elizabet Vuković
Date: 2020
Publisher: Beach Lane Books
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 40
Format: e-book
Source: library

An ordinary day in an ordinary neighborhood turns out to be quite extraordinary in this story about the circle of life.

It’s an average day in the neighborhood—children play, roses are watered, and a crow watches over it all. But then two visitors arrive at two houses, one to help a family say hello to a new baby and one to help a family say goodbye to a beloved pet.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is a different sort of premise. On an ordinary day on a quiet street, two visitors arrive at two different houses. One is a vet, there to euthanize a dog. The other is a midwife, there to help a woman give birth.

The interest comes from the idea of seeing the parallels of what is going on behind closed doors. While one family is saying goodbye, another is saying hello. The sparse colour palette and simple illustrations let the story and its themes shine through.

I'm not a fan of the euphemism used when the dog was put down (the syringe is not filled with "medicine"). Other than that, though, this is a unique look at an ordinary day and the extraordinary things that might happen within one.

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

Enjoyment: 2/5

Overall: 2.83 out of 5

Review - Sofia Valdez, Future Prez

Sofia Valdez, Future Prez (Questioneers)
by Andrea Beaty
illustrated by David Roberts
Date: 2019
Publisher: Abrams Books
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 40
Format: e-book
Source: library

The newest picture book from the creators of Iggy Peck, Architect; Rosie Revere, Engineer; and Ada Twist, Scientist stars Sofia Valdez, a community leader who stands up for what she believes in!

Every morning, Abuelo walks Sofia to school . . . until one day, when Abuelo hurts his ankle at a local landfill and he can no longer do so. Sofia misses her Abuelo and wonders what she can do about the dangerous Mount Trashmore. Then she gets an idea—the town can turn the slimy mess into a park! She brainstorms and plans and finally works up the courage to go to City Hall—only to be told by a clerk that she can’t build a park because she’s just a kid! Sofia is down but not out, and she sets out to prove what one kid can do.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

Unlike the other characters in this series who are focused on STEM pursuits, Sofia is more of a community activist. After her grandfather injures himself on a mountain of trash, Sofia decides that the community needs to get rid of the unsightly mess... and have a park instead. But just having an idea isn't enough. After consulting with her neighbours, she sets off for City Hall to try to make things official, only to run up against bureaucracy. Will Sofia be able to achieve her goal?

I didn't like this book as much as Rosie Revere, Engineer (which is my favourite), but it's still a solid addition to the series. The illustrations are cute and diverse, the rhyming text is fairly easy to read (making it a good prospect for story time), and the overall message of perseverance in standing up for the good of the community is a nice one. I'd recommend this book to fans of the series, as well as to kids who are interested in community activism.

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

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall: 3.43 out of 5

Review - It's Okay to Be a Unicorn!

It's Okay to Be a Unicorn!
by Jason Tharp
Date: 2020
Publisher: Imprint
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

Cornelius J. Sparklesteed is known among all the other horses in Hoofington for his beautiful and creative handmade hats. But Cornelius is hiding a secret under his own tall, pointy hat: He's really a unicorn.

Hoofington is a friendly place, but its horses pass on lots of mean rumors about unicorns. When Cornelius is chosen to perform for this year's Hoofapalooza, will he find the courage to show everyone his unicorniness?

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is basically a book about self-acceptance, played out with equine characters.

Cornelius is a unicorn, but he hides that fact under a fancy hat. The rest of the town of Hoofington is comprised of more mundane creatures like horses and ponies. When the mayor asks Cornelius to make him an un-unicorny hat, Cornelius agrees. We're told that the other horses say mean things about unicorns, so Cornelius obviously has a reason to hide his true nature. But then he starts planting seeds among his friends to make things in Hoofington a little more colourful and whimsical. And when he finally reveals that he's a unicorn, everyone's okay with it. Even the mayor.

While the message about loving yourself is fine, I thought the resolution of the plot was a little too facile. The mayor's just suddenly okay with unicorns? Okay... but where did that change of heart come from?

Fans of unicorns might want to check this one out, but readers who are looking for a strong story about standing up to the world to be yourself might want to keep looking.

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

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall: 3 out of 5