Review - Dragons Love Tacos 2: The Sequel

Dragons Love Tacos 2: The Sequel (Dragons Love Tacos #2)
by Adam Rubin
illustrated by Daniel Salmieri
Date: 2017
Publisher: Dial Books
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 48
Format: e-book
Source: library

The hilarious sequel to the smokin' hot New York Times best seller, perfect for story time

News alert! It has just been discovered that there are NO MORE TACOS left anywhere in the world. This is a huge problem because, as you know, dragons love tacos. If only there was a way for the dragons to travel back in time, to before tacos went extinct. Then they could grab lots of tacos and bring them back! It's the perfect plan, as long as there's no spicy salsa. You remember what happened last time . . .

The award-winning creators of Robo-Sauce and Secret Pizza Party return with a gut-bustingly hilarious companion to the bestselling phenomenon Dragons Love Tacos.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

Don't milk it.

Compared to the goofy and entertaining Dragons Love Tacos, the sequel is as flat as a tortilla. The idea of dragons loving tacos is silly enough, but it works. What doesn't work is a ridiculous plot about the disappearance of all the world's tacos, necessitating a trip back in time to find a taco that can be planted and grown into a taco tree.

Overall, this is just disappointing. If you enjoy the absurd, you might like this. Otherwise, just stick with the first book.

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

Enjoyment: 1/5

Overall: 2.17 out of 5

Review - Dandy

Dandy
by Ame Dyckman
illustrated by Charles Santoso
Date: 2019
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 40
Format: e-book
Source: library

From popular author Ame Dyckman and rising star Charles Santoso comes the laugh-out-loud story of a father desperate to destroy the dandelion marring his perfectly manicured lawn, and his daughter's fierce attempts to save it.

When Daddy spots a solitary weed in his lawn, he's appalled (along with all of his neighborhood friends). But his daughter Sweetie has fallen in love with the beautiful flower, even going so far as to name it Charlotte. Racing against time and the mockery of his friends, Daddy has to find a way to get rid of the errant dandelion without breaking his little girl's heart.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is pretty stinking cute.

A leonine family's suburban utopia is marred by the appearance of a single dandelion in the yard. *gasp!* But before Daddy can get to it, his daughter Sweetie has already fallen in love with the flower... and even named it. Daddy tries in vain to get rid of Charlotte, but it seems that Sweetie is always around. By the time he finally gets his chance, he's not so sure anymore... because he knows how much Charlotte means to his daughter.

With touches of humour, this sweet little story is relatable to anyone who's ever lived in the suburbs. Even if you're not obsessed with weeds, one of your neighbours probably is. This book shows what happens when that obsession is taken to its logical conclusion... and it isn't pretty (although it is kind of funny).

The illustrations are super cute, and the accompanying text strikes just the right note.

I'd definitely recommend this one to readers looking for books about the father/daughter dynamic, as well as to readers who enjoy seeing anthropomorphized animals do things like mow the lawn.

Quotable moment:

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

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall: 4.33 out of 5

Review - More Bears!

More Bears!
by Kenn Nesbitt
illustrated by Troy Cummings
Date: 2010
Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

Once upon a time there was a story. It was a lovely story with absolutely NO BEARS in it-not a SINGLE BEAR anywhere.

Then one day...MORE BEARS!

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This story within a story is basically about an author who's writing a story. A mysterious voice implores him to add more bears, and though he's resistant at first, he relents when he realizes that's what his audience wants. Soon, though, there are so many bears that it starts to cause issues, and the author ends up having to take drastic measures.

The story was cute and unexpected. I also enjoyed the illustrations and seeing all the goofy bears with their strange names.

Overall, this is a lighthearted and fun book. Those looking for books about writers and/or bears will probably like it.

Quotable moment:

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

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall: 3.67 out of 5

Review - Rabbit's Snow Dance

Rabbit's Snow Dance
by James Bruchac & Joseph Bruchac
illustrated by Jeff Newman
Date: 2012
Publisher: Dial Books
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

A hip and hilarious fable perfect for wintertime

Rabbit loves the winter. He knows a dance, using a traditional Iroquois drum and song, to make it snow--even in springtime! The other animals of the forest don't want early snow, but Rabbit doesn't listen to them. Instead, he sings and dances until more and more snow falls. But how much snow is too much, and will Rabbit know when to stop?

This stylish and oh-so-funny story is a modern take on a traditional Native American fable from master storytellers Joseph and James Bruchac.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

I didn't realize it when I picked it up, but this is an Iroquois story. That was a nice surprise, as I haven't read many of those.

Rabbit loves the snow because it helps him reach the tender buds on the trees. So, one summer, he decides to sing his snow song to make it snow. At first, some of his friends like the summer snowfall. But Rabbit, never satisfied, keeps doing his snow dance and the snow continues to fall until all the trees in the forest are covered. But Rabbit didn't count on one thing: the summer sun. He finds that his obsession with snow comes back to bite him in the end.

The story here is cute and well done. I'm not as enamoured with the illustrations, although they do complement the story nicely.

This is a nice book that tells a story about greed. It's also a little legend about why the rabbit has such a small tail.

Quotable moment:

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

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall: 3.5 out of 5

Review - The Little Rabbit

The Little Rabbit
by Nicola Killen
Date: 2019
Publisher: Simon Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

From beloved author/illustrator Nicola Killen comes an enchanting spring story about a magical friendship between a little girl and her stuffed rabbit who comes to life, lovingly told and illustrated in limited color with lovely foil and interactive die cut pages.

Ollie and her favorite friend bunny have been waiting for the rain to stop and spring to come, and at long last the sun arrives. Ollie puts on her rain boots, wraps bunny in a warm scarf, and the two set off for exploring. Then a sudden breeze whispers past and bunny’s nose twitches and their magical adventure begins…

The Little Rabbit is sure to enchant and charm young readers and is great for sharing with a friend.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

I didn't really like this one. It's about a little girl named Ollie who goes outside with her toy rabbit. A magical gust of wind turns the toy into a real rabbit, and it hops off to play. Ollie spends the rest of the book chasing it.

While the illustrations are cute, the story and writing leave something to be desired. The plot is very juvenile, and yet the story culminates with the child jumping out of a tree with an umbrella as a parachute (which is probably not behaviour you'd want your kids emulating).

While I appreciate the premise, I just didn't like this particular execution. Especially the part with the little girl jumping out of a tree.

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

Enjoyment: 2/5

Overall: 2.17 out of 5

Review - The Little Snowplow Wishes for Snow

The Little Snowplow Wishes for Snow
by Lora Koehler
illustrated by Jake Parker
Date: 2019
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 40
Format: e-book
Source: library

The plucky little hero of the #1 New York Times bestseller The Little Snowplow returns in a story about wishing, waiting, and the magic of a first snowfall.

The little snowplow loves his job on the Mighty Mountain Road Crew, but the work he loves best is plowing snow. Throughout the year, he wishes for snow to come, but winter begins without a single flake in sight. As the weeks pass and the little snowplow's birthday approaches, he starts to wonder whether it will snow at all. Will the little snowplow's birthday dreams come true?

(synopsis from Goodreads)

Admittedly, I'm not the audience for this. Still, I've enjoyed other books about anthropomorphized objects. This one, though? Not so much.

I think the sticking point for me is that this particular piece of machinery looks more like a bulldozer than a snowplow. Where I live, snowplows are basically just trucks with a shovel attachment. The fact that the little snowplow can do all kinds of other work (digging, lifting, and grading) suggests to me that he's not actually a specialized piece of machinery, so his name doesn't make much sense.

The story didn't excite me, either. Basically, even though he's got plenty to occupy him all year (since he's not actually a snowplow), he has this obsession with snow. When it finally arrives, he plows so much that he almost misses his own birthday party.

For a better book about anthropomorphized heavy machinery, check out Anna Dewdney's charming Little Excavator. It has similar themes of wanting to be part of a team (despite being little) but it doesn't devolve so far into silliness.

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 - Once Upon a Northern Night

Once Upon a Northern Night
by Jean E. Pendziwol
illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault
Date: 2013
Publisher: Groundwood Books
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

In this exquisite lullaby, the beauty and wonder of a northern winter night unfold, with images of a soft snowfall, the wild animals that appear in the garden, the twinkling stars, the gentle rhythm of the northern lights and the etchings of frost on the window pane.

As the young child sleeps, wrapped in a downy blanket, a snowflake falls, and then another and another. The poem describes the forest of snow-covered pines, where a deer and fawn nibble a frozen apple, and a great gray owl swoops down with its feathers trailing through the snow. Two snowshoe hares scamper and play under the watchful eyes of a little fox, and a tiny mouse scurries in search of a midnight feast. When the snow clouds disappear, stars light up the sky, followed by the mystical shimmering of northern lights - all framed by the frost on the window.

Jean E. Pendziwol's lyrical poem reflects a deep appreciation of the magic of a northern winter night where, even as a child slumbers, the world outside does not rest but continues its own natural rhythms.

Isabelle Arsenault's spare, beautifully rendered illustrations, with their subtle but striking use of color, make us feel that we too are experiencing the enchantment of that northern night. They simultaneously evoke winter's nighttime life and the cozy warmth and security of a beloved child's sleep.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

I'm not usually a fan of books like this, and I'm still not sure if kids will enjoy it (or if they'll be bored). But I quite enjoyed this lyrical picture book about the snowy world at night.

The whole book is a free-verse poem, based around the idea of a parent "painting" a winter landscape for their child while they sleep. The illustrations are mostly monochromatic, with touches of colour; they bring the bare, wintry landscape to life.

While I enjoyed this, I'm not sure kids will. However, if it puts them to sleep, then it would make a great bedtime book!

Quotable moment:

Once upon a northern night

a mother deer led her fawn

around the silent birch

and traced

a wandering path

on my canvas of white.

They nuzzled the sleeping garden

with memories of summer,

then wandered off

to taste the frozen fruit

still clinging to an apple tree.

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 - Miracle on 34th Street

Miracle on 34th Street
by Valentine Davies & Susanna Leonard Hill
illustrated by James Newman Gray
Date: 2018
Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

For a little girl named Susan, Christmas could be any other day. She doesn't believe in Santa Claus or magic or miracles of any kind. Then one day she meets Kriss Kringle. As she doubtfully tells him the gifts she most wishes for, deep down Susan finds herself hoping that just maybe, he is the real thing. Based on the original holiday classic, Miracle on 34th Street is a heartwarming story about generosity, imagination, and the spirit of Christmas.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

Well, that was disappointing.

Miracle on 34th Street is one of my favourite Christmas stories. I'm familiar with it through its two popular film versions (with the more recent one being my favourite). This picture book is based on the original novella and has been adapted into a picture-book format. Does it work? In a word: no.

There's far too much that's glossed over, leading to a choppy plot and flat characterization. Here, Susan is a cardboard little girl, without the lively skepticism that both Natalie Wood and Mara Wilson brought to the role. The narrative suffers from some questionable style choices, and some of the plot points don't make much sense when they're ripped out of context by the shortened format. (For example, Mr. Sawyer's actions against Kris don't make much sense, given that the old man was bringing customers into the store.)

The illustrations don't help bring the characters to life, either. While they're adequate, there's a flatness to everyone that makes the whole book look like it was cast with lifeless dolls.

This is one of those rare cases where the movie is better than the book. I would not recommend this particular picture book. Go check out one of the film versions instead, either the 1947 version with Natalie Wood and Edmund Gwenn or the 1994 version with Mara Wilson and Richard Attenborough. This story really does require more than 32 pages to do it justice.

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

Enjoyment: 1/5

Overall: 2.33 out of 5

Review - If You Come to Earth

If You Come to Earth
by Sophie Blackall
Date: 2020
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 80
Format: e-book
Source: library

From two-time Caldecott Winner author-illustrator Sophie Blackall!

If You Come to Earth is a glorious guide to our home planet, and a call for us to take care of both Earth and each other.

This stunning book is inspired by the thousands of children Sophie Blackall has met during her travels around the world in support of UNICEF and Save the Children.

• An engaging storybook about a single curious and imaginative child
• Simultaneously funny and touching
• Carries a clear message about the need to care for the earth and each other

If you come to Earth, there are a few things you need to know. . .
We live in all kinds of places.
In all kinds of homes.
In all kinds of families.
Each of us is different. But all of us are amazing.
And, together, we share one beautiful planet.

This masterful and moving picture book is a visually comprehensive guide to the earth, imbued with warmth and humor.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

If You Come to Earth would be a great housewarming gift for aliens who have decided to move to our planet. It's also a nice book for Earth children that provides simple explanations about our planet and the things one will find here.

With detailed illustrations, Sophie Blackall creates a guidebook for those who are curious about the planet. In a way, it's similar to books such as Children Just Like Me, but it doesn't focus exclusively on human beings. It's a cute look at the place that we all call home.

I did have problems reading some of the text (it's tiny in spots!) so this would probably best be read as a physical book. Other than that, though, I can see this one having wide appeal. It's suitable for most humans... as well as for interstellar visitors!

Quotable moment:

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

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall: 4.17 out of 5

Review - Poor Louie

Poor Louie
by Tony Fucile
Date: 2017
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 40
Format: e-book
Source: library

Louie's life is great! A walk on the leash every morning, ice cream on Sundays, snuggling in bed at night with Mom and Dad. Even the playdates with Mom's friends despite their little crawling creatures who pull Louie's ears aren't all that bad. But then things get weird: cold food on the floor, no room in the bed, and lots of new stuff coming into the house in pairs: two small beds, two little sweaters, two seats in the stroller. Does that bode double trouble ahead, or could there be a happier surprise in store for Louie?

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is adorable. I fell in love with Tony Fucile's work after reading the Bink & Gollie books, which he illustrated. Poor Louie is the story of a little dog who has a great life... until the impending arrival of a new sibling (or two?) makes Louie feel like he has no choice but to pack his things and run away.

This isn't the most original premise. I've seen other stories focussing on how pets feel when a new baby is brought into the household. But Louie has such a big personality that you get sucked right into his story. (It doesn't hurt that he narrates directly to the reader, forcing them to empathize with his plight.) The twist at the end is cute, and I didn't see it coming.

The illustrations here are wonderful. Fucile perfectly captures the dog's emotions in his facial expressions. Despite the fact that the backgrounds are monochromatic, the pictures aren't boring at all; the characters take centre stage, and you're able to focus on what's important to the story.

This is one of the most entertaining picture books I've read in a while. Children will enjoy it, of course... but their parents will probably also get a kick out of poor Louie's plight. I definitely recommend it.

Quotable moment:

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

Enjoyment: 5/5

Overall: 4.67 out of 5

Review - The Very Very Very Long Dog

The Very Very Very Long Dog
by Julia Patton
Date: 2017
Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

Bartelby is a very long and lovable dachshund who lives in a bookstore. He has a lovely set of friends who take him for walks through the city, but he has no idea that his bumbling backside leaves a trail of destruction and accidents behind him. Embarrassed that he has no control over his back end, Bartelby vows to never leave the cozy bookstore again. Can his friends help him find a way to help himself?

This beautifully illustrated picture book features silly fun along with an important message: that we love our friends not in spite of their flaws, but because of them.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is a picture book with a goofy premise. Can a dog be so long that he doesn't know what his back end is getting up to?

Unfortunately for Bartelby, the answer is yes. Every time he's taken out for a walk by his friends, his rear causes mayhem... and he doesn't even realize it! When he does, he's so embarrassed that he takes refuge in the bookstore and refuses to come out... until his friends come up with a way to tame that pesky posterior.

The illustrations are cute and the whole idea is kind of funny. I'm sure kids will be amused, but I found the story just a bit too silly.

Dog lovers (and especially dachshund lovers) might enjoy this one. It's worth a look if you're in the mood for something light and ridiculous.

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 - This Is Not a Picture Book!

This Is Not a Picture Book!
by Sergio Ruzzier
Date: 2016
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 40
Format: e-book
Source: library

In this quirky yet sweet picture book about the joy and power of reading, Duck learns that even books without pictures can be fun. While he and his friend Bug may struggle at first to decipher their book, they stick with it, and before long they discover that not only can they read it, but it deserves a place on the shelf with all their favorite picture books. Author-artist Sergio Ruzzier has created a fanciful tribute to books of all kinds. It includes both words AND pictures.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

I don't get it.

This is a picture book celebrating the power of books without pictures.

I think the message would have been stronger (and less confusing) had the book had no pictures. And the title just makes no sense. Are we gaslighting kids now? This is most definitely a picture book!

There are better books out there that celebrate reading.

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

Enjoyment: 0/5

Overall: 1.33 out of 5

Review - The Moon Is a Silver Pond

The Moon Is a Silver Pond
by Sara Cassidy
illustrated by Josée Bisaillon
Date: 2019
Publisher: Orca Book Publishers
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 24
Format: e-book
Source: library

A young child skates, bakes and milks the cow while the moon wondrously transforms above. The moon is a silver pond when seen through the trees. When they tend the cow, the moon is the milk at the bottom of the pail.

With stunning illustrations by Josée Bisaillon, this simple board book shows children that the way they see the world--by heart, mind and imagination--is just right. Reveling in metaphor, The Moon Is a Silver Pond encourages that magical leap of imagination and asks the reader to look at everyday objects from a different perspective.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

I read The Sun Is a Peach earlier this year. The Moon Is a Silver Pond suffers from the same problems as its sequel: the metaphors are a real stretch.

I'm sorry, but I don't think of the moon when I see a tooth, a snail, or a pillow. I'm not quite sure who would. There seems to be no rhyme or reason to the comparisons. It's not always shape. It's not always colour. You might as well say the moon is a phone or a diaper.

I enjoyed some of the illustrations, which are done in a mixed-media style. But since they accompany some of the most stretched metaphors I've ever seen, that dampened my enjoyment somewhat.

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

Enjoyment: 2/5

Overall: 2.33 out of 5

Review - Once Upon a Winter Day

Once Upon a Winter Day
by Liza Woodruff
Date: 2020
Publisher: Margaret Ferguson Books
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 40
Format: e-book
Source: library

A boy learns that nature is full of stories to tell when he finds and follows a mouse's tracks in a wintery wood.

Milo wants a story, but his mom is too busy to entertain him. Instead, she encourages him to go out and play in the snow. At first, Milo is disappointed - he doesn't want to play outside, he wants a story.

But when he starts to follow a trail of mouse-prints, he discovers signs of activity all around, prompting him to ask, What happened here? Before long, he's using his imagination -- depicted in lush wordless spreads that capture the vividness of Milo's fantasies -- to fill in the gaps. By the time Milo comes home, he's the one with stories to tell.

A must have for the winter season, Liza Woodruff's Once Upon a Winter Day is a fun read-aloud that shares details about animal behavior from a child's perspective.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is a nice little story about a boy who's looking for stories.

When Milo asks his mom for a story, she tells him to go outside and play instead. He doesn't want to, but he does anyway... and soon spots a tiny track in the snow. As he follows the mouse's footprints, he finds different objects and wonders about their origins. All the while, he's actually building a story, and when it comes time for him to return home, he has a story to tell his mother.

The illustrations are simple but effective, helping to tell the story as Milo moves through the snowy landscape. The reader learns a bit about animal behaviour along the way (who knew porcupines could climb trees?) and there's even a heart-stopping moment when it looks like the mouse may have met his doom.

While this didn't excite me personally, I think it could be a great fit for readers who are interested in animals and what they do in winter.

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

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall: 3.33 out of 5

Review - A Loud Winter's Nap

A Loud Winter's Nap
by Katy Hudson
Date: 2017
Publisher: Capstone
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 36
Format: e-book
Source: library

Every year Tortoise sleeps through winter. He assumes he isn't missing much. However, his friends are determined to prove otherwise! Will Tortoise sleep through another winter, or will his friends convince him to stay awake and experience the frosty fun of winter? Best-selling author Katy Hudson's charming picture book will have everyone excited for winter.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

I kind of wish this story had been a little stronger.

Tortoise sleeps through the winter. He settles in, only to be disturbed by his friends doing winter activities. Eventually, he inadvertently ends up sliding down a hill and realizes he's been missing out on a lot of fun.

I found his friends' attitude kind of disrespectful. Tortoise wants to be left alone, but they all assume they know better and do everything they can do disturb his nap.

The illustrations are lovely, which is why I'm kind of disappointed by the story. This could have been a great all-around book if the animals hadn't been such pushy jerks.

Check this one out for the pictures, but don't expect too much from the story.

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

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall: 2.83 out of 5

Review - How to Catch a Yeti

How to Catch a Yeti
by Adam Wallace
illustrated by Andy Elkerton
Date: 2020
Publisher: Sourcebooks Wonderland
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

From the New York Times and USA Today bestselling team comes a new, epic winter adventure in the How to Catch series!

When our brilliant Catch Club Kids hear about the legendary Yeti, they head to the mountains to catch a glimpse and prove it really exists! Full of hilarious high jinks and clever traps, How to Catch a Yeti is a fun-filled ride you wont want to miss! Will our Catch Club Kids catch the Yeti and prove he exists? Or will the Yeti remain a mystery to the world?

Legend has it there lives a beast
we really want to meet.
Hes extra huge with snow-white fur
and giant, fuzzy feet!

I know the Yeti does exist,
and I can prove it too!
And with my friends, well find him fast
before the day is through!

(synopsis from Kobo; see it on Goodreads)

What is wrong with me? I keep reading these books, hoping they'll be better than they are.

In this installment, the rude little brats harass a yeti. They barge into his home, set traps for him, and generally just be a nuisance. Why do they feel entitled to catch all these poor creatures who are just minding their own business?

At the end of this one, the yeti sends the kids a text message telling them how much fun he's had with the chase. I have to wonder if that's in response to other reader feedback that pointed out that barging into a creature's life and trying to trap them is a pretty entitled thing to do.

Anyway, the meter falls apart (despite starting strong) and the illustrations are the same sort of thing we've seen in the other books... although, unlike in How to Catch a Dragon, we weren't treated to the weird anachronistic setting and forced diversity.

If you like this series, you'll probably like this book. If you haven't tried any of these books yet, I wouldn't necessarily recommend this one... or any of the others, for that matter.

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

Enjoyment: 2/5

Overall: 2.29 out of 5

Review - Potatoes at Turtle Rock

Potatoes at Turtle Rock
by Susan Schnur & Anna Schnur-Fishman
illustrated by Alexandra Steele-Morgan
Date: 2016
Publisher: Kar-Ben Publishing
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

Annie leads her family on a nighttime journey around their farm to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah. At each stop along the way--the Old Log, Squeezy Cave, and Billy Goat's Bridge--Annie uses riddles (and potatoes) to mark old traditions and start new ones. They end up at Turtle Rock Creek, where they give thanks for the light and warmth (and potatoes) in their lives.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

Potatoes at Turtle Rock depicts a different sort of Hanukkah celebration. Annie, her brother, her parents, their goat, and their chicken make a nighttime journey on the sixth night of Hanukkah. They visit different locations, and at each one, Annie has a riddle for everybody. She also has a treat waiting for them at Turtle Rock.

I liked seeing a different take on a traditional Hanukkah story. The outdoor setting and the potatoes were an interesting twist. The illustrations are nice, too; even though the whole story takes place at night, there's still plenty to see.

I'd recommend this one to those who are looking to add to their winter holiday picture book collections, especially if they're looking for Hanukkah books.

Quotable moment:

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 - Santa Clauses: Short Poems from the North Pole

Santa Clauses: Short Poems from the North Pole
by Bob Raczka
illustrated by Chuck Groenink
Date: 2014
Publisher: Carolrhoda Books
Reading level: C
Book type: illustrated poetry collection
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

December 1st
White envelopes float
from my overfilled mailbox—
December's first storm.

You know that Santa can fly a sleigh, squeeze down chimneys, and circle the globe in a night. But did you know that another of his talents is writing haiku?

These twenty-five short poems—composed by Santa himself—give you a peek into life at the North Pole as the December days tick down to Christmas. See the hustle and bustle of the elves' workshop, feel the serenity of moonlight on fresh snow, and find out how Santa and Mrs. Claus keep busy as Santa's big night draws near.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is an interesting concept. Here are a bunch of haikus, supposedly written by Santa after he fell in love with the poetry form.

I was a little bit underwhelmed. The premise of one haiku a day until Christmas is fine. The poems themselves are okay. The illustrations are perhaps the strongest part, evoking the sights and sensations of the far north. But I didn't love this.

Fans of poetry might enjoy this more than I did. It's not bad... but I don't feel like reading it again.

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

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall Rating: 3.17 out of 5 ladybugs

Review - First Snow

First Snow
by Bomi Park
Date: 2016
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 40
Format: e-book
Source: library

Look out. Now look up. From the sky one flake falls, then another. And just like that—it's snowing.

In this beautiful book from debut creator Bomi Park, a young girl wakes up to the year's first snowy day. From her initial glimpse out the window to her poignant adventures—rolling a snowman, making snow angels—the girl's quiet quests are ones all young readers will recognize. Simple, muted text and exquisite, evocative art conjure the excitement of a day spent exploring the wonder of snow—and the magic that, sometimes literally, such a day brings. As subtly joyful as a snow day itself, this book will find its home in the hearts of young adventurers everywhere.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

First Snow is a story with simple text and cute illustrations about a little girl and the first snow of the year.

This is a book that should probably be read with children, as it depicts a very small child leaving her yard in the middle of the night, rolling a snowball through a city and woods populated by wild animals, and ending up in a field with a bunch of other children. There are hints at the end that this was a journey in her imagination only, but I'm not sure if all readers will pick up on that.

The illustrations—done in a limited colour palette of black, white, and red—are charming. I can see why the author/illustrator started out making greeting cards; the images in this book would lend themselves well to something like that.

Overall, this is simple but sweet. Make sure young children realize that the girl isn't actually cavorting in the woods with bears, though; this journey is purely in the imagination.

Quotable moment:

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

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall: 3.5 out of 5

Review - Crow & Snow

Crow & Snow
by Robert Broder
illustrated by Olivier Tallec
Date: 2020
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 48
Format: e-book
Source: library

This heartfelt and beautifully illustrated picture book follows the special friendship between a scarecrow and a snowman throughout the seasons.

Being a scarecrow can be lonely. Spending his day keeping birds away doesn’t leave Crow with many options for friends. Then one snowy day, the children on the farm build a snowman. Crow and Snow are fast friends and winter passes happily in each other’s company. Then Snow goes away. Crow misses his friend and thinks of Snow during the warm seasons until they can be reunited again. Being apart can be hard, but the very truest of friends never lose each other.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is a simple story about a lonely scarecrow and an ephemeral snowman. Each year, the farmer's children build a snowman. Snow keeps Crow company through the winter. But with the arrival of spring, the two friends have to say goodbye. Snow always returns, though... until one year when the children are all grown up and don't build a snowman anymore. Is this the end of the friendship?

I get what the author and illustrator were trying to do here, and it's a nice book about friendship, but something's just not sitting quite right with me. Maybe it's Crow's wondering if he should tell Snow how he feels and the subsequent declaration of love. It almost feels a little too adult for a children's book, almost romantic, and while there's nothing wrong with a homosexual inter-object romance, the lead-up to that point had been about simple friendship.

Your interpretation may vary, of course. Overall, the story is fairly strong and the illustrations capture the passing of the seasons and the changes that come with that. It's not a bad book... but I'm not sure what kind of relationship Crow and Snow are supposed to have, and that ambiguity is kind of bothering me.

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

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall: 3.17 out of 5

Review - Piranhas Don't Eat Bananas

Piranhas Don't Eat Bananas
by Aaron Blabey
Date: 2015
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 24
Format: e-book
Source: library

Find out what piranhas eat -- and don't eat! -- in this new, irresistibly funny picture book from Aaron Blabey, the bestselling creator of Pig the Pug!

Everyone knows that piranhas don't eat bananas -- except for Brian. This little fish loves to munch not only on bananas, but on fruit of all kinds! Brian's piranha friends think he's crazy. Piranhas don't eat bananas -- their sharp teeth are for eating meat! And there's a scrumptious pair of feet dangling in the water nearby...

Rich with author-illustrator Aaron Blabey's hysterical text and unforgettably wacky illustrations, Piranhas Don't Eat Bananas is a hilarious story about trying new things -- no matter how strange they seem!

(synopsis from Goodreads)

Poor Brian. Life's not easy when you're a frugivore... and a piranha. In funny rhyme, Piranhas Don't Eat Bananas details a conversation between Brian and his friends as he tries to convince them that fruit is awesome... and they try to remind him that body parts are delicious.

I first encountered Aaron Blabey's work in The Bad Guys series of chapter books, which also feature a piranha. But I loved seeing these fish in full colour. Kids will love the silly rhymes, and there's plenty of bum talk (without getting too crass).

Overall, this was a pleasant surprise. If you're looking for amusing picture books in rhyme, you might want to check this one out. (As a bonus, you might learn a little something about piranhas and bananas, too!)

Quotable moment:

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

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall: 4 out of 5