Thursday, January 31, 2019

Review - Mommy's Khimar

Mommy's Khimar
by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow
illustrated by Ebony Glenn
Date: 2018
Publisher: Salaam Reads / Simon Schuster Books for Young Readers
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 40
Format: e-book
Source: library

Selected as a Best Book of 2018 by NPR, Kirkus Reviews, School Library Journal, and Shelf Awareness!

A young Muslim girl spends a busy day wrapped up in her mother’s colorful headscarf in this sweet and fanciful picture book from debut author and illustrator Jamilah Tompkins-Bigelow and Ebony Glenn.

A khimar is a flowing scarf that my mommy wears. Before she walks out the door each day, she wraps one around her head.

A young girl plays dress up with her mother’s headscarves, feeling her mother’s love with every one she tries on. Charming and vibrant illustrations showcase the beauty of the diverse and welcoming community in this portrait of a young Muslim American girl’s life.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This picture book is absolutely adorable! It follows a little girl as she tries on her mother's headscarves. The reader can clearly see how much love the child has for her mother (and the rest of her family, including her Christian grandmother), and what the khimar means to her. When she's wearing it, she envisions herself as a queen, a shooting star, and even a superhero.

The illustrations are not what I was expecting. The cover doesn't really do the rest of the book justice. The expressions on the characters' faces are wonderful, and almost remind me of Disney animated characters. They're so colourful and cute.

I did wonder where the term "khimar" came from. The girl states that her Arabic teacher calls it a "hijab", but there was really no discussion about why, or where the different terms originated. That might've been nice to have in an author's note at the end.

Overall, though, I really liked this book. It's a wonderful introduction to the concept of headscarves for non-Muslim children, and a celebration of culture for Muslim readers.

Quotable moment:


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

Enjoyment: 5/5

Overall: 4.5 out of 5

Review - Bark Park!

Bark Park!
by Trudy Krisher
illustrated by Brooke Boynton-Hughes
Date: 2018
Publisher: Beach Lane Books
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 40
Format: e-book
Source: library

Come along and play with all of the dogs at Bark Park in this exuberant rhyming picture book that’s a treat for animal lovers of any age.

Welcome to Bark Park! There are dogs running and dogs relaxing, dogs riding and dogs sliding, dogs with a buddy and dogs getting muddy—all before returning home to bubble bath, a cozy dog bed, and sweet dreams of—what else?—being back at the park. Bark! Bark Bark!

(synopsis from Goodreads)

Here's a fun little rhyming picture book for dog lovers! There's not much of a story, but there's plenty to look at and enjoy on the pages. The illustrations show a diverse variety of dogs enjoying themselves at the park: playing on the slide, eating ice cream, rolling in the mud. You know... dog stuff. I had fun looking at the detailed pictures and seeing what all the different dogs were up to.

There's not much more I can say about this one. It's lots of fun watching the dogs enjoy themselves.

Quotable moment:


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

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall: 3.71 out of 5

Review - Life

Life
by Cynthia Rylant
illustrated by Brendan Wenzel
Date: 2017
Publisher: Beach Lane Books
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 48
Format: e-book
Source: library

Cynthia Rylant and Brendan Wenzel explore the beauty and tenacity of life.

Life begins small, then grows…

There are so many wonderful things about life, both in good times and in times of struggle. Through the eyes of the world’s animals—including elephants, monkeys, whales, and more—Cynthia Rylant offers a moving meditation on finding beauty around us every day and finding strength in adversity. Brendan Wenzel’s stunning landscapes and engaging creatures make this an inspiring and intriguing gift for readers of all ages.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

Sometimes certain picture books miss the mark for their audience. I have a feeling this is one of those books. While I appreciate the message (and the lovely illustrations), I'm not sure if it'll find broad appeal among children who are looking for a good story. What we have here is not so much a story as an after-school special about not giving up on life; it's not explicit, but I certainly couldn't help but notice the anti-suicide messages in the text:

And it is worth
waking up in the morning
to see what might happen.

I realize that children can struggle with depression and dark thoughts, but I also question whether a book like this will find its audience. The people who would get the most out of a book like this may be at an age where they think themselves "too old" for picture books.

There are parts of the text I'm not crazy about; near the beginning we get a lot of sentence fragments. The illustrations are quite lovely, with colourful full-page spreads of animals living their lives. The pictures are actually stronger than the text, in my opinion.

This might make a lovely gift for older children (ones who wouldn't turn up their noses at a picture book, anyway) or even adults. But as a kids' book, I'm not sure it quite hits the mark.

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

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall: 3.17 out of 5

Review - Truman the Dog

Truman the Dog (My Furry Foster Family)
by Debbi Michiko Florence
illustrated by Melanie Demmer
Date: 2019
Publisher: Picture Window Books
Reading level: C
Book type: illustrated chapter book
Pages: 72
Format: e-book
Source: library

T is for Truman, tricks, and TROUBLE! Truman the black lab might be an older rescue dog, but he's still got enough mischief beneath his collar to keep eight-year-old Kaita Takano and her animal-fostering family on their toes from morning till night. Chewed through and through, the playfully illustrated, Kaita-narrated chapter book promises plenty of canine fun.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is a nice early chapter book for kids about a girl and her family who foster a dog named Truman. It's well written and has an interesting premise. I think my main complaint is that it seems very young. The main character is eight, which I suppose gives you an idea of the book's audience, but even so, I thought the story was a little simplistic. Compared to, say, Kate DiCamillo's Mercy Watson series of chapter books, this one wasn't really challenging (the glossary of unfamiliar words in the back might be helpful for kids... but only if they don't know what words like "adopt" and "veterinarian" mean). I also didn't entirely buy the ease with which Kaita was able to give up Truman when it came time for him to go to his forever home; I have my doubts as to whether an eight-year-old would be able to let go so easily, without any tears. (Kaita is inspired by a real-life little girl, so perhaps the fictional Kaita's reaction was based on real life. Still, I would've liked to see the characters face a little more difficulty with this part of the story, since such a book might inspire a kid to want to foster an animal and they need to be prepared to have to give it up at some point.)

The illustrations are colourful and cute. I just wish there were more of them. There are only about two per chapter (and each chapter is around ten pages), so it made the book seem quite heavy on the text. Despite the simplicity of the story, the high text-to-picture ratio might be intimidating for some early readers.

Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by the writing (even though it was simple, it was done well) and the interesting topic of fostering animals. The illustrations are fun, too. I'm not sure if I'd recommend it or not (I foresee whines of, "Can we foster a dog? Please?") but maybe this book would work for kids who already have pets and/or already have experience with fostering.

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

Plot: 3/5
Characters: 3/5
Pace: 3/5
Writing & Editing: 4/5
Illustrations: 4/5
Originality: 4/5

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall: 3.38 out of 5

Wednesday, January 30, 2019

Review - My Valley

My Valley
by Claude Ponti
Date: 1998
Publisher: Elsewhere Editions
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 42
Format: e-book
Source: library

In My Valley, Claude Ponti leads us on a journey through an enchanted world inhabited by "Touims" (tiny, adorable, monkey-like creatures), secret tree dwellings, flying buildings, and sad giants. Clever language and beautifully detailed maps of imaginary landscapes will delight children and adults alike. Ponti himself has said, "My stories are like fairytales, always situated in the marvelous, speaking to the interior life and emotions of children. That way each child can get what they want out of the images: the characters and dreams are their own."

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is a strange little book. It's not so much a story as an exercise in world-building. To me, it almost seemed like a companion book to a TV show or a book series, something that explains the world and characters and background of the setting. There's a map, a detailed diagram of the Twims' tree home, and plenty of little stories about things that happened in the world.

It's definitely a book that needs to be read in a fairly large format; I had to zoom in all the way on the library app on my laptop screen; even at 3.5x zoom, I still had trouble reading some of the stuff on the map.

I just don't know what to make of this. The little stories themselves are really short and don't have much plot; they're more anecdotes than stories, really. The pictures are cute, and if you like detailed maps and drawings, you might like the illustrations. But I'm struggling to find the point of this. Other than as a companion to another body of work, I'm not sure it really works.

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

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall: 3.17 out of 5

Review - Ming and Her Poppy

Ming and Her Poppy
by Deirdre Sullivan
illustrated by Maja Löfdahl
Date: 2017
Publisher: Sky Pony
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

The stunning companion story to Ming Goes to School.

Ming and Poppy’s journey takes them over sidewalk cracks and dancing shadows, past honking horns and crowded crosswalks. They greet old friends and make new ones, while sharing stories, secrets, and the sting of painful words.

And sometimes, a sweet treat, too.

In this companion story to Ming Goes to School, Deirdre Sullivan’s gentle text paired with Maja Löfdahl’s soft, rich water color illustrations explores the special bond between family members as Poppy and Ming slow down and appreciate life’s simple moments.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

Wow. I don't think I've ever disliked a sequel as much as I liked the first book! This one just doesn't have the same magic as Ming Goes to School. The illustrations aren't as engaging (or as cute), and the writing is all over the place. It's too pretentious (this book seems more like it was written for adults), and it resorts to using apostrophes to make plurals, which pretty much knocked a star off for me. I hate seeing incorrect punctuation and grammar in children's books.

I'm disappointed. While Ming Goes to School was a beautiful little picture book about embracing new experiences, Ming and Her Poppy is just a boring "journey" of a grandfather picking up a kid from preschool with lots of pretty words thrown in to make it seem deep.

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 - Ming Goes to School

Ming Goes to School
by Deirdre Sullivan
illustrated by Maja Löfdahl
Date: 2016
Publisher: Sky Pony
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

Ming goes to school, where she learns to say hello and good-bye. She meets new friends and introduces them to old friends (including her favorite teddy). She builds sandcastles and makes snow angels; she traces, glitters, and glues. She is so fearless that when held at sword point, she even walks the plank! And when she’s playing in the mud, she reaches out and touches the worms with her bare hands. But despite those brave deeds, she isn’t quite ready for the big red slide—not yet.

This is a very sweet story with soft, evocative watercolor illustrations that will help kids to grow comfortable with the idea of starting preschool. Ming is curious and playful and ready for adventure, but even she gets scared of new things sometimes. Kids will relate to her desires and fears and will be excited to see Ming at the top of the slide by the story’s end.

A quiet and reassuring picture book for preschoolers (3-5), this is a wonderful going-to-school story that can be read both at home and in the classroom or childcare center. The illustrations provide a lot of diversity of characters, making this feel like any classroom in any school in the country.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is a sweetly illustrated little book, perfect for kids who might be about to start preschool.

I have to say, I was kind of envious of Ming. Her school is like a kids' paradise, where they're allowed to play, squirm, and be creative all day long. They even get to take naps! (That's something most schools--and workplaces--are missing: naps.)

The illustrations are really cute, and there's plenty of diversity among the children depicted on the pages. It's lovely to see kids just getting to be kids, without big dilemmas or issues with adults. This would be a reassuring book for kids who might not know what to expect when they're about to head off to their first day of preschool.

Quotable moment:


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 - We Build Our Homes: Small Stories of Incredible Animal Architects

We Build Our Homes: Small Stories of Incredible Animal Architects
by Laura Knowles
illustrated by Chris Madden
Date: 2018
Publisher: words & pictures
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book non-fiction
Pages: 64
Format: e-book
Source: NetGalley

It’s not only humans who can build incredible structures: around the world, mammals, birds, and insects can be found building incredible things. From big beaver dams to tiny caddisfly cases, this beautifully illustrated picture book explores each animal’s incredible home and uncovers the reasons why they build.

Featuring 26 creatures from around the world, each amazing animal architect tells its own "micro story" about its impressive architectural skills in this delightfully unique wildlife book.

Among the amazing builders you’ll meet:

Ovenbirds, who carry clumps of mud up into the trees to make their nest

Darwin’s bark spiders, who build webs stretching out as far as three buses, end-to-end

Moles, who use their spade-like paws to dig extensive networks of tunnels with nesting spaces and storerooms where they keep earthworms to snack on later

Polar bear mothers, who make their dens under the snow to stay in for five long months, nursing their cubs and eating nothing themselves

Through lyrical text and entrancing edge-to-edge illustrations, admire the spectacular ingenuity of these animal architects.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

I really like this book! It's a fascinating look at animal architects and the things they build. There are so many examples, including many animals you might not have heard of before, and each one is accompanied by beautiful pictures.

For a picture book, this is quite long and there's a fair amount of text. But kids who are interested in birds, insects, or other animals will find this a fascinating read. As an adult, I learned all sorts of things that I didn't know before. I especially liked learning about tailorbirds and harvest mice. The illustrations are really beautiful, and show off each marvelous animal creation in a clear and aesthetically pleasing way.

There seems to be some weirdness going on with the back cover of the ARC; the text looks like it's probably from the author and illustrator's previous collaboration, a book called We Travel So Far. I'm not sure how it ended up on the back cover of this book, but just be aware of that. We Build Our Homes is about animals' creativity and architectural skills; the other book appears to be about animal migration.

Thank you to NetGalley and words & pictures for providing a digital ARC.

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

Enjoyment: 5/5

Overall: 4.67 out of 5

Tuesday, January 29, 2019

Review - Moira's Birthday

Moira's Birthday
by Robert Munsch
illustrated by Michael Martchenko
Date: 1987
Publisher: Annick Press
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

Moira invites grades 1 to 6 to her party. But her parents don’t know—until...

(synopsis from Goodreads)

Who needs social media for a guest list to get out of control? Moira's parents told her she could only invite six kids. But then all the kids that weren't invited asked her to invite them, too, and before she knows it, she's invited all the kids from grades 1 to 6... aaaaand kindergarten.

The repetition and fun pictures are par for the course with this picture-book duo. I especially liked Moira's solutions to her birthday excess, though; they show some nice problem-solving skills.

Overall, this is another strong Munsch picture book, great for your collection.

Quotable moment:

The father and mother opened the door and saw grade 1, grade 2, grade 3, grade 4, grade 5, grade 6, aaaaand kindergarten. The kids ran in right over the father and mother.


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

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall: 4 out of 5

Review - Pigs

Pigs
by Robert Munsch
illustrated by Michael Martchenko
Date: 1989
Publisher: Annick Press
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

Megan is told to feed the pigs, but not to open the gate. She does of course, and the results are hilarious as the pigs help themselves to coffee and the newspaper at the breakfast table, follow Megan to school, and ride home by way of the school bus.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

It's fun to read some of these Robert Munsch books that were a little after my time (i.e., I was "too old" for picture books when they came out). I can't even recall hearing about Pigs, but it's pretty funny, with the repetition and amusing pictures that are the hallmark of Munsch/Martchenko collaborations.

I like the way Megan goes from tidy to dishevelled as the day wears on (well, she does get trampled by a herd of pigs a few times). I also like how, in one scene, one of the pigs is eating a book that appears to be a copy of Munsch's I Have to Go! How meta.

This would be a great addition to any Munsch collection.

Quotable moment:

Megan looked in the principal's window. There was a pig drinking the principal's coffee. A pig was eating the principal's newspaper. And a pig was peeing on the principal's shoe. The principal yelled, "Megan, get these pigs out of here!"


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

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall: 3.83 out of 5

Review - The Cloud Raiders

The Cloud Raiders (Glint #1)
by Samuel Sattin & Ian McGinty
Date: 2019
Publisher: Lion Forge
Reading level: MG
Book type: graphic novel
Pages: 160
Format: e-book
Source: NetGalley

Lion Forge announced a graphic novel trilogy, Glint by Samuel Sattin (Legend) and Ian McGinty (Adventure Time). The story will be about the struggle to save a dying planet. Sattin said, “Motorbike-riding warrior grannies must help a small miner boy named Loon withstand a regime that’s been brainwashing its people for generations, while being attacked by monsters called Feeders.”

(synopsis from Goodreads)

Before I read my first graphic novel in 2017, I was under the impression that they were all pretty much glorified comic books aimed at little boys who couldn't be bothered to read a full-length novel. I'm afraid that, if The Cloud Raiders had been my first introduction to the graphic novel format, it would have reinforced that assumption; I would've given up on the format instantly and then missed out on some wonderful books.

This is one of the weakest graphic novels I've read to date. I still don't really know what the plot was all about. The characters confused me no end; some of them looked so similar to each other, and their names were all weird (the use of nicknames and terms of endearment didn't help; neither did the slip-up where one character's name was spelled two different ways on the same page). And the panels are so cluttered that half the time I couldn't even tell what I was looking at... even after zooming in on the e-book edition. There are no breaks for chapters or sections, which leads to some rather abrupt and awkward transitions; it all reads like one great long piece, which is kind of exhausting.

Getting through this one was an absolute slog. I didn't care what was happening (probably because I couldn't tell what was happening), and I just wanted to get through the thing. Had it not been an ARC, I probably would've abandoned it.

I don't think I've ever felt so lost while reading any book, graphic novel or otherwise. The Cloud Raiders just made me feel stupid, like I was missing something really obvious. Maybe I was... or maybe I'm just not this book's audience.

Thank you to NetGalley and Lion Forge for providing a digital ARC.

Plot: 2/5
Characters: 1/5
Pace: 1/5
Writing & Editing: 1/5
Illustration: 1/5
Originality: 2/5

Enjoyment: 0/5

Overall Rating: 1 out of 5 ladybugs

Review - Even Superheroes Have to Sleep

Even Superheroes Have to Sleep
by Sara Crow
illustrated by Adam Record
Date: 2015
Publisher: Doubleday Books for Young Readers
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

Toddlers will feel better about bedtime when they learn that superheroes, cowboys, princesses, and astronauts ALL have to sleep too!

It’s bedtime for superheroes... and KIDS! Young ones will enjoy this sweet, short rhyming story that lulls them into bedtime with the promise that all their heroes are getting tucked into bed too. And the book comes with stickers and a reward chart, so good bedtime habits can be reinforced each night when kids brush their teeth, put on their pj’s, and settle down to sleep. It’s a book and sticker package that will help parents achieve bedtime peace each night.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

Well, this was a disappointment. The premise is good, the rhymes are fun, and the pictures are cute. So what's the problem? It's the 21st century, and we're still giving girls the message that their career options are pretty much limited to "princess" (good luck with that) and "mommy". Of the eleven careers depicted in the book (superhero, construction worker, doctor, astronaut, princess, pirate, policeman, scientist, cowboy, rock star, and mommy), only three (doctor, princess, and mommy) are female. The way the text was worded, any of the others except for the policeman and cowboy could've been either gender, so it makes no sense to me why only about 1/4 of these jobs are done by females. It seems to be more of an issue with the illustrator, and perhaps his unconscious bias. (The book was written for the author's three sons, but that doesn't really explain why the illustrator depicted most of the characters as male, whether they were described as such or not.)

So a fun premise was taken down by gender-stereotyped illustrations. That's really disappointing.

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

Enjoyment: 1/5

Overall: 2.14 out of 5

Review - The Very Berry Counting Book

The Very Berry Counting Book
by Jerry Pallotta
illustrated by Joy Newton
Date: 2017
Publisher: Charlesbridge
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book non-fiction
Pages: 10
Format: e-book
Source: library

Best-selling author Jerry Pallotta’s latest counting book is for the youngest readers to devour. Covering familiar North American berries like blueberries and strawberries, as well as lesser-known ones such as mulberries and salmonberries, this fruity board book combines evocative adjectives with beautiful botanical illustrations.

Berries are a healthy finger food toddlers are familiar with. Learning their names and the numbers from one to ten is sure to delight.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is a difficult book to review because there's not much to it. There are only ten pages, each with a number and a picture of the appropriate number of berries, each modified by an adjective. I kind of expected more on the text side of things; the book could've included little rhymes or something. As it is, it's fairly boring, and will probably only appeal to the youngest readers who are still learning their numbers.

The artwork is okay. It's colourful, and it depicts a number of more unusual berries beyond what most people think of when they think about berries. However, if you (or your kids) are really science-minded, you might not like the fact that some of the fruits depicted are not strictly classified as berries.

I can't imagine spending money on a book like this, since you're getting so little. I guess as a board book for toddlers, it might be okay. But I found it lacking.

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 - A Year of Nature Poems

A Year of Nature Poems
by Joseph Coelho
illustrated by Kelly Louise Judd
Date: 2019
Publisher: Wide Eyed Editions
Reading level: C
Book type: illustrated poetry collection
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: NetGalley

See how animals behave through the seasons, and the cycle of trees and plants, from the first blossoms of spring through to the stark winter wonderland in December. 12 inspiring poems from Joseph Coelho, paired with folk art from Kelly Louise Judd give this book year-round appeal.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

I didn't love this. I think part of the problem is that I was expecting something suitable for children, but this really isn't. The vocabulary is way too advanced, and some of the subject matter may have little kids saying, "What?" There's a mention of grandmother's "wobbly incontinence", and the poem for May is about puberty.

I also wasn't impressed with the writing and editing. There were some missing spaces in some of the poem introductions, and a glaring comma splice in May's intro as well. Also, I get that there's a certain amount of poetic licence allowed in a book like this--it is free verse, after all--but I still expect to see possessives and dialogue punctuated properly.

The environmental conservation message that's woven through the poems is nice, but I'm not sure the little introductions really work. They're a little too explain-y for adults (who would get the messages of the poems without the little blurbs) and kind of pointless for kids, who won't understand a good deal of the language in some of the poems. Here's a sampling of some of the vocabulary:

murmurations, Rorschach, air-shoals, crèche, draught, hurst, verges, discipled, pubescent, exultation, incontinence, groynes, indiscriminate, squidge, reliquary, accumulation

Now, I don't know about you, but having to explain all of those words would be tiring. (Especially since you might have to look a few of them up yourself! Even my spellchecker balked at a few.) I'm all for including challenging vocabulary in children's books, but the text in this one goes far beyond challenging; I'm afraid many kids would just give up.

The painted illustrations are kind of hit-and-miss for me. Some of them are really pretty, while others just left me cold. I'm also not convinced that black text on a dark blue background (for the October poem) was the best choice; I found it kind of difficult to read.

If this had been marketed as a poetry book for teens or adults, I might have gone into it with different expectations. But because it's supposedly a children's book, I couldn't help but notice the mismatch between the intended audience and the book itself. The only value I can see in this one for very small children is the visual aspect; I doubt they're going to get much out of these memoir-like poems that go too far beyond the experiences of childhood.

Thank you to NetGalley and Wide Eyed Editions for providing a digital ARC.

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

Enjoyment: 2/5

Overall Rating: 2.5 out of 5 ladybugs

Monday, January 28, 2019

Review - Killer Style: How Fashion Has Injured, Maimed, and Murdered Through History

Killer Style: How Fashion Has Injured, Maimed, and Murdered Through History
by Serah-Marie McMahon & Alison Matthews David
illustrated by Gillian Wilson
Date: 2019
Publisher: Owlkids
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book non-fiction
Pages: 48
Format: e-book
Source: NetGalley

The clothes we wear every day keep us comfortable, protect us from the elements, and express our unique style--but could fashion also be fatal? As it turns out, history is full of fashions that have harmed or even killed people. From silhouette-cinching corsets and combustible combs to lethal hair dyes and flammable flannel, this nonfiction book looks back at the times people have suffered pain, injury, and worse, all in the name of style. Historical examples like the tragic "Radium Girl" watchmakers and mercury-poisoned "Mad Hatters," along with more recent factory accidents, raise discussion of unsafe workplaces--where those who make the clothes are often fashion's first victims.

Co-authored by a scholar in the history of textiles and dress with the founder of WORN Fashion Journal, this book is equal parts fab and frightening: a stylishly illustrated mash-up of STEAM content, historical anecdotes, and chilling stories. Nonfiction features including sidebars, sources, an index, and a list of further reading will support critical literacy skills and digging deeper with research on this topic.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is an interesting look at the dangers of being fashionable. It seems to be aimed at kids, although the subject matter (and gruesomeness of some of the subjects) will probably make it suitable for older children and teens (and curious adults). Various fashion issues are covered in this engaging volume, everything from the Triangle Shirtwaist fire to the Radium Girls to women falling off their platform shoes and cracking their heads open.

Fashion fatalities seem to disproportionately affect women. If they weren't slathering lead on their skin (rotting it in the process), they were being burned alive in their flannelette nightgowns or going up in smoke as flaming ballerinas. It's especially infuriating to see that, in the case of the Radium Girls, nothing was done until a male employee got sick and died; only then was an autopsy performed and the real dangers exposed. (One of the more recent examples shows that we're starting to get a little more equality with fashion fatalities... though that's not a good thing!)

The text is highlighted with plenty of pictures: there are historical photos, postcards, and advertisements that'll make many modern readers shake their heads. Radioactive underwear? Yes, that was actually a thing... and recommended for babies!

I only have a couple of issues with this book. One is that, in some places, I would've liked a little more information (such as in the case of the 1909 department store fire in England that was caused by a celluloid-heavy display; the name of the store wasn't even mentioned). I get that this is a children's book, and there are plenty of sources at the back for further study. Still, it would've been nice to have certain things like that made a little less vague for kids who might want to Google to find out more. My second issue is a statement made in the conclusion that implies we're so much smarter now:

When new cosmetics, medicines, and chemicals are invented, medical standards and government regulations demand that they be tested extensively before they can be brought to the market.

Unfortunately, that's simply not true. It's beyond the scope of this book to get into things like grandfathering approval (such as was done with thimerosal--a form of mercury--which is still in some flu vaccines), or the fact that we wouldn't have had things like the Vioxx scandal if such precautions were actually taken before products went to market. (For a really interesting and disturbing look at how what we put on our bodies may be affecting our health--without us knowing it--I'd recommend taking a look at the movie called Stink!, Jon Whelan's documentary about trying to find the source of the terrible chemical smell coming from his young daughters' brand-new pajamas. Whether we want to believe it or not, we're still being endangered by our fashion choices.)

Overall, this is a nice history book that tells the tales of some of humanity's worst fashion faux-pas. I just wish it didn't leave readers with the false impression that we've solved most of fashion's safety issues.

Thank you to NetGalley and Owlkids 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 - The Amazing Crafty Cat

The Amazing Crafty Cat (Crafty Cat #1)
by Charise Mericle Harper
Date: 2017
Publisher: First Second
Reading level: C
Book type: graphic novel
Pages: 128
Format: e-book
Source: library

Sometimes school can be scary and even embarrassing, but not today. Today is Birdie’s birthday, and everything will be perfect! Birdie's panda-riffic cupcakes are beautiful, and there’s one for everyone. She will be the star of the class. But then . . . disaster! A trip and fall on the way to school means no more cupcakes! Who can save the day? Who can make the class smile again? This is a job for Birdie’s alter ego . . . the Amazing Crafty Cat!

After a quick transformation, Birdie is ready. She’s not afraid of sticky paws or paper cuts. She’s not afraid of anything, even Anya, the class bully. It’s time to get crafting!

From Just Grace and Fashion Kitty author Charise Mericle Harper comes the first volume in a hilarious, charming, and sweet graphic novel trilogy for young readers about a little girl who can craft her way out of any situation. Each volume includes fun and simple instructions for do-it-yourself crafting activities. Get your paws ready for crafty time!

(synopsis from Goodreads)

I might have liked this when I was six or seven... but I probably would've also been frustrated by the instructions for the crafts at the back of the book (meaning my mom would've hated it when she had to deal with my perfectionist tendencies).

The story is really quite stupid, and so juvenile that it's not even realistic. At times, I even wondered if the author was a child. The stuff with the grandfather (is he senile?) and the bully and her olive-induced farts are just ridiculous. I think those incidents were supposed to be funny, but they weren't. (Why would the grandfather bring cottage cheese and olives instead of cupcakes for Birdie's birthday celebration?)

I don't really get the whole thing with Crafty Cat, either. I mean, I understand that she's Birdie's alter ego, but crafting isn't really a superpower. It can't solve all your problems (as evidenced by the way she tries to fix her messy dress and ends up soaking wet).

The instructions for the crafts in the back are also bound to cause problems. Five out of six tell you to use a photocopier (because, yeah, every family has one of those just lying around). The instructions for the Panda Pal (which Birdie and her classmates make in the book) are extremely confusing. I couldn't figure out how to put it together based on the instructions given, and I probably spent a good five minutes puzzling over that before I finally got it. (I think the problem is that the instructions don't tell you to slip the paper under the slits. The instructions tell you to slip the tab "behind the first piece of paper--not both pieces", which is confusing since you're only working with one piece of paper. It should tell you to slip the tab between the slits.) If you're going to include instructions for a craft project in a kids' book, they need to be really clear so the crafting session doesn't end in tears.

This was pretty much a waste of time for me. The story was uninteresting, the characters were underdeveloped (or stereotypes), and the craft projects were boring and potentially frustrating. I wouldn't recommend this one at all.

Plot: 2/5
Characters: 2/5
Pace: 2/5
Writing & Editing: 2/5
Illustration: 1/5
Originality: 2/5

Enjoyment: 0/5

Overall Rating: 1.38 out of 5 ladybugs

Review - You Are Never Alone

You Are Never Alone
by Elin Kelsey
illustrated by Soyeon Kim
Date: 2019
Publisher: Owlkids
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book non-fiction
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: NetGalley

From the creators of You Are Stardust and Wild Ideas comes a new informational picture book that explores how humans are inextricably connected to nature. This book draws examples from the clouds and the cosmos, the seafloor and the surface of our skin, to show how we are never alone: we are always surrounded and supported by nature. Whether it's gravity holding us tight; our lungs breathing oxygen synthesized by plants; the countless microorganisms that build our immunity; or the whales whose waste fertilizes the plankton that feed the fish we eat: nature touches every aspect of how we live.

Using lyrical text grounded in current science alongside detailed diorama art, this book presents the idea that we thrive through connections to the land and sea and sky, and togetherness is key to nature. It encourages inquiry-based learning, inviting readers to wonder, ask questions, observe the natural world, and engage with big ideas. An author's note at the end offers more insight into the research behind the text.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

I requested this book from NetGalley because I read You Are Stardust years ago and really enjoyed it. You Are Never Alone is actually even better! It's all about interconnectedness, which is a topic I'm seeing more in children's books. I recently read Everything is Connected by Jason Gruhl and thought it was okay... but You Are Never Alone is everything I wish that other book had been. It doesn't just state that we're connected to everything; it actually shows and tells us how, through simple text and beautiful, unique illustrations.

Soyeon Kim's gorgeous illustrations are one of the main reasons I enjoyed You Are Stardust as much as I did, and they're just as wonderful here. Drawings and collage are combined to create cute, fantastical landscapes that show how we're connected to the world around us.

The environmental message doesn't hit readers over the head. At least, it didn't hit me over the head. I was too busy absorbing the interesting factoids and basking in the beauty of the pictures. The author's note at the end gives a little more information about the facts presented in the book, with a link for further information (http://www.owlkidsbooks.com/youareneveralone/).

I would highly recommend this book to kids of all ages, and even to adults who appreciate good-quality picture books with beautiful artwork.

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

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

Enjoyment: 5/5

Overall: 4.83 out of 5

Sunday, January 27, 2019

Review - Hello Lighthouse

Hello Lighthouse
by Sophie Blackall
Date: 2018
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 48
Format: e-book
Source: library

A lavish new picture book from Caldecott-winner Sophie Blackall that will transport readers to the seaside in timeless, nautical splendor!

Watch the days and seasons pass as the wind blows, the fog rolls in, and icebergs drift by. Outside, there is water all around. Inside, the daily life of a lighthouse keeper and his family unfolds as the keeper boils water for tea, lights the lamp's wick, and writes every detail in his logbook. Step back in time and through the door of this iconic lighthouse into a cozy dollhouse-like interior with the extraordinary Sophie Blackall.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

Hello Lighthouse is a pretty little picture book with a very nautical feel. I read it in e-book format, but I suspect that the physical versions are tall and narrow, reflecting the shape of a lighthouse.

There's not much in the way of plot. Rather, the story shows the day-to-day life of a lighthouse keeper and--eventually--his family. We get to see the inside of a lighthouse and learn about the operation of it. We see the loneliness and the boredom, but also the excitement and danger that comes with the position. All of this is illustrated in beautiful pictures that evoke a sense of calm.

A nice note is included at the end that talks a little more about lighthouses and the people who ran them. It's kind of sad that this is no longer a way of life, but at least we still have the stories and--in some cases--the lighthouses themselves to remind us of a bygone era.

Quotable moment:


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 - Neither

Neither
by Airlie Anderson
Date: 2018
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 40
Format: e-book
Source: library

In this colorful and touching story that celebrates what makes each of us unique, a little creature that's not quite a bird and not quite a bunny--it's "neither"--searches for a place to fit in.

In the Land of This and That, there are only two kinds: blue bunnies and yellow birds. But one day a funny green egg hatches, and a little creature that's not quite a bird and not quite a bunny pops out. It's neither!

Neither tries hard to fit in, but its bird legs aren't good for jumping like the other bunnies, and its fluffy tail isn't good for flapping like the other birds. It sets out to find a new home and discovers a very different place, one with endless colors and shapes and creatures of all kinds. But when a blue bunny and a yellow bird with some hidden differences of their own arrive, it's up to Neither to decide if they are welcome in the Land of All.

This colorful, simple, and touching story promotes diversity and offers a valuable lesson to the youngest of audiences: it is our differences that unite us.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is a simple little picture book with an important message. It's timely, showing children that being inclusive is a good thing.

When a little half-bird/half-bunny creature is born in the Land of This and That, they immediately identify themselves as Both. But the other birds and bunnies tell them that they can't be Both, so they must be Neither. Neither tries to play games with the others, but they can't play the bunny games (due to their bird traits) and they can't play the bird games (due to their bunny traits). Eventually the other birds and bunnies tell Neither they should go Somewhere Else. So Neither leaves and eventually ends up in the Land of All, where there are all sorts of diverse kinds of creatures, all playing happily together. They feel welcome there, because everybody is welcome there. A bird and a bunny with little differences of their own eventually show up in the Land of All because they don't fit in with the others of their kind. But they're welcome there, too.

I like the parallel between the fanciful creatures in the story and the diversity in our own world. The differences could be skin colour, religion, ability, or gender, and this book sends a strong message that it's better (and more fun) to be inclusive of everyone, not just those who are like you. The illustrations are simple, but effective (and awfully cute; I especially liked looking at the pictures of all the creative creatures in the Land of All).

This is a lovely picture book that I would definitely recommend, especially in today's climate of distrust and suspicion of those who might not be exactly the same as us. It's never too early to learn to accept and embrace differences.

Quotable moment:


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 - Pilu of the Woods

Pilu of the Woods
by Mai K. Nguyen
Date: 2019
Publisher: Oni Press
Reading level: MG
Book type: graphic novel
Pages: 160
Format: e-book
Source: NetGalley

A heartwarming story of friendship, loss, and finding your way home from debut author/illustrator Mai K. Nguyen!

Willow loves the woods near her house. They’re calm and quiet, so different from her own turbulent emotions, which she keeps locked away. When her emotions get the better of her one day, she decides to run away into the woods.

There, she meets Pilu, a lost tree spirit who can’t find her way back home—which turns out to be the magnolia grove Willow’s mom used to take her to. Willow offers to help Pilu, and the two quickly become friends.

But the journey is long, and Pilu isn’t sure she’s ready to return home yet—which infuriates Willow, who’s determined to make up for her own mistakes by getting Pilu back safely. As a storm rages and Willow’s emotions bubble to the surface, they suddenly take on a physical form, putting both girls in danger… and forcing Willow to confront her inner feelings once and for all.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

I really didn't like this one at all. The drawings weren't my thing, the story was both depressing and confusing, and the book was riddled with typos and odd style choices.

Pilu of the Woods, despite the title and the cover illustration, is actually about a girl named Willow who lives with her father and older sister, Linnea. She had a mother once, but she's dead now, and Willow is always getting in trouble because she doesn't know how to deal with her feelings. She bottles them up (literally) until she just has to let them out in a fit of anger and/or violence. This part of the book had me confused at first, because there are these drawings of little creatures in bottles throughout the panels, and I wasn't sure what that was about for the longest time. The bit about the mother is also confusing, because it almost seems like her death is what caused Willow to become the way she is. But that's not the case, because her mother tells her (before she dies) to always treat others with kindness and compassion, and even makes Willow promise this. It seems like a weird promise to have your child make, unless you know you're about to die (but that's not the case; it's implied the mother died in a car accident on a rainy night). So Willow gets even more screwed up by her emotions because she's trying to keep this promise to her dead mother. She bottles up all her feelings until they come exploding out, taking actual physical form in the woods and threatening her and her new friend, Pilu.

Despite her name being in the title, I actually think Pilu is kind of unnecessary. Aside from agreeing with Willow about how tough feelings can be, she doesn't really add much to the story or offer any interesting insights or revelations. I guess she's almost like a Manic Pixie Dream Girl in that respect, since her problems are only there so that Willow can come to her own realizations and solve her own problems. She's some sort of nature sprite who runs away from her magnolia grove because she feels ignored. But it's actually Willow who knows more about the woods, and teaches Pilu a few things about it. (Some of those bits were the most interesting parts of the book; I wish there had been a little bit more of that and a lot less of the girls trudging through the woods in silence.)

That last point brings me to one of the most annoying things about this book, and that's how it's all put together. Aside from many typos and annoying onomatopoeia that uses repetition of silent letters (I can't stand it when people write that something is "cuttteee!", so I really wasn't pleased to see things like "RRUSSSTTTLLEEE" in the panels), the drawings are littered with near-empty speech bubbles with nothing but ellipses to show when the characters are being silent. Call me crazy, but wouldn't not having them say anything show the same thing just as well with less clutter? Also, the speech bubbles are all over the place. Sometimes they're smooth, sometimes they're jagged (which I think signified shouting), and sometimes they look like clouds... which seems odd, because I usually think of cloud shapes as thought bubbles, while here they're used for actual speech... for no real reason that I could see.

I don't like the drawings here, either. They're too cutesy, and the author seems to like drawing tears and snot just a little too much (there's a panel near the beginning of the book that has Willow snorting back a slurpy booger that just about made me gag). One scene also has Willow sharing a peanut butter sandwich with her brand-new friend, which I thought was kind of irresponsible; teaching kids to share peanut butter with someone of unknown allergy status is not the best idea.

Overall, I'm disappointed. The story's premise is okay, but there's far too much crying going on and not enough about actually dealing with negative feelings. (Willow eventually comes to realize that she has to acknowledge those feelings and not keep them bottled up, but it's not really shown how she's going to do that.) And with so many typos and weird style choices for the format, it's not one of the stronger graphic novels I've read.

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

Plot: 2/5
Characters: 2/5
Pace: 2/5
Writing & Editing: 1/5
Illustration: 2/5
Originality: 2/5

Enjoyment: 1/5

Overall Rating: 1.63 out of 5 ladybugs

Saturday, January 26, 2019

Review - Small Offerings

Small Offerings
by Paolo Bacigalupi
Date: 2007
Publisher: Tor
Reading level: A
Book type: short story
Pages: 8
Format: e-book
Source: Tor.com

Readouts glow blue on driplines where they burrow into Maya Ong’s spine. She lies on the birthing table, her dark eyes focused on her husband while I sit on a stool between her legs and wait...

(synopsis from Goodreads)

Well, that was terrifying. Not because it was overly gory or disturbing... but because it's so plausible.

This story takes place in a world that's so polluted that having a baby is a worrying undertaking; the resulting children suffer from all sorts of defects due to the toxins in the environment. It appears that modern medicine has come up with a solution, but it brings with it ethical and religious complications.

I read Bacigalupi's Ship Breaker years ago, and was impressed then by the quality of his writing. I didn't even notice the writing here, which is an indication (for me) that it was quite strong.

This is a creepy, disturbing story about our potential future if we don't clean up our acts. Nobody wants the type of "prenatal care" these future mothers are getting.

Quotable moment:

All around us, Dmitri’s test subjects scamper, shrieking and warring, an entire tribe of miscalibrated humanity, all gathered together under Dmitri’s care. If I key in patient numbers on my belt unit, I get MedAssist laundry lists of pituitary misfires, adrenal tumors, sexual malformations, attention and learning disorders, thyroid malfunctions, IQ fall-offs, hyperactivity and aggression. An entire ward full of poster-children for chemical legislation that never finds its way out of government committee.

Plot: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
Pace: 3/5
Writing & Editing: 4/5
Originality: 4/5

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall Rating: 3.86 out of 5 ladybugs

Review - Everything is Connected

Everything is Connected
by Jason Gruhl
illustrated by Ignasi Font
Date: 2019
Publisher: Bala Kids
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book non-fiction
Pages: 36
Format: e-book
Source: NetGalley

A magical meditation on the powerful idea that we are connected to everything and everyone.

Playful illustrations and funny, rhyming text show readers all of the many ways we are linked to every big, small, hairy, slimy, snuggly, scaly, floppy, flappy, bristly, buzzy, beautiful creature on Earth.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is kind of a neat book, although I think the title may have missed the mark a little bit. The basic premise is that you are connected to everything, so while the title isn't necessarily inaccurate, it doesn't quite reflect what most of the book is about.

The idea that we're all connected to the world around us is one I have seen in picture books before (though not very often). This book has some cute illustrations to drive home the point, including a line that travels across all the pages, interacting with some of the drawings it meets along the way. I liked this visual representation of connection.

The writing was a little weird for me, though. Most of the book is done in rhyme, and the meter is pretty good. But there are also some sections where the rhyme doesn't exist, and I thought those bits kind of interrupted the flow. There was also the implication that chicken pox was something created by people (it was included on the page of things humans have made), so that threw me a little. (I'm thinking maybe the author was in love with the rhyme at that point and couldn't come up with something else that would've fit seamlessly into the verse.)

Overall, though, this is an okay book about interconnectedness. I found it a little repetitive, and there's no mention of how things are connected (this was apparently intentional, according to the author's note). Some kids may get bored reading what is essentially a rhyming list. But others may enjoy reading about all the things they're connected to. The illustrations are vibrant and colourful, and they emphasize the text nicely. It might be a little esoteric for some, but the intention in writing this book seems to have been a good one, and you can feel that as you read through the pages.

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

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

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall: 3.43 out of 5