Review - The Universe Ate My Homework

The Universe Ate My Homework
by David Zeltser
illustrated by Ayesha L. Rubio
Date: 2018
Publisher: Carolrhoda Books
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

Abby hates doing homework. In fact, she'll do just about anything to get out of it. So when she discovers an amazing scientific recipe for creating a parallel universe where she'll never have to do homework again, she's ready to jump right in. There's just one small wrinkle--she might not be able to find a way back.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

There's artistic licence... and then there's this. The author states that the story is made up, but that the science isn't. That's not entirely true. If physics worked the way this book shows, we'd be up to our ears in mini black holes thanks to all the kids who don't want to do their homework.

Abby doesn't want to do her homework. So she stalls. When her physicist father tells her about mini black holes and baby universes, she thinks she's found the perfect solution to her homework dilemma. Make a black hole, send the homework through. Sounds good, right? She accomplishes this by squeezing her crumpled homework in her hands to smash the atoms together. And then... well, "science", apparently.

The author's note at the end doesn't do a good enough job of telling kids that this isn't how black holes actually work, and I fear that some kids might end up crumpling their homework for no good reason. It's all fine and good to have fantasy elements in a fictional story. But you'd better explain these things to your readers! (Also, we never do find out what became of Abby's universe. Presumably, it's still floating in the middle of her dad's study.)

The illustrations are kind of cute. I felt like the text was a little tell-y and not quite show-y enough, though.

Overall, I'd give this one a pass. It's not rooted in real science enough to appeal to budding physicists, and could give the wrong idea to others.

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

Enjoyment: 2/5

Overall: 2.33 out of 5

Review - The Night Library

The Night Library
by David Zeltser
illustrated by Raul Colón
Date: 2019
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 40
Format: e-book
Source: library

The Polar Express meets The Night at the Museum in this fantastical picture-book adventure about the magic of books and libraries, perfect for book lovers of all ages!

After a young boy goes to sleep upset that he's getting a book for his birthday, he's visited in the night by Patience and Fortitude, the two stone lions who guard the New York Public Library. Soon, he's magically whisked away from his cozy home in the Bronx, and the two mighty lions show him the wonder of the library. There, the inquisitive Latino boy discovers the power of books and their role not only in his own life, but also in the lives of the people he loves.

Raul Colon's gorgeous, rich art creates an immersive world in this book about books, which is sure to capture the imaginations of kids and adults and inspire them to grab their library cards and dive into the worlds of stories.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is the book Charlotte Zolotow's My Grandson Lew wishes it could be. Both books are about boys who had close relationships with their grandfathers. But in The Night Library, the memories are woven into a story about dreams, books, and a love of reading.

The narrator is given an early birthday present by his parents: a book. Disappointed, he goes to sleep, only to wake up to find a lion purring outside his window. The beast--whose name is Fortitude--takes him to the library, where he finds lots of books... as well as the memories that go along with them. Most of those memories revolve around his deceased grandfather and the times they spent reading together. By the end of the magical evening, the boy has rekindled his interest in reading, and he comes to appreciate his parents' gift.

I can see why this has been compared to The Polar Express. The framing is somewhat similar, and the fantasy elements are sort of vague. Did it really happen, or was it all just a dream? The illustrations are likewise a bit dreamy, done in soft colours with a gentle overall feel.

This is a lovely, well-written book that celebrates reading and the special relationship between grandparents and grandchildren. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.

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 - Ninja Baby

Ninja Baby
by David Zeltser
illustrated by Diane Goode
Date: 2015
Publisher: Chronicle Books LLC
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

From the day she was born, Nina was a ninja baby. She obliterated her applesauce. She concealed herself at bath time. And she was training herself in advanced infiltration (of movie night). Nina wants to do everything by herself, until the day her parents bring home a Kung Fu Master (a baby brother). Now with a sibling, Nina will face the one thing she cannot do alone: be part of a family. With verve and humor, David Zeltser and Diane Goode tell the story of an unusually gifted child, and the family that is more than a match for her.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is one of those picture books that will probably appeal more to adults than to kids. Nina is a precocious little kid. She's a ninja baby! Fiercely independent, she wants to do everything by herself and for herself. Soon, though, she's joined in the household by a Kung Fu Master. Suddenly, she's on her own not because she wants to be, but because the Master is taking all of her parents' attention. So she asks him what his secret is...

This is actually a pretty cute story about sibling rivalry... and cooperation. Ninja Baby and the Kung Fu Master eventually learn a lot from each other. Their parents are in for a few rough years!

The illustrations are simple, but cute. The facial expressions and amount of action depicted on the pages make me wonder if the illustrator has some sort of background in animation. The babies are quite cute, and the little pictorial twist at the end shows us where the kids got their skills.

Overall, this is a fairly strong picture book. The storyline reminds me a little of Princess Puffybottom ... and Darryl with its themes of rivalry and eventual truce. I'd recommend either book if you're looking for something along those lines.

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