Review - I Don't Care

I Don't Care
by Julie Fogliano
illustrated by Molly Idle & Juana Martinez-Neal
Date: 2022
Publisher: Neal Porter Books
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 40
Format: e-book
Source: library

A New York Times bestselling author and two Caldecott Honorees share their delight in the little things that set two friends apart, and the big things that bring them together.

I really don't care what you think of my hair
Or my eyes or my toes or my nose
I really don't care what you think of my boots
Or if you don't like my clothes. . .

Mostly I care that you're you and I'm me
And I care that we're us and we're we.

This rhythmic, rhyming text by award-winning author Julie Fogliano celebrates the similarities and differences between two unlikely best friends. It will be illustrated by two recent Caldecott Honorees, each depicting one of the characters, Molly Idle and Juana Martinez-Neal.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is a cute rhyming picture book about two friends and the things they don't and do care about. It's a great lesson in priorities and concentrating on what's truly important.

The pictures, a collaborative effort between Molly Idle and Juana Martinez-Neal, are adorable.

Recommended to those looking for simple picture books about values.

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

Enjoyment: 5/5

Overall: 4.57 out of 5

Review - People Don't Bite People

People Don't Bite People
by Lisa Wheeler
illustrated by Molly Idle
Date: 2018
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 40
Format: e-book
Source: library

Lisa Wheeler and Caldecott Honor–winning illustrator Molly Idle remind overeager little biters that biting is for food in this hysterical read-aloud picture book. Learning good behavior has never been so fun!

It’s good to bite a carrot.
It’s good to bite a steak.
It’s bad to bite your sister!
She’s not a piece of cake.

Cause…
People don’t bite people!
That’s what this book’s about.
So if you find
you’re tooth-inclined—
you’d better check it out!

(synopsis from Goodreads)

I read the companion book, People Share With People, back in 2019 and have wanted to get my hands on People Don't Bite People ever since. While I did enjoy this book, I don't think it's quite as strong as its successor, and it may appeal to a more limited audience.

In jaunty rhyme, this book explains all about how you shouldn't bite others. Accompanying the cute text are Molly Idle's charming illustrations. I really can't fault the premise here, although biting was never an issue with me (or anyone I knew). This might make the book little more than an amusing diversion for many children if they're not biters. I'm also not loving the first rhyme that tells kids it's good to bite a steak. Alienating vegetarian readers on the very first page probably isn't the wisest thing to do.

Overall, though, I would recommend this one... but I'd recommend People Share With People even more strongly since it's liable to be applicable to more readers overall. Fans of Molly Idle's art will definitely want to check this book out, too. (Also, check out the dedication to see where Lisa Wheeler found the inspiration for this book!)

Quotable moment:

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

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall: 4 out of 5

Review - People Share with People

People Share with People
by Lisa Wheeler
illustrated by Molly Idle
Date: 2019
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 40
Format: e-book
Source: library

In this hilariously instructive follow-up to Lisa Wheeler and Caldecott Honor–winning illustrator Molly Idle’s People Don’t Bite People, this cheeky and charming picture book reminds little ones that sharing is caring. Learning good behavior has never been so fun!

It’s good to share a blanket.
It’s nice to share some fries.
It’s great to share your crayons
BEFORE somebody cries.

Yes…
People share with people!
It’s not that hard to do.
So if you’d like to cozy up…
I’ll SHARE this book with you!

(synopsis from Goodreads)

Oh, gosh. This book is so adorable! I love the rhymes, the pictures, and the message. What a wonderful book about sharing!

I love the fact that nothing is pushed on anyone. It's about choice, and how we can choose to share with others because we are kind. (It's also great in that it mentions things we shouldn't share, like toothbrushes and sneezes!)

This would be a great book for children who are struggling with sibling rivalry. It's subtle enough to be effective, but has a strong message that's appropriate for any age. (A lot of adults could probably benefit from this book, too!)

Quotable moment:

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

Enjoyment: 5/5

Overall: 4.71 out of 5

Review - Flora and the Flamingo

Flora and the Flamingo
by Molly Idle
Date: 2013
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 44
Format: e-book
Source: library

In this innovative wordless picture book, Flora and her graceful flamingo friend explore the trials and joys of friendship through an elaborate synchronized dance. With a twist, a turn, and even a flop, these unlikely friends learn at last how to dance together in perfect harmony. Full of humor and heart, this stunning performance (and splashy ending!) will have readers clapping for more!

(synopsis from Goodreads)

I saw this book when I was browsing through the local library's selection of e-books for kids.  I was first drawn in by the cover's colour and illustration, which give the book a definite vintage look.  On the inside, "readers" are treated to a cute little story about a girl and her flamingo friend who love to dance.

Upon reading some of the reviews on Goodreads, I realized that this is a lift-the-flap sort of book, which makes me question why it would be published as an e-book.  There are just some things you can't do in a digital format.  Although it's probably technically possible to mimic paper flaps digitally, that wasn't done here... which leaves Flora and the Flamingo as just a collection of illustrations.

Not that that's such a bad thing.  The pictures are just so gosh darn cute that they don't really need any gimmicks to make them appealing.  But I do kind of want to visit a bookstore now and have a look at the hardcover... just to see what I might have missed!

Quotable moment:

Recommended to: little girls (or boys) who love to dance and who love the colour pink... but try to get a physical copy, rather than the e-book

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

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall: 4 out of 5