Review - Holi Hai!

Holi Hai!
by Chitra Soundar
illustrated by Darshika Varma
Date: 2022
Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

Gauri is excited to splash colors on everyone for Holi. But when she doesn't get her favorite color, Gauri gets mad. Will she find a way to overcome her anger and join in the festivities?

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This a relatable little holiday story about a girl named Gauri. As her family prepares for Holi, each person is assigned a colour and must make a coloured powder. But Gauri doesn't get the colour she wanted, so she sulks all day and doesn't get anything done. Later, Grandpa tells the kids the story of Holika and Prahlada, and Gauri realizes maybe she's been acting with too much anger in her heart. So she works hard all night to try to make things right.

I've read a few Holi picture books. This is one of the stronger ones. The story is engaging, and isn't just about the festival. I enjoyed how Gauri's childhood anger and entitlement was portrayed, and how the issue was eventually resolved. There's a great author's note at the back that explains more about Holi, and there's even some recipes for making coloured waters, just in case you feel like getting joyfully messy.

Overall, this is a nice picture book about Holi with strong themes of family, compromise, and making the best of things when they don't turn out exactly as you wanted.

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

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall: 4.33 out of 5

Review - The Story of the Three Wise Kings

The Story of the Three Wise Kings
by Tomie dePaola
Date: 1983
Publisher: Simon Schuster Books for Young Readers
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

Tomie dePaola’s beloved 1983 classic returns to print just in time for the holiday season!

Three wise men of the East, having seen a new star symbolizing the birth of a great king, follow the star to Bethlehem where they present gifts to the newborn Jesus. This beautiful rendition of the well-known tale is sure to delight young readers.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This was just okay for me. While it's a little less disturbing than some of the other Nativity stories I've read, I still don't think that version from Matthew is really appropriate subject matter for a children's picture book.

That said, this is an interesting rendition of the story, told from the point of view of the kings. There are some unintentionally amusing images (such as when the kings all meet up and Balthazar's pointing at the star while breaking the fourth wall, or when newborn Jesus—with a full head of golden hair—is standing on his mother's knee to watch the kings depart). The ending is likewise so abrupt that it's almost funny.

The illustrations are colourful and pleasing to look at, and readers who really like the religious stories about Christmas will probably like the book. As a more secular reader, though, I didn't love it; I'm still uncomfortable with the way all these baby-killing themes are excused. If the book weren't about Christmas, would parents still think a story about a dude who wants to kill babies is appropriate for their toddlers?

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

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall: 3 out of 5

Review - The Birds of Bethlehem

The Birds of Bethlehem
by Tomie dePaola
Date: 2012
Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 34
Format: e-book
Source: library

A perfect first Christmas book

This inventive and fresh Nativity story is told from a bird's-eye view. On the morning of the first Christmas, the birds of Bethlehem gather in the fields--not only to eat but to share the exciting news. People from all over have descended on Bethlehem and an angel has appeared in the night sky. Something extraordinary is coming! The birds agree that they must find this wondrous thing, and off they fly to the stable where a child has been born.

In simple language and dazzling pictures, beloved author-illustrator Tomie dePaola shares the awe and anticipation of the first Christmas. His cast of brightly colored, curious birds will appeal to young children, making this a perfect introduction to the story of Christmas.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

Well, that was a big "meh".

This is just a bunch of birds, rendered in colourful illustrations, talking about the buzz around Bethlehem. At the end, they go to check out what all the fuss is about.

Unless you're really into the Biblical story of Christmas, this probably won't offer you much. It's rather boring. The art is okay, but the story is just a bunch of gossiping birds.

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 - Llama Llama Holiday Drama

Llama Llama Holiday Drama (Llama Llama)
by Anna Dewdney
Date: 2010
Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 40
Format: e-book
Source: library

Llama Llama holidays. Jingle music. Lights ablaze.

How long till that special date?

Llama Llama has to wait.

If there's one thing Llama Llama doesn't like, it's waiting. He and Mama Llama rush around, shopping for presents, baking cookies, decorating the tree . . . but how long is it until Christmas? Will it ever come? Finally, Llama Llama just can't wait any more! It takes a cuddle from Mama Llama to remind him that "Gifts are nice, but there's another: The true gift is, we have each other."

(synopsis from Goodreads)

I thought I'd already read a Llama Llama holiday book, but I guess it wasn't this one. (Honestly, the Llama Llama catalogue is a pretty extensive one.)

In this book, Llama Llama and Mama are busy getting ready for Christmas. There's so much to do! Shopping, baking, decorating... It all culminates in a tummy ache and a little llama who's had more than enough. It's up to Mama to remind him that Christmas is about love and being there for each other.

The pictures are cute (especially the one of Llama Llama when he keels over from too much holiday cheer), and the overall message is good. I did find the rhythm of the rhyming text uncharacteristically clunky in spots. I also don't like the way the book keeps using the word "holiday" when it means "Christmas". A dreidel is mentioned once, but make no mistake: This is a book about Christmas, despite that word not being used even once. The elves, the countdown to the 25th, the present shopping, decorating a tree... This is Christmas, not some generic winter holiday, or even a combination of holidays. So... that was annoying.

Other than that, though, this is a book that Llama Llama fans will want for their collection. It's full of the fun of the Christmas season, and parents will be able to relate to the overloaded kid at the centre of it all.

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

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall: 3.43 out of 5

Review - The Legend of Old Befana: An Italian Christmas Story

The Legend of Old Befana: An Italian Christmas Story (Legends)
by Tomie dePaola
Date: 1980
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

In this beloved classic picture book, Tomie dePaola retells and illustrates an Italian Christmas folk tale, breathing warmth and humanity into the character of the lonely Old Befana and her endless search for the Christ Child.

Every morning and every afternoon, Old Befana sweeps with her broom. “Cranky old lady,” the children say. “She is always sweeping!” Sweep, sweep, sweep.

But when a brilliant star glows in the eastern sky one night, and Old Befana encounters the glorious procession of three kings on their way to Bethlehem, her little world will never be the same.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

I first learned about La Befana when I did a presentation on her for school in grade six. That was a long time ago, and I'd forgotten much of what I'd learned back then. So the story in this book was fairly unfamiliar.

In Italy, there's a cranky old woman who does nothing but sweep all day and snark at the neighbours. One night, a bright star appears in the sky, a star so bright that she can't sleep. The next day, while she's sweeping, a grand procession comes through her town. She learns they are on their way to see the Baby King in Bethlehem and bring Him gifts. She lets the procession go on its way, but then thinks about it some more and decides to join it. So she bakes gifts for the Baby King: cakes and cookies and candies. Then she sets out. But she's seized by the urge to sweep, and by the time she's done, the procession is long gone. She never does find the Baby King; instead, she flies through the night and leaves her treats for little children.

The story is cute—and a nice change from the ubiquitous Christmas story we see so much of at this time of year—and dePaola's colourful illustrations are appealing to look at. I enjoyed this book a lot more than I thought I might. I'd recommend it to those looking for slightly different Christmas picture books about less well-known holiday traditions.

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

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall: 4 out of 5

Review - Three Little Monkeys at Christmas

Three Little Monkeys at Christmas (Three Little Monkeys)
by Quentin Blake
illustrated by Emma Chichester Clark
Date: 2021
Publisher: HarperCollins
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

A wickedly funny new festive adventure from a stellar picture-book collaboration!

Hilda Snibbs takes her three mischievous little monkeys to stay with her Uncle Gilbert for Christmas. Among many amazing things, Uncle Gilbert’s prized possession is an ancient golden teapot, so the little monkeys must be very good. But what is supposed to be a traditional holiday is soon filled with chaos! Hilda begins to regret bringing the three little monkeys with her – until, one night, their antics come in very handy . . .

Quentin Blake’s delightfully funny story is brought to life by Emma Chichester Clark’s beautiful mixed-media illustrations in this irresistible follow-up to Three Little Monkeys and Three Little Monkeys Ride Again.

(synopsis from Amazon; see it on Goodreads)

This is an incredibly silly story about a woman named Hilda Stibbs who, for some reason, has three little monkeys named Tim, Sam, and Lulu. I'm not sure if they're supposed to be a metaphor for children or if they're supposed to be taken literally. In any case, Hilda takes the monkeys to stay with her uncle for Christmas. Each day, Hilda and Uncle Gilbert go out to run errands, leaving the monkeys alone on their own... with predictable results. And yet, inexplicably, the two adults go out day after day, never seeming to learn their lesson. Eventually, though, the monkeys' rambunctious proclivities end up saving the day... at the expense of Uncle Gilbert's apartment.

The adults are so ridiculously oblivious that it's kind of funny. The silly story is paired with interesting mixed-media illustrations that combine drawings with photographs of real-life objects. The overall effect is interesting, and there's plenty to look at in the pictures.

Kids will probably enjoy the monkeys' antics (and maybe even relate to them a little, especially when they get bored and destructive). Overall, this is a fun little picture book, one that's a bit different than the usual holiday fare. I can see this appealing to fans of Curious George, too.

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

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall: 4 out of 5

Review - Naughty or Nice?

Naughty or Nice?
by Erin Rose Wage
illustrated by Alex Willmore
Date: 2021
Publisher: Phoenix International Publications, Inc.
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 20
Format: e-book
Source: library

Little Nora Elf is full of fun and mischief when she tags along with Santa Claus! Find out how she turns Christmas Eve traditions upside down in this yuletide tale of opposites! This sweet (and silly!) Santa story spreads holiday cheer and helps your little elf build language and thinking skills by showcasing opposites.

(synopsis from Amazon; see it on Goodreads)

I guess this was trying to show opposites, but it's kind of an annoying story about Santa Claus bringing a naughty elf with him who just wreaks havoc while he's trying to do all his duties on Christmas Eve.

The story is told in rhyme, but the poetry plays fast and loose with the metre. I'm not a fan.

I guess I just don't understand why Santa would bring along an elf who spreads soot everywhere, makes a ton of noise, and gorges herself into a food coma with cookies that weren't even meant for her. Yeah, she's naughty. But why is Santa putting up with it?

I don't get it.

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

Enjoyment: 2/5

Overall: 2.14 out of 5

Review - A Chick 'n' Pug Christmas

A Chick 'n' Pug Christmas (Chick 'n' Pug)
by Jennifer Sattler
Date: 2014
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

Pug is ready for the holidays in his extra cute-and extra itchy-Santa suit. Chick wants one just like it . . . until Pug explains how Santa delivers presents to kids everywhere all in one night, and Chick can't believe his ears. Clearly, Santa Claus is a superhero! And Chick wants to be his fearless sidekick. Spreading holiday cheer is no easy feat, but Chick is ready and willing, even if Pug, of course, would rather nap.

Brimming with the same humor and charm fans have come to know from their favorite dynamic duo, readers will delight in this new adventure as Chick and Pug celebrate the holiday season.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

I think this is one of those books that will appeal mostly to fans of the characters.

This is my first encounter with Chick 'n' Pug, and I was underwhelmed. It's a lazy pug and a manic bird, and the story is a tired retread of explaining and emulating Santa Claus. The illustrations are okay, but nothing memorable.

Your mileage may vary, of course. There's nothing objectively wrong with this. I just found it boring and forgettable.

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

Enjoyment: 2/5

Overall: 2.67 out of 5

Review - Jan Brett's The Nutcracker

Jan Brett's The Nutcracker
by Jan Brett
Date: 2021
Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

Jan Brett's striking illustrations and the Christmas classic The Nutcracker are a match made in picture book heaven.

When Marie and her brother Fritz receive a special Christmas nutcracker from their uncle, Marie immediately feels something magical. He looks like a real boy, she mused. A real boy with a secret, who came from far away.

This feeling is only the beginning of the epic adventure she goes on with the Nutcracker--into the cabinet, through the battle with the mice, and finally to the magical land of the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Jan Brett makes this classic her own by setting it in snowy Russia and adding whimsical touches to the favorite elements of the traditional ballet. Enjoying this book will be an instant Christmas tradition for families who love the ballet and those new to the story.

As perfect a gift as Jan Brett's classics The Mitten and The Night Before Christmas.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This was... too much.

I've enjoyed some other picture books by Jan Brett, especially The Mitten. Taking on The Nutcracker in picture-book form was an ambitious task. I'm not sure it worked.

In trying to condense the story into 32 pages, much is skimmed over, seemingly in favour of getting to the parts of the story that would look good as full-page illustrated spreads. When Marie doesn't want to say goodnight to the guests, we're told it's because she's been taking care of the Nutcracker that her brother, Fritz, had broken. This seems like an important aspect to Marie's devotion to the toy, so it feels odd that it would be skipped over.

The rest of the book is kind of like a fever dream. The overall emotion I'm feeling after reading this book is overwhelm. Don't get me wrong: I enjoy picture books where there's lots to look at in the illustrations. But in this case, it's just too much. Brett's signature style of using smaller illustrations in the side panels to show some parallel aspects of the story is used here, but the technique makes the book feel cluttered because there's already so much going on in the main illustrations. I'm also not a fan of the way the characters are drawn. The facial expressions don't seem consistent and lead to a look that almost seems like two different artists were at work; sometimes the faces almost seem cartoonish, while others are more realistic.

The story rambles, and if you're not familiar with the original story or ballet, you might not have any sort of clue what's going on here. Basically, a child shrinks, battles a mouse king, then goes on a journey through a winter landscape populated by anthropomorphized animals. Was it all a dream? In the case of this book, I'm almost tempted to say it was a drug trip.

Fans of Brett's catalogue of work will no doubt want to add this one to their collections. But those looking for a strong picture book based on The Nutcracker, or those who want an easy-to-follow story for holiday reading, might want to look elsewhere.

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

Enjoyment: 2/5

Overall: 2.5 out of 5

Review - The Toys' Christmas

The Toys' Christmas
by Claire Clément
illustrated by Geneviève Godbout
Date: 2012
Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children's Books
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

This cozy, cuddly Christmas story tells how Santa makes sure he leaves the perfect gift for each child—with a little help from their favorite toys!

It is Christmas Eve and Noah’s toy elephant, Fanfan, has gone missing! Little does he know that Fanfan has crept out of the house to join other soft toys on their annual Christmas journey: to see Santa Claus!

Just in case letters don’t reach Santa, toys all around the world make this trip so they can tell Santa what their child wants most of all. (After all, who knows a child better than their best-loved toy?)

Will Fanfan return in time for Christmas morning? And will Noah get the present that he so longs for?

Perfect to curl up with at bedtime, this sweet and magical tale is illustrated by Genevieve Godbout, the artist behind Apple Cake.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

The illustrations in this book are very cute, but there almost seems to be a mismatch between pictures and text. I suspect it may be due to the translation.

This is a story about a bunch of toys that go off to see Santa to tell him what their respective children would like for Christmas. These stories always seem kind of quaint, and I often wonder how modern kids—who ask for things like brand-name gadgets and toys—see the simple gifts of dolls, books, and wooden swords that Santa is depicted as making.

The text states that this journey of the toys happens every year, but this seems to be the first year that Noah is missing his toy. You'd think that all the favourite toys disappearing on Christmas Eve every year would be noticed, but the story just kind of ignores that point.

The book was originally published in 2012 as La longue marche des doudous, and there's something about this particular translation that just doesn't cut it for me. I don't know; maybe the original French is just as bad. But I found the text to be so lifeless, especially compared to the soft, whimsical illustrations. (I've read a few books illustrated by Godbout now, and I really enjoy her style.)

Maybe, read aloud, this book would have a few more sparks of life. I don't doubt that kids will like looking at the pictures, and the overall premise is very cute. I just wish that the text had been on the same level as the illustrations.

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 - Holiday Spirit

Holiday Spirit
by Tyler J Gray
Date: 2021
Publisher: Archive of Our Own
Reading level: A
Book type: short story
Pages: 7703 words
Format: e-book
Source: Archive of Our Own

Christmas morning kids open their presents, only to scream in horror. Someone has ruined Christmas. Who? Why? Where is Santa Claus?

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is a bit of a confused (and confusing) story about a horrid Christmas morning, a centuries-old grudge, and the magic of belief. It... doesn't work.

I'll give the author an A for effort, but there are just so many problems with this. It's a story about believing in Santa Claus, and yet there are graphic descriptions of violent and some rather scary monsters. (Don't even get me started on the spiders.) I'm not sure who the audience is supposed to be; it seems like a story that should be for children, but it's completely inappropriate for them due to the graphic content.

The writing is also technically pretty bad. Most of the punctuation is wrong. Getting through it all was a bit of a slog.

I think the author was trying to make a statement here about the Christmas spirit and commercialism and believing in something good and pure... but the whole storyline that involved beating animals with sticks and somebody losing their hands didn't seem all that Christmas-like to me.

I did, however, love one bit at the beginning, though it probably wasn't intended to be so badass. Upon being beset by spiders on Christmas morning, the parents have the following exchange:

“What are we going to do!” mom yells.

Dad thinks for a few seconds, rubbing his chin and blowing a dangling hair out of his eyes.

“Bomb the house?”

Well, that escalated quickly. (They were talking about a bug bomb, but I still like to imagine they were talking about dynamite or something. With some spiders, that's the only reasonable course of action.)

Overall, this needs work. The heavy-handed messaging, violence, and poor editing combine to make this a bit of a chore to read. But I'm still chuckling over the mental image of this couple blowing up their house over a few spiders, so I did get some enjoyment out of it.

Plot: 3/5
Characters: 2/5
Pace: 3/5
Writing & Editing: 1/5
Originality: 2/5

Enjoyment: 2/5

Overall Rating: 2.14 out of 5 ladybugs

Review - In November

In November
by Cynthia Rylant
illustrated by Jill Kastner
Date: 2000
Publisher: Harcourt Mifflin Harcourt
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

In November, the air grows cold and the earth and all of its creatures prepare for winter. Animals seek food and shelter. And people gather together to celebrate their blessings with family and friends.

Cynthia Rylant's lyrical language and Jill Kastner's rich, cozy paintings capture the cherished moments of this autumn month--the moments we spend together and the ones we witness in the world around us.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is a pretty picture book with lyrical text and lovely oil paintings... and a decidedly American bent that will likely limit its audience outside the United States.

I didn't realize that this was an American Thanksgiving book when I picked it up. And, to be fair, it doesn't start out that way. The book shows how nature changes and prepares itself for winter when November comes around. We see the weather changing. We see the plants changing. We see the animals' behaviour changing.

And then we get to the people. The last part of the book is taken up with Thanksgiving stuff. The food is better. People are nicer to each other. Everybody gets together to give thanks.

Is there anything wrong with that? Of course not! But it does come across as quite Americocentric, and by giving the book this focus, it could be confusing to children in other parts of the world whose experience of November is quite different.

Aside from that, the book is fine. It would make a nice addition to a holiday library of Thanksgiving picture books (especially since it doesn't focus on gluttony as so many others do).

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

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall: 3 out of 5

Review - Pumpkin Heads

Pumpkin Heads
by Wendell Minor
Date: 2000
Publisher: Charlesbridge Publishing
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

Halloween is time to pick pumpkins and carve them into pumpkin heads--jack-o'-lanterns of every shape and size!

Award-winning author and artist Wendell Minor uses simple language and striking autumn settings to celebrate jack-o'-lanterns in this reissue of a Halloween classic. The perfect holiday read aloud, Pumpkin Heads takes readers and trick-or-treaters from the pumpkin patch for picking, all the way home for carving, and gets everyone in the Halloween spirit.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

While some of the illustrations in Pumpkin Heads are lovely, the book is rather simple and uninteresting. I'm not a fan of the layout, which pairs a page of sparse text and a translucent pumpkin with a fully illustrated page depicting the various carved pumpkins. The resulting look is uneven, with the text pages appearing slapped together while the illustrated pages look like they were laboured over. There's no story; the text is just a means to introduce the pumpkins.

Can we mention the cover for a moment? Am I the only one who thinks this looks like a horror story? That particular arrangement of pumpkins is supposed to be a snowman, but it looks rather menacing.

I'm not sure who I'd recommend this one to. Children old enough to appreciate the artwork probably won't be impressed by the lack of story. Children young enough not to care about the story might be unnerved by some of the illustrations.

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

Enjoyment: 2/5

Overall: 2.33 out of 5

Review - The Secret Halloween Costume

The Secret Halloween Costume
by Sophie Vaillancourt
illustrated by Karina Dupuis
Date: 2021
Publisher: CrackBoom! Books
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 34
Format: e-book
Source: NetGalley

A Halloween story for little ones!

Charlotte is a young witch. For Halloween, her family insists she must wear her darkest clothes and scariest makeup. After all, a witch must be spooky! But Charlotte doesn't want to follow tradition - she wants to wear something that reflects who she is. She asks her grandmother to sew her a secret costume... But what will it be?

An adorable Halloween story about an enthusiastic little witch who follows her heart and inspires others to do the same!

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This simple Halloween story has appealing illustrations and an okay message... as long as you interpret it a certain way.

Charlotte is a witch, but she's had enough of being scary. On Halloween, all the witches dress up in their scariest clothes and makeup. It's tradition! But Charlotte is tired of the whole scary thing, and when her friends find out how she's feeling, they try to help her find a new costume.

I have no problem with any of this. What kind of bothers me, though, was that when Charlotte gets to school and shows off her new costume, that isn't the end of it. She assumes all the other kids dislike scary stuff as much as she does, and proceeds to bring out a bunch of non-scary costumes, declaring: "No one has to be scary for Halloween." She follows this by saying that the kids should wear whatever they like, but I thought it came off as a little pushy on Charlotte's part, since the kids all seem to be happily decked out in their scary costumes and makeup. Then the teacher declares that the kids are free to wear whatever they like, implying that everyone was literally forced to get scary... which perhaps should've been addressed with more than a weak excuse about tradition. (As far as I know, a tradition isn't a mandate.)

Anyway, I'm sure this book will appeal to kids, as it's bright, appealing, and fairly inoffensive. Some of them might wonder, though, what's so wrong with a scary costume on Halloween.

Thank you to NetGalley and CrackBoom! Books for providing a digital ARC.

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

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall: 3 out of 5

Review - The Happy Pumpkin

The Happy Pumpkin
illustrated by MacKenzie Haley
Date: 2021
Publisher: DK Publishing
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 16
Format: e-book
Source: library

On Halloween, the scariest and spookiest night of the year, pumpkins are looking forward to meeting their new owners! While everyone is getting picked, one pumpkin feels left out - the happiest and smiliest of the lot. He can't help but think that nobody wants a not-so-spooky pumpkin on Halloween. Will our Happy Pumpkin find a home in time?

The adventure of this perky little pumpkin will teach little ones vital life lessons about being themselves and not judging others based on their appearance. This heartwarming story is filled with adorable, engaging illustrations - the perfect Halloween treat for you and your little one to read together at storytime!

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This book doesn't even make sense. Judging by the fact that there isn't even an author listed, it looks like nothing more than an opportunity for the publisher to cash in on Halloween by releasing a book about pumpkins. But it's ridiculous. Near the beginning, the book states:

Today, every pumpkin in town

would be chosen by a child and

made into a shining, but

SCARY jack-o'-lantern.

What's the problem? The accompanying illustration is of a field full of jack-o'-lanterns. These pumpkins are already carved! I guess the idea of plunging a carving knife into an anthropomorphized pumpkin's head was just too much. But now the story doesn't make any sense.

So, anyway, nobody wants the Happy Pumpkin because he's smiley rather than scary. Finally, a little boy who's scared of Halloween takes the Happy Pumpkin. And we're all taught that we shine the brightest when we're just being ourselves.

The illustrations are fine. They're kind of cute, actually. But I feel sorry for the illustrator when they were given this mess of a story. I'll bet there was a lot of head-scratching going on. "So the kids are supposed to pick pre-carved pumpkins and turn them into jack-o'-lanterns? What kind of pumpkin patch is this?"

Just another holiday money grab. Moving on...

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

Enjoyment: 1/5

Overall: 1.83 out of 5

Review - Valentine's Day with Snowman Paul

Valentine's Day with Snowman Paul (Snowman Paul)
by Yossi Lapid
illustrated by Joanna Pasek
Date: 2021
Publisher: Yosef Lapid
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 24
Format: e-book
Source: Amazon.ca

How will Dan describe the meaning of love to his best friend who happens to be a Snowman?

With stunning watercolor illustrations and delightful rhymes, this holiday-themed picture book explores the meaning of Valentine's Day and show just how much fun it can be with beloved family and good friends.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is the third of the Snowman Paul books I've read and, for me, it's one of the weakest. It's not terrible, by any means; it still has cute pictures and a nice message. However, I felt it was kind of a rehash of some of the other books rather than an entirely new story, and the punctuation in this one bothered me a little more than it did in the other titles.

That said, it's a refreshingly normal title—considering its release date amid all the COVID craziness—that shows friends getting close to each other to provide love, comfort, and support. As Snowman Paul and his friend Dan share examples of how they've felt love for each other, we're reminded of a simpler time when children were actually allowed to get close to their very best friends.

If you're a fan of Snowman Paul and his stories, you'll probably want to check this one out. If you're looking for a simple but sweet Valentine's book for kids, you might find something to like here, too.

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

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall: 3 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 - 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 - How to Hide a Lion at Christmas

How to Hide a Lion at Christmas (How to Hide a Lion #4)
by Helen Stephens
Date: 2018
Publisher: Henry Holt and Company
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 40
Format: e-book
Source: library

A charming holiday picture book about a girl, her pet lion, and a Christmas adventure.

Iris and her lion go everywhere together. But when Christmas comes and the family is going away, Mum says the lion must stay behind. After all, you can't take a lion on a train. Luckily the lion has other ideas. He sets off on a festive, snowy adventure to find Iris--and almost bumps into Santa Claus!

Helen Stephens's How to Hide a Lion at Christmas will warm young readers' hearts with its colorful illustrations and funny text depicting a sweet friendship.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is a bit of a strange book, but it's still entertaining. A little girl named Iris wants to take her lion when her family goes to visit a relative at Christmas. But her parents say she can't. The lion stows away on the train to be with his friend... but he falls asleep and misses his stop. He must find a way back to Iris. Along the way, he encounters Santa Claus.

I haven't read any of the other books about Iris and her lion. At first, I wasn't sure whether this was supposed to be literal. But the fact that Iris has a lion toy suggests to me that the lion is imaginary, which makes the story even more charming.

Kids will probably enjoy the funny storyline about the lion getting lost, finding his way back, and meeting Santa Claus on Christmas Eve. It's an entertaining story for those who are looking for more strong holiday picture books.

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