Book Review: Max at Night by Ed Vere

Max at Night is a picturebook by Ed Vere. Max the cat (who we met in Max the Brave) returns, and this time he is getting ready for bed. Max is sleepy, and it is past his bedtime. However, after he gets ready for bed and begins saying goodnight to those around him he notices the moon is missing. He journeys to say goodbye to the moon, because he cannot go to sleep without bidding the moon goodnight.

Max at Night is a fun adventure with an adorable kitten in the lead role. Max wants to say goodnight to the moon, but that is easier said than done. He climbs higher and higher in search of the moon. The story and illustrations come together to tell the heart warming story of this little kitten in search of the moon, and offers the knowledge that the moon could have heard him no matter where he was in order to prevent young readers or listeners from attempting bedtime delays using the same type of tactics. This is a smart combination of fun and wit that will keep parents and children happy.

Max at Night is a sweet and fun bedtime book that will stand up to multiply reads. 

Early Book Review: I Wanna Be a Great Big Dinosaur by Heath McKenzie

I Wanna Be a Great Big Dinosaur by Heath McKenzie is a picture book scheduled for release on May 17 2016. More than anything in the world, one little boy wants to be a great big dinosaur. And he's in luck! A great big T. Rex shows up to teach him how to stomp and roar just like a dinosaur. But dinosaurs aren't so great at soccer or video games. Maybe being a little boy isn't all bad?

I Wanna Be a Great Big Dinosaur is a fun and colorful picture book about exploring the world and being exactly who and what you want to be. I brings home the message that it is wonderful to explore all the possibilities and options around us, but we will be happiest when we are ourselves, no matter who or what that might be. I really loved the colorful and fun illustrations, showing or young boy and dinosaur exploring different activities and generally having fun. It was a fun read with a great message that did not feel forced or overbearing, which is something that often turns me off picture books with a particular message. 

Early Book Review: Nobody Likes a Goblin by Ben Hatke

Nobody Likes a Goblin by Ben Hatke is a picture book which is currently scheduled for release on June 1 2016. Goblin, a cheerful little homebody, lives in a cosy, rat-infested dungeon, with his only friend, Skeleton. Every day, Goblin and Skeleton play with the treasure in their dungeon. But one day, a gang of "heroic" adventurers bursts in. These marauders trash the place, steal all the treasure, and make off with Skeleton―leaving Goblin all alone! It's up to Goblin to save the day. But first he's going to have to leave the dungeon and find out how the rest of the world feels about goblins.

Nobody Likes a Goblin meets the bar that I have set for Hatke’s picture books after the absolutely fabulous Julia's House for Lost Creatures. In this book our Goblin’s home is beset by ‘heroes’ that steal everything of his, including his best friends as the goblin hides in fear. He goes off to rescue his friend, and he discovers that the world outside have very strong feelings about goblins. Despite wanting nothing more than his friend back, you can imagine ow the people of the world react to a goblin inter midst. He has quite the adventure, only to discover that while hiding from the ‘brave’ people hunting the little goblin that he is far from alone. A fun, and wonderfully illustrated, story about assumptions, appearances, and friendship. I think children are already more willing to think outside the conventional norms or who is good or bad based on silly things like appearance but this book will only encourage them to think and look further than the surface of those they encounter.

Nobody Likes a Goblin left me with one complaint, that it was too short! Hatke is one of my favorite authors for children’s graphic novels, and picture books of course. This is a delightful read all around. I would recommend to anyone that loves great picture books and any of the author’s other work. 

Early Book Review: Rowdy: The Pirate Who Could Not Sleep by Darcy Pattison

The Pirate Who Could Not Sleep is a picture book written by Darcy Pattison and illustrated by Ewa O'Neill. It is currently scheduled for release on June 1 2016. Captain Whitney Black McKee is a rowdy pirate! After traveling the seven seas and fighting sea monsters, it’s time to come back to home port for a rest. But the Captain’s sleep has gone all awry. What’s a rowdy captain to do? She sends her crew out to steal a simple lullaby. But the rowdy heart doesn’t always know what it wants or needs. She won’t find rest, until her own dear Pappy arrives.

The Pirate Who Could Not Sleep is a rhyming picturebook about a pirate desperate for sleep. She sets her crew out to steal a lullaby, but how do you steal something so deceptively simple? A reward has the crew trying their best, but it is not until the cabin boy finds a particular buccaneer (Captain McKee's father) that the needed lullaby is found. I liked the artwork, we reminded me a little of Eric Carl's because of the color work. I also liked that the final answer was finding the captain's father, or pappy, to sing a loved lullaby. The family aspect and sentimentality was a nice touch. I did find some of the rhymes to be a little stilted or forced, so the text did not always flow as nicely as i hoped. Still a nice read for dads, granddads, and other male role models and young children.



The Pirate Who Could Not Sleep is a nice read, particularly for guys and the children in their lives. a good pick for bedtimes and quiet times. 

Book Review: A Beginners Guide to Bear Spotting by Michelle Robinson, David Roberts

A Beginners Guide to Bear Spotting is a picturebook written by Michelle Robinson and illustrated by David Roberts. A young aspiring bear spotter ventures into bear country. However, coming face-to-face with the furry creatures themselves, whether black or brown, can be dangerous, and our protagonist (accompanied by a trusty teddy bear) might need to use some unconventional means to stay out of trouble and avoid becoming lunch.

A Beginners Guide to Bear Spotting is a fun picturebook about a young exploring searching for, and finding, bears in the woods. The narrator offers information, and some not so helpful hints, about black, brown, and even stuffed blue bears. I like that the boy uses his wits and good nature to get his way out of his own predicament. However, my honest to goodness favorite part of the book are the illustrations by David Roberts. The humor, coloring, and detail are just about perfect and add so much to the story. The combination of real bear facts, silly humor, and fantastic illustrations come together to make this a simply wonderful read.

A Beginners Guide to Bear Spotting is a great read aloud picturebook. The illustrations and humor will make it a hit with a group or for sharing one on one.

Early Book Review: Mr. King's Machine by Geneviève Côté

Mr. King's Machine is a picturebook by Geneviève Côté which is currently scheduled for release on April 1 2016. When Mr. King the cat discovers that one of the pretty flowers near his home has been chewed by a caterpillar, he is not happy. He builds himself a Caterpillar-Catcher to track down the culprit who did it. Mr. King doesn't notice that the Caterpillar-Catcher is spewing nasty smoke into the air and knocking down the other pretty flowers in his path. Now it's his animal friends who are not happy. Will Mr. King be able to turn things around so everyone will be happy again?

Mr. King's Machine is a book with bight illustrations, and a multi layered lesson. Readers see that their actions can have unintended consequences, that we all need to take care of the environment, and that sometimes taking the time to talk about a problem and brain storm solutions is well worth the extra time and effort. Mr. King is a cat with a love of beautiful things an nature being orderly. When a lunching caterpillar nibbles on a flower Mr. King is  a little overly upset. In an over reaction that most kids can relate to, because most of us overreact (at least internally) over things daily, he builds a machine intended to help him discover and get rid of the caterpillar in question. Unfortunately his machine causes more damage that it could have stopped. I like there there is discussion of why caterpillars and other creatures are important, and how nature is a very interdependent. I liked the book, but found it to be a little heavy handed and while valuable in certain classroom or home lessons not something that was going to be a new favorite.

Mr. King's Machine is a good book for starting or carrying on discussions on how interconnected nature is, or how actions can have unforeseen consequences. It could also be used as a starter for a nature project in class, like seed planting or watching caterpillars become butterflies. This is the third book (but the first I have read) in Geneviève Côté's picture book series about a crown-wearing cat who always needs a little help from his friends to learn important environmental lessons. 

Book Review: Frankencrayon by Michael Hall

Frankencrayon is a picturebook by Michael Hall. However, this book has been cancelled despite the fact that the crayons staring in the story have costumes and were going to tell an fantastic story. However, now that someone is reading the cancelled story, they explain why the picture book has ended. It is all because of the horrible scribble that suddenly interrupted the story. They tried to clean the page, but the scribble just kept getting bigger. It was out of control and everyone was so disturbed that they cancelled the book, but they forgot to tell Frankencrayon. So when the crayons playing him entered on Page 22, they ran right into the scribble.

Frankencrayon is another great picturebook from Hall. I like when the characters of a book talk directly to the reader, particularly when it is done right like it is here. The crayons are preparing to perform for the reader and are disappointed in the cancellation. The explanation of the scribble and resulting cancellation is humorous and delightfully illustrated. The scribble, made continuously worse by the crayons trying to 'fix' it reminded me of many situations. One that could be easily resolved, but only escalated because of fear or panic. When the forgotten Frankencrayon makes his appearance readers expect him to be afraid or act like the other crayons, but the unique perspective and solution by this trio of crayons is perfect.

Frankencrayon is a wonderful picturebook, and would work as a storytime read, or for sharing one on one. 

Early Book Review: Willow’s Smile by Lana Button and Tania Howells

Willow’s Smile is a picturebok written by Lana Button and illustrated by Tania Howells. It is currently scheduled for release on April 5 2016. Sometimes Willow smiled without even trying. But sometimes when she wished she could and knew she should, her smile slipped straight off her face. So when her teacher tells the class that Picture Day is coming, shy Willow starts to worry. What if she isn't able to smile for the camera? How can she have her picture taken without smiling? But then on Picture Day, Willow gets the opportunity to watch the other children being photographed. She sees that all of her friends' expressions are unique, and perfect in their own way. And by the time it's her turn, she's realized that she doesn't need to worry about smiling for her picture. She just needs to be herself.

Willow’s Smile is a picturebook that captures the worries children might have come picture day, and that the adults reading along might have when it comes time for pictures as well. Giving the perfect smile when it is time is not always easy, and many of the children in the book are worried about it in their own way. I like that the story gives Willow the chance to see that she is not alone in her worries, and to help those around her. The illustrations are charmingly simple and capture the expressions and moods of the characters as they change through out the story.

Willow’s Smile is a perfect book for sharing with a child, or class, before picture day or any event that promises plenty of picture taking. It can both offer assurances and coping methods for those that are worried about how they will look in pictures, and what makes a perfect picture. It could even act as a conversation starter about those concerns, what makes a good picture, and why we take the pictures.

Early Book Review: Squirrel Me Timbers by Louise Pigott

Squirrel Me Timbers by Louise Pigott is a picturebook which is currently scheduled for release on April 1 2016. A young squirrel has always dreamed of sailing the seas as a pirate. So when he finds a treasure map, he can t believe his luck! An X marks the spot of 100,000 NUTS! He sets off on an adventure to follow the map and find the treasure.

Squirrel Me Timbers is a cute picture book about a young squirrel that has always dreamed of more. When he sets off on his adventure he discovers that things are not as much fun as he expects, and that excitement is not always enjoyable. A few scares and dangerous situations have him thrilled to reach his destination, only to discover the treasure does not look quite like he expected. I think the story is good fun, but not fantastic. My favorite part is the very end, when the squirrel’s treasure rains on him from above, rather than digging up buried nots. I like the subtle bit about the nature of planting nuts and how trees grow, but wonder if all the readers will catch it on the first read. 

Squirrel Me Timbers is a fun little book. I think it is fun, and will be appreciated for a couple reads. I would recommend borrowing from a library rather than adding to the home collection. While it is a entertaining read I do not think it will become one of the constantly reread picture books that frequent bedtime routines.  

Book Review: Sock Monster by Stacey R. Campbell

Sock Monster is a picturebook by Stacey R. Campbell. Billy is in the midst of a fun game when his mother tells him that it is time to clean up and get ready for bed. The only trouble is Billy does not want to waste time cleaning his room, so instead of cleaning his room he hides the mess. A bedtime story about the sock monster, made up of clothes not put away where they belong, keeps Billy up until he gives up and cleans up correctly. A cute story with a little twist at the end that just might lead to cleaner rooms in your house.

Sock Monster is a fun and cute story about a little boy that avoids cleaning his room. I really liked the story line, the resolution, and especially the little twist at the end when the mom starts to hear sock monster like noises herself and asks dad whether HE picked up his socks. The illustrations were fairly simple and cute. There was little in the way of background and additional details, but they conveyed the meaning and story well.

Sock Monster is a good story for bedtime reading by caregivers and parents dealing with the struggle to have a child pick up after themselves, particularly in the laundry department. It is not the only, or the best, book on the subject that I have read. However, it is fun and would make a good addition to the storytime reading pile.

Book Review: Mother Bruce by Ryan T. Higgins

Mother Bruce by Ryan T. Higgins is a picture book about a bear that loves cooking good food and being left alone. But when his hard-boiled goose eggs turn out to be real, live goslings, he starts to lose his appetite. And even worse, the goslings are convinced he's their mother. Bruce tries to get the geese to go south, but he can't seem to rid himself of his new companions. What's a bear to do?

Mother Bruce is a book about a bear reluctantly taking on the role as mother to a group of baby geese. I loved the humor of the book, and the illustrations of the grumpy bear warming up to the little birds, against his will, and caring for them were simply delightful. I found the images of him feeding and wearing the goslings to be both sweet and funny. His attempts to get the grown geese to fly, and his eventual solution, made me smile. 

Mother Bruce might not deliver a big moral, but as I have know people like the bear (and might just be one myself) I have to admit that there is some truth behind the fun of the book. While some might bluster about caring for others or being put out by an unexpected turn of events, they are often the very people that will step up and do what is right- even when it might not be the path they had planned.  

Early Book Review: Bears Make the Best Reading Buddies by Carmen Oliver, Jean Claude

Bears Make the Best Reading Buddies is a picture book written by Carmen Oliver and illustrated by Jean Claude. It is currently scheduled for release on March 1 2016. All the students in the class are assigned reading buddies, except for Adelaide. She already has a great reading buddy, a bear! Adelaide is quite persuasive as she explains to her language arts teacher and the reader, that bears really do make the best reading buddies.

Bears Make the Best Reading Buddies is a fun picture book. I never knew bears were such great reading partners, although I do not recommend anyone go out and try their hand at getting one of their own! Did you know that bears sniff out good books, or that their claws are just right for turning pages? Adelaide knows this, and tells her teacher and the readers about all the things that make her bear the best reading buddy ever. While the idea of snuggling with a bear for reading, along with although bonus features listed in the book, is terribly tempting, I think I will stick to kids and cats as my reading partners. I think the silliness will keep the target audience reading, while helping them become better reading buddies and cheerleaders for themselves and each other as they grow their reading skills.

Bears Make the Best Reading Buddies is a fun book that will encourage readers to find the perfect reading buddy, whether it is a stuffed bear, cat, dog, sibling, parent, or classmate. I do not recommend a real bear, but the book makes it temping. A fun book encouraging new readers to keep reading and growing, regardless of who their reading buddy is. 

Early Book Review: We Just Had A Baby by Stephen Krensky

We Just Had A Baby by Stephen Kerensky is a picture book currently scheduled for release on March 1 2016. It is not easy getting used to a new baby in the house. Everyone in the world thinks whatever the baby does is amazing! And if you aren t the baby, everyone acts like you re invisible. This picture book is told from a slightly older sibling s point of view, with observations about living with a new sister or brother. 

We Just Had A Baby is a realistic and well balanced book about the addition of a baby to the household. The older sibling notes that everyone ohh and ahh over the new baby’s every move, and their attention is decreased. However, the book also notes that the baby can do nothing for themselves, and how much they can teach the new family member. It is a sweet and fun book that can help prepare young children for an upcoming or recent addition to the family in a positive way.

We Just Had A Baby is a good picture book to share with young children about to become a big brother or sister. The observations about being an older sibling are honest and combine both the good and bad about the change. I like the hope and fun that the book ends with, encouraging the soon to be older sibling to be a teacher rather than tormentor.  

Early Book Review: A Friend for Mole by Nancy Armo

A Friend for Mole by Nancy Armo is a picture book that is currently scheduled for release on March 1 2016. An accidental encounter throws Mole and Wolf together. One is afraid of the light, the other is afraid of the dark. Together they learn that friends are all they need to conquer their fears.

A Friend for Mole follows a mole that gets lost after looking out of its hole to see what is going on above ground. After getting lost he finds his way into a different hole, only to find it occupied by a wolf. The odd pair each have their own fears and find comfort in being together. The odd couple helps each other and become friends. The illustrations are bright and do a wonderful job of showing the emotions and hope inherent in the story.

A Friend for Mole is a great odd couple story that includes overcoming fears and facing new things.  

Book Review: Hedgehogs by Steve Wilson and Lucy Trapper

Hedgehogs by Steve Wilson and Lucy Trapper is a picture book about the troubles of hedgehogs that want to show affection, but are stymied by their features. Horace and Hattie are hedgehogs, and the very best of friends. Together, they make daisy chains, splash in puddles, and have tea parties. But there is one thing they want to do, but cannot. The cannot hug each other! They are just too spiky. Throughout the seasons, these two hedgehogs will try many different ways of hugging. But will Horace and Hattie find a hug that feels just right?

Hedgehogs a sweet and fun story that had me flipping through the book several times, even though I should have already moved on to other things. Horace and Hattie just want to hug each other. They try  a variety of methods and tools, some logical and some silly. They just keep trying, until they accidentally find the answer. The illustration and text pair together perfectly and make the reader empathize with the prickly hedgehogs, and cheer them on. There are some giggles, and some aww moments to boot. I really like that the final solution offers the answer to another mystery of life. 

Hedgehogs is a must read for picture book fans. The illustrations and story are simply adorable, and I loved it. Take a peek, you will thank me later!

Book Review: I’m Trying to Love Spiders by Bethany Barton

I’m Trying to Love Spiders by Bethany Barton is a nonfiction picture book about spiders. This is a fun,  witty picture book that gives the reader a little perspective on spiders. While many people are afraid of them, or just get the willies when they see them, spiders are amazing and helpful creatures. This book gently takes those that are less than fond of spiders and gives them good reason not to reach for the shoe or other solid object when they run across a spider. 

I’m Trying to Love Spiders gives readers of all ages a fresh ands funny look at spiders. While the book features some squished spiders, as the story is about getting over a distaste for spiders, it also includes lots of interesting facts about spiders. For instance, I had no idea that I was more likely to be struck by lightning than die from a spider bite- not that I expect either to happen to me. I liked the details about spiders, the rest of which I did know, such as how they eat, that there are a variety of web and trap styles and hows many insects a single spider can eat in a year. This is a great pick for any reader that dislikes spiders, and other insects for that matter. Even if it does not get them past their dislike, at least they will have a good laugh.

I’m Trying to Love Spiders is a great book for helping children, and reluctant adults reading aloud, to see spiders in a new way. Facts about the amazing abilities of spiders, and how rare actual harm from a spider is, might help everyone be a little kinder to our eight legged friends.   

Book Review: To the Stars! The First American Woman to Walk in Space by Carmella Van Vleet, Dr. Kathy Sullivan, Nicole Wong

To the Stars! The First American Woman to Walk in Space is a children's nonfiction picture book written by Carmella Van Vleet and Dr. Kathy Sullivan. It was illustrated by Nicole Wong. Kathy Sullivan wanted to go everywhere. She loved blueprints and maps. She loved languages and the ocean. Kathy liked fishing and swimming; flying planes and studying science. That’s what she liked and that’s what she decided to do with her life. She didn’t like the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” She wanted to explore and do exciting things that girls weren’t supposed to be able to do. Only men had the exciting jobs. She followed her heart and eventually became a NASA astronaut and the first woman to walk in space. Kathy wanted to see the whole world and so she did; from space!

 

 To the Stars! The First American Woman to Walk in Space is a simple look at some of the struggles Kathy Sullivan faced as a child, living the things that were not acceptable for girls to like. Thankfully she followed her heart and studied and researched all of the things she was interested in despite those that tried to change her focus. The illustrations are subtle and sweet, background watercolor-like images that show the activities and dreams of Sullivan, and chronicle some of her successes. I liked the additional information at the end about Kathy and other women that made history in the field. However, I thought the body of the book was a little too vague on what Kathy did to follow her dreams. We learned about her being told her interests and job prospects were intended for men, and about her cool flying experience, and a few other tidbits. However I felt like there was not much for young girls to learn about how Kathy went from dreamer to astronaut until the biographical page at the end of the book.

To the Stars! The First American Woman to Walk in Space is a nice book for young readers to show how important it is to follow your dreams, regardless of what others might saw. The information in the backwater was the most informative and interesting part as far as I was concerned, but found the idea behind the book and story to be reasonably well done. 

Book Review: The Queen's Shadow: A Story about How Animals See by Cybèle Young

The Queen's Shadow: A Story about How Animals See by Cybèle Young is an informational picture book which combines the science of animal eyesight into a clever whodunit involving a proud queen. It is during the Queen's Ball, at which “society's most important nobility” are in attendance (all of whom are animals), that a “major crime has been committed”: the queen's shadow has been stolen! Mantis Shrimp, the Royal Detective, takes the lead in the investigation to find the perpetrator, and one by one the animal suspects defend their innocence. From a shark and a snake to a dragonfly and a goat, each creature's testimony explains their version of the scene of the crime based on their own unique eyesight, while the finely textured and detailed artwork illustrates the ballroom as viewed by that animal. In sidebars to the story, the author provides factual information about how the eyesight of each animal works, and why. As each animal's perspective sheds new light on the mystery, it becomes clear to children that there are many different ways to see what goes on in the world.

The Queen’s Shadow is a visually enthralling book. The illustrations are frankly fantastic, and while the set up and concussion of the mystery that sets the stage for the informational portion of the book is a little flimsy, I for the book itself to be interesting. I liked the tidbits of facts, and then the more in depth explanations, of how different animals see the world. There is an explanation of how our eyes work, as well as background information on each animal described in the story. I appreciated the more in depth glossary at the end of the book. There is some humor, and wonderful illustrations, to keep the reader engage with the fairly sophisticated book. I am not sure of the niche audience that would simply adore the book, but I do think that the combination of aspects in the book will appeal in different ways to many different people. 

The Queen’s Shadow is an interesting blend of animal information, mystery, and humor all bundled up with eye catching art work. This might be the book to engage more reluctant readers in an animal science class, or to encourage an animal enthusiast to step up and stretch their reading skills. This is a unique book, one I have no real comparison for, with is special in and of itself. 

Early Book Review: Never Insult a Killer Zucchini by Elana Azose, Brandon Amancio, David Clark

Never Insult a Killer Zucchini is a new ABC picturebook written by Elana Azose and Brandon Amancio. It was illustrated by David Clark (and is currently scheduled for release on February 9 2016.  When Mr. Farnsworth, the science-fair judge, declares that he loves zucchinis, the Killer Zucchini is smitten. As the judge makes his way through the exhibits alphabetically; A (antimatter), B (bionic limb), C (cloning), and so on the Killer Zucchini tries to show his affection. But when Mr. F gets to K and admits he likes to eat zucchini with ranch dressing, the Killer Zucchini gets steamed and attempts to exact his revenge on the snack-loving judge using the other science-fair projects as his means to an end.  Hilarious havoc ensues as the entire science fair is destroyed by his wrath.

Never Insult a Killer Zucchini is a fun and unique alphabet book. i love books that take fresh approaches to concepts that have been heavily covered. In this ABC book we get the alphabet through the lens of a science fair. Some of the projects seem really out there, and the illustrations are fun and highly entertaining. I think science and silly joke lovers will get a kick out of this book. To ramp things up, and make the book even better, there is information on the real science behind the projects in the fair to interest the more fact minded readers and their caretakers. I think both my kids, even though well past the typical ABC book audience, would get a kick out of the book and included information.

Never Insult a Killer Zucchini is a great new look at the alphabet. The silliness and real science information make this a great addition to library, personal, and school collections.

Book Review: Build, Beaver, Build! by Sandra Markle and Deborah Hocking

Build, Beaver, Build!: Life at the Longest Beaver Dam is an easy nonfiction book written by Sandra Markle and illustrated by Deborah Hocking. This nonfiction picturebook follows a year in the life of a young male beaver as he swims, plays, helps his family build and repair their dam and lodge, and learns how to flap his tail to ward off predators.

Build, Beaver, Build! is a wonderful book for reading aloud with young children, or for letting newly independent readers read to you. The text details the names and development of young beavers, as well as the basics about their lives, homes, and abilities. Readers will learn when a young beaver can do certain things, how quickly they grow, and the dangers they face. The facts are in story format, so even readers that do not usually enjoy or seek out non fiction can get involved in the story. I liked the additional facts that are included at the end of the book. I will admit to learn some new information, and enjoying the lovely and realistic illustrations.

Build, Beaver, Build! is an enjoyable and informative read that young readers and older siblings or caretakers can enjoy as well. My daughter loves learning about animals, and loved the book, and would have loved it even as a young reader.