Early Book Review: Do Not Bring Your Dragon to the Library by Julie Gassman, Andy Elkerton

Do Not Bring Your Dragon to the Library is a picturebook written by Julie Gassman and illustrated by Andy Elkerton. It is currently scheduled for release on August 1 2016. Have you ever thought about bringing your dragon to the library? Don't do it! You might have the best intentions, but that dragon will cause nothing but trouble. This picturebook details what might go wrong with bring a dragon to the library, and thankfully offers a practical solution.

Do Not Bring Your Dragon to the Library is a cute book that uses the idea of bringing a pet dragon with you to the library as a tool to help teach what is, and is not, acceptable behavior in the library. The rhyming text and fun illustrations make the read enjoyable, and keeps the lesson portion of the story organic rather than feeling forced. I really enjoyed some of the sillier situations, and the related illustrations. The proposed solution encourages checking out, reading, and sharing library materials- which is always a good thing. I think this would be a good storytime book, both for families and classrooms or library storytimes, particularly prior to a library trip or top start of a library program.

Early Book Review: Not Today Celeste: A Dog’s Tale about her Human’s Depression by Liza Stevens

Not Today Celeste: A Dog’s Tale about Her Human’s Depression by Liza Stevens is a picture book that is currently scheduled for release on June 21 2016. Celeste thinks she is the happiest dog in the world. But when she notices something different about her human, Rupert, she wonders if things will ever be the same again. This heart-warming story reflects some of the feelings and experiences that a child whose parent, sibling, or caregiver has depression may face. The story provides reassurance by explaining what depression is and how it is possible to find help.

Not Today Celeste: A Dog’s Tale about Her Human’s Depression can be a great tool for helping young children understand what depression is, and cope with times when someone they love is suffering from it. The illustrations are charming and offer soothing colors and some smile worthy moments. Like Celeste, often children in this situation think that the mood and behavior changes of someone going through depression might be their fault. This book helps reassure them that it is not true, gives clues as to how to recognize depression in others (and themselves), and how they not just cope but also help. I really liked that is a comprehensive guide for parents and professionals at the end of the book that offers advice on discussing the topic with children. I think this book and the resources in it can be valuable for social workers, child and school counselors, psychologists, parents and foster parents.  

Early Book Review: Ooko by Esme Shapiro

Ooko is a picturebook by Esme Shapiro that is currently scheduled for release on July 5 2016. Ooko has everything a fox could want: a stick, a leaf and a rock. However, Ooko wants someone to play with too! The foxes in town always seem to be playing with their two-legged friends, the Debbies. Maybe if he tries to look like the other foxes, one of the Debbies will play with him too. But when Ooko finally finds his very own Debbie, things don't turn out quite as he had expected! 

Ooko is a fun and quirky picturebook about finding friendship and being true to yourself. Ooka wants to be like the dogs he sees around, thinking they are foxes like himself. However, when he pretends to be just like them he is far from happy and does not enjoy himself. The changes he needs to undergo to live like those he sees around him simply are not worth it. It is only when he is himself and makes friends with another, who is not quite like him either, that Ooko is happy. The art work is attractive and subtle, and adds a wonderful feel to the story. It is simply enjoyable to look at, and contains humor and details that make the read even better.

Ooko is a wonderful addition top libraries and collections, and would make a good pick for storytimes and sharing. 

Book Review: Do Princesses Boogie? by Carmela LaVigna Coyle, Mike Gordon

Do Princesses Boogie? is a board book written by Carmela LaVigna Coyle and illustrated by Mike Gordon. This book is part of the Do Princesses...? series, and readers join their favorite princess as she and her family dance, boogie, and jam. The happy princess discovers that having the right beat and looking on the bright side is all a girl needs to make her a princess.

Do Princesses Boogie? is a short simple board book that will appeal to the youngest readers that already love to dance and look at colorful books. There is not much to the story, as it is a board book, and is more about catching the eye and brief attention of young children. I prefer the picturebooks in the series that show that a princess can not only play soccer or wear hiking boots, but do it with style. Perhaps this will get the youngest set started with the series so that they can move on to the others for story or bed time readings.

Early Book Review: Too Many Moose by Lisa Bakos

Too Many Moose is a picturebook by Lisa Bakos which is currently scheduled for release on July 1 2016. When Martha gets an unusual pet, she’s delighted by all of the fun things they do together! The shared an umbrella, They sipped maple tea.They carved hearts and ‘Ms on a mulberry tree. If one moose is this marvelous, then more must be better! So, Martha quite merrily orders one more, then one more and one more and one more and so on until she’s in a major mess!

Too Many Moose is a rhyming picturebook that flows very nicely. It did not run into the trouble that comes from forcing rhymes, it just worked really well. Similarly the illustrations with very well done, the colors and details added a great deal to the story without being overstated or distracting. I really liked how Martha did plenty of research before picking a pet, and that she picked something unusual and fun.I love the details about the activities Martha and her moose do together, and the eventually understanding that more is not always better. Martha thinks that if one moose, or two, or more is great; than even more must be even better. It is only when the moose overrun and destroy everything else she cares about that she sees that one mail order moose is enough.My only worry is my daughter now wanting a moose, thankfully I think that would be a short argument because I think moose are not nearly as cuddly as the pets we already own, or those she will really push for in the future.

Too Many Moose is a silly, fun book that would be great for reading together one on one or sharing during storytime. The rhymes and artwork are wonderful, although I worry for animal fans and real moose because moose are really not the best of pets. 

Early Book Review: What Would it Be Like by McArthur Krishna, Ayeshe Sadr, and Ishaan Dasgupta

What Would it Be Like is a picturebook by McArthur Krishna, Ayeshe Sadr, and Ishaan Dasgupta which is currently scheduled for release on June 28 2016. This encouraging book follows one young girl on her adventure to the library where she learns about an array of real-life women who made history with their bold ambitions finding out that girls can do anything! Would you like to sail the seas as a pirate like Jacquotte Delahaye? Swing, flip and sparkle as a trapeze artist like Antoinette Concello? Work toward making the world a better place as the president of a country, or touch lives as a mother? Readers will learn about amazing women who followed their dreams and believed anything was possible, while also learning that often the best thing to be is yourself!

What Would it Be Like is a book that encourages readers to research the things that interest them. It focuses on the careers and achievements of women, in hopes of encouraging girls to follow their dreams and do what inspires them. Each page shows the young character wondering what it would be like to be in a different profession, or spending their time differently. Whether it is as a trapeze artist, pirate, astronaut, or mother each choice is given with equal importance and respect. For specific careers there is a name suggested for library research or further reading, along with more details in the back of the book. The encouragement for this research and further exploration really made the book for me, because it is all well and good to say that you can follow your dreams and be whatever you want, but without showing what people have gone through to find their own success I find it to be a little hollow. So i have to applaud those that worked on the book for not just writing the expected platitudes, but by following it up with facts and the suggestion to continue independent researcher in the search for their own right path.

What Would it Be Like is an inspiring book, with great intention and results. I love the encouragement and inspiration it can bring to young readers, and the push toward not only follow your dreams and be yourself but to do research and find role models to help further encourage young people.  

Book Review: Rosie the Raven by Helga Bansch

Rosie the Raven is a charming picturebook by Helga Bansch. In one raven's nest something strange has happened. When a clutch of eggs hatch, a pink girl emerges from one of the shells, along with her black raven siblings. Loving raven parents take their little Rosie just the way she is. In the beginning, Rosie tries to do everything her siblings do. She opens her mouth to receive worms from her parents, tries to caw until she is hoarse, and wildly flaps her arms in an attempt to fly. Rosie finally realizes she is different. Maybe she can’t caw or fly, but a world of discovery awaits her nonetheless.

Rosie the Raven is a wonderful picturebook that celebrates being yourself, and embracing differences. Rosie is very different from her parents and siblings, but that does not stop them from loving her. She tries to be like everyone else, and neighbors offer suggestions to help her with that goal. through it all, her family supports her and do what they can to help her be happy. It is only when she embraces her differences, and comes to appreciate what she has to offer, that she is really happy. The artwork adds a great deal of detail to the story and is lovely. The illustrations add to the humor, emotion, and mood to the story and really bring it to life.

Rosie the Raven is a wonderful book that readers of all ages can appreciate. It speaks to the wonderful opportunities individuality brings to the world, and how differences are not the most important part of any person, and only add to their being rather than detracting from it. 

Book Review: Diary of Anna the Girl Witch: Foundling Witch by Max Candee

Diary of Anna the Girl Witch: Foundling Witch by Max Candee is a middle grade to young adult novel. The book blends ancient folklore with a coming of age tale about a young witch on the brink of womanhood. Anna Sophia has always known she was different. She didn’t know just how different until now. On the eve of her 13th birthday Anna wonders about her past. She never knew her parents, and all she has to go by is an unbelievable fairy tale her uncle used to tell: that she was found as a baby, tucked among a pack of bear cubs in the wilds of Russia. To make matters even more complex, Anna has discovered that she can see and do things that no one else can. It’s only when Anna receives a letter from her mother that she discovers some of the truths about her past, and begins to uncover the possibilities in her future. As Anna continues to learn more about her secret abilities, she finds out that her neighbors are hiding something of their own: a plot to harm Anna and her friends. Can Anna Sophia use her newfound supernatural powers to stop them? Can she fight back, without endangering her own soul? And maybe, just maybe, is her own secret tied up with theirs?

Diary of Anna the Girl Witch: Foundling Witch is a coming of age story, wrapped up in a magical package. Anna is our orphan recipient of great power and a future that will surly include plenty of danger. She is a good girl, that sometimes finds herself in trouble despite her good intentions. She is missing her Uncle and wondering about her family when adventure comes to find her. The rise and powerful couple that adopts girls on a regular basis is interested in her, but she does not trust them and sees that there is something wrong among those they have adopted. She receives a mysterious package via her solicitor from her mother, and things only get strangers from there. A magical card, a strange carved hand, and the slow realization that she is a witch and so is most of her lost family. The adventure is solid and there is a nice, slow reveal of the details while still keeping the readers on their toes. I really enjoyed the pacing, it let me connect with Anna, and get to know some of the secondary characters as well. A well written story with nice inclusion of folklore, even when characters from those legends are not named as I would expect.

Diary of Anna the Girl Witch: Foundling Witch is the first book in a series, and I am glad that most of the series has been released and is available for me to read now. I am looking forward to following up on Anna’s adventures sand seeing what she discovers about herself and her family as she grows.  

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: Red: the True Story of Red Riding Hood by Liesl Shurtiff

Red: the True Story of Red Riding Hood by Liesl Shurtiff is a new middle grade to young adult novel. Red is not afraid of the big bad wolf. She’s not afraid of anything, except magic. When Red’s granny falls ill it seems that only magic can save her and Red is forced to confront her one weakness. With the help of a blond, porridge-sampling nuisance called Goldie, Red goes on a quest to cure Granny. Her journey takes her through dwarves’ caverns to a haunted well and a beast’s castle. All the while, Red and Goldie are followed by a wolf and a huntsman, two mortal enemies who seek the girls’ help to defeat each other. And one of them just might have the magical solution Red is looking for.

Red: the True Story of Red Riding Hood is a delightful take on the world of fairy tales. red is an adventurous young lady that loves her grandmother deeply and only really fears her own disastrous attempts at magic. It is only when her grandmother is ill that Red considers attempting magic again, and so sets forth on an adventure to do whatever necessary to save her grandmother. I like that Red is a character that is very capable, but also has her own flaws and fallibilities. She is no cookie cutter characters, nor are any of the other characters that she runs across on her journey. Goldie is a unique character that would have tried mt patience as much as she did Red's. The high adventure and twists to well known stories kept my interest high, as did the unusual characters and knowledge that nothing was going to fit preconceived notions. The self sufficiency of the characters and the running theme that nothing is quite what it seems, or what you expect it to be, made the read exciting and fun.

Red: the True Story of Red Riding Hood is a wonderful middle grade novel that will also appeal to older readers. I now need to go back and read Rump (which was already on my to be read list) and keep my eyes peeled for more from this author. 

Book Review: Plip Plap Plop The Beginning Series: Fazo's Junk by Ibk Akin

Plip Plap Plop The Beginning Series: Fazo's Junk by Ibk Akin is a transitional or easy chapter book. Uncle Fazo is not your typical Uncle. He was a crazy scientist that invented lots of funny and random things for the fun of it. Zach, his nephew, and Miranda loved to test them out. When Zach's Uncle passes away Zach inherits all of his stuff. Readers join the brave best friends, Zach and Miranda, as they discover some insane inventions like the mute wand, ice cube ray gun, a talking robot and oh' did I mention a teleporting device that takes them anywhere in the world in seconds, where they can discover secrets of old times, solve mysteries and outsmart goons of all sorts? Keeping things action packed the pair need to worry about the evil overlord Tain who has a mission to destroy the very things Zach and Miranda try to save, words.

Plip Plap Plop The Beginning Series: Fazo's Junk is an adventure for readers just starting to read chapter books on their own. When I first started reading the book I was very interested. I wanted to check out of of Uncle Fazo's gadgets and see what kind of trouble they could cause. When the real adventure began, traveling through time and space to save words or help them come into existence I was still on board. The gadgets and adventures still held great promise. then it got a little more complicated, and then a little more so, and then I felt like the original thread of the story that had me hooked was gone. I think some young readers might get set adrift like I felt, while others with revel in the adventure and complexity of the story. It was still fun, and interesting, but not what i had been hoping for when I opened the book.

Plip Plap Plop The Beginning Series: Fazo's Junk is a good beginner chapter book for those looking for high adventure. Readers with an  interest in language or inventions will particularly enjoy the book.

Book Review: One Creepy Street: The Spider on the Web by Lee Jordan

One Creepy Street: The Spider on the Web by Lee Jordan is a children's book about the dangers of internet predators. This is a rhyming story about one young witch who enjoys playing games and chatting online. However, she begins talking to a spider on the web that is not what he seems. When she makes the mistake of agreeing to meet him she is lucky that her mother and the police are quick to react and save the day.

One Creepy Street: The Spider on the Web is a book with a good message, but that fell a little flat for me. The artwork was bright and whimsical, but looked very much like the cartoons that are completely computer generated. They worked, and I enjoyed some of the background details, but as a big reader of children's books I much prefer hand drawn art. The rhyming is a good idea, to help the lessons be memorable, however often times it felt forced or awkward. My other issue was that when the mother finds the plans for the girl and spider to meet the book specifically mentions that they were  things that she had not deleted. This implies that she has been or should have been deleting things. No, just no. I like that the author is trying to promote web safety, and the importance of the idea that no everyone is who they appear to be online. However, I think several important things were skipped or mishandled. Internet safety is important, and any awareness is good, but I was hoping for more with this book.

One Creepy Street: The Spider on the Web tackles the important topic of internet safety. The message is good, but I think that a few things went wrong here. It could still be a valuable resource depending on the age and independence of the children, but I was a little disappointed. 

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: 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.  

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.   

Early Book Review: Friday Barnes, Girl Detective by R.A. Spratt

Friday Barnes, Girl Detective is the first book in a new children's series by R.A. Spratt that is currently scheduled for January 19 2016. When Friday Barnes solves a bank robbery, she uses the reward money to send herself to Highcrest Academy, the most exclusive boarding school in the country only to discover it is a hotbed of crime! Soon she's investigating everything from disappearing homework to the terrifying Yeti haunting the school swamp. But the biggest mystery yet is Ian Wainscott, the handsomest (and most arrogant) boy in school who inexplicably hates her. Will the homework be found? Can they ever track down the Yeti? And why is Ian out to ruin her?

Friday Barnes, Girl Detective is a fun and entertaining mystery for independent trough middle grade readers. Friday is a very observant girl with no time for social niceties. No one in her family has taken the time to teach her such things, and only one Uncle seems to have time for her. Her memory and observation skills make her a splendid detective, but do not help her blend in with classmates or decode the behavior of her new classmates. I liked the characters, and the development of Friday and her roommate's personalities and friendship. This is a coming of age, odd-duck, and mystery series all rolled up together with fun and black and white illustrations.

Friday Barnes, Girl Detective is the start to a fun new mystery series that offers as many chuckles as it does clues. I enjoyed the read and looked forward to getting back to it every time I got pulled away.

Early Book Review: The Goblin's Puzzle: Being the Adventures of a Boy with No Name and Two Girls Called Alice by Andrew S. Chilton

The Goblin's Puzzle: Being the Adventures of a Boy with No Name and Two Girls Called Alice by Andrew S. Chilton is a middle grade novel that is currently scheduled for release on January 19 2016. 

The boy is a slave with no name that is now on a quest to discover his purpose and place in the world. The goblin holds answers and more tricks than anyone might guess. he is not to be underestimated or trusted.  Plain Alice is a smart peasant girl carried off by a confused dragon and mixed up on a plot bigger than even she could fully guess. Princess Alice luckily missed being kidnapped, at least the first time around. The unlikely group comes together by chance and face a sinister plot to take over the kingdom, kind monsters, a cruel magician, and dozens of deathly boring palace bureaucrats. Together they just might outwit the villains and crack the goblin’s puzzle.

The Goblin's Puzzle is a fun and unique fantasy adventure. I really enjoyed that it felt a little like reading a classic fantasy quest novel, but still was fresh and new. each of the main characters were well fleshed out, even our nameless slave boy. They all had their own back stories, fears, and hopes while still coming together to work towards a common goal. I like that intelligence, cleverness, and kindness were better tools in the long run for all of the main characters than strength or battle experience. The slow discovery about each of the characters and their developing friendships were very well done, and made me feel like I was meeting them myself and taking part in the adventure. I thought that the pacing and plot was pretty close to perfect. However, even better were the characters that defied convention or stepped beyond my expectations. 

The Goblin's Puzzle is a wonderful middle grade adventure. I enjoyed it so much that I hope there are more books set in the same world in the near future.  

Book Review: Breaking News: Bear Alert by David Biedrzycki

Breaking News: Bear Alert by David Biedrzycki is a fun picturebook. Two bears awaken from hibernation and go to town, literally. During their visit, they eat at a diner, dress up at a department store, and stop a couple of bank robbers, all the while mistaking the townspeople’s terror for friendliness.

Breaking News: Bear Alert is a bright and high interesting picturebook. After two researchers literally poke a sleeping bear, two furry creatures hitch a ride and paint the town red. While they explore the town and enjoy the sights the townspeople are obviously concerned and the local news focuses on the unexpected tourists. However, they fail to notice that a pair of robbers are taking advantage of the confusion and distraction around town. Readers can spot the robbers and fun allusions through out the story.  All in all the book is great fun, but also shows something of the way children see the world more clearly than phone and news obsessed adults.

Breaking News: Bear Alert is a fun and somehow telling story to share. On the surface it is simply silly story about well meaning and innocent bears. However, the parents and older children might see some of the daily problems of the real world, like everyone being so focused on the new's version of the day or their phones to notice what is going on around them or what the children around them see clearly.