Book Review: Everyone Loves Bacon by Kelly DiPuccio, Eric Wight

Everyone Loves Bacon is a picturebook written by Kelly DiPuccio and illustrated by Eric Wight. Every food in the kitchen loves Bacon, and they all are his friends. He is practically sizzling with the popularity and praise he receives. However, after awhile all that fame goes to his head and he forgets about friends and family, instead focusing on how much he is loved. In the end things take a decidedly delicious turn.

Everyone Loves Bacon is a fun book that shows how easy it can be to lose ourselves in praise and attention. Bacon eats up all the attention he gets, and in doing so treats those that have always been by his side badly. This is never a good course of action, and his friends do not take kindly to it. The ending is not really a resolution to that problem, but is a good reminder that when 'everyone' loves you often times at least one of those admirers is out to take a bite of the action.

Everyone Loves Bacon is a a fun story with a delightful surprise ending. It was downright delicious, and now I am hungry for something crispy.

Book Review: Interstellar Cinderella by Deborah Underwood, Meg Hunt

Interstellar Cinderella is a picturebook written by Deborah Underwood and illustrated by Meg Hunt. This steampunk take on Cinderella features a strong young girl that is a mechanic ace. With a little help from her fairy godrobot, Cinderella is going to the ball. When the prince's ship has mechanical trouble, someone will have to zoom to the rescue!

Interstellar Cinderella is a wonderful picturebook. I love that this Cinderella is smart, capable, and strong. Instead of loosing a shoe, this heroine loses her wrench, which the Prince offers to potential brides as a test. to marry him they need to fix something for him to prove that they are the mechanic of his dreams. I really loved, seriously loved, her response to his proposal and the intelligent and independent main character of the story. In fact, after cataloging this book I shared it with every fellow library staff member that would listen and it was quickly checked out for an upcoming storytime.

Interstellar Cinderella is a must read. I cannot overstate my love for this picturebook. Even if you do not have any kids in the house, take a moment and enjoy this wonderful new take on Cinderella.

Book Review: My Family Tree and Me by Dušan Petričić

My Family Tree and Me is a two sided picturebook by Dušan Petričić. This book is a beautiful and simple introduction to the concept of family ancestry. It uses two stories in one to explore a small boy's family tree, the family story of one boy's family from his father's side starting from the front of the book, and that of his mother's side starting from the back of the book. Four previous generations are introduced for each, from his great-great-grandparents to his parents. The grand finale in the center of the book reveals the boy's entire extended family, shown in one drawing with all the members from both sides identified by their relationship to him.

My Family Tree and Me is a wonderful way to introduce the idea of a family tree, and the names for the various relatives, to readers of all ages. The artwork does a wonderful job of adding details and humor for each pairing of ancestors and allows children reading to look for clues and make connections. I really liked the fact that the family described is fairly culturally diverse. It includes European and Asian ancestors, and it is fun to see the melding and passing on of physical characteristics from each generation to the next.

My Family Tree and Me is a wonderful book for describing how family trees and generations of family are formed. It could be a great discussion starter for families or classrooms about what we call the members of our family, the cultural make up of our families, and how to build a visual representation of our own family tree. I think this book would be a great addition to classroom libraries and offers a wide range of common core and other activity tie-ins.

Book Review: The Princess and the Pony by Kate Beaton

The Princess and the Pony is a picturebook by Kate Beaton. Princess Pinecone knows exactly what she wants for her birthday this year. A big, strong horse. A horse fit for the warrior princess that she is! But when the day arrives, she doesn't quite get the horse of her dreams.

The Princess and the Pony is the story of every girl raised in a rough and tumble environment but is treated like a breakable princess. While the other warriors (both male and female) get armor and weapons young Princess Pinecone gets fuzzy sweaters. for her birthday she desperately wants a big, strong war horse. Instead she gets a rolly, poly pony with occasionally crossed eyes! It makes me chuckle just thinking about the illustrations of the pony, especially since it was too short for even the young princess to ride. When a big battle comes Princess Pinecone hopes the pony will prove itself worthy, and ends up winning the day in a completely unexpected way. So, we see that cuteness can be a weapon and that it is foolish to judge a warrior by their apparent fierceness or a pony (or princess) by its cuteness. Each is powerful in their own way, and deserve cuddly sweaters as well as respect for their strength. I just loved the pony, and the turn about at the end of the story.

The Princess and the Pony is a laugh out loud picturebook that deserves to be shared with readers of all ages, and all dynamics. Be prepared to be charmed, laugh a bit, and fall in love with an unforgettable pony. 

Book Review: Please, Mr. Panda by Steve Antony

Please, Mr. Panda is a picturebook about manners by Steve Antony. What is the proper way to ask Mr. Panda for doughnuts? Patiently and politely, Mr. Panda asks the animals he comes across if they would like a doughnut. A penguin, a skunk, and a whale all say yes, but they do not remember to say "please" and "thank you." Is anyone worthy of Mr. Panda's doughnuts?

Please, Mr. Panda is a story that I immediately checked out and brought home to read with my kids after cataloging at the library. I am diligent about using my please's and thank you's, and am teaching my children to be the same way. However, while they are good about doing so with others- they are not so good at doing so with Mom and Dad. Like Mr. Panda, if please is not used then the potential recipient gets a big old 'no' from me, at least until they ask correctly. When I saw a picturebook modeling exactly what I do at home I smiled, and then checked this puppy out. Mr. Panda offers his doughnuts to every one he meets, but when his question is met with greedy answers he changes his mind. It is only when manners are used that he hands over the goodies, and mentions that he does not really like them any way. I love it!

Please, Mr. Panda is a great book for starting discussions about manners, or reinforcing the lessons children of every age have been taught. It is straight forward and fun, with charming illustrations that are simple but bold. 

Early Book Review: Where do Fairies Go When It Snows by Liza Gardner Walsh, Hazel Mitchell

Where do Fairies Go When It Snows is a picturebook written by Liza Gardner Walsh and illustrated by Hazel Mitchell. It is currently scheduled for release on September 15 2015. This picturebook poses questions that many fairy lovers have had over the years. How do fairies interact with the plants and animals around the world, and what do fairies do during the different seasons, particularly during the winter. The book  uses rhyming question and charming illustrations to explore the idea.

Where do Fairies Go When It Snows is a whimsical, rhyming picturebook that will capture the imaginations of many young readers. Those that already love fairies and/or nature will enjoy, and the question filled minds will read eagerly just to find some answers. The illustrations are cute and charming, pairing pretty perfectly withe the rhymed questions and answers. I really enjoyed the activities and information at the end that encourages children to care for others, like the fairies care for nature, and how to help fairies and their friends weather the winter weather.

Where do Fairies Go When It Snows is a fun and entertaining picturebook that will keep many young readers entertained during multiple re readers. The themes of caring for the world and other living things that is intrinsic to the fairy's lives are great for readers of all ages to take in. While my daughter and I have already put a fairy garden together, however I think reading this will give her new ideas and have us making our backyard even more animal and fairy friendly.

Early Book Review: Snap by Hazel Hutchins, Dusan Petricic

Snap is a picturebook written by Hazel Hutchins and illustrated by Dusan Petricic. It is currently scheduled for release on September 22 2015. Who does not love a brand new box of crayons?  Evan is happily using them when, Snap! The brown crayon breaks in two. Then one by one, the others break, get crushed, are blown away, or simply disappear. Evan is frustrated, but scribbles using all the bits and pieces that are left and discovers new joys and uses for all of his crayons- regardless of the shape they are in.

Snap is a picturebook that makes readers think about emotion and creativity. When things do not go as planned Evan is frustrated and wants to throw things. instead he channels that energy and uses his not so perfect crayons in new ways, and in turns discovers new things. He combines colors, uses the crayons on their sides, and even finds use for the crumbling nubs. This is a good example for readers of all ages, not to let unexpected problems destroy our fun, creativity, or enjoyment of the day.

Snap is a delightful picturebook about moving past disappointment and finding the positive in life. Evan's brand new crayons break, disappear, and otherwise fail him. but, he moves forward and discovers new ways to use them that make him happy. I can think of many daily situations when we could all stand to follow in Evan's example- myself included. 

Book Review: Jampires by Sarah McInture & David O'Connell

Jampires is a picturebook by Sarah McInture & David O'Connell. The jam has been sucked out of Sam's doughnuts! Who are the culprits? Sam sets a trap to catch the jam thieves and gets a surprise! It's the Jampires, friendly little creatures whose love of jam and sweet things gets them into trouble! They fly off with Sam to their magical land sitting in the clouds, where doughnuts grow on trees, jam tarts sprout like flowers, and castles are made of jammy sponge cake.

Jampires is an imaginative picture book that will either ignite your young readers imagination, or at least get them giggling about the very idea of jampires scurrying around the world sucking the jam out of sweet treats. I really enjoyed the illustrations and the imagination that went into creating creatures like jampires and the sticky sweet world they come from. My only worry is that my sweet craving kiddos would try to pull crazy jam sucking schemes (if I actually kept any jam or jelly filled treats in the house).

Jampires is a silly and fun story for reading together during story time or as part of a bedtime routine. It would be fun to include donuts or danish in the next day's activities (with or without jelly) to continue the fun. 

Early Book Review: My Hometown by Russell Griesmer and Priscilla Wong

My Hometown is a nearly wordless picturebook written by Russell Griesmer and illustrated by Priscilla Wong. It is currently scheduled for release on October 1 2015. A magical newspaper takes a young boy on a journey through the history of a beloved hometown, from the 1860s to present day. The story takes readers along to celebrate main-street Americana as the boy discovers the past and its importance.

My Hometown is a picturebook with no dialogue or story test. The only words in the books are those on signs in the background and the newspaper. This leaves it up to the reader to use their own imagination to fill in the gaps. When the young boy picks up a newspaper, magic takes over and brings him to the founding of his hometown, and through its growth and history. The periods of time are marked by the turning of the page, and the illustrations are absolutely wonderful.

My Hometown is an unique and thoughtful book. It is interesting to see history pass by like a time lapse film, but I think some of the readers will not have as much interest in the book because of this more complex thinking. Many picturebook readers are looking for fun or direct learning, rather than a rather artistic look at the passing of time. I think it just might go over the heads of some of its audience.

Early Book Review: Magnus by Claire Shorrock

Magnus is a picturebook by Claire Shorrock which is currently scheduled for release on October 1 2015. Magnus is a big dog. Magnus is such a big dog that no one wants to play with him, and there's no room for him at home. But when Magnus spots danger, he knows just what do to do save the day. And because he is so very BIG, his simple plan works.

Magnus is a sweet book, very reminiscent of Clifford but with a fresh look. Magnus is huge and accidentally causes trouble where ever he goes. The more he tries to help and be friendly the more awkward and troublesome he feels. When he is finally able to help, and takes note of how his difference can make him very special rather than a problem, that he finds his place in the community. I think this is a great lesson for readers of all ages. It is only in using our own talents and embracing what makes up different that we can find happiness. Magnus trying to act like the smaller animals and people only caused everyone trouble, but using his size to help others saved the day and helped him find a special role in the town. We should all be so lucky to have such an obvious lesson to make us embrace our quirks rather than trying to ignore them. The illustrations are very appealing and sweet, bring Magnus to life.

Magnus is a wonderful picturebook. It combines splendid artwork with a story that is fun and sweet while still imparting a great message to readers of all ages. 

Book Review: Boats for Papa by Jessixa Bagley

Boats for Papa is a picture book by Jessixa Bagley. Buckley and his Mama live in a cozy cabin by the ocean. He loves to carve boats out of the driftwood he finds on the beach nearby. He makes big boats, long boats, short boats, and tall boats. Each one is more beautiful than the last, and sends them out to sea. If they don't come back, he knows they've found their way to his papa, whom he misses very much.

Boats for Papa is a story about love and grief. Buckley is a young bear that missing his father. It is never clearly stated whether his father is dead or just gone, but it is clear that both Buckley and his mother miss having father in their lives. The boats Buckley make to send over the water to his father are varied and beautiful, and when they do not return he just knows that they have made their way to his father. Each boat carries a note to Papa, and it is writing one note that Buckley discovers a secret and how much his mother loves him.

Boats for Papa is a a story that is sweet and sad all at once. While adult books are not often able to make me cry, this kind of picturebook has me sniffling back the tears. children suffering grief will be able to relate to this book, and see that they are not alone. it could also help them see that those around them are hurting too. The illustrations are hauntingly sweet and a perfect match for the story. It will be awhile before I do not tear up just thinking about this book. 

Book Review: The Night Children by Sarah Tsiang, Delphine Bodet

The Night Children is a picturebook written by Sarah Tsiang and illustrated by Delphine Bodet. When the streets are empty and kids are called home for dinner and put to bed, the world becomes a magical place. The mischievous night children frolic in the twilight, rummaging for treasures and scattering surprises, stealing slices of the moon and dancing on rooftops. Only when dawn breaks do they tuck themselves away. But if you look very closely, you might just catch a glimpse of them disappearing as you wake up.

The Night Children is a beautifully illustrated picturebook that can capture the imagination. The text is lyrical, but the idea of night children, all drawn wearing monster-like hats, could either intrigue or frighten some children. the story could be an explanation for the shadows, sounds, and odd shapes that some children attribute to monsters, but I could see more adventurous children taking the story to heart and wanting to run with the elusive night children. The adventures of the night children answer many questions that children might have about the world around them, like unexpected changes in the landscape of odd sounds and movements. I think some young readers will love the flow of the story, and the splendid artwork, but I think it might be too abstract for others to really fall into and love.

The Night Children is a creative story about the unknown and imagination that some children will love completely. it just might fire up the imagination and creativity in some. However, I think some more pragmatic souls will not be quite so enraptured. 

Book Review: Walk on the Wild Side by Nicholas Oldland

Walk on the Wild Side is a picturebook by Nicholas Oldland.  One day a bear, a moose and a beaver set off to climb a mountain together. But on the way there, they decide to make it more exciting by turning the climb into a race to the top. It's only after being sidelined by a series of mishaps -- a boulder tumbling down the path, the moose hanging off the side of the cliff, the bear hanging off the moose hanging off the side of the cliff, that the three friends realize competitions don't always make for a good time.

Walk on the Wild Side is part of Oldland's life in the Wild series. In typical fashion of the series, we see our wild friends spending their day together having an adventure and getting themselves into trouble. Competing over every little thing gets the trio into some perilous situations, but they come together and figure out that friendship does not require constant competition. So, fans of the series will know right away what to expect from Oldland's work. For new comers, the style of the artwork is a little messy and childish for my taste, but adds a little wildness and some relatability for the younger readers.

Walk on the Wild Side is a fable that offers comedy and misadventure. The illustrations are simple and offer a good visual of the action. not my favorite picturebook, but it could be used in storytimes or to start discussions about animals, hiking, outdoor safety, friendship, and healthy competition. 

Book Review: Little Bird's Bad Word by Jacob Grant

Little Bird's Bad Word is a picturebook by Jacob Grant. Little Bird is excited to share a new word with his friends. The only problem is, this isn't a very nice word. Little Bird doesn't realize it, but this word might even hurt someone's feelings. What word will Little Bird learn to make things better?

Little Bird's Bad Word is a picture book that draws readers of all ages in, and the artwork is a perfect match to the tale. Little Bird loves to learn new words, and when his father lets a word fly that was not meant for little ears the young bird is happy to add a new word to his vocabulary. Although his father warns him that it is not a good word to use, the young bird shows off his new word by saying it to everyone it sees. It is only by hearing his father’s apology to those offended that the young bird realizes that the word is not one to share. This story could help children and adults deal with words that hurt or offend others.

Little Bird's Bad Word is a picture book that can be enjoyed by readers of all ages. It can be useful for starting discussions about using words that might hurt others, and why some words should not be shared. Between television, movies, friends, other people in public, and parents verbally slipping under duress could teach young children words not suited for school or play time, and this book could help start a discussion about the whys of not repeating everything they hear.  

Book Review: What About Moose by Corey Rosen Schwartz, Rebecca J. Gomez

What About Moose is a new picturebook written by Corey Rosen Schwartz and Rebecca J. Gomez. It was illustrated by Keika Yamaguchi. When Fox, Toad, Bear, Porcupine, and Skunk set out to build a tree house, they know just what to do: they’ll follow a plan and they’ll work as a team. However,  Moose is not ready to listen to other peoples plans. Will Moose's 'suggestions' for a perfect tree house ruin the day?

What About Moose is a story children and adults can relate to and enjoy. Moose and his friends have a great activity planned, but following the plans is not Moose's idea. He wants things done his way, which does not work out the way he hoped it would. The repeated chorus of "What about you moose?" will have some children chanting along with the book, while everyone gets to see what it is like to have their plans trampled by others that mean well, but have not thought everything through. This is a fun story that can show children how to play and work together a little bit better, while making them laugh a little in the process.

What About Moose is a fun rhyming picturebook that can start conversations about team work and planning. As a mom with two very opinionated and stubborn children this story struck a chord, and just might make a difference. Well, at least on the day we share the book.

Early Book Review: Legs by Sarah J. Dodd, Giusi Capizzi

Legs: The Tale of a Verry Small Meerkat is a picture book written by Sarah J. Dodd and illustrated by Giusi Capizzi. It is currently scheduled for release on August 21 2015.  Miki is a baby meerkat who lives with his Mama in a zoo. He's happy at home with Mama and the kind keeper who cares for them, but soon he becomes curious about the wider world. The one day Miki ventures a bit too far out into the world, and he's not sure where he is anymore. Who do all these legs belong to? Soon the legs turn from animal legs to people legs - Miki really has gone too far! But just when Miki feels completely lost, there are the keepers familiar booted legs, and here's the keeper to bring him home; and from his vantage point in the keepers arms all the legs that seemed so intimidating on the way out are revealed to have friendly, happy faces with them!

Legs is a look at the life of a meerkat in a zoo, and at what childhood is often like. We, um vertically challenged, adults can still empathize with the feeling of being too small in the world to see the big picture, but many adults forget the feeling of seeing the world from a lower height. Young children will relate to Miki in both seeing the world only as legs as well as his desire to explore and see more. They will also understand the fear and anxiety of getting lost when never really meaning to stay so far. I think this is a great book for helping children understand that they are not alone, and the importance of not just wandering off to explore the world. The illustrations are very cute and draw the reader into Miki’s world while entertaining readers of all ages. 

I really enjoyed Legs, sand think my adventurous and animal mad children will enjoy it as well. This would make a great addition to library, preschool, and home collections.

Early Book Review: The Tea Party in the Woods by Akiko Miyakoshi

The Tea Party in the Woods is a picturebook by Akiko Miyakoshi which is currently scheduled for release on August 1 2015. Kikko sets out after her father with a forgotten pie for Grandma. She follows a trail to a strange house in the wintry woods, thinking it was her father.  A peek in the window reveals that the footprints Kikko had been following did not belong to her father at all, but to a bear in a long coat and hat! The day only gets stranger, and more wonderful for Kikko from there.

The Tea Party in the Woods is a creative and beautifully illustrated picturebook. I loved how the pencil illustrations convery the cold, snowy day and the fantasy found in Kikko's woodland hike. Kikko is bringing a forgotten goody to her grandmother's house, and like Little Red Riding Hood she strays from her path- thankfully the adventure Kikko finds is more like that of Goldilocks than Little Red. Instead of a big bad wolf Kikko finds an animal hosted tea party and help from that unexpected quarter. Her bravery and the kindness of the animals are beautiful on every level.

The Tea Party in the Woods is a delightful and visually attractive storybook. I do not know if I want to share it with my children, because they are already a wee be too willing to explore, but I think most everyone will be able to absolutely love this book. It would be good for one on one or small group storytimes, but I think the illustrations might be too delicate and light to be fully appreciated in a large group.

Book Review: When Santa was a Baby by Linda Bailey

When Santa was a Baby is a sweet picturebook by Linda Bailey. Here is a delightful answer for every child that has wondered what Santa was like as a baby or child, and the adults that have fielded those questions. This book shows how strong, smart, and unusual Santa was as a baby and young child. It shows the beginning of his gift giving, home at the North Pole, and more. Most importantly it shows readers of all ages that it is the things that made Santa unusual and different that turned out to be the very best of him.

While Christmas seems awful far away, I have to recommend When Santa was a Baby. This picturebook tries to answer an age old question, what was Santa like as a child? While I am a huge fan of the Christmas movie that answers most Santa origin question, this one handles it slightly differently with a focus on his youngest years. Did you know that Santa first Ho Ho Ho'd as an infant, or that he made friends with a rather short fellow that shared his love for toy building? 

When Santa was a Baby is a sweet and beautifully illustrated picturebook that has a lighthearted look at Santa's earliest years, but a deeper message that is one we can all appreciate. Santa's parents worried for him, but supported him and the things that made Santa so different from others turn out to be the very things that the world seems to love and cherish about him most.

Early Book Review: I Know Sasquatch by Jess Bradley

I Know Sasquatch is a picturebook by Jess Bradley which is currently scheduled for release on August 1 2015. Everyone knows that Bigfoot, or Sasquatch are big, creepy creatures with razor-sharp teeth, long claws, and stinky fur. At least, thats what most people think. But nobody's actually ever met one, except Jess Bradley!

I Know Sasquatch is a quirky and colorful picture book that combines photographs and illustration to tell Sasquatch's real story. The result is a creative and fun picturebook that just might jump start your reader's own creativity. The author shares her experiences with meeting Bigfoot and what she learned from him. He is not scary or dangerous, he is sweet and apparently smells like blueberries and enjoys chewing bubble gum. For instance, he is not a big fan of all those blurry pictures that make him look mean and scary.

I Know Sasquatch is a book that will capture the imagination of both young readers, and the adults that share the book with this. This would be a great story time book or summer reading starter for even the youngest of readers. 

Early Book Review: Even Monsters Say Goodnight by Doreen Mulryan Marts

Even Monsters Say Goodnight is a picturebook written and illustrated by Doreen Mulryan Marts. It is currently scheduled for release on August 1 2015.  Avery hates bedtime, and she just knows that there are monsters under her bed.  After a thorough discussion with her mom about the monster situation, Avery finally goes to her room. Does she dare check under the bed?

Even Monsters Say Goodnight is a sweet picturebook that most families can relate to. Whether a child is really frightened, or just stalling because they do not want to go to sleep, the notion of monsters has arisen in almost every home There is a nice use of story text and speech bubbles through the story, which paired wonderfully with the illustrations. I really liked those illustrations, they blended fantasy and reality very well.  I loved the mother's description of how all monsters need to sleep too, and as Avery asks more questions mom comes up with the perfect answers. In fact, I might use some of them myself during bedtime arguments in the near future.

I think Even Monsters Say Goodnight is a wonderful book for bedtime and for sharing at any storytime, group or one on one. It might just be a good tool to quell you favorite kiddo's bedtime fears.