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: 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.

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: 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: 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: The Trotters of Tweeville: Zavis DaMavis by Shirin Zarqa-Lederman, MS, MA

The Trotters of Tweeville: Zavis DaMavis by Shirin Zarqa-Lederman, MS, MA is a children's book with a lesson about treating others the way you would want to be treated. Zavis DaMavis is a happy young boy and a proud resident of a whimsical town called Tweeville. He’s off to school one morning when his mom gives him an important reminder. Zavis must remember his mother’s words if he’s ever going to understand what they mean. But how can he think when he’s so busy being kind to his friends? 

The Trotters of Tweeville: Zavis DaMavis is a book about teaching the golden rule, and acting on it in everyday life. Zavis spends most of his day trying to remember his mother's words, but is distracted by those he meets along the way. The older gentleman he helps across the street, the crossing guard he gives his tissue to, his classmate who he shares his coat hook with, and so on. The images are bright and simple, and the text occasionally silly, but I think the lesson was a bit heavy handed. Perhaps that is what is need on some occasions, but I prefer a bit more subtlety. 

The Trotters of Tweeville: Zavis DaMavis is a book intended to inspire children to think about others, and treat them the way they want others they way they would like to be treated. While it certainly gets the message across, I found it a bit overbearing. I found myself as frustrated with it as I am the religious fiction that beat the readers over the head with the piety of their characters.

Book Review: Frankenstink! Garbage Gone Bad by Ron Lightburn

Frankenstink! Garbage Gone Bad by Ron Lightburn is a children's book for young readers, that just might have them cleaning their rooms. The story answers the question of what happens to all the random toys and whatnot that end up under the bed. When it gets big and gross enough, and is exposed to a big stink, it comes to life and starts eating all the garbage it can find.

Frankenstink! is told in rhyme, with a illustrations that have a comic book feel. the story features one young boys room, and the variety of toys, dust, and trash that gathers under his bed. one night it comes to life and becomes a garbage eating monster that finds its way to the dump and just keeps on eating until it bursts. While the story is simply told, it warns children to clean their rooms, and just how much stuff we throw away that ends up at the dump. so, there is a bit of a lesson about waste here as well, but I think most kids will focus on the monster coming to life from under their bed. as a parent, I have to say that my favorite part of the book was the look of wonder on they parents' faces when they spot their son doing some serious cleaning.

Frankenstink! might just be the lesson any preschool through middle grader needs to start cleaning their rooms, or after themselves in general. I do think that the monster and general idea might be a little to scary for some children already worried about monsters under the bed or easily bothered by drawing of monsters and their mayhem.  

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.

Book Review: The Great Carp Escape by Irish Beth Maddock

The Great Carp Escape by Irish Beth Maddock is a picturebook. For siblings Beth and Paul, growing up on a lake is fun However, when they discover the scaly, moustached carp, they become afraid and avoid the area the carp frequent. When a flood brings about a life-or-death situation for the creepy looking carp, they need to overcome their apprehensions about the carp and help save them before it's too late.

The Great Carp Escape starts with a nice connection siblings Beth and Paul have with nature and the world around them. The pair play together well and with the world around them. quickly I discovered that this is a Christian picturebook as the children and their father mention the ugliness of the carp, and how God created it and still loves it despite its appearance. When the carp's lives are threaten the family works hard to save them and come to see past the appearance of the fish. I liked the message, but think that the quotation of scripture and pushing of the Christian theme will limit the audience. It is a message everyone could stand to learn and enjoy.  the illustrations were well matched with the story, but did not stand out as amazing or very interesting. They did their job, but did not add a whole lot to the book.

The Great Carp Escape is a nice Christian picturebook about respecting nature and all of God's creatures. I think works well for what it is, but does not stand out in a good or bad way.

Book Review: What the Dinosaurs Did Last Night: A Very Messy Adventure by Refe and Susan Tuma

What the Dinosaurs Did Last Night: A Very Messy Adventure by Refe and Susan Tuma is a picturebook from the parents who brought us the web sensation "Dinovember" comes photographic proof of what toys do at night. Kids have always thought about what would happen in their toys came to life. One creative pair of parents decided to find out. Every November, writer and social media master Refe Tuma and his wife, Susan, work into the night to bring their four children scenes from the secret lives of their toys; specifically the nighttime antics of their plastic dinosaurs. The dinosaurs wreck bathrooms, destroy vases, rock out, encounter terrifying hot irons, even do the dishes with hilarious, magical results. This book offers the story about how the dinosaurs behave, why, and what not to do if it starts happening in your house. the photographs and text come together nicely to ignite imaginations and humor readers of all ages.

What the Dinosaurs Did Last Night is a picturebook that I greatly enjoyed. I had seen stories about these parents, and the trend that they started (there are many parents out there doing this or similar things now).  I always get a kick out of the imagination and inventiveness they use to create these plastic dinosaur tableau's. I love the photographs and admit to being daunted by the amount of work this team put into placing the dinosaurs and coming up with stories to match. I think some younger or more sensitive children might find the idea and execution of some of the scenes a little troubling. When my oldest was younger he would have needed the light on in his room and had trouble sleeping with the idea that the toys in his room were wandering around the house and up to mischief, while my youngest would have been upset that they were not including her in the fun.

I would recommend What the Dinosaurs Did Last Night to families that might consider joining in the fun, or that take part in similar things like Elf on the Shelf and so one. I am frankly afraid to share this one with my kids, because I do not have the energy to do this sort of crazy fun. I highly appreciate those that have the creativity and willingness to entertain us all along with their children.

Book Review: Stickiest, Crunchiest, Fluffiest by Jane Brocket

Stickiest, Crunchiest, Fluffiest by Jane Brocket is a concept picturebook. This series of easy non fiction introduces and explains concepts with a combination of rhymes and bright photographs. In this book the idea of superlatives is explained. Questions and corresponding photographs  have readers wondering if marshmallows the fluffiest, if popcorn the lightest, and if popsicles the coldest. The simple text and bright, clear photographs both entertain and educate.

I will admit that I adore this series of concept books from Brocket. Stickiest, Crunchiest, Fluffiest is no exception. I think the wonderful photographs and clever but simple text offer a combination that is as close to perfect as I have seen. the book gets readers of all ages thinking, and coming up with answers of their own in regards to what is the stickiest, fluffiest, stinkiest, and so on.

I highly recommend Stickiest, Crunchiest, Fluffiest (and the whole series) for classroom, school, and public library collections for young readers. 

Book Review: Please Open This Book by Adam Lehrhaupt and Matthew Forsythe

Please Open This Book is a picturebook written by Adam Lehrhaupt and illustrated by Matthew Forsythe. This interactive book is one that breaks down the wall between the reader and the characters on the page. All books are made to be opened. But, guess what? Someone closed this book and the critters inside it need your help. All you need to do is open it. You can do that. Can't you?

Please Open This Book isa fun picturebook that features wonderful illustrations of animals that have been trapped inside the book when someone closed it. The closing caused damage, and left the creatures in the dark. They spend the pages explaining this and urging readers to keep the book open, even offering rewards for doing so. The illustrations are simply wonderful, and really make this book. The concept has been done before, many times before, and sometimes better. However, this is still a fun read and will entertain and delight many young readers.

Please Open This Book is a good book for storytime sharing and with children that need interactive books to hold their attention. It is not the best book of its type available, but it is well illustrated and will entertain the target audience.

Book Review: Nerdy Birdy by Aaron Reynolds and Matt Davies

Nerdy Birdy is a picturebook written by Aaron Reynolds and illustrated by Matt Davies. Nerdy Birdy likes reading, video games, and reading about video games, which immediately disqualifies him for membership in the cool crowd. The cool birds are the eagle, robin, cardinal, and so on. The good looking and athletic birds, and Nerdy Birdy just does not fit in. When he's at his lowest point, Nerdy Birdy meets a flock just like him. He has friends and discovers that there are far more nerdy birdies than cool birdies in the sky. However, there is still another lesson to be learned.

Nerdy Birdy is a great book about being yourself, finding your own tribe, and not excluding those that do not have the same interests as yourself. So many children and adults start off like Nerdy Birdy, trying to fit in with the "cool kids'. However, once they find people that share their interests but are not necessarily 'cool' they have much more fun and realize there are many more of us that do not fit in with the cool crowd than do. I like that Reynolds did not leave it there, which most authors seem to do with feel goo stories about misfits finding friends, they took it one step further and show the tribe of nerd birds treating a bird that was not a cool bird, but not like them either, as badly as they had been treated. Nerdy Birdy does the right thing, and forges a fantastic friendship. The book just made me happy on several levels.

Nerdy Birdy is a fabulous book for storytimes, both at home and in class or library settings. It is a good mirror to some of the adult conflicts going on now, where outcasts find their tribe and then treat those that do not match their image of friends horribly. It happens too much, and maybe if children and adults alike were a little more like Nerdy Birdy we would all be happier.