Early Book Review: Pumpkin Heads by Wendell Minor

Pumpkin Heads by Wendell Minor is being reissued and released on August 10 2021. This Halloween classic uses simple language and striking autumn settings to celebrate pumpkin heads.

Pumpkin Heads is a celebration of jack-o-lanterns and the variety of ways pumpkins can be used and decorated in the fall. The text is simple, and very limited, which makes it good for the youngest book lovers and enjoying the book in a storytime settling, perhaps paired with a craft. The images are bold and memorable, and will definitely capture the interest and attention of the audience. It could also be used to inspire some crafts and pumpkin decorating. I certainly have some idea for what I might want to do this fall. 

Early Book Review: The Eyeball Alphabet Book by Jerry Pallotta, Shennen Bersani

The Eyeball Alphabet Book is a children's nonfiction book written by Jerry Pallotta and illustrated by Shennen Bersani. It is currently scheduled for release on May 11 2021.  The eyes have it! Laugh as you learn by staring right into the eyes of familiar animals (A is for alligator eye) and not-so-familiar ones (Z is for zebu eye!). Readers of all ages will be entertained with every page turn. Language learning bonus: each page defines an idiom that includes the word "eye"!

The Eyeball Alphabet Book is a beautifully illustrated book about eyes. The artwork is extremely well done, to the point I had to look closer to make sure they were not photographs on occasion.  I thought the pages were well formatted and that the text flowed nicely. The facts shared were very interesting, and I think other adults and children alike will find them engaging as well. However, no matter how good the information was,and how well it was written, I think the artwork was the real star of the show here. I took a few moments after reading the book the first time and just went back to spend more time studying and simply enjoying the skill and talent in the illustrations. I enjoyed the book and think most everyone that picks it up will agree. 

Book Review: Grandfather Bowhead, Tell Me A Story by Aviaq Johnston

Grandfather Bowhead, Tell Me A Story by Aviaq Johnston is a picturebook. Bowhead whales are the longest-living mammals on the planet, living over 200 years. In this heartwarming story, a grandfather bowhead recounts to his young grandchild calf all the beautiful, amazing, and surprising things he has seen in his lifetime, all while assuring the little calf that there is nothing more wondrous than the love a grandfather has for his grandchild.

Grandfather Bowhead, Tell Me A Story is a sweet picturebook that teaches young readers a little about bowhead whales, and the love grandparents can carry for their grandchildren. The text is well written, and easy to follow, and I liked that there is a pronunciation guide. The art work is extremely well done, and I enjoyed studying it while reading, and I went back for a second, closer look. I think this would be a great book for adults to read with children, grandparents or not, because it shows the health love adults can have for the children in their life while also celebrating nature and this particular species of whale in particular.  

Early Book Review: Barnaby by Andrea Curtis

Barnaby by Andrea Curtis is a picturebook currently scheduled for release on April 15 2021. Barnaby is a blue budgie who’s got it all: a golden cage, bells to jingle-jangle, and an owner who gives him all the snacks and attention he wants. Until his owner brings home a “friend” for Barnaby: a little yellow canary. Barnaby is not happy. When his tantrums don’t convince his owner to get rid of the canary, Barnaby flies away and ends up hopelessly lost. While stopping for a rest, he encounters a flock of wild sparrows. At first, he looks down his beak at the drab, brown birds. But, growing hungrier and thirstier, he realizes he has a lot to learn from them. Soon Barnaby is a part of their flock, scavenging for seeds and riding on the wind. But Barnaby can’t forget his former home, and every night he searches for his owner’s house using tricks the sparrows taught him. Finally, he finds it, and Barnaby returns home a changed bird. With subtle messages about sibling rivalry and jealousy, readers will enjoy Barnaby’s antics and the sweet conclusion to this story.

Barnaby is a well written picturebook on several levels. On the surface it is about a bird having an adventure after not liking changes in his home. But it is also about jealousy, giving others a chance, and adapting to change. I loved the art work- and think the style and colors were exactly what the story needed. It was also enjoyable to look on its on merit, not jut as part of a story. Combined with the words the two come together to tell a larger story than either could alone. I think this book is a lovely read, and that many adults and young readers will enjoy it. It could also be used to start discussions about sharing, sibling rivalry, and other changes in school or family dynamic that introduce new people to a group.

Book Review: CliFF the Failed Troll (Warning: There Be Pirates in This Book!) by Barbara Davis-Pyles, Justin Hillgrove

CliFF the Failed Troll (Warning: There Be Pirates in This Book!), written by Barbara Davis-Pyles and illustrated by Justin Hillgrove, is about feeling different and embracing who we are. A troll named Cliff who isn't very good at sitting still or being a "proper" troll. He'd much rather be a pirate anyway! "Ahoy!" he shouts upon meeting other trolls, who then remind him that the proper troll hello is "Go away!" After a report card full of Fs in bridge building, stoney staring, and even goat gobbling (he's a vegetarian!), Cliff sets off for pirate school. But are things different for him there? Aye, that they arrrre!

CliFF the Failed Troll is fun, cute, and supportive read. I really loved the art style. I thought the pictures were bold and interesting, and cute while not being overly so. I really enjoyed the style and think it was a perfect match to the text and mood of the book. The story was fun, as a trill struggles through school but in following his interests and heart finding a place that is just right. I think kids, and adults, need to remember that thinking differently or being interested in different things can be an asset rather than a problem if we can find the way to utilize it. I think adults exploring this book with young readers can be reminded of how valuable these differences can be in their child while the young readers get to see that there are different expectations in different places, and for different skills. 

This humorous story is about appreciating who we are and knowing there is a place where we fit in the world.

Early Book Review: Moon Pig by Celina Lagnado, Leo Lagnado

Moon Pig by Celina Lagnado and Leo Lagnado  is a children's book currently scheduled for release on December 1 2020. Pig is a dreamer and he is planning to go to the moon. Join Pig in his adventure as he works to make his dream a reality. After lots of planning and hard work he puts together a rocket and flies off to his adventure. A book for young children about possibilities, imagination, and big dreams. 

Moon Pig is a cute picturebook about a young pig that dreams of going to the moon. He seems to have talked about it ad dreamed about it for awhile, and uses his imagination and crafting skills to make it happen, and still make it home in time for dinner. I think the story itself was very cute, and one that kids can relate to and emulate, using their own imagination to take journeys of their own. The pages were colorful and told the story well, but I was not wowed by the book. It was cute, but the illustrations felt a little clunky and childlike- which could be the aesthetic they were going for- but it just dd not work for me. I think some young readers will really enjoy it, but it did not make me as happy as I had hoped.

Early Book Review: Julia's House Moves On by Ben Hatke

Julia's House Moves On by Ben Hatke is a follow up to Julia’s House for Lost Creatures, and is currently scheduled for release on September 29 2020. Julia's house is restless. Julia and her family of lost creatures are ready to move on. But where will they go? And how will they get there? Don’t worry—Julia has a plan for that! Julia always has a plan. But when Julia's plans all fail what's left for her?

Julia's House Moves On is another charming graphic novel from Hatke. Some might consider this series picturebooks, others might consider them graphic novels. It does not matter what labels you want to slap on them, they are wonderful. Julia has a plan for everything. She wants to help and care for all creatures that need her and her house, and struggles when things do not fit into any plan and when plans go awry. Her angst is palpable, and understandable, to just about every reader. And the artwork, Hatke does not disappoint. I'll admit it- I have never seen a art from Hatke that I have not loved, so I might be a wee bit biased. However, I think all early graphic novel readers and picturebook lovers will find something worth a second and third read here.

Early Book Review: Eye by Eye: Comparing How Animals See by Sara Levine, T.S. Spookytooth

Eye by Eye: Comparing How Animals See is a nonfiction picturebook written by Sara Levine and illustrated by T.S. Spooktooth. It is currently scheduled for release on September 1 2020. 

What kind of animal would you be if you had eight eyes? Or if your pupils were the shape of the letter W? Keep an eye out for weird and surprising facts in this playful picture book, which brings together comparative anatomy with a guessing game format. See how your animal eyes are like—and unlike—those of starfish, spiders, goats, cuttlefish, owls, and slugs. 

Eye by Eye: Comparing How Animals See is a wonderful look at the ingenuity of nature. The text was clear and engaging- making the information understandable and interesting to read. The art work pairs pretty much perfectly with the text- adding details in interest to each page.  Some of the information was brand new to me, like the shape of a cuddlefish's pupil. Even the information I knew was presented in a way that made it fun and interesting to read. Every page was fun to look at, and engaging to read. I also enjoyed the bits of extra information and resources included in the endpages. That always makes me happy. I think this book would be a great addition to libraries, schools, classroom, and personal school collections. 

Early Book Review: A Quiet Girl by Peter Carnavas

A Quiet Girl by Peter Carnavas is a picturebook currently scheduled for release on August 4 2020. Mary was a quiet girl. She thought quiet thoughts, stepped quiet steps, and whispered quiet words. Mary knows how to savor the small things. Wonder is everywhere: in the rustle of leaves, in the sigh of a sleeping dog, in the wingbeats of the birds who visit her upcycled feeders. But Mary’s family couldn’t be more different. Amidst the sound of blow-dryers, blenders, lawnmowers, and her brother’s trombone, Mary goes almost unnoticed. It isn’t until her family starts searching the neighborhood for her that they begin to see the world through her eyes. From critically acclaimed author-illustrator Peter Carnavas comes a gentle breeze of a picture book with themes of mindfulness, observation, and being present in the natural world. A Quiet Girl invites young readers (and the noisy adults in their lives) to appreciate the thousand little pleasures that surround us—if only we would notice them.

A Quiet Girl is a picturebook that really resonated with me. I loved that the artwork was pastel and simple, not bright and shouting, so that it matched the personality of Mary. She is quiet, and because of that often feels invisible and overlooked. However, her quiet nature also lets her hear and notice things that her family might be missing out on. I like that she is not as absent from the thoughts of her family as she thinks she is, and that taking the time to listen and look for her allows her family to notice the things she wanted to share with them. I think this book is a great family read, especially for those with a quiet family member or friend. I related to Mary a great deal, having preferred a book or sitting under a tree to louder pastimes (both as a child and an adult). I think the book can help readers understand the wonders that they might be missing, and to understand how other people might feel in a world that seems to be loud and in a hurry as a default.

Early Book Review: A Thousand No's by DJ Corchin

A Thousand No's by DJ Corchin is a picturebook that is currently scheduled for release on August 4 2020. There was a little girl who had a great idea. She had the most amazing, superb, best idea ever! NO? Wait, what do you mean NO? NO again? What is she supposed to do with all these NO's? NO after NO after NO come the little girl's way, twisting and squishing her idea. But by persevering, collaborating and using a little imagination, all those NO's become the building blocks for the biggest YES ever! A Thousand NO's is a story about perseverance and innovation. It shows what amazing things can happen if we work with others and don't give up, and teaches kids not to let expectations of how things should be get in the way of what could be.

A Thousand No's is a picturebook that shows that ideas can grow and change, sometimes for the better. A few no's help the young girl stretch and change her idea, but collaborating with others and allowing those changes made her idea bigger and better. I like that the story showed that the process of an idea changing, and allowing others in to help, can be hard. However, being willing to share, willing to adapt, makes for wonderful things. The illustrations are mostly black and white, with wonderful details and powerful uses of color. I enjoyed the read and think that it is enjoyable as a read to share, and as one to start discussions about ideas, hearing no, and collaboration. 

Early Book Review: Gustavo, the Shy Ghost by Flavia Z. Drago

Gustavo, the Shy Ghost, written and illustrated by Flavia Z. Drago, is a picturebook currently scheduled for release on July 14 2020.  Gustavo is good at doing all sorts of ghostly things: walking through walls, making objects fly, and glowing in the dark. He loves almost nothing more than playing beautiful music on his violin. But Gustavo is shy, and some things are harder for him to do, like making friends with other monsters. Whenever he tries getting close to them, he realizes they just can’t see him. Now that the Day of the Dead is fast approaching, what can he do to make them notice him and to share with them something he loves? 

Gustavo, the Shy Ghost is a sweet picturebook with beautiful illustrations. I really enjoyed the art style and think the illustrations did a great job of adding to the story and including humor. As someone that has always been on the shy side, I could relate to Gustavo's troubles in talking to others- and even when we are not really invisible to them like he is sometimes we can feel that way. I really enjoyed Gustavo's journey, and how detailed and vivid the images are and how ideas like loneliness and kindness are handled. I think this would be a great read aloud, a story to share both around the Day of the Dead and in the beginning of a school year or start of a storytime program season to help young readers. It could be a great discussion starter and ice break- and is just a lovely read. 

Early Book Review: Fussy Flamingo by Shelly Vaughan James, Matthew Rivera

Fussy Flamingo is a picturebook written by Shelly Vaughan James and illustrated by Matthew Rivera that is currently scheduled for release on July 1 2020.  Lola is the "no, no" flamingo. Lola will NOT eat shrimp, thank you very much. She does NOT care that it will turn her feathers pink. It is just plain yucky. But when Lola sneaks other snacks, she discovers that you really are what you eat. 

Fussy Flamingo is an entertaining read that adults and young readers can enjoy together. I loved the artwork, and thought it captured the story and the moods of the characters perfectly. I have a picky eater at home, and some of the chars between Lola and her parents felt very familiar. She is more interested in exploring and eating colorful fruit than the shrimp she is supposed to eat. I liked that the fruit she ate might be new to some readers, and just might encourage them to give them a try. I like that in the end her parents just asked her to try the shrimp, which is all we can ever really do, and of course once she tries them she liked them. I also liked that the book offers real information about flamingos at the end of the book. The facts chosen were interesting and add an extra layer of interest to the story. 

I think Fussy Flamingo will appeal to a wide range of readers, and that it might become a favorite for sharing at home or during a storytime or classroom setting. 

Early Book Review: Dinosaur Lady: The Daring Discoveries of Mary Anning, the First Paleontologist by Linda Skeers

Dinosaur Lady: The Daring Discoveries of Mary Anning, the First Paleontologist by Linda Skeers is a nonfiction picturebook that is currently scheduled for release on July 1 2020. As a kid, Mary Anning loved hunting for fossils with her father. One day, that hobby led to an unexpected discovery: the skeleton of a creature no one had never seen before! Mary had unearthed a dinosaur fossil, the first to ever be discovered. Her find reshaped scientific beliefs about the natural world and led to the beginning of a brand new field of study: paleontology. For the rest of her life, Mary continued to make astonishing finds and her fossils are displayed in museums all across the world! The daring discoveries of Mary Anning not only changed the scientific world, but also helped change people’s attitudes towards women scientists.

Dinosaur Lady is a picturebook that not only talks about the early years and discoveries in paleontology, but how women were viewed in science, and to a certain degree still are. I liked the illustrations, they added a great deal of detail and heart to each page. I thought the information included was interesting and was accessible. I think the narrative and information were well balanced and should keep the reader's interest. I also liked the additional information that was included at the end of the book. I really enjoyed the read and think the book just might inspire kids interested in topic others might try to dissuade them from perusing to keep on studying and working towards their goals.

Dinosaur Lady is a engaging and informative book that would be a great addition to all libraries. Hopefully it will encourage more young scientists to follow their interests.

Early Book Review: Ray by Marianna Coppo

Ray by Marianna Coppo is a picturebook currently scheduled for release on May 26 2020. At the end of the hall, near the staircase, is a closet. In that closet lives Ray, who is a light bulb. Ray spends most of his time in darkness, which is pretty boring if you don't know how to fill it. So boring that Ray usually slips into a dreamless sleep. Everything changes one day when Ray is migrated into a portable lantern and taken on the trip of a lifetime. He wakes up in a much larger closet (the outside), surrounded by incredible things - too many to count! Everything is super big, and Ray has never felt so small. And in the morning, Ray makes an incredible discovery which will change his life forever.

Ray is a cute book about a lightbulb that might be a little bored in his comfort zone, but has no complaints. Being moved to a camping lantern for a short trip gives Ray the chance to see the larger world, and while it might be scary, he takes the time to look around and soak it all in. Sometimes seeing the larger world through another's eyes helps us appreciate them more,  and I think getting the chance to see the stars, the trees, and of course the sun, through Ray's eyes can help readers of all ages think about how amazing some of the things we take for granted really are. 

Ray is a lovely picturebook. It would be great for sharing anytime, but might be most impactful before camping or going somewhere new. 

Early Book Review: Leo's Monster by Marcus Pfister

Leo's Monster by Marcus Pfister is a picturebook currently scheduled for release on My 5 2020.  When Leo, the city mouse, visits his friend Zoe in the countryside for the first time, he meets a huge and horrible monster.  It’s gigantic, has lots of horns, an enormous tail, and when it roars, the earth shakes. At least that’s what Leo saw. Or did he? Zoe thinks his description sounds just like Berta, the sweet-tempered cow in the meadow.

Leo's Monster is a brightly illustrated story that reminded me of the old legend about the blind men and the elephant. Trying to describe something we have never encountered before can be hard, and overcoming fear when facing something we do not know or understand can be hard. I think this story does a good job of showing readers that they are not alone in these reactions, and that sharing with a friend or trusted adult can help alleviate the fear, and find the truth behind the matter. I loved the artwork, and thought the changes to the 'monster' as the story progressed was a perfect touch. 

Early Book Review: The Ultimate Survival Guide to Bedtime Monsters by Mitch Frost, Daron Parto

The Ultimate Survival Guide to Bedtime Monsters is a picturebook written by Mitch Frost and illustrated by Daron Parto. It is currently scheduled for release on May 1 2020. Do you lie awake at night worrying about monsters? Donut monsters? Blue monsters? DANCING ROBOT MONSTERS?! Then this is the book for you! Follow these ten easy steps and you'll never be bothered by monsters again. Not even carrot monsters. Perfect for anyone, big or small, who's ever been afraid of what might be lurking under the bed.

The Ultimate Survival Guide to Bedtime Monsters is a fun and brightly illustrated picturebook giving young readers a set of steps to feel a little safer at bed time. I liked the illustrations quite a bit, I thought that the attention to detail and the humor on each page added a great deal to the story. The text offers them suggestions like brushing their teeth because monsters hate minty fresh breath, and keeping their room clean because then there is no where for the monsters to hide. Not all of the suggestions are quite so aimed at good bedtime routines, one suggests surrounding yourself with your favorite stuffed animals and toys, because monsters do not like crowds. I thought the book was cute and might be just what some youngsters need to help them settle in to bed a bit easier. 

Book Review: The Sasquatch and the Lumberjack: Family by Crix Sheridan

The Sasquatch and the Lumberjack: Family by Crix Sheridan is a companion book to Crix Sheridan's The Sasquatch and the Lumberjack. The story continues to grow the relationship between these endearing characters as we meet their big and colorful families as they embark on another adventure! Follow along on their Pacific Northwest adventures as the two friends and their two families merge their growing friendship to become one big and happy family.

The Sasquatch and the Lumberjack: Family has very little text, just the family names for the character that is the focus of the page, such as ma, pa, and so on. The colors and illustrations are bright and fun, with lots to look at on each page. While I think the intent on the lack of text was to appeal to a younger, or easily bored, crowd and to do some basic vocabulary building, I think it slightly missed the mark. I liked the artwork and think many young readers will enjoy flipping through the pages and creating their own details about the characters and adventures. I was a little disappointed since the art on the cover and promise of adventure had me excited to read. 

Early Book Review: Dewdrop by Katie O'Neill

Dewdrop by Katie O'Neill is a picturebook currently scheduled for release on April 7 2020. Dewdrop is an easygoing, gentle axolotl who enjoys naps, worm pie, and cheerleading. When the yearly sports fair nears, he and his friends—Mia the weightlifting turtle, Newman the musical newt, and three minnows who love to cook—get ready to showcase their skills to the whole pond! However, as the day of the fair gets closer, Dewdrop's friends can't help putting pressure on themselves to be the best. It's up to Dewdrop to remind them how to be mindful, go at their own pace, and find joy in their own achievements.

Dewdrop is an adorable picturebook about a sweet axolotl that honestly cares about their friends and keeps a sunny outlook on life. I think the reminders to focus on improving and finding happiness in doing their favorite things is important. I loved the illustrations, and found that they mirrored the sweet and optimistic tone of the main character and story as a whole. I think the story was nice and simply enjoyable to look at. The message was good, but a little overstated. As a kid, and now as a parent, I have always found the very obvious lessons to be a little off putting, even if I agree with them. Not everyone feels this way, and I can see the value and skill in this book that made me enjoy it despite the very clear messages. 

Early Book Review: The Elephants' Guide to Hide-and-Seek by Kjersten Hayes, Gladys Jose

The Elephants' Guide to Hide-and-Seek, written by Kjersten Hayes and illustrated by Gladys Jose, is currently scheduled for release on April 1 2020. Elephants are great at many things...playing hide-and-seek is not one of them. But The Elephant Hobby and Sport League is here to help all those frustrated, always "found" elephants out there with The Elephants' Guide to Hide-and-Seek. This handy guide offers sympathy, support and superior hiding solutions to elephants who long to overcome their size disadvantage when playing hide-and-seek.

The Elephants' Guide to Hide-and-Seek is a fun and sweet story. I found the illustrations to be charming and I really enjoyed the style. The text and illustrations worked well together to tell the story, and managed to be encouraging while still including a good amount of humor- like an elephant trying to hide under the covers. I think it offers readers a good laugh, along with ideas (like volunteering to be it) that can make a game that usually offers frustration more fun. I really like that it also points out that playing the game can be fun because of who you are playing with, not just because of how well you play. 

Early Book Review: Help Wanted, Must Love Books by Janet Sumner Johnson, Courtney Dawson

Help Wanted, Must Love Books, written by Janet Sumner Johnson and illustrated by Courtney Dawson, is a picturebook currently scheduled for release on March 2 2020. Shailey loves bedtime, especially reading with her dad. But her dad starts a new job, and it gets in the way of their bedtime routine. So Shailey takes action! She fires her dad, posts a Help Wanted sign, and starts interviews immediately. She is thrilled when her favorite characters from fairytales line up to apply. But Sleeping Beauty can't stay awake, the Gingerbread Man steals her book, and Snow White brings along her whole team. Shailey is running out of options. Is bedtime ruined forever?

Help Wanted, Must Love Books is a story that many parents and children can relate to. Routine band job changes for an adult in the house can throw everything else out of whack- like  how her father's new job affected Shailey's bedtime reading. I love how she interviewed characters from some of her bedtime stories to become her new reader, and how some of the auditions went terribly wrong. I thought the story and its execution was very imaginative and well done. The illustrations were wonderful, and added some great detail to the story on each page. I love the imagination the character has, and the way her father works hard to find a solution for the problem. Not every solution in real life will be this easy, but showing that it can happen might give young readers the hope and determination to find solutions for their own bedtime or family disappointments. The addition of resumes from the characters at the end of the book was a fun touch.  

Help Wanted, Must Love Books is an adorable picture book with plenty of references to storytimer favorites and lovely artwork. This might become a new bedtime favorite for some young readers.