Book Review: My Friend Sleep by Laura Baker, Hannah Peck

My Friend Sleep is a picturebook written by Laura Baker and illustratrated by Hannah Peck. This story is meant to help parents tackle the common issue of night terrors in young children. Readers travel alongside the main character through her dreams, and her friend Sleep. Greet friendly aliens, ride on a dragon's back and meet a scary monster, who turns out to be not-so scary after all. With Sleep by your side, nothing is as terrifying as it seems.

My Friend Sleep is a beautifully illustrated journey through dreamland. I liked how the artwork was dreamy and creative, following the imagination of the dreamer. I also like how it showed the good things that we can see in our dreams, and gives young readers a way to cope or change the bad that they might dream. The text and illustrations paired together well, and I think the overall effect was lovely. I am not sure if it will have the desired effect for children that are afraid to sleep and thus avoid bedtime and fight it, but I think it is well worth a try.

Book Review: Mina Vs the Monsoon by Rukhsanna Guidroz, Debasmita Dasgupta

Mina Vs the Monsoon is a picturebook written by Rukhsanna Guidroz , and illustrated by Debasmita Dasgupta. Mina loves to play soccer all year round. Nothing comes close to it. But when the monsoon arrives, Mina is stuck indoors and she can’t help feeling restless and bored. Her ammi doesn’t understand. The doodhwalla doesn’t understand. Soccer-mad Mina tries just about any trick to stop the monsoon clouds from raining on her game. In doing so, she shows us glimpses of her life in a village in eastern India, highlighting the important role played by monsoon rains in this part of the world. The heart of the story, however, is the bond forged between a mother and her daughter on a gray, gloomy day. Soccer will never be the same again for Mina!

Mina Vs the Monsoon is a lovely book that works on a couple of levels. Every child has been unable to do something they want because of the weather. Be it monsoons, hurricanes, blizzards, scorching heat or arctic blasts. This is something we can all relate to and sympathize with Mina as she tries everything she can think of to play. I think the mom reacts like many moms, starting with explaining why, to redirecting, and commiserating. I loved seeing the pair connect, and really found the story lovely. 

I also liked that I got to learn more about a part of the world, language, and culture I do not know nearly enough about. I know I want to take more time to explore the cultures around the world, but getting little glimpses like this inspires me to be more expansive and intensive with that goal. I love learning about places I have never seen, cultures, and folklore that is new to me. I need to infuse even more diverse books into my to be read pile, and get going on them. Hopefully, reading books like this will inspire others to do the same.

Book Review: Brave Thumbelina by An Leysen

Brave Thumbelina by An Leysen is a retelling of the Hans Christian Andersen, and this particular version was first published in Holland and recently translated to English. Once upon a time, there was a woman who desperately wanted a child. One day, a good witch passed her house and gave her a flower seed. The woman planted the seed and took good care of it. Before long, two little eyes curiously stared at her between the petals. Inside the flower was a tiny girl! The woman named her Thumbelina. It soon became clear that Thumbelina was a very brave little girl.

Brave Thumbelina is a lovely picturebook, and a nice retelling of the classic story. I found the artwork to be beautiful, not my favorite style but I know so many that love this pastel and delicate type of work. The retelling and translation is true to the original, but the time with the frog and mole are not as dark as some of the versions I have read. I am, as always, annoyed with the fact that it takes marriage to reach a happy ending. Finding the 'perfect boy'  does not always equal happiness. Her freedom to choose her path and make her own choices are much more important to me, and hopefully most readers, than finding a husband. As much as it bothers me, I know it is fairly consistent with the traditional tale, but the joys of tackling a retelling is the opportunity to make small (or not so small) changes. I just think that a chance was squandered here.

Brave Thumbelina is a light and sweet retelling of a classic story. The darker moments get less attention than in other versions, so this might be a good choice for sharing with more sensitive young readers. 

Book Review: This is a Whoopsie by Andrew Cangelose, Josh Shipley

This is a Whoopsie is a picturebook written by Andrew Cangelose and illustrated by Josh Shipley. It is supposed to be a book about all the different things moose can do, like leaping and jumping and being really tall. But maybe Whoopsie isn't the right moose for the job. You might want to pick a different moose for this book. Maybe instead we can do a book about falling down a lot? Yeah! Whoopsie would be great at that. 

This is a Whoopsie is from the same team that gave up This is a Taco, a book about a squirrel with a love for unexpected food. Just like the previous book, there is a good amount of factual information so readers do learn a bit about moose. There is also plenty of laughs, as Whoopsie the moose trips his way through the book. However, there is also a lesson in being yourself and finding value in the things that make you different without making the readers feel like they are being lectured. The illustrations do a great job of enhancing the story and the important lesson it teaches with upping the humor another notch. I liked the little Taco cameo, and think that this picturebook should find its way into relevant library collections, and will be a repeat read if it makes its way into a home library. 

Book Review: Diary of an Ogre by Valeria Dávila; Monica López

Diary of an Ogre is a picturebook written by Valeria Dávila and Monica López, translated into English by David Warriner, and illustrated by Laura Aguerrebehere. The world of ogres is endangered and their secrets could disappear with them. This diary unveils the many mysteries of their monstrous life: the famous fight clubs, the belching and spitting classes, never changing underwear—ever.

Diary of an Ogre is a book that describes what a school for Ogres would teach. The text is in short, rhythmic sentences that will catch the attention of young readers. There is plenty of humor, including mention of clothes that smell like farts and other similar kinds of quick laughs. The illustrations are bright and colorful. They add an extra layer of fun and humor to the book, further showing what an ogre should be like. I think there could have more hints and humor pointing to fairy tales woven through. However, the book is a fun read through that will entertain readers of many ages willing to pick up a picturebook. 

Book Review: P is for Pterodactyl by Raj Halder, Chris Carpenter, Maria Beddia

P is for Pterodactyl: The Worst Alphabet Book Ever written by by Raj Halder and Chris Carpenter,and illustrated by Maria Beddia. Turning the traditional idea of an alphabet book on its head, this book is perfect for anyone who has ever been stumped by silent letters or confused by absurd homophones. This unique book takes silent letter entries like "K is for Knight" a step further with "The noble knight's knife nicked the knave's knee." Illustrations offer context clues, and alliterative words help readers navigate text like "a bright white gnat is gnawing on my gnocchi" with ease. Everyone from early learners to grown-up grammarians will love this wacky book where "A is for Aisle" but "Y is definitely not for Why."

P is for Pterodactyl is a great picturebook for almost all ages. I think it might be confusing for the youngest readers that are still working on sight words and figuring out the basics, but it might be an entertaining book for family sharing, or in a classroom setting. I can picture an upper elementary, or even higher, class using this book to show how strange our language can be, and get a better grasp on some of those oddities. I have to admit that I found the pronunciation key at the end of the book very helpful, because there were some words that I knew I had been mentally mispronouncing for years, because I had only seen them in books but never spoken. The illustrations are cute and bright, and offer a good amount of context clues to help readers figure things out. 

I think P is for Pterodactyl will be a big hit with a particular group of readers, and will be useful to others. I just do not see it having a broad or widespread appeal. 

Early Book Review:Chilly da Vinci by Jarrett Rutland

Chilly da Vinci by Jarrett Rutland is a picturebook that is currently scheduled for release on December 4 2018. While others do “penguin” things, Chilly da Vinci is a self-declared inventor penguin. He builds machines that don’t work as intended, at least not yet! Can his inventing solve the problem, that he just might have caused. 

Chilly da Vinci is a cute picturebook. I love the artwork, the penguins are very cute and the yellow/brown paper hinting at Leonardo da Vinci's sketches add a great touch. Chilly's efforts and persistence is another great aspect of the story. His first invention, and second, and third, all cause trouble instead of meeting Chilly's hopes for them. I think showing the invention processes and how much Chilly needed to be himself while not liking how others often treated him because of it is important for readers of all ages to understand. I thought the story could have been a little more involved, or more focused on one or two of the inventions. I liked the illustrations, the animals were cute and the use of yellowish brown paper for the inventions was a nice touch. I liked the perseverance and effort of Chilly, and the discussion about being yourself and empathy that this book might inspire. I just never really got invented in the story, it felt like something was missing. Not that I know what was lacking, if I did I would be making the big bucks, or at least bucks, for all this book reading. 

Book Review: Hotel Fantastic by Thomas Gibault

Hotel Fantastic is a picturebook written and illustrated by Thomas Gibault. Whether you're a robot needing to recharge or a giant looking for extra legroom, the suites in this hotel are designed to cater to each guest's needs. Feeling hungry? Dine at the hotel's world-famous restaurant among princesses and pirates. Need a workout? A fully equipped gym and rooftop swimming pool serve beings of all shapes and sizes. And rest assured that your safety and security are a top priority --- an elite strike team is always at the ready. Pay no attention to the rumors you may have heard --- there's certainly no horrible creature threatening to attack the hotel at any moment.

Hotel Fantastic is a brightly illustrated ad fun picturebook. The majority of the story is detailing the wonders of the grand Hotel Fantastic. The crazy creatures that stay there, work there, and their activities are imaginative and well done. I enjoyed the descriptions and artwork depicting the pool, security team, and infirmary the most- they were amusing and unique. I like that clues to what the lurking evil is, and how it is not all that evil but will certainly bring the story to an end, can be found throughout the story.  I like that the ending is a little bit of a twist, but not completely unexpected if readers pay attention to the clues, and think about the uniqueness of the amenities. Most of all, I like that the young boy telling the tale is not rude, mean, or in anyway shamed or embarrassed for playing with something that might go against gender stereotypes. That made me very happy and made me the story as a whole even more.

Book Review: Anna at the Art Museum by Hazel Hutchins, Gail Herbert, Lil Crump

Anna at the Art Museum is a picturebook written by Hazel Hutchins and Gail Herbert, and illustrated by Lil Crump. Going to the art museum with her mom is no fun at all for Anna. Everything is old and boring and there are so many rules: Don’t Touch! Do Not Enter! Quiet! A vigilant guard keeps a close eye on the energetic little girl, but even so, Anna manages to set off an alarm and almost tip over a vase. A half-open door draws Anna’s attention, but the No Entry sign means yet again that it’s off-limits. This time, however, the guard surprises her by inviting her to go in. Here she finds a “secret workshop” where paintings are being cleaned and repaired. Staring out from one of the canvases is a girl who looks grumpy and bored—just like Anna herself. With the realization that art often imitates life, Anna discovers the sheer joy to be had from the paintings on the wall, especially those that reflect what is happening all around her.

Anna at the Art Museum is a picturebook that recognizes that things that can be fun do not always feel like it when our energy level and mood want more than the rules around us require. Following the rules in the art museum is hard for Anna, and honestly most children (and some adults). However, Anna is lucky enough to get a glimpse of things she might not otherwise see that allows her to enjoy the more sedate activities. I think this is important for children and parents alike, to see that if we can relate to the art or activity we are much more likely to enjoy the journey. That connection is what made following the rules and enjoying the museum possible for Anna, and much less stressful for her mother. I thought the illustrations captured the beauty and uniqueness of the art, and the mood and motion of Anna very well. The theme that life imitates art is easily noticed once you look at the illustrations, and see those commonalities. I also like that they show other children having a hard time in the museum, so Anna is not shown as bad or unusual in her struggles. I really enjoyed the additional information that is given at the end of the book about the real art that is featured in the story. I like that it is a fairly diverse selection of art. 

Anna at the Art Museum is a wonderful picturebook about art and how we can see the reflection of reality in it. This would be a great book to look at before introducing creating or appreciating art in school or at home, or to preface a trip of your own to an art museum. 

Book Review: Sleep, Sheep! by Kerry Lyn Sparrow, Guillaume Perrault

Sleep, Sheep! is a picturebook written by Kerry Lyn Sparrow and illustrated by Guillaume Perrault. There are lots of things Duncan likes about bedtime; the stories, the pajamas, the bubblegum-flavored toothpaste. The only thing he doesn't like is going to sleep, and he'll do anything he can to avoid it. One day Duncan's mom has had enough of his stalling. “Try counting sheep,” she tells him. So, he does. At first, it's kind of fun. As he counts, each sheep appears, wearing its number like a race car, and leaps over the bed. But then comes Sheep #68, who hesitates. He needs a drink of water before he can jump. Then he has to go to the bathroom. Then he wants to put on running shoes. Will Sheep #68 ever do what he's supposed to?

Sleep, Sheep! is a great bedtime book that parents and children can enjoy. Parents can appreciate the amount of stalling tactics that Duncan has learned, and the skill that his mother has used to shut them all done. There are some great tips there for we adults. I think seeing the young boy facing the same arguments his parents had faced with him can help children see themselves in the story and hopefully empathize with the adults that might normally give a hard time. The story and illustrations are fun and amusing, I liked the good natured humor of the story and the charming illustration. I think this will be a bed time and general read aloud hit, with many requested re reads in the future.

Book Review: Sir Simon Super Scarer by Cale Atkinson

Sir Simon Super Scarer by Cale Atkinson is a picturebook. Meet Sir Simon, Super Scarer. He's a professional ghost who has been transferred to his first house. And just in time! He was getting tired of haunting bus stops and forests and potatoes. And to top it off, this house is occupied by an old lady -- they're the easiest to haunt! But things don't go as planned when it turns out a KID comes with this old lady. Chester spots Simon immediately and peppers him with questions. Simon is exasperated, until he realizes he can trick Chester into doing his ghost chores. Spooky sounds, footsteps in the attic, creaks on the stairs -- these things don't happen on their own, you know! After a long night of haunting, it seems that maybe Chester isn't cut out to be a ghost, so Simon decides to help with Chester's human chores. Turns out Simon isn't cut out for human chores either. 

Sir Simon Super Scarer is a story about friendship and taking responsibility. Simon is excited about his new haunting spot, but takes advantage of Chester, who comes to stay with his grandmother. They each have their chores, and things they need to do, but Simon tries to get Chester to do his work. I like that Simon realizes what he has done and tries to help Chester in return.  Neither does a good job, but friendship and appreciation fore each other is created. I liked the illustrations, and thought that it did a good job of adding to the story and settling the mood. While the concept sounds fresh and original, I feel like have have read something similar in the past.  I cannot place the title now, but as a whole it felt too familiar to me. I do have to admit that there were some formatting issues with the digital copy, making it hard to read. However, I know that this will be solved by the final print and publish so I tried not to let that affect my feelings toward the story. 

Early Book Review: The Night the Forest Came to Town by Charles Ghigna, Annie Wilkinson

The Night the Forest Came to Town is a picturebook written by Charles Ghigna and illustrated by Annie Wilkinson. It is currently scheduled for release on October 9 2018. From dusk to dawn a forest creeps into a town where the grown-ups are too distracted to notice. But the children do. They see greenery take root in the lifeless cracks of dull sidewalks. They see an eagle build her nest atop a forgotten fountain and saplings start to sprout in dark corners. A gray-drab city defined by concrete and steel, vibrations and notifications, transforms into a living garden where apartment buildings overflow with window boxes full of flowers, birds sing songs through day and night and children laugh and tend to their gardens. Watch as nature reclaims this town.

The Night the Forest Came to Town is a book told in rhyme and filled with whimsical pictures about nature returning to a city environment overnight. I liked the idea of the book, and found the artwork to be lovely. I think the idea of nature returning to a city to be a lovely idea, and one that we should be working toward in sensible ways. I think showing young readers, and their adults, how easily nature could find its place in our cities and how much it can enrich our lives is a great thing. I do think that it was a little too perfect, and a little too sweet, but sometimes we need that. I think that those holding a physical addition of the book will enjoy it, particularly the art, even more than I did. Reading the Kindle version from Netgalley did not really to the book justice, and I have a firm belief that the final version will be even more beautiful to look at. 

Book Review: Cleo and Cornelius: A Tale of Two Cities and Two Kitties by Elizabeth Nicholson, Janine Pibal, Nick Geller, Michelle Thies

Cleo and Cornelius: A Tale of Two Cities and Two Kitties is a picturebook by Elizabeth Nicholson, Janine Pibal, Nick Geller, and Michelle Thies. This book offers a twist on Aesop’s classic “The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse” fable featuring adventurous feline Cleo and couch potato Cornelius. The pair live in ancient Egypt, where cats are worshiped like gods and goddesses. When Cornelius accidentally boards a boat departing on a voyage across the sea, Cleo and Cornelius find themselves in the faraway city of Rome, a place where dogs are treated like kings.  In Rome, the activities never end! Cleo and Cornelius race chariots, play games, perform in a theater, and more. Do they even want to return to Egypt? 

Cleo and Cornelius: A Tale of Two Cities and Two Kitties is a well drawn and fun picturebook. I like the concept and the story. I like that while we get the different feline life styles, we also get some real information about living in ancient Egypt and Rome.There was some good humor, some adventure, and some information. It balanced well and worked. The images and text were paired well, and the images were adorable. However, I do need to admit that the digital copy I received via Netgalley had some formatting issues, which made it more challenging to follow and enjoy. I was able to figure it out, and enjoy it, but  I think I would have enjoyed a physical or properly formatted version better. 

Book Review: Rusty the Squeaky Robot by Neil Clark

Rusty the Squeaky Robot is a picturebook written and illustrated by Neil Clark. Rusty is a friendly robot, but he’s feeling down about the way that he sounds. The other robots on Planet Robotone – show Rusty that being a little bit different is the best way to be, and together make a  song and dance together that celebrates their differences.

Rusty the Squeaky Robot has bright and bold illustrations. The story is all about being yourself and friendship. Rusty does not like that he is different, however he quickly discovers that everyone is different and when we accept each other, and work together, those differences make things beautiful and a lot more fun. I think children are much better at this that adults, and will quickly understand the lesson and enjoy finding ways to pool talents and differences in their own classrooms, families, or other groups. I like that the story is fun, and while the lesson is clear it does not feel like it is being spoon fed or forced on the reader, which always bothers me. I enjoy the fact that stories like this can help encourage empathy, acceptance, and further discussion. 

Book Review: Tiny Fox and Great Boar by Berenika Kotomycka

Tiny Fox and Great Boar is a children's graphic novel written and illustrated by Berenika Kotomycka, and translated into English by Natalia Kreczmar. Tiny Fox lives alone beneath his apple tree in the distant hills. He is a happy little animal, busy looking after himself and his foxy things. Then one day, a Great Boar appears and moves in under the apple tree, bringing with him a time of change and adventure. Is Tiny Fox ready?

Tiny Fox and Great Boar is a nice early graphic novel about friendship, doing new things, and bravery. Tiny Fox and Great Boar are an odd couple, in the best way possible. They do things a little differently. and occasionally clash. However, when push comes to shove they are there for each other. As they explore the world in search of food Fox needs to step out of his comfort zone, and Boar is there for him. I liked the story, and the art was cute, but not really my style. It seemed a little sloppy, but that could be because I was reading a digital galley via Netgalley. It was cute, and told the story well, but it just did not impress me. I will admit to being a graphic novel fan, but having preferred art styles, and while it was nice it just did not  fit my particular preferences. 

Book Review: Siuluk: The Last Tuniq by Nadia Sammurtok, Rob Nix

Siuluk: The Last Tuniq is a picturebook based on on traditional stories from the Chesterfield Inlet area of the Kivalliq region of Nunavut, this tale of Siuluk and his legendary strength will captivate young readers.. It was written by Nadia Sammurtok and illustrated by Rob Nix. Siuluk is a very strong man. He’s so strong that people tell him he must be the last of the Tuniit, friendly giants who once lived in the North. Just like those giants, Siuluk is so strong that he can carry an entire walrus over his shoulder. But not everyone believes that Siuluk is strong. One day, when a group of men tease Siuluk about his size, he has to find a way to prove his strength once and for all—but how? 

Siuluk: The Last Tuniq is a beautifully illustrated tale, and I was glad to learn a story that I had not heard or read previously. I am a big fan of learning about different people, places, and cultures. This story is one that should be relateable to readers of all cultures and ages. I think everyone has felt lonely, outcast, or different. Siuluk is especially so since people either respect him or mock and doubt him because of the stories told about him. I like the additional information about the legend included, but I would have liked more information about the area and culture. I was intrigued enough to go off an do some of my own research, which will hopefully be the case for other readers as well. I think even beyond the legends, I love that the empathy and acceptance of other people, those that are different, is the underlying theme of the story. I think we all need those muscles stretched and strong because there are way too many cases of people not being able to use them.

Early Book Review: The Steves by Morag Hood

The Steves is a picturebook written by Morag Hood. It is currently scheduled for release on September 1 2018. When puffin Steve meets puffin Steve, neither can believe it. Surely one of them must be the first Steve, the best Steve, the Stevest of Steves, but is a name really worth fighting over? 

The Steves is a well drawn picturebook with bright, entertaining illustrations of puffins. Steve and Steve are arguing over who is the best Steve, the first Steve. The bickering starts of fun and entertaining, but I have to admit that it crossed a line for me. It started of with simple argument about who introduced themselves first, who was stronger, and so on. But it dissolved into insults that I would not want to introduce to young readers or have them mimic. At one point one Steve makes fun of the other's feet and he retaliates but saying the first Steve smells like poo. Not something I want to model to young readers, even if the two Steves do apologize to each other and make up by the end. I loved the art and the intent, but the insults rather ruined the book for me. 

Early Book Review: Awesome by Craig Shuttlewood

Awesome is a picturebook by Craig Shuttlewood which is currently scheduled for release on August 1 2018. Marvin the moose and Woody the beaver are best friends. But their friendship is tested when Marvin does something totally AWESOME and Woody remains ordinary. The other forest animals now adore Marvin, calling in his new superhero services to help right wrongs, solve problems, and fix trouble. They even build a statue in his honor! Woody watches with envy, and often helping his friend, but hatching a not-so-awesome plan to put all eyes on him. Can Woody and Marvin save their friendship? 

Awesome is a lively picturebook about jealousy, friendship, and forgiveness. I love the illustrations, they are bright and bold- adding a great deal to the story. Woody is feeling left behind and forgotten, and his plans to be noticed go in the opposite direction than he might have hoped. While he might not have done the right things to get attention, when Marvin sat down and talked to him about it I like tat he explained how he was feeling, and apologized for the trouble his actions caused. I think this is a relatable story,. and one that shows how much trouble could be avoided by talking about our feelings, and that owning our mistakes is the right thing to do. The story is heartfelt and a pleasure visually and as a whole.

Book Review: This Is a Taco by Andrew Congelose, Josh Shipley

This Is a Taco is a picturebook written by Andrew Congelose and illustrated by Josh Shipley. This is a squirrel, one named Taco that does not eat nuts and tree bark—blech—he prefers tacos! This twist on a children's nature primer teaches kids that the most important story is the one you write yourself.

This Is a Taco is an informative but fun look at the squirrel. What they eat, how they move, and who eats them. Our narrator, Taco, is not too thrilled with the information about flying squirrels (because he isn't one) and hawks. So, he does his best to strike hawks from his story and to get himself some more of his favorite food- tacos. Things do not go quite as planned, but he still gets himself a special, happy ending.I loved the illustrations and the breaking of the third wall as the squirrel entertains and teaches readers of all ages.the colors and hints of fun in each of the pages made the read great fun. Much like Taco, I prefer tacos to bark and nuts, and do not think I would like the idea of being snatched up by a hawk. I think the book could offer readers of all ages a bit of knowledge, a few laughs, and a touch of empathy. 

Book Review: A Tiger Called Tomas by Charlotte Zolotow, Marta Alvarez Miguens

A Tiger Called Tomas is a picturebook written by Charlotte Zolotow and illustrated by Marta Alvarez Miguens. The original version of this book, A Tiger Called Thomas was published in 1963, and it has been updated and changed three other times, changing the appearance and race of Thomas and his neighbors to make it more inclusive and relatable to a variety of readers. In this incarnation the shy Tomas is Latino with some Spanish woven through the story so yet another group of children can see someone like themselves on the page.

A Tiger Called Tomas is a lovely story about a young boy that is very shy. He is too anxious to go introduce himself to neighbors, and is worries that they will not like him. As someone that has always had that kind of underlying conversation in the back of my own mind, I could empathize and relate to young Tomas. It is only when he is safely hidden behind his Halloween mask that he feels brave enough to go and interact with the people his family has been encouraging him to talk to through the whole book. This is a sweet and relatable story, and I think that any shy readers will be able to see themselves on the page- and those that do no understand that reluctance to put themselves out there might gain a little understand of how a shy person feels. This would be a great conversation starter about personalities and how we are all different, and kindness toward others. I would love the chance to see all four incarnations of this book together to see how wording changes and each illustrator made the book a little different.