Early Book Review: I Got a Chicken for My Birthday by Laura Gehl, Sarah Horne

I Got a Chicken for My Birthday is a picturebook written by Laura Gehl, and illustrated by Sarah Horne. It is currently scheduled for release on March 1 2018. All the birthday girl wants from her Abuela is a ticket to the amusement park. Instead, she gets a chicken. But this chicken is no ordinary chicken; it has plans! With a lot of hard work, and help from other animals, this chicken may just end up granting the girl the best birthday gift ever.

I Got a Chicken for My Birthday is a fun and imaginative picture book. I love the crazy skills the chicken demonstrates, and think the imagination of the author- and her main character- are highly entertaining. I found the artwork to fit the story well, and does a great job of hinting at the chicken's actions without giving away too much before the big reveal. I like that among all the silliness is the message that even though the gifts received might not meet expectations- sometimes they are even better. I found myself smiling through the entire read, and think it will be a much loved read for many. 

Book Review: Dragons; Father and Son by Alexander Lacroix, Ronan Badel

Dragons; Father and Son is a picturebook written by Alexander Lacroix, and illustrated by Ronan Badel. Poor little Drake! He doesn’t WANT to be a fire-breathing beast—but his traditional dad insists that he do what dragons have always done: destroy all the houses in town. With no choice but to obey, he reluctantly sets out to the village. Then, he meets a boy, a teacher, and a kind fisherman who show him there’s more than one way to be a good dragon. Filled with humor and compassion, this story will enchant children and encourage them to love themselves for who they are.

Dragons; Father and Son is a wonderful little story. I liked that the dragons are not the cute, cuddly dragons that so often appear in picturebooks. I also like that Drake is open to learning, and that he does not want to hurt anyone, but he does not want to anger his father. I think there are way too many young people with parents like the father in this story at home. Adults that hate or fear another group just because their family always has. I love that Drake got to know the people, and discovered that they are not so different, and that they just want to live their lives. Aside from the that part of the story, which could be seen as political, it is also a story about being true to yourself. Little Drake does not want to hurt anyone, and makes friends with the people. I like that he took that knowledge home, and using smarts and words was able to change his father's mind. 

Book Review: Max and Bird by Ed Vere

Max and Bird is another picturebook by Ed Vere featuring the spunky little cat named Max. When Max meets Bird, Max thinks he'd like to be friends with Bird. He would also like to chase Bird and maybe eat him as a tasty snack. But friends do things together not make snacks out of each other. 

Max and Bird is a cute and entertaining tale about Max learning a lesson about life and friendship. Max and Bird decide to be friends and try to learn how to fly. As a librarian I was thrilled that going to the library to research how to fly was included- it made me smile and I hope it sticks with some of the young readers and listeners of the story that a library is a great place to get more information. However, if they had asked a librarian they could have had help getting the right book, and those from the higher shelves. I also like that the pair further problem solved by talking to an adult that clearly knew the information that they were looking for. This is another winner from Vere- with Max learning a lesson while being cute and funny along the way. 

Early Book Review: Hair-pocoalypse by Geoff Herbach, Stephen Gilpin

Hair-pocalypse is a picturebook written by Geoff Herbach and illustrated by Stephen Gilpin. It is currently scheduled for release on August 1 2017. Aidan Allen has angry hair. That's right angry hair. Hands down, he has the angriest hair anyone has ever seen. But why is his hair so angry? Why is his hair trying to ruin his life? Why is the sky blue? Two of these three questions will be answered in this comical tale of kid vs. hair.

Hair-pocalypse is a bright and energetically illustrated picturebook. As someone that has hair with a mind of its own (in fact my hair's sentient nature is a running joke among some of my friends- who claim it grows and moves when I get angry) this book was one I just had to read. However, Aidan and I have some major differences in out hygiene habits. In short, Adian does not really care to be clean. He is admittedly a grubby kid- and his hair has had enough. I loved the images of the things his hair does to get his full attention, and how simple a peaceful solution is. I think this is a great book for sharing with kids that argue about bathing, brushing, and other basic issues that effect cleanliness. Most children go through a stage when they do not want to take the time to get clean, or try to rationalize that they will just get dirty again. I can think of a few little ones that I need to share this fun, and non shaming, book about needing to be clean, at least a little. I really like that the changes Adian makes are small steps, ones that are likely to stick and perhaps start a trend in a cleaner direction for him and readers of like mind.

Book Review: Spork by Kyo Maclear, Isabelle Arsenault

Spork is a picturebook written by Kyo Maclear and illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault. I knew I had read the book before, but I loved it so much that I had to reread with my daughter and review. 

His mum is a spoon. His dad is a fork. And he's a bit of both. He's Spork!Spork sticks out in the regimented world of the cutlery drawer. The spoons think he's too pointy, while the forks find him too round. He never gets chosen to be at the table at mealtimes until one day a very messy ... thing arrives in the kitchen who has never heard of cutlery customs. Will Spork finally find his place at the table?

Spork is a book about wanting to fit in, and having a hard time finding your place. Spork wants to have a place among the other cutlery- but his differences seem to make him useless until a new person sits at the table. I think this is a wonderful book to spark discussion and more about individuality, identity, and diversity. Whether in terms of heritage, ability, or any other way people feel different or other in a negative way, this book can help the ones feeling left out or unimportant, and those that need or want to have more empathy for other people. Just because we do not see our purpose, or what difference we will have in the world, that does not mean that we never will. The waiting and searching for that place, purpose, or meaning can be painful- but ever person (or piece of cutlery) have a reason for being exactly who the are and those differences are what make life so interesting. The artwork is high energy and helps bring the emotion and meaning of the book a little closer to the reader. This is a must read, and a must have for school and public library collections. 

Book Review: Miles McHale, Tattletale by Christine C. Jones, Elina Ellis

Miles McHale, Tattletale is a picturebook written by Christine C. Jones and illustrated by Elina Ellis.Miles McHale is a tattletale. And everybody knows it. But he's not the only one who needs help, so his teacher decides: it's time to fight the Tattle Battle! But will Miles figure out the right time to tell a grown-up about another person's behavior, or is he doomed to be a tattletale forever?

Miles McHale, Tattletale is a good look at tattling for young children. Miles tattles about everything- but he is not the only one. If you have a child that tattle- at home or in the classroom, you know how quickly this can become an issue. I thought the teacher's attempt to curtail the problem and teach when telling an adult about another's activities is well done. The book shows the struggles even the smartest children can have in drawing the line between being helpful and being a tattle tale, it is a process breaking the habit and learning when to cross that line. In fact, there are some adults out in the world that have not seemed to grasp the concept yet. The teacher's rule, the patience shown, and the lesson learned are very well done and the art work is well matched to the story. i liked the bright and somehow sweet illustrations

Miles McHale, Tattletale is a cute picturebook that could be helpful in school and home environments to help teach this lesson. It would read well in a preschool or kindergarten storytime. 

Book Review: Striker, Slow Down by Emma Hughes, John Smisson

Striker, Slow Down is a picturebook written by Emma Hughes and illustrated by John Smisson. Striker the cat is unstoppable! He thinks that there is too much fun to be had, and no matter what his mama tells him, he never slows down. One day, a bump to the head brings this busy cat to a standstill. Will Striker finally listen to his mama and learn to make time for a little calmness?

Striker, Slow Down is a charming book about slowing down and taking the time to notice things and clear the head. The illustrations are sweet and charming, capturing the energy Striker has and the reluctance to slow down. As a mom of two very active children I have seen this in real life, the fear of missing out or not taking advantage of every fun possibility that comes their way. I enjoyed that the book show how slowing down and being more aware, more mindful, of their bodies and the world around them. I think there was a nice balance of fun and getting the point across with out getting pushy. I think the concept of thinking of nothing might be hard for some youngsters to grasp, and I felt like there was not much time spent on how to actually relax. Although I do like the idea of starting this conversation and giving parents and caregivers some of these tool, both for themselves and the kids. 

Book Review: Puggle’s Problem by Aleesah Darlison, Sandra Temple

Puggle’s Problem is a picture book written by Aleesah Darlison and illustrated by Sandra Temple. Pipp is a tiny puggle with a big problem. He's the only echidna who hasn't got his spines! Determined to have them come soon he sets out to ask his friends for advice.

Puggle’s Problem is a sweet story with the important lessons of patience, perseverance, and being yourself. Pipp, a spineless echidna, wants to know why he does not have his spines yet and how to get them to come in. He goes off in search of answers, which happen to be beautiful illustrated. He talks to other animals, and makes some new friends. On the way he learns more about the other animals, and himself. While he never gives up, he finally understands that sometimes we need to wait for things to come, and that some things happen at different times. I love that this book can be used to get a large variety of ideas across to children, but it never comes across as preachy- only as a gentle picture book.

Puggle’s Problem is a wonderful story time or bedtime read and conversation starter for those that want to bring up topics such as never giving up, diversity, how everyone grows at their own pace (including teeth, hair, height, and so on), and taking pride in what we are good at rather than worrying about things we see as our faults. 

Early Book Review: Dreaming of Mocha by An Swerts, Eline van Lindenhuizen

Dreaming of Mocha is a picture book written by An Swerts and illustrated by Eline van Lindenhuizen. It is currently scheduled for release on November 15 2016. Florence wants a dog, any dog. A dog to take care of, to run with, and to play with. One day there’s a little dog in Florence’s garden. “Mocha” it says on his collar. Mocha and Florence become the best of friends. But then Mocha’s owner is suddenly at the door. And he is a very nice man. What will Florence do now?

Dreaming of Mocha is a wonderful little book with illustrations that will capture the interest and attention of readers while connecting them to the story of Florence. I like that children, and adults, can understand Florence's desire for a dog and the depth of which she wants one. The discovery of the escaped Mocha and the lessons Florence needs to learn about responsibilities, friendship, and doing the right thing are handled with a perfect balance of fun and sweetness. Florence's escapades of trying to keep Mocha hidden are great fun, and made me glad not to be the one cleaning up the dirty paw prints when all was said and done. My favorite part of the book is the lesson that not always getting what you want is not a tragedy, but might lead to different good things, like unexpected friendships.

Dreaming of Mocha is a funny, sweet, and entertaining picture book that will likely become a repeat request from many animal loving youngsters.

Book Review: The Cranky Ballerina by Elise Gravel

The Cranky Ballerina is a picturebook written and illustrated by Elise Gravel. Ada hates everything about ballet class, yet she still has to go! Then one Saturday, Ada pliés right out the door and into the hallway, smacking into someone who thinks her ungraceful moves are great! Her mistake might just lead to a wonderful new adventure for Ada.

The Cranky Ballerina is another winner from Gravel. The illustrations are wonderful, and the thought bubbles keep the flow and energy of the book at a constant level. Ada is an energetic and plucky young girl who wants to go her own way. she does not like ballet, and does not feel like she is good at it despite the rehearsals she is dragged to. I like that Ada dislikes ballet, not because of what it is, but because she just does not feel like it is right for her. She pits in an honest effort, and it just does not click with her. when she stumbles into the perfect solution I was delighted on several levels. I like that her new activity is not necessarily a 'girl' activity, but something that she takes to right away with no thought to gender roles. i have to admit that I see a bt of myself, and my daughter, in Ada's stubbornness and love for something other than what is the suggested activity for her.

The Cranky Ballerina offers readers a book in which the author clearly understands how her youngest readers feel, and offers them understanding and support through fun books that just might help their adults understand them a little bit better as well, and remember how they felt when they were younger themselves.