The Samuelson family is a lot like most families. On the surface, all is well until the oldest son, Ellis, recently graduated from college, dies in a The Samuelson family is a lot like most families. On the surface, all is well until the oldest son, Ellis, recently graduated from college, dies in a freak accident. Not surprisingly, his death affects all the family members in different ways, and each ones tries to cope however they can. But as the novel proceeds, readers start to see the cracks in the veneer of the family's happiness, and secrets about each one start to spill out. Although some parts of this story are expected--Sib's secret alcoholism and a liaison, for instance--others are not, and readers are left to ponder the small and large moments that shape us and how joy is still possible amid tragedy. Well written and compelling, the novel [3.5 for me!] contains characters that are easy to embrace and about whom we want to know more. I'm glad to have discovered this author. ...more
Any readers who worry about their fathers being weird will find reassurance in this picture book. The child in this story has a unicorn for a father. Any readers who worry about their fathers being weird will find reassurance in this picture book. The child in this story has a unicorn for a father. Naturally, this has its pros and cons, and the plot concerns some of those, along with plenty of sparkles and stickers. It would have been more impressive if there had been a little more meat to the plot. But anyone who likes unicorns will get a kick out of this one. ...more
This picture book will delight the youngsters in your life who prefer their stories with a little bit of bite and gentle sarcasm. While it might seem This picture book will delight the youngsters in your life who prefer their stories with a little bit of bite and gentle sarcasm. While it might seem absurd for a snail to turn into a vampire, that's exactly what happens here. It's not clear exactly how, but Bob is infected, and his life changes immediately. Suddenly, the foods he enjoyed weren't tasty, and he had strange new feelings. But as he quickly discovers, being a vampire has plenty of advantages, including meeting new friends. Created with ink and Photoshop, the illustrations pop with color and action--well, as much action as a vampire snail can manage. All in all, this clever romp of a story offers readers plenty of fun in which to sink their teeth. ...more
It would be best to read the previous two titles in this, the Peapod Farm series, in order to appreciate the emotions and dynamics of the characters iIt would be best to read the previous two titles in this, the Peapod Farm series, in order to appreciate the emotions and dynamics of the characters in this one [3.5 for me!]. As Jen and Andy continue to struggle a bit with their relationship as sisters as part of a new family, they experience some conflicts, including one about clothing, crushes, responsibility, and their place in the world. The personal drama is interwoven with small but important moments such as maple sugaring, Andy's study of the Torah for her coming of age ceremony, farm tasks, building a snow cave, cutting a Christmas tree, and lighting a menorah. Knisley always somehow manages to blend humor and somber moments perfectly. ...more
In this graphic novel Jim Panzee's ignorance of animal tracks, something he should have learned in school, prompts his friends to encourage him to heaIn this graphic novel Jim Panzee's ignorance of animal tracks, something he should have learned in school, prompts his friends to encourage him to head back to the classroom. Although he's not the best student in the world, Jim tries hard, and soon, he actually likes SOME parts of school. However, making mistakes leaves him frustrated--until his best friend, Norman, reminds him that it's possible to learn from his mistakes. This is another good addition to the popular series, which continues to develop effectively the character of Jim and those around him....more
While this relatable book's message and gentle reminder about what it means to be persistent and tenacious is important, especially given how so many While this relatable book's message and gentle reminder about what it means to be persistent and tenacious is important, especially given how so many individuals today seem to avoid any task that is considered to be hard, I really wish the protagonist hadn't been named Tenacious. To me, that just seemed to make everything about the story to be more obvious than it had to be. At any rate, despite that qualm, I appreciated how the author provides early examples of how she has been tenacious and then identifies the one skill that is eluding her. Several pages of illustrations, which have been created digitally with handprinted textures, show her trying and failing to stay on that bike for very long. Initially ignoring the advice of her sister, Sage, who is in a wheelchair, she eventually follows it, trying "her hardest AND her smartest" (unpaged), as her sister suggests, visualizing her steps and making adjustments until she succeeds. Tenacious turns out to be quite tenacious. There are many youngsters who will see themselves in her failures and perhaps follow her example in trying again and again and again. It isn't always easy to persevere....more
While this picture book [2.5 for me!] didn't particularly amuse me, it has plenty of kid appeal for those with vivid imaginations about school and teaWhile this picture book [2.5 for me!] didn't particularly amuse me, it has plenty of kid appeal for those with vivid imaginations about school and teachers and for fans of the two previous books about unusual families from the same author--My Dad Is a Unicorn and My Mom Is a Mermaid. In this one, the narrator introduces readers to his teacher, who is a Tyrannosaurus Rex. While there are some challenges such as the motivational posters and temper, there are also perks. This teacher is an expert on the dinosaurs on display in Dinosaur Land where she takes the class for a field trip. It's all silly fun, and the teacher isn't all that scary. Reading this one might motivate some teachers to be a little more creative in their approach to education, and it surely will prompt some wishful thinking on the part of students, making it a possible choice for a first-of-the-year read aloud. ...more
When Mina's friends fail to follow her family's rule about removing shoes when indoors, she feels embarrassed. Annoyed by this practice, she complainsWhen Mina's friends fail to follow her family's rule about removing shoes when indoors, she feels embarrassed. Annoyed by this practice, she complains to her mother, who reminds her that it's a cultural tradition and that their home is sacred. After she explains this to her friends, they, in turn, share some of the unique practices of their families and homes. They also offer some wild ideas about how to help remind them to take off their shoes when visiting Mina. Cleverly, Mina comes up with just the right touch for their next visit. Many youngsters may relate to Mina's dilemma, feeling torn between fitting in and honoring her family, and this book will reassure them that this problem can be solved. The text works well in delivering this positive message, and the illustrations, created with pastels and pencils, are soft and comforting, which seems appropriate, given the thorny topic addressed in the book. I'd add this title to a collection of books that have shoes as their centerpiece. ...more
The trio of wombats in this picture book [3.5 for me! are my kind of animals. Word-lovers, they share the joy of unique words with a duckling who happThe trio of wombats in this picture book [3.5 for me! are my kind of animals. Word-lovers, they share the joy of unique words with a duckling who happens to be in their path, changing her life. She's so enthused by their energy, intensity, and vocabulary, that she just has to share these new words with her family. Initially reluctant and definitely confused, they eventually succumb to the delights of these wonderful words, and the wombats head on their way, eager to spread word joy to the next animal they happen to meet. There are clever puns ["duck-tionary" and "verbivore" (for instance) that will entertain young readers. With its colorful illustrations filled with trees, water, and forest scenes, created with pen-and-ink, acrylic, watercolor, and digital techniques, this picture book would be a great resource and example, for budding writers, writers' workshop or a short lesson on word choice. ...more
Daisy, the protagonist of this picture book, goes all in for her belief in letting nature take its course. She even composts her baby food and prefersDaisy, the protagonist of this picture book, goes all in for her belief in letting nature take its course. She even composts her baby food and prefers a leafy bed to a foam mattress. Not surprisingly, she stops bathing and becomes fertile soil for various vegetation, all of which seems to flourish on and around her. As her efforts at healing the environment succeed, her family and neighbors notice, and the neighborhood becomes a very different place. Her efforts at rewilding are interesting, and this is a topic that is rarely, if ever, covered in children's books. The green-and plant-filled illustrations, created with ink and watercolor, may prompt some readers to follow Daisy's lead. If nothing else, seeing the abundant, healthy plants and animals drawn to Daisy might call for some to adjust their attitudes toward areas that seem messy and not neatly manicured. Perhaps the owners of these yards have decided to join the rewilding movement, which is explained in the back matter. ...more
Mao Mao, a panda, is like many of us, striving for perfection. While there's absolutely nothing wrong with making sure things are done right, Mao Mao Mao Mao, a panda, is like many of us, striving for perfection. While there's absolutely nothing wrong with making sure things are done right, Mao Mao takes it to extremes. But his world view is challenged with the arrival of Olivia, a rather free-spirited, messy new classmate. She's energetic, loud, and loves stickers rather than precision, which is Mao Mao's preference. When Mao Mao blows his top, though, she finds beauty in his messiness. And Mao Mao? He realizes that there's something to be said about being messy, noisy, and even clumsy. As the last double-page of the book proclaims with one letter [the R] turned backward, perfect is in the eye of the beholder. Colorful Procreate artwork featuring a diverse group of classmates, including humans and animals, and with an octopus teacher named Mr. 8, as seen in the front endpapers, add to the enjoyment and humor of this one even as it delivers an important message. ...more
There won't be a parent alive who will be unable to relate to this particular story. Ojo, the book's young protagonist, loves to draw. Of course, any There won't be a parent alive who will be unable to relate to this particular story. Ojo, the book's young protagonist, loves to draw. Of course, any parent would be proud of that budding talent, and his are, of course. That is, they're proud until things get out of hand when his father gives him his own markers so that he won't mess with his sister's materials. Inspired, he draws all over his mother's shopping list, the newspaper before his father can read it, his sister's school uniform, and even on a vender's display. His family's growing frustration is depicted effectively in the Procreate illustrations, even showing his mother in a blue and white tie-dyed dress as she holds the markers aloft and scolds him. After his drawings in the sand are washed away by a storm, his sister comes to the rescue with a plan that might channel his creativity in the right direction--and on the right material. This simple, accessible story, based on the experiences of the Nigerian author/illustrator, is told in an engaging, humorous way. ...more
Quite entertaining adventure of a cat named Murray and his bunny sidekick, this book follows the two friends into a strange world through which they gQuite entertaining adventure of a cat named Murray and his bunny sidekick, this book follows the two friends into a strange world through which they gain entrance through a cat flap in the door. Once there, they must help Princess Rubytoes avoid marriage to Sir Nasty, who epitomizes the very concept of the word "nasty." Murray and Bun save the day during a jousting match with the unlikely assistance of a root vegetable. The artwork adds to the fun in this, the second book featuring these unexpected heroes. ...more
I often feel a sense of anxiety and disappointment when a beloved classic is adapted or modernized. I need not have worried as in the hands of ColleenI often feel a sense of anxiety and disappointment when a beloved classic is adapted or modernized. I need not have worried as in the hands of Colleen AF Venable and illustrator Honie Beam, Barbara Park's oh, so real protagonist, Junie B. Jones, she springs fully to life in all her humorous, sometimes misguided glory. In this particular installment, Junie B. Jones is excited about her first day of school, but rumors about the yellow school bus prompt her to avoid it all costs. Naturally, this leads to all sorts of complications. If they aren't already familiar with Junie B. Jones, today's youngsters will surely fall in love with her through this depiction. Older folks who haven't read anything for pleasure in two decades will remember from their childhood this particular book's enticingly funny title and the idea of a "stupid smelly bus." ...more
Oh, how easy it is to be blinded by the fame and celebrity of someone else, especially when that person seems to be a friend. In the latest installmenOh, how easy it is to be blinded by the fame and celebrity of someone else, especially when that person seems to be a friend. In the latest installment of a blended Black family living in New York City, Sunday Saunders, who has far too many great ideas but who suffers from a lack of self-confidence, is determined to host a community musical with auditions and performances from various neighbors. But she doesn't know how to pull everything together, especially since she refuses the help of her sisters, Bo, Lil, and Lee, in favor of the promised assistance of television star Talitha Thomas, who has just moved into the neighborhood. Sunday's not the best at planning and organizing although she's creative and innovative, and readers will recognize early on that Talitha is more talk than action and that she's into the project for her own purposes. Even the book's title gives away what is essentially happening. Reading this humorous book with its realistic characters felt like pulling a warm blanket around me on a cold summer night. There's plenty of Black girl magic and familial and community love sprinkled throughout its pages. ...more
This graphic novel for older teens is a 2.5 for me. My low rating won't have any effect on its popularity because I'm certain many adolescents will loThis graphic novel for older teens is a 2.5 for me. My low rating won't have any effect on its popularity because I'm certain many adolescents will love dipping their toes in the world that has been created here. Brielle, a book-loving college freshman and Bear, co-captain of the school's rugby team, meet by chance in the bookstore and begin a friendship that just might become something more (or something different). Since Brielle centers her life and expectations around various Fairy Tale rules, readers will have a strong inkling of how everything is going to turn out as the two characters share some of their secrets and support each other. I got lots of Beauty and the Beast vibes while reading this one, which covers the fall through the beginnings of winter, and I'd have enjoyed it more with a bit more transition between some of the scenes since sometimes the leaps were rather jarring. Then, too, it all seemed so predictable and having been done before. Even with the modern setting and diverse characters, it failed to charm me the way that I had expected it to. I couldn't help wondering what else could possibly happen to necessitate another installment in the story. ...more
I'm continuing to love these Bibsy Cross books, perfect for a class read aloud, The fourth in the series, this one [3.5 for me, but higher if I were nI'm continuing to love these Bibsy Cross books, perfect for a class read aloud, The fourth in the series, this one [3.5 for me, but higher if I were near Bibsy's age!] covers an activity that may be familiar to many youngsters. Bibsy and her classmates are tasked with choosing what objects from their childhood that they want to place in a time capsule. Surprisingly, Bibsy struggles with this because she's not sure about putting something she values in storage and because she isn't sure what makes her and her classmates so special. While the character of Bibsy herself is part of what makes this book and series so special, there are other elements that add to its charm--her parents, how she and BFF Natia use phrases like "regular-pegular," and the spot-on depiction of her teacher, the appropriately named and long-suffering Mrs. Stumper, who can barely conceal her annoyance at all Bibsy's questions and need to share. Reading this book makes me wonder if my own teachers felt the same way about my own loquaciousness back in the day. Each page and each digital drawing in this title is suffused with love. ...more
After her father's death, Lucretia Sanderson and her move to the small town of Candle Island, Maine, in order to heal and build their lives again. TheAfter her father's death, Lucretia Sanderson and her move to the small town of Candle Island, Maine, in order to heal and build their lives again. The small tourist town has appeal for them for many reasons, partly because of its beauty and isolation, but also because Lucretia has a secret, one that isn't revealed right away. While she and her mother paint, she also tends to a young osprey and forms a friendship with Bastian, one of the locals. He, too, has a secret that she accidentally discovers. As Lucretia deals with the animosity of Murdock, another local, she also lands in the midst of a conflict between the locals and the tourists, a conflict that builds inexorably across the book's pages. As with all books by this author, this one has an interesting setting and plot, characters that are richly drawn, and questions about grief, loss, voice, and being true to oneself. In many respects it's also an homage to art, writing and music (all means of self-expression) and the power they have to help us find our way and heal....more
Fans of Southern historical fiction and book clubs in search of a title worth reading and discussing are sure to enjoy this one [3.5 for me!], set durFans of Southern historical fiction and book clubs in search of a title worth reading and discussing are sure to enjoy this one [3.5 for me!], set during the 1930s and 1940s. The two protagonists, Del and Rae Lynn, haven't had easy lives, and readers may be shocked at the events that open their separate stories. While the slow burn of their relationship and the redemption they eventually find in each other is appealing, what sets this story apart from many others is how the author weaves in details about the turpentine camps and pine forests where their paths cross. Swallow Hill, which is one of those camps, is not the easiest or safest of places, and racism and sexism run rampant there. Amid the natural beauty of the setting, there is evil, anger, and violence, and kindness is often regarded as weakness. The descriptions are lush, sometimes raw, and the emotions and sentiments expressed are honest and just as appealing as the book's characters. I thoroughly enjoyed traveling back in time to learn more about longleaf pines and turpentine and considering what the land must have been like before so many of those pines were carelessly destroyed. ...more
I don't quite know how he does it, but this author always, always manages to tell stories in a way that makes me care about his characters, even thougI don't quite know how he does it, but this author always, always manages to tell stories in a way that makes me care about his characters, even though they are nothing like me, and prompts me to see the world as being a little brighter and humans as better than I have before. In his most recent title, he explores the power of friendship and artistic expression through the stories of four teens who spend a splendid summer together in a town by the sea. Their homes are not exactly sanctuaries as there is violence in some, death and dying in others, and carelessness in still others. But none of that matters when they're together. Their stories are told through the eyes of Ted, one of the boys, 25 years later, as he and Louisa, an 18-year-old artist, deal with loss and their connection to a recently deceased artist who has given her, a homeless girl, his most famous and most valuable painting. As usual with this particular writer, there are moments of immense pain and heartbreak, but there are also moments of joy and humor, and readers can't help but feel uplifted by his words and the time they have spent with these characters. ...more