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
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
In this installment featuring just about everyone's favorite twin sisters, Jessica and Elizabeth are dying to see their favorite singer in concert, buIn this installment featuring just about everyone's favorite twin sisters, Jessica and Elizabeth are dying to see their favorite singer in concert, but their parents won't give them permission to go. But as usual, Jessica finds it hard to hear the word "no," and she masterminds a plan that will allow her attendance. But things go awry quickly. Colorful art, clean panels, and a relatable scenario combine to make this an appealing read with a strong message about what happens when someone disobeys their parents and sneaks out. And how tangled is the web in which Jessica wraps herself at almost every step. ...more
The third book in this relatable and wonderfully diverse graphic novel series, this is a must-have for middle-school classrooms. Milo Castillo comes fThe third book in this relatable and wonderfully diverse graphic novel series, this is a must-have for middle-school classrooms. Milo Castillo comes from a long line of talented dancers, including his father and his abuela. But dancing doesn't come naturally to him, and after a handful of embarrassing dance-related incidents, Milo is even less confident about dancing. Blaming his problems on a curse, he decides that he will avoid the activity at all costs. But when his beloved abuela moves in, she takes him under her wing and helps him gain confidence and add his own special touches. The illustrations are crisp and fresh, and there are even a couple of interesting subplots involving his abuela's driving when she shouldn't be and one friend's crush on another classmate. The Brinkley Snowball Soiree will never be the same after Milo busts out his moves....more
Best friends Murray and Bun, a cat and a rabbit, slip through a magic cat flap into the Viking world where they must hunt for trolls and avoid being kBest friends Murray and Bun, a cat and a rabbit, slip through a magic cat flap into the Viking world where they must hunt for trolls and avoid being killed. The book contains plenty of humor as well as action and an unlikely scenario. But readers won't care because it's all so entertaining, and there are complementary illustrations that add to the text, making this book a good choice for beginning or reluctant readers. This is the first book in the series....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
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
Richly layered, filled with hope, humor, and introspection, this latest graphic novel [3.5 for me!] by the author of Fun Home will be devoured by her Richly layered, filled with hope, humor, and introspection, this latest graphic novel [3.5 for me!] by the author of Fun Home will be devoured by her fans. The plot concerns Bechdel and her partner, Holly, living in Vermont, where they care for pygmy goats. While Alison writes--or prepares to write or procrastinates writing, often spending writing time ordering stuff online--Holly is getting in touch with her do-it-yourself side, chopping wood, and offering advice about handling various machines. posting videos filmed by Alison. Alison also feels some envy over her sister's efforts to tell her story of their upbringing while growing increasingly dismayed about how her own memoir, now turned into a television series, is being handled. Watching this couple and their friends settle into middle age with some of its insecurities and some of its unexpected joys and comfortability is quite entertaining. While parts of the story are serious, other parts are amusing, and Alison's self-deprecating comments may make some readers uncomfortable, even if they contain a ring of truth. The subplots concerning the goats and the experimental nature of one couple's sexual antics add layers of humor to the story, and observant readers will be delighted to find cats to be an important part of the daily lives of Alison and Holly, present in several scenes and almost always curled up on the bed or some other inconvenient spot. The cover with its emulation of the classic painting, American Gothic, lets readers know exactly what they're in for, and the contents remind them that no matter how bad or confusing life can be, as the song says, we get by with a little help from our friends. ...more
I've been a fan of this series ever since I read the very first book, and my admiration for its creator, Suzanne Collins, continues to grow as she offI've been a fan of this series ever since I read the very first book, and my admiration for its creator, Suzanne Collins, continues to grow as she offers fans the back story of some of the characters who appear in the first three books. While The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes offers readers the origin tale for the Hunger Games by focusing on Coriolanus Snow and his slow but relentless descent into the dark side, this book follow Haymitch Abernathy, winner of the fiftieth Hunger Games, as he becomes a tribute and manages to outlast all the other competitors. Savvy readers will recall how broken Haymitch is as he guides Katniss and Peeta in their Hunger Games, no doubt wondering what has caused him to be so broken. Surely, something terrible must have happened, and while fans of the series will already know that he survives, a feat that surely would haunt anyone because of what is necessary in order to leave the Games alive, they'll have no idea just how harsh his punishment will be for having embarrassed President Snow. His is not a triumphant return to District 12 at all, and I felt a literal chill at Snow's final words to him since I knew that he'd come home to nothing. While this book may not have quite the same emotional impact that the previous book does, it's still moving and disturbing, mimicking in some ways the helplessness that any individual or group of people must feel when all the odds are, indeed, stacked against them and are never in their favor. The skillful weaving of lines from Edgar Allen Poe's "The Raven" with its echo of "Nevermore" through parts of this particular love story adds another layer to the story, contributing to the hopeless yearning of Haymitch, who must surely be driven mad by his longing and feelings of loss. This one simply MUST be read. ...more
Every single time I read a book by Gail Gibbons, even if it's a reissued version [3.5 for me!] like this one I learn something new. Not only does she Every single time I read a book by Gail Gibbons, even if it's a reissued version [3.5 for me!] like this one I learn something new. Not only does she include startling tidbits such as ducks' presence on six of the planet's continents, but she offers an enticing introduction to the species. Accompanied by gorgeous, incredibly detailed watercolor artwork, the text highlights the parts of ducks, the wide variety of ducks, migratory patterns, threats to their survival, and quite a lot about those ever-intriguing fluffy ducklings. Back matter, called "QUACK...QUACK...QUACK" provides 12 additional facts about ducks. Books such as this one ensure that youngsters never leave their sense of wonder. This one will fly off the bookshelves....more
These graphic novel versions of the classic and beloved series are really solid, perfect for middle-grade readers. The artwork depicts the twins, JessThese graphic novel versions of the classic and beloved series are really solid, perfect for middle-grade readers. The artwork depicts the twins, Jessica and Elizabeth Wakefield, perfectly, and readers will feel as though they, too, are dealing with the issues faced by the siblings. In this case, in the sixth book [3.5 for me!], the girls try to be welcoming to a new classmate, Brooke Dennis, but she's so negative and superior that even Liz becomes annoyed by her behavior. As often happens in these books Jessica plots revenge, but Liz realizes too late that there are good reasons for Brooke's behavior. This story serves as a good reminder to readers that there's often more to others that meets the eye and that assumptions are dangerous....more
The sixth installment of this feline superhero graphic novel series finds Agent M unsure about his loyalties, especially since the untrustworthy SunnyThe sixth installment of this feline superhero graphic novel series finds Agent M unsure about his loyalties, especially since the untrustworthy Sunny has his head turned around. While Science Kitty deals with mangobots who've been convinced that Max Meow is a distraction, things get crazy in the Cat Crusader's hometown. There's explosive popcorn that has to be tamed with butter, a special milkshake machine, and treachery afoot everywhere. Not only is there nonstop action, but the book features splashy panels filled with color and bits of snort-worthy humor; for instance, Tyrano Wreck, Furry Bureau of Investigation, and laboratory retriever. Read this one if you're feeling a bit grumpy. It will make you smile. ...more
Anyone who thinks being a mother [or father, for that matter] is easy needs to read this book and follow in Jim Panzee's footsteps and try on that rolAnyone who thinks being a mother [or father, for that matter] is easy needs to read this book and follow in Jim Panzee's footsteps and try on that role for a little while. After hearing Crocodile longing for a nap, Jim offers to babysit. All goes well until several other animal mothers drop off their youngsters too. At first, things are okay; the babies play with Jim and take a nap. But they start acting up when he tries to tell them a story. They whine, try to climb trees, and beg for attention. Jim quickly realizes that he's not up to dealing with all this for long. Fortunately for Jim, someone comes to his rescue just in the nick of time. Fans of these Grumpy Monkey books will find this just as delightful as the others--with brightly colored illustrations, large font sizes to indicate Jim's burgeoning emotions, and his expressive face. Who wouldn't need a break after all that stress and feeling torn in so many different directions? This picture book might be a good choice for a Mother's Day read aloud. ...more
The arrival of Spring seems eagerly anticipated by just about everyone. This small book uses accessible language and pastel colors featuring plentifulThe arrival of Spring seems eagerly anticipated by just about everyone. This small book uses accessible language and pastel colors featuring plentiful greens and pinks to join the celebration as a young girl ventures outdoors to greet its arrival. There's spring cleaning, gardening, and biking, all bringing simple pleasures to the child and her family. And when those inevitable spring showers arrive, they help the flowers grow and leave puddles behind in which to play. The entire book fills readers' senses with the delights of this particular season. ...more
Eleven rhymes that have animals as their centerpiece, including bees, a lamb, a weasel, and some ducks make this board book a good choice for sharing Eleven rhymes that have animals as their centerpiece, including bees, a lamb, a weasel, and some ducks make this board book a good choice for sharing with a child. The child-friendly illustrations are easy on the eyes, and the verses are fun to repeat, offering adults or older siblings and youngsters a chance to bond, laugh, and appreciate the delights of oral language. This one is another good choice for keeping little ones entertained while also fostering a love for literacy and rhyme. ...more
The author's approach to air pollution is an interesting one since she points out how air can carry good or bad things. Using events from history suchThe author's approach to air pollution is an interesting one since she points out how air can carry good or bad things. Using events from history such as Krakatoa, the Dust Bowl and Black Sunday, she explains how Mother Nature and humans changed the air around them and how legislation such as the Clean Air Act of 1956 in Great Britian tried to reduce the use of coal and other pollutants. While there are some suggestions for young readers about how to solve the problem of air pollution, they tend to be rather simplistic and avoid blaming those industries whose profits and unwillingness to change are at the root of the problem. While I appreciate her intention to help youngsters feel empowered and as though they can make a difference, I also worry that the solution is a lot more complicated than simply turning out a light when leaving a room or knowing about fire safety. The artwork, which consists of images created with watercolors, gouache, and crayons, is visually appealing and filled with interesting shapes and patterns. ...more
It's time to go! In this board book, part of the Toddler Talk series, various youngsters get ready to go to the park, donning appropriate outfits and It's time to go! In this board book, part of the Toddler Talk series, various youngsters get ready to go to the park, donning appropriate outfits and grabbing accessories and then spending time there playing on the equipment, making friends, including some dogs, eating a snack, splashing in puddles, and then, heading back home. The four children are shown in panels on the next to last page, and readers can say farewell to them while looking into the mirror on the last page. This book has colorful artwork and important terms associated with visiting a park. Not only could it serve as an introduction to a place a child has never been, but it also provides a basis for language development. ...more