One of the functions of picture books is to introduce children to society favorite cliches. I mean, conventional wisdom. Whatever!
Don't turn to this bOne of the functions of picture books is to introduce children to society favorite cliches. I mean, conventional wisdom. Whatever!
Don't turn to this book if you're seeking originality. However, you've got yourself the right book if you're thrilled to discover the surprising news that:
In November, the air grows cold and the earth is growing quiet. It is making its bed, a winter bed for flowers and small creatures. The bed is white and silent, and much life can hide beneath its blankets.
Everybody's friendly. Everybody's white.
Since I'm currently reading "Caste" by Isabel Wilkerson, I see this book as socially educational. Teaching babies about the status quo.
Personally, I'd like to see change in the status quo of caste in America. Otherwise, it's a sweet and comforting book for little ones, deserving FIVE STARS....more
Goodreaders, did you know that possums are marsupials, and closWhat can an opossum do best? Play possum.
In this story, that helps him to save the day.
Goodreaders, did you know that possums are marsupials, and closely related to kangaroos? But instead of Australian charm, author Coleen Salley brings a delightful Southern charm and a born storytellers charming loquacity. Here's a sample:
But before Epossumondas could run off, he heard . . . Snort! Snort! Snort!
"That's the loudest snort I ever heard!" Epossumondas gasped. "It must be the loup-garou!"
So he flopped back down, legs up, eyes shut, perfectly still--justlike a good possum should.
Snort! Snort! Snort!
The creature stomped closer and closer
RATING THIS STORY
It is made to read aloud, given author Coleen Salley's flair with words.
Janet Stevens' illustratious are fabulous.
Rose Rosetree enthusiastically gives this book FIVE STARS....more
It's a very Southern saga, with a big-and-vivid personality. Contagiously vibrant!
Imagine Mama's predicament!
It’s Epossumondas's birthday, so Mama's wIt's a very Southern saga, with a big-and-vivid personality. Contagiously vibrant!
Imagine Mama's predicament!
It’s Epossumondas's birthday, so Mama's whipping up his favorite biscuits.
But she's plumb out of sody sallyraytus! (That's baking soda to all you Yankees.) Everybody knows you can’t make big, fluffy biscuits without sody.
One by one, Baby Gator, Auntie, and Mama scoot to the store to fetch some.
But when no one comes back, it’s up to Epossumondas to run out and see what’s what--until he runs smack into a great, huge, ugly Louisiana snapping turtle!
Thumpin' gizzards!
It's a good-hearted, larger-than-life kind of picture book. FIVE STARS....more
This book is very different from other books in the mushy-gushy picture book genre that celebrates the love of mother and child.
Mainly, this book ringThis book is very different from other books in the mushy-gushy picture book genre that celebrates the love of mother and child.
Mainly, this book rings so true (to me, anyway) because the primary appeal of the writing is sound, hearing. Even, if you wish to use the language of subtle perception for all humans, Clairaudience.
How absolutely refreshing for a Goodreader like me, who remembers people's voices, not their faces!
HERE'S A LOVELY EXAMPLE
The daughter is playing softball. Now for the quotation from the text:
Sometimes her voice is loud and clear. I hear it rising above all others, cheering me on.
FIVE STARS of admiration and appreciation! I find this book to be MAGNIFICENT....more
This book attempts to communicate the sense of wonder about nature, extra vivid in a young child
As this young child, the narrator, takes a walk in thThis book attempts to communicate the sense of wonder about nature, extra vivid in a young child
As this young child, the narrator, takes a walk in the woods, hello! The world comes alive with living creatures. They include ants, lizards, moles, and hawks.
There's even a fawn in the grass. It has watched the boy's journey.
EXCELLENT BOOK!
As expected, there are rhymes. As expected, illustrations are large and the words are sparse.
But these illustrations strike me as soulful, gorgeous. And the little boy's journey of wonder is deeply felt, gently communicated.
FIVE STARS for this magnificent picture book!...more
Within the field of super-mushy books about loving mommies, this one has the distinction of being only medium-cringey. At least to this Goodreader.
FroWithin the field of super-mushy books about loving mommies, this one has the distinction of being only medium-cringey. At least to this Goodreader.
From a marketing standpoint, a book like this has these built-in big readerships: * Mothers * Pregnant women * Grandmothers * Women of grandmother age who can't wait to officially become grandmothers
Also, children between two months and two years of age, undergoing separation during some of that time, will love to snuggle and have this book be read to them.
TRUE TO THIS GENRE
You'll find unchallenging rhymes. Plus, many illustrations of hugging mother and child. Illustrations are large. Words are relatively few.
And there are no surprises, absolutely no surprises. Whether they're splashing in a stream, or rolling down a hill, or snuggling at any random time -- day or night, guess what?
Mama Bear promises her baby that she will always be there.
RATING THIS BOOK
For the intended readership, this is clearly a FIVE STAR read.
Here's a highly sophisticated puzzle book. A phonics spectacular!
As introduced by our Goodreads blurber:
A green lion is waiting at a red traffic lightHere's a highly sophisticated puzzle book. A phonics spectacular!
As introduced by our Goodreads blurber:
A green lion is waiting at a red traffic light. While he waits, a series of unexpected events occurs. These events involve things that start with the letter L and the sound LI.
Examples are:
* Lightning * A lilac * Library books * Lima beans.
The puzzle comes in because the text on each spread ends with “Red light, green li-,” and the reader must turn the page to see the whole word --- and what's happened.
FIVE STARS for a clever approach. Early readers can be excellent problem solvers. Seems to me, the puzzle-solving approach in this book is VERY compatible with learning to read.
The question is, "What will YOUR child think?"...more
The publisher informs us that this book is "classroom tested."Does that mean it passes my sniff test?
Linda Ryden has given readers a well meant book fThe publisher informs us that this book is "classroom tested."Does that mean it passes my sniff test?
Linda Ryden has given readers a well meant book for helping children develop kindness.
(And, in her opinion, develop mindfulness, too. I'm not a believer in mindfulness -- thanks to my work as a spiritual teacher and a consciousness engineer -- so I'm reviewing this book in terms of learning about kindness, and valuing kindness.)
If the intended readers are in elementary school, here's some interesting news. Ms. Ryden has some very complex plans for them. The teacher in this story gives some mighty complicated instructions.
First she asks kids to go into their Mindful Bodies. (Note, this is Ryden's concept. Nobody has a "mindful body." I haven't experienced this personally, nor have I found this in my 55 years of experience when teaching personal development.) Right away, here's trouble, asking children to notice or imagine something that doesn't exist. But that's just the start, in this book.
Then the teacher tells the children to think about someone.
And then comes the inwardly acrobatic clincher:
I'll say words out loud, and you can think them while picturing your family member or friend or pet in your mind. If you want to, you can put your hand over your heart.
The words go:
May you be happy. May you be healthy and strong. May you be peaceful.
May I be happy. May I be healthy and strong. May I be peaceful.
May all beings be happy. May all beings be healthy and strong. May all beings be peaceful.
RATING THIS BOOK
Why only ONE STAR for this book? Because I doubt that the technique embedded in this story can work for most children. And teaching kids a technique where they cannot succeed will do them no service....more
In this toddler-friendly book, the thinly disguised human is blue. And a cat.
Charlie Eve Ryan has two "little ones," we learn from the bio on the backIn this toddler-friendly book, the thinly disguised human is blue. And a cat.
Charlie Eve Ryan has two "little ones," we learn from the bio on the back cover flap. This author and illustrator understands from experience how to entertain the very youngest picture book readers.
Supposedly, this book is about youthful feline play, mischief, and love. However, like me, you may see mostly an homage to the adoreableness of human todlers.
FIVE STARS. This book is from the heart . . . to the heart....more
A lighthearted fantasy in the guise of a what? A historical novel for picture book readers???
Aggressively archaic-looking type fonts. Expressions suchA lighthearted fantasy in the guise of a what? A historical novel for picture book readers???
Aggressively archaic-looking type fonts. Expressions such as "Lo and behold." Maybe, Goodreaders, these taste markers will put you in the mood for a longago time period. Or perhaps you'll find this picture book to be exceptionally corny and crude.
The central premise is cute. Everybody who encounters Gladys the chicken has a wish granted. Thus, the plot unfolds according to wishes:
* The Shepherd Boy wishes to be beautiful. (Note to readers: Beautiful?)
* The Brave Swordsman wishes to join the Royal Guard.
* The Learned Princess wishes to escape the palace.
RATING THIS BOOK
Unless I absolutely love or loathe a book, my policy is to rate it in terms of my imagined response of the intended readers. Seems to me, very young readers won't mind the crudeness. They may even be impressed by pullout quotes like, "Hark! Thief! From whence did ye pilfer this chicken?"
Illustrations perfectly match the degree of sophistication for the text -- like it or not.
Kid lit meets science fiction in a wildly imaginative adventure.
Supposedly . . . a bubble is a sneaky thing. It appears out of nowhere, then it attackKid lit meets science fiction in a wildly imaginative adventure.
Supposedly . . . a bubble is a sneaky thing. It appears out of nowhere, then it attacks! At least, that's what Mogo says. He has convinced the other monsters in La La Land that bubbles are scary. But you know better, don't you? Talk to the monsters. See if you can convince them not to be afraid.
The story is outrageous. I doubt it will convince any child (or adult) not to be afraid. But it's a FIVE STAR ROMP with some laughter packed into the self-consciously outrageous story....more
This is a meta book. Treating the book as an object to play with, as instructed.
* Book lovers, be warned.
* Toy lovers, this toy of a book may not frigThis is a meta book. Treating the book as an object to play with, as instructed.
* Book lovers, be warned.
* Toy lovers, this toy of a book may not frighten you as much as ordinary books.
Personally, I am no fan of turning a book into a plaything that is an adventure in itself, adorned with as few words as possible.
"Just a book" is plenty for this Goodreads author and book reviewer.
RATING THIS BOOK, THOUGH
Unless I absolutely love or loathe a book, my policy is to rate it in terms of my imagined response of the intended readers. I can see how kids who haven't yet learned to enjoy reading might find a kind of desensitization process benefit from this thing with a red ribbon.
Enter an affectionate landscape where readers learn about Indian cultures.
The well meaning book simplifies things considerably. Take for example that Enter an affectionate landscape where readers learn about Indian cultures.
The well meaning book simplifies things considerably. Take for example that term "Indian culture." According to the Berlitz website:
While India has 22 separate official languages, it is home to a total of 121 languages and 270 mother tongues. It's also home to the world's oldest language, Hindi.
Therefore, seems to me, generalizing about "Indian Weddings" or Indian anythings? Look, kids have to start somewhere.
IN THE SERIES OF BOOKS ABOUT ARCHIE
His adventures introduces Indian culture to English-speaking children far from India.
This picture book presents another cross-cultural friendship story. In this tale, Archie helps Emma (who isn’t Indian) learn all she needs to know to join in the wedding of Archie’s Poppy Uncle and Emma’s Auntie Julie. Adventures include:
* When the girls go to the mehendi party. * How they sangeet together. * Which ways do they try to help Julie at the wedding? * And what do the eat at the wedding reception?
Now Archie and Emma are friends—and cousins!
RATING THIS BOOK
Unless I absolutely love or loathe a book, my policy is to rate it in terms of my imagined response of the intended readers. This is a FIVE STAR read, seems to me. Readers can enjoy a pleasant mix of the familiar and the exotic. ...more
This is one of those "Mommy will love you always" picture books. But I actually like it.
Reason 1. It isn't so mushy that it makes me squirm.
Reason 2. This is one of those "Mommy will love you always" picture books. But I actually like it.
Reason 1. It isn't so mushy that it makes me squirm.
Reason 2. We learn about her child's progress through life. I found these details very touching.
Reason 3. The rhymes could be worse. By now, having read many picture books, I'm not a big fan of most rhyming. Here's a a sample of the non-cliched rhymes in this book. The mother's narrative includes this:
When waves are crashing or puddles need splashing, I'll hold my your hand.
FIVE STARS FOR A HEARTFELT BOOK
It sure struck me as authentic, rather than a pandering, lovey-dovey performance. Excellent!...more
This picture book gives just enough acknowledgment to the complications that can arise between a stepmother and a stepdaughter.
Ms. Too used to be MollThis picture book gives just enough acknowledgment to the complications that can arise between a stepmother and a stepdaughter.
Ms. Too used to be Molly’s favorite librarian. Now everything has changed.
Ms. Too doesn't like to splash. She doesn't like to spin. And she can't bake anything. My goodness, is there any hope for this newly configured family?
A FAVORITE DETAIL, A TELLING DETAIL
The wedding was in our backyard, right by my sandbox.
Oh, that poor little girl!!!!!
RATING THIS BOOK
I found the depiction of changes within the family to be very convincing. And, yes, according to my rating policy, I think this will seem like a FIVE STAR book for the intended readers. Phew! I do like happy endings....more
Imagine proud parents of a little newborn. They're dreaming about what they want their precious baby girA cute book, based on a very not cute premise.
Imagine proud parents of a little newborn. They're dreaming about what they want their precious baby girl to be when she grows up.
Not exactly interested in ethics or fairness, but the opposite, what do these parents dream of?
* Her eyes are full of mischief. Not intelligence, kindness, or curiosity. More like, "I love breaking rules."
* She wears "comfy shoes for creeping." Since sneaking around, tricking people, is her idea of fun.
* She is as "sharp as a tack." A schemer, that is.
Well, meet Kaylee, the anti-heroine of this deeply troubling story.
SHE'S A "PRANK PRINCESS IN TRAINING"
Meaning that her parents encourage her rule breaking. Never teach her about consequences or karma. Eventually, life will deliver that to the little schemer. But will she learn anything from these consequences? Likely not.
Suffice it to say that, in this book, Kaylee never gets a single negative consequence for breaking rules.
How cute is that? How smart?
Not and not.
Although kids might enjoy being encouraged to trick and prank, I would not recommend this nightmare book to children. 1 STAR. For shame, author Erin Danielle Russell....more
Seeing the sights doesn't necessarily mean seeing your friend.
Brown Rabbit is excited to make his first-ever trip to the city to visit his best friendSeeing the sights doesn't necessarily mean seeing your friend.
Brown Rabbit is excited to make his first-ever trip to the city to visit his best friend, Little Rabbit. Dutifully, Little Rabbit becomes a hardworking sightseeing guide.
Yet the real point of the visit was for these two friends to connect to each other.
Definitely from a child's point of view, especially the ending, this story is a success. I'm not convinced. But no spoiler from me, no no!
RATING THS BOOK
My policy is to rate books based on my sense of the intended readers, and how they would react. It's all about caring and being. Perfect for a child of picture book age, so, sure, FIVE STARS.
Presumably when these readers grow up they can learn some common sense, and other adult values....more
It's another first sleepover story. Maybe you'll like it more than I did, Goodreaders.
Sloth is invited to her first sleepover at her best friend Palo It's another first sleepover story. Maybe you'll like it more than I did, Goodreaders.
Sloth is invited to her first sleepover at her best friend Paloma's house and even though she doesn't quite know what to expect, she's very confident in her sleep skills. She's an expert when it comes to napping, dozing, or catching some Z's.
Sloth is a superbsleeper, a topnotch napper, andofcourse, a dutiful dozer. She thinks all this will help her to excel at sleepovers too.
But when she arrives, she finds out that Paloma wants to stay up all night. Will Sloth be able to keep her eyes open or is their friendship in for a rude awakening?
RATING THIS BOOK
The story is thin. The plot is sketchy. But the pictures are big-big-big.
Presumably that's enough for the intended readers, who don't think much about what they're reading. Therefore, they can enjoy this thin little piece of entertainment as a FIVE STAR read.
I didn't. But they might, and I rate books based on the reactions of the intended readers....more
A beautiful, memorable story about a working mother whose children pitch in to help keep the family close.
The narrator recounts how they pitch in togeA beautiful, memorable story about a working mother whose children pitch in to help keep the family close.
The narrator recounts how they pitch in together: she, her big brother and big sister. We learn details about how the children take care to make the family dinner special.
Other details about the street -- how their bustling neighborhood looks out the window -- supplement what we learn about the family ritual.
The dialog is so realistic. The mother's role in keeping the family together? I find it so beautiful.
RATING THIS BOOK
FIVE STARS aren't all I'm going to give this picture book. I'm shelving it under WRITING and HIGHEST PRAISE. Such a heartwarming, sincere, and helpful story!...more
Sophie's plans for her first sleepover did not include the surprise that she got.
Sophie is looking forward to her first sleepover at her best friend OSophie's plans for her first sleepover did not include the surprise that she got.
Sophie is looking forward to her first sleepover at her best friend Olive's house. Nobody tells her in advance that Sophie is only one of Olive's two "best friends." The second one is Penelope.
And Olive has invited both of them to have a sleepover on the same night. All of this as part of a "sleepover birthday party."
Not for the first time, this Goodreader wonders, "Where are the parents?" Couldn't they have spared both Sophie and Penelope. I'm no fan of helicopter parenting, but this scenario is a little much.
Goodreaders, if you like stories well seasoned with conflict, you'll love this picture book.
At one point, Penelope says, "A best friend means one friend, not two."
She's right.
RATING THIS BOOK
My policy is to rate books according to the imagined reactions of likely readers. I imagine these readers come from parenting styles where you give the kids a big old problem and let them solve it on their own. Kind of like a popular method for teaching your child to swim . . . by throwing her off the deep end of the swimming pool.
For believers in this parenting style, sure, FIVE STARS....more