Author/Illustrator: Holly Hobbie
Year: 2005
Reading Level: 4-8
Series: Toot and Puddle
Plot Summary: Toot goes off to visit Borneo (of course) leaving Puddle with Cousin Opal for company. Toot sends a few postcards about his exotic adventures but winds up coming home soon with the Violet Virus and he turns a rather unhealthy shade of purple. It's up to Puddle and Opal to find a cure for this rare disease--and it happens to be right in their own backyard.
My Rating: A-. I'll admit that I expected more from this book after hearing so much about the series. The artwork is extremely lovely, but the story seemed a little lacking to me. Maybe I'm just picky though... Also there was a random inclusion of the Internet when Opal does research online. It seemed so very out of place in Woodcock Pocket.
Showing posts with label post-2000 pb. Show all posts
Showing posts with label post-2000 pb. Show all posts
Monday, December 8, 2008
Place Called Kindergarten
Author: Jessica Harper
Illustrator: G. Brian Karas
Year: 2006
Reading Level: 4-8
Plot Summary: Tommy lives on a farm and he visits the animals in the barn every morning, until one day he doesn't show up. The animals wonder where he could be all day until Tommy appears in the afternoon to tell them he's been to kindergarten. Tommy is full of new facts and stories and even sings a song for the animals.
My Rating: B+. This is a nice, gentle positive endorsement for the kindergarten experience. The illustrations are soft and soothing, and it all turns out quite rosily in the end. That said, I'm sure this same story could be told in a more interesting fashion...but I guess then it might not be so gentle and soothing?
Illustrator: G. Brian Karas
Year: 2006
Reading Level: 4-8
Plot Summary: Tommy lives on a farm and he visits the animals in the barn every morning, until one day he doesn't show up. The animals wonder where he could be all day until Tommy appears in the afternoon to tell them he's been to kindergarten. Tommy is full of new facts and stories and even sings a song for the animals.
My Rating: B+. This is a nice, gentle positive endorsement for the kindergarten experience. The illustrations are soft and soothing, and it all turns out quite rosily in the end. That said, I'm sure this same story could be told in a more interesting fashion...but I guess then it might not be so gentle and soothing?
Owen's Marshmallow Peep
Author/Illustrator: Kevin Henkes
Year: 2002
Reading Level: 3-6
Plot Summary: It's Easter and Owen has a lovely Easter basket full of goodies. One by one he gets out his favorite treats--jelly beans, a chocolate bunny--and eats them up. But when he gets to his yellow marshmallow chick, Owen just can't bring himself to eat it. Instead he plays with it all day and then puts it safely on his shelf at night.
My Rating: A-. I enjoyed this book. It was cute and had such cute little pictures. It's a good one for younger readers with lots of white space and simple, repetitive language. On the other hand...it's a book about Peeps! How random is that?
Year: 2002
Reading Level: 3-6
Plot Summary: It's Easter and Owen has a lovely Easter basket full of goodies. One by one he gets out his favorite treats--jelly beans, a chocolate bunny--and eats them up. But when he gets to his yellow marshmallow chick, Owen just can't bring himself to eat it. Instead he plays with it all day and then puts it safely on his shelf at night.
My Rating: A-. I enjoyed this book. It was cute and had such cute little pictures. It's a good one for younger readers with lots of white space and simple, repetitive language. On the other hand...it's a book about Peeps! How random is that?
Burger Boy
Author: Alan Durant
Illustrator: Mei Matsuka
Year: 2005
Reading Level: 4-8
Plot Summary: Benny loves hamburgers. They're all he ever wants to eat and finally he eats so many he...turns into a burger boy. Naturally everybody except his Mother want to eat him so Benny goes on the run, chased by dogs and other boys alike. In the end he eats vegetables and turns back into a real boy...until he eats too many carrots.
My Rating: B+. This was another kind of strange book. I really liked the colors, and it was well written. But it was kind of strange when other boys were salivating over the idea of eating Benny and started chasing him. I don't know how I feel about semi-cannibalism in picture books.
Illustrator: Mei Matsuka
Year: 2005
Reading Level: 4-8
Plot Summary: Benny loves hamburgers. They're all he ever wants to eat and finally he eats so many he...turns into a burger boy. Naturally everybody except his Mother want to eat him so Benny goes on the run, chased by dogs and other boys alike. In the end he eats vegetables and turns back into a real boy...until he eats too many carrots.
My Rating: B+. This was another kind of strange book. I really liked the colors, and it was well written. But it was kind of strange when other boys were salivating over the idea of eating Benny and started chasing him. I don't know how I feel about semi-cannibalism in picture books.
The Terrible Underpants
Author/Illustrator: Kaz Cooke
Year: 2003
Reading Level: 4-8
Plot Summary: This kind of strange book is about a girl, Wanda-Linda, who goes to put on her underpants only to realize they're all hanging on the line to dry. Her parents tell her she needs to wear her "terrible underpants" that are faded, stained and baggy. Through the rest of the book Wanda-Linda's terrible underpants seem to be seen by everyone--including a news crew. Her final solution? Why, take them off of course!
My Rating: B. Strange book. The art is kind of wacky and not to my taste..the story didn't really interest me. My real question is: why does she still have this terrible pair of underwear and why do her parents actually support her wearing them?
Year: 2003
Reading Level: 4-8
Plot Summary: This kind of strange book is about a girl, Wanda-Linda, who goes to put on her underpants only to realize they're all hanging on the line to dry. Her parents tell her she needs to wear her "terrible underpants" that are faded, stained and baggy. Through the rest of the book Wanda-Linda's terrible underpants seem to be seen by everyone--including a news crew. Her final solution? Why, take them off of course!
My Rating: B. Strange book. The art is kind of wacky and not to my taste..the story didn't really interest me. My real question is: why does she still have this terrible pair of underwear and why do her parents actually support her wearing them?
Meggie Moon
Author: Elizabeth Baguley
Illustrator: Gregoire Mabire
Year: 2005
Reading Level: 4-8
Plot Summary: Digger and Tiger are best friends and they love to hang out in the junkyard, all day every day. One day someone new comes to their favorite place and, even worse, it's a girl. Meggie Moon plays differently in the junkyard--she builds things like rockets and carts. Soon all three of them play together all day every day but what happens when Meggie Moon goes away?
My Rating: A-. This was a cute little story and the illustrations are quite delightful also. My one complaint is just that the story ends rather abruptly and almost a little over the top. I know part of the book is about imagining things, but the last page seemed a little unnecessary.
Illustrator: Gregoire Mabire
Year: 2005
Reading Level: 4-8
Plot Summary: Digger and Tiger are best friends and they love to hang out in the junkyard, all day every day. One day someone new comes to their favorite place and, even worse, it's a girl. Meggie Moon plays differently in the junkyard--she builds things like rockets and carts. Soon all three of them play together all day every day but what happens when Meggie Moon goes away?
My Rating: A-. This was a cute little story and the illustrations are quite delightful also. My one complaint is just that the story ends rather abruptly and almost a little over the top. I know part of the book is about imagining things, but the last page seemed a little unnecessary.
Once Upon a Banana
Author: Jennifer Armstrong
Illustrator: David Small
Year: 2006
Reading Level: 4-8
Plot Summary: This wordless book follows a street performers attempt to catch his wayward monkey. As the monkey sets off, antics and accidents ensue as one person tumbles into another. In the end, however, everyone winds up happy and everyone gets a banana.
My Rating: B+. This was a fun book, and the illustrations have a lot of style. My one complaint is that sometimes the action sequences could be hard to follow.
Illustrator: David Small
Year: 2006
Reading Level: 4-8
Plot Summary: This wordless book follows a street performers attempt to catch his wayward monkey. As the monkey sets off, antics and accidents ensue as one person tumbles into another. In the end, however, everyone winds up happy and everyone gets a banana.
My Rating: B+. This was a fun book, and the illustrations have a lot of style. My one complaint is that sometimes the action sequences could be hard to follow.
Never Take a Shark to the Dentist (and Other Things Not to Do)
Author: Judi Barrett
Illustrator: John Nickle
Year: 2008
Reading Level: 4-8
Plot Summary: This book is a series of warnings of things not to do for certain animals. There is no real plot to string it a lot, it's just a series of silly things and that's the only point. One of my favorites was to never give a moth a sweater--I actually had to think for a few seconds about what the problem was.
My Rating:A-. Like I said, the "premise" for this book is completely silly, although I think it might be at least somewhat educational as far as why such and such would be a bad idea. The illustrations are great though, very fun and over the top.
Illustrator: John Nickle
Year: 2008
Reading Level: 4-8
Plot Summary: This book is a series of warnings of things not to do for certain animals. There is no real plot to string it a lot, it's just a series of silly things and that's the only point. One of my favorites was to never give a moth a sweater--I actually had to think for a few seconds about what the problem was.
My Rating:A-. Like I said, the "premise" for this book is completely silly, although I think it might be at least somewhat educational as far as why such and such would be a bad idea. The illustrations are great though, very fun and over the top.
Good Night, Sweet Butterflies
Author: Dawn Bentley
Illustrator: Heather Cahoon
Year: 2003
Reading Level: 3-6
Plot Summary: This colorful book is perfect for nighttime. Nine butterflies search for a place to sleep for the night and they each find a place on a colorful page. Each page highlights a different color and in the end all the colors and butterflies come together under the moon.
My Rating: A-. This is a pretty book and it's fun to look at. The illustrations are better than the text (not that the text is bad), although I think I might like them better on a bigger page. The strong colors might be less overwhelming that way.
Illustrator: Heather Cahoon
Year: 2003
Reading Level: 3-6
Plot Summary: This colorful book is perfect for nighttime. Nine butterflies search for a place to sleep for the night and they each find a place on a colorful page. Each page highlights a different color and in the end all the colors and butterflies come together under the moon.
My Rating: A-. This is a pretty book and it's fun to look at. The illustrations are better than the text (not that the text is bad), although I think I might like them better on a bigger page. The strong colors might be less overwhelming that way.
Friday, December 5, 2008
I Ain't Gonna Paint No More
Author: Karen Beaumont
Illustrator: David Catrow
Year: 2005
Age Level: 4-8
Plot Summary: A little boy loves to paint...everything. He paints the walls, the ceiling and, of course, himself until his mother catches him and puts all of his paints away and puts him in the tub. After his bath while his mother is out, the boy sneaks out his paints again. He starts with just his arm but he can't resist painting himself all over and soon paint is everywhere.
Red Flags: Another book that might give kids some rather colorful ideas. Also it's written with deliberate bad grammar.
My Rating: B+. I have decided that I don't really like reading books (picture books especially) about kids misbehaving. It's just kind of stressful...I mean come on, his mom has to clean up a huge mess! But whatever, I guess I just missed the point of this book.
Illustrator: David Catrow
Year: 2005
Age Level: 4-8
Plot Summary: A little boy loves to paint...everything. He paints the walls, the ceiling and, of course, himself until his mother catches him and puts all of his paints away and puts him in the tub. After his bath while his mother is out, the boy sneaks out his paints again. He starts with just his arm but he can't resist painting himself all over and soon paint is everywhere.
Red Flags: Another book that might give kids some rather colorful ideas. Also it's written with deliberate bad grammar.
My Rating: B+. I have decided that I don't really like reading books (picture books especially) about kids misbehaving. It's just kind of stressful...I mean come on, his mom has to clean up a huge mess! But whatever, I guess I just missed the point of this book.
I Will Never Not Eat a Tomato
Author/Illustrator: Lauren Child
Year: 2000
Age Level: 4-8
Series: Charlie and Lola
Plot Summary: Charlie is charge of making Lola's dinner for a night, but he runs into trouble with Lola's picky eating habits. Luckily Charlie knows how to use Lola's imagination to his advantage. He invents clever names for peas and carrots, telling her food comes from underwater markets and different planets. Soon he has Lola eating all the food she swore she didn't like.
My Rating: A. I wanted to read one of the original Charlie and Lola books to compare it with the post-TV show books, just to see if/how they differed. I liked that this one had a more handmade feel to it. It was simpler but still clever. I was a little disappointed that it had used Mom instead of Mum though.
Year: 2000
Age Level: 4-8
Series: Charlie and Lola
Plot Summary: Charlie is charge of making Lola's dinner for a night, but he runs into trouble with Lola's picky eating habits. Luckily Charlie knows how to use Lola's imagination to his advantage. He invents clever names for peas and carrots, telling her food comes from underwater markets and different planets. Soon he has Lola eating all the food she swore she didn't like.
My Rating: A. I wanted to read one of the original Charlie and Lola books to compare it with the post-TV show books, just to see if/how they differed. I liked that this one had a more handmade feel to it. It was simpler but still clever. I was a little disappointed that it had used Mom instead of Mum though.
Olivia Saves the Circus
Author/Illustrator: Ian Falconer
Year: 2001
Age Level: 4-8
Series: Olivia
Plot Summary: Olivia wakes up and puts on her boring school uniform (and jazzes it up with accessories of course) and heads off to school. In her class she tells about her trip to the circus. Of course, none of the performers are there and so Olivia must perform all the acts herself. Is it true? Olivia thinks it is.
My Rating: B. I expected more from this book, after hearing about Olivia for so long. As it was, I didn't really like the character (such a diva) and the story wasn't really interesting either.
Year: 2001
Age Level: 4-8
Series: Olivia
Plot Summary: Olivia wakes up and puts on her boring school uniform (and jazzes it up with accessories of course) and heads off to school. In her class she tells about her trip to the circus. Of course, none of the performers are there and so Olivia must perform all the acts herself. Is it true? Olivia thinks it is.
My Rating: B. I expected more from this book, after hearing about Olivia for so long. As it was, I didn't really like the character (such a diva) and the story wasn't really interesting either.
My Friend is Sad
Author/Illustrator: Mo Willems
Year: 2007
Age Level: 2-7
Series: Elephant and Piggie
Plot Summary: One day Piggie discovers that Elephant is very sad. He sits and sighs, and Piggie wonders how she can cheer him up. She tries dressing up as many things--a robot, a clown and a cowboy--but nothing is working. Finally Piggie confesses that she can't cheer him up, and realizes what would really cheer up Elephant is a friend.
My Rating: A. The expressions in this book are so delightful and the story is so cute. I can't think of any kid who would not love this book.
Year: 2007
Age Level: 2-7
Series: Elephant and Piggie
Plot Summary: One day Piggie discovers that Elephant is very sad. He sits and sighs, and Piggie wonders how she can cheer him up. She tries dressing up as many things--a robot, a clown and a cowboy--but nothing is working. Finally Piggie confesses that she can't cheer him up, and realizes what would really cheer up Elephant is a friend.
My Rating: A. The expressions in this book are so delightful and the story is so cute. I can't think of any kid who would not love this book.
Today I Will Fly!
Author/Illustrator: Mo Willems
Year: 2007
Age Level: 4-8
Series: Elephant and Piggie
Plot Summary: Piggie announces her determination to fly, but Elephant (Gerald) is more than a little skeptical. Piggie tries a few different methods, and at one points succeeds...she thinks. Finally Piggie figures out what she needs to fly--help. And in the end fly she does.
My Rating: A-. So cute! The illustrations are so simple and crisp and charming. The vocabulary is really simple and would be great for younger readers.
Year: 2007
Age Level: 4-8
Series: Elephant and Piggie
Plot Summary: Piggie announces her determination to fly, but Elephant (Gerald) is more than a little skeptical. Piggie tries a few different methods, and at one points succeeds...she thinks. Finally Piggie figures out what she needs to fly--help. And in the end fly she does.
My Rating: A-. So cute! The illustrations are so simple and crisp and charming. The vocabulary is really simple and would be great for younger readers.
How Do Dinosaurs Get Well Soon?
Author: Jane Yolen
Illustrator: Mark Teague
Year: 2003
Age Level: 4-8
Plot Summary: This book is a series of questions that begins with "What if a dinosaur/catches the flu?/Does he whimper and whine/in between each atchoo?". Each question deals with bad behavior, like knocking over juice or spitting out pills. In the end it's resolved that dinosaurs would get rest and listen to the doctor.
My Rating: A-. This was a fun book and a fun idea. I liked that each page had a different dinosaur and the name was included (subtly) in the illustrations.
Illustrator: Mark Teague
Year: 2003
Age Level: 4-8
Plot Summary: This book is a series of questions that begins with "What if a dinosaur/catches the flu?/Does he whimper and whine/in between each atchoo?". Each question deals with bad behavior, like knocking over juice or spitting out pills. In the end it's resolved that dinosaurs would get rest and listen to the doctor.
My Rating: A-. This was a fun book and a fun idea. I liked that each page had a different dinosaur and the name was included (subtly) in the illustrations.
Earthquake
Author: Milly Lee
Illustrator: Yangsook Choi
Year: 2001
Age Level: 5-8
Plot Summary: This story is based on 1906 earthquake in San Francisco. Based on the memories of Lee's mother, the family is jolted in the evening by an earthquake. Immediately they pack their vital belongings and flee for safety. The rest of the book follows their escape to safety.
My Rating: B-. I had no idea this book took place in San Francisco until I read the note at the end of the book. It didn't really provide a lot of context or details. The illustrations were all right but a little bit muddy.
Illustrator: Yangsook Choi
Year: 2001
Age Level: 5-8
Plot Summary: This story is based on 1906 earthquake in San Francisco. Based on the memories of Lee's mother, the family is jolted in the evening by an earthquake. Immediately they pack their vital belongings and flee for safety. The rest of the book follows their escape to safety.
My Rating: B-. I had no idea this book took place in San Francisco until I read the note at the end of the book. It didn't really provide a lot of context or details. The illustrations were all right but a little bit muddy.
Cornelius P. Mud, Are You Ready for Bed?
Author/Illustrator: Barney Saltzberg
Year: 2005
Age Level: 2-7
Plot Summary: It's time for Cornelius's bedtime and his Mom asks him a series of questions. Has he put his toys away? Yes...in the fridge. Did he feed his fish? Yes...a handful of cookies. Eventually Cornelius is tucked into bed and all he wants then is a hug.
Red flags: kid antics--the kind you wouldn't want to give your kids ideas about doing. Unless you want cookies in your fish tank that is.
My Rating: B+. This was a fun book. Lively, and just right for younger kids. But again...is this something you want to give kids ideas about?
Year: 2005
Age Level: 2-7
Plot Summary: It's time for Cornelius's bedtime and his Mom asks him a series of questions. Has he put his toys away? Yes...in the fridge. Did he feed his fish? Yes...a handful of cookies. Eventually Cornelius is tucked into bed and all he wants then is a hug.
Red flags: kid antics--the kind you wouldn't want to give your kids ideas about doing. Unless you want cookies in your fish tank that is.
My Rating: B+. This was a fun book. Lively, and just right for younger kids. But again...is this something you want to give kids ideas about?
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Black? White? Day? Night?
Author/Illustrator: Laura Vaccaro Seeger
Year: 2006
Reading Level: 4-8
Plot Summary: This book is a series of opposites, represented with both words and pictures. Each page starts with a word and small picture, mostly covered with a flap. When the flap is lifted, the opposite word is shown, along with an illustration that incorporates the smaller image. It is really quite a delightful experience.
Award/s: ALA Notable Children's Book
My Rating: A. This is a fun book. I think it would be fun to read with a kid and see what they think will be under the flap--not just the word but how it's shown.
Year: 2006
Reading Level: 4-8
Plot Summary: This book is a series of opposites, represented with both words and pictures. Each page starts with a word and small picture, mostly covered with a flap. When the flap is lifted, the opposite word is shown, along with an illustration that incorporates the smaller image. It is really quite a delightful experience.
Award/s: ALA Notable Children's Book
My Rating: A. This is a fun book. I think it would be fun to read with a kid and see what they think will be under the flap--not just the word but how it's shown.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Flotsam
Author/Illustrator: David Wiesner
Year: 2006
Age Level: 4-8
Plot Summary: This wordless book begins with a boy on the beach. He's clearly interested in the local wildlife and even brought his microscope to the beach. When he finds an old camera that washes up on shore he can't resist getting the pictures developed. But that wasn't just an ordinary camera and its pictures are most certainly not ordinary either.
Award/s: Caldecott Medal
My Rating: A+. Definitely my favorite Wiesner book. The illustrations in this one are so well done and have such beautiful colors. And did I mention they're crazy and AWESOME? And even though it's wordless, the story is so clear. At the same time, it's easy and fun to make up the little details like the boy's name.
Year: 2006
Age Level: 4-8
Plot Summary: This wordless book begins with a boy on the beach. He's clearly interested in the local wildlife and even brought his microscope to the beach. When he finds an old camera that washes up on shore he can't resist getting the pictures developed. But that wasn't just an ordinary camera and its pictures are most certainly not ordinary either.
Award/s: Caldecott Medal
My Rating: A+. Definitely my favorite Wiesner book. The illustrations in this one are so well done and have such beautiful colors. And did I mention they're crazy and AWESOME? And even though it's wordless, the story is so clear. At the same time, it's easy and fun to make up the little details like the boy's name.
The Three Pigs
Author/Illustrator: David Wiesner
Year: 2001
Reading Age: 4-8
Plot Summary: In this unexpected take on the story of the three little pigs, the real excitement happens when the first pig gets blown out of his own story. The puzzled wolf continues in the original story, despite the pig's disappearance. After the other two pigs escape, they continue to explore their in-between land and find their ways into other stories as well.
Award/s: Caldecott Medal
My Rating: A-. This book was so much more interesting than I thought it would be. The cover always looked kind of boring and very pig-ish so I never opened it. But really it's so different and quirky and neat. Probably my favorite part was seeing the art styles change depending on the context.
Year: 2001
Reading Age: 4-8
Plot Summary: In this unexpected take on the story of the three little pigs, the real excitement happens when the first pig gets blown out of his own story. The puzzled wolf continues in the original story, despite the pig's disappearance. After the other two pigs escape, they continue to explore their in-between land and find their ways into other stories as well.
Award/s: Caldecott Medal
My Rating: A-. This book was so much more interesting than I thought it would be. The cover always looked kind of boring and very pig-ish so I never opened it. But really it's so different and quirky and neat. Probably my favorite part was seeing the art styles change depending on the context.
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