A.J. and Andrea take a quick look at U.S. history beginning with the misconception that Columbus discovered North America. The first half of the book deals with our founding years. The second half covers the impacts of the Industrial Revolution up to World War II. Fun and fast, A.J. and Andrea are as entertaining as ever.
Like the other books in the series, this one is done as if it were a continuous conversation between A.J., Andrea, and their teacher. It is a quick read that scratches the surface of a lot of different scientific facts. Although it wouldn’t qualify as a good book to use for a research project, it is an entertaining introduction to U.S. history.. A good read or read aloud for second to fifth graders. A good book for a library that wants to expand fun and funny non-fiction for younger readers.
A.J. and Andrea take a quick look at U.S. history beginning with the misconception that Columbus discovered North America. The first half of the book deals with our founding years. The second half covers the impacts of the Industrial Revolution up to World War II. Fun and fast, A.J. and Andrea are as entertaining as ever.
Like the other books in the series, this one is done as if it were a continuous conversation between A.J., Andrea, and their teacher. It is a quick read that scratches the surface of a lot of different scientific facts. Although it wouldn’t qualify as a good book to use for a research project, it is an entertaining introduction to U.S. history.. A good read or read aloud for second to fifth graders. A good book for a library that wants to expand fun and funny non-fiction for younger readers.
Dunlap, Cirocco This Book Will Not Be Fun, illustrated by Olivier Tallec. PICTURE BOOK. Random House, 2017. $17.99. Content: G.
An uppity mouse is convDunlap, Cirocco This Book Will Not Be Fun, illustrated by Olivier Tallec. PICTURE BOOK. Random House, 2017. $17.99. Content: G.
An uppity mouse is convinced that nothing interesting will happen in this particular book. Except...there is a flying whale. And what's this? A glow-in-the-dark worm that does kung fu? How strange... and rather fun. And, wow, what's that on the next page?
This Book Will Not Be Fun is most definitely a fun book. The illustrations are hilarious, and many children will enjoy the journey as this hard-to-impress mouse ends up enjoying the book after all. It's kid-approved, too: my seven-year-old, her friends, and I all found this one ESSENTIAL.
Dunlap, Cirocco This Book Will Not Be Fun, illustrated by Olivier Tallec. PICTURE BOOK. Random House, 2017. $17.99. Content: G.
An uppity mouse is convinced that nothing interesting will happen in this particular book. Except...there is a flying whale. And what's this? A glow-in-the-dark worm that does kung fu? How strange... and rather fun. And, wow, what's that on the next page?
This Book Will Not Be Fun is most definitely a fun book. The illustrations are hilarious, and many children will enjoy the journey as this hard-to-impress mouse ends up enjoying the book after all. It's kid-approved, too: my seven-year-old, her friends, and I all found this one ESSENTIAL.
Dunlap, Cirocco This Book Will Not Be Fun, illustrated by Olivier Tallec. PICTURE BOOK. Random House, 2017. $17.99. Content: G.
An uppity mouse is convinced that nothing interesting will happen in this particular book. Except...there is a flying whale. And what's this? A glow-in-the-dark worm that does kung fu? How strange... and rather fun. And, wow, what's that on the next page?
This Book Will Not Be Fun is most definitely a fun book. The illustrations are hilarious, and many children will enjoy the journey as this hard-to-impress mouse ends up enjoying the book after all. It's kid-approved, too: my seven-year-old, her friends, and I all found this one ESSENTIAL.
Christopher Pumpkin! By Sue Hendra and Paul Linnett, illustrated by Nick East. PICTURE BOOK. Little Brown, 2019. $18. 9780316427555
BUYING ADVISORY: PrChristopher Pumpkin! By Sue Hendra and Paul Linnett, illustrated by Nick East. PICTURE BOOK. Little Brown, 2019. $18. 9780316427555
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
A witch is busy getting ready for her ghastly party, so she conjures for pumpkin minions to help her. The last pumpkin, however, is Christopher – who has very different ideas of what makes a good party. But perhaps his way is what would be truly scary for ghoulish guests.
Delightful! A great mix of Halloween creepy with a surprise twist end. It has been a while since I’ve seen a truly unique new Halloween book.
The Battle by Ashling Kwok and Cara King. PICTURE BOOK. EK (Exisle), 2020. $`9. 9781925820409
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEThe Battle by Ashling Kwok and Cara King. PICTURE BOOK. EK (Exisle), 2020. $`9. 9781925820409
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Edward is in full armor and off to his first day of knight school. Hiding in the back he makes it through class, but is terrified of the dragons and ogres he’ll encounter during recess.
A sweet twist comes to end the book on a helpful, hopeful note – a respectable read to help alleviate first-day jitters. I just wish the illustrations were more appealing.
How to Care for Your T-Rex by Ken Baker, illustrated by Dave Coverly. PICTURE BOOK. Henry Holt and Company (Macmillan), 2019. $18. 9781250137517
BUYINGHow to Care for Your T-Rex by Ken Baker, illustrated by Dave Coverly. PICTURE BOOK. Henry Holt and Company (Macmillan), 2019. $18. 9781250137517
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
A pet T-Rex needs special care. What kind of special care you might ask? Everyone, including a T-Rex, needs exercise. Watch out! A T-Rex needs extra space to move around. And what about food? A T-Rex will need lots of food! A T-Rex will make mistakes like everyone else and need to be treated with kindness. The day is full of adventures when caring for a pet T-Rex.
There are many silly moments when a boy and his T-Rex interacted during a summer day. However, there are facts to learn about the real dinosaur, T-Rex and in the back are included more fun T-Rex facts. Young readers will love the silliness of a pet T-Rex.
Woodpecker Girl by Chingyen Liu and I-Tsun Chiand, illustrated by Heidi Doll. PICTURE BOOK. Reycraft Books, 2020. $18. 9781478869542
BUYING ADVISORY: EWoodpecker Girl by Chingyen Liu and I-Tsun Chiand, illustrated by Heidi Doll. PICTURE BOOK. Reycraft Books, 2020. $18. 9781478869542
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Told in the first person, this is the true story of a girl who can’t communicate easily or move freely and wonders if she can ever have an impact on the world. Through a teacher, she discovers a method of painting using a band tied around her head and a whole world of expression opens up to her.
This is an inspiring story and that alone carries the book. I found the illustrations a little dull and I was unsure how to react to the fact that her nickname, Woodpecker Girl, was originally a way other kids made fun of her.
Mayhem at the Museum illustrated by Luciano Lozano. WORDLESS PICTURE BOOK. Peguin Workshop, 2020. $18. 9780593093542
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONMayhem at the Museum illustrated by Luciano Lozano. WORDLESS PICTURE BOOK. Peguin Workshop, 2020. $18. 9780593093542
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
A young girl is headed to the art museum. The signs tell her very plainly “NO TOUCHING THE ART”. But did anyone tell the art that IT should not touch the visitors?
Such a fun way to show that art doesn’t have to be stuffy old paintings. The only misstep here is that all of the art is from “old masters”, so they represent paintings by men from Western Europe. Since children are probably not familiar with these paintings anyway, the illustrator could have very easily used a wider array of cultures and artists as his subjects. Disappointing because of that. Perhaps a follow up is in order?
Salma the Syrian Chef by Danny Ramadan, illustrated by Anna Bron. PICTURE BOOK. Annick Press, 2020. $19. 9781773213750
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSESalma the Syrian Chef by Danny Ramadan, illustrated by Anna Bron. PICTURE BOOK. Annick Press, 2020. $19. 9781773213750
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Salma is discouraged because her mom doesn’t seem as happy as she used to be before they immigrated to America. With the help of her teachers and friends at the language school, Salma painstakingly researches, shops, and prepares a traditional Syrian dish for her mother. The final ingredient is illusive and requires all their family friends showing up to help.
I really enjoyed this book. I think it highlights how lonely being in a new country can feel, but also how people are all really very similar in our need to feel connected, despite speaking different languages or eating different types of food.
Oil by Jonah Winter, illustrated by Jeanette Winter. PICTURE BOOK. Beach Lane Books (Simon & Schuster), 2020. $18. 9781534430778
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (KOil by Jonah Winter, illustrated by Jeanette Winter. PICTURE BOOK. Beach Lane Books (Simon & Schuster), 2020. $18. 9781534430778
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
In short sentences and brief descriptions, this story moves through oil being pumped out of the ground, transported through the wilderness and loaded into barges. Then the barge hits an iceberg and oil spills out into the ocean, killing much of the sea-life.
I feel a little torn with this book. It represents a very sad and true piece of history, but it also felt very villanizing toward oil production in general. I would have liked a little follow up about how oil is used and what precautions are necessary to be good stewards of the earth.
Desert Girl, Monsoon Boy by Tara Dairman, illustrated by Archana Sreenivasan. PICTURE BOOK. G. P. Putnam’s Sons (Penguin Random House), 2020. $18. 978Desert Girl, Monsoon Boy by Tara Dairman, illustrated by Archana Sreenivasan. PICTURE BOOK. G. P. Putnam’s Sons (Penguin Random House), 2020. $18. 9780525518068
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Two different Indian lifestyles are presented side by side. The type of clothing, dwellings, and activities are juxtaposed as we see how those from the dry migrating groups live opposed to those in towns likely to be affected by monsoon season.
I liked the visual nature of this book - there was a lot to be learned simply from studying the pictures. My kids were fascinated by the lifestyles depicted and wanted to learn more about the landscape of India because of this book.
Babbit & Joan, A Rabbit and a Phone by Denise Turu. PICTURE BOOK. Flyaway Books, 2020. $17. 97819478882023
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL
AUDIENCBabbit & Joan, A Rabbit and a Phone by Denise Turu. PICTURE BOOK. Flyaway Books, 2020. $17. 97819478882023
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
When Babbit realizes how tired his phone has become, he decides to give her a break and adventure out on his own for a bit. At first he feels alone but then he makes friends. They get lost together, but do eventually find their ways back and Babbit decides to take more breaks from his phone.
I found this story a bit stressful, given that Babbit gets lost without his phone and has to spend the night in the forest. I also thought all his zombie-like friends from the city with their phones was a little bit unfair. I realize this is a moralistic tale, but a little balance would have been nice.
Everyone’s Awake by Colin Meloy, illustrated by Shawn Harris. PICTURE BOOK. Chronicle Books, 2020. $18. 9781452178059
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISEveryone’s Awake by Colin Meloy, illustrated by Shawn Harris. PICTURE BOOK. Chronicle Books, 2020. $18. 9781452178059
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
Told with sing-songy rhythm, this is the tale of a household that just can not fall asleep. Instead of bemoaning their awakeness, they each find things to do - often odd and whimsical things - and spend the night in their own worlds until morning comes and they can finally fall asleep.
There were a few sentences that snagged against the rhythm and rhyme, but other than that this book was fun to read and will be a fun addition to any good-night routine.
Sorry (Really Sorry) by Joanna Cotler, illustrated by Harry Bliss. PICTURE BOOK. Philomel Books (Penguin Random House), 2020. $18. 9781984812476
BUYINGSorry (Really Sorry) by Joanna Cotler, illustrated by Harry Bliss. PICTURE BOOK. Philomel Books (Penguin Random House), 2020. $18. 9781984812476
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Cow is mad because he is all muddy and he takes his anger out on Duck. This puts Duck in a bad mood and she is rude to Frog. This goes on until Dog sees through the bad behavior to their real relationships and each animal is then able to do something nice for another.
I love these stories that reveal a universal emotion we are all so ashamed to admit to and treats it gently but with truth. Sure, we all get irrationally mad or frustrated, but we do indeed have the control over how we treat others. The illustrations are lackluster, but the story is universally useful.
A New Kind of Wild by Zara Gonzalez Hoang. PICTURE BOOK. Dial Books for Young Readers (Penguin Random House), 2020. $18. 9780525553892
BUYING ADVISORY:A New Kind of Wild by Zara Gonzalez Hoang. PICTURE BOOK. Dial Books for Young Readers (Penguin Random House), 2020. $18. 9780525553892
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Ren is new to the city and not only that, but the place he moved from was a magical forest. He is having a hard time adjusting until Ava, his new neighbor show him how to appreciate the city by taking him to the roof of their building so everything isn’t so loud.
I never really sunk into this story. I was taken aback by the magical creatures in the forest, when the rest of the book is so realistic. I also expected some sort of LGBTQ theme since there is a rainbow pattern on the front, but that wasn’t the case.
Little Turtle and the Changing Sea by Becky Davies, illustrated by Jennie Poh. PICTURE BOOK. Tiger Tales, 2020. $18. 9781680101997
BUYING ADVISORY: EL Little Turtle and the Changing Sea by Becky Davies, illustrated by Jennie Poh. PICTURE BOOK. Tiger Tales, 2020. $18. 9781680101997
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
From the moment she moves from her nest to the ocean, Little Turtle is in love with the water. She loves how it is always changing and full of life and color. When plastic bags start accompanying her on her swims she is disappointed and the plastic becomes a real problem when she get stuck in it. With the help of some divers and their friends, she is untangled and the ocean begins to look clean once again.
While perhaps a little oversimplified, especially the speed at which the ocean returned to heathy, this is a great pollution primer for any young reader. After the story there is a short informational section on ways to do your part and I found that connection meaningful.
How to be a Pirate by Isaag Fitzgerald, illustrated by Brigette Barrager. PICTURE BOOK. Bloomsbury (Macmillan), 2020. $18. 9781681197784
BUYING ADVISORHow to be a Pirate by Isaag Fitzgerald, illustrated by Brigette Barrager. PICTURE BOOK. Bloomsbury (Macmillan), 2020. $18. 9781681197784
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
CeCe wants to join in on the pretend pirate play, but the boys in the neighborhood tell her she can’t join them. Instead of giving up she consults her grandpa and her grandpa consults his tattoos that show just what a pirate needs to be. His panther tattoos means that a pirate must be quick and his dancer tattoo shows that you must be fun. CeCe decides she is indeed all of those things.
Cece and her grandpa are a darling pair - a strong tattooed man in a striped shirt with a gap toothed frustrated girl. I haven’t seen many books that use tattoos to talk about symbolism and I thought it worked quite well.
Summer: Animals Share in a Poetic Tale of Kindness by Cao Wenxuan, illustrated by Yu Rong. PICTURE BOOK. Imprint. $19. 9781250310064
BUYING ADVISORY: PSummer: Animals Share in a Poetic Tale of Kindness by Cao Wenxuan, illustrated by Yu Rong. PICTURE BOOK. Imprint. $19. 9781250310064
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K. EL (K-3)- ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
"In summer, the grasslands are parched. the animals seek shelter from the sun, their trampling feet stirring up a thick cloud of dust. Tree! the sharp-eyed jackal shrieks." All animals dash off to be the first to arrive at the tree and enjoy some shade. After fighting for the shade the animals see a father and son walking across the dry grassland together. The father's shadow completely covers the little boy and offers him relief from the head. Touched by the scene before them, one by one the animals invite a smaller animal to enjoy the shade created by their size. Just as the elephant joins the group with no one to offer shade for his size a cloud appears and stays to give the animals relief from the summer heat. "In summer, all the friends cool off in the shade. TOGETHER.
Summer: Animals Share in a Poetic Tale of Kindness is an insightful tale of love and kindness. The illustrations are soft and inviting. The text is emotional and heartwarming. Summer animals go from one extreme to the other when they begin their day fighting and arguing for the relief of shade to sharing their shade with their friends in a unique way. We enjoyed the final pages as they grow shorter and then longer as the animals become selfless and show acts of kindness. Summer: Animals Share in a Poetic Tale of Kindness would be a great addition to a unit on seasons or for teaching about emotions and manners.
Now What? A Math Tale by Robie H. Harris, illustrated by Chris Chatterton. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick Press. $16. 9780763678289
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, ENow What? A Math Tale by Robie H. Harris, illustrated by Chris Chatterton. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick Press. $16. 9780763678289
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3)- ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
Now What? A Math Tale brings us a very creative way to teach children about basic shapes using wooden blocks. Puppy loves to build and loves to snooze. He wants to build a bed for snoozing. He is faced with blocks of different sizes and shapes. As he attempts to build his bed he investigates and describes each block to determine whether or not the block fits in his design. When his bed is not wide enough and he had no more rectangular or square blocks left he realizes if he arranges two triangle blocks in just the right way he can make a new rectangle block! With real photos mixed with colorful illustrations against a white background the pages are stunning and inviting!
We enjoyed the creativity Now What? A Math Tale brings to light. Using an adorable puppy to do the teaching the reader learns simple shapes in an easy and fun way. Puppy builds, measures, counts, questions, compares, estimates, experiments, predicts and solves problems using a bagful of wooden blocks. Author's note at the end of the book: "Blocks allow children of all ages to wonder, explore, play, think, create and even fail, and finally to feel the pride of success, all while discovering endless math and science concepts." Now What? A Math Tale is a great addition to any classroom or home learning environment!
Rain by Sam Usher. PICTURE BOOK. Templar, 2017. $17.
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) – ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
It’s raining and a young boy wants to goRain by Sam Usher. PICTURE BOOK. Templar, 2017. $17.
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) – ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
It’s raining and a young boy wants to go out and play. Will the rain stop or will he set off through the downpour to have an adventure with his granddad?
A plot that is at times a bit confusing, as though some pages are missing, is greatly helped by illustrations reminiscent of Quentin Blake. Younger readers should be able to overlook content weaknesses and instead enjoy the imagery of a cold wet day and feel cozy throughout the read.
Deep in the Forest by Josef Anton, illustrated by Lucie Brunelliere. PICTURE BOOK. Harry N. Abrams, 2017. $18.
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) – ESSENTIAL
AUDDeep in the Forest by Josef Anton, illustrated by Lucie Brunelliere. PICTURE BOOK. Harry N. Abrams, 2017. $18.
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) – ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
Go deep in the forest and find the many animals that hide there. Whether swinging in the trees, gliding through the water, or even burrowing underground, these animals are waiting to be discovered.
A seek and find book that allows readers to search for over fifty animals in the forest. Gorgeously drawn and vividly colored, the illustrations will appeal to young and old alike. The interactive flaps bring a fun element while the information provided is sufficient to interest, but not overwhelm, the reader.
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