Tag Archives: picture book

Helga Makes a Name for Herself by Meghan Maynor and illustrated by Eda Kaban

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Helga yearns to be a Viking, just like Ingrid the Axe. She begged for stories all the time – at bedtime, during her monthly bath and even fish-pickling time. Her parents tried to calm her ambition, telling her that she was a ‘farmersdotter’ and wouldn’t become a Viking. But, Helga didn’t let that squash her dreams – she and her pet wolverine spent their days doing all kinds of Viking stuff (at least she thought it was Viking stuff). One day, she heard that Ingrid the Axe was coming to town to recruit new members for her Viking crew. Ingrid and her wolverine headed down to town to pursue her dreams. She competed against other would-be Viking recruits and almost made it several times. She finally won a competition and just as Ingrid was about to speak, Helga’s parents ran up to apologize for their daughter’s silliness. Ingrid announced that Helga the Howler was invited to join her crew! The rest, as they say, is history. Helga the Howler and her trusty wolverine plied the oceans of the flat world, gaining fame and fortune as a might Viking Warrior!

This is a wonderful story of perseverance and following your dream, no matter how unlikely. Illustrations are cartoon-like and bright. The story moves along at a face pace with several chuckle-inducing asides along the way. There is also an author’s note and bibliography in the back that includes titles for further consideration and websites for exploration. Highly Recommended.

This is the Path the Wolf Took by Laura Farina and illustrated by Elina Ellis

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Gabe is reading stories to his little sister and they begin somewhat familiarly. Red Riding Hood, The Three Pigs and other fairy tales flow from his book. But, then the stories always take a turn – to Sir Gabriel saving the day! While this is a totally satisfying way to end a story in Gabe’s mind, his sister has other ideas. She like the scary wolf and the ‘bad stuff’ that happens. But, Gabe doesn’t feel the same way.

Unfortunately, Gabe’s versions are a little boring and he realizes that there has to be some excitement and adventure in order to make the story work. Of course, everyone still lives “happily ever after”.

Fans of fractured fairy tales will enjoy this mix of familiar stories and young readers will delight in naming each as Gabe and his sister waltz through each tale. Cartoon like digital illustrations enhance the fun and Sir Gabriel, even though he is nervous, will still save the day! Additional purchase for those that want to refresh their fractured fairy tales.

The Whole Hole Story. Written by Vivian McInerny and illustrated by Ken Lamug

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Zia has a hole in her pocket. This might be a problem for others, but not for Zia. The hole falls out of her pocket and grows. This might be scary for any other child. But, Zia knows that this is her imagination and she is in control. Therefore, there is nothing to be afraid of when she falls through the hole (somewhat Alice in Wonderland-ish). She turns that hole into a whole series of adventures. It transforms from a fishing hole to a swimming hole to a watering hole (complete with lions, giraffes and more) to many more holes and fun. Finally, she decides to take a rest on a tree branch and watches the hole shrink down small enough to fit back into her pocket, thus ending the Whole Hole Story.

This story is a heartwarming take on imaginative play from a child’s perspective and is reminiscent of Harold and the Purple Crayon as Zia directs her tale. She is a confident young Black girl, who blithely moves from one adventure to the next. Illustrations are bright, bold and cartoon-like. Young readers will certainly enjoy hanging out with Zia in this fun, energetic bo0k. Recommended.

Spacebot by Mike Twohy

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One quiet night, the family pup is snoozing in his dog house when something strange happens. The kitchen appliances notice it first. Then, the house looks up. Finally, the pup looks up (yep, that rhymes and so does the book!). A UFO lands and out walks a…robo-dog. The pup is thrilled! A new friend! But, this spacebot is actually a friend of the kitchen appliances, who greet him like a long-lost relative. He points up and they all start to fly, except the pup, who begins to feel a bit neglected. The appliances have a joyous space romp and are finally directed to return to their places in the kitchen, cords trailing. The spacebot turns to enter his UFO and stops to toss a red ball to the pup. This is no ordinary ball, though. It fits on his nose and he begins to fly!

Spacebot is a fun, rhyming frolic of a story. One must smile at the happy group of kitchen appliances as they soar around the night sky. Toaster loopty-loops and refrigerator nearly loses her magnets as they fly around with their electrical buddies. Pup’s disappointment is palpable until he is gifted with the magical red ball. Text is minimal and illustrations are dynamic as the story moves forward. This is a great book for the newly-minted reader and can be used as a read-aloud. Highly recommended.

It’s My Tree by Olivier Tallec

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Squirrel is very possessive – “This is MY tree” and “Those are MY pinecones”. His obsessive greed leads him to wonder about others taking possession of HIS tree and HIS pinecones. In order to protect HIS things, he builds a wall (a very large and long wall). But, he begins to worry anew. What if there is a better, more beautiful tree on the other side or bigger pinecones? Is he missing something that could become HIS? The story ends with him climbing the wall to look over and seeing an entire forest a swarm with happy squirrels.

Short sentences and vivid illustrations make this an attractive read. The squirrel is engaging and the colors are warm. While this story is a fantastic conversation starter about possessiveness and greed, it does seem to end rather abruptly. There is no resolution to the squirrel’s problem and students might be left with more questions than answers. We all want to know – does the squirrel learn that sharing is better? We just don’t know…

Extraordinary Warren’s World

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This darling beginning reader chapter, picture, graphic novel book was written by Sarah Dillard. She masterfully blends a picture book with beginning reading book, and a graphic novel which will appeal to all readers and ability levels. The pictures are charming and will be appealing to younger readers who need the visual cueing and enjoy the illustrations of “Everybody” books. The organization of a beginning reader chapter book with features such as chapters, should appeal to the reader who wish to identify with the format of older students. But, just as appealing is the graphic novel fusion, where reluctant readers usually choose to reside. This book has it all, almost creating a new genre’ which I suspect will appeal to a wide range of readers.

The story is light hearted adventure featuring our main character, Warren, who is a young chicken hoping to learn to fly so he can go to the moon. Supporting characters include the coach, who helps Warren practice flying utilizing activities such as yoga. Once he learns and acquires a “side kick” who was an egg and then a chick. Warren becomes both a role model to the young chick and also a hero as he realizes that rat and fox have nefarious plans for the chicken barn. Very cute book in a boutique series collection! https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Extraordinary-Warrens-World/Sarah-Dillard/PIX/9781534463462

Bad Brows by Jason Carter Eaton

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Children’s books can be silly, sad, serious or goofy. But, it is not often that you can call a picture book “absolutely weird”! This story is just that – weird! Bernard wakes up one morning and his eyebrows have taken on a life of their own. He tries to smooth them down, but to no avail. They bunch up, grow to crazy lengths, bush out, tie in knots and all sorts of other strange activity ensues. Bernard has no control over his brows and those around him are offended, angered and stumped by their unruliness (and place a bit of the blame on Bernard). Fortunately, things calm down for Bernard when his real eyebrows return. Apparently, they were on vacation. Hmmm…where did the substitute brow go? The answer is on the last page on his baby sister’s forehead. Oh, no!

Cartoon-like illustrations match the weirdness of the text. Characters are diverse, which is one normal part of this book. Hand this to your readers who like some of the stranger cartoons on television, like Gravity Falls or Steven Universe. They’ll understand this book.

I Got You a Present! by Mike Erskine-Kellie & Susan McLennan

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It’s a birthday party and Duck comes bearing…nothing! He tells a story of his search for the perfect gift, from socks that took six months to make (and still look pretty bad) to a a really cool rocket ship that some lost aliens needed to use to fly home. But, all is not lost! Duck has the perfect gift – this story! What could be better than a story about your favorite things and your good friend, Duck?

Fans of silly friendship stories like Elephant and Piggie will enjoy this zany duck and his mishaps as he tries to find the perfect gift for his friend. Illustrations are bright and cartoon-like. Duck is animated and engaging as he moves from gift to gift in his search for the perfect one. Recommended.

No Room for a Pup! by Elizabeth Suneby

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Mia really wants a puppy! But, her mom doesn’t feel like there is room in their small apartment in a big city. Mia’s grandma lives down the hall with her parrot, Roger and Mia goes there every morning for breakfast. In the elevator one morning, they read a sign about puppies that need homes. Mia hatches a plan and grandma mobilizes her friends. The next morning, grandma and Roger show up at the door and grandma says they have to stay (her apartment is being painted). Then, Mia brings home the class rabbit for the night and neighbors drop off their pets. The next morning, grandma’s book club friends and their pets drop by Mia’s apartment. It is absolute chaos! Mia’s mom is overwhelmed. When they all leave, Mia’s mom remarks that the apartment doesn’t feel so small anymore. That’s when Mia brings out Spot, the puppy she chose from the neighbor’s litter. And, mom agrees that there is room for one small puppy. The final page shows that puppy all grown up into a very large, much-loved Great Dane!

This story is a modern twist on a Yiddish folktale about gratitude for what one has. Illustrations are watercolor and picture a diverse set of characters, both human and animal. This is a fun story for any pet-loving child.

The Little Book of Big What-Ifs by Renata Liwska

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What if? That is the question on each page of this sweet book. A series of scenarios, some silly and small, others really big and thought provoking, provide wonderful jumping points for discussion. Illustrated in pencil with softly rendered animals in various settings.

Read aloud to students “What if you swallowed a seed?” and you will get all sorts of answers. Read “What if we find one thing in common?” and begin to build awareness that we really aren’t that different. This lovely little book has the potential to invoke thoughtful, meaningful discussion and possible change. All of that in 32 pages.