Tag Archives: picture book

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.

Louis by Tom Lichtenheld

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Have you ever thought about how your favorite stuffed animal feels about being squeezed around the neck? Squashed while you slept on him? Matted with food dripped on her? This story explores a boy’s unending, unforgiving, and maybe at times, suffocating love for his best stuffed bear, Louis. Louis has plans to run far away from this life as he has been stuck with needles (sewn back together), thrown into hurricanes (washed in the washing machine), and stranded places (accidentally forgotten on a bus). Will he succeed in running away or will he give in to being needed and loved?

This is a fun story with perfect, simple illustrations that are necessary to the story. Louis is a great tool for teaching point of view and would be a great addition to a library collection. Points of note: book cover is different than the jacket; Tom Lichentenheld’s real stuffed bear is photographed in the author bio at the back jacket flap; illustrations by Julie Rowan-Zoch.

Just Like a Mama by Alice Faye Duncan

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Carol Olivia Clementine lives with Mama Rose and not her parents, who live far away. Although, she misses her parents, she knows she is loved and cared for by Mama Rose. The story progresses through two birthdays with Mama Rose as she and Carol Olivia Clementine go through their days like any other family. Mama Rose combs her and reminds her to do her chores and eat her peas. And, Carol Olivia Clementine refers to Mama Rose as her “home”.

The illustrations are colorful and convey the tender relationship between the two. Both characters are African American. Endpapers show “photos” of Carol Olivia Clementine and Mama Rose as well as photos of her with a man and woman (her birth parents?).

This is a lovely story of a nontraditional family. We don’t know why Carol Olivia Clementine’s parents aren’t with her. We also don’t know if Mama Rose is a foster or adoptive parent or even an elder relative. But, we do know that Carol Olivia Clementine and Mama Rose care for each other very much and that is what matters the most.

This book is perfect to read to students during a family unit or Mother’s Day. It might be relevant to share the author’s end note, which describes her own family as the driving force behind this story. This is a welcome addition in a time when many students live in a nontraditional, non-nuclear family. Highly recommended.

A Day So Gray

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Two little girls look out the window at the snow. One sees only gray. But, as they walk outside, her friend shows her the blues, browns and silvers. They move about, one seeing only a single dull color and the other revealing the beauty of all the colors around it. The story ends with the girls in front of a cozy fire with their blanket and cat, drinking brown (white and grey) cocoa together.

Illustrations are beautifully rendered, with crisply drawn elements on soft background tones. The two friends’ attitudes are clear in their stances. One girl sees only single, drab colors as she stands with arms crossed or a frown. Her friend smiles as she notices all the other colors around them.

This is a story that serves to remind us that there is more than what we first notice. It could be colors or the positive around us. We just have to see them! Highly recommended.

Cowie

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Cowie, the donkey, loved everything about cows (hence, his name). He really wanted to be a cow and tried everything, from chewing cud to “oom-ing”. Whoops, he couldn’t be a cow! He couldn’t say “Moo”! His dear friends, Mousie and Duckie, tried to help him turn his “moo” around and, somehow, do so. After a brief celebration, Cowie (now adorned with his beautiful cowbell) spends the rest of days in contentment.

While the story is a bit silly, the illustrations of pencil and watercolor make up for it. The animals are sweetly portrayed and there’s even a cute little chick that pops in on occasion. Additional purchase.

The Perfect Pet

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Ana and Andrew are great kids and their parents have noticed. So, Mama and Papa announce that the siblings can choose a pet to take care of together. They research and narrow it down to three, finally choosing a hamster. Ana and Andrew find the perfect hamster, a golden one that loves to run on his wheel. Now, the fun part comes – what to name their new pet? They decide to name him after someone who runs super fast. Their parents tell them about a famous Black track athlete, Jesse Owens, who won four gold medals in track at the 1936 Olympics. They describe how important his achievement was at a time when people thought skin color made some people better than others. But, Jesse Owens showed that skin color didn’t determine a person’s abilities. Right then and there, Ana and Andrew knew that their hamster would be named Mr. Jesse. And, it was perfect!

At 32 pages, this easy reader chapter book is a great bridge between picture books and more traditional chapter books. Glossy pages and color illustrations are more picture book-like. The characters are diverse. This book is part of the Ana & Andrew series, which introduces an aspect of African American history and culture in each book. Recommended.