Review: Mother Goose's Little Treasures

By Iona Opie; Illustrated by Rosemary Wells

Candlewick Press; 2007; 56 pages

Picture Book; Mother Goose

Ages: 2-6

ISBN: 978-0-7636-3655-5

A collection of lesser known Mother Goose nursery rhymes paired with Rosemary Wells' signature illustrations.

My Thoughts:

Nursery Rhyme books, specifically Mother Goose, tend to all be the same. Shorter collections always default to the same handful of rhymes. In this book, however, Opie has chosen several rhymes that I had never seen before, and several that are lesser known. (Although, it should be pointed out, that for at least a few of them there might be good reasons for them being lesser known!) It was exciting to read this book, because you couldn't predict what the next page would bring. For parents, more interested in the history of nursery rhymes, there is an introductory letter from the author.

This is also a great read aloud book for younger audiences. The ratio of illustration to text is perfect. There are full page color illustrations that are usually paired with only a few lines of text. Some rhymes take 4 to 5 pages to play out. This makes it suitable for much shorter attention spans. Also, the illustrations themselves are charming. Children who are already familiar with Wells' bunnies will love to see them dancing along with children, cats, dogs, and poultry.

The Thoughts of Others:

School Library Journal's 2007 review did praise the work, but pointed out that since the rhymes are lesser known, the book is a non-essential addition to library and personal collections. They suggested only acquiring it after the previous two in Opie and Wells' series.

Lauralynn Persson also reviewed the book for Publisher's Weekly. She felt that the book was better suited to those who love nursery rhymes, rather than introducing new children to the genre. Also, while she appreciated the illustrations, she felt that they ended up being washed out in production.

Review: Sticky Burr

By: John Lechner
Candlewick Press, 2007; unpaged

Graphic Novel; Hardcover

Ages: 6-10

ISBN:978-0-7636-3054-6

Sticky Burr lives in Burrwood Forest, with all the other burrs. However, he does not like doing very burr-ish things. He loves to paint, fly with his dragonfly friend, and play his ukulele rather than annoy, argue, and stick to things. The other burrs decide that Sticky Burr has got to go...that is, until his friendly attitude and willingness to help others saves the day!

My Thoughts:

I thought that this was a delightful book. Thematically, it encourages children not only to be helpful, but to be themselves. The plot was not overworked, but at the same time it was not very involved. It is easy to follow, and would hold the interest of an early elementary school student, but may bore older students. Still, it is a great introduction into the graphic novel genre, and I believe would serve as an enticement to a reluctant reader.(See...who said that graphic novels couldn't be teaching tools!)
The artwork, while simple stylistically, is well-done and engaging. I really liked the definition and journal pages that are superimposed over a hand-made paper background. Also, the text is clear and full of interesting tidbits. There is even a song at the end, complete with music. Internet-savvy kids can also go to the official web page and explore. (The book started out as an online comic...so the page is very well done.)

The Thoughts of Others:

Booklist's Gillian Engberg reviewed the book, and was enchanted by it. Her only criticism was that "the messages about triumphing over bullies are overt."

It was also reviewed by School Library Journal, which in addition to praising the art, lauded "the lively and sometimes punny dialogue."