Review: New Socks

By Bob Shea

Little, Brown and Company; 2007; 40 pages

Picture Book; Wildcard

Ages: 2 - 7

ISBN: 978-0-316-01357-4

Leon is pleased as punch with his new orange socks. When wearing them he feels unstoppable!

My Thoughts:
This book makes my top ten for picture books ever. It is about socks, and I knit socks. The socks are orange, which is my all time favorite color. I read it to my family (all adults), I read it to the boys I babysat (3 and 4), and I read it to my friend (25). Everyone enjoyed it for different reasons. That is what I most appreciated about this book: its broad based appeal and versatility.

The exciting illustrations will catch the eye and hold the interest of even small children, while the brief text will not be too much for them. (Honestly, I think this would translate wonderfully into a board book.) At the same time, the pictures are hip and slick...not too baby-ish for older readers. Again, the simplicity of the text is such that it can also double as an easy reader. I think that beginning readers would be able to read it independently or to a parent. The graphic design style screams to be made into a flannel board for story time. The plot translates well into a story telling rather than reading format. (I plan on incorporating it into a family story time I am doing on knit goods: hats, mittens, scarves...and now socks!)

The Thoughts of Others:

Publisher's Weekly gave the book an overall good review - pointing out the exciting illustrations and over-the-top antics as positive. However, they summed up the review with a word of warning, fearing that "like its title product, it [would be] unlikely to seem fresh after repeated use."

Joy Fleishhacker's review for School Library Journal was also enthusiastic, as she raved about the illustrations and pacing. She drew connections between this book and the Mo Willems "Pigeon" series, suggesting it as a read-a-like.

Review: Don't Say That Word

By Alan Katz; Illustrated by David Catrow

Margaret K. McElderberry Books; 2007; 40 pages

Picture Book; Rhyming Text

Grades: Preschool - 3rd

ISBN: 978-0-689-86971-6

Michael tells his mom about the exciting events that happened at school, while she steers him away from using offensive or crude language.

My Thoughts:
Aside from the fact that I have never met a David Catrow book that I didn't like, this is a great book, especially for boys. The text follows Michael, in rhyme, as he tells his mother about his day at school. At the end of each stanza, the rhyme scheme leads kids toward the inevitable crude word, which is never actually printed. Instead of the word, Michael's mother interrupts with the title refrain: Don't Say That Word! This format is turned on its head at the end of the book, when Michael interrupts his mother. The illustrations, brilliantly executed as always, also help lead little readers/hearers toward the appropriate "bad" word. (For example, in the stanza about boogers, Michael is picking his nose, while in the stanza about passing gas, little bubbles are popping in the bathtub.)

This is a great book for storytime...as long as you are familiar enough with the children and parents to be sure that they won't be offended. I read it aloud to the children of some friends. The little boy shouted the bad word every time, while his sister shouted the mother's refrain. I should note that some of the words in the book are not appropriate in all families. This can either offend, or open discussion. I loaned it to another friend who saw it as a good opportunity to discuss bad language with her son, and why their family didn't use certain words. So while I highly recommend this book, especially to be added to library collections, I also highly recommend parental review before handing it over to kids.

The Thoughts of Others:
School Library Journal pointed out in their review that "allowing kids to talk about 'naughty' words can remove the power associated with them."They also recognized that the author and illustrator clearly had fun putting this book together.

Publisher's Weekly also agreed with me that "readers will be able to supply each missing word with gusto (booger, fart, burp, etc.), though those a tad less daring may choose to keep silent, rather than risk voicing a 'bad word.'" They also praised the illustrations and text.

Review: Runny Babbit

A Billy Sook By Shel Silverstein

HarperCollins; 2005; 89 Pages

Juvenile Non-Fiction; Poetry

Ages: 4(read aloud to) -10 (independent reading)

ISBN: 0-06-025653-2

A posthumous book of poetry centering on a single character, Runny Babbit, and his world of mixed up phonemes!

My Thoughts:
Of course I loved this book. Not only does this book center around a rabbit main character, it also derives most of its humor from wordplay. In fact, to be honest, many of the poems, if read straight, are really not all that amusing. However, with the first sound of many of the words swapped, hilarity ensues. Some of the themes, such as knitting and reading, were personally intriguing as well. The book is not as diverse in meter, theme, and length as other Silverstein books. In fact, to some extent, I would not recommend sitting down and reading it straight through in one go. It's humor holds up better in smaller chunks.

This is a good book to introduce children to poetry. The poems are short, cleverly illustrated, and entertaining. This would also be a good book to use as a public speaking or recitation exercise. The poems beg to be read aloud...I would venture that they HAVE to be read aloud in order to be properly enjoyed. The intricate phoneme swaps would encourage children to enunciate and pay close attention to their words, while the poems are brief enough to keep recitation from being an ordeal.

The Thoughts of Others:
Lee Bock of School Library Journal in 2005 wrote that "children will love these clever poems and without prompting will probably create their own, unaware that they are focusing on a key reading skill: phonemic awareness."

Kirkus Reviews published a review of Runny Babbit in March of 2005. They enjoyed it overall, but felt it "plays too long on a single trope."

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: 10 Trick-or-Treaters: A Halloween Counting Book

By Janet Schulman; Illustrated by Linda Davick

Random House; 2005; 32 pages

Picture Book; Concept Book

Ages: 2-5

ISBN:978-0-3758-3225-3

A group of 10 trick-or-treaters count down as one by one they are scared away.

My Thoughts:

I did not like this book. As far as being a concept book, there are MUCH better counting up and counting down books available. (My personal favorite being Numbears byKathleen Hague.) I do not blame Linda Davick for this book's flaws. The illustrations are adorable, and well done. Rather I blame Schulman's text. It is well known that rhythm and rhyme help children learn and remember. (I still sing the ABC song sometimes as I am shelving books.) Schulman uses rhyme, but not well. As you attempt to read the story, the rhythm is off. There is no consistency which makes it hard since the reader naturally wants to fall into a sing song lilt. Perhaps, if the book were read silently it would not be a problem. However, this book is geared towards an age group of listeners, rather than independent readers.

Positively speaking, the illustrations are VERY well done. They are, in fact, the only positive thing about the book. The "monsters" that scare away the trick-or-treaters one by one are, on closer examination, merely people in masks and costumes. This is a good thing to point out to smaller children if they become afraid. In the end, if you REALLY need a counting book that is halloween themed...don't use this one. Pick up Countdown to Halloween by Pat Palmer!

The Thoughts of Others:
(Apparently I am not entirely alone in my distaste...)

Marilyn Cartout reviewed the book in 2005 for Children's Literature. She also felt the need to make a suggestion of a different title, citing that " a better example and one that can easily pair with this book is Ten Timid Ghosts by Jennifer O'Connell." She did not care for the illustrations either. She felt they looked computer generated and were uninteresting.

On the other hand, Marge Loch-Wouters loved the book when she reviewed it in 2005 for School Library Journal. She praised both Schulman's text and Davick's art. She summed it up as "a not-too-scary treat for the youngest Halloween fans."

Review: Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus

By: Barbara Park

Random House; 1992; 69 pages

Juvenile Fiction; Series

Grades: Kindergarten - 3rd grade

ISBN: 9-78-0679-92642-9

Junie B. Jones is excited to start kindergarten and to meet new people, but she is NOT excited about riding the school bus. In fact, at the end of the school day, she decides not to ride it home again!

My Thoughts:
I thought that this book was perfect for kids who are ready to transition from easy readers to regular juvenile fiction. I had heard from some friends that they didn't care for these books because of the poor grammar. I felt, however, that the text was suited to the narrator. When read aloud, it sounds like a 5 year old is actually talking. (I especially liked how she described her classmates when she didn't know their names: that boy I can beat up, etc.) The plot moved along quickly to hold interest. The chapters were brief to give a sense of accomplishment. Most importantly, the book felt real. Junie B. is not the nicest little girl, but that makes her seem more true to life, and easier for kids to relate to. I believe that kids will be able to identify with Junie B. even if they are already out of kindergarten.

The other thing that I loved about this book, was that it allowed me to connect with my six year old cousin who is in kindergarten. She loves these books, and loves to read them with my aunt. The repetitive nature of the series has enabled her to recite parts of each book, because the introductions are always the same. This empowers her and makes her feel like she is actually reading. (She also was very thrilled that I had to read it for homework in college...it made her feel very grown up to be reading the same books as college students!)

The Thoughts of Others:
School Library Journal's review in 1992 raved about Park's humor. They felt like this book was a great addition to a library because Junie B.'s ignorance will let "even the most insecure readers... feel superior because they know so much more than she does."

Publisher's Weekly also reviewed the book in 1992. They picked up on the realism of Junie B.'s narration, but also pointed out the book "is peppered with reader-involving questions." This would allow teachers and parents to pause and allow their students/child to interact and engage with the text.

Everyone Knows that Badgers Are British!

The morning before 561 met, I was sitting at my aunt's kitchen table when she realized that her youngest, a kindergartner, had not yet completed her reading log for school. We had less than an hour, and had to read somewhere in the vicinity of 10 books to her before her bus came. I was happy to oblige.

While my cousin ate her breakfast, I zoomed through Danny and the Dinosaur, Snow White's Friends, and Just in Case You Ever Wonder. Then I came to one of my favorite books of all time: Bedtime for Frances.

I opened it up and began to read, remembering all the times it had been read to me. After the first few pages or so I looked up because my aunt was laughing and giving me a strange look. My cousin was also looking at me strangely.

"What?" I asked.
"Why are you doing a British accent?" my aunt asked me.
"Was I? I hadn't even realized it."

All of the prior books I had read with my normal everyday voice, but for some reason when I started Bedtime for Frances, I had begun reading the story and doing all the voices with an accent. Apparently, at least in my mind, Frances is a British badger. I continued to read, maintaining the voice.

Perhaps, if I have time, I will tape myself reading the story...with the voice...and post it here.