A panoply of picturebooks!

I'm way behind on my reviews, so let's start with an assortment of picturebooks for the youngest readers.

Amelie and the Great Outdoors

by Fiona Barker

Paperback: 32 pages

Publisher: Troubador Publishing (April 28, 2016)

ISBN-10: 1785891537

ISBN-13: 978-1785891533

Publisher’s Blurb:

Amelie is a little girl who never goes outside. She's happy to stay indoors and play on her own, and is even a little intimidated by the thought of the GREAT OUTDOORS. Her parents have just about given up on trying to convince Amelie to go outside. Not even the thought of trips to the park, the beach, or enjoying ice cream in the sunshine, is enough to make her want to leave her house. But to everyone's surprise, all that changes when she meets a special friend who helps her realize that it really is the GREAT outdoors after all! Amelie and the Great Outdoors is a heart-warming picture book for young readers with an important message about friendship, fresh air and exercise. It will appeal to readers (and listeners!) aged 0-5.

My Thoughts:

I’m about to sound old and crotchety here, but kids do spend an awful lot of time indoors these days! This cute book shows just how much fun outdoors can be.

Possible Objectionable Material:

Can’t think of anything.

Who Might Like This Book:

Parents of children who want to play inside all the time. Yes, we’re a product of our time, and no one should have CPS called on them because the kids are playing in the yard! Definitely appropriate to the suggested age range.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC.

The Branch 

by Mireille Messier (Author), Pierre Pratt (Illustrator)

Age Range: 4 - 7 years

Grade Level: Preschool - 2

Lexile Measure: 510 

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: Kids Can Press (September 6, 2016)

ISBN-10: 1771385642

ISBN-13: 978-1771385640

Publisher’s Blurb:

When an ice storm snaps a small girl's favorite branch from the tree in her yard, she's crestfallen. The girl's mom says it's just a branch. But not to her! “That was the branch I sat on, jumped from, played under. It was my castle, my spy base, my ship . . .” Luckily, her neighbor Mr. Frank understands. He says the branch has “potential.” “What's potential?” she asks. “It means it's worth keeping.” And so, with imagination and spirit, and Mr. Frank's guidance and tools, the girl transforms the broken branch into something whole and new, giving it another purpose, and her another place to treasure.

My Thoughts:

It is amazing how attached kids can become to things, and how sad they can become when something happens to their favorite things. This cute and brightly illustrated story shows how one can cope with the loss. Bonus points for having the neighbor help, but not completely make, the final object.

Possible Objectionable Material:

A child is around power tools, but with lots of supervision.

Who Might Like This Book:

Any child who experiences attachment to something, or has lost something, or likes to create new things from old.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC.

The Day I Became a Bird 

by Ingrid Chabbert (Author), Raúl Nieto Guridi (Illustrator)

Age Range: 4 - 8 years

Grade Level: Preschool - 2
Lexile Measure: 490 

Hardcover: 40 pages

Publisher: Kids Can Press (September 6, 2016)

ISBN-10: 1771386215

ISBN-13: 978-1771386210

Publisher’s Blurb:

The day he starts school, a young boy falls in love for the very first time. Sylvia sits in front of him at school, and he's so in love with her, she's all he can see. But sadly, Sylvia doesn't see him. In fact, it seems the only thing Sylvia has eyes for is birds. “There are birds on her pants and dresses. She wears bird barrettes in her hair. She draws birds on her notebooks and folders. And when she speaks, her voice sounds like birdsong.” So in a bold attempt to get Sylvia's attention, the boy decides to go to school dressed up as a bird. He endures the stares and giggles of his classmates, and a great deal of discomfort, but the boy doesn't care. Because when it comes to love, sometimes you have no choice but to follow your heart and spread your wings.

My Thoughts:

This book is not for everyone. Some will love the slight vagueness of both the story and the illustrations. Others might be bothered by the fact that we never really know why the boy falls for Sylvia, or why she notices him when she does. It’s a cute story, with whimsy and fantasy.

Possible Objectionable Material:

Some might object to the boy changing himself to get noticed by the girl he likes, rather than just being himself, while others will find it sweet that he noticed what she likes and ran with it.

Who Might Like This Book:

Particularly, kids who’ve had a crush on a classmate.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC.

The Fog

by Kyo Maclear (Author), Kenard Pak (Illustrator) 

Age Range: 4 - 8 years

Grade Level: Preschool - 3

Hardcover: 48 pages

Publisher: Tundra Books (May 16, 2017)

ISBN-10: 1770494928

ISBN-13: 978-1770494923

Publisher’s Blurb:

Warble is a small yellow warbler who lives on the beautiful island of Icyland, where he pursues his hobby of human watching. But on a warm day, a deep fog rolls in and obscures his view. The rest of the birds don't seem to notice the fog or the other changes Warble observes on the island. The more the fog is ignored, the more it spreads. When a Red-hooded Spectacled Female (Juvenile) appears, Warble discovers that he's not the only one who notices the fog. Will they be able to find others who can see it too? And is the fog here to stay? Kyo Maclear's witty story, brought to life with the delicate, misty artwork of Kenard Pak, is a poignant yet humorous reminder of the importance of environmental awareness.

My Thoughts:

Something about this book just didn’t work for me. We never really find out why the fog came, and it isn’t clear just why exactly it goes away. Some have considered this to be a parable about global warming, but if so, the solution still doesn’t quite work for me. The illustrations are charming, and there’s some fun, whimsical humor. It just isn’t one that I love.

Possible Objectionable Material:

The little girl appears to be adventuring all by herself.

Who Might Like This Book:

Anyone who appreciates whimsy, beautiful illustrations, and a bit of mystery.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC.

The Green Umbrella

by Jackie Azúa Kramer (Author), Maral Sassouni (Illustrator) 

Age Range: 4 - 8 years

Grade Level: Preschool - 3

Lexile Measure: 580 

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: NorthSouth Books (January 31, 2017)

ISBN-10: 0735842183

ISBN-13: 978-0735842182

Publisher’s Blurb:

A 2017 Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year.

Mom's Choice Award - Gold

Things aren’t always what they seem in this charming tale of imagination, sharing and friendship. When Elephant takes a peaceful walk with his green umbrella, he’s interrupted by Hedgehog, Cat, Bear, and Rabbit—all claiming that they’ve had exciting adventures with his umbrella. After all, it is an umbrella, and it certainly hasn’t been on any adventures more exciting than a walk in the rain. Or has it?

My Thoughts:

he illustrations and words together tell the story of how one ordinary object can have many purposes. This story shows how just a little bit of imagination can create a wealth of possibilities!

Possible Objectionable Material:

Can’t think of anything.

Who Might Like This Book:

Those who like to imagine new purposes for the things around them.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC.

A Horse Named Steve 

By Kelly Collier

Age Range: 4 - 8 years

Grade Level: Preschool - 3

Lexile Measure: 510

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: Kids Can Press (April 4, 2017)

ISBN-10: 177138736X

ISBN-13: 978-1771387361

Publisher’s Blurb:

“Steve is a fine horse,” begins Kelly Collier's clever picture book. “But he thinks he could be finer. He wants to be EXCEPTIONAL.? When Steve finds a beautiful gold horn lying on the ground in the forest, he realizes he has found his path to the exceptional! He immediately ties the horn to the top of his head and prances off to show his friends. Not everyone is impressed, but most of his friends agree --- Steve and his horn are indeed exceptional. In fact, many of his friends are so inspired, they decide to tie items to the tops of their heads as well. So when Steve discovers his horn has suddenly gone missing, he's devastated and frantically searches everywhere to find it. He won't be exceptional without his horn! Or will he? This is a laugh-out-loud tale of an endearingly self-absorbed horse, illustrated in lively black-and-white artwork. Throughout the story, Collier interweaves humorous commentary and some definitions (such as for devastated: “That means really, really bummed.”). The tone of the book allows children to feel like they're in on the joke while the main character isn't, adding to the amusement. Besides its fun appeal as a read-aloud, this book would be a terrific choice to launch discussions on self-esteem, particularly about the difference between what people think will make them special and what actually does make them special. It also works for lessons on proper social skills and how to treat your friends.

My Thoughts:

The humorous illustrations and fun definitions of higher-level words were the best part of this book for me. The story of Steve’s desire to stand out…not quite so much. Again, I may be showing my age here, but we don’t all have to be exceptional, and being ordinary is okay. I almost feel like Steve’s friends are making fun of him, and he doesn’t really learn anything new.

Possible Objectionable Material:

Can’t think of anything.

Who Might Like This Book:

Kids who like “Fancy Nancy”—this book has the same tone when explaining “big” words.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC.

How the Queen Found the Perfect Cup of Tea
by Kate Hosford (Author), Gabi Swiatkowska (Illustrator)

Age Range: 4 - 8 years

Grade Level: Preschool - 3

Lexile Measure: 580

40 pages

Publisher: Carolrhoda Books (March 1, 2017)

ISBN-10: 1467739049

ISBN-13: 978-1467739047

Publisher’s Blurb:

Each day when the Queen wakes up, three maids dress her, two more style her hair, and her butler James makes her tea. But when she grows dissatisfied with her brew, the Queen and James set out in search of the perfect cup. With each stop on their hot-air balloon journey, the Queen encounters new friends who expand her horizons in the kitchen and beyond.

My Thoughts:

This story about learning to do things for yourself, and the satisfaction that goes with it, was clear but not preachy. We go along with the queen as she discovers this for herself—we are not beaten over the head with the message. The illustrations are vivid and have lots of things to interest a child. They remind me a lot of Maurice Sendak’s work.

Possible Objectionable Material:

Can’t think of anything.

Who Might Like This Book:

Kids who are becoming more independent, and parents who want to help them on that journey.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC.

Lucy and Company

by Marianne Dubuc

Age Range: 8 - 12 years

Grade Level: Preschool - Kindergarten

Lexile Measure: 490
Hardcover: 56 pages

Publisher: Kids Can Press (September 6, 2016)

ISBN-10: 1771386622

ISBN-13: 978-1771386623

Publisher’s Blurb:

This compilation of three, short, cozy stories features a little girl named Lucy and her four animal friends: Marcel the mouse, Henry the rabbit, Dot the turtle and Adrian the snail. (Anton the bear also makes two surprise appearances!) Readers will be delighted to spend time in Lucy's world, as the friends share snacks on a picnic, celebrate a special birthday with a treasure hunt and find a new home for some lost baby chicks. Told with sweet humor and simple language, each of the bite-size stories contains its own complete adventure --- with an unexpected twist at the end! All stories are centered on the small, simple moments of the friends' days together, just what matters most to very young children. In a nod to Winnie-the-Pooh and its map of Hundred Acre Wood, a full spread at the beginning of the book features a bird's-eye view drawing that captures Lucy's world and shows where the stories take place, adding depth to the narrative. 

Award-winning artist Marianne Dubuc has created a perfectly charming storytime book that hits all the right notes. Her artwork, with its soft and subdued palette, beautifully captures the book's warmth. She presents her illustrations within panels, encouraging visual literacy and making the text easy to follow for pre-readers.

This positive book explores key social skills for this age such as sharing, discovering new friends and helping others, making it a terrific fit for character education lessons on kindness, empathy and caring. Other classroom connections are introductions to counting and following step-by-step directions.

My Thoughts:

Sweetly illustrated, this book reminds me of the simple, friendly stories of my own childhood. There’s nothing sly or wink-wink about it, nothing trying to also appeal to the grownups. These stories are about friendship and childhood, with no big “message” involved.

Possible Objectionable Material:

A child alone in the woods.

Who Might Like This Book:

Children who like simple, non-threatening, non-preachy stories with simple illustrations. This is definitely for the pre-K to grade 1 or 2 crowd; I'd disregard that suggested 8-12 age range.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC.

Madeline Finn and the Library Dog 

by Lisa Papp (Author, Illustrator) 

Age Range: 5 - 8 years

Grade Level: Kindergarten - 3

Lexile Measure: 520

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: Peachtree Publishers (October 1, 2016)

ISBN-10: 1561459100

ISBN-13: 978-1561459100

Publisher’s Blurb: 

Madeline Finn DOES NOT like to read. Not books. Not magazines. Not even the menu on the ice cream truck. But Madeline Finn DOES want a gold star from her teacher. Stars are for good readers. Stars are for understanding words. And saying them out loud.

Fortunately, Madeline Finn meets Bonnie, a library dog. Reading out loud to Bonnie isn't so bad. When Madeline Finn gets stuck, Bonnie doesn't mind. Madeline Finn can pet her until she figures the word out.

As it turns out, it's fun to read when you're not afraid of making mistakes. Bonnie teaches Madeline Finn that it’s okay to go slow. And to keep trying. Just like the sticker says.

My Thoughts:

I loved this story! I’ve been reading of programs where kids read to dogs, and that is embodied in this story. The resolution is satisfying.

Possible Objectionable Material:

Can’t think of anything.

Who Might Like This Book:

Animal lovers, struggling readers, anyone who likes seeing someone persevere.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC.

Maggie McGillicuddy's Eye for Trouble 

by Susan Hughes (Author), Brooke Kerrigan (Illustrator) 

Age Range: 4 - 8 years

Grade Level: Preschool - 2

Lexile Measure: 570 

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: Kids Can Press (October 4, 2016)

ISBN-10: 1771382910

ISBN-13: 978-1771382915

Publisher’s Blurb:

Unlike her neighbors, Maggie McGillicuddy has an eye for trouble. And while she's knitting on her porch swing, she manages to spot it --- everywhere! With the “tickety, tickety, tack!” of her knitting needles, the elderly Maggie scares off a prowling tiger! And with the “whickety, whickety, whack!” of her walking stick, there goes a slithering snake! Of course, readers can see the tiger is really just a cat and the snake is only a tree root, so they'll be as delighted as Maggie when Charlie, the boy who just moved next door, seems to have an eye for trouble of his own!

My Thoughts:

Having had elderly ladies in the house across the street ever since we moved into this house, this book resonated with me. I really like that a friendship forms between Maggie and Charlie, because kids need to know older people! And finding a kindred spirit with a big imagination is always a bonus.

Possible Objectionable Material:

Some parents could be uncomfortable with Charlie’s mom letting him hang out with Maggie despite not meeting her first.

Who Might Like This Book:

People with big imaginations.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC.

Miles McHale, Tattletale 

by Christianne C. Jones (Author), Elina Ellis (Illustrator) 

Age Range: 4 - 8 years

Grade Level: Kindergarten - 2

Lexile Measure: 500L 

Publisher: Picture Window Books (March 1, 2017)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1515807533
ISBN-13: 978-1515807537

Publisher’s Blurb:

Miles McHale is a tattletale. And everybody knows it. But he's not the only one who needs help, so his teacher decides: it's time to fight the Tattle Battle! But will Miles figure out the right time to tell a grown-up about another person's behavior, or is he doomed to be a tattletale forever?

My Thoughts:

Bright illustrations of the animal characters, many with dialogue bubbles, make this book a lot of fun to look at. The message of when it’s okay to “tell” and when you shouldn’t is clear, but doesn’t belabor the point. My child is a bit of a tattletale herself, so this was a good review of just what we need to tell about and what we don’t.

Possible Objectionable Material:

Can’t think of anything.

Who Might Like This Book:

Parents of tattletales, and the tattletales themselves.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC.

Porcupine's Picnic: Who Eats What? 

by Betsy R. Rosenthal (Author), Giusi Capizzi (Illustrator) 

Age Range: 4 - 8 years

Grade Level: Preschool - 3

Lexile Measure: 490 

Library Binding: 32 pages

Publisher: Millbrook Press (April 1, 2017)

ISBN-10: 1467795194

ISBN-13: 978-1467795197

Publisher’s Blurb:

Porcupine is going on a picnic! First he's joined by Koala. Then Squirrel scampers down a nearby tree. Porcupine offers to share his clover. But Koala eats eucalyptus, and Squirrel loves acorns! What will they all eat? Luckily each animal has brought along the perfect food. Tortoise, Butterfly, Ostrich, and other animals join the fun. Everything is going well until Tiger shows up. Uh-oh! This sweet and slightly scary story is the perfect bite-sized introduction to herbivores, omnivores, and carnivores.

My Thoughts:

This book gave me a real sense of déjà vu, as I’ve seen many other stories that point out what various animal eat. The ending was a refreshing change, as was information at the end about the various animals.

Possible Objectionable Material:

Can’t think of anything.

Who Might Like This Book:

Those who are interested in the animal world and what various species eat.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC.

The Pruwahaha Monster 

by Jean-Paul Mulders (Author), Jacques Maes (Illustrator), Lise Braekers (Illustrator) 

Age Range: 4 - 8 years

Grade Level: Preschool - 2

Lexile Measure: 590 

Hardcover: 26 pages

Publisher: Kids Can Press (October 4, 2016)

ISBN-10: 1771385669

ISBN-13: 978-1771385664

Publisher’s Blurb:

A five-year-old boy has gone with his father to swing on his favorite swing near the woods. But while he's been having fun swinging, a huuuuuge monster has woken up nearby from a very long nap. The monster is ravenous, and there's only one thing that will satisfy its hunger: little children! At first, the monster has no luck as it searches the woods for food. Then, oh, no! The monster spies the little boy on the swing! But when the monster creeps closer and tries to scare the boy with its fierce cry, “pruwwwahhahaha!” the boy isn't frightened at all. In fact, he only laughs at the monster and keeps swinging! Is the boy fearless? Or does he know something about this monster that we don't know? 

With humor and suspense, children will be on the edge of their seats listening to this lively picture book. Author Jean-Paul Mulders artfully tells the story using rhythmic language and fun monster sounds that children will love repeating aloud. The two-color illustrations by team Jacques Maes and Lise Braekers feature lots of busy forest scenes to keep readers guessing what might be “out there” while, of course, never actually revealing the “monster.” Small children delight in being spooked, and this book offers just the right amount of thrill, perfectly balanced with humor and the warmth of the relationship between the boy and his father.

My Thoughts:

Simple drawings, interesting use of space on the pages, fun typography effects, and fabulous descriptive language make this an enjoyable book. The underlying message that we don’t have to be afraid of things is a bonus.

Possible Objectionable Material:

The little boy is outside alone. There is a monster, even though it is unseen.

Who Might Like This Book:

Those who like a little bit of a scare, and those who laugh in the face of “danger.”

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC.

The Sea King's Daughter: A Russian Legend 

by Aaron Shepard (Author), Gennady Spirin (Illustrator) 

Age Range: 7 - 12 years

Grade Level: 2 - 7

Paperback: 34 pages

Publisher: Skyhook Press; 15th edition (February 25, 2017)

ISBN-10: 1620355043

ISBN-13: 978-1620355046

Publisher’s Blurb:

Sadko the musician loved his city of Novgorod, the richest and most free in all Russia. With its great feasts, its white stone churches, its merchant visitors from many lands, Sadko felt there was no better place to be. Yet he was lonely too, for the rich young ladies who danced to his music would never favor anyone so poor.

One night he takes his twelve-string gusli and goes alone to play by the River Volkhov. Suddenly from the water rises the Sea King, who invites the astonished musician to play at his underwater palace. But how will Sadko get there? And how will he get back? And will he want to return at all, when he meets the Sea King's lovely daughter?

One of the most popular legends of Russia, Sadko's story is found in medieval epic ballads, as well as in a popular opera by Rimsky-Korsakov. It is retold here in elegant prose, complemented by the entrancing illustrations of a modern Russian master.

My Thoughts:

Rich illustrations adorn this fairytale. It feels like a fairytale in its narrative style, and its near-miss ending. I also enjoyed the historical information the author included at the end.

Possible Objectionable Material:

A man jumps into the sea and would have drowned were this not a fairytale.

Who Might Like This Book:

Lovers of fairytales and Russian stories.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC.

Spork 

By Kyo Maclear (Author), Isabelle Arsenault (Illustrator) 

Age Range: 3 - 7 years

Grade Level: Preschool - 2

Lexile Measure: 740L 

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: Kids Can Press (September 1, 2010)

ISBN-10: 1553377362

ISBN-13: 978-1553377368

Publisher’s Blurb:

His mum is a spoon. His dad is a fork. And he's a bit of both. He's Spork!

Spork sticks out in the regimented world of the cutlery drawer. The spoons think he's too pointy, while the forks find him too round. He never gets chosen to be at the table at mealtimes until one day a very messy ... thing arrives in the kitchen who has never heard of cutlery customs. Will Spork finally find his place at the table?

This “multi-cutlery” tale is a humorous and lively commentary on individuality and tolerance. Its high-spirited illustrations capture the experience and emotions of anyone who has ever wondered about their place in the world.

My Thoughts:

Another story where the main character just doesn’t fit in, but finally is able to take his place in the world, doing something that only he can do. The illustrations were cute, and who doesn’t like a spork (the only cutlery available in my school’s cafeteria!)?

Possible Objectionable Material:

Can’t think of anything.

Who Might Like This Book:

Anyone trying to figure out how to fit in.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC.

The Thing Lou Couldn't Do

by Ashley Spires (Author, Illustrator)

Age Range: 4 - 7 years

Grade Level: Preschool - 2

Lexile Measure: 500

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: Kids Can Press (May 2, 2017)

ISBN-10: 1771387270

ISBN-13: 978-1771387279

Publisher’s Blurb:

Lou and her friends are BRAVE adventurers. They run FASTER than airplanes. They build MIGHTY fortresses. They rescue WILD animals. But one day, when they're looking for a ship to play pirates in, Lou's friend has an idea: “Up there! The tree can be our ship!” “Ummm ...” says Lou. This is something new. Lou has never climbed a tree before, and she's sure she can't do it. So she tries to convince her friends to play a not-up-a-tree game. When that doesn't work, she comes up with reasons for not joining them --- her arm is sore, her cat needs a walk, you shouldn't climb so soon after eating. Finally, she tells herself she doesn't want to climb the tree. But is that true, or is this brave adventurer just too afraid to try?

This delightful picture book from Ashley Spires, bestselling author of The Most Magnificent Thing, perfectly depicts what children go through when confronted with something difficult. With humor and endearing artwork, Spires sensitively portrays Lou procrastinating, making excuses, imagining alternatives and denying she cares. Ultimately, Lou faces her fear, and although she fails, the effort empowers her, encouraging a growth mindset. All the while, Lou's friends model compassionate friendship by offering to teach her how to climb and then moving the game. This book makes a perfect choice for a character education discussion about courage or resilience, or a life-skills lesson on facing challenges. The story also promotes the joy of imaginative play in the outdoors.

My Thoughts:

The best part about this story is that Lou doesn’t suddenly get over her fear. She works at it bit by bit, and even by the end of the story, she has not completely conquered it. The characters are of varied colors and appearances, and almost any child should be able to find someone like him or her.

Possible Objectionable Material:

Children play outside unsupervised and climb trees.

Who Might Like This Book:

Anyone dealing with a fear or phobia.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC.