More Picture Books for Young Readers

Tito the Magician

By Guido van Genechten

Age Range: 3 - 6 years

Grade Level: Preschool and up

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: Clavis (August 9, 2016)

ISBN-10: 1605372560

ISBN-13: 978-1605372563

Publisher’s Blurb:

Manu, the magician at Circus Rondo, is fantastic. With a little magic powder, a wand, and a few words, he can pull amazing things out of his top hat. Tito, the little clown, would love to do that kind of magic. But when he tries with his own little brown hat, the magic doesn’t work at all. Maybe it’s because he’s uncertain and shy. What would happen if Tito were to ask Manu to show him how the trick really works?

An endearing picture book about magic and daring, for children aged 3 years and up.

My Thoughts:

This book didn’t wow me. The illustrations were cute, but the only real message seems to be, “If you believe in yourself, things will work out.” Manu doesn’t exactly explain to Tito how the trick works, so all we’re left with is “Believe.” That’s great, but how are kids going to apply that, since, honestly, belief alone won’t make you great at anything. It seems somehow incomplete.

On a Journey

By Guido van Genechten

Age Range: 4 - 7 years

Grade Level: Preschool - 3

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: Clavis (March 15, 2016)

ISBN-10: 1605372765

ISBN-13: 978-1605372761

Publisher’s Blurb:

A heartwarming picture book about traveling together, sharing new experiences, and letting yourself be amazed by the world around you. For ages 4 and up.

My Thoughts:

This simple story follows two animals on a long, long, roadtrip. Yes, someone does ask “Are we there yet?” The underlying message is to enjoy the journey—it’s not all about the destination, and travel can teach you things you didn’t expect.

The illustrations are cute and the story is just the right level of complexity for small child

 

Cleo

By Sassafras De Bruyn

Age Range: 5 and up

Grade Level: Kindergarten and up

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: Clavis (May 10, 2016)

ISBN-10: 1605372633

ISBN-13: 978-1605372631

Publisher’s Blurb:

Cleo is sad. She always has to hurry. To the bus. To school. She often feels lonely. But one day she’ll go far away, to a place where she defeats sea monsters and where clouds taste like whipped cream. Only her cat will come with her. But suddenly there is a boy…

A touching story about a girl who isn’t as alone as she thought she was. For daydreamers aged 5 and up.

My Thoughts:

The beautiful illustrations really carry this story of a little girl and her imaginative adventures. The narrative is lyrical and lovely also. My biggest qualm about this book is the script font, which will prevent new readers from reading it to themselves.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARCs.

The Spinfords

By AnnMarie Martin

Paperback: 44 pages

Publisher: Black Bed Sheet Books; 1st edition (April 3, 2016)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0692685197

ISBN-13: 978-0692685198

 Publisher’s Blurb:

What's the one thing in the world that scares kids the most? Being different.

But not Salvatore. You see, Salvatore's webs are different. Much to his family's disappointment. Because this family of circus-performing spiders has built their act off tradition. Webs are circles, period.

 

But not Salvatore's. And over his father's squashed body is he going to let him perform with them. It would ruin all they worked for since Grandpa Sebastian Spinford started their show back in 1934. But Salvatore knows better. He knows the crowd is craving something new and fresh. And with his grandfather's help, he's going to prove it.

Salvatore's story will give children of all ages the confidence to be themselves, no matter what.

My Thoughts:

Another story about someone with out-of-the-box thinking, this one doesn’t really break any new ground or offer any startling new insights. The illustrations are cute. The font choice could be a little tricky, and using reverse type (white on black) could be hard on the eyes for some.

 Biggest quibble: It says Salvatore has to create a “one-dimensional” circular web. One dimension is a line. I believe the author means two-dimensional—height and length, or length and width if you prefer. Where was the editor on that one? 

The message that not all art has to be representational is fine, but, again, nothing new.

 Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC.

Another Twist on Disney

Once Upon a Dream: A Twisted Tale

By Liz Braswell

Age Range: 12 - 17 years

Grade Level: 7 - 12

Series: A Twisted Tale

Hardcover: 448 pages

Publisher: Disney Press (April 5, 2016)

ISBN-10: 1484707257

ISBN-13: 978-1484707258

 Publisher’s Blurb:

What if the sleeping beauty never woke up? Once Upon a Dream marks the second book in a new YA line that reimagines classic Disney stories in surprising new ways.

It should be simple--a dragon defeated, a slumbering princess in a castle, a prince poised to wake her. But when the prince falls asleep as his lips touch the fair maiden's, it is clear that this fairy tale is far from over.

With a desperate fairy's last curse controlling her mind, Princess Aurora must escape from a different castle of thorns and navigate a dangerously magical landscape--created from her very own dreams. Aurora isn't alone--a charming prince is eager to join her quest, and old friends offer their help. But as Maleficent's agents follow her every move, Aurora struggles to discover who her true allies are and, moreover, who she truly is. Time is running out. Will the sleeping beauty be able to wake herself up?

My Thoughts:

I liked this one much better than A Whole New World, the first in this series, which took on Disney’s Aladdin. (I review it here) Just to refresh your memory, these books take the classic Disney movies and say “What if...?” What if one thing had changed at a pivotal moment?

In this case, the question is, “What if Maleficent didn’t quite die when Phillip stabbed her in dragon form?”

At first, Aurora is annoying—listless, uncaring, just drifting through life. She has no real personality. But, as she discovers just what is going on, she develops drive and purpose.

Better still is the relationship between Aurora and Phillip. She begins to question how they instantly fell in love, and why. She isn’t satisfied with his loving her because she was happy, or beautiful. He wants him to see more in her and, through their shared experiences in defeating Maleficent once and for all, he does. For those who know my antipathy to “insta-love”, you’ll understand just why this is so satisfying for me.

If I hadn’t liked this “Twisted Tale” so much, I doubt I would have been willing to give the next installment a chance. As it is, I’m looking forward to it.

Possible Objectionable Material:

Violence, scary situations. Aurora and Phillip share a bed, but in the ways of knights, he places his sword between them because, well, because that’s what chivalry does.

Who Might Like This Book:

Disney movie fans. Those who like alternate takes on familiar tales. It’s definitely appropriate for the suggested age range, but older people (like me) can enjoy it, too.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC.

Time Travel for Christmas

Strangers at the Manger (Chime Travelers)

By Lisa M. Hendey

Age Range: 7 - 10 years

Grade Level: 2 - 5

Series: Chime Travelers (Book 5)

Paperback: 128 pages

Publisher: Servant (August 19, 2016)

ISBN-10: 1632531003

ISBN-13: 978-1632531001

 

Publisher’s Blurb:

In this exciting new installment in the popular Chime Traveler series for elementary students, Patrick and Katie Brady are introduced to an immigrant family who recently arrived at St. Anne’s Parish. A tinkling bell transports the twins to first-century Bethlehem, where they meet the Holy Family—and come to understand what it is like to be a “stranger at the manger.” This unique retelling of the Christmas story will help children grow in faith and compassion. Illustrations by Jenn Bower. 

 

My Thoughts:

This is the fifth book in a series and, though I haven’t read the preceding books, it was not really necessary to my understanding of the premise that Patrick and Katie have discovered a way to travel through time to witness important religious events.

 

This particular event is one of the most important of all: the birth of Christ. Although these children are church-goers, and know the story well, there is a lesson they must learn about compassion and making room for those less fortunate, and how better to learn it than by witnessing Mary and Joseph being turned away from places of lodging.

 

I know the story well, too, and I still got all goosebumpy when the author described the children looking at the newborn Child.

 

The narrative flows well, and is appropriate for the intended grade level, though those at the higher end might find it a bit dull. While there is a simple conflict, there’s nothing really “exciting” about the book. It is a good way, however, to help modern children think about the religious stories they know.

 

Possible Objectionable Material:

Some people are bothered by people telling Bible stories in ways that aren’t exactly the way they are in the Bible—taking liberties with the history in order to tell a story. There is a little bit of sibling rivalry.

 

Who Might Like This Book:

People who like the Christmas story, religious stories, and scripture stories.

 

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC.

 

Cuisine from Many Lands

The World In My Kitchen: Global recipes for kids to discover and cook

By Sally Brown and Kate Morris

Paperback: 160 pages

Publisher: Nourish (July 26, 2016)

ISBN-10: 1848992971

ISBN-13: 978-1848992979

 

Publisher’s Blurb:

Imagine a book that transports kids thousands of miles away with the fresh, healthy dishes of different lands. This book leads little people to explore countries and cuisines to try themselves. Simple recipes, using fresh, healthy and easy-to-source ingredients, with suggested substitutions, will open up different tastes, aromas and cuisines.

 

My Thoughts:

This is a great beginning cookbook for kids. The instructions are very clear, with notes for where adult “sous chefs” are needed. The book gives a basic list of utensils needed, as well as an overview of organization and cooking techniques. Important skills such as chopping, cracking eggs, grating, measuring, etc., are clearly explained, with photos and illustrations.

 

Recipes are organized by continent and country, with insights into cultures and traditions behind the foods. I particularly enjoyed the explanations of different types of rices and spices.

 

Overall, this book teaches a bit of geography as well as giving some tasty recipes for budding young cooks. I can’t wait to get my daughter into the kitchen!

 

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC.

Bedtime!

Mabel and the Queen of Dreams

By Henry Herz

Grade Level: Preschool - 1

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: Schiffer; 1 edition (August 28, 2016)
http://www.schifferbooks.com/mabel-and-the-queen-of-dreams-6046.html

ISBN-10: 0764351370

ISBN-13: 978-0764351372

 

Publisher’s Blurb:

Little Mabel is an expert at not going to sleep. She knows all the best bedtime-avoiding excuses. "I'm thirsty." "I need to use the bathroom." "Will you tell me a story?" Luckily, Mom's quiver of bedtime tales includes the story of the Fae Queen, who paints children's dreams and can only visit when their eyes are closed. Inspired by Mercutio's soliloquy in Romeo & Juliet, in which he details how the tiny fairy queen influences people's dreams as she passes by in her flying chariot, the soothing story evokes images of an ant in a worn gray coat and a hazelnut-shell chariot with a roof of grasshopper wings. Told in lyrical language that adults will also appreciate, the story helps parents get their kids to sleep. For ages 0-6.

 

My Thoughts:

Sweet and fanciful illustrations tell the story of how the Queen of the Fae helps children go to sleep. Mabel’s ploys to avoid sleep will resonate with parents, and her mother’s soothing tale of the Faery Queen helps Mable to calm down and fall asleep. This Queen is much more gentle than the Queen Mab of Mercutio’s soliloquy in Romeo and Juliet, but I appreciate the nod to Shakepeare in the author’s note.

 

Possible Objectionable Material:

Mabel says she has to pee. Fairies.

 

Who Might Like This Book:

Children who don’t like to go to sleep.

 

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC.

Forgettable tales

King Garnet Stories

By Marianne Parry

Paperback: 36 pages

Publisher: Matador (March 28, 2016)

ISBN-10: 178589076X

ISBN-13: 978-1785890765

 

Publisher’s Blurb:

King Garnet Stories is a collection of 3 tales about the well-loved and happy King Garnet, as well as his wife Queen Amanda and their friend King Grundle. King Garnet loves everyone in his kingdom and everyone in his kingdom loves him, One morning, he awakes to find his legs have grown in the night, so that his feet hang over the bed. At first, he is pleased to show off his new height but, as the days pass, his legs grow so fast that they reach the bedroom door - and even go half way down the grand staircase! Someone is calling a spell on him, but who can it be? King Garnet is so loved that surely no one would want to cause him harm...And more importantly, will his legs every shrink back to normal? Bored of hearing the story of his ever growing legs, Queen Amanda decides to put a stop to his yabbering. She makes a desperate bid to stop him from talking and magically he stops speaking all together! Last, but not least, we follow the story of King Grundle, King Garnet's oldest and most loyal friend. After a misunderstanding between the two kings, they decide to engage their bored soldiers in a mock battle. The people enjoy it so much that they decide to make it an annual event to unite the two kingdoms. Full of magic and adventure, King Garnet Stories is a fun and exciting collection of short stories for children aged 5 - 7 years old.

 

My Thoughts:

The premise is better than the execution. The illustrations help, but the stories are mostly telling, with very little dialogue or interaction. There is little conflict to drive the plot, and very little character development. The stories are...okay. My child lost interest quickly, because not enough happens to keep a reader engaged in the story. By the time I’d finished the book, I’d forgotten what the second of the three stories was even about. Really can’t say much more, it was just…forgettable.

 

Possible Objectionable Material:

A soldier is bored, so he almost causes a war. The Queen is bossy in a kind of stereotypical woman way.

 

Who Might Like This Book:

Someone who likes fairytale-type stories.

 

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC.

Cooking can (help) cure your woes

Billy Bramble and the Great Big Cook-Off

By Sally Donovan

Age Range: 8 - 12 years

Grade Level: 3 - 7

Paperback: 192 pages

Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Publishers (March 21, 2016)

ISBN-10: 1849056633

ISBN-13: 978-1849056632

 

Publisher’s Blurb

"Want to know something else about me? I am Billy Bramble: the King, the President and the Emperor of Bad Lucksville. I am the Chief Executive of Bad Luck Limited, the Bad Luck Champion of the World, the Bad Luck Guinness World Record holder and it's all thanks to my invisible dog Gobber. He's my Bringer of Bad Luck."

Billy Bramble likes rude words, smelly farts, loud farts and freestyle sneezing but when BAD THINGS happen, his invisible angry dog Gobber barks in his ears, gives him brain mash and breaks things. One day a competition is announced at school - The Great Big Cook Off - can Billy Bramble defeat Gobber and change his epic bad luck?


An irreverent story for children aged 8-12 about a less than perfect boy, this book will inspire any child who's ever secretly thought they might be less than perfect too.


My Thoughts:

As a parent of a child who has been receiving treatment for anxiety, Billy quickly resonated with me. So much of his behavior and thoughts sounded so very familiar to me! Billy gives his anxiety a name in the form of Gobber, and Gobber often keeps Billy from doing what he wants to do.

 

However, with patient parents and a sympathetic teacher, Billy finds something to focus on that keeps his mind off Gobber: cooking (a passion my child shares). Even with this newfound skill, things are not magically better for Billy, and he often wants to give up.

 

Americans might have some issues with this book, as British colloquialisms are used, though you should be able to figure it out with little trouble.

 

I liked that Billy’s problems didn’t magically evaporate—overcoming anxiety is a process full of setbacks, and it takes time. I also appreciate that his parents weren’t endlessly patient, since dealing with an anxious child can be frustrating.

 

Possible Objectionable Material:

Bullying, naughty behavior—both deliberate and as a result of anxiety.

 

Who Might Like This Book:

Kids (or adults) who like cooking or who have experienced anxiety or other issues that make it hard to be a part of the world sometimes. And anyone who likes stories about a boy who overcomes (mostly) his troubles.

 

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC!

At least the photos are cute

How to Talk to Your Cat About Gun Safety: And Abstinence, Drugs, Satanism, and Other Dangers That Threaten Their Nine Lives

By Zachary Auburn

Paperback: 144 pages

Publisher: Three Rivers Press (October 4, 2016)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 045149492X

ISBN-13: 978-0451494924

 

Publisher’s Blurb:

The cats of America are under siege! 

Long gone are the good old days when a cat’s biggest worries were mean dogs or a bath. Modern cats must confront satanists, online predators, the possibility of needing to survive in a post-apocalyptic wasteland, and countless other threats to their nine lives.

For over four decades, the American Association of Patriots have stood at the vanguard of our country's defense by helping to prepare our nation's cat owners for the difficult conversations they dread having with their pets. Written in a simple Q&A format, How to Talk to Your Cat About Gun Safety answers crucial questions such as, “What is the right age to talk to my cat about the proper use of firearms?” and “What are the benefits of my cat living a lifestyle of abstinence?” and especially “Why does my cat need to use the internet? Can’t he just play with yarn like cats used to do?”

Our country—and our cats—stand at a precipice. It will take courage, and it will take hard work, but armed with the knowledge within these pages, we can make our cats—and America—great again!

 

My Thoughts:

This book wasn’t funny. I could see what it was trying to do—parody ultra-conservative pamphlets about how to protect your children. But it was so literal in its imitation that there was no fun to the parody.

 

It does, however, have cute pictures of cats.

 

Possible Objectionable Material:

You may not agree with the quite conservative “teachings” in this book. You might also be bored by the lack of humor.

 

Who Might Like This Book:

People who like parodies and poking fun at conservative culture. People who like photos of cute cats.

 

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC.

Happy Happy HIppos

 

Harvey the Hippo Wants to Fly

By Lisa Sankar-Zhu

Age Level: 2-7

Print Length: 33 pages

Publication Date: December 31, 2015

ASIN: B019GIT72S

 

Publisher’s Blurb:

An ebook, "Harvey Hippo Wants to Fly!", is about the most adorable hippo in the world! He is everybody's friend. Kids love him, and can't get enough of his stories for children - always published first in ebook form. Parents can’t help but love him too, because the kids stories he appears in are inspiring.

 

My Thoughts:

First thought? The blurb is totally useless.

 

Okay. This book has really cute illustrations, and an entertaining story. Harvey wants to fly and, even though his parents don’t understand the desire, they try to help him. After repeated failures, Harvey’s mother, finally understanding just why he wants so badly to fly, encourages him to look at the problem from another angle, and that enables Harvey to reach his goal at last.

 

Harvey Hippo Invites a New Friend to Lunch

By Lisa Sankar-Zhu

Age Level: 2-7

Print Length: 30 pages

Publication Date: June 30, 2016

ASIN: B01EQQVAUC

 

Publisher’s Blurb:

Harvey Hippo has many friends, and he’s always making new ones. In this second book in the Harvey Hippo picture book series, we meet his new friend. He wants to invite her over to lunch and his parents agree. Boy, are they in for a surprise!

 

My Thoughts:

This second installment of Harvey Hippo is just as cute as the first, and continues the subtle lessons for young children. This time, Harvey’s friend is someone his parents might not have considered asking over. She eats rather differently from them, and has never eaten grass pie before. Nonetheless, she turns out to be a delightful guest, and Harvey’s parents are ready to meet another of his unusual friends some time.

 

Possible Objectionable Material:

As with most picture books, there’s very little I can come up with. Harvey is allowed to use hammer and nails while building wings. He and his new friend play on their electronic devices in Harvey’s room. You can see I’m really stretching here.

 

Who Might Like This Book:

These are great readalouds for the target age range, who will enjoy the bright illustrations, the comfortable family life, and the happy stories.

 

 

Thank you, NetGalley for the ARCs.