Giraffe Problems - a review

Giraffe Problems

by Jory John
Illustrated by Lane Smith
Random House, 2018



Below is my review of Giraffe Problems as it appeared in School Library Journal. Oct 2018, Vol. 64 Issue 10, p55, 2 p.


PreS-Gr 2-In a follow-up to Penguin Problems, John and Smith team up again and bring their zany brand of comedy. Edward the giraffe has a problem with his neck—it's just too necky. Who wants such a long neck? "Everybody stares at it. This guy. That guy. Him. Her. Them. Whatever that is. Her again." Edward envies his fellow African animals, who generally respond unfavorably. When Edward admires the zebra's classic stripes, the zebra snaps, "Quit staring at me," but it takes a self-effacing turtle named Cyrus to convince him that his neck is just perfect. A foldout page reveals Edward using his neck for its intended purpose. In a beautiful introduction to the uniqueness of a giraffe's spots, Smith has created large, block-printed spots in natural colors to adorn the end pages. The textured print continues throughout, visible in the hides of animals, the bark of trees, and the textured ground of the African plain. Of course, there is the theme of self-acceptance and a bit of sublime silliness as well, especially in Edwards's fruitless attempts at camouflage and in the expressively simple eyes of Cyrus the turtle. VERDICT This book will appeal to older preschoolers as well as elementary school kids, and would lend itself perfectly to dramatic interpretation or an art lesson in sponge or block printing.

Copyright © 2018 School Library Journal, the property of Media Source, Inc.  Reprinted here with permission.

Peek inside Giraffe Problems.


My copy of Giraffe Problems was provided by SLJ.
 

How to Give Your Cat a Bath in Five Easy Steps - a review

How to Give Your Cat a Bath in Five Easy Steps

by Nicola Winstanley
Illustrations by John Martz
Tundra, 2019

The “five easy steps” in the book’s title are more difficult than they sound when the cat refuses to cooperate! The title page shows a dark-skinned girl with pink hair striding purposefully with a limp white cat under her arm. All signs point to a successful bath experience until,

STEP ONE
Fill the tub with warm water. 

The girl fills the tub with too much warm water, prompting a new step one,

STEP ONE
Put a little warm water in the bath. 

As “step one,” changes with the circumstances, Mr. Flea, escapes. After a lengthy (and messy) search throughout the house, step one becomes,

STEP ONE
Have some milk and cookies. 

The steps change amusingly as the cat wreaks havoc in the house, the water cools to an unacceptable temperature, and the process continues through a multitude of steps before resolving in a way that pleases as least one of the two! Simple ink drawings are digitally colored with a limited palette. The cat’s only coloring is a round pink nose that perfectly matches the girl’s hair buns. The same pink boldly lists the ever-increasing steps required to “give your cat a bath.” Pages are a soft beige with white comic book style margins. The text is witty and droll instruction,

STEP FIVE
Chase your cat down the stairs! 

The girl’s comments appear in white word bubbles above her head,

 “I thought you said there were only five steps!” 

The girl and Mr. Flea burst with action and expression. The result is a hilarious confirmation of the well-known fact that cats do whatever they please. How to Give Your Cat a Bath in Five Easy Steps is sure to be a favorite for small group sharing, cat families, and children who appreciate nuanced hilarity.

Peek inside How to Give Your Cat a Bath.

My copy of How to Give Your Cat a Bath was provided by LibraryThing Early Reviewers.

Picture book roundup - upcoming, new, and translated

Here are a few books that have recently come to my attention—one upcoming, one fairly new, and one newly translated.

Madeline Finn and the Shelter Dog 
By Lisa Papp
Peachtree, 2019

Sometimes a second book in a series doesn't measure up to the first. Madeline Finn and the Shelter Dog not only measures up, it surpasses Madeline Finn and the Library Dog. It's a wonderful story of dog adoption, volunteering, responsibility, reading, and libraries. What's not to love?

Due on shelves near you in March, 2019.

There's a Dinosaur on the Thirteenth Floor
By Wade Bradford
Illustrated by Kevin Hawkes
Candlewick, 2018

A smartly dressed bellhop, old-fashioned phones, and the slicked back hair, pince-nez, and bow-tie of Mr. Snore set up the retro atmosphere of this book on the first pages. Mr. Snore’s immediate need is also quickly apparent,

“Welcome to the Sharemore Hotel,” said the bellhop.
“You must be Mr. Snore. Let me show you to your room.”

“The sooner the better,” said Mr. Snore.
“I am very” —YAWN—“sleepy.”

But, alas, Mr. Snore is destined to have a long night before he finally finds a place to rest his head—and his hysterically large nose! On each floor, Mr. Snore finds himself paired with an unsuitable roommate, prompting continued calls to the ever-cheerful bellhop.

The generous 10x11 size of this book is the perfect showcase for this delightful high-rise hotel and its unusual occupants. Over-the-top illustrations are a perfect complement for often understated, but droll dialogue,

“How do you feel about bees?” asked the bellhop.
“The same way I feel about spiders,” said Mr. Snore.
“Please skip the sixth floor.”

The expressions of creatures and humans are priceless, popping in bright acrylics and ink. Even with the spoiler in its title, There’s a Dinosaur on the 13th Floor will still surprise you!

Hello Lilac — Good Morning, Yellow
by Judith Drews

Hello Lilac — Good Morning, Yellow is a book about colors that's perfect for very young listeners and sure to invite conversation and participation. Each color is featured on a two-page illustration with a very simple introduction,

"Good day, Brown. You look so cuddly."

On the facing page, you will find things that are commonly in that color, e.g., soil, basket, door, bun

What is so interesting in this book translated from German, is the phrasing and choice of items.  For example, orange's page says

"Dear Orange,  I prefer to eat you cold."

An unusual sentiment, but understandable from a child's point of view.  What child doesn't prefer a crisp carrot or juicy orange to cooked squash?

On the brown page, in addition to the above, you will find poop (!).  On the white page, amidst the more common items (snowman, egg, bone, sheep), you'll find toilet paper, a syringe, and a plug.  These choices seem peculiar, but they give us an insight into parenting in Germany, and they reflect the wide variety of items that kids will actually see, whether we choose to point them out or not!  Also making them more endearing is the fact that they are drawn in a manner similar to a child's drawing.

So, go ahead - point out those jellyfish, trophies, bird cages, screws, and gnats.  I'm sure it will result in some interesting conversation! The more I look at it, the more it grows on me. Peek inside Hello Lilac Good Morning, Yellow

There's a Dinosaur on the 13th Floor - a review

There’s a Dinosaur on the 13^th Floor

By Wade Bradford

Illustrated by Kevin Hawkes

A smartly dressed bellhop, old-fashioned phones, and the slicked back hair, pince-nez, and bow-tie of Mr. Snore set up the retro atmosphere of this book on the first pages.  Mr. Snore’s immediate need is also quickly apparent,

“Welcome to the Sharemore Hotel,” said the bellhop.

“You must be Mr. Snore. Let me show you to your room.”

“The sooner the better,” said Mr. Snore.

“I am very” —YAWN—“sleepy.”

But, alas, Mr. Snore is destined to have a long night before he finally finds a place to rest his head—and his hysterically large nose!  On each floor, Mr. Snore finds himself  paired with an unsuitable roommate, prompting continued calls to the ever-cheerful bellhop.

The generous 10x11 size of this book is the perfect showcase for this delightful high-rise hotel and its unusual occupants.  Over-the-top illustrations are a perfect complement for often understated, but droll dialogue,

“How do you feel about bees?” asked the bellhop.

“The same way I feel about spiders,” said Mr. Snore. 

“Please skip the sixth floor.”

The expressions of creatures and humans are priceless, popping in bright acrylics and ink.  Even with the spoiler in its title, There’s a Dinosaur on the 13^th Floor will still surprise you!  

A Q&A with Wade Bradford and Kevin Hawkes is available on the Candlewick Press site.

My copy of There's a Dinosaur on the 13th Floor was provided by LibraryThing Early Reviewers.

The Assassination of Brangwain Spurge - a review

The Assassination of Brangwain Spurge
by M.T. Anderson
Illustrations by Eugene Yelchin
Candlewick, 2018

You may think that you view the world (and imaginary worlds) with an unbiased eye, but The Assassination of Brangwain Spurge may change your mind.

In a diplomatic mission of the greatest importance between the kingdoms of elves and goblins, you may be surprised to find that the elvish historian, Brangwain Spurge is a bit of a supercilious twit, while Werfel, his goblin host, is well-mannered, conscientious, and kindly, as well as a historian in his own right.

M.T. Anderson and Eugene Yelchin combine to tell this epic story of adventure, politics, and diplomatic disasters in three distinct mediums: prose, letters, and illustrations.  In the manner of The Invention of Hugo Cabret, parts of the story are relayed solely in black and white illustrations, often wryly humorous. Letters from the Lord Spymaster to the king of the elves supplement the written and illustrated adventures of Spurge and Brangwain and fill in the grand clandestine plans of which the two historians are blissfully ignorant.

So, in this story of intrigue, perception, and the politics of kingdoms, which kingdom will prevail and how will history record it? Readers will not want to put it down until they find out. The Assassination of Brangwain Spurge is coming next month.  Make sure you have a copy in your library.

Some Brangwain Spurge extras:

• Take a sneak peak at The Assassination of Brangwain Spurge.

• View this humorous trailer featuring for The Assassination of Brangwain Spurge.

I am a Cat - a review

I am a Cat
by Galia Bernstein
Abrams, 2018

This is a positively delightful debut picture book that reminds us to celebrate our similarities rather than focus on our differences!

Read this for storytime, or use it as a humorous introduction to a lesson on animal classification. This is definitely one of my new favorites! Watch the video and see for yourself that I am a Cat is a "must-have" picture book.

I can't wait to see what @galiabernstein does next. 😺

The Three Little Pigs and the Somewhat Bad Wolf - a review redux

The Three Little Pigs and the Somewhat Bad Wolf (A StoryPlay Book)

by Mark Teague

TEAGUE, Mark. The Three Little Pigs and the Somewhat Bad Wolf, illus. by Mark Teague. 48p. Scholastic/Cartwheel. May 2017. Tr $5.99. ISBN 9781338157741.

PreS-Gr 2--When a farmer and his wife decide to move to Florida, they pay the three little pigs for their good work and send them on their way. And so begins the familiar adventure, with a comic twist. One pig spends his wages on potato chips, one buys "sody-pop," and the third, "who was altogether un-pig-like," buys building supplies. Teague's take on the story includes a hapless wolf who is very hungry and only somewhat bad. The three comically large anthropomorphic pigs are painted in Teague's signature action-packed, droll style. Jon Scieszka's The True Story of the Three Little Pigs may be the fractured folktale standard, but Teague's title is a worthy addition to the canon. This is a reissued, smaller variation of the original book (2013) and is repackaged as a "Story Play" book with two new additions--word bubble insets containing questions to promote early literacy skills (e.g., "Why was the wolf able to blow the straw house down?") and suggested writing and drawing prompts. VERDICT This version may suit educators but will be best shared in one-on-one settings because of its new, smaller size. For story-times, choose the original and enjoy these pigs in their full-size glory.


 Copyright © 2017 School Library Journal, the property of Media Source, Inc.  Reprinted here with permission.

All of these resources are available to accompany The Three Little Pigs and the Somewhat Bad Wolf. 

• Spot the Difference Activity
• Race to Safety Maze Activity
• Pigs Coloring Sheet
• Coloring Sheet With Speech Bubbles
• Build a Pig Fortress Activity
• Animal Match Up Activity
• Answer Key for Spot the Difference and Race to Safety

Note:
 My review of the original format of The Three Little Pigs and the Somewhat Bad Wolf is here.

They Didn't Teach This in Worm School - a review

They Didn't Teach This in Worm School! : One Worm's Tale of Survival
by Simone Lia

The publisher's description accurately captures the spirit of this book.

A hungry chicken (who thinks he’s a flamingo) and a quick-thinking worm set off on a madcap adventure — and forge an unlikely friendship.

Published first in the UK, it has a definite feel of British humor, which I enjoy.  I often think that we, as Americans, take ourselves too seriously.  Canadians and Brits definitely have a quirkier funny bone, and it is on full display in They Didn't Teach This in Worm School.  When Marcus and Laurence set off on their adventure, the goal is to find Africa so that Laurence can unite with his "fellow" flamingos.  Along the way, they become convinced that they've found France because of the many "Eiffel Towers" that they encounter.

Source: OpenClipart

Marcus and Laurence take this all in stride, even the fact that no one in "France" seems to speak French.  Things go poorly and, aided by some local worms, they narrowly escape with their lives, prompting Marcus to remark,

     I was really glad to have met these French worms.
     They were really kind and helpful.
     I liked them, even though they were weirdos.

Their adventures continue in a similar zany vein until eventually, all is sorted out, and the two have become fast friends despite their disparate interests.

My Advance Reader Copy was of one color, but the finished book with have two-color illustrations like this sample page:

Every page is illustrated to some degree, and there are occasional double-spread images throughout. Simone Lia's illustrations bear some resemblance to those of Sara Varon, but have more straight-up humor and none of Varos' pathos.

They Didn't Teach This in Worm School is a perfect choice for readers with a quirky sense of humor who won't mind a rather heavy-handed dose of ethics on the friendship front.

Look for this on a shelf near you in February, or pre-order it now.


My copy of They Didn't Teach This in Worm School was provided by LibraryThing's Early Reviewers.

The Bad Seed - a review

The Bad Seed
By Jory John
Illustrated by Pete Oswald
Harper, 2017

The Bad Seed was once a happy seed in a lovely sunflower. Could he help it that he was harvested for a bag of sunflower seeds and later spat out under the bleachers at the baseball game? It's no wonder he became bad!

Too often, I hear of "the bad kid" in school or even preschool! Preschool and elementary school children are way too young to be written off as "bad seeds."

I hope that The Bad Seed will remind us of three important things: not everyone is bad all the time; there is a reason for bad behavior; people can change. As the Bad Seed says,

"And even though I still feel bad, sometimes,
I also feel kind of good.
It's sort of a mix.
All I can do is keep trying."

The illustrations are funny and wonderfully expressive. If you work with children, share The Bad Seed.

Under-the-Bed Fred - a review

Under-the-Bed-Fred
By Linda Bailey
Illustrated by Colin Jack
Penguin Random House, 2017

Under-the-Bed-Fred is the first in a new chapter book series. Like many young kids, Leo is convinced there is a monster under his bed. He is right. Tired of leaping to/from the bathroom, Leo decides to confront the monster. Leo soon realizes that Fred is just doing his job—scaring kids is what he does. 

In Chapter 2, "The Monster Gets a Name," the author hits her stride and gives the reader a taste of Fred and Leo's personalities,

"What's your name?" asked Leo.
"I don't have one," said the monster.
"Everyone should have a name," said Leo.
"I know," said the monster. "I like Fred."
Leo blinked. "You want to be called Fred?"
"Could I?"
"I don't see why not," said Leo.
"Then say it," said the monster. "Say Fred. Say it nicely."
"Okay," said Leo. "Hi Fred. How are you doing, Fred? How's life, Fred?"
"Oh," said Fred. "That feels good!"

 And Fred, tickled pink with his new name, goes on to keep Leo up all night,

"Fred. Fred. Fred."
"Oh for Pete's sake," said Leo. He rolled over. He put his pillow over his head.
"Fred, Fred, Fred, Fred, Fred ..." said Fred.

The story continues with a requisite bully, Fred's visit to school, and a satisfactory conclusion. The vocabulary is simple enough for independent reading, but presented with humor and personality. The images are mixed media, but appear to be primarily watercolor. They are funny in a style that is reminiscent of a Nickelodeon cartoon. All of this is packaged in an attractive small-sized book with sturdy, glossy pages that will stand up in public and school libraries.

Although monsters under the bed are a trope in children's literature, Fred has charming tendencies that set him apart from the rest and he's worthy of investigation. It will be interesting to see the follow-up books. Kids should like this one!

Take a "look inside" Under the Bed Fred at the publisher's website.


My copy of Under the Bed Fred was provided by LibraryThing Early Reviewers