Oh, Theodore By Susan Katz Illustrated by Stacey Schuett Picture book Poetry * * * Stars (Pretty good) This book of connected poems tells the story of a boy and his guinea pig, Theodore, incorporating really well the guinea pig nature (all their noises and behaviors), Theodore’s unique personality, the care he requires, and the friendship/love that develops between the boy and his peeg. Gets my Wheek! of approval! Reviewed by YA Librarian
The Princess and the Pony by Kate Beaton Picture book * * * * Stars (Great!) Princess Pinecone is a warrior princess, but her folks keep giving her cozy sweaters instead of Useful Warrior Equipment (like armor and weapons and such). Prior to her birthday, she makes it abundantly clear that what she REALLY wants is a BIG, STRONG horse. They sort of get the message. Instead of another sweater, Princess Pinecone receives a small, … Read more
Evelyn Del Rey Is Moving Away by Meg Medina illustrations by Sonia Sánchez Picture book * * * * Stars (Great!) This picture book celebrates the friendship between two young girls – Daniela and Evelyn Del Rey – who live across the street from one another in similar buildings/apartments. They are best friends, but everything is about to change because Evelyn is moving away. They play among the moving boxes and Daniela thinks about the … Read more
Crossing Niagara by Matt Tavares Biography Nonfiction Picture book Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) Crossing Niagara is a nonfiction story about a guy named (called) Great Blondin. He crossed Niagara on a 3 inch wide rope and never fell. He did many tricks, including carrying a man on his back and standing on a chair. He finally left Niagara because he felt there was nothing left to accomplish.
Paul Meets Bernadette by Rosy Lamb Picture book * * * * Stars (Great!) Paul is a fish who spends his days swimming around and around his bowl. Then, one day, Bernadette drops in and shows him the Whole World outside their bowl. She’s very creative and Paul is very smitten. Thereafter, Paul’s new purpose is to swim around Bernadette. This is a very sweet story of friendship and the power of imagination. Paul and … Read more
Carnivores by Aaron Reynolds illustrated by Dan Santat Funny Picture book * * * Stars (Pretty good) A trio of carnivores form a support group because of hurt feelings – the animals they prey on make them feel bad. They try to become vegetarian. They try to disguise themselves and blend in. Finally, they invite the Great Horned Owl to come and speak to their group. He suggests that they accept who they are and … Read more
Hippospotamus by Jeanne Willis Picture book * * * Stars (Pretty good) Hippopotamus discovers a red spot on her bottom(us) and tries to do something about it. Her friends and acquaintances all have ideas about what may have caused it and how Hippopotamus can cure it. To no avail – none of their treatments work. Hippopotamus remains be-spotted until a boy makes a positive identification. Not a spot after all, it’s a…well, that would be … Read more
The Christmas Quiet Book by Deborah Underwood Illustrated by Renata Liwska Picture book * * * * Stars (Great!) Experience these carefully selected, quiet moments of Christmas through, “The Christmas Quiet Book.” There are all kinds of quiet: Hoping for a snow day quiet, Knocking with mittens quiet, Shattered ornament quiet, Listening for sleigh bells quiet, and more. Readers of all ages will enjoy the memories, feelings, and emotions they evoke. Sometimes, when a picture … Read more
Stardines Swim High Across the Sky and Other Poems by Jack Prelutsky Picture Book Poetry * * * * Stars (Great!) Jack Prelutsky’s poetic field guide to some neologistic creatures – carefully documented in the collages created by artist, Carin Berger – offers much to delight. From the titular “Stardines” which light the night skies and grant wishes, to the ChOrMOranTs who spend all their time engaged in pointless (but very important to them!) tasks … Read more
The Three Ninja Pigs by Corey Rosen Schwartz illustrated by Dan Santat Picture book * * * * Stars (Great!) This book gets points for being an excellent (and funny) story that actually uses rhyme to good effect (unlike a lot of the picture books I’ve been reading lately). A retelling of the Three Little Pigs, these 3 pigs decide to go on the offensive and prepare themselves for a wolf attack by taking classes … Read more