Tots to Teens & in beTween - Stuck by Oliver Jeffers

Title: Stuck

Author & Illustrator: Oliver Jeffers

Publisher: Philomel Books

Publication Date: November 10, 2011

Format: Hardback, 32 pages

Genre: Humor, Children's Book, Picture Book

How I Got It: I bought it

Summary from book: 

It all began when Floyd got his kite stuck in a tree… 
The trouble really began when he threw a shoe up to knock the kite loose, and that got stuck too, followed by… a ladder, a bucket of paint, the kitchen sink, an orangutan, and a whale who was in the wrong place at the wrong time. and that was just the start of things. If only Floyd could think of an idea to sort this out once and for all… 
A lough-out-loud storyof determination and inventiveness from worldwide picture book sensation Oliver Jeffers.

When Floyd's kite gets stuck in a tree, he's determined to get it down.  He doesn't really come up with the best ideas of on how to get it dow, but he sure is persistent!  Children will get a kick out of the increasingly larger and ridiculous objects Floyd throws at the tree in an effort to rescue his balloon.  Nothing is safe from the pint sized Hercules, not the cat, the neighbors house, the family car, or the wildlife.

So he threw up his other shoe

to knock down his FAVORITE one

and, unbelievably, 

that got stuck as well.

In order to knock down 

his other shoe,

Floyd fetched Mitch.

The illustrations are Jeffers' usual detailed and whimsical work, but a more scribbly style that gives the entire book a more impromptu feel.  There's still some funny details in his mixed media illustrations and the style fits the absurdity of the story.  Jeffers still tells a wonderfully funny story that will have kids and adults giggling.  My first graders really got into this one and your kids will too.

Verdict:

Visually a bit different from his usual, Stuck is still a fabulously funny and original story form Oliver Jeffers.  I do think the handwritten text, a mix of print and cursive as well as upper and lower case, might challenge readers who haven't yet mastered cursive writing.  But even so, Stuck remains a wonderful story and a must have for your family library.

Related Links & Reviews:

Waking Brain Cells review (good classroom activity idea)

1 Book Per Day review

Underage reading quick review

Tots to Teens & in beTween - Madam President by Lane Smith

Title: Madam President

Author & Illustrator: Lane Smith

Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children

Publication Date: 2008

Format: Hardback, 40 pages

Genre: Children's book, Picture book, politics

How I Got It: the library

Summary from book:
A little girl imagines what her day would be like if she were Madam President.  There would be executive orders to give, babies to kiss, tuna casseroles to veto… and so much more!  Not to mention that recess would definitely require more security.

With deadpan wit and hilarious illustrations, best-selling picture book creator Lane Smith introduces readers to an unforgettable new character.

Smith has created a spunky and precocious little girl practicing for the day that she'll be president.

Katy rushes through her day (wearing a flared pant suit, no less) giving executive orders, approving lunches, negotiating treaties between cats and dogs, being diplomatic (which is why she's not commenting on that hat), and most importantly - vetoing!

Even though it's exhausting, she really gets into the veto groove.  Recess requires more security...

… and oral reports become press conferences.

"That's top secret.

No comment.

I'll get back to you on that.

I won't dignify that question with a response.

C'mon Tiffany, get real!

No comment.

Let me think about that.

I know you are, but what am I?

Next question.

No comment!"

She has chosen the appropriate toys to fill her cabinet.  There are the normal positions plus the Secretary of Fantasy, Pizza, and Pets Who should Be in Their Cages just to name a few.  She's so full of spunk and the go get 'em attitude that I was instantly reminded of the little boy from Bob Shea's Big Plans which was illustrated by Smith (reviewed).  I was pleased to see that when Katy had to respond to the disaster that was her messy room, underneath presidential biographies was a copy of Big Plans .  (In fact there are a lot of neat details hidden in her room and on her shelves.)  Smith's sense of humor and fantastic collage style illustrations are in full force in this book.  Madam President makes a wonderful read aloud as well as a book kids can simply sit and enjoy the visuals.

Verdict:

Madam President is a great picture book with a fun story.  It's a good one to teach with as well as spark the imagination. And while I recommend that you pick it up right away, unless this book really grabs your child, I suggest getting it from the library.

Related Reviews:

Girl's Just Reading review (Her 3 year old began to veto naps)

Literature Love review

Tots to Teens & in beTween - Oddfellow's Orphanage by Emily Winfield Martin

Title: Oddfellow's Orphanage

Author: Emily Winfield Martin

Illustrator: Emily Winfield Martin

Publisher: Random House Children's Books

Publication Date: January 24, 2012

Genre: Children's books, Early Chapter book

How I Got It: from NetGalley for review

Goodreads Summary:
What do an onion-headed boy, a child-sized hedgehog, and a tattooed girl have in common? They are all orphans at Oddfellow's Orphanage! This unusual early chapter book began life as a series of full-color portraits with character descriptions. Author/illustrator Emily Martin has fleshed out the world of Oddfellow's with an episodic story that follows a new orphan, Delia, as she discovers the delights of her new home. From classes in Cryptozoology and Fairy Tale Studies to trips to the circus, from Annual Hair Cutting Day to a sea monster-sighting field trip, things at Oddfellows are anything but ordinary . . . except when it comes to friendships. And in that, Oddfellows is like any other school where children discover what they mean to each other while learning how big the world really is.

Emily Martin brings a very strange place to life with her unique style of both art and writing.

Martin's Oddfellow's Orphanage is filled with interesting characters, a sweet writing style, and some delightful details.  My review copy was filled with some lovely pencil sketches that were prominently marked "Art Not Final" so I'm not quite sure what the finished result will be.  If the final printing includes more detailed versions of the sketches I think children will enjoy the illustrations.  If we're lucky enough for the final art to be in color then I believe the book will have more of whimsical feel to compliment Martin's world.

Oddfellow's Orphanage is written as a series of vignettes focusing on life at the orphanage throughout the year.  We follow a young mute girl named Delia as she is brought in by the orphanage's founder Oddfellow Bluebeard who is "as gentle and kind as the other Bluebeard was cruel".  The children are taught by a collection of quirky but kind teachers.  Some of the subjects they study are fairytales, astronomy, and M.O.N.S.T.E.R.S (Mysterious Or Nonexistent Subjects Thoroughly Examined Really Scientifically).   This is an orphanage, so each child has lost their family and this is touched on throughout the book and in the illustrated character descriptions that separate each chapter.  Martin is very gentle in this regard, but the orphans do remember their family and one chapter, "A very Curious Tradition" (about Haircut Day) focuses a bit on a boy's loss and grief.

While a quick read, Oddfellow's Orphanage is not at all a fast paced book.  While I wouldn't describe it as adventurous, I think the stories would appeal to younger readers.  Martin's writing is gentle but occasionally comes close to being saccharine.  There isn't a lot of action but there are surprises and enjoyable details in the idyllic setting.  The orphans come from a variety of backgrounds from circuses and onion fields to wealthy and poor city families.  There are dancing bears, talking onions and hedgehogs, mystical beasts, and some general fun.  Oddfellow's Orphanage is an early chapter book that I think would make a nice bedtime read aloud for younger children.

Some parts I liked:

The boat was large, but not large enough to dream of being called a ship.

Hugo, the little hedgehog, was orphaned at a cery early age.  Consequently, he became quite attached to a coarse-bristle scrubbing brush.  When he was rescued by Headmaster Oddfellow Bluebeard and separated from his beloved brush, he quickly attempted to build a nest in the headmaster's facial hair, which in texture bore a slightly less striking resemblance to his departed mother.  With time, Hugo has grown more independent and much larger, as his stomach seems to be bottomless.

Verdict:

Oddfellow's Orphanage is a sweet early chapter book would make a nice read aloud for younger children as well.  While not action packed, Martin's quiet stories are filled with detail and curiosities that will keep children involved.  The pencil sketches in my galley hint at some fantastic final illustrations that are hope will be in color.  The episodic chapters are nice, and Martin's writing comes close to being cutesy and sentimental but I think it's only something an adult reader would notice.  While nice, Oddfellow's Orphanage isn't for everyone, so I recommend picking it up at your local library if you think it's a fit for your family.

Related Reviews:

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Tots to Teens & in beTween - It's a Little Book by Lane Smith

Title: It's a Little Book

Author & Illustrator:
Lane Smith

Publisher:
Roaring Book Press

Publication Date:
August 30, 2011

Format: Board Book

Genre: Children's book, Picture Book
Other Books in the Series:
It's a Book (reviewed)

How I Got It: I bought it

Goodreads Summary: 

Now in diapers! For the youngest of readers who still prefer to chew on a book rather than read it, It's a Little Book asks what a book is for--Is it for chewing? Is it for wearing?--and answers the question in a warm and charming way. As funny and captivating as the bestselling It's a Book, It's a Little Book promises to delight a new generation of readers.

I liked It's a Book (reviewed), but agree that even though it's a picture book, it's not really meant for kids.  For everyone who didn't like (or sometimes violently hated) the ending, Smith brings you a more child appropriate version.  Following a the same format as before, baby Donkey repeatedly interrupts baby Monkey, asking what exactly does one do with a book?

Courtesy of Macmillan Publishers

Courtesy of Macmillan Publishers

Courtesy of Macmillan Publishers

Courtesy of Macmillan Publishers

Quite frankly, this board book is a little gem.  The baby Monkey and Donkey are cute and younger children will enjoy the Donkey's ignorance of books.  I've ordered a copy for our library but also took my copy in to read with our three and four-year-olds.  They loved it.  The kids giggled and laughed, the love saying "No" in a really exaggerated manner, it was a lot of fun.  Smith's textured illustrations are simple and sweet and children always crack up when they notice that both characters are wearing diapers.

Verdict:

It's a Little Book is a book for younger kids, and totally child appropriate.  Like it's predecessor, this isn't a book that you're going to read loads of times, but it sure is fun.  However, if you have a child who enjoys books, you might get a lot of mileage out of this one.  It's a great way to teach your child good book behavior and is a good buy for librarians and kindergarten teachers.  Also, an excellent baby shower gift for an expectant bibliophile.

Zombie lovers have got to give The Walking Dead graphic novel a try

This isn't so much a review of The Walking Dead series as it is a general FYI and reading recommendation.

It's no secret that I'm a pansy with an overactive imagination which means I don't read a lot of "scary" books.  Most zombie books freak me out, but I really enjoyed The Walking Dead series.  I had originally borrowed the first few volumes from a friend and loved it.  It's an excellent story filled with action, drama, and lots and lots of body parts.  I think it's a perfect series for those who enjoy the horror genre or the TV series.  It's also a great comic for those who don't normally or never have read comics.  The Walking Dead  is a straight forward story with illustrations.  It is well laid out and easy to follow, a good choice for those wanting to give graphic novels a try.  While I prefer Tony Moore's style over Charlie Adlard, the black and white illustrations are generally fantastic but violent and graphic.

This Christmas I got my husband The Walking Dead Compendium, Vol. 1 which includes issues 1-48.  It's huge, over 1,000 pages, and a bit daunting.  I would recommend getting the smaller volumes which are only 144 pages long.  You should trying them out from your library, but be warned, there's normally a wait for the books.

Review - Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Title: Cinder (Lunar Chronicles, book #1)

Author: Marissa Meyer

Publisher: Feiwel & Friends

Publication Date: January 3, 2012

Genre: YA, Fairytale, Science Fiction

Other books in the series:

Scarlet, book #2, TBR 2013
Cress, book #3, TBR 2014 
Winter, book #4, TBR 2015

How I Got It: from NetGalley for review

Goodreads Summary: 

Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. . . .

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.

In this thrilling debut young adult novel, the first of a quartet, Marissa Meyer introduces readers to an unforgettable heroine and a masterfully crafted new world that’s enthralling.

I really, really, liked this one. A lot.  I must point out that this is a science fiction book filled with the gizmos and jargon one would expect from a science fiction story, but the terminology never gets overwhelming.  Meyer has done an excellent job of creating a fully realized futuristic culture and society that's still, in my opinion, accessible to readers who aren't accustomed to the genre.

Cinder is a fantastic retelling of the Cinderella story with a sci fi twist.  Cinder is a cyborg with no memory of her life before she was 11 years old.  She has no idea why she's a cyborg, all she knows is that it makes her a reviled "second-class citizen", when truthfully she's more of a slave.  Despite the isolation and abuse being a cyborg brings, Cinder is still a loving person. While she can't show the depth of her affection, she loves her younger stepsister and the old robot that has become her friend.  It's her reputations as an exceptional mechanic that brings the charming Prince Kai to her stall in the market.  Cinder treasures her interactions with Kai; one of the few who treat her with kindness and respect.  Their friendship grows with hints of deeper feelings, but she knows nothing can come of it.  Kai is the crown prince, there's no way they could ever be together, and if he found out that she was a cyborg it would be horrible.

Kai, in turn, is not some pretty prince who's only trotted out for balls.  His father is dying from the letumosis disease that's sweeping across Earth.  He knows he will soon become an emperor who must deal with a large empire, a plague, and the saber rattling Lunar Queen, Levana.  He must sacrifice everything, even his love, in order to protect his people and prevent a war.

Normally I'm excited when I find out a book will be part of a series.  It gives me more time with a world and characters that I've come to enjoy.  Not this time.  This time I really wanted it to be a standalone so that Kai and Cinder would get the HEA that the original fairytale promises.  But no, Meyer gives us a killer cliffhanger that has me on pins and needles for book #2.  Rest assured, it's not one of those useless cliff hangers that irritate you and drag out the story.  No, this is a cliffhanger that makes you yell at the book, despair for your characters, and start stalking the author's blog for any hints or reassuring snippets regarding the sequel.  And then you look at the titles of the following books, and GASP, you might have to wait on that Kai/Cinder HEA, but oh boy what is she going to do with those other fairytales?  And then I had no choice but to squee an embarrassingly big fangirl squee.

  
Cinder reminded me a lot of Firefly.  Meyer created an intriguing mix of future technology mixed with Asian culture and an enjoyable dose of drama.  There are hover cars, robots, cyborgs, illegal Lunar aliens, class warfare, a lost princess, a scarred princess, an evil moon queen, a mysterious illness, a draft to use cyborgs as medical test subjects, and war looming on the horizon.  It's quite the space opera, but toned down by the injustice the Cinder and the other cyborgs live under as well as the "realness" of the hero and heroine.  Cinder has survived so much and has become so strong as a person, she will be doing her own saving, thank you very much.  (I think she might turn into quite the badass by the end of the series.)  Kai is handsome, charming, and intelligent.  He's very aware that following his heart could drag his country into a brutal war that they would lose.  His choices are few and break his heart, but he will do what's best for his people.  These two have a lot to work out, but you can't help but want them to get their Happily Ever After.

Verdict:

Cinder is an excellent story and I CAN'T WAIT for the sequel!  I realize that science fiction might not be for everyone, and this is not a light and fluffy sci-fi book.  However, I think that the familiarity of the Cinderella story will help those new to the genre navigate Meyer's excellent futuristic world. Cinder pulls you in and forges an emotional connection with the reader making it a difficult book to put down.  (But sometimes you must because you're angry, or your heart hurts, or your family misses you and would like to see you again.)  I'm kind of waffling between a 5 or 6 star rating.  I think I'll go with 5 stars for now, but I can easily see my love for this growing as the series continues.

Related Links & Reviews:

Figment has the first 5 chapters HERE
Hobbitsies review
Angieville review
My Bookish Ways review

Tots to Teens & in beTween - A little bunny love

I had some bunny books that wanted to review, so I thought I'd make a theme post out of it.

Little White Rabbit         Bunny Days

Snow Rabbit, Spring Rabbit: A Book of Changing Seasons

Title: Little White Rabbit

Author & Illustrator:
Kevin Henkes

Publisher: Greenwillow Books

Publication Date: 2011

Format: Hardback, 40 pages

Genre: Children's books, Picture Books

How I Got It: free from Library Thing for review

Summary from book:

One bright spring day a little white rabbit sets out from home on an adventure.

What does he find?

Look!  Everything is new.

Anything is possible…

Little white rabbit hops through the fields, exploring the world around him.  He wonders what it would be like to be green like the grass, tall as a tree, or still as a rock.  

He even wonders what it would be like to fly like the butterflies above him.  

When he hops past a cat he's "too frightened to wonder anything".  He hops back home as quickly as he can.  Once home he receives a kiss from his parent and snuggles up with his siblings.

Soon little white rabbit was home.

He still wondered about many things, 

but he didn't wonder who loved him.

I once worked with a wonderful librarian who called Kevin Henkes her book husband - she loved everything he did.  He's creates fantastic characters, tells wonderful stories, and his illustrations were always expressive with fun details sprinkled throughout.  Little White Rabbit is yet another example of why he's such a wonderful children's author and illustrator.  Henkes has said that he's been interested in creating books for younger children with "very direct, succinct stories." and he's done just that.  This is a sweet little book with softly colored illustrations.  Younger children will enjoy little white rabbit's explorations and the full page illustrations of his wanderings and wonderings will definitely engage younger ones.  My kindergarten students were quite enthusiastic in their discussions over what it would be like if they were green or could fly like butterflies.  I especially like Little White Rabbit because it's very easy to get children to talk about the story itself as well as apply their own thoughts and imagination to it (useful for both teachers and parents).

Verdict:

Little White Rabbit is a quiet and sweet book that will capture children's interest and is perfect for a younger audience.  The illustrations are wonderfully detailed but simple at the same time, and use delicious pastel colors.  (Seriously, this book made me want a cupcake so badly).  This one could easily find a place in your home library.  On a side note - Little White Rabbit would be a good baby shower gift.  (The color scheme is perfect and any mother-to-be will easily be able to imagine herself sharing this book with her child.)

    

Related Reviews:

Teaching guide, activities, and an interesting video on how Henkes created Little White Rabbit can be found HERE.

Outside of a Dog review (I agree, I want to hug this book too.)

Brimful Curiosities review

Title: Bunny Days

Author & Illustrator: Tao Nyeu

Publisher: Dial Books for Young Readers

Publication Date: 2010

Format: Hardback, 48 pages

Genre: Children's books, Picture Books

How I Got It: from the library

Summary from book:

Six frolicking bunnies, two busy goats, and a very handy bear live harmoniously - though not without mishap - in this picture book charmer. What do the bunnies do when Mr. Goat drives by on his tractor and accidentally splashes them all over with mud? They hop over to Bear, who always knows just how to help - in this case, with the delicate cycle and a refreshing line dry! Two additional stories are even more surprising and giggle-worthy.

All's well that ends well in this eye-catching, endearing treat of a book, full of funny details and exhilarating artistry.

I had to think about this book for a bit.  When I first saw it I was immediately captured by the colors and the illustration style and thought it would be a nice compliment to Little White Rabbit.  My initial reading of Bunny Days went something like this:

"Oh look at these colors, the bunnies are so cute!  Eeee!" (That's my weird happy/excited noise)


"Hrm, we might have to remind classes that you can't really put people or animals in the washing machine.  Some of our kids might try it.  It's a cute picture… maybe a little disturbing… The clothes line looks uncomfortable and bunnies in the basket look dead.  Oh look, they snuggle… it's still disturbing."


"Clever titles and those bunnies look so cute in their burrow.  OH MY GOD, ALL OF THE BUNNIES ARE BEING SUCKED OUT OF THEIR HOME!... What is the deal with hanging these guys on clothes lines?"


"The goat has trimming shears, I don't even have to turn the page to know this ends badly.  AAAAHHH!  HE CUT OFF THEIR TAILS!!  THERE ARE SAD LITTLE BUNNIES RUNNING AROUND WITH NO TAILS!"  (At this point I'm completely traumatized and quite possibly over caffeinated.)

I really was saying this out loud and I'm pretty sure our new teachers all think I'm insane.  I showed Bunny Days to a few teachers who all thought it was hysterical but that it should come with warnings for little ones and might even make some kids cry.  The colors and the pictures are wonderful and the episodic stories are pretty cute and filled with visual jokes.  Really, if you think about it, it's no more violent then some children's classics.

From taonyeu.com

From taonyeu.com

From taonyeu.com

From taonyeu.com

From taonyeu.com

From taonyeu.com

I don't know, I just can't get past my first reaction.   This is out of character for me since I like picture books were people get eaten (like this one, this one, or this one). I have students who enjoyed this book but I really think this one depends on the audience and how it's interpreted.  (And how much caffeine you may have had that morning.)

Verdict:

Um, it's really pretty?  Seriously, the illustrations are great and just about everybody who's read the book has enjoyed it.  I think this is one for each reader to look at and decide.

   

Related Reviews:

The Bunny Days book trailer can be found HERE

Bookie Woogie review (They loved it)

Kathryn's GoodReads review (Her first sentence really sums the book up well.)

Tasha Saecker's GoodReads review

Title: Snow Rabbit, Spring Rabbit: A Book of Changing Seasons

Author & Illustrator:
Il Sung Na

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers

Publication Date: January 11, 2011

Format: Hardback, 24 pages

Genre: Children's books, Picture Books

How I Got It: from the library

Summary from book:

What do the animals do when the snow falls to the ground and all the trees are bare?  Some fly long distances, while some swim to warmer waters.  Some take a long, warm sleep where they live, while others have a thick, cozy coat and can stay in the snow!

As with Il Sung Na's previous books, Snow Rabbit, Spring Rabbit is filled with rich illustrations, charming animals, and a simple, lyrical text—all wrapped up in a gorgeous package. It's a gentle introduction to the ideas of adaptation, hibernation, and migration, and an exhuberant celebration of changing seasons.

When snow falls to the ground

and all the trees are bare,

everyone knows it's winter…

…including the rabbit.

Rabbit watches the animals around him prepare for winter.  Some swim or fly away, some sleep, and others grow thicker hair.  But all of the animals have their own way to get ready for the cold season including the rabbit!

Courtesy of Il Sung Na

Courtesy of Il Sung Na

Courtesy of Il Sung Na

I am absolutely in love with Il Sung Na's illustrations.  The rabbit is so cute, I just want to squeeze his cheeks!  The layers, textures, and whimsical animals are just delightful.  Na's spare text is well paced and descriptive, but really it's the illustrations that make the book.  This is a great one for kindergarten teachers introducing winter to their students.  I would also recommend this one to high school art teachers because it could be used to teach printing/stamping, texture, ink or watercolor painting, loads of stuff.

Verdict:

This is a beautiful book to look at and a pleasant story to read.  If I had to pick an Il Sung Na book for the home library, I'd go with The Book of Sleep or The Thingamabob.  Snow Rabbit, Spring Rabbit makes a nice additional resource for the classroom, but is a better library checkout for families.