Picture Book Review: Ear Worm! by Jo Knowles, illustrated by Galia Bernstein (1/11/2022)

Quick Booktalk

Little Worm has a song stuck in his head, but he doesn't know where it came from. He asks some of his friends, but they all have their own ear worms to share.

About the Illustrations

The pictures in this book are so much fun. The animals dance in ways that perfectly complement their natural postures and movements, and they have such endearing faces. Each page really just shows the animals against a white background, but that provides more than enough action to keep readers engaged.  

Story Time Possibilities

This book absolutely must be read aloud, and if possible, the audience needs to join in on each animal's refrain. Part of me wishes there were tunes provided for the animals' songs, but I don't think you need to invent your own. Just chanting them is so satisfying and will definitely give preschoolers the giggles. I actually think the toddlers at my story times will like them too because they're so rhythmic and repetitive. This book fits a bunch of themes: animals, quests, music, dance, etc. It reminds me a bit of The More the Merrier by David Martin. I'm undecided about whether the books are too similar to pair together. 

Readers Advisory

I almost didn't request the book because the publisher recommended it for media-savvy kids, and we don't do much media. I'm glad I took the chance anyway because you don't really need to be up on current music or any specific type of music to enjoy this book. It's just a fun exploration of movement and word play that I can't wait to share with my kids and their friends.

Disclosure

I received a finished copy of Ear Worm! from Candlewick Press in exchange for an honest review.

Picture Book Review: The Think-Ups by Claire Alexander (2/8/2022)

Quick Booktalk 

Stuck inside on a rainy day, Anna and Kiki use their imaginations to think up some interesting situations and make them go away when they get out of hand.

About the Illustrations

Each two-page spread in this book has a flap that, when turned, changes the scene to add a new imagined element to the girls' play. Each flap changes only the center portion of the illustration so that it feels like we are moving from one moment to the next right along with the characters. The pictures remind me a bit of some of Susie Poole's work, but with somewhat thicker lines and larger figures. The way that the visual chaos increases with each "think-up" really contributes to the humor of the story, and to the girls' feelings of increasing bewilderment. 

Story Time Possibilities

Books with flaps can be hit or miss for story time, but because the flaps here are just shortened pages, they should be perfectly manageable. The turn of each flap adds an element of anticipation and surprise to the reading experience that is ideal for a read-aloud. The text is also a decent length and has some good dialogue that keeps the story moving. This book would work for story times about rainy days, imagination, play, and friendship. 

Readers Advisory

This is a book definitely most appropriate for preschoolers. It has all the zany happenings of something like The Cat in the Hat or Jumanji, but without any danger or fear, since the characters are always in control of the situation and can stop it at any time. For kids whose imaginations have ever run away with them, Anna and Kiki will be instant kindred spirits.

Disclosure

I received a finished copy of The Think-Ups from Candlewick Press in exchange for an honest review.

Picture Book Review: Sometimes Cake by Edwina Wyatt, illustrated by Tamsin Ainslie (1/4/2022)

Quick Booktalk 

Audrey and Lion are two friends who find reasons to celebrate - sometimes with cake - even when it's not their birthdays. 

About the Illustrations

Most of the pictures in this book portray the two main characters interacting with one another against a cream background. Both Audrey and Lion have eyes that are just dots, a style that is very prevalent but not my most favorite. The overall style does remind me a bit of Helen Oxenbury's work in that the illustrations are somewhat soft and subdued and create a gentle atmosphere. This is a quiet book about celebrating everyday moments, and the pictures reflect that. 

Story Time Possibilities

The text is concise and includes a lot of dialogue, which makes it really fun to read aloud. Some of the pictures' details wouldn't translate well to those sitting at the back of a large group, but I do story time for 15-ish kids at a time in my own basement and it will be fine for that environment. Since the story is not about birthdays, it can work for any theme related to celebrations, cake, dessert, and/or friendship. I think I'm going to pair it with Phoebe Dupree is Coming to Tea for a story time about celebrations. 

Readers Advisory

I found this to be a delightful read, somewhat reminiscent of Hooray for Amanda and her Alligator by Mo Willems, but with less snark and more affection between the characters. It's such a cheerful and cozy little book and I can't wait to read it aloud! 

Disclosure 

I received a finished copy of Sometimes Cake from Candlewick Press in exchange for an honest review.

Picture Book Review: Ready for the Spotlight by Jaime Kim (2021)

Quick Booktalk

Tessie loves ballet, but she often finds herself in the shadow of her big sister, Maya. When she is cast as a bumblebee for the upcoming recital instead of landing the lead, she is devastated, but she soon learns that she has a talent that sets her apart from her sister and the rest of their class.

About the Illustrations

The characters on every page of this book are depicted with wonderfully animated facial expressions that make it very clear to the reader at first glance how each one is feeling. The dancing sequences also have a wonderful sense of movement and physicality that captures each sister's talent and style. The pink and yellow color scheme gives the book a vibrant, cheerful mood that matches the overall tone of the story.

Story Time Possibilities

This is a good story time choice. The pictures are bold and colorful, there is just the right amount of text on each page for a preschool or kindergarten audience, and there are a bunch of theme options, including dance, movement, sisters, feelings, and being true to oneself.

Readers Advisory

I have four girls, and this book perfectly captures how their sibling rivalry often plays out. I was reminded a little bit of Big Red Lollipop by Ruhksana Khan, which also deals with some issues between sisters. I think girls with sisters close in age will definitely relate to this book. 

Disclosure

I received a finished copy of Ready for the Spotlight from Candlewick Press in exchange for an honest review.