Picture Book Review: Swim, Jim! by Kaz Windness (5/31/22)

Quick Booktalk 

While his siblings are natural swimmers, Jim, a young crocodile, is afraid to jump in, so he leaves the swamp to find a less intimidating place to learn to swim. 

About the Illustrations

The illustrations have a lot of variety. Some pages are large group scenes against a nature backdrop. Others are images of just Jim, or just his face. A few pages use panels to show the passage of time during a scene. Much is conveyed through the bodies and expressions of the characters. The illustrator does a wonderful job of conveying the appealing coolness of water on a hot summer day. 

Story Time Possibilities

This book uses a lot of dialogue and onomatopoeia, both of which make it appealing to read aloud. Fear of the water is a common childhood phobia among new swimmers, and this book puts a bit of a new spin on that concept that will appeal to groups of preschoolers and early elementary schoolers. It works for a number of themes: overcoming fears, summer, swimming, water, swamps, and crocodiles.

Reader's Advisory

This book feels like a cross between Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall and Froggy Learns to Swim by Jonathan London. It would also make a really fun read-alike for the Lyle Crocodile books. As a bonus, the last page of the book is a list of crocodile facts. Unfortunately, one of them is about farts, which strikes me as unnecessary, but I have a zero tolerance policy on bathroom humor that I know most people don't share.

Disclosure 

I received a review copy of Swim, Jim! from Paula Wiseman Books in exchange for an honest review.

Picture Book Review: At the Pond by David Elliott, illustrated by Amy Schimler-Safford (5/24/2022)

Quick Booktalk

Short poetic descriptions of pond life accompany beautiful mixed media depictions of animals and plants. 

About the Illustrations

The cool, lush pictures in this book are the perfect complement to the precise and evocative poems. Each page brings to life an aspect of the ecosystem of a pond in a way that immerses the reader in that environment and captures the behavior of the animals. Each illustration expands across a two-page spread leaving not an inch of white space anywhere, not even in the back matter. 

Story Time Possibilities

The nice thing about this book is that you could read the whole thing, or you could just read a few excerpts. There is no singular overarching plot connecting one poem to the next so it would be easy to share only as much of the book as your age group can handle. The poetry definitely begs to be read aloud and would be pleasing the ear of most children, including babies.

Reader's Advisory 

This is the fifth book by David Elliott to explore an ecosystem. The other titles are: In the Sea, In the Wild, On the Farm, and In the Woods. It would make a nice read-alike for Kate Messner's books with Christopher Silas Neal, especially Over and Under the Pond. Another excellent read-alike would be Song of the Water Boatman and Other Pond Poems by Joyce Sidman. 

Disclosure 

I received a review copy of At the Pond from Candlewick Press in exchange for an honest review. 

Picture Book Review: Lily Leads the Way by Margi Preus, illustrated by Matt Myers (5/17/2022)

Quick Booktalk 

Lily the little sailboat is excited that a fleet of old ships is coming for a visit to her lake, but she worries what will happen if the bridge doesn't lift up for them in time. 

About the Illustrations 

In the style of characters like Mike Mulligan's Mary Anne and Little Toot, Lily is drawn as an anthropomorphized boat, with eyes in her front windows. The rest of each scene presents a realistic portrayal of the lake, its bridges, and the movements of the boats through the water. The sky and the movement of the water are painted exceptionally well, capturing perfectly the feeling of being out on the water. I also love the way the story incorporates a bit of education about different types of boats with drawings of a sloop, schooner, brig, etc.

Story Time Possibilities

There are some sounds that Lily and the bridge make  to each other ("Meee-me. Meee-me" and "Ooohhh--kay") that makes the idea of reading this aloud a little bit intimidating. I'd want to practice well first and maybe hear what those are actually supposed to sound like before attempting any performances with this book. Aside from that potential challenge, this would be an enjoyable book for preschoolers, especially those who are really interested in transportation. Other good themes for this book would be water, sailing, bridges, and adventure. 

Reader's Advisory 

This book is the boat equivalent of Little Excavator by Anna Dewdney. It also reminded me of Little Tug by Stephen Savage. It also pairs nicely with another new picture book, Old Wood Boat by Nikki McClure.

Disclosure

I received a review copy of Lily Leads the Way from Candlewick Press in exchange for an honest review.

Picture Book Review: Lizzy and the Cloud by The Fan Brothers (5/3/2022)

Quick Booktalk 

Lizzy purchases a cloud from the Cloud Seller at the park, and she takes excellent care of it until finally, it's time to let it go free. 

About the Illustrations 

The pictures in this book are mostly gray, or at least have muted colors, with hints of yellow here and there. Lizzy's yellow rainboots and the other yellow items in the pictures keep the reader constantly thinking of rain and moisture, which creates the perfect atmosphere for a story about a cloud. The details of the architecture are also really impressive, and I enjoyed the subtle details of store fronts and cars that suggest a mid-20th-century setting rather than the present day. 

Story Time Possibilities

Because of the tiny details on some pages, I might skip over this for a group story time, but it will still be a delight to read aloud to curious preschoolers. There is so much happening in the pictures that is left unsaid in the text that kids will be desperate to study each detail and tell themselves the stories happening in the illustrations. 

Readers Advisory

There are a lot of stories about having to let go of rescued animals, beloved pets, lost balloons, etc., and this one isn't that different except that the loss in question involves a cloud. Still, the Fan brothers' whimsical illustrations transport the reader to another time and place (and reality) so effectively that this book lingered in my imagination for a bit after I finished reading it. It feels magical in a way that young readers will find very appealing and very comforting. 

Disclosure 

I received a review copy of Lizzy and the Cloud from Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers in exchange for an honest review. 

Board Book Review: Into the Sand Castle by Cindy Jin, illustrated by Allison Black (5/17/22)

Quick Booktalk

A series of sea creatures take the reader on a tour of their sand castle by means of a lift-the-flap guessing game. 

About the Illustrations 

Rounded edges and big black eyes are the main features of the figures in the illustrations, giving them strong appeal to very young readers. Each spread has many little fish and other details for kids to pore over, and three doors to open. One reveals the inhabitant of that part of the house that is suggested by the clues in the text. The others conceal other surprises. Each page is shaped like a different part of the castle which gives the front of the book a 3-D effect when it's closed. 

Reader's Advisory 

Because of its size and the number of flaps, this one is strictly a lap book. The rhyming feels a bit awkward to me, so it's not the best read aloud, but novelty books like this aren't really about the text as much as they are about the format, and that aspect is perfect for the intended age group. My two-year-olds destroy flap books in about ten seconds flat, so I'm probably only going to let them enjoy this book with supervision for now, but I think the content is still interesting enough for a three or four-year-old that maybe in a year or two they could handle it independently.

Disclosure

I received a review copy of Into the Sand Castle from Little Simon in exchange for an honest review.

Easy Reader Review: Click, Clack Rainy Day by Doreen Cronin, illustrated by Betsy Lewin (5/3/2022)

Quick Booktalk 

Each group of animals on the farm reacts to a rainy day in its own way. 

About the Illustrations

Often, it seems that when picture book series spin off to the easy reader format, the illustration style changes. That is not the case with this book, which is as charming as all of its counterparts in the original series. The rain drops, the facial expressions, the movements of the animals - everything is done so precisely and so well. 

Story Time Possibilities

Though this book is intended primarily for beginning readers to practice their reading skills, it would also work well as a read-aloud. It has a lot of repetition that appeals to toddlers, and there is a gentle sweetness to the story that has slightly less of an edge than Click, Clack Moo, which also makes it a strong choice for those younger audiences. The only drawback is the size of the book; it wouldn't have worked for my very large story times of 100+ people, but it will be fine for the small group that meets at my house.

Reader's Advisory

This book is one of several "Click Clack" easy readers, all of which are original stories for this format, not adaptations of the picture books. It's part of the Ready to Read series, which labels it as Level Two. It appears to be easier to read than Henry and Mudge but more difficult than Biscuit. 

Disclosure

I received a review copy of Click Clack Rainy Day by Simon Spotlight in exchange for an honest review.

Picture Book Review: First Morning Sun by Aimee Reid, illustrated by Jing Jing Tsong (5/3/2022)

Quick Booktalk 

A baby experiences many firsts: first lullaby, first rock with Grandma, first words, first steps, first birthday, and she gets to do it all again when her first sibling is born. 

About the Illustrations 

The brightly colored pictures combine abstract shapes and figures to portray the first few years of a little girl's life. The colors and positions of the people create a cheerful celebratory atmosphere that emphasizes the joy of growing up. The illustrator also makes wonderful use of light to show the contrast between day and night and indoors and outdoors. 

Story Time Possibilities

In the public library, I'd probably skip this book at story time only because it's specific to the experience of welcoming a sibling and that's not something every child experiences. But in terms of the artwork and text, both are well-suited to read aloud to groups, and I will definitely be keeping this book for potential use at one of the story times I host at my home. 

Reader's Advisory

A lot of books of this type over-emphasize the wistfulness of parents, and it was refreshing that this one stayed child-focused. I also appreciate that the introduction of a new sibling is presented as a happy, natural occasion, and not something to be feared or resisted. I know some kids need books to help them process feelings of jealousy, but I appreciate that there are books like this for kids who make smoother transitions. Books that would complement this one nicely include One Special Day by Lola M. Schaefer and There's Going to be a Baby by John Burningham and Helen Oxenbury.

Disclosure 

I received a review copy of First Morning Sun from Beach Lane Books in exchange for an honest review. 

Board Book Review: Adventure Awaits by Henry Cole (5/10/22)

Quick Booktalk 

A dog and cat wake up, have an exciting morning outside, return home for a nap, and contemplate their next adventure. 

About the Illustrations

The pictures in this book have a classic quality to them. The bright, clean colors of each page are cheerful and inviting, and they evoke all the possibilities of a summer day. The animals' expressions and movements feel true to their animal natures but also infuse each one with a bit of personality. This is a top-notch board book. 

Story Time Possibilities

I would definitely use this book for baby story time, probably as often as possible. So many aspects of the book make it perfect for that purpose: the minimal text, the familiar animals, the very basic plot, the uncluttered illustrations,  and the gentle, uplifting tone. 

Reader's Advisory

I haven't felt this much love for a board book in a very long time. Cat and dog stories are a dime a dozen, but there is something especially charming about this version of that age-old tale. Henry Cole has created a real gem. 

Disclosure 

I received a review copy of Adventure Awaits from Little Simon in exchange for an honest review.

Picture Book Review: Old Wood Boat by Nikki McClure (5/10/2022)

Quick Booktalk 

A family refurbishes an old wood boat and takes it back out on the water.

About the Illustrations

Nikki McClure's hand-cut paper illustrations are the highlight of this book, and they perfectly suit the subject matter. Every page is filled with details of the structure of a boat and what it feels like to sail on it. There are lots of lovely details in the illustrations that subtly support the text, such as the moment when one family member is shown crossing her fingers as the boat enters the water for the first time. Another highlight is the two-page spread showing a diagram on which is labeled every part of the boat. 

Story Time Possibilities

This would be a nice read-aloud for a Pre-K or Kindergarten audience. It's a good mix of family story and sailing information, and the "How to Talk Like a Sailor" page at the end of the book provides a fun opportunity to introduce some interesting new vocabulary. This would be a great choice for class visits heading into this summer's CSLP summer reading theme of Oceans of Possibilities. 

Reader's Advisory 

This book would be a nice companion for Harbor and Sail Away by Donald Crews, and for Time of Wonder by Robert McCloskey. It has a timeless feel and a classic look that puts me in mind of many Caldecott books of yore. I wouldn't be at all disappointed to see a sticker on the cover of this book next year. 

Disclosure 

I received a review copy of Old Wood Boat from Candlewick Press in exchange for an honest review.

Picture Book Review: Eggasaurus by Jennifer Wagh, illustrated by Hallie Bateman (4/26/2022)

Quick Booktalk

A series of letters tells the humorous tale of Maximus, who orders dinosaur eggs from Eggasaurus Inc. with unexpected results. 

About the Illustrations

I was not at all impressed by these pictures. They strike me as amateurish, on par with what some of the more art-oriented kids in my class would draw when I was in sixth grade. They just didn't feel polished at all. 

Story Time Possibilities

Dinosaur books are perennial favorites, and this one is good for an elementary level audience that can follow the sophisticated epistolary structure. Considered without regard for the illustrations, the writing  itself is quite good. 

Reader's Advisory

This is a fun take on the age-old "child wants a pet" theme.   It reminds me a lot of two backlist middle grade books: Unusual Chickens for the Exceptional Poultry Farmer by Kelly Jones and The Dragon Sitter by Josh Lacey. It would be interesting to read this and then booktalk the other two.

Disclosure

I received a review copy of Eggasaurus from Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers in exchange for an honest review. 

Picture Book Review: Would You Come Too? by Liz Garton Scanlon, illustrated by Diana Sudyka (4/5/2022)

Quick Booktalk

Two children exploring nature ask readers if we'd like to join them. 

About the Illustrations

I requested this book based on the author, whose previous work I have loved. The text is fine, but the illustrations are hugely disappointing. The figures look oddly bloated and stretched, as though their bodies have been altered in Photoshop. Though the colors and the concepts for some of the pages are interesting, the tone of the pictures didn't match the tone of the text, and it made the whole execution feel sloppy. 

Story Time Possibilities

Because of the rhyming text, this book would be a pleasure to read aloud. I'm just not sure how well the pictures would be received, and I'd probably be more likely to choose a title with strong writing and illustrations. 

Reader's Advisory

Liz Garton Scanlon is also the author of All the World illustrated by Marla Frazee, Think Big illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton and Another Way to Climb a Tree illustrated by Hadley Hooper, and co-author with Audrey Verdick of Bob, Not Bob illustrated by Matthew Cordell. I have enjoyed all of these, and this book being a bit of a let-down feels like a fluke. I still recommend this author's work.  

Disclosure 

I received a review copy of Would You Come Too? from Beach Lane Books in exchange for an honest review.

Picture Book Review: Oceanarium by Loveday Trinick, illustrated by Teagan White (4/5/2022)

Quick Booktalk

Oceanarium is the latest title in the Welcome to the Museum series, and in nine galleries, it explores marine life. 

About the Illustrations

The pictures are the real draw of this book. The endpapers instantly immerse the reader in the world of the ocean and the detailed illustrations inside depict the vast diversity of the creatures who live in it. Each illustration is labeled so that readers can identify the different species shown, and there is a key provided that gives quick facts about each plant or animal. In my house, the pictures have been enjoyed by ages 2 to adult. 

Reader's Advisory

This is a nonfiction resource that theoretically could be used as a reference book, but which works much better as a coffee table book that everyone picks up and looks at casually. There is so much information in this book that it would be hard to digest it all at once, but it is divided into small sections that can be taken in one or two at a time. The reading experience really does mimic a visit to a museum, in that readers can visit the galleries in any order and still understand what's going on. My science-loving 8-year-old is my target audience for this book, but we're all enjoying it. 

Disclosure

I received a review copy of Oceanarium from Big Picture Press in exchange for an honest review.

Picture Book Review: Princess Charming by Zibby Owens, illustrated by Holly Hatam (4/19/2022)

Quick Booktalk

It's not easy being a princess, and Princess Charming has yet to discover her special talent, but she is determined never to give up. When a celebrity comes to the castle, Princess Charming thinks this might be her time to shine, but her dog, Luna, might have other plans.

About the Illustrations

The pictures for this book are largely group scenes, catching Princess Charming in the middle of  catastrophic attempts to find her special ability, and showing the reactions of others.The illustrator also works in animation, and this is definitely evident in her style. 

Story Time Illustrations

The first-person point of view makes this feel like a natural read-aloud. The story dragged a bit for me in the middle, but readers who love princess books probably won't mind a few extra pages about this character, so that's unlikely to be a problem for kids. There is also a really fun twist at the end for kids who know their fairy tales. In terms of themes, this could work for fairy tales, princesses, castles, trying new things, and perseverance. 

Reader's Advisory

The author of this book is the host of the podcast Moms Don't Have Time to Read Books, and this is her first picture book. I wouldn't quite put it in the category of a celebrity-authored picture book, but it does seem to lack something in the same way that kids' books by celebrities often do. It just doesn't feel quite polished. I will probably go ahead and let my kids read it because there certainly isn't anything objectionable in it, but it's not one we will be keeping for the long haul. 

Disclosure

I received a review copy of Princess Charming from Flamingo Books in exchange for an honest review.

Picture Book Review: Amy Wu and the Warm Welcome by Kat Zhang, illustrated by Charlene Chua (5/3/2022)

Quick Booktalk 

Amy has a new classmate, Lin, who is standoffish with his classmates but chats animatedly in Chinese with his family. Determined to draw Lin out of his shell, Amy invites him to her dumpling party in the hopes of giving her new friend a very warm welcome. 

About the Illustrations

The pictures in this book match the style readers have come to expect from this series. The illustrator makes great use of facial expression to reveal emotion, and there is lots of diversity among the supporting characters. 

Story Time Possibilities

It could be tricky to read this book in story time because without being a Chinese speaker, it would be hard to convey the excited conversation between Lin and his little sister that sparks Amy's plans. It would feel awkward to just point to the Chinese characters and say they were speaking in Chinese, and though the author's note provides the English translations, the story wouldn't make much sense if we heard them speaking in English, either. So that's something to work out ahead of time.  The rest of the book lends itself well to being read aloud, and the theme of welcoming new friends is always a good one to kick off a school year or a story time series.

Reader's Advisory

The pictures of the dumpling party seem to include a same-sex couple (two men) but there is nothing in the text to explicitly describe their relationship. It's unclear which of Amy's classmates is meant to be their child. There is a girl in Amy's class with visible hearing aides, and a boy and a teacher who wear glasses. The back of the book includes instructions for making a welcome banner. The previous Amy Wu titles are Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao and Amy Wu and the Patchwork Dragon. 

Disclosure

I received a review copy of Amy Wu and the Warm Welcome from Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers in exchange for an honest review.