Read'em & Roar! : May 2022

Saturday, May 28, 2022

Book Review #74

Happy National Hamburger Day!

Celebrate May 28th with a book about dinosaurs and hamburgers!

The Dinosaur Who Discovered Hamburgers

Author: Adisan Books

Publisher: Adisan Books, 2021

ISBN: 978-1088003480

Reading Level: 3 to 5 years

Main Characters: Scout and Dr. Ham Burger the 12th

Plot: Scout the dinosaur goes on a journey to find a great food dish. He discovers the ingredients he needs and visits Dr. Ham, the smartest dinosaur in town, to help him put it together. All the dinosaurs love Scout's new discovery...the hamburger. The dish was so popular that the dinosaurs made andishes International Hamburger Day to celebrate it!

Settings: The story takes place in an imaginary location with rivers of "Ket-chup" and "Mus-tard."

Genre/Theme/Style: Children's Picture Book, Dinosaurs, Adventure, Children's Humor, Food.

I Gave This Book 4 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁

Why 4 Roars? I think kids will enjoy the silliness of the book, especially those that love dinosaurs and hamburgers.

Critical Analysis:The book was a little longer than I would have preferred, and parents might need to explain how food is actually grown or made for younger readers. For example, the "Bread Forest" full of buns might confuse kids if they do not already know how bread is made. Older children might get the humor easier with less work for parents. However, this is a great book for celebrating National Hamburger Day, because the book actually references the holiday.

Connections: The Dinosaur Who Discovered Hamburgers Read-A-Loud

Monday, May 9, 2022

Book Review #73 - Happy Mother's Day!

All The Things Mom Will Never Say

Author: Noé Carlain
Illustrator: Ronan Badel

Publisher: Schiffer Kids, 2022

ISBN: 978-0764363313

Reading Level: Ages 4 through 8

Main Characters: An excellent little peashooter, his cat, and his mom.

Plot: Things you will probably never hear a mom say to her kid.

Genre/Theme/Style: Children's Humor, Moms, Picture Books, and Parenting.

I Gave This Book 5 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁

Why 5 Roars? This might be one of my new favorite books. It is too clever and both parents and kids will appreciate the humor! This would be a great gift for any parent or kid. In fact, I think it would be a fabulous gift for Mother's Day.

I think I laughed out loud several times. I know I’ve said, “Keep dressing up the cat - He loves it!” several times…not! 😾

Critical Analysis: The book is a short read, but kids will want to read it over and over. Its strength is in its relatable humor. I think every parent has had moments like the mom of this excellent little peashooter.

It also offers parents a few preemptive teachable moments. One example would be in the illustration of the dinner table piled high with dirty dishes and Mom says, “Its ok not to clear the table - were going to eat again tonight.” The image of the dirty table really drives home the need to clear the table. It’s a great way for kids to visually see what the table might look like if he does not help clean up before the next meal.

The book ends on a positive note, with mom expressing her love for her kid despite the frustrating moments that parents endure. It is a great reminder for parents, that all of these frustrating moments are worth it in the end.

"Parenthood…It’s about guiding the next generation, and forgiving the last."