Happy Hanukkah!
Friday, December 3, 2021
Friday, November 26, 2021
Book Review #63
When Santa Was A Baby
Author: Linda Bailey
Illustrator: Geneviève Godbout
Publisher: Tundra
Books, 2015
ISBN:978-1770495562
Reading Level: 3 -
7 years
Main Characters: New baby Santa and his family.
Plot: This book is about Santa as a baby and his supportive parents. There is nothing accurate about Saint Nicholas in this children’s story, it is centered around the unusual quirks that have made Santa into the fictitious character we know today.
Settings: Santa's childhood environment.
Genre/Theme/Style: Children's Humor, Holidays, Christmas books.
I Gave This Book 5 Roars!
Why 5 Roars?
This is a cute book that pokes fun at the oddities of Santa and what his upbringing might have been like.
Critical Analysis:
This fun, holiday, book reassures children that even unusual children have a special place in life. While finding your place in the world might not be easy, it is certainly worth it in the end. This book is an easy read and the illustrations are full of holiday spirit.
This fun, holiday, book reassures children that even unusual children have a special place in life. While finding your place in the world might not be easy, it is certainly worth it in the end. This book is an easy read and the illustrations are full of holiday spirit.
"A fond, reassuring look at the eccentric childhood of
a much-beloved holiday figure." ~~ School Library Journal
"He’s an unusual baby: a booming voice, an interest in
chimneys, a penchant for standing naked in front of the open refrigerator,
enjoying the chill. Later, on Christmas, he rewraps his gifts and gives them to
other children. His puzzled but besotted parents shower him with praise and
predictions of future greatness. With retro-esque art featuring people whose
giant black eyes look ever so slightly crazed, it’s a sweet, gently satirical
answer to the eternal question, How did Santa become Santa?"
~~ New York
Times Book Review
"[A] clever take on the Santa myth that develops him as
a character with his own thoughts and motivations. . . . Godbout’s cozy artwork
gives the book the feel of a classic while also offering some cheeky moments –
as when a young Santa stands naked in front of an open fridge, trying to cool
down."
~~Starred Review, Publishers Weekly
Connections: Santa Craft for Kids
Tuesday, November 9, 2021
Book Review #62
Norman Didn't Do It!
(Yes, he did.)
Author: Ryan T. Higgins
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion, 2021ISBN: 978-1368026239
Main Characters: Norman, Mildred, and the other tree.
Plot: Norman, a porcupine, and Mildred, a tree, are best friends until one day the other tree shows up. This upsets Norman. Norman digs up the other tree and takes it far away. This leads Norman to feel guilty and concerned. Eventually, Norman has the character to fix his mistake. Norman realizes that having another tree around is not so bad.
I Gave This Book 5 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁
Connections: Norman Didn't Do It! Read-A-Loud.
Reading Level: 3 to 5 years
Main Characters: Norman, Mildred, and the other tree.
Plot: Norman, a porcupine, and Mildred, a tree, are best friends until one day the other tree shows up. This upsets Norman. Norman digs up the other tree and takes it far away. This leads Norman to feel guilty and concerned. Eventually, Norman has the character to fix his mistake. Norman realizes that having another tree around is not so bad.
Settings: Somewhere outside.
Genre/Theme/Style: Picture Book, Children's Humor, Children’s Friendship, and Children’s Animal Books.
Genre/Theme/Style: Picture Book, Children's Humor, Children’s Friendship, and Children’s Animal Books.
I Gave This Book 5 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁
Why 5 Roars? This is a cute book for kids about being overwhelmed, doing something you regret, and then having the strength of character to fix it.
Critical Analysis: Norman becomes overwhelmed, does something he regrets, and then has the courage to fix it. The humor is on target for the age group and Norman is very likable.
Critical Analysis: Norman becomes overwhelmed, does something he regrets, and then has the courage to fix it. The humor is on target for the age group and Norman is very likable.
"...astute and endearing story of displacement anxiety... Higgins knows exactly when to go in for a close-up and focus on Norman's comic sturm und drang. The porcupine is a protagonist that readers should find deeply relatable: reveling in unconditional love, prone to impulsiveness and rumination, and absolutely capable of self-redemption."
~~ Publishers Weekly
Illustrations: The illustrations are great and kids will see themselves in Norman's reactions.Connections: Norman Didn't Do It! Read-A-Loud.
Tuesday, October 26, 2021
Book Review #61
Creepy Pair of Underwear!
Author: Aaron
Reynolds
Illustrator: Peter
Brown Publisher: Simon & Schuster, 2017
ISBN:978-1442402980
Reading Level: 4- 8 years
Main Characters: Jasper Rabbit & his underwear.
Plot: Jasper wants to be a big bunny and wear big bunny underwear. His underwear is a little creepy and causes Jasper problems. He tries to get rid of them, but they come back again and again.
Settings: Shopping with Mom, Jasper's room, and other various places.
Genre/Theme/Style: Underwear, & Halloween.
I Gave This Book 5 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁
Why 5 Roars? I love this book! It is the perfect combination of spooky and funny. Great for a Halloween Storytime. Underwear always get a laugh, and creepy underwear gets an even bigger laugh.
Critical Analysis: A great way to entertain young readers.
"Balances a really spooky premise with the hilarity that accompanies any mention of underwear....Perfect for those looking for a scary Halloween tale that won't leave them with more fears than they started with."
~~ Kirkus Reviews
Illustrations: The illustrations are primarily black and white but have a mysterious Halloween green glow.Connections: Helping young readers make a pair of their own creepy underwear is a great project for kids.
Tuesday, October 19, 2021
Book Review #60
Little Witch Hazel: A Year in the Forest
Publisher: September, 2021
ISBN: 978-0735264892
Reading Level: 4-8 years
Main Characters: Little Witch Hazel and the creatures in the forest.
Plot: A tiny witch that lives in the forest helps the forest creatures.
Settings: The Mosswood Forest.
Genre/Theme/Style: Children's Books, Children's Folk Tales, and Myths.
I Gave This Book 5 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁
Main Characters: Little Witch Hazel and the creatures in the forest.
Plot: A tiny witch that lives in the forest helps the forest creatures.
Settings: The Mosswood Forest.
Genre/Theme/Style: Children's Books, Children's Folk Tales, and Myths.
I Gave This Book 5 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁
Why 5 Roars? This is a sweet book that helps children discover nature and teaches nurturing and kindness for all. The illustrations are lovely and children will enjoy reading it over and over.
Critical Analysis: The book covers the four seasons with the Orphaned Egg, The Lazy Day, The Haunted Stump, and The Blizzard. The stories connect the reader to each season of the year and bring nature into focus.
"A thread of loving and nurturing emerges through this treasury of quiet adventures . . . and readers will find satisfaction in seeing the way [Little Witch Hazel's] sturdy care succors her community and results in gentle reciprocation."
~~ Publishers Weekly
"These sweet stories are an ode to the calm and peaceful magic of nature. Little Witch Hazel will make you feel as if you have journeyed deep into Mosswood Forest alongside Hazel and her friends."
~~ BookPage
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