The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration: Book one hundred and ninety-one

I am lucky because I live in a town where people care about issues that affect they lives. They are willing to do what they can to safeguard what they hold dear, speaking out and even paying up when necessary. When our town library was closed because of a lack of funding, the people in my town decided that we would raise our taxes so that we could reopen the library's doors. 

Today's picture book is about a similar group of characters who decide they they need to step up to protect their local beach.

Ballyhoo Bay

Judy Sierra

Illustrated by Derek Anderson

For ages 5 to 7

Simon and Schuster, 2009, 978-1-4169-5888-8

   Every Saturday morning Mira Bella, an artist, gives art lessons on the beach. The great thing is that she teaches all kinds of er…individuals. She teaches kids and grannies how to etch and sketch, she teaches swordfish and squids how to sculpt (underwater), and the gulls create the most amazing “trash-art sensations.” Even the sea squirts get in on the act, creating “dyed T-shirts by spitting on stencils.”

   Everyone is looking forward to the first of June which is when Mira Bella is planning to have the Ballyhoo Art Fair and Recycled Art-Cycle Race. You can only imagine how devastated Mira Bella and her friends and students are when they discover that builders are planning on putting an apartment complex with a “crystal casino as high as a cloud” on their beloved beach. The children and critters are all ready to pack up and give up, but Mira Bella is made of sterner stuff. If they want to save their beach, they are going to have to speak up!

   In this wonderfully empowering picture book, Judy Sierra celebrates the joy that making art brings to all kinds of people, and she shows her readers how important it is to defend the things that you value and hold dear. If someone is threatening something you care about, you have to take a stand, and speak out. Even if you are a squid or a whale.

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration: Book one hundred and ninety

Summer days were made for ice cream, and since it is now summer it seems very appropriate that I should review a book about a child who imagines that he is an ice cream king living in an ice cream castle that has an ice cream fountain in the garden.

The Ice Cream King

Steve Metzger

Illustrated by Julie Downing

Picture Book

For ages 5 to 7

Tiger Tales, 2011, 978-1-58925-096-3

   It is a hot day in July, and Teddy Jones is in town with his mother when he sees that a new ice cream shop called Thrill Chill has opened up. Not surprisingly, Teddy asks his mother if they can go into the ice cream shop.

   Soon Teddy and his mother are sitting inside Thrill Chill and Teddy is trying to decide what he would like to eat. Then the server puts a paper crown on Teddy’s head and the little boy starts to imagine what it would be like if he were “the Ice Cream King.”

   Why, if he were the king he would live in an ice cream kingdom full of ice cream treats that are “all for me.” He would live in an ice cream castle, climb Ice Cream Mountain, and “blast off in my spaceship / up to the ice cream moon.” Everything would be wonderful and splendid except for one thing.

   In this clever picture book, the author and illustrator help young readers to see that even the most wonderful of imaginary worlds are not much fun if one is alone. Could it be that some pleasures are best when they are shared?

   The author and illustrator take readers into Teddy’s imaginary world by shifting from the minimal illustrations and prose of his normal life to brightly colored pictures and verse for his imaginings. The effect is magical and memorable.

Poetry Friday - A review of Hey There Stink Bug!

Ever since I had a pet beetle when I was five, I have had a fascination with, and abiding respect for, insects. They come in so many shapes, colors, and sizes, and they have managed to adapt to incredibly harsh conditions in many parts of the world.

Today's poetry title is a kind of Ode To Insects, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Hey there, Stink Bug!

Leslie Bulion
Illustrator:  Leslie Evans
Poetry
For ages 8 to 12
Charlesbridge, 2006, 978-1580893046
We are going to take a journey into the world of insects, those creatures that  have been around for "four hundred million years evolving" and that can do all kinds of remarkable and unexpected things.

   So off we go to explore the lives and worlds of stink bugs, aphids, bombardier beetles, flies, caterpillars, antlions, fireflies, and many others. Who would have thought that there could be so many kinds of flies, and did you know that aphid mothers give birth to "clones" of themselves? Imagine what it would be like to shoot "boiling hot acid" at ones enemies, and did you know that insects can send out chemical signals to warn and inform others of their kind?

   Not only are these poems informative and entertaining, but many of them are also visual, the author using her words to create pictures on the pages. In addition, to accompany many of the poems, the author provides further information about the insects described in the poems. Finally, the author has written some "Poetry Notes" that describe the poetry forms that she used in each of the nineteen poems in the book.

   To provide a fitting backdrop and accompaniment to the poems, Leslie Evans has created beautiful print like illustrations executed in bright colors and bold lines. They are perfect gems, just like the insects whose lives are presented in the poems.

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration: Book one hundred and eighty-nine

It is not easy being a farmer, especially if you have livestock of any kind. We live on the edge of town, and so far we have seen horses, goats, and cows breaking out of their fields so that they can wander around the neighborhood. So far the sheep have stayed put, but I believe it is only a matter of time before we see them walking up our road and heading towards town.

In today's picture book you will meet some sheep who know exactly what they want to do, and who are not afraid to do it.

Hide and Sheep

Andrea Beaty

Illustrated by Bill Mayer

Picture Book

For ages 5 to 7

Simon and Schuster, 2011, 978-1-4169-2544-6

   Farmer McFitt is fast asleep and his sheep are taking advantage of his doziness by jumping over the gate and running away. He really needs to wake up “before it’s too late.”

   Ten of the sheep head for the zoo where they have a splendid time making friends with an okapi, a kangaroo, a giraffe, and some chimpanzees. Another nine decide that the circus life is what they need, and soon they are dancing with a bear, flying out of a cannon, and walking on the high wire. In a nearby sports stadium, eight sheep join a baseball game where they nibble the grass and confound the players. Then there are the seven sheep who go to the movie theatre where they watch a movie and eat so much popcorn that they feel sick. Where are the rest of the wooly wanderers, and will Farmer McFitt be able to gather them up so that he can shear them and knit some clothes?

   Children who like books that are full of wonderfully goofy characters and ridiculous situations are sure to enjoy this picture book. The story ends happily for everyone, and young readers are sure to have a good laugh when they see the last page. 

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration: Book one hundred and eighty-eight

Not long ago my daughter asked me if I had ever ran away from home, and I told her the story about my one and only running away effort. I was about seven years old and for some reason I decided that I could not live with my parents any more. I picked up my favorite teddy bear and my blanket and marched out of the house, nose in the air and a firm resolve not to yield in my heart. My father found me sitting on the sidewalk about four blocks from my house. After a tearful reunion, he and I walked back home hand in hand, and we had two enormous bowls of ice-cream to help heal the rift between us.

Today's picture book is about another little girl who wants to run away from home and who discovers that it is not an easy thing to do. 

Itsy Mitsy runs away

Elanna Allen

Picture Book

For ages 5 to 7

Simon and Schuster, 2011, 978-1-4424-0671-1

   Mitsy is a little girl who absolutely and positively hates bedtime. Finally, Mitsy decides that she isn’t going to tolerate bedtimes anymore. She is going to run away from home. Mitsy’s dad, who happens to be a very understanding kind of fellow, offers to help Mitsy pack. He reminds Mitsy that she is going to need a take a friend along. Going without any bedtimes is all well and good, but one cannot manage without friends.

   Mitsy packs up Mister Roar, who is her friendliest dinosaur, and then she prepares to leave the house. Which is when her father asks Mitsy what Mister Roar is going to eat. Misty forgot about her dinosaur’s culinary needs, and so she packs “a small snack” for Mister Roar. Then Dad reminds Mitsy that there are “bedtime beasties” out there, so she decides that she needs to take Puptart, her ferocious dog with her. She does not realize that she is going to have to take a lot more with her before she is finally able to run away from home.

   Children who are convinced that running away from home is the answer to all their problems are sure to be amused by this delightful and funny picture book. As they read, children will consider what they would take with them if they were to run away. Would they too end up packing all that is near and dear to them before they left?

   With expressive illustrations and a “This is the house that Jack built” type format incorporated into the tale, this is a picture book that every young child will appreciate.

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration: Book one hundred and eighty-seven

Though I grew up with the family dog and cat, I always wanted a pet of my own. I cannot count the number of times I came home with a puppy, a kitten, a baby bird, a fish, a hamster, an insect, or a grass snake. I cannot count the number of times I asked "Can I keep it pleeeeeeease?" My mother always said no. Having had these experiences, I was eager to read and review today's picture book, which is about a little boy who brings home all kinds of animals, large and small.

Not inside this house!

Kevin Lewis

Illustrated by David Ercolini

Picture Book

For ages 4 to 7

Scholastic, 2011, 978-0-439-43981-7

   Livingstone Columbus Magellan Crouse does not care for toys. In fact, he finds “any plaything from a store” to be a “great big BORE.” Livingstone would much rather spend his time outdoors exploring. He enjoys collecting insects of all kinds, but when he takes his finds home, his mother makes it clear that his little creepy crawly friends are not welcome in her house.

   Trying to be sensitive to his mother’s wishes, Livingstone goes outside and he traps a mouse using a simple paper cup, a stick, and some popcorn. At home he constructs a fabulous habitat for his mouse, and then his mother comes into his room and she sees what her son is doing. Not surprisingly, Livingstone’s mother is not happy to see the mouse in her house and she tells her son that “no mice are allowed inside this house.” Perhaps she thinks that her son will now give up bringing home unsuitable pets. Little does she realize that he has only just begun!

   Children are sure to laugh out loud as they read this funny book with its rhyming text and its delightful illustrations. They will understand why Livingstone keeps bringing animals home, and they will be delighted when they see how this adventure turns out. 

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration: Book one hundred and eighty-six

Learning to give up something you want or something you have for the sake of another person is a hard lesson to learn for anyone. For young children it is particularly difficult. In today's picture book one of my favorite picture book characters, Alfie, gives up something he is very attached to to help a friend in need. It is a very sweet and warm story.

Alfie gives a hand

Shirley Hughes

Picture Book With CD

For ages 4 to 6

Random House UK, 2010, 978-1-862-30990-6

   One day Alfie comes home from nursery school carrying an envelope that has his name on it. Alfie’s mother explains that the card inside the envelope is an invitation inviting Alfie to Bernard’s birthday party. Alfie is very excited because he has never been to a birthday party before.

   Before the party, Alfie gets clean and all dressed up. He gets a little anxious when his mother explains that she and his little sister Annie Rose will not be at the party. To make himself feel better, Alfie gets his old blanket and he insists on taking it with him to the party.

   At the party, Alfie sees Bernard and his other friends from nursery school. He refuses to put his blanket down so he has a hard time playing with the others. He even carries his blanket to the tea table and as a result, his blanket gets awfully dirty.

   Throughout the party, Bernard the birthday boy is rather obnoxious, and after the tea he puts on a tiger mask that scares poor little Min so much that she holds onto Alfie. Then Bernard’s Mum announces that they are going to play ring-a-ring-o’-roses, and Alfie finds himself in the middle of a situation that does not have any room for his blanket. What is he going to do?

   In this delightful picture book, Shirley Hughes once again tells a story that describes an everyday kind of adventure. She also has her main character, little Alfie, discover that there are times when the needs of others supersede one’s own needs.

   Children who like to listen to audiobooks will be delighted to see that this picture book has a CD that goes with it. 

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration: Book one hundred and eighty-five

Soon after I moved to the United States in 1991, I started to read the Washington Post. In addition to learning about my new country through the news stories and articles, I really enjoyed reading the daily installment of the For Better or For Worse comic strip. I remember how much I looked forward to finding out what was going to happen next in the lives of the Patterson family and their friends. Today's picture book features one of the characters from this strip, and it is a title that dog lovers of all ages will really enjoy reading.

Farley and the lost bone

Lynn Johnston and Beth Cruikshank

Illustrated by Lynn Johnston

Picture Book

For ages 5 to 7

Andrews McMeel, 2011, 978-1-4494-0306-5

   It is spring, and Farley the dog and his person Elly are outside in the yard enjoying the warm sun and the blue sky. Elly is digging in the flower border, and seeing her at work reminds Farley of something that I can’t quite put his paw on. Try as he might, Farley cannot remember what it was. He knows that it was something that he “really, REALLY wanted to do when the snow was gone,” but now he cannot for the life of him remember.

   Then Farley sees John pick up a wrench, and Farley remembers a day many weeks ago when Elly gave him a fabulous bone, which Farley promptly buried in the yard. That very night it had snowed and Farley’s bone was trapped in the frozen ground.

   Now at last, the ground has thawed and Farley can dig up his bone. There is one problem though. Farley cannot remember where he buried his bone. He dashes from place to place frantically trying to find his treasure, annoying one family member after another with his digging activities. Farley does not want to make everyone mad. All he wants to do is to find his bone!

   For years, readers of all ages followed the adventures of the Patterson in the For Better or For Worse comic strip. This is a story about Farley, the beloved family dog who appeared in the comic strip many times.

   Anyone who has had a dog will instantly recognize that look of concentration on Farley’s face as he tries very hard to remember something, and later to find something that he has lost.

   With wonderful illustrations throughout and a doggy character who is instantly loveable, this is a picture book that readers of all ages will enjoy.

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration: Book one hundred and eighty-four

I love word picture books. When I was little, the best books of this kind were created by Richard Scarry. I probably learned a large portion of my childhood vocabulary thanks to Huckle the Cat and his friends. These days many authors and illustrators are creating splendid word books. Today I have one that focuses on vacation-related words. Children who are going to be going on their own vacations this summer will surely enjoy looking through this title, and it would be a great book to tuck into a backpack for a long car, train, or airplane ride.

Curious Kids go on vacation

Heloise Antoine

Illustrated by Ingrid Godon

Picture book

For ages 5 to 7

Peachtree Publishers, 1997, 1-56145-143-6

   It is time to go on a vacation, and the members of the Curious family are getting ready for their trip. What should they take and how much can they fit into their suitcases and bags? The little girl packs Bobo her stuffed bunny, and the little boy wants to take his tape player along.

   After Mom and Dad get the car all loaded up, they set off.  There are lots of things to look at as they drive down the highway. The children look out of the windows and see signs, traffic lights, tollbooths, and vehicles of all kinds.

   Here are the twins with their grandparents, having a picnic in the countryside. Grandpa has brought a fishing rod, the little boy has picked some flowers, and Grandma is laying out the food and drink on a blanket in the grass.

   This is just the beginning of their adventures because the twins are going to travel on a train, they are going to go to the beach, and they are going to go on a ferry. They will also go camping, they will visit the mountains, they will go to an airport, and they will try to find something to do on a rainy day.

   In this wonderful word book, young readers can follow the adventures of twins as they go on vacation with their family. On every page, a central illustration is surrounded by small pictures of things that relate to the theme on that page. For example on the camping page, we see pictures of a crescent moon, a camp stove, a cooler, a camper, an ant, and backpacks. Each little picture is labeled with its name. Children who cannot read yet can practice remembering the names of the things that they see on the pages, and children who can read can practice reading the name labels for themselves. Readers will be delighted to discover that some objects appear on every double page spread.

   This is one in a series of word picture books featuring the Curious Kids. 

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration: Book one hundred and eighty-three

We live in a society that loves the idea that "more is better." More clothes, more techi toys, more stuff. More, more, and more. There are situations though where more really is not a better thing, and in this book you will learn about one of these situation. 

I’ve got an elephant

Anne Ginkel

Illustrated by Janie Bynum

Picture book

For ages 4 to 6

Peachtree Publishers, 2006, 1-56145-373-0

   A little girl has an elephant friend who shares her bed every night. He wears Superman pajamas and is a splendid cuddler. It is a wonderful to have such a friend, but the elephant tends to get lonely when the little girl goes to school every week day.

   Then one day, the elephant goes out and he comes home with an elephant friend of his own. The two elephants are great companions for each other and for the little girl. They help the little girl with her reading, but when she goes shopping, they get lonely and they decide to get another elephant friend to live with them.

   Over time, more and more elephants join the little girl’s household. They dance beautifully at ballet class, go fishing, play dress-up, go swimming, and go to the movies. The thing of it is, there does come a time when having numerous elephant friends becomes a bit of a problem.

   Children will be hard pressed not to laugh out loud when they see how more and more elephants are added to the story. What is the little girl going to do with all these elephants? When will another elephant be one elephant too many?

   With expressive watercolor illustrations throughout, this is a perfect book to share with a child.