The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration: Book two hundred and twenty-one

Being the new kid in school can be hard. Actually, it can be excruciating if you are a shy. In today's picture book, you will meet a child who is "the new girl," and another little girl who is trying to figure out what the new girl is like. Both children need a friend, and neither one of them knows how to get around the "new girl" barrier.I think this book could really help a child who is trying to adjust to a new school environment.

The new girl…and me

Jacqui Robbins

Illustrations by Matt Phelan

Picture Book

For ages 6 to 8

Simon and Schuster, 2006, 978-0-689-86468-1

    There is a new girl in Mia’s class and her name is Shakeeta. Shakeeta is very shy but she does manage to tell everyone that she has a pet iguana. Ms. Becky, the teacher, tells everyone that they should do what they can to make Shakeeta “feel at home.” All the girls want to show Shakeeta around and then D.J. makes fun of her. Shakeeta tells him that she will punch him in the head. 

   Not wanting to get punched in the head herself, Mia keeps her distance, but she cannot help feeling that Shakeeta cannot possibly be feeling at home. Surely she must be feeling really uncomfortable.

   On the second day at school, things are even worse. D.J tells Shakeeta that she cannot play soccer.  Then he tells her that she looks like an iguana and the whole class laughs. Soon Mia and Shakeeta are alone. What should Mia do now?

   When you are shy and prone to worrying about things, it is not easy to makes friends, and when you are the new kid in a class it is not easy to make friends either. This picture book explores the relationship that develops between two little girls who are lonely and who seemingly have nothing in common.

   With language that will resonate with children, and illustrations that are expressive, this is a picture book that will charm young readers.   

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration: Book two hundred and twenty

Children are often bombarded with demands that they sit up straight, that they don't play with their food, that they work hard at school, and so on. These demands can get very tiring sometimes, and not surprisingly most children wish they lived in a world where they didn't have to be good all the time. After all, what is the point?

In today's picture book, readers will meet a young raccoon who is expected to be bad all the time. What a perfect world you might think. Or could it be that being bad all the time is not as much fun as it sounds. Could it be that being good actually has its perks after all?

School for Bandits

Hannah Shaw

Picture Book

For ages 4 to 7

Random House UK, 2011, 978-1-780-08000-0

   Mr. and Mrs. Raccoon are very upset because their son Ralph is not behaving the way a raccoon should. Instead of being badly behaved, a slob, and a thief, their son is polite, considerate, and kind. At their wits end, Ralph’s parents decide to send him to the School for Bandits. Surely the teacher there will be able to straighten Ralph out and show him how to behave properly.

   Alas for Ralph! He makes a terrible student. He cannot seem to make himself behave badly in any of his classes or exercises. He is so hopeless that at the end of the term his teacher has no choice but to send Ralph home with a bad report card. Before her students leave, the teacher gives each of them a sack telling them that the raccoon who fills the sack “with the most loot will win the BEST BANDIT IN THE SCHOOL competition.” Poor Ralph goes home knowing perfectly well that he has no hope of filling his bag because he refuses to steal things.

   In this funny picture book, Hannah Shaw finds a way to show children that being good actually can be rewarding. Children will love the kooky illustrations, and they will be delighted when the underdog…er… underraccoon prevails in the end. 

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration: Book two hundred and ninteen

When you are little it is very tiresome to discover that you really are too little to do some of the things that you want to do. What a bore! The main character in today's picture book is in just such a situation and he is thoroughly fed up with it. Thankfully he discovers that there are some things that even a very little person (or a very little pig) can do, and do well. 

Little Pig Joins the Band

David Hyde Costello

Picture book

For ages 4 to 6

Charlesbridge, 2011, 978-1-58089-264-3

   Little Pig does not like being little, nor does he like being called Little Pig. He has a perfectly good name that no one uses. Why doesn’t anyone call him Jacob?

   When Little Pig goes to Grandpa’s house Grandpa gets out his old marching-band instruments. Little pig tries to play the drums, but he is too short to manage it. He is also too little to play the trombone, the trumpet, or the tuba. His siblings Margie, Peter, Sally, and Tiny have no trouble playing the instruments, and poor Little Pig feels very left out. Though the older pig children can play the instruments, they do have one big problem. They cannot successfully play together like a proper band. Perhaps Little Pig has a role he can play after all.

   Being the littlest child (or piglet) can be a trial. You so often get left out of all the fun because you are “too little,” and no one considers that you too can be a part of whatever is going on. Little children will therefore appreciate the fact that in this book, at least, the littlest child (piglet) finally gets his due.

   With clever illustrations, tongue in cheek word puns, and a charming main character, this is a picture book that is sure to become a firm favorite with young children. 

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration: Book two hundred and eighteen

When my daughter was little we got her a pair of yellow boots. To say that she loved these boots would be an understatement. She adored them. In fact she loved them so much that she wore them to bed! Today's picture book tells the story of a little boy and his yellow boots, boots that he too thinks are the bees knees!

Alfie’s Feet

Shirley Hughes

Picture Book

For ages 4 to 6

Random House UK, 2009, 978-1-862-30784-1

   Alfie has a pair of brown shoes with laces that he wears when he goes outside. The shoes work very well in most situations, but when Alfie goes “stamping about in mud and walking through puddles,” his shoes, his socks, and his feet get rather wet.

   One day Alfie and his mum go to the shops on the High Street and they buy Alfie a pair of wonderful yellow boots. Now Alfie will be able to play in the mud and puddles without getting his feet wet.

   Alfie put on his new boots and they look splendid, though they do feel a little funny. Soon Alfie and Dad are in the park and Alfie is having a grand time splashing in the puddles. The only problem is that his feet in their new yellow boots still feel a little odd.

   Shirley Hughes has a gift for turning a simple story into a delightful reading experience. With her charming illustrations and her loveable characters, Shirley Hughes takes us into Alfie’s world, a place where buying a new pair of yellow boots is a memorable event. 

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration: Book two hundred and seventeen

Breaking something that you treasure can be devastating. Watching someone else breaking something that you treasure is even worse. Today's picture book is about a dog whose favorite ball is destroyed. Luckily something good comes out of the experience. 

Children who cannot read by themselves yet will love the fact that this is a no-reading-required title. Wordless books are wonderful!

A ball for Daisy

Chris Raschka

Wordless Picture Book

For ages 4 to 6

Random House, 2011, 978-0-375-85861-1

   Daisy the dog has a red ball that she loves very very much. She plays with it, and even snuggles it when she is napping on the sofa. One day Daisy and her owner go for a walk. Daisy’s owner carries Daisy’s beloved ball and then she gives it to Daisy to play with. All goes well until a brown dog decides to play with the ball too. To Daisy’s consternation the brown dog runs off with the ball and then, horror of horrors, the ball bursts. To say that Daisy is devastated is an understatement. Daisy cannot understand why her ball is not ball-like anymore. What has happened?

   In this delightful wordless book, Chris Raschka perfectly captures the love a little dog has for her ball. Readers will be able to easily understand all of the little dog’s moods, and appreciate how lost she is when her treasure is ruined. The wonderfully expressive illustrations in this title will charm readers of all ages. 

Poetry Friday - A review of Hip Hop Speaks to children: A Celebration of Poetry with a beat

I must confess that I know very little about hip hop music and I don't listen to much of it. I was therefore very surprised when I read this book and found out that for some people hip hop is basically poetry with a beat. I found this book very interesting and loved the way some truly lovely poetry was given a new dimension by having bright rhythms added to it. 

Hip Hop Speaks to children: A Celebration of Poetry with a beat

Edited by Nikki Giovanni
Poetry
For ages 9 to 12
Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, 1997, 978-1402210488
   For many young people poetry is a form of the written word that they find a little intimidating. There is one format in which poetry is familiar and comfortable – the nursery rhyme, especially when it is set to music. Three Blind Mice, and other similar rhymes are now staples in many nurseries. But what about older children? Is there a musical poetry format for them too? There is. Many musical genres have lyrics that rhyme but there is one that is particularly attractive to the young – hip hop.

   In this unique book the editor has collected many kinds of poems which could all, quite easily, be set to music. Just add a drum or a tambourine to provide a beat, and you are off creating a unique rhyming song of your own. Or you can listen to the CD that comes with the book to see how some famous performers have taken a rhyme and turned it into hip hop.

   The poems included in the book were written by a very diverse group of people including Maya Angelou, Langston Hughes, Eloise Greenfield, Gary Soto, and Walter Dean Meyers. Then there are the musicians who have written poems, including Queen Latifah, Aesop Rock, and Young MC.

   The poems are about a variety of subjects, many of which have a powerful and meaningful message. Tupac Shakur writes about a rose "that grew from the concrete." Nikki Giovanni'sThe Rosa Parks encourages children to "do the rosa parks" and "shame the bad / comfort the good." The words a simple, punchy, and to the point, and they remind children that they are the ones who can make the world a better place.

   On the CD some of the poems are read by the poet, while others are read/sung by someone else. For example, in the book there is an extract from Martin Luther King's "I have a dream" speech. You can hear Martin himself read the speech and then you can hear a version of it that is set to a rap beat. For some of the poems there is an introduction to help readers better understand the poems and their origins.

   At the back of the book readers can find out more about the poets and musicians who contributed to the book.

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration: Book two hundred and sixteen

Not many people go for rides in the country anymore, which is rather a shame In today's picture book you can take a little drive with Mr. Gumpy and his friends, and enjoy a simple adventure that is amusing and very satisfying as well. 

Mr. Gumpy’s Motor Car

John Burningham

Picture book and CD

For ages 4 to 6

Random House UK, 2011, 978-1-849-41285-8

   Mr. Gumpy is going for a drive in his motor car. It is a lovely day and when they see him drive by, the children, the rabbit, the cat, the dog, the pig, the sheep, the chickens, the calf and the goat all ask if they too can go for a drive too. Even though it is going to be “a squash,” Mr. Gumpy agrees to take everyone with him.

   For a while, the trip is perfect. The sun is shining, the sky is blue, and Mr. Gumpy decides to drive down a cart-track. Unfortunately, the weather suddenly changes. It begins to rain and Mr. Gumpy has to hop out of the car to put up the hood. The road gets more and more muddy and the car starts to slip and slide as the wheels spin. Somebody is going to have to get out of the car to push it. The thing is that no one wants to get out in the rain and mud. What are they going to do?

   In this entertaining and amusing picture book, John Burningham shows to great effect that there are times when everyone has to pitch in to help, even if they don’t want to.

   For children who like to listen to stories, this title includes a CD. Sylvester McCoy narrates the story, and his narrative is accompanied by music and sound effects. 

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration: Book two hundred and fifteen

There are times when most of wish we could have a little peace and quiet. We don't want to share our space with anyone else, or we only want to share our space with certain people. In today's picture book you will meet some cows who have a great deal of difficulty keeping all the other farm animals out of the barn that they feel should be theirs and theirs alone.

Only Cows Allowed

Lynn Plourde

Illustrated by Rebecca Harrison Reed

Picture Book

For ages 5 to 7

Down East, 2011, 978-089272790-2

   A young man has bought a farm, and though he does not know much about farming or farm animals, he gets some cows to live in his barn. The cows love their new accommodation so much that they decide that they and they alone will live in the barn. Quickly they make a sign that reads “ONLY COWS ALLOWED!”

   When the chickens arrive, they are very annoyed to see the sign. They have every right to live in the barn if they want to. In an effort to produce milk - so that the cows will accept them - the chickens lay a prodigious number of eggs. The farmer is delighted and the chickens know that the cows will have to accept them now. The chickens make themselves at home and all is well until some more animals arrive. The cows are determined to keep them out of the barn, but will they be able to?

   Young readers are sure to be amused by this clever picture book. They will meet some very strong-minded cows who are determined to have their own way. The deliciously funny ending is sure to delight children who have a fondness for surprises.  

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration: Book two hundred and fourteen

We grownups sometimes convince ourselves that we know all the answers because we know the rules. Not surprisingly it often turns out that we don't know all that much after all. Not even close. When we start learning how to listen and how to observe (rather than spouting silly rules) we get along a lot better with everyone, especially children.

In today's book you will meet an exceptionally silly adult who does not know how to listen at all. What a mess she makes of things. 

The hair of Zoe Fleefenbacher goes to school

Laurie Halse Anderson

Illustrated by Ard Hoyt

Picture Book

For ages 5 to 7

Simon and Schuster, 2009, 978-0-689-85809-3

   Zoe Fleefenbacker has extraordinary hair. It is bright red in color and there is so much of it that when she was little, Zoe’s parents have to buy two strollers. One for Zoe and one for her hair. Zoe’s hair is “wild and beautiful.” It has a mind of its own, and when Zoe is in kindergarten, her teacher, Mrs. Broghag is quite happy to let Zoe’s hair help out in the classroom.

   Then Zoe goes to first grade, the first grade teacher, Ms. Trisk, strongly believes in rules. She will not allow “wild hair” to run rampant in her class. Ms. Trisk puts Zoe in time out, and then she tries to control Zoe’s hair, which is not at all a good idea because Zoe’s hair does not like to be controlled.

   Ms. Trisk insists on a meeting between herself, the principal, Zoe’s parents, and Zoe. The adults decide that Zoe’s hair has to be “tamed. The problem is that no one bothers to ask Zoe her opinion.

   All too often adults don’t listen to their children. They are far too busy inflicting rules on them to even consider that children might have something to say that is worth hearing. This book shows to great effect that the best scenario is when adults and children work together. With humor and glorious illustrations that are full of “wild and beautiful” red hair, the author and illustrator give young readers a tale that is both amusing and memorable. 

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration: Book two hundred and thirteen

Today I have a book for you that is quite unique. You will meet a cat who wants to dine on a mouse, and a mouse who does not want to become someone's dinner. Readers of all ages will be able to appreciate the situation the cat and the mouse find themselves in, and they will be able to laugh at the clever way in which the problem is resolved.

Mr. Maxwell’s Mouse

Frank Asch

Illustrations by Devin Asch

Picture Book

Ages 6 and up

Kids Can Press, 2004, 1-55337-486-X

   Mr. Maxwell is feeling in a celebratory mood. He has just been promoted, and when he arrives at his usual restaurant for lunch he decides to treat himself to a delicacy that he has not had in a long time – raw mouse. Mr. Maxwell soon finds himself face to face with his lunch, a very polite and very verbose mouse who has impeccable manners and who seems to know a great deal about the finer things in life.

   Mr. Maxwell is at first irritated by this mouse who keeps interrupting his meal. If only the creature would just be quiet and allow Mr. Maxwell to eat it. Instead the mouse has to say a prayer, he congratulates Mr. Maxwell on his promotion, and he even advises him as to what kind of wine he should have to drink.

   It isn’t before Mr. Maxwell finds himself quite unable to cut into this highly talented mouse. The two have become far too well acquainted to make the dining part of the arrangement easy

   This wonderful tongue in cheek tale has us rooting for the mouse with all our hearts and souls. Surely the clever little creature is not going to get eaten after all that he has been through. Dark and subdued computer created artwork beautifully captures the mood in the author’s cat-eat-mouse world.