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

Once, when I was a child growing up in a village in Lebanon I saw a snake in the wood pile. I told my mother what I had seen, and her response was to tell me not to be ridiculous. Later she went past the woodpile and almost had a heart attack when the snake came sliding out. I don't remember saying "I told you so," but I have a feeling that I must have done.

Sometimes grownups are not very good at believing what their children tell them. Today's picture book demonstrates this problem very well indeed. Take note adults, sometimes when a child tells you that there is a pirate in the cupboard or a cake-stealing ninja on the loose, they are telling the truth!

The boy who cried ninja

Alex Latimer

Picture Book

For ages 5 to 7

Peachtree Publishers, 2011, 978-1-56145-579-9

  Tim is a little boy who says so many extraordinary things that no one believes him. When his mother asks about the missing last piece of cake, Tim explains that a ninja crept into the house and ate it. When his father asks where the hammer is, Tim tells him that an astronaut landed in the yard and used the hammer to fix his spaceship.

   Tim’s parents punish him for lying, so Tim decides that the best thing to do is to lie. After all, no one believes him when he tells the truth. So, when a pirate jumps out of the cupboard and drinks all the tea, Tim takes responsibility. In fact he takes responsibility for all the bad or strange things that happen around the house, even though he is not responsible for any of them. Despite his efforts to please his family, Tim gets punished for all the supposed bad things he has done. Poor Tim is punished when he tells the truth, and he is punished when he lies. What is the poor boy going to do?

   Children are sure to be amused by this delightfully odd picture book. They will sympathize with Tim’s predicament, and celebrate when he finds a solution. They might even be inspired to tackle the ninja and astronaut who have been causing problems in their lives. Who knows? Perhaps Tim’s solution will work for them too.

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

I am one of those people who panics when something happens to my computer or my internet connection. I need these things for work, but I also cannot imagine living without my online newspapers and Wikipedia. The downside, I feel, to all this technology, is the way in which people connect on a personal level less than they used to. We can talk to one another more easily, but do we really reach out in a meaningful way?

Today's picture book beautifully shows how important it is to reach out to others so that they know that we really care and are thinking about them.

Immi’s gift

Karen Littlewood

Picture Book

For ages 5 to 7

Peachtree Publishers, 2010, 978-1-56145-545-4

   Immi lives in a place where the wind is icy and where snow falls. All she ever sees around her is an empty “frozen white world.” One day Immi is fishing through a hole in the ice and instead of catching a fish, she pulls up a small colorful wooden bird. Immi has never seen so many beautiful colors and she ties the little bird onto her necklace, “next to a small white bear.”

   The next day she pulls up a red flower. Then there is an orange starfish, a green leaf, and a purple feather. Soon Immi’s igloo is covered with colorful decorations, and her home is “the brightest thing in the land.” The colors attract many animals to Immi’s home, and soon she is no longer lonely. She has lots of friends who stay to supper and who fill the “long dark nights with stories of faraway lands.” Who sent these gifts to Immi and why?

   All too often we live our lives cut off from others, not seeing their troubles, and not reaching out to them in friendship. This beautiful picture book celebrates the magical moment when we make the effort to connect with another person. It shows us how important it is to reach out to others, even people who live far away. That moment of contact is truly a precious thing.

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

Yesterday I reviewed a book about a child and her mother having a fight. Today I have a book about another familiar family situation, a child's temper tantrum. Parents and other caregivers will laugh out loud when they see how Finn's fit affects the world around him. 

Finn throws a fit!

David Elliott

Illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering

Picture Book

For ages 4 to 6

Candlewick Press, 2009, 978-0-7636-2356-2

Usually Finn likes to eat peaches, but today he doesn’t. In fact, today he doesn’t like anything because he is “cranky.” Finn is in such a terrible mood that he has a full scale, all out tantrum. He “throws a fit,” he cries so much that his house floods. An avalanche, an earthquake, a tidal wave, hurricanes, and blizzards turn Finn’s home into a disaster area. Poor Finn’s parents are beside themselves. When will this terrible fit end?

   Parents of children who have thrown a tantrum will really appreciate this picture book, which perfectly captures how suddenly a tantrum can begin. And end. With expressive multimedia illustrations and a minimal text, this is a picture book that little children are sure to enjoy. 

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

Fights between children and their parents cause a lot of unhappiness. Harsh words are said, feelings are hurt, and often both sides feel that they are in the right, which makes it hard to bring about a reconciliation. In today's picture book, Elissa Haden Guest tells the story of a fight between a mother and her daughter. 

Harriet’s Had Enough

Elissa Haden Guest

Illustrated by Paul Meisel

Picture Book

For ages 4 to 6

Candlewick Press, 2009, 978-0-7636-3454-4

   Harriet is playing with her toys in the living room when her mama comes in. The little raccoon girl has made a real mess of the room and her mama tells her to clean it up. Instead of doing what she is told, Harriet keeps on playing with her train set and then she tells her mother to “Go away – I’m busy!”

   Not surprisingly, Harriet’s mama is not happy that her daughter is being so rude. When Harriet really goes too far, her mother carries her to her room and she tells Harriet that she is “fed up,” and she closes the door “hard behind her.” Harriet decides there and then that she too is “fed up” and she is going to run away. Nothing anyone says is going to change her mind.

   Every so often, parents and their children have a fight and it is a miserable experience for everyone. In this picture book, Elissa Haden Guest presents just such a fight in a sympathetic and sensitive way, showing readers how both parties feel hurt and lonely, and how forgiveness is a large part of repairing a rift between people who love one another.

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

The scenario in today's picture book will be very familiar to grownups who have a child in their lives. I don't want to say more because then I will give away too much. Suffice it to say that today's story is sweet and funny and a must read for teachers, parents, grandparents, and other people who take care of children. 

Owl Howl

Paul Friester

Illustrated by Philippe Goossens

Picture Book

For ages 3 to 6

NorthSouth, 2011, 978-0-7358-4017-1

   One afternoon all the animals in the forest heard a dreadful “Hoo…Hoo…” noise. The little hedgehog bravely ventured out to find out who was making the noise and he found a little owl standing on the ground “howling miserably.” The hedgehog asked the little owl if she had fallen out of her nest, but the youngster shook her head and “kept on howling.”

   One by one the other animals in the forest try to find out what is distressing the little owl. The crow offers to play with her, the squirrel brings her a nut to eat, the mole gives the owl “something nice.” The stag beetle even threatens to “nip” the owl in the bottom because she is being naughty. Not surprisingly, this only makes the owl howl “even louder.” What on earth can be the matter with the little bird?

   Children are sure to love this cleverly crafted picture book, where the narrative keeps them guessing and guessing until, at last, the little owl speaks. What she says is sure to make children and their grownups laugh out loud.

   This title is part of a collection of picture books called Tuff Books that have tear-resistant and easy-to-clean pages so that toddlers can explore them without being able to damage them. 

Poetry Friday - Polar Bear, Arctic Hare: Poems of the Frozen North

One of my favorite children's book writers is Eileen Spinelli. Not only does she write charming picture books, but she is also a gifted poet. For today's poetry title I have a review of one of her books of poetry for young readers.

Polar Bear, Arctic Hare: Poems of the Frozen North

Eileen Spinelli
Illustrator:  Eugenie Fernandes
Poetry Picture Book
For ages 4 to 8
Boyds Mills Press, 2007, 978-1590783443
When polar bear cubs come out their den in the spring,there are so many things to look at and so many places to explore. There are Arctic bumblebees to sniff at and hopefully not get stung by. There are Arctic terns to watch as they wheel "wings unfurled" and "chasing summer" in the blue skies above. As the summer advances, the sun "plays the part of the moon" refusing to go to bed at night and shining gently on the blooming yellow arctic poppies.

   Though this is clearly a place of extremes, all kinds of animals call the arctic their home. There are herds of "thrumming and drumming" caribou racing across the tundra. Tiny lemmings hide in the snow as large smiling beluga whales slide beneath the ice.

   Using a variety of poetic forms Eileen Spinelli beautifully captures in words the splendor and variety of life that can be found in the "frozen north." Readers will find themselves smiling at some of the poems with their lively and colorful rhymes. Some of the  more thought-provoking poems will capture the imagination, and readers may begin to wonder what it would be like to see a summer Arctic sun, or what it would be like to listen to a choir of wolves howling at an Arctic moon.

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

Stella Blackstone's Bear books are one of my favorite series for young readers. Debbie Harter's wonderfully colorful and detailed illustrations are delightful, and the main character, Bear, is a charming fellow. In today's picture book, Stella Blackstone combines a birthday story with exercises in counting backwards.

Bear’s Birthday

Stella Blackstone

Illustrated by Debbie Harter

Picture Book

For ages 3 to 5

Barefoot Books, 2011, 978-1846865152

   It is Bear’s birthday today and he is busy preparing for his party. He blows up ten balloons and soon his nine guests arrive. Bear is holding nine balloons as he greets his guests, but one of the balloons gets loose and floats up into the sky.

   In the house, Bear and his friends play hide-and-seek. Can you find each of the nine bear guests? Oh and look, one of the balloons has escaped out of the window. There are only eight balloons left.

   After playing musical chairs and hunting for treasure outside, two more balloons are gone and the ten bears have only five balloons left. Will there be any balloons left when the party is over?

   In this clever and beautifully illustrated Bear book, children not only get to read about a wonderful birthday celebration, but they also get to count the disappearing balloons, the bear guests and more. In addition they get to follow the antics of Bear’s black and white striped cat who always, somehow, finds a way to be in on the action.

   At the back of the book, children will find a counting exercise to try. Can you find out why the balloons are disappearing, and can you help bear to count down from ten to one?

   This is one in a series of beautiful board and picture books about Bear, his friends and his family.

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

Children who want a pet in their lives will go to extremes to get one. They will turn everyday objects into a pet with varying degrees of success. They will bring home other people's pets and say "can we keep him?" Today's picture book tells the story of one little girl's campaign to have a pet of her own. The tale is amusing, sweet, and a joy to read. 

Prudence wants a pet

Cathleen Daly

Illustrated by Stephen Michael King

Picture book

For ages 5 to 7

Macmillan, 2011, 978-1-59643-468-4

   Prudence is a little girl who really really really wants a pet, but her parents refuse to allow her to get one because pets “cost too much” and they “make noise.” Desperate to have a pet, any pet, Prudence gets a pet of her own, and it is a branch. She calls her pet Branch and she takes him all over the place. Then Dad trips up on Branch (who has to stay on the front porch) and after doing so eight times, he breaks Branch “into little bits.”

   Prudence’s next pet is called Twig, which is what he is. He is small enough to fit in her pocket, which is very convenient. Unfortunately, Twig gets washed with Prudence’s dress and he is never seen again, even though Prudence puts up a lost pet sign in the laundry room.

   Again and again Prudence tries to have a pet, and again and again her plan falls through until she finally gives up and takes refuge in the closet. No one seems to understand how she feels.

   Most children, at some point or another, wish that they could have a pet of their own. This delightful picture book pairs a sympathetic story with wonderful illustrations to give children a tale that perfectly captures one little girl’s efforts to find a pet for herself. The story is funny, poignant, and just right.

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.