Saturday, February 11, 2017

Bedtime for Buzzy by T.J. Hackworth

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my review.

My Rating: ⭐

A young boy is playing with his toys and doesn't want to go to bed at bedtime. One by one his toys come to life in his imagination and convince him that going to sleep is the best way to continue his adventures.

As parents of young children know all too well, convincing a child that it is time to go to bed can sometimes be difficult, to say the least. 

The lovable characters of Bedtime for Buzzy encourage bedtime through a fun and engaging story -- one that is designed to help lead children to their own conclusion that it’s time to go to bed. Bedtime for Buzzy makes a perfect addition to the nightly storybook ritual that many parents share with their children.

Great Premise, But Not the Best Execution

I loved the idea of this book, a boy playing with his toys and using his imagination to interact with them, and then being convinced by them that bedtime is a good thing indeed.  The problem is that it isn't entirely clear that he is playing with his toys.  While there is a picture of his toys in his room at the very beginning, there is neither illustration, or any part of the story that makes it clear to a young listener that it is the toys that have come to life that the story is about.

In addition, I found the interaction with the toys to be inconsistently good, many scenes quite good indeed, and others not good at all, and the illustration is nothing more than okay.

Bedtime for Buzzy has the potential for being a wonderful addition to a bedtime ritual, but has too many difficulties in my opinion.  It might appeal to some readers who don't mind doing the author's work of clarifying to the listener what is happening.

by T.J. Hackworth
Illustration by: Sean Baptist
Published: February 8, 2017
Pages: 28:
My Source: Publisher


Friday, February 10, 2017

Jesus is Alive by Debby Anderson

I was provided a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my review.

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

The hope of Easter comes to life in Jesus Is Alive. Through colorful pictures of a child’s day with family and friends, little hearts learn about the time leading to Jesus’s death and resurrection. Most importantly, they learn that in Jesus all things are new!

Cuddle and Sing is the bestselling board book series that teaches the love of Jesus to children ages zero to three. This is the first seasonal book to be released in the series and continues the delightful tone that makes the first three books so popular.

Sweet Illustrations and Catchy Rhymes

Of course I am partial to a book that tells of the hope of Jesus being alive, and Debby Anderson tells it well in the style of rhyme and with adorable illustrations.  While explaining to the listener in this 'read aloud' many of the ways that we know that Jesus is alive, there are corresponding reminders of the story of Easter, which is lovely, although nothing that I think that will resinate with the target audience.

Sadly, Evelyn listened, but was only too happy to move along to another book, and never once pointed at anything, or tried to discuss anything.  The book is published in board book format, and is therefore quite short and suitable for listeners eighteen months and younger, maybe as an Easter gift in lieu of chocolate.  I don't believe that readers even a pinch older will take a significant interest in the book, at least not enough to want to revisit it.

Jesus is Alive
by Debbie Anderson
Published: February 1, 2017
Format: Board Book
Source: Publisher
Pages: 18



Thursday, February 9, 2017

Is a Worry Worrying You by Ferida Wolff

Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Illustration: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
This book addresses children's worries with humor and imagination, as hilarious scenarios teach kids the use of perspective and the art of creative problem—solving.

Effective, But Thoroughly Entertaining Teaching Tool

Is a Worry Worrying You? is a cute book with an interesting way of teaching children the definition of worries, and how to get rid of the worries that plague them. The book starts with a few pages of examples of what a worry is, how it comes about, and what is feels like. Mid way through the book seamlessly shifts gears to laying out several examples of situations that children can find themselves in by worrying, along with a simple, but very practical approach to what they should do to remedy it.

I recommend this book especially to children ages four through eight. It is a wonderful conversation starter, and a particular must have if you have a little worrywart on your hands.

Is a Worry Worrying You
by Ferida Wolf and Harriet May Savitz
Illustrations by Marie Letourneau
Source: Publisher
Published 2005 by Tanglewood
Pages: 32


Wednesday, February 8, 2017

Mama Bird Papa Bird by Wanda Obermeier

The publisher swapped me this book for my review. 

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Discover the deeper meaning of family as Mama Bird and Papa Bird provide questions that will have young children eager for answers.

Mama Bird Papa Bird has really good illustrations, and the the story shows the caring side of this bird family.  I thought that it was weird that the mommy and daddy bird don't realize what is happening to them when they are having a baby.  Aren't birds suppose to know these things?  It's called instinct, right?
I still had fun reading about the love of this bird family and I thought that the ending was super cute, but I have read other bird books that have told a better nature story.

Wanda Obermeier
Illustrated by Faith Thomas
Source: Publisher
Published: September 2014
Pages: 32


I Don't Want a Rabbit by Ingrid Prins

I was given a copy from the publisher in trade for my review.  No other bargains were made.

My rating: ⭐⭐

Timothy doesn’t want a rabbit. But one day, there’s a rabbit at the door.
Timothy tries all kinds of ways to get rid of him, but what’s the best way?
And why doesn’t Timothy want a rabbit?

I Don't Want a Rabbit by Ingrid Prins is suppose to teach us about grief, but Timothy is a mean, miserable little boy, and his parents don't do anything to correct his mean behavior, or to talk to him  about what he was going through.
I am sure that my mom, dad, nana or poppy would sit me down and explain to me that it is okay to love a new pet, and that it doesn't take away from the love that I have towards my other pet.  Gosh.  We really are smarter than a lot of people give us credit for, so I think that most kids know that anyway, but still.
Anyway, the pictures are cute, and the book was okay, even if I do think that Timothy is a brat.  If he were my neighbor, I would march myself right over to his house and say, "Timothy!  You listen here. If you don't want that bunny, and all you want to do is mistreat it, you just hand it over!"

by Ingrid Prins
Illustrated by Jelena Brezovec
Source: Publisher
Published: November 2016 by Clavis
Pages: 32


Thursday, January 5, 2017

Winter Themed Picture Books


Dear friends,
Look at these wintery books.  I will be taking Evelyn to the library to hunt down as many as we can find, and adding the rest to our wishlist.  I love books set in the current season.  I just wish that Evelyn could see snow!  She was born down here in the south, but our family is originally from NY.  Road trip!

The Reader by Amy Hest

In this timeless picture book, a new reader trudges through deep snow with a mysterious suitcase in tow. He has something important to share with his faithful companion, who bolts ahead to wait at the top of a tall hill. Our small hero climbs higher and higher, until finally, he is there, too. Then he opens his suitcase ? click, click ? and soon the only sound in the world is the sound of him reading their very favorite book to the very last page?the very last word. Amy Hest's spare evocative text is a true celebration of new readers and good friends everywhere, while Lauren Castillo's pen and ink and watercolor illustrations, with their bold saturated colors against winter white, perfectly capture the wonder and delight of this magical day.


While "helping" his mother with holiday housecleaning, a boy keeps a watchful eye on the progress of a winter storm. He's hoping for a big snow. A really big snow. Inside, he is underfoot, turning sheet-changing and tub-scrubbing into imaginary whiteouts. Outside, flakes are flying. But over the course of a long day (for Mom) the clouds seem slow on delivering a serious snowfall. Then comes a dreamy naptime adventure, marking just the beginning of high hopes coming true in this irresistible seasonal story.




Red Sled by Lita Judge

In this almost wordless picture book, a host of woodland creatures take a child's sled for a nighttime joy ride. Their whimsical ride is gorgeously depicted in bold watercolor, complemented by humorous expressions and pitch-perfect sound effects. With a timeless tone and classic characters, RED SLED will become a wintertime favorite.



It’s snowy cold in the town of Toby Mills. The thermometer is sinking toward zero, and the icicle hanging from the nose of General Toby’s statue is growing closer to the ground. The newspaper headline reads “COLD SNAP!” The people of the town are losing hope—and the feeling in their toes—until the mayor’s wife saves the day with a toasty treat.





Blizzard by John Rocco

Blizzard is based on John Rocco's childhood experience during the now infamous Blizzard of 1978, which brought 53 inches of snow to his town in Rhode Island.

Told with a brief text and dynamic illustrations, the book opens with a boy's excitement upon seeing the first snowflake fall outside his classroom window. It ends with the neighborhood's immense relief upon seeing the first snowplow break through on their street. In between the boy watches his familiar landscape transform into something alien, and readers watch him transform into a hero who puts the needs of others first.


Toy Meets Snow by Emily Jenkins

Lumphy, StingRay, and Plastic--the toys from the beloved chapter books "Toys Go Out, ""Toy Dance Party, " and" Toys Come Home"--are back in a glorious full-color picture book, perfect for gift-giving this holiday season. Acclaimed author Emily Jenkins and Caldecott Medal-winning illustrator Paul Zelinsky have created a book destined to become a classic. 
Children who have loved listening to the Toys trilogy, as well as those meeting the toys for the very first time, will be thrilled to see Lumphy, StingRay, and Plastic venture outdoors to play in the snow. Together the toys build a snowman, make snow angels, and, when day is done, head back inside their cozy house and wait for the return of the Little Girl.


Snow by Sam Usher

Every child loves a snow day—no school and snowball fights galore! But Sam has to wait for Granddad, even though all the other kids have already gone to the park . . . and all the dogs . . . and all the zoo animals! Only when the two finally arrive does Granddad see why Sam was in such a hurry—and they have the best time playing with everyone in the snow.





Tea Party in the Woods by Akiko Miyakoshi

Kikko sets out after her father with a forgotten pie for Grandma. When she arrives at a strange house in the wintry woods, a peek in the window reveals that the footprints Kikko had been following did not belong to her father at all, but to a bear in a long coat and hat! Alice in Wonderland meets Little Red Riding Hood in this charmed tale.





Fox's Garden by Princesse Camcam

One snowy night, a fox loses its way, entering a village. Chased away by the grown ups, Fox takes shelter in a greenhouse. A little boy sees this from his window. Without hesitating, he brings a basket of food to the greenhouse, where he leaves it for the fox. His gift is noticed and the night becomes a garden of new life, nourished by compassion and kindness.


Flora and the Penguin by Molly Idle

Having mastered ballet in Flora and the Flamingo, Flora takes to the ice and forms an unexpected friendship with a penguin. Twirling, leaping, spinning, and gliding, on skates and flippers, the duo mirror each other's graceful dance above and below the ice. But when Flora gives the penguin the cold shoulder, the pair must figure out a way to work together for uplifting results. Artist Molly Idle creates an innovative, wordless picture book with clever flaps that reveal Flora and the penguin coming together, spiraling apart, and coming back together as only true friends do. Plus, this is a fixed-format version of the book, which looks nearly identical to the print version.


Brimsby's Hats by Andrew Prahin

A lonely hat maker uses quirky creativity to make friends in this delightful picture book that will charm readers young and old.
Brimsby is a happy hat maker—until his best friend goes off to find adventure at sea. Now Brimsby is a lonely hat maker, unsure of what to do. But since making hats is what he does best, perhaps his talents can help him find some friends…
Filled with whimsy and wonder, Brimsby’s Hats is a celebration of creativity and friendship.


The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats

No book has captured the magic and sense of possibility of the first snowfall better than The Snowy Day. Universal in its appeal, the story has become a favorite of millions, as it reveals a child's wonder at a new world, and the hope of capturing and keeping that wonder forever.
The adventures of a little boy in the city on a very snowy day.






What are your favorite books with a winter setting?