Sloth at the Zoom - Picture Book Review

Sloth at the Zoom

written by Helaine Becker

illustrated by Orbie

Owlkids, 2018

* I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

At a Glance

Category & Genre(s):

Picture book, humor, friendship

Age Range: 

2-7 years old

Plot:

A sloth, heading for the laid-back Zzzzoo, is accidentally dropped off at the Zoom where zebras gallop aroud and cheetahs zip right by. How will she handle this fast paced life and will she be able to make friends?

Strengths:

• clever, cute idea
• The main character is a sloth
• Its funny
• Shows the benefits of slowing down sometimes
• shows we can have friends that are different than ourselves

Would I recommend this title:

Yes!

Full Review

Full disclosure: I love sloths. I have a sloth stuffed animal collection. I have sloth socks. Even my roller derby name is Sloth. So naturally, I loved this book. The illustrations are really cute and vibrant. I feel like the illustrator did a good job of capturing each animal.

The premise of the book is funny and clever. A type of jungle fish-out-of-water story. I especially enjoyed the descriptions of the animals zooming around--the zebras run so fast that their stripes fly off! 

I think kids and parents will find appeal in the idea that it is important to slow down sometimes. I also liked the underlying message that we can find friends anywhere, even if they like different things. 

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? 8/13/18

#IMWAYR

The weekly post where I recap some of the KidLit books I've been reading. Ocasionally, I'll also talk about some adult fiction books as well.

Be sure to check out Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers to see what other Kidlit readers are reading. Because, you know, we can never have too many books in our TBR piles.

____________________

Picture Books

The Chupacabra Ate the Candelabra
written by Marc Tyler Nobleman
illustrated by Ana Aranda
Nancy Paulsen Books, 2017

This book was so much fun! I was looking for suggestions for spooky picture books and this one came up. I loved the bright illustrations. And the story was really funny and cute. Kids will be able to relate to the goats' fear of the legendary chupacabra--much like the boogeyman. One thing that I was pleasantly surprised at is that the text is a little longer--but it does not drag. It seems like many publishers are publishing shorter and shorter picture books, so this was refreshing. Despite the little bit longer text, my kiddos never got bored. 

Ta-Da!
written by Kathy Ellen Davis
illustrated by  Kaylani Juanita
Chronicle Books, 2018

I picked this one up because of the cover. The story is very creative and clever. I think most kids will be able to relate to the back and forth that happens when you are playing with friends. I especially liked the repetition as my toddler would giggle and even repeat parts. Highly recommend. 

The Bath Monster
written by Colin Boyd
illustrated by Tony Ross
Andersen Press, 2016

Another fun read. I love this twist on the monster under the bed. I am all for age appropriate spookiness and this is great. I could also see it being a motivator to get kids to take their baths--it keeps the bath monster well fed! 

Creepy Monsters, Sleepy Monsters
written by Jane Yolen
illustrated by Kelly Murphy
Candlewick, 2013

I guess I have been on a monster kick this week! The illustrations in this one are great. The monsters are super cute and Jane's rhyme is fantastic, as always. My two little monsters thoroughly enjoyed this one. Now if I can just get them to go to bed the 1st time I ask!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? 7/30/18

#IMWAYR

The weekly post where I recap some of the KidLit books I've been reading. Ocasionally, I'll also talk about some adult fiction books as well.

Be sure to check out Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers to see what other Kidlit readers are reading. Because, you know, we can never have too many books in our TBR piles.

____________________

BookTube-A-Thon starts today and runs through August 5th! You can see my 7 book TBR here. 

Picture Books

Boogie Nights

written by Lisa Wheeler

illustrated by Mark Siegel

Atheneum/Richard Jackson Books, 2008

I am always on the lookout for great spooky-funny books. This one had be belly laughing. I loved the illustrations and the rhyme was spot-on. Highly recommend. 

On Duck Pond

written by Jane Yolen

illustrated by Bob Marstall

Cornell Lab Publishing Group, 2017

I love it when Jane Yolen comes out with a bird picture book (and she's got a few) because I know that the writing will be top notch and there will be fantastic nonfiction back matter. On Duck Pond  does not disappoint. The illustrations are beautiful too. 

Twig

by Aura Parker

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2018

Oh my goodness! What a cute book! I loved the illustrations. There is just so much to see and discover on each page. And the story--one of going unnoticed--is something that I think many kids can easily relate to. 

Poetry

Beastly Verse

by JooHee Yoon

Enchanted Lion Books, 2015

JooHee Yoon has selected a fantastic set of animal poems for this book. Her wonderfully colorful artwork is just amazing. This would make an excellent addition to any poetry classroom. 

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? - 7/20/18

#IMWAYR

The weekly post where I recap some of the KidLit books I've been reading. Ocasionally, I'll also talk about some adult fiction books as well.

Be sure to check out Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers to see what other Kidlit readers are reading. Because, you know, we can never have too many books in our TBR piles.

____________________

Board Books

La Catrina: Emotions - Emociones

by Patty Rodriguez & Ariana Stein

Lil' Libros, 2017

We. loved. this. book. The illustrations are so bright and wonderful. Each page has an emotion in both Spanish and English. In the 3 weeks that I had it home from the library, I bet I read it at least 50 times (I'm not kidding). Now my 20 month old son toddles around the house making all the hand motions to accompany the emotion (hand to the cheek with a shocked expression for surprise/sporendido, scratching his head for confused/confundido). He even walks up and says "amada" while giving us hugs. We will be buying this one for our home.

Animal Colors

by Christopher Silas Neal

little bee books, 2018

This was a fantastic read and a very creative color concept book. I love the mash up of both the colors and the wacky animals. What does a blue whale and a yellow lion make? A green whion of course!

Picture Books

Hank and Stella in Something For Nothing

by Damian Synadinos 

Proving Press, 2018

I haven't ever seen a book that introduces kids to improv before. It was a fun read that would make for a great rainy day book. I especially like the improv games included as back matter to get the creative juices going. You can read my full review here.

Poetry 

Cricket in the Thicket: Poems about Bugs

poems by Carol Murray

illustrations by Melissa Sweet

Henry Holt and Co., 2017

This was a wildly fun read. The poems were playful and informative. And the illustrations were fantastic too. My daughter and I both loved the nonfiction tidbits that accompanied each poem. 

Middle Grade

The Wild Robot

by Peter Brown

Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2016

I cannot heap enough praise on this book as a read-aloud. My daughter and I read this together and it is simply wonderful. The chapters are super short, which make bedtime (or classroom) reading perfect because there is always an easy stopping point. The characters are all so lovable. My daughter especially enjoyed Chit Chat, the squirrel, who talks exactly how you'd picture a squirrel to talk. We cannot wait to pick up the sequel.

Circus Mirandus

by Cassie Beasley

Dial Books, 2015

Cassie Beasley is one of my new favorite authors. I read Tumble and Blue earlier in the year and thought it was wonderful. Circus Mirandus is just as good. I love a good circus story and Beasley does such a fantastic job of bringing the magic to life. She also does a magnificent job of taking serious, sorrowful topics (like the death of a loved one or a parent abandoning a child) and wrapping it in a story filled with magical realism and tangible characters so that the topics can be easily digested by a young reader. She doesn't pander, but delivers real emotions in a way that young readers can understand.

Young Adult

The Hate U Give

by Angie Thomas

Balzar + Bray, 2017

narrated by Bahni Turpin

HarperAudio 2017

I feel like I am late getting to this one, but I am so glad I finally read it. This book needs to be read and anyone and everyone. Sometimes I worry when tons of hype is put into something but the hype is absolutely well deserved. I listened to the audiobook and it was one of the best performed audiobooks that I have ever listened to. So so good and impactful. This book has the power to make change happen. I cannot wait to see the movie. 

Adult Fiction

The Supernatural Enhancements

by Edgar Cantero

Doubleday, 2014

I read Cantero's Meddling Kids last year and really enjoyed it--it's probably my favorite adult fiction book from the last few years. So I picked up this one and really liked it as well. It is basically a Victorian gothic horror story set in Virginia in the 1990s. Cantero walks the line of giving the reader just enough information to push the story forward while leaving a lot in the dark until the end. All around a fun read. His next book, This Body's Not Big Enough for the Both of Us--a hard boiled mystery where the protagonist detective is a set of twins stuck in one body--comes out in two weeks and I'm really excited to pick it up.

The Great Alone

by Kristin Hannah

St. Martin's Press, 2018

Excellent, excellent book. A lot about this struck home for me, which made it quite personal. I could really relate to Leni's circumstance. The descriptions of the Alaskan frontier were beautiful and wild. I felt like I was right there with the Allbrights. I especially liked how it is a very satisfying ending , but it's not wrapped up in a pretty bow and perfect. It felt real. Highly recommend. 

Nonfiction - Craft

Writing Irrestistible Kidlit: The Ultimate Guide to Crafting Fiction for Young Adult and Middle Grade Readers

by Mary Kole 

Writer's Digest Books, 2012

One of my writing group members lent me this book and it is fantastic. Because I have such a small amount of time to write, I have been looking for a book that could help me outline my current work-in-progress. This book was helpful during the planning stages of my novel and I believe it will also be very helpful during the revision stages as well. I will be adding this to my bookshelf for future reference. 

SOMETHING FROM NOTHING by Damian Synadinos - Informational PB Review

Hank and Stella in Something from Nothing

by Damian Synadinos

At a Glance

Genre(s):

Informational picture book

Age Range: 

ages 5-10, but can be enjoyed by anyone who is interested in improv

Plot:

"Hank and Stella in Something from Nothing" is an engaging story with cute characters that introduces children to improv principles and skills that are as useful on stage as they are at play and in life" (source).

The story follows two stuffed animals as they make a boring rainy day more fun by learning about imrov.

Strengths:

• makes improv easy to understand for young children
• illustrations are bright and engaging
• a great tool when children say "I'm bored"
• a great tool to teach that it's okay to make mistakes

Would I recommend this title:

Yes, especially to those who are interested in improv

Full Review

I have seen various books on how to do improv, but they have always been geared towards adults or older teens. Enter Something from Nothing by Damian Synadinos, a picture book that teaches children the principles of improvisation in a fun and engaging way.

Hank and Stella show young readers how to play together, how to build their confidence and how to develop their imaginations. I especially like the fact that the book teaches children that it is okay to make mistakes and that we can grow and build on those small accidents.

One concept in the book is the "Yes, And" rule. It teaches a skill that I think is invaluable throughout life. Part of creativity and brainstorming in a team is building on what others say. Instead of shooting down and idea, you say "yes" and then continue to add your own input. This promotes innovation and collaboration.

I also love that the book comes with a list of improv games to get kids going. I can't wait to try them out with my own kids as I think that they will have a blast trying them out.

Overall, this is an excellent book for showing kids how much fun improv can be, and  that it doesn't have to be scary. The idea of standing up and performing on the spot kind of terrifies me. Maybe it wouldn't be so scary if I had something like this when I was a kid.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? - 6/11/18

The weekly post where I recap some of the KidLit books I've been reading. Ocasionally, I'll also talk about some adult fiction books as well.

Be sure to check out Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers to see what other Kidlit readers are reading. Because, you know, we can never have too many books in our TBR piles.

____________________

Picture Book 

Maurice the Unbeastly

written by Amy Dixon

illustrated by Karl James Mountford

Sterling Children's Books, 2017

I absolutely love this picture book. It is funny and heartfelt and just great. Both of my kids sat through multiple readings. Mountford's illustrations are fantastic. Highly recommend. 

Middle Grade

Evangeline of the Bayou

written by Jan Eldredge

illustrated by Joseph Kuefler

Balzer + Bray, 2018

Another fantastic read. I love excellent kidlit horror, and this one grabbed me from the get go. Highly recommend. Read my full review here.

Young Adult

Afterworlds

by Scott Westerfeld

Simon Pulse, 2014

Scott Westerfeld is always so consistent in his ability to tell a great story. This one was particularly fun because of the NaNoWriMo component. As an aspiring writer, I found myself easily cheering for the writer protagonist. The format of Afterworlds is pretty unique because it is essentially two books/stories wrapped together. Recommend. 

Adult Fiction

Glimpse: A Novel

by Jonathan Maberry

St. Martin's Press, 2018

I really enjoyed this book. It is creepy and unsettling and wonderful. The story is essentially about what happens when nightmares and reality collide and spill into each other. Jonathan Maberry, with all his amazing skill, has written a book about dreams that actually makes you feel like you are in a waking dream. And it's just fantastic.

EVANGELINE OF THE BAYOU by Jan Eldredge - Middle Grade Book Review

Evangeline of the Bayou

by Jan Eldredge

illustrated by Joseph Kuefler

Balzar + Bray, 2018

At a Glance

Genre(s):

supernatural, folklore, horror

Age Range: 

8-12 years old (middle grade)

Plot:

"Twelve-year-old haunt huntress apprentice Evangeline Clement spends her days and nights studying the ways of folk magic, honing her monster-hunting skills while pursuing local bayou banshees and Johnny revenants."

"But when Evangeline and her grandmother are called to New Orleans to resolve an unusual case, she uncovers a secret that will shake her to the soles of her silver-tipped alligator-skin boots." (source)

Strengths:

• excellent overall storytelling
• the mix of folklore was fantastic
• I liked Evangeline's character and I think kids will relate
• Just the right amount of creep factor for the age range
• Werewolves!
• illustrations were so much fun
• a twist actually surprised me 

Would I recommend this title:

Most definitely yes!

Full Review

If you have read my blog for any length of time, you'll know that I am always on the lookout for good kid appropriate horror. Evangeline of the Bayou totally fits the bill. I love all the folklore that Jan is able to pull into the novel. Her descriptions actually have me wanting more, in a good way. I want to go on every single hunt with Evangeline and her Grandma to see how each baddie--big and small--is handled. I hope that there will be a sequel.

Joseph Kuefler's black and white illustrations throughout the book are fun and add a bit to the creep factor without going overboard. 

I feel like Evangeline's character is relatable, especially to the target age group. That is what makes the book so great. Growing up, living up to expectations--both internal and external, death, and loss are all artfully intertwined into a story about a young girl fighting monsters. What is not to like?

One thing that I give total props to Jan for is getting me with a few twists. I usually have things all figured out by the end, but she got me.  I tip my hat to you, Madam. 

I would definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys folklore, spooky stories, or just great storytelling.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? - Book Giveaway!

The weekly post where I recap some of the KidLit books I've been reading. Ocasionally, I'll also talk about some adult fiction books as well.

Be sure to check out Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers to see what other Kidlit readers are reading. Because, you know, we can never have too many books in our TBR piles.

____________________

Happy Monday everyone! I am giving away a copy of Chris Harris' I'm Just No Good at Rhyming. Click here to enter!

Today is a post of recent books that I have absolutely loved. Have you read any of them?

Poetry

I'm Just No Good At Rhyming: 

And Other Nonsense for Mischievous Kids and Immature Grown-ups

written by Chris Harris

illustrated by Lane Smith

(Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2017)

My family absolutely LOVED this collection of poems. I cannot recommend it enough. You can read my full review here and enter to win a copy as well!

Middle Grade

Tumble and Blue

by Cassie Beasley

(Penguin Young Readers, 2017)

This book is absolutely beautifully written. I love middle grade because I find the stories engaging. Not only is Tumble and Blue  a fun story, it is expertly written. Read my full review here.

Picture Book

Nobody Likes a Goblin

by Ben Hatke

(First Second, 2016)

Another fantastic read. This book is perfect for anyone who enjoys the game Dungeons and Dragons or just epic fantasies like The Hobbit. It takes the genre and turns it on its head. And Ben Hatke's illustrations are always wonderful.

-------------------------

Poetry Friday - Poetry Book Giveaway!

It’s Friday! And you know what that means: Poetry! Want to know more about Poetry Friday? Click this link right here. I am hosting the round up today, so be sure to check out the links at the end to see this week’s round up of wonderful poetry related posts, blogs and goodness. 

________________________________________

Hello and Happy Friday! I am super excited to be hosting the Poetry Round Up today. I cannot wait to see everyone's contributions this week.

To celebrate, I have decided to do a book giveaway. Be sure to read to the end to find out how to win a copy!

I'm Just No Good at Rhyming:

and Other Nonsense For mischievous Kids and Immature Grown-Ups

written by Chris Harris

illustrated by Lane Smith

I checked this one out from the library not too long ago, and my family absolutely LOVED it. I have an 8-year-old and an 18-month-old. My husband and I would each take turns reading a few poems each night before bedtime. My daughter, without fail, would beg for "just one more" poem to be read.

The poems are really funny. Like belly-laugh-my-cheeks-hurt funny. (I guess that makes me an immature grown-up? YES, I'll take it!) Not only were Harris' poems hilarious, but many of them also had a lot of heart. He does not pander to kids, but yet is able to really convey some great messages (think Shel Silverstein's "Listen to the Mustn'ts").

Another aspect of this book that was fantastic is that it begs to be read aloud. The poems were just the right length and the humor really popped when reading to the family. I especially enjoyed the poems that went back and forth between two characters because I would read one side, and my daughter would read the other.

The illustrations are great too, and add a lot to the humor. Not only do the they support the poems, but they are actually vital to some of them. I liked the banter back and forth between poet and illustrator too.

This is they type of collection that inspires me to sit down and write. The poems read so effortlessly that I think, Man, I want to write a collection of poems.  And then I sit down and try, and realize how hard it is to write something so good. But it still makes me want to keep trying! Chris Harris really is a great children't poet.

And now for the giveaway! 

All you have to do to enter to win a copy of I'm Just No Good at Rhyming is comment on this post below by Thursday, May 24th at 5:00pm EST. You can get a bonus entry if you share this post on social media too (just let me know where you shared it--facebook, twitter, etc--in your comment). The winner will be announced next Friday. Good luck! And be sure to check out all the other Poetry Friday posts too!

TUMBLE AND BLUE by Cassie Beasley - Middle Grade Book Review

Tumble and Blue

by Cassie Beasley

(Dial Books, August 2017)

At a Glance

Genre(s):

Magical Realism, Adventure

Age Range: 

Middle Grade

Plot:

"When the red moon rises over the heart of the Okefenokee swamp, legend says that the mysterious golden gator Munch will grant good luck to the poor soul foolish enough to face him.

But in 1817, when TWO fools reach him at the same time, the night’s fate is split. With disastrous consequences for both . . . and their descendants. Half of the descendants have great fates, and the other half have terrible ones.

Now, Tumble Wilson and Blue Montgomery are determined to fix their ancestors’ mistakes and banish the bad luck that’s followed them around for all of their lives. They’re going to face Munch the gator themselves, and they’re going to reclaim their destinies." (source: Goodreads)

Strengths:

• Absolutely beautifully written
• The pacing is excellent - no slow parts
• The magical part of the magical realism was woven so expertly that everything felt natural
• The two main characters felt real and distinct
• Munch, the gator
• The opening!
• The ending!

Weaknesses

• It was over too fast (because I couldn't put it down--not an actual story flaw)

Would I recommend this title:

100% yes! 

Full Review

Every few years, I come across a book that leaps into my list of favorite books. I will proclaim my love for these books to anyone who will listen. Tumble and Blue is that type of book. 

First, let me talk a bit about much I enjoyed the actual writing in this book. I found myself repeatedly grinning from ear to ear at the beautiful prose. Now, I'm not saying it was flowery or gushy or showy. It was just a joy to read because of how well it was crafted. I knew after the first chapter that I wanted to slow down a bit and really enjoy the book.

Cassie Beasley's pacing was great throughout. I never felt like the story got bogged down (pun intended.) She did an excellent job at giving the reader just enough information to move the story forward, but left parts a mystery to be discovered later. 

And I loved Tumble and Blue. Both of these characters were vivid and fleshed out. Their problems were real, heartbreaking problems that most kids could empathize with.  I  also enjoyed all entire Montgomery clan and their crazy mishaps. 

One of the best parts about Tumble and Blue is that the emphasis of the magical realism is really on the realism part. Beasley doesn't rely on the fantastical parts of the story to dazzle and wow the reader. Instead, she is able to make everyday life in rural Georgia jump of the page. 

Tumble and Blue  was truly a delight to read. 

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? 3/19/2018

#IMWAYR

The weekly post where I recap some of the KidLit books I've been reading. Ocasionally, I'll also talk about some adult fiction books as well.

Be sure to check out Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers to see what other Kidlit readers are reading. Because, you know, we can never have too many books in our TBR piles.

____________________

Picture Books

They All Saw a Cat

by Brendan Wenzel

This is an extremely clever and accessible way to teach children about different perspectives. And it is just all around fun. Definitely worth checking out!

Every Day Birds

written by Amy Ludwig VanDerwater

illustrated by Dylan Metrano

A wonderful read, this book introduces children to 20 common birds found in many places in the USA. The cutout paper illustrations are gorgeous and the back matter is excellent.

My Beautiful Birds

by Suzanne Del Rizzo

Suzanne Del Rizzo captures both the heartbreak and hope so many refugees carry. The mixed media illustrations are unique and help set this book apart. 

Rot: The Cutest in the World!

by Ben Clanton

I love it when a book is able to pull off a great unexpected ending. You know a twist is coming, but then it is executed in such a great and unexpected way. We all chuckled at this one and my 8yo daughter has reread it to her little brother multiple times.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? - 3/12/18

#IMWAYR

The weekly post where I recap all the KidLit books I’ve been reading. Occasionally, I’ll also review some adult fiction books as well.

Be sure to check out Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers to see what other kidlit readers are reading. Because, you know, we can never have too many books in our TBR pile.
                                         

Madness! Poetry is going on right now. If you're looking for a way to get more poetry into the classroom, check this awesome competition out.

Picture Books

Best in Snow

by April Pulley Sayre

I loved this book. The photos are breathtaking and the text is beautiful. It is done so well that I feel like I can hear the tinkling sound the falling snow makes. Simply stunning.

What to Do With a Box

written by Jane Yolen

illustrated by Chris Sheban

Jane Yolen is a master at rhyme and rhythm. I love the playfulness of this story. My 16-month-old will climb into any box he can fit (and even some that he can't). The illustrations are wonderful and look like they were actually painted on cardboard. The textures in the illustrations are great. 

Poetry

An Eyeball in My garden and Other Spine-Tingling Poems
selected and edited by Jennifer Cole Judd and Laura Wynkoop
illustrated by Johan Olander

I love anything spooky, so I obviously loved this collection of creepy poems. So often with anthologies, I find a few poems that I enjoy and then the rest are kind of just ho-hum. Not so with this collection. Was either genuinely creepy or funny-spooky. Perfect read aloud for the 7-10 age range (and beyond). The black and white illustrations also help to bring the poems to life. 

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? - 3/5/2018

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

The weekly post where I recap some of the KidLit books I’ve been reading. Occasionally, I’ll also review some adult fiction books as well.

Be sure to check out Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers to see what other kidlit readers are reading. Because, you know, we can never have too many books in our TBR pile.
                                         

Mouse

written and illustrated by Zebo Ludvicek

This is a delightful book. The illustrations are absolutely beautiful and the story is so much fun. Very inventive way to look at the letters of the alphabet. Highly recommend.

Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut

written by Derrick Barnes

illustrated by Gordon C. James

Another beautiful book. The detail in the illustrations is astounding. The rhythm of  the text is so perfect and it really pulls you right into the barber's chair. Highly recommend. 

Night Light

written and illustrated by Nicholas Blechman

I picked this book off the shelf on a whim and ended up loving it. The die-cut lights throughout the book are seriously fantastic. Great for little fingers and kids who are into vehicles. Recommend to anyone looking for an inventive counting book.