3 delightful Books for Kids from Candlewick Press

 I'm a Duck; Eve Bunting

Candlewick Press - 2018

I'm a Duck, is a perfect spring or Easter, 2018 book choice for your favorite little one. Written by beloved children's author, Eve Bunting. The beautiful watercolor illustrations by Will Hillenbrand will appeal to kids and adults as well.

The story is about a sad, little duck who is too frightened to go in the water -- afraid of sinking and drowning.  His friends, Big Frog and Owl, try everything the can to encourage him to coax him into practicing his water skills.  Before long this little duck's confidence begins to grow and he is doing what ducks love to do best.

Recommended 

Windows; Julia Denos

Candlewick Press - 2017

Windows, by Julia Denos is a lovely book which encourages exploring the neighborhood in which you live. Doing this at dusk, when neighbors return home from work and the lights begin to go on in the tall houses within this somewhat urban neighborhood.  A young boy takes his dog for a walk just before dark and gazes at the houses, cats and other critters along his walk. He takes time to notice the many tall windows, low windows and activity in his neighborhood but, ultimately returning home to his own house and the windows he loves best.

The sparse prose does not detract from the overall charm of this book.  The vivid, detailed illustrations throughout by, E.B. Goodale, make this a book that children will want to choose again and again.

Recommended

The Tip Toeing Tiger; Philippa Leathers

Candlewick Press - 2018

The Tip Toeing Tiger by Philippa Leathers is sure to appeal to your preschool child.  What kiddo does not love to tip toe around and try to scare someone?  Such is the goal of Little Tiger.  He's small and clumsy and in the end he scares himself by seeing his own reflection in a pond.

Lovely earth tone illustrations and just enough words to hold a pre school child's interest or to challenge new readers.

Recommended

The Chicken Problem; Oxley and Aronson and Where's Ellie? Salina Yoon

The Chicken Problem 

Jennifer Oxley and Billy Aronson

Random House Young Readers 

 (Sept 2012 )

 

 The Chicken Problem, is a cute story about a little girl named Peg, her cat, and a pig, who are hoping to have a nice picnic on the farm.  Sadly, all doesn’t go as planned when someone leaves the barn door open and there are chickens everywhere!

This was a great book that will help young ones to work on their counting skills (chickens chickens everywhere), and a story that will help children to develop some problem solving skills as well, as they see new ways to solve the “chicken problem”.  There are also very colorful illustrations that look like something a young child would create. The Chicken Problem, is a fun book for children and adults.

 Buy this one! - a great addition for libraries or personal collections. (Ages 3 and up)

Where's Ellie?; Salina Yoon

A Hide-and Seek Book

Robin Corey Books

(August 2012)

Very young children (from just a few months to about age 3) will love this book and enjoy searching for where Ellie the Elephant is hiding. You'll have to finish the whole book to find out, but that won't be a problem as this one is a visual pleaser. 

Very cute critters on each page, simple and colorful objects and bright colorful illustrations will make this board book the perfect addition to a newborn’s first library…..loved it.

(eReview copies made possible through the publishers via Edelweiss)

( 4 ) Great Books for Young Children in 2012

(4) more Book Reviews for Little Ones and Big Readers alike.

Hide and Seek; Il Sung Na

May 2012 - Knopf Young Readers

Hide and Seek, by Il Sung Na is cute book that will engage little ones in searching and counting ( from 1 - 10), as they turn the each page.

The story is a simple one, animals gather in a rainforest for a game of "Hide & Seek". The elephant must find a giraffe, hippo, tortoise, baboon, birds, a chameleon, and other forest friends -- the chameleon being the most elusive because of how well he blends.

The illustrations are colorful, the story simple, and the bold numbers on each page will engage little ones to count along as they turn each page.

 I Like Old Clothes; Mary Ann Hoberman

August - 2012 - Knopf Young Readers

 

"I Like Old Clothes", by Mary Ann Hoberman (Author), Patrice Barton (Illustrator), was one of the must beautifully illustrated young children's books that I've seen recently. The pages are just full of interesting, and colorful drawings. The colors, and images on each page are visually appealing.

The story has an unnamed little girl who LOVES old-clothes.  She likes clothes with a history. She likes imagining what the child was like who wore them before her and what her life was like.  She looks forward to passing the clothes along to another child when she outgrows them, so that she can imagine some more about who that new child is as well.

The store is told in rhyme, It's a great book EXCEPT for the fact that the print on each page is very very very tiny, which might make this a difficult story for older grandparents to read to little ones.  It would have been better all around, if the illustrations were a bit smaller and the print a bit larger, otherwise a lovely book.

 Falcon; Tim Jessell

March 2012 - Random House Young Readers

 

Authored and Illustrated by Jim Jessell, "Falcon", is the story of one boys imaginings of what his life would be like if he were a falcon.

• Soaring through the sky
• Flying high toward snow-capped mountains
• Darting above the ocean while sea birds scattered
• Perched on tall city buildings watching the activity below
• Growing tired and finding shelter among the rocks

Each page features outstanding illustrations. Each page is more beautiful than the one before, making this a truly wonderful visual experience.

Inch By Inch; Leo Lionni

Knopf Young Readers 

 "Inch by Inch", authored and illustrated by  Leo Lionne (Caldecott Honor Book) is an awesome book with outstanding visual appeal. The drawings are just so lovely.

It's a creative story about a tiny inch worm who is happily going about and
 enjoying life among the robins, flamingos, parrots, hummingbirds etc., until one dray he is presented with a new challenge which he MUST find a creative solution for.  It's a memorable story with very few words which demonstrates creativeness and the power of transformation.

This was the first of four Caldecott Honor Books by Leo Lionni. Published in 1960 and virtually out of print in hardcover for decades, Knopf acquired the hardcover rights from the original publisher just in time to showcase Lionni’s 100th anniversary celebration in 2010 and the book’s 50th anniversary. The bold graphics and beautiful cutout paper collages of colorful birds, foliage, and the clever green inch worm are as fresh and appealing as ever, and should appeal to a whole new audience in this accessible board book format. READ IT! 

(eBook access was provided thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss.) Thank you.

(3) Cute Books for Kids - 2012

I've been wanting to read and review more new books for children this year, so I thought I'd share (3) short reviews of some new books I enjoyed.  Thanks to Knopf Young Readers and Edelweiss for allowing me to review these eBooks.

How To Babysit a Grandpa; Jean Reagan

 

MY THOUGHTS

Jean Reagan, author and Lee Wildish, illustrator, have created a gem of a kids book that parents, grandparents and kids are sure to enjoy.

In How To Babysit a Grandpa, the reader will learn some essential tips for being a good "grandpa babysitter".  For example, how to play with a grandpa and things to do on a walk with a grandpa.  There is an adorable illustration with grandpa carrying a tiny kids umbrella over his head as they go for a walk.  In another scene, the child is applying sunscreen to grandpa's semi-bald head.  The child comforts grandpa, gives his favorite snacks, and even teaches him the importance of picking up toys and other messes before the parents return home so that they get to spend time together again in the future.

Kids and adults alike will enjoy this book. Terrific colorful illustrations as well.

 Small Bunny's Blue Blanket; Tatyana Feeney

MY THOUGHTS

There once was a small bunny who loved his "blue blanket". He did everything with this "blue blanket": it went on the swing with him, rode in his wagon, he painted with it at his side and even had it near him in the sandbox.  But a small bunny gets dirty and so does a "blue blanket", so when mom suggests washing the blanket, bunny doesn't like the idea. Mom said it would take (1) minute, but bunny watched and waited and it too (107) minutes to wash and dry. Bunny was not happy -- he missed his blanket. But soon......once his blanket was clean and dry, bunny found out that he could do all the same fun things as before with his "blue blanket" always at his side.

 

It's a cute story about blanket separation anxiety.  The illustrations were cute -- stick figure type drawings on white pages, with the "blue blanket" always visible. A fun read.

Dancing Feet; Lindsay Craig

MY THOUGHTS

Authored by Lindsay Craig and Illustrated by Marc Brown, Dancing Feet is an adorable book for young children.

One page shows some "dancing feet", and the following page shows the animal or critter that the feet belong to along with a cute rhyming verse. (fun way to interact with young children and have them guess whose feet are shown).

 

There are: colorful ladybugs, ducks, caterpillars, lizards and even a big bear and elephant. The final page shows happy little "kids dancing feet" have fun with all of the critters.

 

The Illustrations are lovely. The vivid colors, fun drawings and rhymes are sure to please little ones everywhere.

149 - Llama, Llama Holiday Drama; Anna Dewdney

In the fall I read about Llama Llama's nervousness as he got ready to go to school for the first time in:  Llama, Llama Misses Mama -- I just loved that book (everything about it), so when Anna Dewdney came out with the holiday Llama, Llama Holiday Drama story, on the wish list it went.

First of all, the word Christmas is never mentioned, so it's appropriate for all children. It's the perfect story for those little ones who ask you every minute...."How many more days"? Making holiday ornaments, the days seem to pass slowly for the little Llama Llama.  The "school has, dreidels, songs and bells. Big red ribbons and woodsy smells".

From shopping with mama with only (15) days to go, to making holiday cookies......."No more cookies left to bake! Llama Llama has a tummy ache".    All of the preparations seem to tire Llama Llama out so mama tells him something very important to remember:

"Gifts are nice, but there's another --the true gift is, we have each other" and "Llama Llama warm and snug, gives a kiss and gets a hug, snuggles close with mama llama".......Happy Holidays for Llama

This is a very cute holiday book that I am sure children of all ages will enjoy it. As an adult, although the book is fun and has great illustrations, the story itself  was not quite as good as Llama Llama Misses Mama, in my opinion --something, just something seemed to be missing for me. It's still a book that I would  RECOMMEND for that preschool child in your life.

RATING - 4/5 stars

Library book

148 - I Love Christmas; Anna Walker

 

 I am such a sucker for cute kid's books and when they pertain to a special holiday, all the better for me. Naturally I couldn't resist this one: I Love Christmas, by Anna Walker, because I became acquainted with the lovable character Ollie, the zebra and his dog Fred, when I read,  I Love My Dad, earlier this year.

In this Christmas story, Ollie, the cutest zebra ever, is sharing his thoughts on Christmas -- which of course is a holiday that he loves! From the twinkly lights, crinkly paper, tinsel, angels and reindeer, to helping Nana bake the Christmas cake, Ollie the zebra is all excited about Christmas. He even dresses up his dog Fred as a reindeer in the bathtub. By far though, Ollies favorite thing to do is to listen for Santa with his pal Fred close by his side.

The story is told in simple rhyme, and it is a perfect size for little ones to tote around. The author, Anna Walker has illustrated this book, and it features perfect simple scenes that would be easy to explain for even the youngest of toddlers. Older pre-school children will also love this one.

 RECOMMENDED

4.5/5 Stars - Library Book

143 - It's a Book; Lane Smith

It's a Book, by Lane Smith, is a cute spoof on today's technology. The story features a monkey, reading a book, while his techie friends, a mouse and a jackass, watch him puzzled - unfamiliar with what a print book is.  The monkey starts getting frustrated by all the questions: "How do you scroll down"; "Can you text, tweet or wi-fi"; "How do you charge it up" etc, so the monkey hands over the book to the jackass, and the jackass starts shortening the story, Long John Silver, into text format. You can take a sneak peek at some of the book by checking out this video.

While, the book is very cute, it seems like it would be a bit over the head of some 4 years old children, and in some ways it reminded me of the Goodnight Bush: A Parody book spin off of Goodnight Moon, that I read a few year's back --very fun, but also over the head of some young children.

Nevertheless, It's a Book is a fun book, period appropriate, and the illustrations are just terrific. Have you read it?

Rating - 4/5 stars - Library Book

138 - Fancy Nancy: Halloween..... or Bust; Jane O'Connor and Robin Preiss Glasser

Fancy Nancy: Halloween.... or Bust is the perfect October read for your little Fancy Girl. Nancy shows you that Halloween is ALL about dressing up. Nancy knows how to make everything even more fancy, with special touches, and special FANCY words that give the ordinary a new meaning. Here are just a few of the new words Fancy Nancy introduces the young readers to:

• Unique - one of a kind
• bonbons -fancy candy
• disastrous - very bad

Nancy's Halloween Party included games such as, pin the tail on the monster, but before the party is over Nancy experiences something "disastrous"  herself -- it has to do with her costume. Fortunately, the readers lucky enough to read this book, can help Nancy make a new costume with the lovely stickers that come with this book.

I've read and reviewed several Fancy Nancy books and have enjoyed them all, and this one is no exception. I'm not quite sure, but for some reason, this Halloween story seemed to have fewer "fancy" words, than the other books, but I could be wrong.  A fun read for a fun Holiday! Little Girls will love it.

RATING - 4.5/5 stars

Library Book

133 - Molly's Pilgrim; Barbara Cohen

In Molly's Pilgrim, Molly is a third grade girl who doesn't feel very thankful as Thanksgiving approaches. Molly came to America from Russia after the Cossacks burned a synagogue in Goraduck. The family, fearing for its safety, came to America to seek a more peaceful life.

In school here, Molly looked a bit different and dressed different. Some of the cruel children at her new school in the US made fun of the way she dressed and the way she spoke. School made Molly sad, and she feared that she would never fit in.

One day near Thanksgiving the teacher assigns the class a project about Pilgrims, and soon the entire class learns a valuable lesson -- all kinds of Pilgrims make Thanksgiving a reason to give thanks.

Molly's Pilgrim is a touching story based on an actual incident experienced by a relative of the author. It's a wonderful story, best enjoyed by second and third graders that teaches children about difference and a lesson in tolerance as well. The black and white illustrations in the hardcover edition are by David Mark Duffy, and they are excellent. The book was originally published in 1998. Recommended

5/5 stars - Library book

131 - Comet's Nine Lives; Jan Brett

 

Comet's Nine Lives is a preschool book that is absolutely adorable, but it deals with a cat who gets himself into a variety of predicaments and uses up (8) of his (9) lives.  I can see where some parents might be cautious about reading or explaining such a book to young children, and a few reviews indicated the subject matter was not appropriate for young children. In my opinion is, the story is just fine. It just takes a little explaining, as you would do if you were to read Hansel and Gretal or Little Red Riding Hood to a young child. 

Comet is a cat who was born 30 miles out to sea on Nantucket Island, Massachusetts. He never really had a home of his own, and wandered here and there.  He lost his first life when he ate some foxglove flowers that made him sick. His second life was lost in a book store --who would have thought they were dangerous? However, while resting on a stack of books, he took a tumble and all the books landed on his head.  He even lost one of his lives by taking a tumble into a strawberry milkshake --what a way to go!  Fortunately, as you can tell while reading along, Comet does find the perfect place to settle down in the end.

My Opinion -- I loved this book. It is such a cute story, and the beautiful, colorful illustrations of Nantucket Island are just awesome. The book is both written and illustrated by Jan Brett.  It is really a sweet story about a cat's adventures. It will have you and your little one anxiously turning the pages to see what kind of mischief Comet gets himself into next.

Highly Recommended - 5/5 stars - Library Book

129 - Llama Llama Misses Mama; Anna Dewdney

In this sweet book, perfect for the preschool child, Llama, Llama Misses Mama demonstrates that the first day of school can be traumatic for even a llama.  The shy, but brave Llama goes off to school, along with all different types of animals dressed in their new school clothes. At first Llama is unhappy about having to leave his mama, but soon he is encouraged by the other animals to join in the fun activities at school, playing with the other animals.

The story is told in delightful rhyme, the illustrations and colors are extra cute, and it was heartwarming to see that in the end Llama Llama, still loves his mama, but he learns to love school as well.  I read this one through 3X, it is just so cute. There are a few other cute titles in this series which I hope to read at some point:

Llama Llama, Mad at Mama and Llama, Llama Red Pajama.

An excellent story for little ones as they prepare to leave mama for school. Highly Recommended

Rating - 5/5 stars

Library Book

124 - Interrupting Chicken; David Ezra Stein

Interrupting Chicken is the cutest story. It is about The Little Read Chicken who cannot help but interrupt Papa when he reads a bedtime story each night. As Papa reads, the little chicken knows the characters, whether Hansel and Gretel or Little Red Riding Hood, are about to get into trouble, so she shouts out and interrupts the story never allowing Papa to finish.  Little Red Chicken gets so excited keeping the story characters out of trouble, that she still isn't asleep. It's frustrating for Papa, so Little Red Chicken offers to read him a story instead, and before long she puts him to sleep.

This is the perfect story to teach little ones manners and the concept that it is rude to interrupt. David Ezra Stein is both the author and the illustrator. The colors are fabulous and the illustrations are whimsical. It's a cute story for parent and child.  Ages 4-8; RECOMMENDED - 5/5 stars

(Received from Publisher)

116 - I Love My Dad; Anna Walker

I am always on the lookout for adorable children's books, and did I find a cute one at the library recently. I Love My Dad, by Anna Walker is such a sweet book.  In this story Ollie, the adorable zebra, his dog Fred, and Ollie's Dad love being together. Ollie likes to help his Dad paint the fence; they love banana bread, climbing in trees and playing hide and seek. Ollie especially loves when his Dad give him a piggyback ride to bed. 

The story is told in simple rhyme, and the size is great for toddlers to tote around too. The author, Anna Walker has illustrated this book, and it's perfect. Simple scenes in colored ink on white make the striped zebras pop, and vivid accent colors, like a red slide, red bicycle and colorful birds in the trees provide excellent contrast.

This book would make a sweet gift for from child to Dad for birthdays, Father's Day etc. RECOMMENDED

4.5/5 Stars - Library Book