Ikura Soup's Children's Book Corner

The Red Lemon

2011-02-15T18:34:00.004-05:00

The Red Lemon

by: Bob Staake
Illustrations by the author.
Hardcover: 40 pages
Language: English
ISBN 13: 978-0375835933
Date: 2006
Price (as of the date of this post): $10.17 (Amazon without shipping)
Where to buy? Amazon.com

I am torn by this book.

I think that the illustrations are wonderful and have a very graphic artsy feel to them and I am a sucker for good illustrations. The textures and gradients make them pop.

My issue is the text.

I discovered the book on the shelf of a kindergarten room in which I have bus duty (waiting in the room with a bunch of kids that ride the same bus until the bus arrives at school to pick them up). I have read them many of my favorites from Charlie McButton to Our Tree Named Steve and the audience, which ranges from k-2, are a good cross section of the school.

They liked the book while I read it to them. They didn't love it but did seem to enjoy it and made references on every page about the size of the farmer.

They were engaged all the way up to the end. When we finished the book there was a stunned silence.

"That's it?" One of them asked.

I looked at one of the second grade boys, he shrugged his shoulders. I looked at the other kids and their faces bore confused and questioning looks.

We read it again to see where we had missed something. Some message that made the ending, or lack there of, make sense. Nothing the second time around either.

Mrs. Ikura Soup says that she thinks the message is don't throw away something until you know what it's worth. Don't just dismiss something potentially valuable without thought.

Others often compare Straake to Dr. Seuss and those are huge shoes to fill. He is not Dr. Seuss, no one but the doctor himself is.

The book is cute looking but left us feeling cheated and unsatisfied. Take a pass on this one I think.

Content: 2/5

Illustrations: 4/5

Concept: 2/5

Quality: 5/5

Price: 3/5

Our Tree Named Steve

2010-08-31T20:50:00.022-04:00

Our Tree Named Steve

by: Alan Zwiebel
Illustrated: David Catrow
Hardcover: 32 pages
Language: English
ISBN-13: 978-0399237225
Date: 2005
Price: (without shipping) $11.99 USD as of the date of this posting.
Where to buy: amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/)

This is a book that is amazing, touching and full of surprises.

The tree, who was named Steve by a toddler who couldn't pronounce the word tree, shows the true meaning of friendship but not in an anthropomorphic way as in Silverstein's "The Giving Tree".

Steve is spared by the family when their house is built. Hey stands by stoically, as trees do, and watches the family grow. He helps in a way that is all tree. You never feel that he is anything but a tree and that makes the book far more emotional.
It is touching and wonderful.

Steve is brought to life by one of my favorite illustrators, David Catrow. Mr. Catrow was also responsible for bringing Patty Lovell's Molly Lou Melon to glorious life. He has also showed us, with the fine prose penned by Karen Beaumont, what happens when one decides I Ain't Gonna Paint No More (review here). Another fave Catrow book for me is I Wanna Iguana written by Karen Oloff.

Buy this book, read this book and if, at the end, you are not a little misty, have your pulse checked.

Content: 5/5
Illustrations: 5/5
Concept: 5/5
Quality: 5/5
Price: 5/5

Quick Hits From The Book Fair

2009-11-19T05:54:00.008-05:00

Here are some quick hits from the Scholastic Book Fair going on this week at my School.

Dear Deer by: Gene Barretta. One of the best illustrations of homophones I have ever seen. Witty and clever it will keep your reader engaged and might even prompt them to come up with some of their own.

Pub. Date: September 2007
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
Format: Hardcover, 40pp
ISBN-13: 9780805081046
ISBN: 0805081046
$12.95 at Barnes and Noble

The Curious Garden by: Peter Brown. Inspired by New York's High Line Park this is the book about adaptive re-use. In it we have Liam, a boy, who explores a derelict raised train line running through his city. We watch him nurture the plants that grow there and soon the whole structure is covered by garden. I think that adaptive re-use is something every child should be exposed to and this is the books that does just that.

Also, Peter Brown, author of Chowder, is one of the few authors whose books I buy on faith alone. I have yet to be disappointed.

Pub. Date: April 2009
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Format: Hardcover, 40pp
ISBN-13: 9780316015479
ISBN: 0316015474
$12.23 at BN.com

Not Norman: A Goldfish Story. by: Kelly Bennett. Illustrated by Noah Z. Jones. A book both about buyer's remorse and giving something a chance before abandoning it, this is the story of a young boy who has to have a goldfish, Norman. Once Norman is home however our young fish owner has second thoughts and decides to "trade up". Will he or won't he?

A great illustration of the need to pauase before making snap decisions done with a wonderful sense of humor and delightful illustrations.

Pub. Date: March 2008
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Format: Paperback, 32pp
ISBN-13: 9780763627638
ISBN: 0763627631
$5.03 at BN.com

The Very Cranky Bear. by: Nick Bland. It is raining and cold in the Jingle, Jangle Jungle and a group of friends set out to find a warm and dry place to wait out the storm. They find bear's cave and move right in without asking permission. When bear reacts in a slightly less that hospitable manner some of them decide that they know best how to make him less cranky, they don't.

A book about asking before taking, about listening to people before deciding what's best for them, a book you should read to your kids.

I have only seen this in my Scholastic Book Fair. Amazon has it listed as unavailable and BN does not list it at all. A search of Scholastic's website, one of the most confusing there is, resulted in nothing too. Too bad, this is a book every kid should see.

Always in Trouble by: Connie Demas. Illustrated by Noah Z. Jones. When I was a lad, I love saying that, we had a dog named Chipper. He was a great dog and lived to be about 14. He was small but with the heart of a Viking Warrior. He meant well and yet was never able to be a 100% "good dog".

I think that is true about all of us and it's certainly true with the dog, Toby, in this story. I believe that deep down there is a good dog in Toby but let's face it, he is a dog and a dog can only be good sometimes.

A book about understanding.

Pub. Date: January 2009
Publisher: Scholastic, Inc.
Format: Hardcover, 40pp
ISBN-13: 9780545024532
ISBN: 0545024536
$ 14.52 at BN.com

I'm The Biggest Thing In The Ocean

2008-11-20T07:39:00.004-05:00

I'm The Biggest Thing In The Ocean
by: Kevin Sperry
Hardcover: 32 pages
Language: English
ISBN-13: 978-0803731929
Date: Dial 2007
Price: (without shipping) $11.55 USD as of the date of this posting
Where to buy: amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/)

We all know that one should not brag...oh wait...we all may not. Be that as it may this book is a terrific illustration of why not.

In it we meet a Giant Squid. It brags "I'm the biggest thing in the ocean!" Then proceeds to show us everything that it is indeed bigger than; shrimp, clams, various fish and other sea creatures. There is, isn't there always, something that it is not larger than and it meets this creature with perhaps predictable consequences.

The message is a simple one, when you brag, chances are that there is someone else better even than you and, it is fortunate that you don't live in the sea, you will look foolish for your bragging.

Content: 5/5
Illustrations: 5/5
Concept: 5/5
Quality: 5/5
Price: 5/5

I Ain't Gonna Paint No More

2008-06-22T10:00:00.003-04:00

I Ain't Gonna Paint No More
by: Karen Beaumont
Illustrated by: David Catrow
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Harcourt Children's Books
Language: English
ISBN-13: 978-0152024888
Date: 2005
Price: (without shipping) $10.55 USD as of the date of this posting
Where to buy: amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com)

I know "ain't" is not quite proper English.

But, that's ok. This is a rhyming, fun crazy book that shows young readers rhyming prose. Every time I have read the book to students the entire group gets into guessing which part of his body the kid is going to paint next.

There are a few cautions.

The kid paints the whole house. An explanation about books vs real life may be in order.

The kid does paint his butt and the word butt is used.

That's it. Fun, fun, fun with Catrow's fantastic illustrations. A winning combo.

Message:
[Parents] Sometimes things we feel are inappropriate are use full teaching tools.
[Kids] Just because someone in a book (or tv or theater) does something that shows bad judgment or insensitivity to other peoples feelings or property does not mean that you should.

Content: 5/5
Illustrations: 5/5
Concept: 4.5/5
Quality: 5/5
Price: 5/5

I'm Still Here in the Bathtub

2008-06-22T09:33:00.003-04:00

I'm Still Here in the Bathtub
by: Alan Katz
Illustrated by: David Catrow
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0689845510
Date: 2003
Price: (without shipping) $6.39 USD as of the date of this posting
Where to buy: Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com)

I initially got this book on an impulse. It was prompted by the fact that David Catrow did the illustrations. Then, when I got home, I started through the book.

"This is stupid", I thought, "Just a rehashing of familiar tunes with semi-clever new lyrics."

But I am old and may have missed a point or two initially.

That, is an understatement.

The thing is, in the classrooms that have this book in the k-2 school where I work this is one of the most popular books on the book shelf.

It teaches a lost art to the very young, that is the art of parody.

This is a goofy, silly, sometimes potty-humor-esque romp through songs that your kids will love and you'll think are semi-stupid and worthless.

Get over it, it's not about us adults.

The kids will have fun and they'll have the knowledge of song parody installed along with the other creative brainware that these books install into their heads for use later in life.

And that, is a good thing.

Message:
[Parents] Just becaue we don't get it doesn't mean it's not good.
[Kids] What new lyrics can you make up?

Content: 4.5/5
Illustrations: 5/5
Concept: 4.5/5
Quality: 5/5
Price: 5/5

Dogku

2008-06-22T08:57:00.002-04:00

Dogku
by: Andrew Clements
Illustrated by: Tim Bowers
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
Language: English
ISBN-13: 978-0689858239
Date: 2007
Price: (without shipping) $11.55 USD as of the date of this posting
Where to buy: Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com)

First off, I love Haiku. I written two books in Haiku. So the concept of an unconventional use of the poetic device or style is something I welcome.

This is the story of a stray looking for a new home. All seems to be going along swimmingly until the word "pound" is mentioned (you may need to explain that in this case "pound" has nothing to do with animal confinement).

This an adorable book.

When I saw it initially, at a Scholastic Book Fair, I was intrigued but a little apprehensive. Could the reality of the book live up to what I imagined? It does and Mr. Bowers illustrations aide in making thins a great book let alone a great way to add haiku into your child's life.

Message:
[Parents] Haiku is fun, embrace it...oh....and can we keep him can we huh huh huh?.
[Kids] Learn to write as fast as you can, you can do really cool things with words!

Content: 5/5
Illustrations: 5/5
Concept: 5/5
Quality: 5/5
Price: 5/5

Bad Day at Riverbend

2008-06-22T08:09:00.006-04:00

Bad Day at Riverbend
by: Chris Van Allsburg
Illustrated by: The Author
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Company
Language: English
ISBN-13: 9780395673478
Date: 1995
Price: (without shipping) $19.95 USD as of the date of this posting
Where to buy: Barnes and Noble (http://www.bn.com)

A day dawns like any other in the small western town of Riverbend, but something is about to rock the very foundation, and in fact the beliefs, on which the small town is built.

This an amazing book.

Allsberg, who also wrote and illustrated Jumanji and The Polar Express as well as many others, seems to write from a slightly dark and refreshingly twisted point of view. His books provoke thought, "A Ha!" and "OMG!" moments with the turn of every page. This book is a shining example of his ability in that regard.

While I can not say any more about the story for fear of giving it all away, suffice it to say that the first time I saw the book read, I ran out and got it. It has been a hit with the kids I read to for a year now.

We don't know 100% how kids thought processes are wired and programmed as they develop, I can only assume that books that entertain and yet provide discovery and provoke thought help to make smarter and more creative kids. If you agree, then Bad Day at Riverbend is a must have for your bookcase.

Message:
[Parents] Good old fashioned coloring is good (but this is not a coloring book).
[Kids] Sometimes things happen that are unexpected and have no explanation. We just have to deal with it.

Content: 5/5
Illustrations: 5/5
Concept: 5/5
Quality: 5/5
Price: 4/5

Ckicks and Salsa

2007-06-21T11:13:00.001-04:00

Chicks and Salsa.
by: Aaron Reynolds
Illustrated by: Paulette Bogan
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children's Books
Language: English
ISBN 13: 978-1599900995
Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 9.4 inches, paperback, full-color interior ink
Price: (without shipping) $6.95 USD as of the date of this posting
Where to buy: amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com)

I love Mexican food.

This is a just plain fun book. Barnyard friends, led by a rooster who has a thing for his local Food Network, learn to love some down home food from south of the border.

The illustrations are wonderfully colorful and fun and the writing is a delight. By the end of the story you've got chickens eating salsa, pigs eating nachos and ducks eating guacamole.

A great fun book.

Message:
[Parents] Make it fun and kids will probably try anything.
[Kids] Try new food, you might like it.

The Stinky Cheese Man and other fairly stupid tales.

2007-06-21T09:13:00.000-04:00

The Stinky Cheese Man and other fairly stupid tales.
by: Jon Scieszka
Illustrated by: Lane Smith
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Viking/Penguin
Language: English
ISBN: 9780670844876
Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 9 inches, hardcover, full-color interior ink
Price: (without shipping) $17.99 USD as of the date of this posting
Where to buy: amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com)

This books is nuts.

It breaks traditions, rips classic tales to shreds, has colorful yet somehow slightly disturbing illustrations and yet I can not recommend it enough.

Scieszka and Lane created a book, back in 1992, that is a wonder of modern art and unconformity. The book is disjointed, jumps around and has blank pages. It is also one of the books that my 12 year old daughter remembers from her early years. The text is clever, witty and highly creative.

The illustrations are AMAZING. There is a Dali/Picasso-esque quality to the pictures that is well worth the price of admission.

Message:
[Parents] Art is something best served witty.
[Kids] Look what this guy draws, there is no "wrong" in art.

Content: 5/5
Illustrations: 5/5
Concept: 5/5
Quality: 5/5
Price: 5/5

Good Boy Fergus

2007-06-21T08:59:00.000-04:00

Good Boy Fergus
by: David Shannon
Illustrated by: The Author
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Blue Sky Press
Language: English
ISBN: 0439490278
Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.7 inches, hardcover, full-color interior ink
Price: (without shipping) $15.99 USD as of the date of this posting
Where to buy: amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com)

I love David Shannon's work from "No David" to this one. His art is delightful and the stories are charming and fun for young readers.

Fergus is a dog and like most dogs, responds to the words that dogs respond to. Words like cat, out, ride and walk to name a few.

The story is like a small documentary into the life of a dog from a dog centric viewpoint. The text gives you a disjointed, jumpy feeling which, again, follows the way a dog lives.

There is no deep message here. Just good clean fun.

Message:
[Parents] Hmmmm, maybe this is how kids think too.
[Kids] Dogs are fun.

Content: 5/5
Illustrations: 5/5
Concept: 5/5
Quality: 5/5
Price: 5/5

Chowder

2007-04-13T07:07:00.001-04:00

Chowder
by: Peter Brown
Illustrated by: The Author
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Little, Brown Young Readers
Language: English
ISBN: 0316011800
Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.6 inches, hardcover, full-color interior ink
Price: (without shipping) $15.99 USD as of the date of this posting
Where to buy: amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com)

Here's one I saw at the book fair but purchased at the local non-chain bookstore.

Chowder is a bulldog who marches to his own drummer (who is obviously distant). To say that he is different is an understatement. His owners love him the way he is but he yearns for something more.

Mr. Brown has crafted a delightful story that will have dog owners everywhere shutting down the computer when they leave the house for work. This is a book where it is ok to be different and that difference is applauded.

The illustrations are beautiful. Soft, colorful and with unique angles and perspectives not usually seen in children's books. There is a picture of Chowder leaping from the car at the store which becomes, at first, like a Where is Waldo.

A great book and one that has been added to my personal collection.

Message:
[Parents] If it's ok for a dog to play kick-ball with a pig then it's fine for your kid to play with whoever they want to.
[Kids] People who look different can be fun too.

Content: 5/5
Illustrations: 5/5
Concept: 5/5
Quality: 5/5
Price: 5/5

When Charlie McButton Lost Power

2006-11-19T09:15:00.002-05:00

When Charlie McButton Lost Power
by: Suzanne Collins
Illustrated by: Mike Lester
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Language: English
ISBN: 0399240004
Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 10.4, hardcover, full-color interior ink
Price: (without shipping) $15.99 USD as of the date of this posting
Where to buy: amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com)

It's bookfair week at the school where I work and the next few posts are going to be books that I have purchased for my own kids library. Not my kids but books I use at school, at the daycare center or at the YMCA.

This book grabbed my attention right away. Young Charlie McButton is a high-tech kid. He has every gadget, every bell, every whistle. The kid is wired.

Disaster strikes Charlies tech empire when a storm takes out the power grid and his world is plunged into candlelit 19th century, Abe Lincoln reading by the fire darkness.

The book is extremely well versed. The rhymes come easily and are clever. It is brilliant. Ms. Collins has crafted a creative and devestatingly charming story.

Mr. Lester has created illustrations that both compliment and help drive Ms. Collin's words to perfection. There is a picture of Charlie's face when he can't find a power source that is worth the price of the book itself. The whole book has a slight Calvin and Hobbes-esque feel which is fine with me.

Message:
[Parents] Deer ticks be damned, get the kids outside.
[Kids] When we were kids we played army outside, not on TV.

Content: 5/5
Illustrations: 5/5
Concept: 5/5
Quality: 5/5
Price: 5/5

John, Paul, George and Ben

2006-11-16T23:36:00.000-05:00

John, Paul, George and Ben
by: Lane Smith
Illustrated by: the author
Paperback: 40 pages
Publisher: Hyperion
Language: English
ISBN: 0786848936
Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.8, hardcover, full-color interior ink
Price: (without shipping) $16.99 USD as of the date of this posting
Where to buy: amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com)

You must buy this book!

Once and awhile something comes along that is such a cool concept, such a fresh idea and has the potential for great payoff in the future that you must buy it. This is one of those.

Did I mention you should buy this book?

John, Paul, George and Ben is a refreshingly cute story of some of our founding fathers, John Hancock, Paul Revere, George Washington and Ben Franklin (oh and Independant Thomas Jefferson) and how thier behavior in early life paid big dividends not only for them but for our nation too.

The illustrations are wonderfully "antique" look of a Copley, Trunbull or Peale painting and the font used is a work of art as well. The pictures are rich and deep and, well, beautiful.

The payoff? Your kids might actually take a liking to history. What's not to love about that?

In closing, buy the book. I did and my kid is 11, ok, it was for me.

Message:
[Parents] Maybe the way your child's way of shooting peas across the room out of his/her nose will pay off someday and pay off big.
[Kids] You should always behave yourself but be yourself and find something to use your talents on.

Content: 5/5
Illustrations: 5/5
Concept: 5/5
Quality: 5/5
Price: 5/5

Is There Really a Human Race?

2006-11-15T23:13:00.000-05:00

Is There Really a Human Race?
by: Jamie Lee Curtis
Illustrated by: Laura Cornell
Paperback: 40 pages
Publisher: Joanna Cotler
Language: English
ISBN: 0060753463
Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 11.3, hardcover, full-color interior ink
Price: (without shipping) $16.99 USD as of the date of this posting
Where to buy: amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com)

Once again Jamie Lee Curtis and Joanna Cotler have done it again with another glance into how our kids probably look at life.

In "Is There Raally a Human Race" the question we've all asked at one point in our lives is addressed in both witty and entertaining prose and glorious illsutrations.

Book Fair tomorrow and this one's in my basket. It should be in your too.

Message:
[Parents] There is truly no such thing as a stupid question.
[Kids] If something sounds silly, ask why.

Content: 5/5
Illustrations: 5/5
Concept: 5/5
Quality: 5/5
Price: 5/5

Edwina, the Dinosaur Who Didn't Know She Was Extinct

2006-11-14T20:29:00.000-05:00

Edwina, the Dinosaur Who Didn't Know She Was Extinct
by: Mo Willums
Illustrated by: the author
Paperback: 40 pages
Publisher: Hyperion
Language: English
ISBN: 0786837489
Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 12.0", hardcover, full-color interior ink
Price: (without shipping) $16.99 USD as of the date of this posting
Where to buy: amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com)

Edwina is a dinosaur but one who didn't get the "evolve into birds" memo. She lives a wonderful life in a small community where she takes an active view of her civic responsibilities.

Unfortunately, some people just can't be happy with the way things are and this is the case here too as a know-it-all student sets out to prove that she shouldn't be, in fact, alive.

Fortunately, it all works out in the end and we are all taught that we shouldn't judge by any preconceived notions just with our eyes and our hearts.

Another great one from one of America's greatest children's book authors.

Message:
[Parents] Judge others not by what you have heard or read but by what you see and experience.
[Kids] Don't judge someone by what other people say.

Content: 5/5
Illustrations: 5/5
Concept: 5/5
Quality: 5/5
Price: 5/5

The Book of Monsters: A Bedtime Story

2006-11-09T18:01:00.000-05:00

The Book of Monsters: A Bedtime Story
by: Jamie Melani Marshall
Illustrated by: the author
Paperback: 48 pages
Publisher: Jamie Melani Marshall
Language: English
ISBN: 0-9782-1090-5
Product Dimensions: 8.5" x 8.50", perfect binding, full-color interior ink
Price: (without shipping) $18.00 USD as of the date of this posting
Where to buy: Lulu.com (http://www.lululcom/jamiemelanimarshall)

Jamie Melani Marshall has created a brilliantly colorful book about monsters in the Maurice Sendak tradition. The text is delightful and the story so packed with messages about unplaced fears, why we need rules and tapping into your inner strength that it should find a home in libraries everywhere.

Marshall, who is a talented artist, uses those skills to great effect page after richly dark but colorful page.

If I have any concerns about this book they are only that it may proove to scary for young ones at bedtime the first read. So read it in the morning or at lunch the first time.

Good fun.

Message:
[Parents] Maybe not for really young kids and maybe read it at lunchtime first.
[Kids] See, we have rules for a reason and don't be afraid until you have reason to be.

Content: 4/5
Illustrations: 5/5
Concept: 5/5
Quality: 5/5
Price: 4/5

Big Round Frog: A Cautionary Tale in Verse

2006-11-08T23:08:00.000-05:00

Big Round Frog: A Cautionary Tale in Verse
by: Mike Lawrence
Illustrated by: the author
Paperback: 34 pages
Publisher: Mike Lawrence
Language: English
ISBN: 0-9782-1090-5
Product Dimensions: 9.00" x 7.00", saddle-stitch binding, full-color interior ink
Price: (without shipping) $11.00 USD as of the date of this posting
Where to buy: Lulu.com (http://www.lululcom/Macaroni)

Mr. Lawrence has done it again. In this, his second book for children, Mr. Lawrence shows us the perils of rubbernecking. The book is colorful and of a different style than his previous book "The Macaroni Disaster".

The concept is refreshingly different. The text is cute and accessible as we see the cunning plan of the Big Round Frog unfurl before us.

A good value and a great read.

Message:
[Parents] Eyes ahead and pedal to the metal.
[Kids] See what happens when try to stick our noses in someone else's business?

Content: 5/5
Illustrations: 5/5
Concept: 5/5
Quality: 5/5
Price: 5/5

Badly Drawn Dog

2006-11-05T20:54:00.000-05:00

Badly Drawn Dog
by: Jeanne Willis
Illustrated by: Tony Ross
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Barron''s Educational Series
Language: English
ISBN: 0764158147
Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 10.0 x 0.4 inches
Price: (without shipping) $14.95 USD as of the date of this posting
Where to buy: Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com)

We always tell our kids to be themselves but it's hard and when they hit middle-school and high schol the pressure can be mind-numbing. Is this book going to solve that issue? No, it's a kid's book for goodness sake.

But...

This book, a story about a dog who does not like the way he looks, is a great way to teach young children that to accept yourself as you are is a good thing. It also shows us that when we give in to fads and fashion, we can loose our identity.

A great book.

Message:
[Parents] See, we should be ourselves.
[Kids] See what happens when we try to be what others think we should be?

Content: 5/5
Illustrations: 5/5
Concept: 5/5
Quality: 5/5
Price: 5/5

Tadpole's Promise

2006-10-03T20:55:00.000-04:00

Tadpole's Promise
by: Jeanne Willis
Illustrated by: Tony Ross
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Atheneum/Anne Schwartz Books
Language: English
ISBN: 0689865244
Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 8.5 x 0.4 inches
Price: (without shipping) $15.95 USD as of the date of this posting
Where to buy: Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com)

Ok, this is a Bccb Blue ribbon winner. So is William Bee's "Whatever". I can only say that based on these two choices that the Bccb is headed in a more "edgy" direction.

Where I liked "Whatever" as a child's book, although the child in the book gets devoured by a tiger, because there is a positive message (don't treat people badly or it may come back to haunt you), "Tadpole" has no positive message other than "look I can make a funny book". It is funny. It is not, however, remotely appropriate for a children's book.

If there is a message in this book it is this, "people should not become close to those not in their own race". Not exactly the message I want to send to my kids.

You can not even use the, this is really an adult comedy/picture book, argument since after two pages I realized where we were going to end up.

Is it twisted, yes. Funny, sure (once). Worth buying, no. Show it to your kids, I think not.

Message:
[Parents] Get it from the library, read it, chuckle and move on.
[Kids] Not for you.
[Teacher WARNING] Not Appropriate.

Content: 2/5
Illustrations: 3/5
Concept: 2/5
Quality: 5/5
Price: 2/5

No, David!

2006-09-30T16:46:00.000-04:00

No, David!
by: David Shannon
Illustrated by: The Author
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Blue Sky Press
Language: English
ISBN: 0590930028
Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.7 x 0.6 inches
Price: (without shipping) $15.95 USD as of the date of this posting
Where to buy: Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com)

David is, as we'd spin it in the teacher's lunchroom, an energetic child. One who looks a little wild. One who is drawn in a style that every child can identify with. A brilliant artistic choice.

The book, the author tells us, was first written years ago when he was a child and the only words he could spell where "No" and "David". When his mother sent him the book years later he decided to remake it and so he did and it's good for us that he did.

This is a fun book that all kids will be able to identify with.

Message:
[Parents] We may say yes but they remember the nos.
[Kids] See, it's not just you.
[Teacher WARNING] This is a funny book but may not be suited for the classroom due to the naked rear end picture half way through.

Content: 5/5
Illustrations: 5/5
Concept: 5/5
Quality: 5/5
Price: 5/5

Thelonius Monster's Sky-High Fly Pie

2006-09-30T16:25:00.000-04:00

Thelonius Monster's Sky-High Fly Pie
by: Judy Sierra
Illustrated by: Edward Koren
Paperback: 40 pages
Publisher: Alfred A Knoff; 1st edition
Language: English
ISBN: 0375832181
Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 10.3 x 0.4 inches
Price: (without shipping) $16.95 USD as of the date of this posting
Where to buy: Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com)

This book is the first that reminds me of the works of the late Shel Silverstein (Where the Sidewalk Ends, Runny Babbit, The Giving Tree and more) both is text and artwork. Thelonius Monster decides to make a fly pie with hundreds of juicy flies but sometimes things don't work out the way you intend but are fine anyway. It is the same here.

Judy Sierra's rhyming text is a delight and Edward Koren (noted New Yorker cartoonist) provides illustrations in a self limited color pallette to delightful effect.

This is a great book with no overbearing message. Just monsterous fun.

Message:
[Parents] There is life after Shel.
[Kids] When cooking things that fly, do cook them.

Content: 5/5
Illustrations: 5/5
Concept: 5/5
Quality: 5/5
Price: 5/5

Where Do Balloons Go?

2006-09-30T11:07:00.000-04:00

Where Do Balloons Go?
by: Jamie Lee Curtis
Illustrated by: Laura Cornell
Paperback: 36 pages
Publisher: Joanna Cotler; 1st edition
Language: English
ISBN: 006027980X
Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 9.1 x 0.5 inches
Price: (without shipping) $16.99 USD as of the date of this posting
Where to buy: Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com)

Jamie Lee Curtis must be able to be in contact with her inner child every moment of every day. It is this ability that makes her seem to be such an effortless actress but more importantly, for the purposes of this blog, it must be this ability that allows her to write with such wonder and innocence.

Illustrator Laura Cornell, once again, has brilliantly illustrated Curtis' text and the result is wonderful.

Where do balloons go? You'll have to read the book to find out.

Message:
[Parents] Always wonder.
[Kids] Always wonder why.

Content: 5/5
Illustrations: 5/5
Concept: 5/5
Quality: 5/5
Price: 5/5

When I Was Little

2006-09-30T10:41:00.000-04:00

When I Was Little
by: Jamie Lee Curtis
Illustrated by: Laura Cornell
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Joanna Cotler; 1st edition
Language: English
ISBN: 0060210788
Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 10.2 x 0.3 inches
Price: (without shipping) $16.99 USD as of the date of this posting
Where to buy: Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com)

Once again Team Curtis/Cornell deliver a delightfully fresh and original story in full and vivid color.

This is a memoir but a memoir unlike anyone you've ever read. In this, a four year old reflects on her life as a child and the differences between her life at four and when she was a baby.

This is a keeper and one that parents will enjoy as much as the child it is purchased for.

Message:
[Parents] See how much your child thinks he/she has grown and matured.
[Kids] You're a big kid, keep up the good work.

Content: 5/5
Illustrations: 5/5
Concept: 5/5
Quality: 5/5
Price: 5/5

Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs

2006-09-30T09:54:00.000-04:00

Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs
by: Judi Barrett
Illustrated by: Ron Barrett
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Aladdin; 1st edition
Language: English
ISBN: 0689707495
Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 9.5 x 0.1 inches
Price: (without shipping) $6.99 USD as of the date of this posting
Where to buy: Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com)

This, and the sequel, Pickles to Pittsburgh, are hard to classify. They are very fun books. The concept is a new one, for me anyway. In the town of Chewandswallow food comes from the sky. This is a great thing until the weather goes a little nuts and supersizes everything and the town takes such a beating that the townspeople flee. The story is told through the eyes of a brother and sister who are retelling the story first told to them by thier grandfather.

The illustrations are wonderful and have an old-fashioned look with fine detail done in ink and watercolor.

This is one, like Mike Mulligan and His Steamshovel, that needs to be in the family library.

Message:
[Parents] Fun and witty a good lesson as to the power, however absurd, of nature.
[Kids] Too much of a good thing can be a bad thing.

Content: 5/5
Illustrations: 5/5
Concept: 5/5
Quality: 5/5
Price: 5/5

The Brand New Kid

2006-09-23T19:42:00.000-04:00

The Brand New Kid
by: Katie Couric
Illustrated by: Marjorie Priceman
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: DoubleDay; 1st edition
Language: English
ISBN: 0385500300
Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 8.3 x 0.4 inches
Price: (without shipping) $15.95 USD as of the date of this posting
Where to buy: Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com)

Ok, so my last post said that I would mainly be focusing on books I like and that I would only post a bad review when I found something people should run screaming from.

I lied.

This is a bad review but you should probably read the book anyway. Putting a positive spin on it, at least Katie has a good day job.

The story is one of a new kid in a class and how he is not accepted until a girl takes pitty on him and becomes his friend. Nice message.

Unfortunately, this is not a great book. The message is indeed great but the text is labored and the rhymes are not at all clever. Ms. Priceman's illustrations are wonderful but not enough to sustain the writting.

Don't buy when you can borrow.

Message:
[Parents] This is what happens when you are a celebrity, anything you spit out gets published.
[Kids] Be nice to the new kid.

Content: 2/5
Illustrations: 4/5
Concept: 5/5
Quality: 5/5
Price: 2/5

Explanation

2006-09-23T15:17:00.000-04:00

I wanted to explain something about the books reviewed here.

These are not reviewed because they are new, although some are.
They are reviewed because, for the most part, they touch me somehow. Therefore you will probably only see good reviews. I can say, however, that if I come across something so incredibly bad that all should be warned, I will do so.

IS

Bear Snores On

2006-09-20T06:14:00.000-04:00

Bear Snores On
by: Karma Wilson
Illustrated by: Jane Chapman
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry; 1st ed edition
Language: English
ISBN: 0689831870
Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 11.3 x 0.4 inches
Price: (without shipping) $16.95 USD as of the date of this posting
Where to buy: Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com)

Bear does his best to hibernate. He is really trying to get in touch with his inner hibernator. He is doing well.

Then his friends show up, one by one, and a party ensues [kids, this is like college].

After his friends all make and consume food and drink (tea) bear finally wakes up and the ending is cute and unexpected.

Jane Chapman's artwork is a joy to behold and makes the book a warmand wonderful read.

Message:
[Parents] This is what happened when I was studying for my bio final at college, I swear.
[Kids] It's not what really happens but it's fun to read. Might be a good idea to leave dad asleep on the couch.

Content: 4/5
Illustrations: 5/5
Concept: 5/5
Quality: 5/5
Price: 5/5

It's Hard to be Five

2006-09-19T18:28:00.000-04:00

It's Hard to be Five: Learning how to work my control panel.
by: Jamie Lee Curtis
Illustrated by: Laura Cornell
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Joanna Cotler Books
Language: English
ISBN: 9780060080952
Product Dimensions: 9.0 x 10.3 x 0.3 inches
Price: (without shipping) $16.99 USD as of the date of this posting
Where to buy: Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com)

Ok, I am a big JLC fan and have been since "Trading Places". That being said, this is a terriffic and very cute book. As someone who works with five year olds "It's Hard to be Five" strikes a chord.

The text is outstanding and very fresh and new. Ms. Cornell's illustrations are wonderful and cary the tale along in a delightful manner. I can not say enough about the subject and the Ms. Curtis' handling of it. The writting shows a deep understanding about what goes on inside a five year old head and helps that same five year old see the way out.

Nice, nice job.

Message:
[Parents] There is a lot going on in that little head of his/hers.
[Kids] We know, but trust us, it will get better.

Content: 5/5
Illustrations: 5/5
Concept: 5/5
Quality: 5/5
Price: 5/5

Moose Tracks

2006-09-19T18:08:00.000-04:00

Moose Tracks
by: Karma Wilson
Illustrated by: Jack E Davis
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry
Language: English
ISBN: 0689834373
Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 9.4 x 0.4 inches
Price: (without shipping) $16.95 USD as of the date of this posting
Where to buy: Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com)

This is a cute book. The ending is predictable to anyone over age 8 and since the book is written for 4-7 that works out nicely.

It seems that there are moose tracks everywhere in the house and the owner can not figure out why. The owner knows how everthing else got there, the feathers, the woodchips etc. but not the moose tracks.

Jack E Davis' illustrations are spectacular and funny, oh and cute too. A fine book to get from your library. I think that children would tire of the story after a few reads but I may be wrong.

Message:
[Parents] None really it's just fun.
[Kids] Pay attention, what you think the answer is, probably is the answer.

Content: 4/5
Illustrations: 5/5
Concept: 4/5
Quality: 5/5
Price: 5/5

Whatever

2006-09-19T17:36:00.000-04:00

Whatever
by: William Bee
Illustrated by: The Author
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Candlewick
Language: English
ISBN: 0763628867
Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 9.0 x 0.4 inches
Price: (without shipping) $12.99 USD as of the date of this posting
Where to buy: Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com)

Every once and awhile, among the hoards of children's books out there, there comes one that is very funny and that can be used as a lesson in life. This is one of them.

William Bee has crafted a story that illustrates to a child how what they say and how they act can have consequences. Billy, it seems can be quite difficult to please and his answer to everything he shown is "whatever". His father, who seems very attentive, tries very hard to please young Billy to no avail. So when Billy gets into a bind his father reacts the way Billy has done throughout the whole book.

A very creative story and wonderful illustrations make this a winner.

Message:
[Parents] Be creative in the way you deal with your kids, just don't use large felines.
[Kids] What you say to, and how you treat, other people can come back to haunt you.

Content: 5/5
Illustrations: 5/5
Concept: 5/5
Quality: 5/5
Price: 5/5

Love That Dog

2006-09-17T20:18:00.000-04:00

Love That Dog: a novel
by: Sharon Creech
Illustrated by: The Author
Hardcover: 112 pages
Publisher: Joanna Cotler
Language: English
ISBN: 0060292873
Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.8 x 0.7 inches
Price: (without shipping) $15.99 USD as of the date of this posting
Where to buy: Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com)

If there was ever a book that illustrates the need to be creative when approaching a challenging student, this is it.

There is a teacher, Miss Stretchberry, who uses poetry to reach a student who, at first, does not seem ready to participate.

The poems used to inspire the student include; "The Red Wheelbarrow" by Carlos Williams, "Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening" by Robert Frost, "The Tiger" by William Blake and "Love that Boy" by Walter Dean Meyers.

This is a wonderful book for students 8-12 that shows how the pain of an event may be lessened by expressing it outwardly through art.

Message:
[Parents] Encourage all forms of artistic endeavor.
[Kids] Use whatever outlet you have to express your feelings and use your feelings to express yourself in whatever outlet you choose.

Content: 5/5
Illustrations: 5/5
Concept: 5/5
Quality: 5/5
Price: 5/5

Leonardo The Terrible Monster

2006-09-17T20:00:00.000-04:00

Leonardo The Terrible Monster
by: Mo Willems
Illustrated by: The Author
Hardcover: 44 pages
Publisher: Hyperion
Language: English
ISBN: 0786852941
Product Dimensions: 13.1 x 9.1 x 0.4 inches
Price: (without shipping) $16.99 USD as of the date of this posting
Where to buy: Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com)

Leonardo is a terrible monster and from the looks of him on the book's cover, he is. The problem is that looks can be deceiving. Things are not always what they appear to be.

This book is a wonderful example of how a delightful story can drive home a message. You see, Leonardo is a terrible monster but in the way that I am a bad skier. He's really bad at it. Oh sure he tries, but he can not seem to get it right.

The message here is truly "don't judge a book by its cover." Leonardo is a terrible monster but a wonderful friend.

With this book, Mo Willems moves to number two of my all-time favorite children's authors (yes, yes. Dr. Seuss is number one).

Message:
[Parents] Don't be judgmental based on appearances.
[Kids] Don't let your parents teach you to be judgmental based on appearances!

Content: 5/5
Illustrations: 5/5
Concept: 5/5
Quality: 5/5
Price: 5/5 (with Amazon sale 9.17.06)

The Macaroni Disaster

2006-09-10T05:39:00.000-04:00

The Macaroni Disaster
by: Mike Lawrence
Illustrated by: The Author
Hardcover: 44 pages
Publisher: Mike Lawrence
Language: English
ISBN: 978-1-4116-8613-7
Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 7.5 x 0.08 inches
Price: (without shipping) $12.00 USD as of the date of this posting
Where to buy: Lulu.com (http://www.lulu.com/macaroni)

Danni is as hungry as a child can be. Her mom has gone to the store and left her with the warning, "no sweets, no treats and no junk food!" But she is REALLY hungry.

She discovers a package of macaroni and cheese but can not read the directions which warn, "do not microwave", and puts it in the microwave. This is where the disaster part happens described in a delightful style. I have heard that the book has been read to classrooms of students with great results, so it passes the kid test. The illustrations are by Mr. Lawrence as well and are colorful, well executed and terrific.

Mr. Lawrence has self published with Lulu.com and so the price of the book is a little more than we expect to pay for a book of this size and binding but if we can't support great undiscovered talent then what good are we (and Mike Lawrence, based on this book, is great).

Message:
[Parents] Don't leave a kid alone with a Microwave.
[Kids] This is why reading is, in fact, important. Danni can't read and look what happened!

Content: 5/5
Illustrations: 5/5
Concept: 5/5
Quality: 5/5
Price: 3/5

Notes to the Fairy

2006-09-07T06:32:00.000-04:00

Notes to the Fairy
by: Emma L. Niden and Lisa Finneran Niden
Illustrated by: Laurie Zallen
Hardcover: 64 pages
Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing (September 1, 2005)
Language: English
ISBN: 0740755684
Product Dimensions: 6.1 x 6.4 x 0.4 inches
Price (without shipping): $9.95 USD as of the date of this posting.
Where to buy: Amazon.com

Emma Niden wrote notes to the tooth fairy over a period of time and her mom kept copies of them.

The notes are funny, touching and provide a window into the mind of a child.

"I pulled my first tooth out tonight. Please bring me a dragon."

This is a conversation book. One that will spark conversation between those who read it. That's how it found its way to my house. Wonderful for adults as well as children.

Message:
[Parents] This is the thought process that goes on in your child's head.
[Kids] See, other people want dragons too.

Content: 5/5
Illustrations: 5/5
Concept: 5/5
Quality: 5/5
Price: 5/5

Welcome

2006-09-07T00:35:00.000-04:00

Welcome to Ikura Soup!

Ikura Soup is the brainchild of a k-2 educator who loves kids books. I will try to review a new book every week.