No, David!

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.