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