I Ain't Gonna Paint No More

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.

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


2. 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

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

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

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