Sunday, February 4, 2018

Kiss! Kiss! Yuck! Yuck! by Kyle Newborn - ADVISABLE

Mewburn, Kyle Kiss! Kiss! Yuck! Yuck! Illustrations by Teo and O’Reilly.  PICTURE BOOK.  Peachtree, 2006, 2017.  $8.  9781561457595

Andy will do anything he can to avoid the sloppy kisses of his Auntie Elsie.  Hide under the bed – yep.  Sneak into the chicken coup – yep.  There’s no way she’d climb up into his tree house – wrong!  But when Aunt Elsie breaks her leg and doesn’t come for her weekly visit, Andy finally realizes that he loves her showy affection.

What a fun picture book!  The simplified illustrations are eye-catching and fun.  Andy’s antics are hilarious!  I’m going to buy my own copy to have around to read to reluctant grandchildren!

Pre-K, EL (K-3) – ADVISABLE.  Cindy, Library Teacher

A Cup of Tea? by Eric LaBranche - OPTIONAL

LaBranche, Eric A Cup of Tea? Illustrated by Margaret Anne Suggs.  PICTURE BOOK.  Clavis, 2017.  $18.  9781605372815

A little boy is excited to see his parents after their long work days, but all they want to do is sit and relax and having their cup of tea.  After feeling lonely and frustrated, he has a brilliant idea – he’ll invite them to his own tea party!  But it is almost ruined when he remembers the treats, but forgets the tea.

While I am not a tea drinker, I am a working mom and I certainly remember those days when I was exhausted from work and wanted to do nothing more than sit down and rest and do nothing for a bit before I had to start dinner.  This is a nice gentle reminder for a parent to be a little more conscientious after work, but it also shows the boy being a bit understanding and very creative.

Pre-K, EL (K-3) – OPTIONAL.  Cindy, Library Teacher

Saturday, February 3, 2018

Poison by Sarah Albee - ESSENTIAL

Albee, Sarah Poison : Deadly Deeds, Perilous Professions, and Murderous Medicines, NON FICTION 182 pgs. Crown Books for Young Readers (Random House), 2017. $17.99. Content: G.

From ancient times to current day people have been poisoned, both accidentally and intentionally.  Some of these poisons occur naturally, other are mixtures, and now there are even manufactured and synthetic poisons.  Albee chronicles the use and discovery of poisons through the ages, the famous poisoners, the infamous products containing hazardous materials, and the people who invented new uses as well as discovered ways to detect poisons.  From Socrates to Cleopatra, the Medici family to Jonestown, the mad scientists, painters, factory workers, children and political enemies so many poisons, so many stories!

An easy read, this book goes into just enough detail and the format makes it a perfect informational text for the upper elementary or middle school reader, but the content and depth also made for a gripping read for the older reader and even adults.  I was engrossed by every subject.  Albee includes a “Tox Box” when certain poisons are introduced which include the name, source, how it’s delivered and the effects.  No need to use the index in the back as you read - if she mentions something she’s already talked about, she cites the page and section title. A thorough book, includes source material, a resource guide, timeline, glossary, bibliography and index. I can’t wait to recommend this book.

EL - ADVISABLE   MS - ESSENTIAL  Lisa Librarian

Let it Glow: A Winter’s Walk by Owen Gildersleeve - OPTIONAL

Gildersleeve, Owen Let it Glow: A Winter’s Walk.  Wide Eyed Editions (Quarto), 2017.  $25.  9781786030306

A young man is headed home after buying a Christmas gift.  As he follows the path he sees winter scenes, until he arrives home.

The cut paper illustration are the star of this holiday charmer.  For the most part the rhyme is a simple 8-beat pattern, except in one weird spot where the lines are only seven awkward syllables.  While the cover says twinkling lights, the lights seem to glow, but never twinkle.  Verdict – mixed.

Pre-K, GIFT – OPTIONAL.  Cindy, Library Teacher

I Love You For Miles and Miles by Alison Goldberg - ESSENTIAL

Goldberg, Alison I Love You For Miles and Miles, pictures by Mike Yamada.  PICTURE BOOK.  Farrar Straus Giroux (Macmillan), 2017.  $18.  9780374304430

A parent bear compares their love for their cub to a wide variety of vehicle and machinery. 

What a great change from comparing love to nature and animals!  The machinery will draw in all kinds of active, truck-loving readers! Ready made for gift giving, bedtime story, and a cuddly lap.

Pre-K – ESSENTIAL.  Cindy, Library Teacher

Big Choo by Stephen Shaskan - OPTIONAL

Shaskan, Stephen Big Choo.  PICTURE BOOK.  Scholastic Press, 2018.  $17.  9780545708579

Little Choo is all ready to be Big Choo and haul large freight trains up and down mountains just like Papa Pufferbelly.  Everything doesn’t always go as planned, but Papa is there to cheer him on. 

While Shaskan says the art is a tribute to Virginia Lee Burton, the comparisons will always be to The Little Engine That Could. Papa cheering and helping is a nice addition to the classic story.

Pre-K, EL (K-3) – OPTIONAL.  Cindy, Library Teacher