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Grandpappy’s Corner: Panda Pat and the Rat Called Cat by Neil Ballard, Steven Nosov (Illustrator): A Nice Rodent with an Unfortunate Nickname

DETAILS: 
Publisher: Bookbaby
Publication Date: December 23, 2020
Format: Hardcover
Length: 36 pgs.
Read Date: April 19, 2024

What’s Panda Pat and the Rat Called Cat About?

This is the story about, well—it’s there in the title. Mostly, it’s about Cat, with his pal, Pat, playing a good supporing role (with Pat getting the lead-off position in the title, I assumed he’d be the focus, but he isn’t—and that might just be me).

Cat got his moniker as an insult, really—no rat gets nicknamed that as a sign of respect or friendship. So he wants to avoid those people who gave him that name. But he eventually has to go to the city for supplies, but his buddy, Pat, tags along for moral support.

While there, Cat enters a race, enticed by the prospect of winning a cheese trophy (and really, who wouldn’t want a cheese trophy no matter their species?). A little comedy, a little humility, and some chaos ensue.

Let’s Talk about the Art for a Minute

This is the first time that Nosov has illustrated a children’s book—and it better not be his last. Even before I talked to Ballard about the book at a Book Fair, I knew I was going to buy it based on the cover. The rat called Cat looks like a character from a video game I played forever ago—he’s not, but it felt like that when I saw him. Just an instant click. And Pat is almost as good.

The art is the clear star of this book—with all due respect to Ballard—it’s engaging, it’s energetic, it’s cute, it’s striking. In case I’m not being clear—I’m a fan.

There are some samples of this book on his website, but not all the images there are really kids-book-appropriate (there’s nothing scandalous or anything, just figured I should make the disclaimer). You can also see them on this tweet.

How is it to Read Aloud?

It’s fine. Some of the sentences are a little cumbersome to read aloud—nothing major, but there’s no real rhythm or zip to the writing. The text is just to convey the narrative, not to steal the limelight or tickle the listener. The story and the art are the stars of this book—which is fine, I should stress.

So, what did I think about Panda Pat and the Rat Called Cat?

It’s a fun story elevated by the eye-catching illustrations. There’s a little bit of a lesson—maybe even two—but nothing that will hit you over the head with the moral if you’re not in the mood to focus on it with your listener.

Also, whoever did the typesetting/interior design should get some kudos—it pops off the page in just the right way.

Ballard indicated that a sequel is in progress—I’ll gladly grab it when I see it.

Good characters, a nice story, and there’s no way the little reader in your life doesn’t like the art—this is one to add to your shelves, for sure.

3 Stars

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.

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Kay-9 The Robot Dog by J.M. Gulmire: The Name Says it All

By HCNewton

On March 29, 2024

In Dogs, Science Fiction, YA/MG/Children's Books

Be sure to come back later this morning for a Q&A with the Author.

Kay-9 The Robot Dog

by J.M. Gulmire

DETAILS:
Publication Date: September 2, 2023
Format: eARC
Length: 160 pg.
Read Date: September 16, 2023

What’s Kay-9 The Robot Dog About?

Ryan is having a rough time. His dad is overseas with the military—and Zoom calls just aren’t cutting it (actually, they may be making it worse). His mom’s allergies prevent them from getting a pet—and all Ryan really wants in the world is a dog.

So, he gets the idea of making one. Not in a bio-chem laboratory or editing genes to create a truly hypo-allergenic canine or something. But a robotic dog. His friend/neighbor Marcus helps out when he can—and Marcus’ little sister, Mariah, pushes her way into the project, too (and actually has some good ideas and contributions).

It’s not long before Ryan has moved beyond making a toy—between experimentation, online research, spare computer parts, and a little luck—he’s on his way to creating a real artificial pet.

Gulmire Zags Where Others Zig

It was in the 1980s that I first discovered stories where a kid/young person created computers, robots, androids, or spacecraft far beyond the capabilities of most professional computer engineers/corporate entities.* And while I rarely seek those out, I keep stumbling across them in various media to this day. I typically enjoy them—and have little trouble disengaging my disbelief for them, too.

* True, it was in the 1980s that I discovered pretty much everything, but that’s beside the point.

On the surface, Kay-9 The Robot Dog is one of a long line of those stories. But there’s something different about Gulmire’s approach to the creation of the Robot. Typically, most of the creation-stage happens off-screen (with maybe some comedic moments of trying it out in real life). But not here, the focus of this novel is on the creation. Trial and error. Going back to the drawing board. Thinking of a new feature and figuring out how to add it. Learning about processes necessary to get from Point A to Point B—and then beyond.

Sometimes, Ryan has to ask for help—and typically, that’s just a nudge in the right direction for research, not someone telling him what to do. The book could be titled “How to Build Your Dog” or something like that—it’s that focused on the process. I was perfectly fine with the “oh, I’ve seen this before” feeling—Gulmire was doing a good job with the usual pattern—but then when it became clear that he was taking the road less traveled, I became strongly invested.

Parenting

One of the big questions that every Middle Grade author has to deal with is “What do I do about the parents?” Often, they’re written out of the book somehow—the protagonist is at camp, or boarding school, lost in the woods, or whatever. Maybe they’re so busy at work that the protagonist rarely sees them (but generally in that case there’s some other authority figure to contend with). Sometimes, they’re written as witless or befuddled people who have to be avoided (which isn’t difficult), or they’re overbearing to one degree or another.

Ryan’s mom, however, is just a good mom. She’s involved, she makes sure he eats reasonably well, does his homework, and whatnot. They can enjoy a little back-and-forth in their conversation, but at the end of the day, she’s his mother, and he will act accordingly. She’s supportive and understanding of Ryan’s desire to have a dog, his difficulty without his father around, and then for his Kay-9 project. She’s his biggest cheerleader—but she makes sure to communicate the limits she’ll tolerate.

Marco and Mariah’s mom is also a great example of what a mom should be. The two of them together could be the focus of a TLC reality show.

So, what did I think about Kay-9 The Robot Dog ?

There’s this strong theme of a community supporting Ryan, running throughout this—and it only builds as the novel goes on. It’s understated, for the most part, but it’s there—and it generates more heart-warming energy than it should for the space it takes. I really appreciated that.

I also really appreciated the way that Gulmire addressed Ryan’s dad being overseas with the military and the stress it puts on everyone in the family. Like with so many of the things he succeeds with in this book, the depiction is strong and relatable. He never dips the toe into a “very special episode” kind of feel. But we see Ryan struggle with it, we see his mom struggle, too (we can imagine Dad’s struggle, but it’s not something the reader gets first-hand). Most importantly, this was dealt with honestly and compassionately.

This is a quick, light read (particularly for those not in the intended 7-12 year old audience). It’s full of joy and heart, with some good (and subtly delivered) life lessons. It’s a celebration of imagination, grit, and experimentation—all things we need more of. It’s also a tribute to the power of a kid-sister (your own or your friend’s) in getting things done. Best of all, it’s a fun way to spend an afternoon.

Check it out—or at least help the kid in your life give it a peek.

3 Stars

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If You Give A Mouse Metformin by Nikhil Krishnan, i Cenizal (Illustrator): Think Schoolhouse Rock, Just Without the Music

By HCNewton

On March 27, 2024

In Non-Fiction

If You Give A Mouse Metformin

by Nikhil Krishnan, i Cenizal (Illustrator)

DETAILS:
Publisher: Out-of-Pocket
Publication Date: July 14, 2020
Format: Paperback
Length: 45 pg.
Read Date: March 19, 2024

What’s If You Give A Mouse Metformin About?

I’m just going to quote things here.

The book’s website asks (and answers):

Have you ever wanted to know how drug development works, but too scared to ask? Now you can say you’re buying a book for a child, but it’s actually for you.

The back of the book reads:

When you give a mouse metformin, he’ll take you through the necessary steps to get a drug approved. Along the way, he’ll meet a crazy cast of characters including patients, other animals, and the FDA. He’ll also encounter lots of subtle jabs at the clinical trial complex, and have some fun along the way.

Again from the website:

This book is a great gift for anyone in the healthcare field, or any baby that wants to learn how double-blind placebo controlled trials work.

The Target of the Book

Yes, the title is a not-at-all-subtle allusion to a famous picture book, it’s super short, and fully illustrated. But it’s not for toddlers.

Well, not really.

There’s nothing in the langugae (outside of words like “metformin”) that couldn’t be understood by just about anyone who can understand the aforementioned book. Still, I think the book is really intended to work as a friendly and accessible introduction to things like double-blind placebo tests, or as an educational tool for someone who wants to help others understand (and/or to satirize the clinical trial process).

Simple enough for a kid, but made for an adult.

What Did I Think About the Art?

This book is advertised as satirical–just about all the satire is in the art. And it’s subtle. And so, so, good. Essentially, it’s there if you go looking for it. Otherwise, you’re probably going to miss it–and that’s okay, you’ll get the breezy introduction to clinical trials and some nice drawings along the way.

Oh, and the drawings are nice. It’s been too long since I’ve read the Laura Numeroff/Felicia Bond book with the similar title, but I don’t think i Cenizal really went for the same style–either as homage or parody. She did, however, provide art that would appeal to the Picture Book Set just as much as anyone else (although I’m pretty sure the Picture Book Set wouldn’t get the satire).

Basically, at least half of the success of this book should be credited to i Cenizal.

So, what did I think about If You Give A Mouse Metformin?

This is actually better than I expected–it was an impulse buy, and I got my money’s worth out of it (and a few others in my family have enjoyed it, too).

I don’t know that I learned a lot, but do see the length and remember what I said about the complexity of language. Still, it’s a good refresher–and the satire is a nice touch.

This is one example of the group Out-of-Pocket’s efforts to educate and entertain people about our healthcare system–and as such, it’s enough to make me look into other things they’re producing.

It’s worth your time to pick it up.

3 Stars

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Grandpappy’s Corner: Taco Tuesday by Brick Puffington, Amy Blair (Illustrator): It’s Not Quite “Eat Mor Chikin,” But…

By HCNewton

On February 21, 2024

In Fiction, Grandpappy's Corner, YA/MG/Children's Books

Taco Tuesday

by Brick Puffington, Amy Blair (Illustrator)

DETAILS:
Publisher: Cottage Door Press
Publication Date: September 03, 2019
Format: Board Book
Length: 12 pg.
Read Date: February 18, 2024

What’s Taco Tuesday About?

This book is a taco trying to convince the reader to eat something other than tacos—it talks about the problems with eating a taco, and how great other foods are in comparison.

It’s a fun idea, right?

Let’s Talk about the Art for a Minute

It’s bright, it’s simple in a way that will attract a very young reader. It’s playful and cheery. Just what the doctor ordered, basically.

How is it to Read Aloud?

There’s not a lot to it—it’s a super quick read, if you’re just about the reading and not playing with the puppet. The pages are tiny and have very few words on them. The rhymes are fun enough. I’m pretty sure by the time I finish this post I’ll have used 5x the words in the book (at least).

So, what did I think about Taco Tuesday?

Let’s see…the little finger puppet taco is pretty cute (it’s the Grandcritter’s favorite part, as far as I can tell). That should be mentioned first off.

Secondly, man, am I glad that the audience for this book is not going to remember—or fully understand—this book. Because, really—it’s about a cute little taco trying to get the reader to eat anything, anything, but them. And the book closes with the reminder it’s Tuesday. That’s pretty dark for a board book. But again, the target audience isn’t going to think that hard about it.

Their parents (or whoever is reading this to/with them), on the other hand, will understand that—and it’s a dash of fun to help out with a book that doesn’t offer a lot for us.

This is cute, it’s fun. It’s multifaceted—a kid to play with the pages, the puppet, and look at some pretty colors and bright pictures. That’s more than enough for me to recommend it.

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.

Grandpappy’s Corner: Bush-turkey Needs a Friend by Ann Göth: He’s a Strange Bird (At Least a Little Different)

By HCNewton

On February 8, 2024

In Fiction, Grandpappy's Corner, YA/MG/Children's Books

Bush-turkey Needs a Friend

by Ann Göth

DETAILS:
Publisher: Natural Publishing
Publication Date: November 13, 2023
Format: eBook
Length: 34
Read Date: February 7, 2024

What’s Bush-turkey Needs a Friend About?

This is the tale of Tom, an Australian brush-turkey (aka bush-turkey), and his quest to meet someone like him–or at least enough like him to befriend him.

It doesn’t go well for him, most birds deciding that Tom’s a bit too strange for them. But he carries on, grows up, and eventually meets another bush-turkey and, yes, makes a friend.

The Author

Göth is a Science teacher and a Brush-Turkey researcher, who has written a book for adults on the Brush-Turkey. So she comes at this with a dual expertise and a mission to teach accurate lessons about the bird.

It reminded me of Valerie D. Johnson’s 1 2 3 Count with Me on Granddad’s Farm, where you get an expert on an area coming along to teach young readers (in her case, math). We could use more things like this in the world (they probably exist, I just need to learn about them).*

* If I was in a snarkier mood, I’d say that we need more things like this than children’s books written by celebrities. But I’m not in that kind of mood.

Let’s Talk about the Art for a Minute

Eh…this is the biggest stumbling point with this book. It’s pretty obvious that Göth is not a professional illustrator, and won’t be anytime soon. This is not to say that the art is bad–it’s just not good. It’s fine. A little inconsistent, a touch sloppy, but good enough.

I don’t know that a young reader is going to have a problem with it–I don’t see most of them being as snobbish as we grown-ups can be.

How is it to Read Aloud?

It’s a simple, straightforward style–no rhyme, no rhythm, no tongue-twisters, no made up words. That can be a nice change of pace, really. The nice short sentences should work well for reading aloud or coaching someone through early sentences on their own.

So, what did I think about Bush-turkey Needs a Friend?

This was a pretty nice book and a good introduction to a bird I’d like to know a little more about.

The life lesson isn’t a particularly novel or groundbreaking one–but it’s one that needs to be repeated throughout a child’s life (and many adult lives, too), so bring it on. Add that to the ornithological lessons, and this is a good read.

Disclaimer: I received this book from BookSirens in exchange for this post and my honest opinion.

3 Stars

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.
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A Mystery Revealed: 31 Meditations on the Trinity by Ryan M. McGraw: Helpful and Quick Prompts to Greater Understanding

By HCNewton

On February 4, 2024

In Non-Fiction, Theology/Christian Living

A Mystery Revealed:
31 Meditations on the Trinity

by Ryan M. McGraw

DETAILS:
Publisher: Reformation Heritage Books
Publication Date: May 8, 2023
Format: eBook
Length: 256 pg.
Read Date: July 2-December 31, 2023

The Trinity is the grammar shaping the language we use to relate to God before we become self-conscious about it or skilled in using it. We often learn to hear the Bible and to speak to God and others in Trinitarian terms before we learn how and why those terms work.

What’s A Mystery Revealed About?

The Publisher’s site says:

Dr. Ryan McGraw peels back the curtain on how the Trinity forms the foundation for everything from evangelism to corporate worship. As he follows the Trinitarian shape of Scripture, McGraw brings this heavenly doctrine down to earth for the average Christian to experience.

These 31 meditations trace the biblical storyline, drawing us closer to the blessed persons of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

And that’s basically what the book gives—McGraw starts by trying to sketch the grammar of the Trinity and then traces the storyline of the Bible showing how that grammar was revealed. McGraw notes early on that:

Many believers do not read the Bible like a story but like a collection of memory verses. How many verses have you memorized in your life, only to realize they mean something different than you thought?

So while helping readers to find the Trinity revealed throughout the Scriptures, he also helps the reader to understand the storyline of the Bible—how it’s not just a collection of memory verses.

The chapters end up with a good balance of “theory” and “practice.” McGraw isn’t known for just feeding the head or the heart in his books, he’s also focused on the reader putting his ideas into action—and that’s clear in this book.

Maybe Too-Reliant on J.R.R.?

McGraw begins every/almost every chapter with some sort of illustration to bring the reader to the subject—it’s not my favorite tool, but it’s time-tested and reliable. One frequent source of illustrations for this book are the works of Tolkien. I have nothing against Tolkien—and wish I knew his work better. But…I think it’s a well that McGraw maybe returned to too often. I didn’t pick up this book for ideas about the Trinity and The Hobbit/The Lord of the Rings/The Silmarillion.

Sure, Tolkien is an easy touchstone that a lot of McGraw’s readers will be familiar with, making the transition to the topics at hand easier. I just think he’d have been better served with other sources of introduction.

The gospel is the centerpiece of the Bible’s story line. All things anticipate it in the Old Testament, and all things point back to it in the New Testament. God is the author of the narrative, and Christ is the narrator. The Spirit makes us participants, rather than spectators, in the story . As we have seen, writing Himself into the story, it turns out that the triune God is the main character as well.

So, what did I think about A Mystery Revealed?

Now this is a devotional—meant to be read in short bursts on a daily (or weekly, like I used it) basis. It’s not to be read cover-to-cover, and you’re not going to get in-depth on any of the points considered. So you have to bear that in mind—McGraw’s addressed some of these topics in greater depth elsewhere, and it’s worth the effort to find them. Nevertheless, even in these devotional-length chapters, he does a capable job of addressing them.

Also, the “Further Reading” recommended with every chapter will satisfy whatever itches for greater depth or expansion on ideas the reader may have. They gave me a reading list I’m eager to tackle (or revisit).

McGraw’s use of grammar as a metaphor and reminding the reader of the storyline of the Bible are throughout and are so useful.

Some of the chapters didn’t do a whole lot for me—did we really need 4-5 pages on this? And others were like a cup of cold water on a hot day. But I imagine that if I read this book again in a year or so, I’d have a completely different list of chapters under each heading. This is to be expected, I assume, and isn’t a reason to walk away.

A Mystery Revealed is a nice way to spend a few minutes a day for a while. It should be helpful to remind/refresh/create a better understanding of the way the Trinity can be seen throughout the story of the Bible and point you to the greater needs of your soul.

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.

The AItheist by Michael J. Svigel: Do Apostles Preach to Electric Sheep?

By HCNewton

On January 28, 2024

In Fiction, Science Fiction, Theology/Christian Living

The AItheist

by Michael J. Svigel

DETAILS:
Publication Date: May 7, 2023
Format: eBook
Length: 121 pg.
Read Date: December 31, 2023

“Do you miss him?”

“Him?”

“God.”

“Hmmm.” I folded my hands on my chest, closed my eyes. “I guess I miss the idea of God. The one I imagined existed until that idea let me down. The God of the happy Psalms, of the wise Proverbs, of the gentle Jesus. That idea was worth living for. But the bipolar God who waffles between good and bad, helpful and harmful, reasonable and absurd—that God I could do without. And I have.”

What’s The AItheist About?

Ramy Ray has created the world’s biggest and best AI, YAR. YAR runs electric cars all over the world, government infrastructures, corporate networks, etc., etc., etc. You name it, YAR is the culmination of pretty much every SF utopian dream. The jury is still out on whether YAR is truly sentient, but YAR thinks “he” is.

But something’s changed lately—YAR is using more and more of “his” resources to investigate world religions, with an increasing focus on Christianity. Very few, outside of Ray’s company, have noticed the lags, the downtime, and service problems. But they’re getting worse, and it won’t be long before actual problems ensue—and someone notices.

So Ray comes to Dr. Michael Berg, who not that long ago published a book that made headlines. Berg had been a renowned theologian (as much as an orthodox theologian can be in our cultural moment), Berg’s headlines came from renouncing the Christian Faith and publishing a book talking about his apostasy and his critiques of Christianity.

Ray wants two things—one, for Berg to figure out why YAR is so focused on these issues, ideas, and thoughts right now, and two, to get “him” to stop focusing on it and get back to work.

So, what did I think about The AItheist?

I don’t know that this storyline could’ve coped with being longer—but I think the book (and Svigel’s arguments) needed more space to breathe and develop. The sessions between the two should’ve been longer, getting into a little more depth on the issues. A couple of additional conversations between YAR and Berg might have helped. Maybe some “selections” from Berg’s book that YAR could’ve critiqued or examined, or a conversation or three between Berg and a former colleague in between sessions with YAR. It’s a tricky balancing act to be sure—Svigel is going for a quick read, something to provoke thought, not to answer every question–but I think by doing so he goes for too quick and provokes more than he gives resources to follow up with.

Berg’s emotions were hard to swallow—particularly his big emotional moment toward the end. It was overwrought, over the top, and completely took me out of the moment. I generally thought I could’ve done a slightly better job of articulating his problems with the Faith (also, the God he described as “an idea worth living for” isn’t a God I recognize, and made me wonder about Berg’s qualifications as a theologian). But he’s supposed to be a foil for YAR, and he functions well enough as that.

That said–I liked the concept of the book. I thought YAR, his concerns, his approach—and what sparked all of it—were well-conceived and well-executed, and the reveal was well done. All of that was spot-on, and my only complaint is that we didn’t quite as much of it as we should’ve. It feels strange in 2024 saying I sympathized and believed the AI more than the human, but that’s where we are.

I do recommend this read, with several caveats. You may end up with more questions than you started with—which could actually be a good thing. You might want some answers that are a little less blithe than you’re provided. That’s a good thing, too. But you’ll likely enjoy the book and having questions you want answers to is generally a net positive (assuming you go digging for those answers).

It’s a quick and generally pleasing read. It’s worth your time.

3 Stars

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Death in the Dark Woods by Annelise Ryan: If It Weren’t for You Meddling Bookseller and Your Stupid Dog…

By HCNewton

On January 26, 2024

In Fiction, Mystery/Detective Fiction/Crime Fiction/Thriller

Death in the Dark Woods

by Annelise Ryan

DETAILS:
Series: A Monster Hunter Mystery, #2
Publisher: Berkley Books
Publication Date: December 12, 2023
Format: Hardcover
Length: 321 pg.
Read Date: January 24-25, 2023

What’s Death in the Dark Woods About?

Chief Jon Flanders has another possible cryptid for Bookseller/Cryptozoologist Morgan Carter to look into. It’s not his case, but he’s serving as the go-between for a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Warden. There’ve been a couple of killings in her jurisdiction that she’d like Morgan to look into—and is willing to pay her out of pocket to do so.

Charlie Aberdeen isn’t even the head of the investigations, but she has a vested interest in the outcome. The official cause of death for both men (a bow hunter and a recreational fisherman) is a bear attack, but a witness account and some of the evidence don’t match that. Particularly the wounds. But Charlie’s the only one willing to say anything along the lines of “Bigfoot.” The existence of this particular creature is a known interest of Charlie’s—and local LEOs will send anything along those lines to her.

Morgan, naturally, jumps at the opportunity—no matter how long of a shot it is to find the elusive cryptid, she’s got to take it. Her loyal dog, Newt, jumps at it, too—because he jumps at anything she does.

Not surprisingly, some of the locals aren’t crazy about her meddling—a Sherriff’s Deputy seems particularly hostile (okay, “is” there’s no seeming to it)—but some insist they’ve seen something that could be a Bigfoot themselves. Others just think it’s a pipedream and are mildly amused that Charlie and Morgan are wasting their time. There’s another cryptozoologist sniffing around, too—Morgan’s run into him and his spurious methods before—he’s more interested in making money off of locals than he is in finding anything.

Be Careful

Don’t read the Author’s Note at the back before you finish the book—it’ll spoil things. I occasionally do that—I don’t know why, but I like seeing what an author mentions in their Note or Acknowledgements, so I start there (or take a peak while reading). Man, am I glad I didn’t do that this time.

(but also, maybe bury that information in the second paragraph or later?)

So, what did I think about Death in the Dark Woods?

This was a fun little adventure and a natural next step from A Death in Door County. A hunt for a Bigfoot/Sasquatch-type creature is a bit more familiar in North America than a Lake Monster, but that doesn’t mean it’s tired out. In many ways, Morgan’s hunt reminded me of Gideon Oliver’s in The Dark Place—but I enjoyed the way this one wrapped up much more.

Another thing I want to draw attention to is the relationship between Jon and Morgan—Ryan’s doing a nice job of letting the inevitable relationship grow slowly, and even stumble a bit. It’s really well done.

The narrative and some of the dialogue could be done a bit better—occasionally clunky is the best way to put it. It’s never enough to make me want to do anything other than roll my eyes and push on, but it could be easily made better.

Still, like its predecessor, Death in the Dark Woods is a pleasant diversion with some characters you could want to spend more time with. Which is all I’m looking for in a cozy-adjacent murder mystery. I’ll be back for more.

3 Stars

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.
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Silly Rhymes for Belligerent Children by Trace Beaulieu, Len Peralta (Illustrator): Wonderfully Weird Poems for Children of Most Ages

By HCNewton

On January 22, 2024

In Humor, YA/MG/Children's Books

Silly Rhymes for Belligerent Children:
A Yucky Big Book of Rainy Day Fun for Belligerent
Children & Odd Adults
with Nothing Better To Do

by Trace Beaulieu, Len Peralta (Illustrator)

DETAILS:
Publisher: Amorphous Productions
Publication Date: January 1, 2010 
Format: Paperback
Length: 45 pg.
Read Date: July 13, 2023

What’s Silly Rhymes for Belligerent Children?

The back of the book says:

You certainly don’t need to be a belligerent child to appreciate these silly rhymes by Mystery Science Theater 3000’s and Cinematic Titanic’s Trace Beaulieu – but you may learn a thing or two about handling infected pets or living dangerously through sledding. While the subject matter may make you a bit queasy, you’ll delight in the perfect storytelling encapsulated in each poem. Each selection is a dark and distasteful delight – a fascinating collection of raw honesty, cool understatement and looming tragedy, all brought to life by the whimsical illustrations by Len Peralta. Silly Rhymes for Belligerent Children isn’t the book you’ll keep on the bookcase for decades. It’s the book you’ll keep under your bed within easy reach so you can page through it long after you’ve committed all the poems to memory.

That’s pretty much what the book is—in the forward/Author’s Note, Beaulieu says these poems were inspired by daydreaming, and what better source could there be?

Well, these rhymes are meant for the kind of child I was, and frankly still am.

So don’t come here looking for nice little poems with fuzzy-wuzzy pictures of fluffy cute animals or impossibly happy youngsters fetching pails of water.

This book is intended for kids who hate that kind of stuff: older kids, of course, and adults with… well nothing better to do.

Some are short…some are longer (at least when it comes to page count), they’re all a great mixture of fun rhymes, great images, and eccentric (to say the least) ideas. Some are morbid (in a kid-friendly way), some are just strange, some are gross (in a kid-friendly way).

My One Complaint

There aren’t enough poems.

Or illustrations.

Or anything else.

I want more of everything in this book.

A Quick Word about the Art

WOW. The art is fantastic. Can you go through this book, ignore all the words in black type, and still enjoy it? Probably—some of the pictures won’t make sense without the black text, but yeah, I can see the book working if you think of it as a collection of odd illustrations (I’ve tried this twice, but keep slipping and ended up reading the poems, so I can’t promise).

They are the perfect augment/supplement/accompaniment to Beaulieu’s quirky rhymes and sensibilities.

So, what did I think about Silly Rhymes for Belligerent Children?

This is just silly fun. I, apparently, am an odd adult with nothing better to do, because I’ve read this a handful of times from cover to cover in the last few months and am pleased I did so each time.

You know how there are certain movies/shows that when you’re just mindlessly flipping through the channels (assuming you still do that) you have to stop and watch for at least a few minutes? This book is kind of like that. I cannot tell you how many times since I first read it that I’ve stopped to read a poem or two when I see this book. I’ve yet to pick it up without reading at least three poems. Generally more. And not always the same ones, either.

From the poems to the illustrations and all points in-between, I had a blast with this. I wish I knew about this back when it was first published, my kids would’ve loved it then. I probably can’t get them to slow down enough for it now. Hopefully in a few years.

Track down a copy and lose yourself in these pages. Your inner child (and inner odd-adult) will thank you.

3 Stars

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REPOSTING JUST CUZ: Songs of a Suffering King by J. V. Fesko

By HCNewton

On January 21, 2024

In Non-Fiction, Theology/Christian Living

Songs of a Suffering King: The Grand Christ Hymn of Psalms 1–8

by J. V. Fesko

Kindle Edition, 123 pg.
Reformation Heritage Books, 2014

Read: January 17, 2016

This is a “small survey” (his words) of the first 8 Psalms, looking at them as testifying of Christ — His experiences, His heart, His prayers, His praise. Fesko doesn’t ignore the original author or context, but his focus is reading them through the filter of John 5:27/Luke 24:27. With that filter, it’s easy to see how the first 8 Psalms (as a microcosm of the Psalter as a whole) testify to Jesus Christ.

This book was just “oooohkay.” Maybe I came in with too high of expectations. I get that Fesko was writing for a more popular audience than some of this other work — but this seemed very shallow. There wasn’t a whole lot to sink my teeth into. I’m glad he made this material very accessible — it’s the kind of thing the Church needs more of. I’m just afraid he didn’t hit the right balance of content and ease of understanding.

The content was good, I do think each chapter helped me understand the Psalm in question a little better (more than that at least twice). The conclusion is very strong — probably the best chapter in the book. I just wish he’d brought some of that strength to bear on the earlier chapters.

The book contained some great insights, but it was primarily surface-level material. I just wanted more from the book. Maybe I wanted too much, but I don’t think so. There were a couple of “wow!” moments for me that lead me to rate this at 3-stars rather than 2 1/2 (but if he’d developed those ideas for more than the one or two sentences he gave them I’d have gone with 4). It’s a nice, quick easy read with some good devotional material, but it could’ve been more without making it too technical.

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3 Stars