Category: Grandpappy’s Corner Page 3 of 4

Grandpappy’s Corner: Little Aiden – A Feelings Book for Toddlers by Albert and Anna Choi, Bettina Braskó (Illustrator): Nothing Less than Feelings

On June 14, 2023

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

I’m posting about the two books (so far) in the Little Aiden series today, which is turning into a bigger challenge than I expected. The two books are pretty similar in terms of style, quality, etc. So, yeah, the second post might sound a lot like the first—occasionally I’m just going to copy and paste. Sorry about that. But they should be different enough to justify your time as well as mine.

Little Aiden - A Feelings Book for Toddlers

Little Aiden – A Feelings Book for Toddlers

by Albert and Anna Choi, Bettina Braskó (Illustrator)

DETAILS:
Series: Little Aiden 
Publisher: Mytogo Publishing
Publication Date: December 17, 2022
Format: eBook
Length: 41 pg.
Read Date: June 10, 2023

What’s Little Aiden – A Feelings Book for Toddlers About?

There’s one simple point to this book:

It is okay to have feelings.

It’s the first sentence and that sentiment is repeated fourteen times over the book as we follow Aiden through a bunch of scenarios where he’s feeling things that kids can identify with. Scared, tired, happy, playful, silly, helpless, and more.

Let’s Talk about the Art for a Minute

Little Aiden’s expressions are clear—it’s a piece of cake to tell what he’s feeling, even for a little one just trying to put words to facial expressions.

But I think Braskó’s real strength is in the rest of the illustrations—what’s Aiden’s body doing with the feeling? What’s going on around him? Is there a mess? Does he have toys? How’s he interacting with his environment? Those really help fill out the ideas of the book.

These are going to be very fun for a toddler—and whoever is reading with the toddler—to stop and talk about. “He’s sure a messy eater, isn’t he? What’s that on the floor there next to his sippy cup? What’s that on his face?”

The illustration that goes with embarrassed is probably my favorite (and that probably says something about my maturity level).

Be sure to check out some of the samples on Braskó’s website.

How is it to Read Aloud?

I don’t mean this in a bad way—but this isn’t going to do much for the adult reader. It’s a simple and repetitive text. You don’t get to do any fun rhymes, tongue twisters, silly voices, or goofy noises (well, maybe a couple). And that’s okay, because it’s not that kind of book.

It’s the kind of book that’s intentionally repetitive—this is how you can help the child learn. It’s written simply for the same reason. Short and clear sentences that make it easy to grasp the point.

It’s also the kind of book that’s easy to stop reading to discuss—the feeling in question, the art, or whatever. And that’s where the engagement for the adult reader is going to come in.

And, hey, some of the pages serve as a good reminder to the adult that it’s okay for the toddler to be frustrated and angry—because it’s really easy for parents/caretakers to forget that sometimes. It’s good for us to vocalize that.

So, what did I think about Little Aiden – A Feelings Book for Toddlers?

Feelings can be scary—sometimes a toddler isn’t sure why they’re having the emotional reaction they are, sometimes a toddler can see the adults around them reacting to the toddler’s emotions in a way that can be frightening or off-putting, sometimes a toddler doesn’t like the way an emotion makes them feel. It doesn’t do much good to assure the toddler that it doesn’t get much better sometimes as an adult.

But what you can assure them of is that it’s okay to feel things. The Chois have given toddlers a handy and helpful book to tell them this. As they read and re-read it with someone they trust they can examine these feelings and get the reminder—or get the lesson—that it’s okay to feel emotions.

How to react to those emotions is a talk for a different time—but for now, it’s about being okay with having and feeling them.

I heartily recommend this book.

4 Stars

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Grandpappy’s Corner: Sophie and the Heidelberg Cat by Andrew Wilson, Helena Perez Garcia (Illustrator): Sophie Gets Clarity on an Important Truth

By HCNewton

On June 4, 2023

In Grandpappy's Corner, Non-Fiction, Theology/Christian Living, YA/MG/Children's Books

Grandpappy's Corner Sophie and the Heidelberg Cat

Sophie and the Heidelberg Cat

by Andrew Wilson, Helena Perez Garcia (Illustrator)

DETAILS:
Publisher: Crossway
Publication Date: September 3, 2019
Format: Hardcover
Length: 32 pg.
Read Date: June 3, 2023

What’s Sophie and the Heidelberg Cat About?

Sophie has been, well, let’s be kind and say misbehaving toward her sister, and is in her bedroom crying. Outside the window, she sees the cat belonging to her neighbors, the Heidelbergs. The cat asks her what’s wrong (yes, the cat talks) and the two go for a walk to things about things.

Sophie talks about how she’s not living up to what the Bible teaches:

“Be bold like King David, be brave like Queen Esther,
and do what God tells you, no matter how scary.
Don’t fight him, like Pharaoh, or trick him, like Judas.
Be patient, like Paul, and respectful, like Mary.

The cat responds by showing her that no one she knows lives up to this standard she thinks the Bible teachers. Not just the people in town, but the people in the Bible, too.

But more than that, she doesn’t have to work for God’s acceptance—the hope she has doesn’t come from her or her efforts. The hope for Sophie is a gift from God. Because she belongs to him, he will protect and comfort her.

A Bit of Playfulness

There are a few moments where the text takes a minute to recognize how strange it is for Sophie to do what she’s doing. Which is nice enough for a book for this age—but what makes it better is Sophie’s reason to go along for it. If a talking cat tells you to do something, asks you a question, etc.—you roll with it.

In the middle of these important ideas for a child (or an adult), Wilson still finds a moment for play. I loved it.

Let’s Talk about the Art for a Minute

I really liked the art. It reminded me of something—not in a derivative way or anything—but it struck a chord in me and made me think of something from my childhood. So I was won over—but I think it’d work for people without my nebulous tie to it, too.

It’s a crisp style, there’s a little whimsy in it, and it’s attractive enough to hold the eye of a young reader/child being read to. But—and this is important—it’s not so eye-catching that it takes away the focus from what Sophie and the cat are talking about.

How is it to Read Aloud?

This isn’t a “we’re going to have fun” reading this book full of tongue-twisters or crazy lines. But it’s not dull by any means—particularly the parenthetical thoughts about talking cats. It’s a text that I reflexively read in a quiet voice. I don’t know if other adults will have the same reaction, but I sure did.

So, what did I think about Sophie and the Heidelberg Cat?

It’s easy for Christian books/media for children to slip into moralism—whether its singing produce, works about notable historical/Biblical figures, or books about getting along with siblings and people who are different from us—the type of moralism and works righteousness that plague Sophie in this story are just around the corner.

That’s nowhere to be found here—in fact, the cat shoots down that notion. I’d have recommended the book for that alone. But the Heidelberg cat* doesn’t stop there—it goes on to talk about belonging to Jesus and resting in that.

* That name’s not subtle, but why should it be?

The answer to the first question of the Heidelberg Catechism is well known in many circles—as it should be. And while the words are easy enough for a young child to get by rote, the meaning might be more difficult to grasp for a few years. Wilson’s book helps tremendously with that—and as a bonus, it’s a great reminder for any adult reading it just how simple the truth is.

I don’t remember reading a Christian children’s book that comes close to this in terms of content, and I plan on heartily recommending this to as many people as I can. Starting with you, reader.

I cannot wait to read this to the Grandcritter—almost as much for my sake as his.

5 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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Grandpappy’s Corner: God, Right Here: Meeting God in the Changing Seasons by Kara Lawler, Jennie Poh (Illustrator): A Little Dose of Natural Revelation

By HCNewton

On May 14, 2023

In Grandpappy's Corner, Non-Fiction, Theology/Christian Living, YA/MG/Children's Books

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God, Right Here:
Meeting God in the Changing Seasons

by Kara Lawler, Jennie Poh (Illustrator)

DETAILS:
Publisher: IVP Kids
Publication Date: June 20, 2023
Format: eARC
Length: 32 pg.
Read Date: May 7, 2023

What’s God, Right Here About?

God, right here.
God, right there.
God’s handiwork is everywhere.

With that as a starting point, Lawler takes the reader (and the read-to) on a tour of nature through a year’s worth of seasons. The point isn’t to learn about seasons or weather, or anything, but to see how God’s nature (flora, fauna, weather) reveals His work and care.

Let’s Talk about the Art for a Minute

It’s warm and friendly. Even the scenes depicting a chilly fall and snowy winter make you feel cozy and toasty. There’s a gentleness to the illustrations, too.

I’m failing at describing the art—as usual. Jennie Pho’s Instagram has some really good samples (including a Lucy and Mr. Tumnus drawing).

It’s not technically part of the art, but it’s part of the visual impact of the book, so I’ll talk about it here. The typesetting, or whatever you’re supposed to call it (it’d be lettering comic books), is excellent. There’s a variety of colors emphasizing words to match the theme of the page, it flows all over the page to follow the illustrations and add some movement. It’s eye-catching and serves to augment the art.

How is it to Read Aloud?

This is not the kind of book you have fun with, it’s not a fun read. It’s one to read when you’re trying to settle down—or better yet, have already settled down and want to snuggle up and get comfy.

It’s hard to think of toddlers as thoughtful but this is the kind of book for that kind of time.

It’s one of those where you will point to pictures as you read, and then go off on tangents talking about the ideas in the book. The book itself would take almost no time to read, but I can see this as the sort of thing the Grandcritter and I will linger over as we go through it.

* That’s a horrible stereotype, and I should be ashamed of it. But I know too many of them.

So, what did I think about God, Right Here?

This is a nice and pleasant book. Pleasant is the best word to describe this, really (and now that I’ve used it, my brain is stuck and I won’t be able to use another adjective for the rest of the post).

I feel like I should have another few paragraphs in me, but I don’t. I’ve said everything I can find to say about it (and I think I’ve used 2x the words that the book does). This is a pleasant read that’ll be good to use to talk and quiet down with.

Disclaimer: I received this eARC from InterVarsity Press via NetGalley in exchange for this post, and my honest opinion—thanks to both for this opportunity.

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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Grandpappy’s Corner: Farmhouse by Sophie Blackall: The Story of a House That Was Also a Home

By HCNewton

On April 24, 2023

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

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Farmhouse

by Sophie Blackall

DETAILS:
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: September 13, 2022
Format: Hardcover
Length: 40 pgs.
Read Date: April 21, 2022

What’s Farmhouse About?

It’s about a Farmhouse (no, really!) and its residents. It tells the story of a large family (from an indeterminate time, but not recent) growing up, growing older, and departing their home and leaving it as a house.

As the years pass, the house falls into disrepair and a new type of resident moves in—animals of various species and sizes. Eventually, the house is about to fall apart and is found by someone fairly contemporary to us—and its story gets told.

Let’s Talk about the Art for a Minute

This is a pretty, pretty book. I’ll be honest with you, I don’t know how a child is going to react to this art. But I can’t imagine any adult reading this and not being captivated. Maybe you can talk about the drawings and layers (more about that in a moment) with the child as you read it.

The last few pages of the book describe how the author (as a character in the story) created the art and the book. This is just great idea and fits the overall arc here—and (at least the first time) is a nice twist to the family story.

There’s also an Author’s note at the end for the adult to read that’s a lot more detailed about the way the art was created. This is a very nice bonus and will equip the adult to go back later and explain all the craft involved. For me, this is not the way I think at all—I can’t imagine taking all the bits and pieces that Blackall did and turning them into something like this. But I’m so glad someone did.

How is it to Read Aloud?

Well, the book is really one reallllllly long sentence, so if you’re going to be pedantic and uptight about that kind of thing, you’re going to run out of breath and pass out. Don’t do that.

Thankfully, it works pretty well to just read a page at a time.

This is not one of those books that’s fun to read—there’s no fun rhyme, no goofy wordplay, or that kind of thing. That’s also a blessing—you can just relax and bask in the warmth of this book. As such, it’s really pleasant to read aloud.

So, what did I think about Farmhouse?

In the beginning, I was pretty “meh” about this book—not that I disliked it, but I didn’t really care about it. But by the midpoint, it had worked its charm on me—and then when the author came along? I was totally won over.

This is a simple book, about a simpler time, told (in words and pictures) in an attractive way that will make fans of older readers, and likely younger readers (I’m assuming a Caldecott winner is a better gauge of what her audience will find appealing than me). It’s one I can’t wait to share.

3.5 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 Few Quick Questions with…Elliott Linker

By HCNewton

On April 19, 2023

In A Few Quick Questions With..., Comics, Fiction, Grandpappy's Corner, YA/MG/Children's Books

I talked about Linker’s book earlier today, and now I’m excited to bring you this Q&A. This whole experience—from seeing the book at the Library’s Indie Book Fair and getting him to sign it through this Q&A—has been a delight for me. Which is probably why I ended up asking him more questions than I normally do—I’m just glad he took the time to answer me (and I have so many follow-ups that I want to ask!). Hopefully, you enjoy this at least 10% as much as I did.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? (how old are you, what grade are you in, career plans, and that kind of thing—whatever you want to say)
I am 9 years old and in the 3rd grade. I want to be an author and a football player when I grow up. I like to read a lot. My favorite authors are JK Rowling, Kazu Kibuishi, Dav Pilkey, and the authors of The 39 Clues. I also like building with Legos and I like Star Wars.

Did George the Banana start out as a school assignment or did you just decide to write and draw a comic book/graphic novel one day? Are you like most authors who have books they’ve tried before and decided to not show anyone, or is this your first?
I just decided to start writing my own comic book last summer. I have tons of books that I have written that I didn’t want to show anyone. I still have stories that I have written that I don’t want to share.

Is George based on someone you know, or did you me him up completely?
I made George up. I don’t really remember how he came into my imagination.

Before you start writing, do you have a plan for the story or pictures? Or do you just make things up panel by panel?
I just make things up panel by panel.

Have you read or watched anything to teach you how to go make a comic book/graphic novel? (things like panel sizes, flow of the pictures, and so on) Or have you just read enough that you learned that way?
I have just read enough that I learned that way. My parents did take me to the Boise Comic Arts Festival last Fall to try to gain a little more experience and I was able to have a professional comic artist/author review my “portfolio”… aka, George the Bannana.

Did you do all the art—lettering, drawing, coloring—by yourself, or did you get someone to help? If you did get help, did you tell them what you wanted or did you let them do it on their own? Did you have to tell them to try something else because you didn’t like a color or something? How did that work? (are you a tough boss?)
I did all the writing and illustrating but my mom helped me with the coloring. I told my mom what colors I wanted things most of the time, especially for the colors of the characters, cars, buildings… my Mom just made decisions about the blank background space. My mom asked me what colors I wanted if she wasn’t sure what I wanted.

Why did you decide to publish this? Did your family give you a lot of support and encouragement to do it?
I like telling stories and I want to share my stories. I want to make people laugh. Yes, my family gave me a lot of support. We weren’t sure about how to publish my book so it took my mom a lot of time to find out.

What was the hardest part about writing or drawing George the Banana? What did you do to get past that?
I didn’t have a hard time writing or drawing George the Bannana: Book 1

What are some of your favorite books to read? Either graphic novels or other kinds?
Amulet, The 39 Clues, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Cat Kid Comic Club, Dog Man, Zita the Space Girl, Captain Underpants and The Bad Guys

What’s next for Elliott Linker, author/artist?
George the Bannana: Book 2, including Volume 4: The Fight, Volume 5: Connecting Forces and Volume 6: The Last Stand

Thanks for taking the time to answer these—and thanks for making George the Banana, I really enjoyed reading it and I hope you keep creating! Be sure to let me know when Book 2 is available, I’ll snatch it up in a heartbeat!

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Grandpappy’s Corner: George the Bannana: Book One by Elliott Linker: The Origin of a Superhero (and his Writer!)

By HCNewton

On April 19, 2023

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

Be sure to come back this afternoon for a Q&A with the writer!

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George the Bannana: Book One

by Elliott Linker

DETAILS:
Series: George the Bannana, #1
Publication Date: January 13, 2023
Format: Paperback
Length: 25 pgs.
Read Date: March 18, 2023

What’s George the Bannana: Book One About?

Here’s the back of the book description:

Elliott’s best friend, George, suddenly turns into a banana! Elliott is scared of what people will think and inadvertently hurts George’s feelings. Trying to save his friendship with George, Elliott helps turn George into a super hero! Together they embark on a wild adventure.

I can’t think of a better way to put it or anything to add.

Let’s Talk about the Art for a Minute

The art looks like the product of an elementary school artist, so it’s rough, a little haphazard, and lacking in detail. Granted. It’s also dynamic, consistent (even the anonymous bad guys look the same from panel to panel), and engaging.

The coloring and shading are really well done, and elevate the work. The action scenes really work well—and Linker makes the wise move to take a break for the occasional cloud full of “Bam” “Kick Kick” “Punch Punch” “Kapow”—leaving it to the reader’s imagination (and saving him a lot of work).

Best of all, the art fits the story.

So, what did I think about George the Bannana: Book One?

This made me so happy to read—it’s clearly the product of an imaginative youth expressing himself. The story is ridiculous in the way that only a child can let one be—feeling both out of control with random elements, yet somehow sticking to an outline. Linker knows what the arc of a superhero story should be and executes it—he may not quite understand how to get from Point A to Point B, but he gets there through sheer determination and will (and this is the most enjoyable part for me).

Linker was 8 when he created this work—9 when he published it, which is just great. It also makes me want to focus on something in the description—Elliott isn’t the superhero, he’s the side-kick (who will need to be rescued). He’s also the guy who was a jerk to his best friend. Big choices that say a lot about the author.

I’ve got to say, I don’t know how many kids would take a moment to have George confront Elliott with how he made him feel when George became a banana (I’m certain I wouldn’t have at his age). That one moment made this a winner in my book—but so did many of the others.

The bonus of including a preview of Book Two in black and white for the reader to color? Very clever and very fun.

The entire time I read this, the back of my mind kept saying “He must have had such a blast writing and drawing this.” That joy was infectious so I had a blast reading it, and I can’t imagine any adult having a similar reaction. One of Linker’s contemporaries probably would, too—and maybe find the inspiration to tell their own story, too.

3 Stars

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Grandpappy’s Corner: The Wonky Donkey by Craig Smith, Katz Cowley (Illustrator): Tongue-Tying Magic

By HCNewton

On March 16, 2023

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

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The Wonky Donkey

by Craig Smith, Katz Cowley (Illustrations)

DETAILS:
Publisher: Cartwheel Books
Publication Date: December 29, 2020
Format: Board Book
Length: 21 pgs.
Read Date: March 8, 2023

What’s Wonky Donkey About?

Lifted from the lyrics of a children’s song, the book starts:

I was walking down the road and I saw…
a donkey,
Hee Haw!

And goes on from there to describe this unfortunate equine in more and more detailed (and ridiculous) ways–starting with its three legs, going on to describe its taste in music, coffee consumption, attitude, attractiveness, and so on.

Let’s Talk about the Art for a Minute

Katz Cowley is fantastic. The natural world and physical objects are presented in a great realistic fashion–heightened just a bit. The titular donkey and a bird that shows up in every scene, however, are a goofy cartoonish exaggeration of that fashion

I don’t know who decided to give this donkey a prosthetic leg–but it only comes up in the illustrations, so I’m going to give Cowley credit for it. It’s a great detail on many levels.

The expressions on the bird and donkey are the stars of the show–better than the words (by a crooked hair). I don’t know how a child can look at them and not want to stare. Or not wanting to pick up the book for another reading session.

Especially when a child is the age of the target audience, the adult reading the book is going to see themselves in the coffee-less expression of the donkey on the page talking about the caffeine deprivation. So everyone wins?

You can see some of the art, and learn more about the book, on Cowley’s website.

How is it to Read Aloud?

Ohhh boy. This is going to be hard to convey. First, it was only after I’d read this that I took the time to track down the song, but I couldn’t help but get a sing-songy cadence and voice as I read it. I also found myself talking faster and faster as I went through the book–like there was this unconscious effort on my part to spend the same amount of time reading each pair of pages–like a snowball rolling downhill, growing bigger and getting faster. This is great and all, but it’s also kind of a workout of both stamina and verbal dexterity.

You can’t help having fun with these lines–even as they build up and repeat like the 12 Days of Christmas. Really, try being expressionless or frowny while saying “He was a hanky-panky crank stink-dinky lanky honky-tonky wink wonky donkey.” You can’t, can you?

You might need to start using a spirometer before cracking this thing open though. As fun as it is, you’re going to end up getting requests for encores, and after 2-3 readings in a row, it’s going to lose a little bit of its charm. So keep something else around so you can switch to it for a minute or two before having to come back.

(between you and me, the song isn’t my style. I really hope the Grandcritter doesn’t discover it, because it feels like the kind of thing that’d you’d have to listen to 30 times a day–like that ditty about an infant scaleless predatory fish)

So, what did I think about Wonky Donkey?

A couple of weeks ago, my wife was telling a friend about our prep work for grandkids, including all the books we’re starting to stockpile. Once she got over being aghast that we’d never heard of The Wonky Donkey, she insisted that we fix this. We dutifully complied and it’s either one of the best moves we’ve made or one of the worst (see what I said above about reading it).

Joking aside, this is a great book for the intended age group. I’m going to have to do a deep dive into both the work of Smith and Cowley.

The other thing my wife’s friend told us was to get the board book–and she was right again. Parents/Grandparents/Etc. Do NOT get the paperback or hardcover. If the child(ren) doesn’t/don’t like the book, you’ll have spent too much money. If they do like the book (the more likely outcome), they will destroy it. It’s going to demand the number of re-re-re-re-reads that anything else won’t hold up to it. It’s also going to end up being one of those books a kid is going to carry around with them and flip through themselves–a lot. Paperbacks/hardcovers will not survive the gumming, accidental ripping, deliberate ripping, and overall expressions of toddler love that are so destructive.

I can’t see where this doesn’t become a tongue-tying obsession. The book you know the kid will love, you enjoy (the first few times a day you read it), you end up memorizing without trying to and just hope your lung capacity holds out during. It’s fun, it’s goofy, and it’s the kind of thing you’ll look back on in fondness.

4 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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Grandpappy’s Corner: The Adventure Begins! (Dungeons & Dragons) by Dennis R. Shealy, Nate Lovett (Illustrator): Nostalgia for the Adult, an Adventure Story for the Kid

By HCNewton

On March 2, 2023

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

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The Adventure Begins!
(Dungeons & Dragons)

by Dennis R. Shealy, Nate Lovett (Illustrator)

DETAILS:
Publisher: Golden Books
Publication Date: January 03, 2023
Format: Hardcover
Length: 23 pg.
Read Date: February 8, 2023

What’s The Adventure Begins! About?

This is essentially the Dungeons & Dragons cartoon episode, “The Night of No Tomorrow” turned into a book for the pre-reading/very early reading set. Which is one of the best ideas I’ve come across this year.

For those of you young enough not to be aware of it, for three seasons (only 27 episodes) starting in 1983, there was a Saturday Morning cartoon based on Dungeons & Dragons. On the show, a few friends (and the little brother of one of them) were sucked into a world full of dragons, wizards, unicorns, and other magical things/beings. A small little fellow, calling himself the Dungeon Master, equipped these children with weapons and abilities to keep themselves safe and guided them through the world to try to find a way back home.

This particular book tells the story of them being brought into the world, equipped, and through their first adventure.

Let’s Talk about the Art for a Minute

The art is very much like what I remember from the cartoon—but it seems a little simpler, a little more like the kind of thing you find in a Little Golden Book (not at all coincidentally, that’s what this was). Lovett did a great job of capturing the look of the show and translating it into a book for kids.

Sure, I think people are a bit too smiley in it overall given the subject, but that’s to be expected for this kind of book, so I’m not complaining. Basically, it’s everything a guy could hope for.

There are some samples on Lovett’s website, in case you want to check them out.

How is it to Read Aloud?

It’s a little wordier than most of the Children’s Books that I’ve been playing around with lately—it’s got a better story, and some heft to it (for what it is). I think this is the kind of thing to read to an older toddler (also, the pages are very easy to tear, so keep it away from those who want to taste their books).

It’s not the most verbally-engaging read—but at the point where the reader is transitioning into stories, you’re not looking for fun rhymes and goofy things to say, you’re looking for a simple story. And that’s what’s delivered here, with good art to support that. I’m really looking forward to reading this to an audience in the near-future.

So, what did I think about The Adventure Begins!?

I was on the homepage of a certain online bookseller and this cover was shown under the heading, “You might like” (or words to that effect). It seemed too good to be true—a Little Golden Book take on this show? I put it in the shopping cart without further reflection.* I was a big fan of the show back when it was on, and have often wished that there were more episodes. Somehow, back when they aired reruns of all animated shows so frequently, I don’t think I ever saw this particular episode. So getting to see the friends get into this world for the first time was a little bonus for me.

* Maybe I checked out the price. Hopefully, I checked the price first. If my wife asks, I absolutely did.

Do you need to know the show to appreciate this? Nope—which is good, it’s not streaming and the DVDs are cost-prohibitive.* The grandcritter’s dad has had no previous exposure to the show and liked the book (which is good, I got it as a way to introduce the critter to their dad’s hobby). I doubt we’ll get it, but I’d appreciate a couple of sequels—the title does say “Begins,” after all.

* Yes, I went looking as soon as I saw this book. I might have even scoped out action figures for the cartoon, which are not as cost-prohibitive.

This is a fun age-appropriate story, a nice nostalgia-hit for people of a certain age, and full of eye-grabbing art. I’m glad the store’s algorithm decided I needed to see it.

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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Grandpappy’s Corner: Geeky Baby’s Guide to Colors by Ruenna Jones, Josh Lewis (Illustrator): Starting a Geek Off Right

By HCNewton

On February 22, 2023

In Grandpappy's Corner, Non-Fiction

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Geeky Baby’s Guide to Colors

by Ruenna Jones, Josh Lewis (Illustrator)

DETAILS:
Publisher: Running Press Kids
Publication Date: September 21, 2023
Format: Board Book
Length: 26 pg.
Read Date: January 16, 2023

What’s Geeky Baby’s Guide to Colors About?

This is a book about colors illustrated with Geeky/Pop Culture illustrations (or inspired by pop culture things—for example, I don’t think some of the orange-masked faces are real superheroes).

There are pages about a White Wolf, a Gray Wizard, a Black Car (a ’67 Impala with a couple of men in the front seats), a Yellow (not golden) Lasso, and so on.

Let’s Talk about the Art for a Minute

This art is cute—in case you ever wondered if Legolas or T-Rex could look dangerous and “awww” worthy at the same time, Josh Lewis can answer that for you. All the colors pop—not just the color focused on in the drawing. All the illustrations are eye-catching and will bring a smile to the adult reading with a kid (or likely will entertain a kid flipping through the book solo).

There are a few images from the book on the Illustrator’s website.

How is it to Read Aloud?

So the reading part isn’t that engaging. It’s two words per page—color + item. But this isn’t a book about reading, it’s a book about exposing a child to colors, and helping them identify them. So the words are more prompts about what to talk about rather than reading.

So, I guess this question should be re-rephrased as “what’s this like to go through with a child?” And that answer would be it’s a lot of fun for a geeky adult who will enjoy the pictures for what they represent in Pop Culture.

Timing Is Important

If you ask me, this is a book to go through before a child is at the asking questions stage of life. As I was preparing to write this post, I started thinking about some of the conversations that could go really wrong with an inquisitive child.

Child: What happened to the White Wolf and its brothers, Grandpappy?
Me: Well, um...er, it went to live on a farm where there was a lot of room for it to run around and play.
Child: But they live near a forest already, why couldn't they stay with all the Stark children?
Me: It's time for a nap.

Child: What do those men do in the Black Car, Grandpappy?
Me: (forgetting to think about phrasing) They travel around and fighting angels and ganking demons, and...
Child: Are you s'posed to be fighting angels?
Me: No, that's not a good thing.
Child: What's "ganking demons" mean?
Me: Er, want some cookies? Let's not tell Mommy we had this chat, okay?

And so on. When they start getting inquisitive, it’s time for this book to be shelved out of sight.

So, what did I think about Geeky Baby’s Guide to Colors?

When my wife and I saw this, we only had to look at one or two pages to know we had to have this around for the Grandchild-to-be. I think it’ll be great to sit and look at with them while they learn colors or just to look at the pictures.

For the adult, there’s the nice feeling about introducing a child to some of these images, even if it’s only to get them embedded in a child’s subconscious. You’re never too young to learn about a sonic screwdriver or role-playing dice, anyway, right?

This is fun (in different ways) for young and old. I’m really looking forward to sharing this one with the Grandcritter.

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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Grandpappy’s Corner: Saint Patrick the Forgiver by Ned Bustard: Patrick’s Story Told for Wee Ones

By HCNewton

On February 19, 2023

In (Auto)Biography, Grandpappy's Corner, Non-Fiction, YA/MG/Children's Books

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Saint Patrick the Forgiver:
The History and Legends of Ireland’s Bishop

Written and Illustrated by Ned Bustard

DETAILS:
Publisher: IVP Kids
Publication Date: February 21, 2023
Format: eARC
Length: 32 pg.
Read Date: February 17, 2023

What’s Saint Patrick the Forgiver About?

Drawing on both legends about him and Patrick’s Confessions, this book tells the life story of Patrick of Ireland for the youngest set.

It starts off with his childhood and touches briefly on his period of slavery before moving into his return home and the call to Ireland. It doesn’t gloss over the hard parts of his life, but it doesn’t dwell on them, either. The focus is on Patrick forgiving those who wronged him, spreading the gospel—and even teaching the Trinity via the shamrock.

The book even covers some of the myths that arose around Patrick—baptizing a giant, driving out the snakes, etc.—working that in seamlessly with the book and not distracting from the main point.

Let’s Talk about the Art for a Minute

This art is great—it’s friendly and cartoonish, with great colors and details. Bustard also weaves in traditional Celtic knots and Christian art (like elements seen in The Book of Kells, etc.). So we’ve got a pretty modern feel with a lot of Irish elements thrown in to ground it in Patrick’s history.

Are kids going to get that? Nope. Will the adults reading it with/to the kids? Quite likely. And if not, I think they’ll still appreciate it the art, even if they’re not familiar with the influences Bustard is drawing from.

Click here for a two page sample (picture and text) on the Publisher’s site. I’m not sure it’s the image I’d have used, but it’s representative.

How is it to Read Aloud?

It’s pretty fun—the rhythm is easy and the rhymes are nice (and only one or two of them seemed like stretching things to make the rhyme).

The Grandcritter isn’t around yet to listen to me read this, but I still read most of it aloud just to see how it went—I think it went pretty smoothly and I could have some fun with it.

So, what did I think about Saint Patrick the Forgiver?

This was a great way to give an age-appropriate lesson in forgiveness while telling the story of one of the heroes of the faith. I was entertained, and even chuckled a couple of times.

It’s a great combination of story, art, rhyme, and lesson. I can see this winning over little audiences as much as it did me. Hopefully, it’ll lodge in their minds enough that they’ll want to learn more about Patrick as they grow older and through him the Three-in-One that Patrick spent his life teaching about.

I strongly recommend this quick little read.

Disclaimer: I received this eARC from InterVarsity Press via NetGalley in exchange for this post—thanks to both for this.

5 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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