Tag: Ame Dyckman

Grandpappy’s Favorites of 2024

Grandpappy's Corner Favorite Picture Books of 2024I’ve posted favorite Picture or Children’s books before, but now that I’m a Grandfather, I’m thinking about these things more. So, it’s not unusual for me to read these kinds of books, but I’m doing more of it. I fully expected this post to be larger this year–but there were fewer new-to-me reads and many, many re-reads (which I really should’ve anticipated). Anyway, here are the books that really stuck with me and struck me as ones to keep talking about.

I practically guarantee these will tickle you and/or warm your heart.

As always, re-reads (or re-re-re-re-re-re-re-re-reads) don’t count for these lists.

(in alphabetical order by author)

Cover of Panda Pat and the Rat Called Cat by Neil Ballard, Steven Nosov Panda Pat and the Rat Called Cat

by Neil Ballard, Steven Nosov (Illustrator)

My original post
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

3 Stars


Cover of How Dinosaurs Went Extinct: A Safety Guide by Ame Dyckman, Jennifer HarneyHow Dinosaurs Went Extinct: A Safety Guide

by Ame Dyckman, Jennifer Harney (Illustrator)

My original post
I picked this up in the bookstore while looking for something else—the cover image/title grabbed me, and when I flipped through it quickly, I just knew we needed it on our shelves. I dug the art and what little I skimmed appealed to me. When I got home and sat down to read it, I saw that my first impression was spot-on.

The jokes are great. I love the style of art—it just explodes off the page. You’re able to talk about common sense safety/manners in a way that a toddler will be able to have fun with (and hopefully learn from). What’s not to like?

4 Stars


Cover of Under the Barnyard Light by Carla Crane Osborne, Brandon DormanUnder the Barnyard Light

by Carla Crane Osborne, Brandon Dorman (Illustrator)

My original post
The others on this are silly and goofy. This isn’t–this isn’t a good or a bad thing. This is a good one to wind down with. (I tend to favor the ones that get a kid ramped up, this is because I’m a grandfather, winding down is someone else’s gig)

But still, I enjoyed this–it’s a quiet book, it’s a calming book. Between the atmosphere, the soft edges of the art, and the way the text carries you along–I imagine this is going to be a bedtime favorite for many.

The art combines realism with a style that will appeal to the younger readers. The colors might not be bright enough and the art “loud” enough to get the youngest readers, but he’ll draw in those north of two (I think).

3 Stars


Cover of How to Babysit a Grandpa by Jean Reagan, Lee Wildish How to Babysit a Grandpa

by Jean Reagan, Lee Wildish (Illustrator)

My original post
It’s a really creative idea. The execution is spot-on as well. Fun, adorable art. There’s something to appeal to all ages. I wouldn’t have minded another 2-4 pages just to fill things out a bit. But this is a fun one–and it’s one the Grandcritter likes, too (our tastes don’t overlap too often yet), so that’s a bonus.

4 1/2 Stars


Cover of Cover of How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr. SeussHow the Grinch Stole Christmas!

by Dr. Seuss, read by Walter Matthau

My original post
Obviously, this isn’t a first read. But it was a first listen. Bending (to the breaking point) one of my own rules, but…oh well.

Walter Matthau’s gravely, grouchy voice brings a different vibe to this story than the TV special does which makes it a winner in my book (nothing against the special, I’m just saying I like the change). His delivery of Seuss’ lines is just fantastic.

It’s a winning combination that I’m looking forward to returning to annually.

5 Stars

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Grandpappy’s Corner: How Dinosaurs Went Extinct: A Safety Guide by Ame Dyckman, Jennifer Harney (Illustrator): A Clever Father Teaches Safety (and Some Bad Paleontology)

I cannot believe it took me 6 months to get around to writing this. It is nice, however, because I just didn’t have the energy to write up anything on the grown-up books on my list. Don’t take my delay as anything other than time management, it’s not a reflection on my enthusiasm.


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How Dinosaurs Went Extinct: A Safety Guide

by Ame Dyckman, Jennifer Harney (Illustrator)

DETAILS:
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: April 18, 2023
Format: Hardcover
Length: 32 pgs.
Read Date: June 24, 2023
Buy from Bookshop.org Support Indie Bookstores

What’s How Dinosaurs Went Extinct: A Safety Guide About?

On a trip to a museum, while looking at dinosaur skeletons, a child asks how they went extinct. Their mom (or maybe an older sister—she has a Candace Flynn energy if you ask me) starts to give an accurate answer, covering some basic theories. But then the child’s dad cuts them off.

Dad explains how various species went extinct due to poor safety habits. The Anklyosaurus, for example, “tipped in their chair;” The Microraptor, “played with matches;” the Brachiosauraus “swallowed their gum.” And so on. Dad goes on for a while, covering a few vital life lessons while his kid is open and listening.

I don’t want to spoil anything…but Dad’s quick thinking may have paid off (at least temporarily).

Let’s Talk about the Art for a Minute

If the cover image of a T-Rex in tighty-whities and roller-skates with a rocket tied to their back doesn’t grab your attention…I don’t know what will. It also gives you a pretty thorough idea of what you’re going to find inside.

The dinosaurs are drawn fairly accurately—and very cartoony. And doing some clearly dumb/reckless things. The word “dynamic” doesn’t seem like it’s quite strong enough to describe this. The pictures scream movement, energy, and a sense of mirth. You don’t need the words to be able to flip through this and have fun (it’s better with them, of course).

How is it to Read Aloud?

First, Dyckman included a pronunciation guide, so people like me can get through all the tricky names of dinosaurs. Is it just me, or do we lose the ability to rattle off names of dinosaurs that weren’t featured in a Spielberg movie (or the sequels) after the age of 16 or so? Anyway, having these (with a note that there will be some local variations) is a major treat and wonderful aid.

With that aid—this becomes a blast to read. It’s filled with nice rhymes and goofy ideas and how do you not have fun reading that?

So, what did I think about How Dinosaurs Went Extinct: A Safety Guide?

I picked this up in the bookstore while looking for something else—the cover image/title grabbed me, and when I flipped through it quickly, I just knew we needed it on our shelves. I dug the art and what little I skimmed appealed to me. When I got home and sat down to read it, I saw that my first impression was spot-on. This was fun for me, and I’m sure it’ll be fun for the grandcritter in a few months.

The jokes are great. I love the style of art—it just explodes off the page. You’re able to talk about common sense safety/manners in a way that a toddler will be able to have fun with (and hopefully learn from). What’s not to like?

I initially jotted this down as a 3-Star read, and I tend to trust my initial impulses. But 1. I didn’t remember that, so I gave it a 4 on my 2023 Favorites list and 2. I just re-read it, and don’t understand what I was thinking back in June. This is too much fun to give any less.


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 Favorites of 2023

Grandpappy's Corner 2023 Favorites
I’ve posted favorite Picture or Children’s books before, but now that I’m a Grandfather, I’m thinking about these things more. So, it’s not unusual for me to read these kinds of books, but I’m doing more of it. I fully expect this post to grow in the years to come.

I practically guarantee these will tickle you and/or warm your heart.

(in alphabetical order by author)

FarmhouseFarmhouse

by Sophie Blackall

My original post
It’s not the text of this book (not that there’s anything wrong with it), it’s largely the art that makes this stand out. The combination of the two…the whole experience of this book is what makes this makes this one memorable. I’m not sure what about the book will appeal to the Picture Book crowd, but the adults in their life are going to love spending time with this.

3.5 Stars

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

by Ned Bustard

My original post
I kicked off this series with this book, so there’s a little bit of sentiment going for it. I really appreciated the way that Bustard dealt with a lot of history and some pretty serious topics in an age-appropriate way. He avoided moralism, too. All while giving the reader a fun experience, with some eye-catching art. A great introduction to Patrick that will hopefully spur a child’s interest in him for a long time to come.

5 Stars

How Dinosaurs Went ExtinctHow Dinosaurs Went Extinct: A Safety Guide

by Ame Dyckman, Jennifer Harney (Illustrator)

I can’t believe I forgot to write about this book. It’s one I stumbled across on the shelves while shopping for something else, and after a quick flip through it, I added it to the stack. It’s silly, the colors are loud, the illustartions practically leap off the page. It’s really impressive just how much Harney squeezed into each drawing. Parents will have a lot of fun reading this one, and I think it’ll be catching.

4 Stars (at least, I don’t have a post to check and I don’t have time to re-read it now.)

Noodle Conquers Comfy MountainNoodle Conquers Comfy Mountain

by Jonathan Graziano, Dan Tavis (Illustrator)

My original post
The illustrations are adorable (and yes, you should pronounce it that way when talking about this book). The story is super-cute. While the first one was a nice intro to Noodle and his person, this is just a story about Noodle. It’s not a cuteness overload, but you’ll get close.

4 Stars

Every Dreaming Creature<Every Dreaming Creature

by Brendan Wenzel

My original post
This book about a child’s dream looks and feels like one. It’s comfy, it’s cozy, it’ll help an adult and (hopefully!) a child calm down and think about drifting off to their own dreamland. I cannot say enough about this art.

4 Stars

Sophie and the Heidelberg CatSophie and the Heidelberg Cat

by Andrew Wilson, Helena Perez Garcia (Illustrator)

My original post
Very possibly the best and clearest (definitely most succicinct) presentation of the Gospel and the assurance that is promised to those who have been bought by Christ I read this year. It’s an explanation of the first question and answer of the Heidelberg Catechism, which helps a lot. A nice bit of imagination, a dash of whimsy, good art, and a fantastic message. My wife and I have given away so many copies of this so far, it’s kind of mind-boggling.

5 Stars

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