Tag: Grandpappy’s Corner Page 1 of 4

DETAILS:
Publication Date: March 14, 2024
Format: PDF
Length: 44 pg.
Read Date: November 13, 2024

What’s The Box About?

This is a glimpse into some of the many ways a boy uses a box to play. His imagination fuels his useage and we get a little glimpse into what he sees—like pirate ships or caves—that box becoming.

Let’s Talk about the Art for a Minute

This is just cute. That’s all there is to say.

I really liked the way that Linsdell superimposed a drawing of whatever it is the boy is imagining (e.g., a robot or treasure chest) on top of the box.

How is it to Read Aloud?

It’s pretty straightforward, the text is really about getting the child you’re reading to to pay attention to the pictures and get their imagination going.

There’s a refrain repeated throughout. Initially, I thought Linsdell overused it. But then I realized it would function as a line that a child would pick up on and chant along with whoever’s reading it. It’s also the kind of phrase that you and/or the kid could use during play as well. So, whatever reflex I had about the frequency was off.

So, what did I think about The Box?

Anyone who’s had—or known—a small child (or a cat), knows that for certain ages a cardboard box is far more entertaining than the toy inside. This little book is a good reminder of that time (for us older readers), and either an encouragement for younger readers to do similar things—or to be reassured that they’re not alone in using boxes for many, many ends.

It’s a cute read, it’s a quick one—one of those books that the pictures and the ideas within are far more important than the story or text.

It’s worth your time, and I bet it’ll make a fan of younger readers.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author for this Tour.

3 Stars

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Grandpappy’s Corner: How to Babysit a Grandpa by Jean Reagan, Lee Wildish (Illustrator): What Little One Doesn’t Need to Know This?

By HCNewton

On October 4, 2024

In YA/MG/Children's Books

How to Babysit a Grandpa

by Jean Reagan, Lee Wildish (Illustrator)

DETAILS:
Series: HOW TO...  
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: March 27, 2018
Format: Board Book
Length: 24 pg.
Read Date: September 19, 2024

What’s How to Babysit a Grandpa About?

You’re a little kid and your mom and/or dad drop you off at your Grandpa’s house to take care of him for a few hours while your parents go off somewhere to do parent-y things. And now you’re faced with the question—how do you, little board-book reader, take care of this delightful senior (or senior-adjacent)? Well, that’s what Jean Reagan’s delightful little book is here to help you with.

It features such tips as: take him for a walk (and be sure to make him look both ways before crossing a street), jump in some puddles; you put your Grandpa down for a nap by having him read you the same book over and over and over again; you feed him a snack—like ice cream and cookies, or maybe cookies and ice cream.

Taking care of a Grandpa can be tricky for a young person, but it can be done.

Let’s Talk about the Art for a Minute

It’s just adorable. The Grandpa looks like I’d like to when I become on…er, never mind.

There’s good energy, movement, and humor in the drawings, with just enough added details to bring a grin to the face of anyone who looks at the details.

You can catch a quick preview of the style in Lee Wildish’s portfolio.

How is it to Read Aloud?

It’s perfectly fine—the fun from this book is from the ideas, not the crazy made-up words or how they sound—there’s really not any rhythm, either.

There are some lettering choices that make things easier for the reader—three distinct typefaces—different colors, styles, and whatnot. You’re given easy clues on how to read each part just off the typeface.

What did the Little Critter think of It?

He seems to enjoy it. He’s a little too young to get the humor—but that’s okay, I think most of it is for the adults. He likes the pictures, and that’s enough for me (for now).

So, what did I think about How to Babysit a Grandpa?

It’s a really creative idea. The execution is spot-on as well. Fun art. There’s something to appeal to all ages. I wouldn’t have minded another 2-4 pages (although, is there a standard or limit for a board book? Maybe Reagain couldn’t have).

There are apparently more books in the HOW TO…series, which look pretty appealing. This is a good way to start your little ones’ education.

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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The Irresponsible Reader On…Self-Published Children’s & Picture Books (a look in Grandpappy’s Corner)

By HCNewton

On July 22, 2024

In Books, Fiction, Grandpappy's Corner, Miscellany, News/Misc., Self-Published Authors Appreciation Week, YA/MG/Children's Books

(updated 7/22/24)

From the first moment that people did the strange thing of asking me to talk about their books on my blog, I’ve been impressed by the quality of a lot of what’s been published by authors going out on their own, taking all the risks, shouldering all the responsibility and doing all the work to get their words, their dreams, their blood, sweat, and tears. This should be celebrated—it’s definitely appreciated, as we’re trying to show this week.

In addition to the Q&As and Guest Posts I have this week, I’m also continuing my habit of highlighting the self-published works that I’ve blogged about over the last few years—just a sentence or two. Hopefully, this’ll be enough to make you click on the link to the full post. Beyond that, it’d be great if I inspired you to add a few of these to your TBR. Also, be sure you check out the other posts over at the SPAAW Hub.

I don’t know how I ended up on the radar of Children’s and Picture Book authors—particularly so many from Israel. But I’m just glad I did, these are guaranteed dashes of brightness and diversity to my reading schedule. I’ve also started to really dive into Children’s/Picture books on my own lately, so this is a pretty healthy list.

bullet Panda Pat and the Rat Called Cat by Neil Ballard, Steven Nosov (Illustrator)—a story of friendship and second chances (my post about it)
bullet Snobbity Snowman by Maria Bardyukova & Quiet Riley, Jr.—Snobbity is a snowman with an attitude (at least at the beginning). I loved the art. (my post about it)
bullet Elephant Wind by Heather L. Beal, Jubayda Sager (Illustrator)—A scientist explains a tornado to a daycare class. (my post about it)
bullet Hurricane Vacation by Heather L. Beal, Jasmine Mills (Illustrator)—Lily and Niko are visiting their family when a Hurricane Watch is issued, so they join their family in preparing the house for the storm and getting ready to go to a shelter. Along the way, they learn about what a hurricane is as well as all the ways that people can protect themselves, themselves, and so on. (my post about it)
bullet Tummy Rumble Quake by Heather L. Beal, Jubayda Sager (Illustrator)—A daycare class learns about earthquakes and earthquake safety. (my post about it)
bullet Bearded by Jeremy Billups—A Bearded Bear and a Red-Haired Little Girl go on adventures all over the world with an assortment of different animals. I love this art (and have a print of one illustration hanging on my office wall). (my post about it)
bullet Bearded Too by Jeremy Billups—A fun and fitting sequel to the above. (my post about it)
bullet Sea This and Sea That by Jeremy Billups—Set in a “crowded, hectic and gruff” city under the sea, with one quiet spot—The Sea This and Sea That Below the Seashore. Missus Bluffington gives a couple of kids (and the reader) a through her very unusual place, full of all sorts of sea creatures, sea plants, fish, and an octopus that shows up in some unusual places. (my post about it)
bullet Mike Nero and The Superhero School by Natasha Carlow, Kyle Stephen (Illustrator)—It’s Mike’s first day at a new school—he meets his principal and some incredible children and learns a little about the superpower he has within himself—and those inside other students, too. (my post about it)
bullet Little Aiden – A Feelings Book for Toddlers by Albert and Anna Choi, Bettina Braskó (Illustrator)—A parent assures Aiden that the wide range of emotions that he’s feeling throughout a day are okay. It’s okay to be happy or scared or confused. (my post about it)
bullet Little Aiden – A Love Book for Toddlers by Albert and Anna Choi, Bettina Braskó (Illustrator)—A parent assures Aiden of their love for him in various moods and in the midst of a range of activities—not all of which are the kind that a parent likes to see/endure, but none of which changes their love. (my post about it)
bullet Be Brave, Little Puffy by Arline Cooper—A puffer fish gets tired of being a puffer fish and tries out life with other kinds of fish. (my post about it)
bullet What’s in Your Howl? by Douglas Gamble, Illustrated by: Steve Humke, Terri Isaacson—a great look at trying to understand each other (my post about it)
bullet Kitties Are Not Good To Eat by Cassandra Gelvin—A board book/electronic equivalent full of cat photos and handy tips like the title. (my post about it)
bullet Kay-9 The Robot Dog by J.M. Gulmire—a young man who can’t even have a hypoallergenic dog makes a work around (my post about it)
bullet Vernon the Vegetarian Lion by John Hughson, Ali Smith (Illustrator)—Vernon tries out vegetarianism. It goes as well as you’d think. (my post about it)
bullet Meeting of the Mustangs by Cathy Kennedy—This is for kids older than the rest on this list (7+ was my guess). A story of a wild mustang growing up. (my post about it)
bullet The Fed-up Cow by Peta Lemon, Maria Dasic Todoric (Illustrator)—Hilda the cow tries out the lives of other animals before learning to accept herself. (my post about it)
bullet Noam’s Monstersby Shai Levinger, Kaustuv Brahmachari (Illustrator), Ephrat Abisror (Translator)—Written by a Clinical Psychologist, this is about a boy struggling with anxieties and fears. Hopeful yet honest. (my post about it)
bullet George the Bannana: Book One by Elliott Linker—A graphic novel by a local 3rd grader (probably a 4th grader now, actually) about a crime fighting banana and his sidekick/best friend Elliott. (there’s a very good sequel that I haven’t had the time to write about yet, too) (my post about it)
bullet George the Bannana: Book Two by Elliott Linker—George faces off against more dastardly types (my post about it is forthcoming)
bullet Moshe Comes to Visit by Tehila Sade Moyal, Fatima Pires (Illustrator)—A young boy discovers that everyone is afraid of something. (my post about it)
bullet Bear with Bear by Hagit R. Oron, Galia Armeland by Hagit R. Oron, Galia Armeland (Illustrator)—A young boy tries to choose a pet. (my post about it)
bullet Bravo and Elphie by Hagit R. Oron, Or Oron (Illustrator)—Ephie and her pet have some struggles at the playground. (my post about it)
bullet Elphie and Dad go on an Epic Adventure by Hagit R. Oron, Or Oron (Illustrator)—An imaginative dad turns running errands with his son into an epic adventure. (my post about it)
bullet Elphie Goes Trick or Treating by Hagit R. Oron, Or Oron (Illustrator)—The title pretty much sums it up. (my post about it)
bullet Elphie Meets the End of The World by Hagit R. Oron, Or Oron Misgav (Illustrator)—Elphie is playing hide and seek with Phante and Phante’s older brother comes in talking about how he saw on the news that the world ending. Eliphie doesn’t take the news well and runs home to hide. Mom and Dad try to comfort and assure him. But it doesn’t really take—so they decide that if the world is going to end, they might as well make a party of it. That seems to work, and in the end, drives home the lesson that every day—even our last—ought to be enjoyed as a gift. (my post about it)
bullet Under the Barnyard Light by Carla Crane Osborne, Brandon Dorman (Illustrator)—a quiet night’s chores (my post about it)
bullet Practice Makes Perfect by Michael Portnoy, Adelia Drubetski (Illustrator), Freda Zolty Kovatch (Translator)—Madam Fly’s two sons are musical geniuses, or something like it—because she’s convinced they should put on concerts despite having no experience with playing whatsoever. Experience and the crickets who run the local music shop try to teach them an important lesson when it comes to music (or just about anything). (my post about it)
bullet The Incredible Ordinary Hero or The Brave Bystander by Aida Rascanu, Beatrice Magrini (Illustrator)—a double-whammy of a lesson for the readers/audience. First, there’s a discussion of what it means to be a hero (doing things that are heroic) and there’s a little first aid lesson—age-appropriate, mind you—to help parents/teachers train up young ones. (my post about it)
bullet How Did the Hippopotamus Get There? by Sohrab Rezvan, Kyana Mitchell (Illustrator)—the answer to this question is not what you’d expect (my post about it)
bullet Lulu and the Missing Tooth Fairy by S. E. Richey—an incredibly cute story about…well, a missing tooth fairy and tooth fairy-ish creatures all over the world. (I apparently somehow never posted about this, but it’s so good I have to share a link for it)
bullet Trouble With Truffles by S. E. Richey—an incredibly cute and informative story about truffle hunting. (I apparently somehow never posted about this, but it’s so good I have to share a link for it)
bullet Red Stripes VS Miles the Mutant Mouse by Amy Rice and Kyson Rice—5-year-old Kyson came up with the story about a super-powered cat defending his city from a giant (and very hungry) mutant mouse, with an assist from his mother on the illustrations. (my post about it)
bullet The Flying Frog and the Kidnappers by David Yair, Ilana Graf (Illustrator), Natalie Jackson (Illustrator)—4th in a series of 11 (so far, anyway). This series for beginning readers is about Quack, a flying frog, who helps some siblings fight crime. Obviously, in this case, they’re up against some kidnappers. (my post about it)

If you're a self-published author that I've featured on this blog and I didn't mention you in this post and should have. I'm sorry (unless you're this guy). Please drop me a line, and I'll fix this. I want to keep this regularly updated so I keep talking about Self-Published Authors.

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The 2024 Self-Published Authors Appreciation Week Logo was made by Witty and Sarcastic Book Club

Grandpappy’s Corner: Under the Barnyard Light by Carla Crane Osborne, Brandon Dorman (Illustrator): A Quiet, Wintry Night’s Chores

By HCNewton

On July 2, 2024

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

Under the Barnyard Light

by Carla Crane Osborne, Brandon Dorman (Illustrator)

DETAILS:
Publisher: Gogonago
Publication Date: November 17, 2020
Format: Hardcover
Length: 26 pg.
Read Date: June 29, 2024

What’s Under the Barnyard Light About?

This book follows a young girl as she takes care of some farm chores on a cold and wintry night.

Let’s Talk about the Art for a Minute

No slight intended toward the text, but the art here is the star of the show. That’s a commentary on the art, not the text. Few authors would be able to compete (not that it’s a competition). Dorman’s just fantastic. In these pages, he 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). It looks painted, not drawn and colored.

When I checked out his website, I realized I’d held other books that he’d illustrated and/or done the covers for–several of them, actually. My kids even owned some of them growing up.

How is it to Read Aloud?

Like Every Dreaming Creature, this book seems to demand a quiet reading voice–this is a book for settling down for the night (or at least a nap).

I will admit that the first time I read this myself, I got distracted by the rhyme scheme and ended up spending more time paying attention to it and trying to suss out the pattern. Take it from me–don’t do it. Just read it line by line–or couplet by couplet–while being ready to deal with frequent non-rhyming lines. If you go looking for a pattern or a rhythm, you’ll be lost.

Just sit back, adopt a hushed tone, and read. If you do that, you’ll find it to be a nice, soothing read. The text–and the art–are gentle and cozy. You read it that way and you’ll be set.

What did the Little Critter think of It?

He seemed to like the pictures, but had no patience for the book, we only got three pages into it before he was finished. In fairness, he’s young–and I picked a wrong time to try it. He wasn’t in the mood for a quiet book.

But I’m confident that when I try again, he’ll be fine with it.

So, what did I think about Under the Barnyard Light?

I enjoyed this–it did make me think of Every Dreaming Creature and settling down for the night–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. Including the grandcritter in a few months.

This definitely inclines me to read more by Osborne, I’m curious to see what she does with different kinds of stories (for example, I doubt Pony Express is the kind of book you curl up with on your way to sleep).

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: Dinosaurs in Trucks Because Hey, Why Not? by Sandra Boynton: Boynton Whiffs One

By HCNewton

On June 17, 2024

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

Dinosaurs in Trucks Because Hey, Why Not?
by Sandra Boynton
DETAILS:
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: May 7, 2024
Format: Board Book
Length: 16 pages.
Read Date: June 11, 2024

What’s Dinosaurs in Trucks Because Hey, Why Not? About?
As far as we know (the book tells us), dinosaurs never had trucks. But that hardly seems fair–Boynton’s readers love dinosaurs, and they love trucks. It’s unthinkable that they never coexisted.
So, what would it be like if they did? That’s the mental exercise Boynton indulges in for 16 pages.
Let’s Talk about the Art for a Minute
It’s classic Boynton–she’s as in fine form as ever. The dinosaurs are just as cute as you’d want.
How is it to Read Aloud?
It’s really not that interesting–the rhymes are simple. There’s nothing too goofy, or playful about it. Pretty simple text.
What did the Little Critter think of It?
He really enjoys the pictures of the trucks. The pictures of dinosaurs seem to work, too. The words don’t seem to have any impact one way or the other. Which is a pretty mixed review for a guy a little over a year old, but it’s honest.
So, what did I think about Dinosaurs in Trucks Because Hey, Why Not??
It’s a fun idea.
And that’s about it. It really didn’t do much for me. Everyone has an off day–Mariano Rivera gave up game-losing runs, Metallica released St.
Anger, Spider-Man runs out of webfluid before he takes on Electro. It’s not suprising that Boynton whiffs one, too. Disappointing? Sure. But she’s due one.
The book works for those younger who like the idea and the art–but not those who want Boynton’s characterisitc fun rhymes.

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: Tiny Hands Hymns, Tiny Hands Prayers, and Tiny Hands Promises edited by Hannah Duguid Estes, illustrated by Jessica Hiatt: A Great Set of Starter Devotional Reads

By HCNewton

On April 28, 2024

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

Tiny Hands Hymns

Tiny Hands Prayers

and

Tiny Hands Promises

edited by Hannah Duguid Estes, illustrated by Jessica Hiatt

DETAILS:
Publisher: P & R Publishing
Publication Date: October 25, 2023
Format: Board Book
Length: 16 pg. (each)
Read Date: April 27, 2024

What are the Tiny Hands About?

These are little board books that serve as beginning devotional materials—training wheels for young worshippers, if you will.

Tiny Hands Hymns

These are the first stanzas/verses of some of the best hymns around (and easiest to learn, too): “Holy, Holy, Holy,” “Be Thou My Vision,” “Amazing Grace,” “This Is My Father’s World,” “Great Is Thy Faithfulness,” “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing,” “Crown Him with Many Crowns,” and Thomas Ken’s doxology.

On the opposite pages are fitting illustrations, with some accent illustrations on the pages with text.

Tiny Hands Prayers

These are a selection of prayers—translated by Iain Duguid (Professor of Old Testament at Westminster Theological Seminary), from various portions of Scripture to serve as models of prayer.

They include: Mary’s prayer from Luke 1, Hannah’s from 1 Samuel 2, a prayer based on Daniel’s Prayer from Daniel 9:4-19, a prayer based on Ephesians 3:14-19, David’s prayer from Psalm 130, The Lord’s Prayer from Matthew 6, and the prayer of the saints from Revelation 19, and the Aaronic benediction from Numbers 6.

Again, opposite each is an appropriate illustration, with some accent illustrations on the pages with text.

Tiny Hands Promises

This is a collection of covenant promises from the Old and New Testaments to introduce and remind even the littlest members of the covenant of what God has promised them. These, too, are translated by Iain Duguid.

They are Isaiah 43:1-3; John 10:27-28; Matthew 7:7-11; 2 Corinthians 12:9; James 1:5; 1 John 1:9, 7*; Philippians 1:6; and Revelation 21:3-5.

*I’m not sure I get why he ordered them this way.

Yet again, opposite each is an appropriate illustration, with some accent illustrations on the pages with text.

Let’s Talk about the Art for a Minute

I’ve apparently appreciated Hiatt’s work as a cover designer on a few books (The Wonderful Works of God by Herman Bavinck, Things Unseen by J. Gresham Machen, and Struck Down but Not Destroyed by Pierce Taylor Hibbs), but illustrating board books calls for a slightly different skill set. Still, the illustrations remind me of those covers.

I think these are great. Bright and cheerful, without being cartoonish or silly (I have nothing against those kinds of illustrations, but they’re not fitting for the subjects).

How are they to Read Aloud?

They’re fine—although I can’t imagine that anyone, even those who can’t carry a tune, not singing the hymns instead of reading them.

The translations (I’d be tempted to call them paraphrases, but the books say translations—and I don’t know enough to contradict that) are foreign-feeling for people who are familiar with/have memorized the relevant portions from the AV, ESV, NASB, etc. Once you get past that feeling, there’s nothing about the text that’s difficult or odd to read—and they seem easy enough for young children to comprehend (to some degree).

What did the Little Critter think of Them?

Okay, I haven’t had the chance to read these with him, but his Momma has. She reports that he likes Tiny Hands Hymns, because she sings them, and he really responds well to singing. He doesn’t really seem to care about the others one way or another. That fits his personality—but doesn’t really reflect on the books, if you ask me.

So, what did I think about the Tiny Hands books?

I think they’re a great idea—and overall, I am pleased with the execution. I do recommend them without hesitation.

I have some questions about some of the technical bits of translation, verse choices, and whatnot—not so much that I have a problem with the books, I’d just like someone good with the original languages to sit down with me and walk through these.

But for a young child? I think they’re well done and would be great resources for regular use.

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: Along Came a Radioactive Spider by Annie Hunter Eriksen, Lee Gatlin (Illustrator): The Man Behind Spidey’s Look (and more!)

By HCNewton

On April 25, 2024

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

Along Came a Radioactive Spider:
Strange Steve Ditko and
the Creation of Spider-Man

by Annie Hunter Eriksen , Lee Gatlin (Illustrator)

DETAILS:
Publisher: Page Street Kids
Publication Date: August 1, 2023
Format: Hardcover
Length: 32 pg.
Read Date: April 20, 2024

What’s Along Came a Radioactive Spider About?

It’s right there in the title—subtitle, really, I guess. This is an unauthorized biography (we’re told at one point that Ditko would hate a book about him, so there’s no chance of an authorized one) of Spider-Man’s co-creator, Steve Ditko, written for the older picture book reader.

It covers his childhood and a little of his comic book career up to Spider-Man and then Doctor Strange. Following that, we get two text-heavy pages talking about Ditko in a bit more detail (for the parents, I’m guessing).

Let’s Talk about the Art for a Minute

Gatlin has a very distinctive style that I wish I knew how to describe. I’ve seen his work here and there on the internet (I don’t think it ever had his name attached, sadly), but I’ve never seen this much in one place at a time.

You’re never in doubt as to what he’s drawing, but realism isn’t really what he’s going for. There’s an energy, a mood, a feeling of movement to all his drawings that I find really appealing—and I imagine young readers/those-read-to will find compelling as well.

I assumed that when the book covered people like Spider-Man or Doctor Strange that he’d go for a Ditko-feel to the art, just to pay homage or show the reader what Ditko produced. But he didn’t—at least not too much—there’s a distinct look to most of that art to separate it from the rest of the book, but it’s just a different flavor of Gatlin (which is perfectly fine, I’m just trying to describe things in my own meager way).

I’m planning on spending more time just looking at the illustrations, catching what I missed the first couple of times—and I don’t imagine I’ll be the only one.

So, what did I think about Along Came a Radioactive Spider?

I really do wonder how many children will care about this—they may like Spider-Man or Doctor Strange, but will they care about the story of the man who drew them and helped create them? I’m just not sure.

Now, their parents and grandparents are going to love this—and probably want more. And yes, this could be a fun non-Marvel Cinematic Universe way to introduce a child to a couple of comic book heroes, and that’s probably the idea behind most people buying this book.

Or I could be wrong—that’s just a guess on my part. I’d like to be wrong.

For a biography of a little-known figure who has altered superhero history the way that few have, this is a great read. And the right reader is going to delight in it. I’d have liked it to be twice the length—but the subject and the medium don’t really allow for that, so I got over that pretty quickly.

This is apparently a companion book to With Great Power: The Marvelous Stan Lee from the same creators—I’ve got to get my hands on that one.

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

By HCNewton

On April 19, 2024

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

Panda Pat and the Rat Called Cat

by Neil Ballard, Steven Nosov (Illustrator)

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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Grandpappy’s Corner: Buffalo Fluffalo by Bess Kalb, Erin Kraan (Illustrator): Adorable Art, Great Rhymes, and a Sweet Ending

By HCNewton

On April 10, 2024

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

Buffalo Fluffalo

by Bess Kalb, Erin Kraan (Illustrator)

DETAILS:
Publisher: Random House Studio
Publication Date: January 2, 2024
Format: Hardcover
Length: 40 pg.
Read Date: April 6, 2024

I’m the Buffalo Fluffalo—
I heave and I huffalo
Leave me alone because
I’ve had enuffalo.

What’s Buffalo Fluffalo About?

We start off meeting a buffalo who is focused on being the biggest, meanest, orneriest buffalo around. Multiple other animals of various sizes and types try to befriend him, and he rebuffs them with the above words. But they keep trying.

And then a rainstorm comes along and drenches him and the “Fluffalo” part of his name is explained—because that’s pretty much all the bulk he has—fluffy hair. And the grown-up readers of this book know what happens when fluffy hair gets wet, right?

So how will this cantankerous bovine react to all the other animals seeing him for what he is? How will those would-be friends treat him? Will he get ever get his fluff back? Can an adult reading this aloud make it through the line containing the word “BLARK” without feeling ridiculous? Many of these questions—and more—will be answered.

Let’s Talk about the Art for a Minute

No offense to any of the other illustrators I’ve talked about this year, but Erin Kraan is likely my favorite so far. I mean, first off, I bought the book because of the cover, so I was primed to like it. But the art within needed no priming and was simply delightful—particularly the buffalo once his hair gets so wet that it de-poofs (or de-fluffs)…he just looked so pathetic and yet so cute.

Every page had at least something that made me grin—usually multiple somethings.

Kraan has some sample images and pages over on her site. Take a look, and you’ll see what I mean.

How is it to Read Aloud?

I had a blast with it. I got into the rhythm right away, I got to use some fun voices to really bring out the goofy rhymes. There’s a good time to be had simply reading it aloud (as I noticed when I sampled it before the Grandcritter came over and verified when I got to read it to him).

What did the Little Critter think of It?

I think it was just a little too long for him, but he seemed to have a pretty good time. He really liked the “uffalo” rhyming words, the rhythm, and the pictures when he looked at them. I predict as that attention span grows just a little bit, this will be in heavy rotation.*

* Sure, that might be because I want it there more than anything, but…

So, what did I think about Buffalo Fluffalo?

I’m not sure I’ve had as much fun with a book in 2024 as I had with this one. Great art, fun text, and a pretty good message, to boot. Who could ask for more? Not this Grandpappy.

It looks like a sequel is coming in 2026—so maybe I could ask for a little more.

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: Boop the Snoot by Ashlyn Anstee: Fast, Slow, and Cute Noses to Poke

By HCNewton

On February 26, 2024

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

Boop the Snoot

by Ashlyn Anstee

DETAILS:
Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: July 5, 2022
Format: Board Book
Length: 16 pg.
Read Date: February 18, 2024

What’s Boop the Snoot About?

How many of these snoots could
a baby boop
if a baby could boop snoots?

This book begins with that age-old question that has had philosophers, dreamers, and that Owl from the Tootsie Pop commercials speculating.

From there we get a series of pictures of toddlers attempting to boop the snoots of various cute animals. And…well, that’s the book, really.

Let’s Talk about the Art for a Minute

It’s so, so cute. Anstee makes this energetic and eye-catching. The pictures are the star of this board book (as is typical) and the snoots are the stars of the art—although the various fingers going in for a boop come in a close second.

And as hard as you’d think it would be to make repeated index fingers engaging, Anstee pulls it off. This is good stuff.

How is it to Read Aloud?

It’s very clearly a book intended to get a child moving, there’s a snoot or two (or more) on every page to be booped. And that’s the focus of the book—the words are there, yeah, and kind of fun. But there’s not a lot to say, it’s just turn the page and look at a snoot, while saying essentially what you’ve said before.

The experience is fun, but the reading itself isn’t as integral as it is with other books (not a criticism, a description).

What did the Little Critter think of It?

I’m not sure how much he was entertained by the book on first blush—but he did like me saying “Boop.” “Snoot,” too, but not as much. Either way, those two words make this the kind of thing that he (or other kids like him) will have fun being read. I’m sure in a couple of months, he’ll get the idea about interacting with the book and he’ll start booping.

So, what did I think about Boop the Snoot?

So, the first time I brought this out for the Grandcritter wasn’t as fun as I’d hoped/expected—but that was because I brought it out too early. That’s on me. He liked looking at it, and hearing me make silly sounds.

I think this has promise—and delivers the silliness you’d expect from something with that name.

Give it a shot.

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.