Tag: Picture Book Page 2 of 7

(updated 7/24/23)

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 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 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 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 Monsters 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 One by 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 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 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 Bystanderby 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 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 2023 Self-Published Authors Appreciation Week Logo was made by Witty and Sarcastic Book Club

Grandpappy’s Corner: How Big Is Zagnodd? by Sandra Boynton: A Quick Dose of Goofiness

By HCNewton

On June 28, 2023

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

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How Big Is Zagnodd?

by Sandra Boynton

DETAILS:
Publisher: Boynton Bookworks
Publication Date: August 25, 2020
Format: Board Book
Length: 14 pg.
Read Date: June 24, 2023

What’s How Big Is Zagnodd? About?

Boynton introduces us to a few alien friends—Zagnogg, Igwak, Fleeb, and so on and invites us to notice how Big, Long, Fuzzy, and so on they are.

That’s a pretty brief description, but it’s hard to say more about a 14-page book.

Still, it feels like I’m not saying enough, so let me quote the back of the book just to add some words (suddenly, I feel like I’m back in college trying to up the word count on a paper):

HOW BIG IS ZAGNODD?

[Spoiler: SO big.]

Inside this book, you will find beings from outer space who are
BIG or LONG or FUZZY or BRIGHT or DANCEY or SLEEPY.

Plus Steve.

Let’s Talk about the Art for a Minute

If you’ve read a Sandra Boynton book before, you have a pretty good idea of what the art is like. If you haven’t? It’s just about the cutest thing you’ve seen. In this case, it’s super-cute aliens instead of the typical super-cute animals.

Oh, and Steve.

How is it to Read Aloud?

I did read this out loud—not to the grandcritter, because he’s not quite there yet. But soon.

Will it be more fun when he can read it with me? Sure, but I had a good time anyway. The alien names are goofy and enjoyable to say. With each alien, the text asks something like, “How Big is Zagnodd?” and the answer is, “SO big.” All the “SO ___”s are going to be great audience-participation fun.

So, what did I think about How Big Is Zagnodd??

I’m a sucker for a Boynton book—and this is the first new one I’ve read in about two decades, and this is just as fun as the ones I read to the grandcritter’s dad, uncles, and aunt.

I don’t know that it’s the best Boynton book I’ve read—but a mediocre Boynton (and this is not mediocre) is like mediocre pizza, it’s still pizza. You open this and you’re going to have a good—and goofy—time. How Big Is Zagnodd? is silly fun for young and young-at-heart.

4 1/2 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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PUB DAY REPOST: 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 June 20, 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: 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.

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).

How is it to Read Aloud?

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

* 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?

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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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: 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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The Return of the Christmas Witch by Dan Murphy and Aubrey Plaza, Julia Iredale (Illustrator): The Witch Returns to Battle a Dystopian Holiday

By HCNewton

On December 20, 2022

In Fantasy, Fiction, YA/MG/Children's Books

The Return of the Christmas Witch

by Dan Murphy & Aubrey Plaza, Julia Iredale (Illustrator)

DETAILS:
Series: The Christmas Witch, #2
Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: October 10, 2022
Format: Hardcover
Length: 56 pg.
Read Date: December 17, 2022

What’s The Return of the Christmas Witch About?

Kristtörn wakes from her frozen slumber to find a world she cannot recognize—it’s a dystopian world where the joy of Christmas is gone and everyone is left with an automated, sanitized, homogenized, corporation-run day of market-driven consumption. Santa is nowhere to be found—and many doubt he ever existed—in his place, we have the Kringle Corporation.

We get to spend time with one family—grandmother remembers Santa and longs for his return, but her grandchildren don’t (but aren’t fans of Kringle, either). Kristtörn watches the girl and the two strike up a relationship at a distance, and ultimately team up to take down the corporation and bring back Kristtörn’s brother.

That’s a sloppy job on my part, but it’ll do for these purposes. Murphy and Plaza tell it so much better.

The Artwork

On the whole, I’d just want to repeat what I said about the first book, so I will.

Iredale’s work struck me like a classic storybook, the kind of art that was in the books I read as a kid—especially the books that were old by the time I read them. It was fitting for the kind of story. It wasn’t knock-out gorgeous, and I think it would’ve hurt the book overall had it been. There’s some sharpness to the art—almost the kind of thing that would’ve been carved into wood.

It’s vibrant and I can’t imagine a kid who won’t want to pour over the pictures as much as the story.

So much for repeating—I did think this work wasn’t as well done as the previous book. There are a couple of illustrations that…sloppy isn’t the right word, but they don’t seem as finished. It felt like Iredale ran out of time and rushed one or two drawings/characters. That’s likely not right—and probably not that fair of me to say. But that was my impression. I doubt that any of the target audience will pick up on it (or care if they do), but it surprised me that I wasn’t as impressed with the art.

So, what did I think about The Return of the Christmas Witch?

This takes a darker turn than I expected from this story—the first book had a hint of this, and it’s not out of place, but I raised an eyebrow at the dystopia. That said—I thought it was a great choice, and offered a new take on the usual “over-commercialization of Christmas” and “we need to get back to the essence of the holiday” stories. But that’s what it is at its core—and I’m all for that kind of story.

I did think the ending felt a little rushed—like the authors ran into a hard page limit/word count. It wouldn’t have taken much more, but after the well-established set-up, I thought we needed a little more development to the magical ending.

The door is left open to one more book in the series—it’s maybe even suggested. If so, I’m totally on board for it. I can see the authors leaving it here, too—and I’d be okay with that.

The words-to-image ratio for this kind of book leans toward the words side, so that will limit some younger fans—but as long as there’s a willing adult around, I think this will satisfy fans of the first book.

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.

The Legend of the Christmas Witch by Dan Murphy and Aubrey Plaza, Julia Iredale (Illustrator): The Story of Santa’s Misunderstood Sister

By HCNewton

On December 14, 2022

In Fantasy, Fiction, YA/MG/Children's Books

The Legend of the Christmas Witch

by Dan Murphy & Aubrey Plaza, Julia Iredale (Illustrator)

DETAILS:
Series: The Christmas Witch, #1
Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: November 15, 2021
Format: Hardcover
Length: 56 pg.
Read Date: December 3, 2022

Santa and Me

Let’s start with a personal note, I’m apprehensive (at best) about man-made religious holidays. I don’t do Christmas posts here—and almost without exception, if you see a book on here having to do with any Winter holiday, it’ll be because it’s part of a longer series that I already read.

But having been indoctrinated in American mass culture, I was on the receiving end of more stories, shows, and movies about Santa Claus (both growing up and since) than anyone else. And I’ve probably seen variations on his origin than Batman and Spider-Man combined (and if I never have to see Ben Parker or Thomas and Martha Wayne killed again, it will be too soon). They’re not my favorite things, but I tend to enjoy them and am always ready for a new one.

Which brings us to:

What’s The Legend of the Christmas Witch About?

We open with a couple of twin children, Kristoffer and Kristtörn, both of them have some magic which they mostly use in the games they play with each other. They have no parents when we meet them, and don’t appear to remember them.

They’re separated at one point, and Kristoffer is taken in by a couple from a nearby village and grows up among people—eventually delivering baked goods from his adoptive mother’s bakery. Kristtörn is heartbroken by their separation, and a witch from the woods comes along to raise her.

Time passes and Kristoffer becomes Santa Claus. Kristtörn tries to make contact with him but is unable to. So she starts visiting places just before Christmas Eve, hoping their paths cross. A legend around her (mostly misunderstanding her) grows at the same pace as her brother’s does.

This all leads somewhere, but I’m not going to go further than that.

The Artwork

Iredale’s work struck me like a classic storybook, the kind of art that was in the books I read as a kid—especially the books that were old by the time I read them. It was fitting for the kind of story. It wasn’t knock-out gorgeous, and I think it would’ve hurt the book overall had it been. There’s some sharpness to the art—almost the kind of thing that would’ve been carved into wood.

It’s vibrant and I can’t imagine a kid who won’t want to pour over the pictures as much as the story.

So, what did I think about The Legend of the Christmas Witch?

The best way to describe this book is—imagine that the Grimm Brothers wrote a story about where Santa came from as well as telling us about his sister. Now imagine that someone took that Grimm’s Fairy Tale and sanitized it for contemporary kids. That result would be a lot like this. A little dark, a little light…

Because of that tone, I do think that parents/caregivers/etc. should exercise some judgment in who gets to read this one—some of it is going to go over the heads of young ones of a certain age, and some of it could be considered too dark for some little ones. But for the right reader, this take on Santa’s origin is going to be a lot of fun.

I’m glad that I indulged my curiosity, I’m not going to suggest that this filled me with the Christmas spirit or anything, I’m not off to buy the biggest goose for anyone and my heart is the same size as it was before. But when it comes to a reworking of the Santa Myth, this was a very satisfying one.

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.