Tag: Picture Books Page 1 of 2

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

On October 4, 2024

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

By HCNewton

On February 21, 2024

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

Taco Tuesday

by Brick Puffington, Amy Blair (Illustrator)

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

What’s Taco Tuesday About?

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

It’s a fun idea, right?

Let’s Talk about the Art for a Minute

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

How is it to Read Aloud?

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

So, what did I think about Taco Tuesday?

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

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

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

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

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

Grandpappy’s Corner at 1 Year

By HCNewton

On February 19, 2024

In Grandpappy's Corner, Miscellany, News/Misc., YA/MG/Children's Books

Grandpappy's Corner Birthday
The first Grandpappy’s Corner post went up a year ago, and I’ve posted an average of 2 books a month in that series since then–I expected to do more, but I’m happy with what has come from it. Hopefully you’ve enjoyed them, too (if you’ve taken the time to look at them).

To commemorate the day/take advantage of the time the holiday gave me, I’ve finally gotten around to putting together an index of sorts for those posts and the posts that would’ve been part of the series had I started it 7 or 8 years ago. Boy howdy, have I talked about a lot of books for infants/toddlers (more toddlers/pre-readers, truth be told). Also, yeah, I know the formatting needs a little tweaking…sometime soon.

A good number of these try to teach something–and many of those things are worth learning. Some are just pretty to look at. But the ones that primarily appeal to me are the silly ones that you–and, sure, the kid you’re reading to–can have fun with. The art for those as well as the very strange text just makes me happy and I wish I spent more time reading books like that. (the Grandcritter is approaching his first birthday, and I’m looking forward to his longer attention span so we can spend more time reading together, so that’ll help.)

Anyway, one year down, 24 books posted about, more to come!!

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Cake Image by marcos101 from Pixabay

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)

By HCNewton

On January 18, 2024

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

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

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

By HCNewton

On January 3, 2024

In Grandpappy's Corner, News/Misc., YA/MG/Children's Books

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)

Farmhouse

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 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 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 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

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 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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