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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

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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The Irresponsible Reader’s Guide to Picture Books That Aren’t Necessarily for Kids—2023 Edition

By HCNewton

On December 12, 2023

In Fiction

I have to follow up yesterday’s post with this one. Not every picture book is written for kids, some are for all-ages, some are for an older audience. Playing with the format in this way really draws me in. You should check these out.

I meant to buy/read a couple of things this year that would fit here, but I haven’t for whatever reason (mostly buying books for the other list, I guess). So this is really just a slightly edited version of last year’s.

Goodnight Brew

by Ann E. Briated, Allie Ogg (Illustrator)

It’s a simple idea–parody Goodnight Moon, replacing the items in the child’s bedroom with the things found in a brewery. Throw in a little educational bit in the end, and you’ve got yourself a fun read for adults.

P Is for Pterodactyl: The Worst Alphabet Book Ever

by Raj Haldar, Chris Carpenter, Maria Beddia (Illustrator)

This is funny stuff, good artwork, and correct–but not actually helpful–information. “S is for Seas” and “H is for Heir” for sure–but try using those for spelling something.
My full post about the book.

A Die Hard Christmas: The Illustrated Holiday Classic

by Doogie Horner, JJ Harrison (Illustrator)

The premise: Take Die Hard one of the greatest action films ever made, one of the greatest Christmas movies ever made, and an all-around pop culture touchstone, then turn it into a (NOT for kids) rhyming picture book. A great holiday tradition.
My full post about the book.

Go the F*** to Sleep

by Adam Mansbach, Ricardo Cortés (Illustrator)

There’s not a parent alive that can’t relate to the frustration of the parent in this book. This goes firmly in the “it’s funny because it’s true” arena. The art looks more like something drawn for adult audiences (but not too much) than the rest of this list, which leans toward the kind of thing you’d find in a kid’s book.

The ABCs of Metallica

by Metallica, Howie Abrams, Michael Kaves (Illustrator)

This one might be good for kids, but I don’t know how much they’d appreciate it. It will appeal to Metallica fans who can be lighthearted about their fandom. Some nice info, cute rhymes, and fun ways to come up with something for every letter. The illustrations are great and (like the text) are kid-friendly and adult-friendly, too.
My full post about the book.

Mommy Has A Tattoo

by Phil Padwe

This is actually aimed at a young audience, and probably should’ve gone on that list. But my wife bought this a few years ago, and I typically think of it with the rest of the books on this list. The child at the center of the book is freaked out by seeing (a nice looking) tattoo sleeve on a man in the neighborhood, his mom assures him that tattoos are okay and nothing to be afraid of–utlimately showing him her own ink. It’s a cute book.

The Adventures of the Princess and Mr. Whiffle: The Thing Beneath The Bed

by Patrick Rothfuss, Nate Taylor (Illustrator)

Rothfuss calls this “a dark twist on the classic children’s picture-book. I think of it as Calvin and Hobbes meets Coraline, with some Edward Gorey mixed in.” I love the twist here. The art’s cute–deceptively so–and the story is great. I’d gladly read a handful of these.

Grandpappy’s Corner: The Biggest Story ABC by Kevin DeYoung, Don Clark (Illustrator): A Swing and a Miss

By HCNewton

On July 30, 2023

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

Grandpappy's Corner Logo The Biggest Story ABC

The Biggest Story ABC

by Kevin DeYoung, Don Clark (Illustrator)

DETAILS:
Publisher: Crossway
Publication Date: August 31, 2017
Format: Board Book
Length: 26 pg.
Read Date: July 16, 2023

What’s The Biggest Story ABC About?

This is an ABC book with a twist—DeYoung uses the alphabet to tell (in an age-appropriate way) to tell the story of Creation and Redemption from

In the beginning, God created Adam and Eve.

One Day we will live forever in Zion, the new world God is preparing for those who love him.

Let’s Talk about the Art for a Minute

On the whole, the art was stunning. It’s not at all the typical board book art. It’s not cute or bubbly. I think it’s pretty eye-catching, and striking. I’m not sure exactly how the Board Book-Set would appreciate it, but maybe just because it doesn’t look like every other book they get, they’ll be interested?

Or maybe it’ll be the colors that get them. I’m not sure.

Thankfully, there are examples on Crossway’s site so I don’t have to try to describe this. Here are the K and L pages so you can get an idea:
Biggest story K - L

How is it to Read Aloud?

It’s fine—there are no rhymes, there’s no consistent rhythm or pattern or anything like that. This book isn’t about that kind of thing—it’s simple and straightforward text. Easy to read and easy to understand.

I Have a Problem

The Reformed Confessions and Catechisms are pretty clear—no pictures of members of the Godhead. But, this book contains some images of Jesus. I realize that DeYoung argues against this interpretation in his book on the Heidelberg Catechism (a pretty good, but not great book), so at least he’s consistent.

Given that many of the readers (or at least buyers) of this book are going to be from the Reformed or Presbyterian traditions. Why risk offending them?

So, what did I think about The Biggest Story ABC?

The way DeYoung told the story of redemptive history was great. He had to get inventive (a less charitable take might say that he really stretched things, but he managed) with the way he used a couple of letters to stick with the storyline, but it was really a fantastic job.

The text is great, and I’d eagerly recommend the book based on it. But a board book/picture book for kids is never just about the text. It’s also about the pictures and the way the book looks. And because of the Second Commandment violations, I just can’t recommend it.

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Grandpappy’s Corner: Little Aiden – A Love Book for Toddlers by Albert and Anna Choi, Bettina Braskó (Illustrator): Will Make You Say, “Awwww.”

By HCNewton

On June 14, 2023

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

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

Little Aiden - A Love Book for Toddlers

Little Aiden – A Love Book for Toddlers

by Albert and Anna Choi, Bettina Braskó (Illustrator)

DETAILS:
Series: Little Aiden 
Publisher: Mytogo Publishing
Publication Date: May 22, 2023
Format: eBook
Length: 41 pg.
Read Date: June 10, 2023

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

This book is basically someone* narrating a day in Aiden’s life (or a bunch of activities over a few days), assuring him of their love in all the things he’s up to—when he’s being brave, when he’s being calm, when he’s sad, anxious, scared, and so on. All throughout the day and with a promise that this love will continue.

*Presumably his mother, given the art—although you could make the case that it’s from the point of view of the dad seeing both of them. It really doesn’t matter.

Let’s Talk about the Art for a Minute

The art is as adorable and eye-catching here as it was in the other Little Aiden book. Fantastic expressions, great background illustrations, etc. These are going to be very fun for a toddler—and whoever is reading with the toddler—to stop and talk about.

Braskó’s use of Aiden’s teddy bear is fantastic, once I saw what she did on the “Brave” illustration I had to go back through the whole book just looking for what was going on with the bear. (adding the rest of the toys to the mix on the “Confident” page was great, too)

I like her use of the first Little Aiden book here—that was such a nice touch. I wonder how many toddlers will notice?

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

How is it to Read Aloud?

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

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

It’s also the kind of book that’s easy to stop reading to discuss—what Aiden is doing, the art, what his Teddy Bear is doing (alongside or in contrast to Aiden), or whatever. And that’s where the engagement for the adult reader is going to come in.

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

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

This is just so sweet. There’s some fun to be had (primarily from Braskó’s art, because the text is earnest), but it’s largely warm and sweet reminders of a parent’s affections.

It just made me melt, it’ll likely do the same for you.

It’ll be a great springboard for a parent/grandparent/caregiver to use to talk about all the different ways and times they love the toddler they’re reading with—and who can’t use something like that?

Another heartily recommended book from this series.

4 Stars

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