Tag: Picture Books

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

By

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 BrewGoodnight 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 PterodactylP 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 ChristmasA 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 SleepGo 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 MetallicaThe 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 TattooMommy 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 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

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.

to

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.

Grandpappy Icon

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

By

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

Grandpappy Icon

Grandpappy’s Corner: Little Aiden – A Feelings Book for Toddlers by Albert and Anna Choi, Bettina Braskó (Illustrator): Nothing Less than Feelings

By

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 Feelings Book for Toddlers

Little Aiden – A Feelings Book for Toddlers

by Albert and Anna Choi, Bettina Braskó (Illustrator)

DETAILS:
Series: Little Aiden 
Publisher: Mytogo Publishing
Publication Date: December 17, 2022
Format: eBook
Length: 41 pg.
Read Date: June 10, 2023

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

There’s one simple point to this book:

It is okay to have feelings.

It’s the first sentence and that sentiment is repeated fourteen times over the book as we follow Aiden through a bunch of scenarios where he’s feeling things that kids can identify with. Scared, tired, happy, playful, silly, helpless, and more.

Let’s Talk about the Art for a Minute

Little Aiden’s expressions are clear—it’s a piece of cake to tell what he’s feeling, even for a little one just trying to put words to facial expressions.

But I think Braskó’s real strength is in the rest of the illustrations—what’s Aiden’s body doing with the feeling? What’s going on around him? Is there a mess? Does he have toys? How’s he interacting with his environment? Those really help fill out the ideas of the book.

These are going to be very fun for a toddler—and whoever is reading with the toddler—to stop and talk about. “He’s sure a messy eater, isn’t he? What’s that on the floor there next to his sippy cup? What’s that on his face?”

The illustration that goes with embarrassed is probably my favorite (and that probably says something about my maturity level).

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 that’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—the feeling in question, the art, 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 Feelings Book for Toddlers?

Feelings can be scary—sometimes a toddler isn’t sure why they’re having the emotional reaction they are, sometimes a toddler can see the adults around them reacting to the toddler’s emotions in a way that can be frightening or off-putting, sometimes a toddler doesn’t like the way an emotion makes them feel. It doesn’t do much good to assure the toddler that it doesn’t get much better sometimes as an adult.

But what you can assure them of is that it’s okay to feel things. The Chois have given toddlers a handy and helpful book to tell them this. As they read and re-read it with someone they trust they can examine these feelings and get the reminder—or get the lesson—that it’s okay to feel emotions.

How to react to those emotions is a talk for a different time—but for now, it’s about being okay with having and feeling them.

I heartily recommend this book.

4 Stars

Grandpappy Icon

Grandpappy’s Corner: Geeky Baby’s Guide to Colors by Ruenna Jones, Josh Lewis (Illustrator): Starting a Geek Off Right

By

On February 22, 2023

In Grandpappy's Corner, Non-Fiction

Grandpappy's Corner Logo

Geeky Baby’s Guide to Colors

by Ruenna Jones, Josh Lewis (Illustrator)

DETAILS:
Publisher: Running Press Kids
Publication Date: September 21, 2023
Format: Board Book
Length: 26 pg.
Read Date: January 16, 2023
Support Independent Bookstores - Visit IndieBound.org

What’s Geeky Baby’s Guide to Colors About?

This is a book about colors illustrated with Geeky/Pop Culture illustrations (or inspired by pop culture things—for example, I don’t think some of the orange-masked faces are real superheroes).

There are pages about a White Wolf, a Gray Wizard, a Black Car (a ’67 Impala with a couple of men in the front seats), a Yellow (not golden) Lasso, and so on.

Let’s Talk about the Art for a Minute

This art is cute—in case you ever wondered if Legolas or T-Rex could look dangerous and “awww” worthy at the same time, Josh Lewis can answer that for you. All the colors pop—not just the color focused on in the drawing. All the illustrations are eye-catching and will bring a smile to the adult reading with a kid (or likely will entertain a kid flipping through the book solo).

There are a few images from the book on the Illustrator’s website.

How is it to Read Aloud?

So the reading part isn’t that engaging. It’s two words per page—color + item. But this isn’t a book about reading, it’s a book about exposing a child to colors, and helping them identify them. So the words are more prompts about what to talk about rather than reading.

So, I guess this question should be re-rephrased as “what’s this like to go through with a child?” And that answer would be it’s a lot of fun for a geeky adult who will enjoy the pictures for what they represent in Pop Culture.

Timing Is Important

If you ask me, this is a book to go through before a child is at the asking questions stage of life. As I was preparing to write this post, I started thinking about some of the conversations that could go really wrong with an inquisitive child.

Child: What happened to the White Wolf and its brothers, Grandpappy?
Me: Well, um...er, it went to live on a farm where there was a lot of room for it to run around and play.
Child: But they live near a forest already, why couldn't they stay with all the Stark children?
Me: It's time for a nap.

or

Child: What do those men do in the Black Car, Grandpappy?
Me: (forgetting to think about phrasing) They travel around and fighting angels and ganking demons, and...
Child: Are you s'posed to be fighting angels?
Me: No, that's not a good thing.
Child: What's "ganking demons" mean?
Me: Er, want some cookies? Let's not tell Mommy we had this chat, okay?

And so on. When they start getting inquisitive, it’s time for this book to be shelved out of sight.

So, what did I think about Geeky Baby’s Guide to Colors?

When my wife and I saw this, we only had to look at one or two pages to know we had to have this around for the Grandchild-to-be. I think it’ll be great to sit and look at with them while they learn colors or just to look at the pictures.

For the adult, there’s the nice feeling about introducing a child to some of these images, even if it’s only to get them embedded in a child’s subconscious. You’re never too young to learn about a sonic screwdriver or role-playing dice, anyway, right?

This is fun (in different ways) for young and old. I’m really looking forward to sharing this one with the Grandcritter.

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.
Grandpappy Icon

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

By

On December 22, 2022

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.

Goodnight BrewGoodnight 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 PterodactylP 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 ChristmasA 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 SleepGo 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 MetallicaThe 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 TattooMommy 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 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.

Page 2 of 2

Previous

Powered by WordPress & Theme by Anders Norén