Vote for Me!
28 May 2012 Leave a Comment
in children's picture books, Picture book authors, children's book authors, Picture book illustrators and illustrations Tags: children's picture books
I really enjoyed Vote for Me! (2012, Kids Can Press). I’m sure it wasn’t an accident that this clever book by Ben Clanton was published during a presidential election year. It’s about two candidates who do everything they can to win your vote. They sweet-talk you, tell you what you want to hear, make you promises, and put down their opponent. Sounds like real life, huh?
I’ve never seen a picture book tackle this subject before. As soon as I read it, I wondered why it hadn’t been done before. It’s a great idea. Maybe it’s because no one else has been able to do it like Ben Clanton. He managed to create a humorous, fast-paced story that kids will love, even if they don’t get the not-so-subtle tidbits that we adults will recognize-for example, the red and blue color scheme, the donkey and elephant main characters, and the “mud-slinging”.
The difference between this story and a real election is the fact that donkey and elephant apologize to each other and by the end, become friends. Or do they? Read the book to find out. I promise, you won’t be disappointed.
This is a good first introduction to politics for young readers. Be prepared to explain a couple of things to your kids though.
Maurice Sendak
14 May 2012 Leave a Comment
in children's picture books, Picture book authors, children's book authors, Picture book illustrators and illustrations, publishing industry, Welcome to my blog! Tags: children's picture books
As many of you already know, world-famous children’s book author and illustrator, Maurice Sendak passed away last week. It’s all over the news, and probably all over many kid lit blogs. But I want to add my own special mention to the mix. The very first book I reviewed here on Frog On A Blog, back in 2009, was Where the Wild Things Are, which is probably Mr. Sendak’s most well-known title. He has, of course, written and illustrated numerous others, as well as contributed to anthologies and so forth, and he has been the subject of a few biographies as well. Parodies and adaptations have been created based on Where the Wild Things Are too. His books have been printed in several languages. The cover at the top right shows the French version of Where the Wild Things Are.
When I was a child, one of my treasures was a little book collection called Nutshell Library. I received it as a birthday gift. Unfortunately, I don’t remember how old I was. It’s now been passed on to nieces and nephews and it’s definitely seen better days. Copies are still available for sale today and can usually be found at a reasonable price. Maurice Sendak’s Nutshell Library includes four small books: Pierre, Alligators All Around, Chicken Soup with Rice, and One Was Johnny. I think it’s a great gift idea.
Below, I have posted my original review of Where the Wild Things Are:
Inspired by the recent film adaptation, I decided to reread Where The Wild Things Are, written and illustrated by Maurice Sendak, and originally published in 1963 by Harper & Row. It won the Caldecott Medal in 1964. I think most picture book fans have read it, or read it to their children, at least once in their lives. I think this book is great fun despite the rumors that some parents think it’s too frightening for young children. This may perhaps be true of the recent film version, but the book portrays the “wild things” as big, goofy, even somewhat cuddly looking creatures. Certainly mild by today’s standards. If you truly want to analyze the story, there is a message here and I think it’s a timeless one for every parent and child. All children get upset sometimes and may even throw tantrums, act out or “be wild”. And they may be punished for it. But in time, the fit passes and they know that they are still loved despite their behavior and despite their punishment. All children should feel this sense of love and security at home.
Happy Easter!
08 Apr 2012 Leave a Comment
in Hello from Finley, Welcome to my blog!
Happy Easter!!!
HOP HOP HOP
Week of Reviews: Day 7
31 Mar 2012 Leave a Comment
in children's picture books, Picture book authors, children's book authors, Picture book illustrators and illustrations Tags: children's picture books
Here it is, week seven of my Week of Reviews and if you don’t mind me saying so, I’m proud of myself. I set a goal to post a book review every day for a week and I reached it! This is the most posting I’ve done since I started my blog nearly three years ago. Well, enough about that, let’s talk picture books. I’m ending my Week of Reviews with two humorous stories. I think funny picture books are some of the best kind. You know kids will agree because they love to laugh.
Okay, let’s start with a title that grabbed my attention right away-Question Boy Meets Little Miss Know-It-All (2012, Atheneum Books for Young Readers). With a title like that, how could you not open the book, right? First off, I really like how average people like the garbage man, the mail man, and the paperboy are portrayed as superheros. And there is so much color throughout the book. (You know how much I love color.) The author/illustrator, Peter Catalanotto, created his awesome illustrations with watercolor paints. It never ceases to amaze me what can be done with watercolors. And of course, the story is funny. Has Question Boy finally met his match? Read the book to find out. This book has it all, a great title, interesting characters, gorgeous illustrations, and humor, and it manages to teach kids a few things too (a lot of things, actually).
Beep and Bah (2012, Carolrhoda Books) by James Burks is also a very funny book, but in a completely different way. This vibrantly illustrated picture book, done in comic book style, will have kids laughing out loud. Two friends, Beep the robot and Bah the goat, set off on an adventure to find the match to a sock. The delightful duo get themselves into all sorts of humorous trouble along the way. And you’ll never guess where the missing sock is. This dynamically designed picture book offers charming characters and laughs on every page. Check both books out today!
Week of Reviews: Day 6
30 Mar 2012 Leave a Comment
in children's picture books, Picture book authors, children's book authors, Picture book illustrators and illustrations Tags: children's picture books
For day number six of my Week of Reviews, I offer up two gorgeous picture books that the youngest picture book fans will absolutely love. Both are sweet, simple, and colorful, with minimal text and full-page illustrations.
Baby Bear Sees Blue by Ashley Wolff (2012, Beach Lane Books) introduces readers to a bear cub who is discovering the world through all the beautiful colors that he sees around him. Mama Bear guides him as he encounters blue jays, green oak trees, orange butterflies, and more. The unique illustrations were done using linoleum block prints which were then painted with watercolors. The story includes one of my most favorite things, a rainbow. Children will enjoy this book while learning about colors.
Moonlight, written by Helen Griffith and illustrated by Laura Dronzek (2012, Greenwillow Books), is a rhyming bedtime story. The wonderful, dreamy illustrations were done using acrylic paints. The star is a precious rabbit who likes to dance in the moonlight. Here’s an excerpt: “Moonlight slides like butter, skims through outer space, skids past stars and comets, leaves a butter trace…” Just beautiful! I highly recommend both books.
Week of Reviews: Day 5
29 Mar 2012 Leave a Comment
in children's picture books, Picture book authors, children's book authors, Picture book illustrators and illustrations Tags: children's picture books
Author and illustrator, Chris Van Dusen, has hit a home run with his brand new picture book entitled Randy Riley’s Really Big Hit (2012, Candlewick Press). Starring in this fast-paced, baseball-themed story, is young Randy, a bright boy with a love for robots. Randy becomes the hero of his hometown when he saves everyone from impending doom. (I won’t give all of the details away. You should go out and pick up a copy for yourself.) With bright gouache illustrations and awesome rhyming text, this book is sure to be a hit with you and your little super hero. Here’s a sample: “Randy’s eye was on the ball. No room for error now. Three-two-one and flip the switch! A swoosh and then…Ka-pow!!”
Week of Reviews: Day 4
28 Mar 2012 Leave a Comment
in children's picture books, Picture book authors, children's book authors, Picture book illustrators and illustrations Tags: children's picture books
Do you have a child who just won’t go to sleep when it’s bedtime or nap time? If so, this is the book for you. The World Champion of Staying Awake (2011, Candlewick Press) by Sean Taylor stars a delightful, young girl named Stella who must help her little friends fall asleep before she can go to bed. It’s a good thing she has such a vivid imagination because that’s just what her friends need to help them feel tired. The author uses a mix of prose and verse, which is hard to pull off in one picture book, but it works perfectly here. The illustrator, Jimmy Liao, gives life to the characters with his vibrant watercolor artwork. I love his clever use of design elements-smaller pictures for the main storyline and full-page illustrations for the dreamy landscapes. Both fun and lyrical, this book is sure to please the wide-awake “world champion” in your life.
Week of Reviews: Day 3
27 Mar 2012 Leave a Comment
in children's books, story books, picture books, children's stories, children's picture books, Picture book authors, children's book authors, Picture book illustrators and illustrations Tags: children's picture books, rhyme
In a recent post, I admitted that I am not a poet. I may have one or two rhyming stories in my stable, but the majority of my stories are written in prose, not verse. The author of today’s featured review, E. S. Redmond, is a poet, and an exceptional one at that. The Unruly Queen (2012, Candlewick Press) is a delightful read-aloud with humorous watercolor illustrations to match. E. S. Redmond has managed to use and to rhyme words in her story that most people would not even think of. Here’s one passage from the story: “No one was spared from the havoc she wreaked. She had fifty-two nannies in fifty-two weeks. Each one of them left feeling frazzled and freaked, with permanent headaches and hair with white streaks.” From that passage I believe you can discern what the story is about. If I had to use one word to describe this book, it would be clever.
Week of Reviews: Day 2
26 Mar 2012 Leave a Comment
in children's picture books, Picture book authors, children's book authors, Picture book illustrators and illustrations Tags: children's picture books
Gerald the dancing giraffe has a new fan, me. I am very much enchanted with this rhyming tale entitled Giraffes Can’t Dance. This charming read-aloud written by Giles Andreae and illustrated by Guy Parker-Rees was first published in 1999 and again in 2001 by Orchard Books. Gerald is a giraffe who can’t dance, or least he thinks he can’t. But when he finds the right music, he shows a style and grace unmatched by any of the other jungle animals. Sporting fun, poetic text, accompanied by full-page, full-color watercolor illustrations, Giraffes Can’t Dance will no doubt captivate your child just as it captivated the child within me. Personally, I love to dance and sing even though I’m lousy at both. Maybe one day, I will find style and grace just like Gerald. Until then, may we all have music in our hearts, a song on our lips, and a beat to our steps.
Too Much Stuff
25 Mar 2012 Leave a Comment
in children's picture books, Welcome to my blog! Tags: children's picture books, rhyme
I’ve decided to post a silly poem I wrote many years ago about a greedy young boy. I think this was my feeble attempt at being Seussical. (Hey, I never said I was a poet.) Still, I hope you enjoy it.
Too Much Stuff (or Jo Jo the Greedy Boy)
Jo Jo said:
I want stuff, more stuff, more stuff!
Old stuff, new stuff,
Yellow and blue stuff,
What I have is not enough stuff!
Give me stuff that’s fat and stuff that’s lean,
Stuff that’s dirty and stuff that’s clean,
Hand it over before I scream!
I want stuff that’s poor and stuff that’s fair,
Stuff that’s round and stuff that’s square,
Is that too much, I don’t care!
Give me stuff that’s short and stuff that’s tall,
Stuff that’s big and stuff that’s small,
Everything, I want it all!
I want stuff that’s pointy and stuff that’s flat,
Stuff that bounces and then goes “splat”,
I’ll even take your dog and cat!
Whatever I want, I should get,
Don’t make me throw a royal fit,
I won’t stop, I’ll never quit!
I’ll throw a tantrum on the floor,
And go and slam every door,
Until you give me more, more, more!
Makes no difference what it is,
I just want it, give, give, give,
Without it I just cannot live!
Her stuff, his stuff, your stuff too,
I’ll have it all before I’m through,
And there’s nothing you can do!
Jo Jo’s stuff piled up so high,
Soon it all did touch the sky!
Then we heard an awful cry,
Where is Jo Jo?
Too bad.
Bye bye.
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