Once I Ate a Pie: A (poetic) Picture Book Review

I am not thin, but I am beautiful

When

no

one

is

looking, I steal tubs of butter off the table.

I take them to the basement to eat in private.

Once I ate a PIE.

Once I Ate a Pie (2006) is a collection of poems written by Patricia MacLachlan and Emily MacLachlan Charest with illustrations by Katy Schneider.

In this delightful collection thirteen dogs tell all about everything from being small, barking, to “borrowing” bread from the table. The poems fill the page in large, easy to read print that bends and dips in interesting directions to draw reads in.

Schneider’s illustrations, especially Mr. Beefy (who once ate a pie) shown on the cover, bring these many and varied dogs to life.

Once I Ate a Pie is a great poetry collection for readers young and old. The poems are endearing and funny but also subtle for older readers. The writing is clear and easy to follow with straightforward wording. Every time I pick up this collection, I find something else to love.

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Sound good? Find it on Amazon: Once I Ate a Pie

It’s a Book: A Picture Book Review

Is it wrong that I liked the book trailer for It’s a Book (2010) by Lane Smith more than I enjoyed the actual book? If it is, I don’t want to be right.

What happens when a monkey* sits down with his copy of Treasure Island and a donkey** sits down with his laptop? Well, let’s just say the book might not do as much, but it sure has a lot of staying power.

It’s a Book has a great message. In snappy text and fun illustrations, it shows all the fun a book can be. And yet . . .

There is something very meta about discussing the merits of a book in a book format. There is also the issue that anyone who really needs to know how great books are (or show their children how great they are) is not going to be reading It’s a Book in the first place. I could see this being a fun read aloud but only in a nose-thumbing kind of way among people/children who are already readers. Honestly, the trailer was more effective as a medium and I’d love to see something like it being adopted by ALA to compliment their READ posters.

There’s also the issue of the donkey. The book introduces him as a jackass and ends with a mouse reminding him, “It’s a book jackass.” And that’s fine because it’s a legitimate term for donkeys. But it’s also a language issue*** and it just feels awkward and superfluous in the story.

I’m not really sure what Smith wanted to accomplish with It’s a Book or what it actually will accomplish. It’s an interesting idea and the book trailer is wonderful in its own right(do watch it!). Oddly as an actual book this one falls short.

*I feel really strongly that what we have here is a gorilla and it’s been driving me nuts since I first saw the book that he is called a monkey throughout.

**Smith actually calls the donkey a “jackass” from the get-go, not I think in a negative way but just in a “jackass is another name for a donkey” kind of way, but I just can’t bring myself to do it.

***I’m kind of a prude when it comes to bad language, but I wouldn’t feel comfortable reading this book to anyone. Some reviews have said it’s snarky or obnoxious, I wasn’t feeling that but it was . . . a really weird element to include.

I received a copy of this book for review from the publisher.
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Sound good? Find it on Amazon: It’s a Book

Poetrees: A (non-fiction) (picture book) Review

Are you a fan of poetree? A lover of all things green and leafy? Ever want to know more about a Baobab or an oak? Or tree roots and seeds? Look no further than Poetrees (2010) written and illustrated by Douglas Florian.

Poetrees is filled with quick, witty poems to entertain, inform, and amuse. Combined with original illustrations done with what looks like water colors and maybe some pastels. The book is clever and a lot of fun right down to its unique vertical orientation to give the trees shown their maximum height.

Poetrees is a delightful book for aspiring poets, botanists, and anyone looking for a little fun. The back of the book even has a glossatree with information about all of the trees featured in the book.

Want a preview of the illustrations and poems? Check out Amazon’s product page for Poetrees to see some excerpts.

Exclusive Bonus Content: I couldn’t figure out how to file this so it’s cross posted in with non-fiction and picture books. Madness!

(I acquired a copy of this book from Simon and Schuster’s Fall 2010 preview which I was lucky enough to attend.)
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Sound good? Find it on Amazon: Poetrees

Presenting Tallulah: A (young) Chick Lit Wednesday Review

Tallulah is not supposed to get dirty. Or talk loudly. Or make a mess. She isn’t that kind of girl. Tallulah can’t wear jeans or sneakers to school or keep her hair down or do any of the other things that the other kids do every day.

According to her parents, Tallulah is special and that makes her different. But Tallulah doesn’t want to be different. It’s hard to have fun or make friends when everyone is busy telling you the things you can do because you’re different.

When Max, the new boy in school, stands up for Tallulah (and assists with a risky pug puppy rescue) Tallulah starts to see that sometimes being different can be okay. And most of the time the best of friends like you just the way you are in Presenting . . . Tallulah (September 2010) by Tori Spelling* and Vanessa Brantley Newton.

There are a lot of books about being different learning that it’s okay to be yourself even if that might mean being a little silly, or weird, or not mosterly. Some of them are quite bad using cliches and heavy handed writing to convey their message while ultimately creating major issues in the story.

Presenting Tallulah has none of those problems. This was a delightful story about a little girl many kids can relate to. Maybe not everyone goes to school in a limo, but who hasn’t been told to be quiet and not get dirty?  This story captures that (and Tallulah’s rather . . . opulent . . . . lifestyle) without making it a big thing. Tallulah is who she is and, as she learns, that’s okay. I liked that instead of beating readers over the head with this message, it’s just at the core of the text.

Newton’s illustrations are also fantastic. The style is reminiscent of illustrations by Lauren Child (of Charlie and Lola fame) which probably means a similar medium (that I am unequipped to identify) is being used here. It’s no secret that Tallulah is based on Tori Spelling. And Newton captures that while combining broad strokes and line work to create intricate illustrations that bring Tallulah’s world to life.

Presenting Tallulah is sure to be a fun addition to any story time with simple, short sentences and a well-paced plot. Hopefully this charmer won’t be the last to feature Tallulah, Max and Mimi.

*With contributions by Hilary Liftin who is apparently a ghostwriter. I could get into who actually “wrote” the book or the recent number of celebrities putting pen to paper. But I’m not going to because this book deserves better and is more than able to stand on its own with or without is celebrity author.

Possible Pairings: Bark, George by Jules Feffer, Mostly Monsterly by Tammi Sauer and Scott Magoon, For Pete’s Sake by Ellen Stoll Walsh

Exclusive Bonus Content: I have a folded and gathered advance copy of this book (from Simon and Schuster’s Fall 2010 preview that I went to earlier this summer). If you want to read it before the official September publication date, just be the first to say so in the comments on this post.

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Sound good? Find it on Amazon: Presenting . . . Tallulah

Mostly Monsterly: A Picture Book Review

On the outside Bernadette is mostly monsterly. She has point ears, huge eyes, fangs and even a creepy necklace. She can lurch, growl and cause all kind of mayhem. But underneath the fangs and the fur, Bernadette has a deep, dark secret.

Sometimes, when she’s all alone, Bernadette likes to pick flowers, and pet kittens, and do all kinds of things that aren’t monsterly at all.

When Bernadette starts school all of her classmates act like total monsters but with a few secret weapons and some quick thinking Bernadette should be able to win them over and still get to be herself in Mostly Monsterly (August 2010) by Tammi Sauer and Scott Magoon (illustrator).

Sauer’s writing is perfect for reading aloud with built in pauses for suspense and surprises and a lot of humor. Bernadette is a lovable monster who learns that sometimes being different is okay but some concessions might be needed to make friends. The message is never heavy handed or otherwise over the top.

Magoon’s illustrations add the perfect blend of creepiness and cuteness to the story to create a book that will be perfect for any monster fans but not too scary for younger readers.

Excellent possibility for a storytime program about being yourself.

Possible Pairings: A Girl and Her Gator by Sean Bryan and Tom Murphy, Bark, George by Jules Feiffer, Presenting . . . Talulah by Tori Spelling and Vanessa Brantley Newton

This book was received for review at Simon and Schuster’s Fall 2010 preview in May.
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Sound good? Find it on Amazon: Mostly Monsterly

Jeannette Claus Saves Christmas: A (Christmas in July) Picture Book Review

It was the night before Christmas and Santa was sick. He sneezed, he coughed, he groaned, he moaned. He sniffled and he blew.

And there was no way his daughter, Jeannette, was letting Santa out in the sleigh that night. Jumping jingle bells, if Santa could do it, so could she. Sure, the reindeer are tricky and none too fond of their work. But Jeannette was a Claus and it was Christmas. This was kind of her thing.

But when the sleigh is still more than half full of presents, the reindeer decide to jump ship and Jeannette is stranded with a big sleigh and no one to pull it. Unless a few stray cats and dogs can help Jeannette to turn a really bad Christmas Eve into a really successful one without the help of those pesky reindeer in Jeannette Claus Saves Christmas (October 2010) by Douglas Rees and Olivier Latyk.

I’m a fan, first and foremost, of traditional Christmas stories. “Twas the Night Before Christmas” is an annual favorite. As far as reimagined  (or even slightly fractured) Christmas stories go, this is a fun one. Latyk’s illustrations–sketched in pencil and then rendered in Photoshop–are original and provide a unique vision of iconic holiday images including the jolly man himself and, of course, the reindeer.

Rees’ story is also a new take on the holiday theme. Jeannette is a winner and the text lends itself to reading aloud with natural pauses and good pacing. The premise isn’t my favorite–misanthropic reindeer feel . . . odd (and they’re really mean!)–but it is a fun twist for anyone looking to go beyond the familiar songs and stories with their holiday reading. Of course, more astute readers will be left to ask, where’s Rudolph when you really need him?

This book was received for review at Simon and Schuster’s Fall 2010 preview in May.
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Sound good? Find it on Amazon: Jeannette Claus Saves Christmas

In the Realm of the Never Fairies: A Picture Book Review

In the Realm of the Never Fairies: The Secret World of Pixie Hollow (2006) with text by Monique Peterson and illustrations by Disney’s Storybook Artists is one of several titles Disney rolled out to coincide with their launch of a new line of films/merchandise featuring Tinker Bell. The launch also featured a variety of books including Fairy Dust and the Quest for the Egg which, frankly, was a huge disappointment.

Instead of providing a full story about Pixie Hollow, this is more of a coffee table book with all of the facts and vital statistics about Pixie Hollow, Never Fairies in general, and all of the Fairies you’ll meet in other volumes.

In the Realm of the Never Fairies is a fun look at fairies and a must read for anyone who is a fan of Brian Froud‘s fairy books or, really, fairies in general. I’m still not sold on the idea of all of the fairies having talents (bit too clique-like for my tastes) or a few other things about the new angle on Tinker Bell and the never fairies.

That said, this book is filled with fun information for fairy lovers of any age and the beautiful illustrations that have set Disney’s new fairy books apart as something really special. Like other books in the new Disney Fairies series, I’m not sure how I feel about this one as an actual book or a piece of text. But as a work of art it’s definitely a winner–all of the books in the series are stunning.
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Sound good? Find it on Amazon: In the Realm of the Never Fairies

Seasons: A Picture Book Review

This is one of those books where I’m not even how to start talking about it.

Blexbolex (or BLEXBOLEX?) is a French artist. Blexbolex makes prints and is almost impossible to find online. According to Ask.com/Wikipedia he was previously a French comics artist. One of his other books called L’Imagier des gens was awarded the prize for “Best Book Design of the World” in 2008 at the Book Fair in Leipzig.

Seasons (2010) is his latest book. It has been brought to the US and translated into English.

Essentially Seasons is a series of pictures cycling through different seasons. One or two words are written across the top of the page in large, bold, pink letters and a corresponding image (which I think are made with some form of printmaking) is displayed below the words. Some of the images and phrases are straightforward (swim, sunburn) and some are more whimsical (caterpillar crawl, siesta).

The book has an interesting idea and, frankly, this review might be the only one you’ll ever read that isn’t glowing. That said, the whole thing felt very disjointed. While eventually the cycle of images and seasons does eventually order itself into some kind of sense, a lot of the pairings on each two page spread felt, for lack of a better word, random (especially in the first pages).

Blexbolex’s prints are interesting and, given the medium, fairly intricate, but on a whole the work was grim with an image of a forest fire and a car accident including among images of summer fruits and winter snow. Seasons is a clever book even including a nod to Manet’s famous painting “Luncheon on the Grass” in one image but this is one book that ultimately felt a little too clever.

This book was received for review from the publisher, Enchanted Lion Books.
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Sound good? Find it on Amazon: Seasons

The Chicken Thief: A Picture Book Review

Fox sees Hen. Fox absconds with startled Hen. Outraged animals give chase to rescue Hen. Fox evades while holding onto Hen in The Chicken Thief (2010) by Beatrice Rodriguez.

If you think you know how this wordless story ends, think again.

Rodriguez’s large, detailed illustrations offer a different take on this seemingly familiar story showing, instead of a hungry fox, one who might have found a worthy companion.

The illustrations are a nice size and filled with humor and detail as the fox (and the hen) are chased over land and sea and even through a rather narrow tunnel along their journey. The colors are bright and the images will be easy to “read” for a variety of readers.

Rodriguez has reinvented a story with a fun, surprise ending here. The Chicken Thief is a promising debut to Enchanted Lion’s new Stories Without Words series.

This book was received for review from the publisher, Enchanted Lion Books.
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Sound good? Find it on Amazon: The Chicken Thief

How to Catch a Star: A Picture Book Review

Once there was a boy and that boy loved stars very much. In fact, he could think of nothing grander than catching his own star to call his friend in How to Catch a Star (2004) by Oliver Jeffers.

Jeffers’s whimsical first picture book blends easy to follow text with sharp, clean illustrations to create something remarkable. Everything about this story invites readers to stop for moment and plan their own scheme to catch that elusive star.

It’s not easy to build suspense into a 32 page picture book, but Jeffers manages it. Will the boy catch the star? Will he find a friend? It’s hard to say in the beginning–but don’t worry, everything works out in the end.

The clear, short sections of text combined with large, often full-page, illustrations make How to Catch a Star ideal for reading aloud or for early readers.

Possible Pairings: Kitten’s First Full Moon by Kevin Henkes
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Sound good? Find it on Amazon: How to Catch a Star