Archive for May 28, 2014

OH NO, Little Dragon!

Written and illustrated by Jim Averbeck

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Who wouldn’t love a little dragon? Especially one who gets sooty just phooshing around. Jim Averbeck continues to delight with this gem about a dirty little dragon whose mother makes him wash off his soot. While in the tub, he can’t resist setting his toy boat on fire, causing a tremendous flood. The water puts out his spark. He sets out on a quest to relight the spark in his dragon heart. Rubbing his tummy doesn’t work. Warm clothing doesn’t work. Even chili peppers don’t work. Only his mother’s love can re-ignite the spark in his heart.

“because YOU are the spark in MY heart.”

The illustrations are simple yet priceless. Little Dragon is proud of his phooshing. He is annoyed at having to take a bath. He is mortified when he discovers he’s lost his spark. He is pleased to get his spark back. He is apprehensive when he gets sooty again. And his solution is unexpectedly fun.

The author’s website, http://www.jimaverbeckbooks.com/, contains a tremendous amount of information about the author and his books. The publisher also highlights the author at http://authors.simonandschuster.com/Jim-Averbeck/65519797.

  • Oh No Little DragonTitle: OH NO, Little Dragon!
  • Author/Illustrator: Jim Averbeck
  • Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers/Simon & Schuster, 2012
  • Reviewer: Sue Poduska
  • Format: Hardcover, 40 pages
  • Genre: Picture book, humor, family, love
  • ISBN: 978-1-4169-9545-6

 

The Boss Baby

Written and illustrated by Marla Frazee

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Everyone knows a new baby is in charge of the house and the parents from the moment it arrives, but Frazee takes the idea to the next step. This baby wears a suit and carries a briefcase. He arrives by taxi with a printed schedule. His office is a walker set squarely in the center of the house, complete with baby monitor and appropriate drink. He keeps things hopping at all hours and for many reasons. He has his own lounge, a bubbly spa, an executive gym, drinks made to order 24/7, and a private jet. With his staff exhausted, he called a meeting and was forced to think outside the box. He must speak his mind. That speaking changes the entire complexion of their interaction. For a moment.

This is perfect for first graders developing literacy skills and learning to deal with new siblings. The clever storyline and illustrations make this a winner for all. It was named to the School Library Journal Best Books of the Year for 2010. More information is available at the publisher’s website, www.kids.simonandschuster.com.

  • Boss BabyTitle: The Boss Baby
  • Author/Illustrator: Marla Frazee
  • Publisher: Beach Lane Books/Simon & Schuster, 2010
  • Reviewer: Sue Poduska
  • Format: Hardcover, 40 pages
  • Genre: Picture book, family, babies
  • ISBN: 978-1-4424-0167-9

 

Except If

Written and illustrated by Jim Averbeck

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This beautiful and surprising book is really a lesson in not taking things at face value. When the reader encounters a blue egg, she might expect to see a bird emerge EXCEPT IF the egg contains a baby snake. The snake slithers along EXCEPT IF it’s really a baby lizard, complete with legs. The lizard can scurry up walls EXCEPT IF it grows into a dinosaur. And the dinosaur will stand as tall as the hills EXCEPT IF it’s already a fossil, a craggy hill that shelters a nest. With an egg.

The repetitive nature of the text is a good draw for first graders, who love to anticipate. The fun illustrations make it a good candidate for a read aloud, with the listeners guessing what the next exception will be. All this combines to increase comprehension of the story line and literacy skills.

The author’s website, http://www.jimaverbeckbooks.com/, contains a tremendous amount of information about the author and his books. The publisher also highlights the author at http://authors.simonandschuster.com/Jim-Averbeck/65519797.

Except If

  • Title: Except If
  • Author/Illustrator: Jim Averbeck
  • Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers/Simon & Schuster, 2011
  • Reviewer: Sue Poduska
  • Format: Hardcover, 32 pages
  • Genre: Picture book, Imagination
  • ISBN: 978-1-4169-9544-9

 

Journey

Written and illustrated by Aaron Becker

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A Caldecott Honor book for the gorgeous, vivid, and detailed illustrations, this book is worth a look just for the pictures, but it has so much more to offer. A young girl’s sepia world is punctuated only by her red scooter, red kite, a red ball, and a red crayon. When she uses the crayon to draw a door, a whole new and colorful world opens up. With castles, windmills, numerous waterways, and various flying contraptions, it’s indeed a fascinating world. The girl finds the crayon can also create a boat, a hot air balloon, and a magic carpet. The magic carpet and a purple bird lead her to a boy with a purple crayon. Together, she and the boy create a bicycle and ride off to more adventures.

This wordless picture book is easily followed by first graders just beginning their reading journey, but would be great as a read aloud so that kids can be encouraged to use imagination about what will come next. Kids could even lead the discussion and practice their speaking and leadership skills. The publisher provides a great “Guide to Reading a Wordless Book” on their website, www.candlewick.com, with many reading activities.

  • JourneyTitle: Journey
  • Author/Illustrator: Aaron Becker
  • Publisher: Candlewick Press, 2013
  • Reviewer: Sue Poduska
  • Format: Hardcover, 40 pages
  • Genre: Picture book, Art, Imagination, Friendship
  • ISBN: 978-0-7636-6053-6