Hello friends! It’s been (checks date of last post) four years since I last posted! Well, the good news is that now my kids are older and I’ll actually have time for this blog! As some of you may (or may not) know, I’m a gigantic kid lit nerd. I love picture books, I’m a huge fan of early reader books, and I currently have 25 YA books checked out of the library just for some light reading.  So I’m going to be posting reviews of some pretty terrific books written by other people. And some awful books too, just for fun. (I actually have a collection of books I do not like.)

My 5-year-old daughter, Vivi, has gamely agreed to give me a kid’s point of view, and, although non-committal when I asked, I’m sure 3-year-old Lily will throw in her two cents here and there. So, without further ado, let’s get started!

Tonight’s review will be of Ben Clanton’s fantastic Narwhal and Jelly graphic novel series. We’ve got the first three books and they’re just…well, they’ve got three winning features, according to Vivi:

1. Narwhal and Jelly are really cute. This is true! The design is so simple, but both characters are really expressive (sort of like Mo Willems’ Elephant and Piggie).

2. The storylines are silly. I like the fact that Narwhal is obsessed with waffles. I like the fact that the crab calls Jelly Jolt ‘Jelly Dolt’ in book 2. I like the whole peanut butter gag in book 3. The books make little to no sense in terms of having a traditional story arc and three-act structure, but who cares? They’re super-fun to read and they appeal to their audience. Win-win!

3. They’re easy enough for a reader to read if they happen to be five, but reading a couple of grade levels above. It’s not easy to find something that’s JUST RIGHT in terms of reading level, but these books fit the bill for Vivi. I’d say they’re kind of perfect for a strong reader at 5, a good reader at 6 and an average reader at 7. There’s not a lot of text on each page, but some of the words aren’t high frequency at all and require decoding skills (‘invisible,’ ‘superpower,’ ‘mustache,’ identity,’ just to mention a few). Vivi likes to hear these books aloud (read ‘with voice’ by moi), but she’s perfectly capable of reading them herself. If you’ve got a clever clogs that devours picture books and wants to move to the next level, give Narwhal and Jelly a try.

If you want to know more about Ben Clanton or Narwhal and Jelly, check out their awesome website: http://www.narwhalandjelly.com/books/

Mama’s grade: 5/5 waffles
Vivi’s grade: A

Title: Perfect Piggies

Author: Sandra Boynton

Age Group: 1-4

The plot, in three sentences or less: From the spring of their tails to their snuffling snouts, piggies are pretty much perfect. Appreciate their wonderful pigginess in this sweet little book!

The Good:

* Sandra Boynton is a fixture on our bookshelf right now. The Grumpkin loves all her work, but Perfect Piggies has been a fast favourite since day dot. I had the whole thing memorized after about three readings.

* There’s a little song at the beginning! Any book with the words “snuffle-dee-dah” in it is A-OK by me.

* The pictures are, as usual, very sweet.

The Bad:

* Remember how I said I had it memorized? Well, it was memorized to the point of circling around in my head, over and over. So many nights I have drifted off to “We are all perfect piggies and we know what we need…” It’s very, very, very catchy. Very.

My Overall Opinion:

This book is going to have to be replaced for the next kiddo, because it has been LOOOOVED by The Grumpkin. Not only have we read it a bazillion times (we have), but we also have pictures of her chewing on it, sitting on it, flipping through it (maybe we take too many pictures?). When she gets into a book, she gets INTO a book. If that doesn’t make you want to go out and buy a copy for your own little ‘un, I don’t know what will!

This is the first review I’ve done of a book that I really, really don’t like. I’m planning on doing a not-so-great book review once a month (that is, the book isn’t so great. The review will be awesome!).

Suffice it to say, these reviews definitely won’t end with my usual “OMG, go out and buy this book NOW!”

I’m going to ruffle some feathers here when I say that I really don’t care for Judith Viorst’s “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day”. But honestly, I don’t.
Why?
Because the whole book is about a kid who whines about stuff that really isn’t that bad. Really. And even as a kid, I think most people would realize that maybe Alexander’s a bit…hypersensitive. Yes. Let’s go with that.

Anyway, that aside…

There’s a sequel!

It’s called (wait for it): “Alexander, Who’s Not (Do you hear me? I mean it!) Going to Move”.
Good lord, Judith! Brackets in your title? What’s up with that? Simplify, girlfriend!

So. Alexander is back and ready for more whining! Only this time he’s upset because he has to move. Now, moving IS hard, and it CAN be a traumatizing challenge for a child. But…I have a few issues with the story itself. Ah, let’s just do a good ol’ fashioned list recap, shall we?

Here goes:

1. The story starts out with Alex refusing to move. And why? Because! Somehow, Alex knows that there are no children his own age on his new street (which happens to be a thousand miles away). There are kids his brothers’ ages, though. Because the world is unduly cruel to Alex.

2. Alex decides (based on the lack of boys his own age on his new street) that he will stay where he is. He’ll just move in with the neighbours! I’m sure they’ll be pleased to have a random bratty kid show up on their doorstep!

3. If the whole neighbour thing doesn’t work out, there’s always a tree house. You gotta love the picture of his parents standing below it, searching for their cleverly hidden son. The mother is sobbing…the dad kinda looks like he’s half-assing the search. “No, honey. I don’t see him anywhere. Let’s just go inside and start packing. I’m sure he’ll turn up eventually. Or not. Whatever.”

4. Alex’s brother suggests that Alex might stay at the zoo. I’m with him on that one.

5. Alex has to take one more look at all his ‘special places.’ Alex has to say goodbye to all of his ‘special people’. He complains throughout the entire process. I’m guessing the ‘special people’ are all having a party after Alex leaves. You know, because he’ll be out of their lives forever.

6. Alex decides maybe he’ll hide on his parents right before the moving van leaves. I would encourage this, if I was Alex’s mom. “Sure, son. Try to hide! And we’ll totes look for you. Honest! If we don’t find you right away, it just means you’re winning the game! Goooo you!”

7. Eventually, Alex realizes that he has to move. His parents promise that he’ll be able to call his friends long distance and they assure him that he’ll make some new pals at some point…oh, and they bribe him with a dog.

So…the moral of the story? Throw a big whiny fit when you don’t get what you want, and maybe your dad will buy you a puppy!

Judith, I did not enjoy the first story…and I enjoyed this one even less. Out of ten ridiculously long titles, I give this book a paltry three.

Title: Chicka Chicka Boom Boom

Author: Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault

Illustrator: Lois Ehlert

Age Group: 2-5 years old

The plot, in three sentences or less: The lowercase alphabet heads up a coconut tree, but things get a little crazy and everyone falls out! The uppercase alphabet comes to the rescue of their ‘little dears’. The story ends with lowercase ‘a’ daring everyone to join him in the coconut tree again.

The Good:

* A lot of ABC books leave much to be desired. This one is a winner.

* The rhythm of the poetry is so catchy. I always feel like I’m at open mike night at a beat cafe when I’m reading this to The Grumpkin.

* The illustrations are simple but striking and colorful. Totally lovely to look at.

The Bad:

* As a Canadian, it drives me kinda nuts that I have to say “zee” instead of “zed” when reading the story to make it rhyme properly. I know, I know. It’s a little thing. But still. I’m going to stick by my Canadian-ness and complain. And then promptly apologize.

* My mom had trouble reading this one. She didn’t get the whole ‘read it like beat poetry’ thing and tried reading it straight. The Grumpkin gave her a withering look and closed the book. My mother said, “I hate this book. It’s terrible.” I then showed her how to read it properly and she admitted “Wow, that’s really good when you read it right.” So read it right, parents/grandparents. Just get into it! You’re centre stage! Tap into your inner beatnik!

My Overall Opinion:

The Grumpkin (age 15 months) already recognizes the letter V (the first letter of her actual name). That’s a pretty ringing endorsement, right there. She also LOVES the alphabet at the end of the story, and enjoys waving along with the alphabet song (she’s not quite ready to sing it yet). So get your own copy and get reading, jive turkey.

Wait, that’s not right. Well, you get the idea.

Title: Goodnight, Gorilla

Author: Peggy Rathmann

Age Group: 1-3 years old

The plot, in three sentences or less: The zookeeper is saying goodnight to all the animals, but he’s being trailed by a sneaky gorilla who happens to have his key ring! All the animals follow the zookeeper right into his bedroom, and have to be escorted back to the zoo by the zookeeper’s wife. The gorilla, however, sneaks back into bed with them in the end.

The Good:

* This book has so few words, yet is so amazingly captivating. The Grumpkin has loved this one for about six months now.

* The art is colorful and adorable. I love the giraffe!

* The story is peaceful. It’s naturally conducive to going to bed.

* It’s a quick read. Trust me, after the eightieth time (in one night), this is appreciated.

* For the observant ones in the crowd, check out the journey the balloon takes (in the background of each page) while the story progresses. Nice touch!

The Bad:

* Truthfully, I’ve got nothing. This is a great book for the little ‘uns.

My Overall Opinion:

Definitely a super one for bedtime. The Grumpkin will, however, request this book at any point in the day. Her favourite page (by far) is the one where the wife realizes the animals are in the room with her. It’s the surprised expression that gets my gal giggling.

So pick it up. What are you waiting for? 🙂

Title: Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!

Author: Mo Willems

Age Group: 2-5 years old

The plot, in three sentences or less: The pigeon REALLY wants to drive the bus, but the bus driver specifically asked you NOT to let him. So, you know, even if he asks a LOT (and he will), don’t let the pigeon drive the bus.

The Good:

* Everything Mo Willems does is brilliant. There, I said it. I am a HUGE fan, and I admit: I had this book years before I had The Grumpkin.
* This book is perfect because it allows a toddler to finally take the role of the person who gets to say ‘no’ all the time. The toddler is usually in the pigeon’s shoes, so this is a nice change.
* I love the art. I especially LOVE the “LET ME DRIVE THE BUS!” page. I still giggle at it. And I’ve read the book well over 100 times. So either I’m easily amused, or it’s awesome. Or maybe both.
* The Grumpkin thinks the whole story is just gosh-darn hilarious.

The Bad:

* Nothing to say here. I love the pigeon.

Extend it:
* The best thing about this book is the pigeon’s mercurial moods. We discuss the way he feels and how he has his ‘great big pigeon tantrum’ to get his way. The Grumpkin enjoys the tantrum immensely.

A little anecdote:
I was with The Grumpkin saying goodbye to my BFF at the bus station. As we were parting ways, a pigeon walked through. I pointed it out to The Grumpkin and said, “Look, that pigeon wants to drive that bus!” And I swear, she was delighted. She wouldn’t stop staring at the pigeon until we left. I guess she was either waiting to say no, or waiting for a great big pigeon tantrum.

My Overall Opinion:
No collection of kid lit is complete without this Caldecott Honor book. Get it now! Your life will be 100% richer in pigeons.

Title: Are You a Cow?

Author: Sandra Boynton

The plot, in three sentences: The reader is asked if they are a variety of animals. The answer is, of course, always no. The perceptive penguin at the end of the story realizes that the child is themselves – and that’s just great.

The audience: 6 months-2 years

The Good:

* The pictures are adorable, as they are in all Sandra Boynton books.

* The Grumpkin is a big fan of this one, especially the ending (and especially if it involves a tummy tickle).

* The bear in sunglasses. I’m a sucker for a bear in sunglasses.
The Bad:

* The only ‘bad’ thing is the fact that the chicken appears twice. Why not use a different animal the second time?

Extend it:

* We name each animal and discuss its features (“The chicken has white feathers! The bear has brown fur and very becoming sunglasses!”).

* We talk about what noises each animal makes as we read the story.

* We also ask “Is Daddy a cow?” “Is Mama a chicken?” (Only when it comes to the dentist.)

Overall: You need this adorable board book in your collection. Your munchkin will love it.

Title: Grumpy Bird

Author: Jeremy Tankard

Age Group: 1-4 years

The Plot, in three sentences or less: Bird wakes up in a really grumpy mood – so grumpy, in fact, that he can’t even fly. As he stomps past various friends (other animals), they decide to join him on his walk. In the end, Bird has such a great time on his constitutional that he forgets all about his bad mood.

The Good:
When we first got this book, The Grumpkin wasn’t feeling it, to be honest. Recently, though, it has become her go-to book. She loves the different animals (and the fact that each one has its own silly voice, courtesy of my husband and I) and she absolutely adores the page where Bird finally looks happy. She points at his face and smiles every time. Aw.

The Bad:
There really isn’t anything bad about this book; I love the art and the rhythm of the text and the story itself. It’s a great one to read (and read and read).

Extend it:

* We always talk about what each animal says (the noise they make).

* We also talk about the moods in the book; mostly Bird’s.

* Finally, we like to poke at the worm on the last page and discuss why a raccoon, sheep, fox, beaver and rabbit might not be so enthusiastic about having it for a snack. Great life lessons all around.

My Overall Opinion:

You need this one for your collection. Your little one will love it, trust me. Here’s a little link!