Author – Red Fox
Pocoyo and his friends, Pato, Elly, and Loula, share four stories for young readers. The first, A Little Cloud, seems to be determined to put a damper on Pocoyo’s day. After what seems to be a battle of wits, Pocoyo and the cloud come to an agreement. The cloud has a lesson for Pocoyo and his friends about friendship. In Swept Away, Pocoyo is expecting company but has a mess to clean up first. When his imagination gets the best of him, he must hurry before Elly arrives. Why is it that toys must be picked up just to pull them out again? Pocoyo comes across an umbrella in the third story, Umbrella, Umbrella, and a new game is found. Sure enough the wind and rain aren’t far behind. The fourth story is all about a birthday party and what Pocoyo decides to give Elly. It’s all about Pocoyo and his imagination.
Pocoyo – Story Time is developed through the Learning Through Laughter Series, which is a television show. Children who do not have the advantage of watching the show on TV may not appreciate the characters, which come directly from the TV series. There is not any illustration, per se. also, the recommended reading level is 4-8. The text of the book is more conducive towards readers in the age group of 3-5, and better if it is backed up with the TV series.
BIBLIO: 2006, Random House Children’s Books, Ages 4-8, $9.99.
REVIEWER: Debby Willett
FORMAT: Picture Book
ISBN: 978-1-862-30391-1
REVIEWED FOR: Children’s Literature, Online Version, 9-9-10
Sunday, September 12, 2010
The Derby Ram
Adapted by John M. Feierabend
Illustrated by Jackie Roche
The Derby Ram is an adaption of a folksong believed to be originally sung in Derby, England. Different stories are associated with the folksong in England and now in the United States. It is said, by the text of the song, there was a ram that was so big the wool on his back reached into the sky. Because his back reached up so high, eagles built nests there.
This book is more appropriate for a music class or even perhaps a piano teacher, as the music score and lyrics are available in the back of the book. While the illustrations are pretty, they give an ethereal effect rather than engaging readers into the text. The suggested age is 4-8, again, this is not a book most parents would just sit down and read to a child. Especially the sing-song is a distraction for a simple reading. At the end of the book, Feierabend has included a wealth of information regarding “The Derby Ram” that is helpful in understanding why he choose to adapt this folksong. Finally, a free mp3 can be downloaded by following the directions in the book.
BIBLIO: 2010, GIA Publications, Inc., Ages 4-8, $16.95.
REVIEWER: Debby Willett
FORMAT: Picture Book
ISBN: 978-1-57999-783-0
REVIEWED FOR: Children’s Literature, Online Version, 9-9-10
Illustrated by Jackie Roche
The Derby Ram is an adaption of a folksong believed to be originally sung in Derby, England. Different stories are associated with the folksong in England and now in the United States. It is said, by the text of the song, there was a ram that was so big the wool on his back reached into the sky. Because his back reached up so high, eagles built nests there.
This book is more appropriate for a music class or even perhaps a piano teacher, as the music score and lyrics are available in the back of the book. While the illustrations are pretty, they give an ethereal effect rather than engaging readers into the text. The suggested age is 4-8, again, this is not a book most parents would just sit down and read to a child. Especially the sing-song is a distraction for a simple reading. At the end of the book, Feierabend has included a wealth of information regarding “The Derby Ram” that is helpful in understanding why he choose to adapt this folksong. Finally, a free mp3 can be downloaded by following the directions in the book.
BIBLIO: 2010, GIA Publications, Inc., Ages 4-8, $16.95.
REVIEWER: Debby Willett
FORMAT: Picture Book
ISBN: 978-1-57999-783-0
REVIEWED FOR: Children’s Literature, Online Version, 9-9-10
My Vancouver Sketchbook
Robert Perry
Illustrations by Greta Guzek
The narrator, Marina, has a concept of journeying through Vancouver with a paintbrush and palette in hand that may seem a little daunting, but with her sketchbook she seems determined. Hence the title, My Vancouver Sketchbook, and Marina’s adventure spans from dawn ‘till dark. Going through the Nitobe Memorial Garden, Marina paints the blossoms that must be reflections of a small Japanese retreat. From mountains and beaches, and a children’s festival to the Maritime Museum she paints it all. The text rhymes with short bursts of poetry, no more than four lines at a time that draws the reader to the illustrations. The sights are a multitude of visions – ferryboats, pigeons, flying kites, Canadian Geese, puppets, a wood carver, and so much more.
This book is a perfect argument of what came first, the text or the illustration. The artists worked well together and the book looks exactly like Marina’s sketchbook. The illustrations are beautiful watercolors – almost makes you wonder just how Marina managed during the course of her day! In the middle of the book is a two-page map of Marina’s journey, which is a perfect stop for young readers to engage with the rhyming text. Kudos to Perry and Guzek for an introduction to Vancouver that even those of us south of the border can enjoy!
BIBLIO: 2001, Nightwood Editions, Ages K - Up, $9.95.
REVIEWER: Debby Willett
FORMAT: Picture Book / Rhyming Text
ISBN: 978-0-88971-248-5
REVIEWED FOR: Children’s Literature, Online Version, 9-9-10
Illustrations by Greta Guzek
The narrator, Marina, has a concept of journeying through Vancouver with a paintbrush and palette in hand that may seem a little daunting, but with her sketchbook she seems determined. Hence the title, My Vancouver Sketchbook, and Marina’s adventure spans from dawn ‘till dark. Going through the Nitobe Memorial Garden, Marina paints the blossoms that must be reflections of a small Japanese retreat. From mountains and beaches, and a children’s festival to the Maritime Museum she paints it all. The text rhymes with short bursts of poetry, no more than four lines at a time that draws the reader to the illustrations. The sights are a multitude of visions – ferryboats, pigeons, flying kites, Canadian Geese, puppets, a wood carver, and so much more.
This book is a perfect argument of what came first, the text or the illustration. The artists worked well together and the book looks exactly like Marina’s sketchbook. The illustrations are beautiful watercolors – almost makes you wonder just how Marina managed during the course of her day! In the middle of the book is a two-page map of Marina’s journey, which is a perfect stop for young readers to engage with the rhyming text. Kudos to Perry and Guzek for an introduction to Vancouver that even those of us south of the border can enjoy!
BIBLIO: 2001, Nightwood Editions, Ages K - Up, $9.95.
REVIEWER: Debby Willett
FORMAT: Picture Book / Rhyming Text
ISBN: 978-0-88971-248-5
REVIEWED FOR: Children’s Literature, Online Version, 9-9-10
Mommy Is a Soft, Warm Kiss
Rhonda Gowler Greene
Illustrated by Maggie Smith
Rhyming text shows the excited story of a daughter’s tale of time with her mommy. Planting the garden is fun, not a chore, because it’s with mommy. Waking up in the morning when mommy tickles her awake is more fun than simply being called. A summer day at the beach when mommy is buried in the sand, being rocked to sleep all cozy in her lap, and helping with the Thanksgiving dinner. When the winter comes with the soft white snow and even when being sick in bed – her mommy makes it all very special.
Little girls love their mommies and this book is the quintessential example of that love. The rhyming text is perfect, the colorful illustrations not only meet the text but flow like a mind merge between author and illustrator. A card is included which makes this book a perfect gift between daughter and mother – at any age. Put it on your home shelf, give it as a gift. This is not a book any mother with a daughter should miss.
BIBLIO: 2010, Walker & Company, Ages 3-6, $14.99.
REVIEWER: Debby Willett
FORMAT: Picture Book / Rhyming Text
ISBN: 978-0-8027-9729-2
REVIEWED FOR: Children’s Literature, Online Version, 9-9-10
Illustrated by Maggie Smith
Rhyming text shows the excited story of a daughter’s tale of time with her mommy. Planting the garden is fun, not a chore, because it’s with mommy. Waking up in the morning when mommy tickles her awake is more fun than simply being called. A summer day at the beach when mommy is buried in the sand, being rocked to sleep all cozy in her lap, and helping with the Thanksgiving dinner. When the winter comes with the soft white snow and even when being sick in bed – her mommy makes it all very special.
Little girls love their mommies and this book is the quintessential example of that love. The rhyming text is perfect, the colorful illustrations not only meet the text but flow like a mind merge between author and illustrator. A card is included which makes this book a perfect gift between daughter and mother – at any age. Put it on your home shelf, give it as a gift. This is not a book any mother with a daughter should miss.
BIBLIO: 2010, Walker & Company, Ages 3-6, $14.99.
REVIEWER: Debby Willett
FORMAT: Picture Book / Rhyming Text
ISBN: 978-0-8027-9729-2
REVIEWED FOR: Children’s Literature, Online Version, 9-9-10
Happy Birthday, Bertie!
Marcus Pfister
Bertie is having a birthday and three of his best friends are coming. Before they come though, there is so much to do. First he wants to have a bath, which reminds him of the gift he hopes his daddy is giving him, goggles, for when he goes swimming! The most important thing is baking his birthday cake and he is going to help his daddy. After the chocolate frosting, they put on candies and candles and Bertie asks if he can open daddy’s present. But daddy wants him to wait. Decorations have to go up and then the doorbell rings – Hannah, Alex, and Benny arrive for the party. With presents for Bertie! After playing and singing happy birthday to Bertie they all sit down to eat the cake. Finally it is time to open the presents. What will Bertie get?
This book is an interesting concept. Most books are focused on children with families or children with mothers, but this one is a child and his daddy. This is important because the daddy-child relationship is one that seems to be neglected. Pfister’s story shows a loving relationship with his son that is built through helping, fun, and caring. The colorful illustrations of hippos add an element of fancy that transcends race, even gender. It is a fun book to read and the age appropriateness is correct to the level suggested. Add this book to a home, public, or school library – children will not be disappointed.
BIBLIO: 2010, NorthSouth, Ages 4-8, $16.95.
REVIEWER: Debby Willett
FORMAT: Picture Book
ISBN: 978-0-7358-2280-1
REVIEWED FOR: Children’s Literature, Online Version, 9-9-10
Bertie is having a birthday and three of his best friends are coming. Before they come though, there is so much to do. First he wants to have a bath, which reminds him of the gift he hopes his daddy is giving him, goggles, for when he goes swimming! The most important thing is baking his birthday cake and he is going to help his daddy. After the chocolate frosting, they put on candies and candles and Bertie asks if he can open daddy’s present. But daddy wants him to wait. Decorations have to go up and then the doorbell rings – Hannah, Alex, and Benny arrive for the party. With presents for Bertie! After playing and singing happy birthday to Bertie they all sit down to eat the cake. Finally it is time to open the presents. What will Bertie get?
This book is an interesting concept. Most books are focused on children with families or children with mothers, but this one is a child and his daddy. This is important because the daddy-child relationship is one that seems to be neglected. Pfister’s story shows a loving relationship with his son that is built through helping, fun, and caring. The colorful illustrations of hippos add an element of fancy that transcends race, even gender. It is a fun book to read and the age appropriateness is correct to the level suggested. Add this book to a home, public, or school library – children will not be disappointed.
BIBLIO: 2010, NorthSouth, Ages 4-8, $16.95.
REVIEWER: Debby Willett
FORMAT: Picture Book
ISBN: 978-0-7358-2280-1
REVIEWED FOR: Children’s Literature, Online Version, 9-9-10
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Hip-Pocket Papa
Sandra Markle
Picture Book (4-7)
Rating: 5
Deep in Australia’s temperate rainforest, December has been a very dry summer. Hip-Pocket Papa is the perfect picture book with a story of a male hip-pocket frog that is no bigger than a thumbnail. He and his mate have been guarding a dozen pearl-like eggs from possible predators. A centipede, no longer than a grain of rice, arrives looking for food. The dad, using his long tongue snags that centipede and swallows it whole – even though it was far bigger than he was. For three more days the two hip-pocket frogs take their turns guarding and feeding their tiny eggs. Finally, when the twelve eggs hatch, the female hip-pocket frog has done her job and leaves the rest to her partner. He will care for the little tadpoles, feeding himself, and protecting his young until they are old enough to be on their own. One question is how will he protect the little tadpoles? Why is he called ‘hip-pocket’ papa?
Science is such a difficult subject to introduce to young readers. Authors have to decide how much information is enough, or how much is too much. Sandra Markle has done a remarkable job introducing a type of frog that most readers, regardless of age, have probably never heard of. The information given is appropriate for the ages and for sharing. The illustrations are bright and engaging, and bring the text to life. There is so much for the young readers to see on the pages. At the end of the book more information is provided in the animal glossary, and the author has provided more resources at the back. Markle did an excellent job on this book. It should not be missed.
Debby Willett
©2010
Previously published in the August 2010 issue of the Christian Library Journal.
Picture Book (4-7)
Rating: 5
Deep in Australia’s temperate rainforest, December has been a very dry summer. Hip-Pocket Papa is the perfect picture book with a story of a male hip-pocket frog that is no bigger than a thumbnail. He and his mate have been guarding a dozen pearl-like eggs from possible predators. A centipede, no longer than a grain of rice, arrives looking for food. The dad, using his long tongue snags that centipede and swallows it whole – even though it was far bigger than he was. For three more days the two hip-pocket frogs take their turns guarding and feeding their tiny eggs. Finally, when the twelve eggs hatch, the female hip-pocket frog has done her job and leaves the rest to her partner. He will care for the little tadpoles, feeding himself, and protecting his young until they are old enough to be on their own. One question is how will he protect the little tadpoles? Why is he called ‘hip-pocket’ papa?
Science is such a difficult subject to introduce to young readers. Authors have to decide how much information is enough, or how much is too much. Sandra Markle has done a remarkable job introducing a type of frog that most readers, regardless of age, have probably never heard of. The information given is appropriate for the ages and for sharing. The illustrations are bright and engaging, and bring the text to life. There is so much for the young readers to see on the pages. At the end of the book more information is provided in the animal glossary, and the author has provided more resources at the back. Markle did an excellent job on this book. It should not be missed.
Debby Willett
©2010
Previously published in the August 2010 issue of the Christian Library Journal.
Kyle’s Island
Sally Derby
Young Adult (YA)
Rating: 5
In 1974, Kyle has anticipated his summer at the family cottage after a difficult past. His dad left, his grandmother died, and his mother has troubles that only a single parent can really understand. The cottage has no indoor plumbing and the water is drawn from the pump outside. The family history is written on the walls and updated as seen fit. Kyle loves this family cottage and when his mother puts it up for sale; he does what is necessary to keep it in the family. The first buyers are not very impressed with the “homey” atmosphere and are more interested in tearing it down. Kyle, though, remembers something his dad taught him, about controlling his temper, and putting his energy to better use. Across the lake is the island he is finally old enough to explore by himself.
Kyle’s Island is a story of a young boy’s growth through loss, new perspective, and a willingness to learn, “Mostly we don’t know about other people”. The author, Sally Derby, creates a scenario around Kyle and his siblings dealing with a series of life’s difficulties almost any young teenager can relate to. At almost thirteen and dealing with the death of a grandparent, Kyle does not want to lose the only physical representation of his family history―the cottage. Derby brings the frustration of youth through Kyle’s voice, while juxtaposing those voices of his siblings―older sister Vicky, twin sister Andrea, and younger brother Josh. It is interesting to read through the eyes of a pre-teen boy and watch his growth over a summer. This is Derby’s first novel, and she does it well.
Debby Willett
©2010
Previously published in the August 2010 issue of the Christian Library Journal.
Young Adult (YA)
Rating: 5
In 1974, Kyle has anticipated his summer at the family cottage after a difficult past. His dad left, his grandmother died, and his mother has troubles that only a single parent can really understand. The cottage has no indoor plumbing and the water is drawn from the pump outside. The family history is written on the walls and updated as seen fit. Kyle loves this family cottage and when his mother puts it up for sale; he does what is necessary to keep it in the family. The first buyers are not very impressed with the “homey” atmosphere and are more interested in tearing it down. Kyle, though, remembers something his dad taught him, about controlling his temper, and putting his energy to better use. Across the lake is the island he is finally old enough to explore by himself.
Kyle’s Island is a story of a young boy’s growth through loss, new perspective, and a willingness to learn, “Mostly we don’t know about other people”. The author, Sally Derby, creates a scenario around Kyle and his siblings dealing with a series of life’s difficulties almost any young teenager can relate to. At almost thirteen and dealing with the death of a grandparent, Kyle does not want to lose the only physical representation of his family history―the cottage. Derby brings the frustration of youth through Kyle’s voice, while juxtaposing those voices of his siblings―older sister Vicky, twin sister Andrea, and younger brother Josh. It is interesting to read through the eyes of a pre-teen boy and watch his growth over a summer. This is Derby’s first novel, and she does it well.
Debby Willett
©2010
Previously published in the August 2010 issue of the Christian Library Journal.
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