Trainbots by Miranda Paul reviewed for Perfect Picture Book Friday #PPBF

  I had to be MIA for a few Fridays and have two posts today to catch up a bit. Scroll up (or down, depending on which you started on!) to be sure you don't miss anything.

  Do kids love trains? Yes.

  Do kids love robots? Yup.

  Put them together and what do you get?  Trainbots!   

Title: Trainbots                      

Author: Miranda Paul
Illustrator: Shane McG
Publisher: Little Bee Books, coming June 7, 2016
Intended Ages: 4-8
Themes: Trains, Adventure, Robots
Synopsis:   Good and evil square off with a toy delivery at stake. The trainbots have to work together when Badbots try to stop a delivery of toybots on their way for children to play with.
Opening line(s): "Trainbots drawing, sawing, building. 
                           Hammer, clamor, lots of gilding."
What I like about this book: Good rhyme is hard to do! Read the opening lines out loud. Hear the chugga-chugga rhythm? Ms. Paul maintains the quick pace throughout, varying rhythm enough to keep it from becoming sing-songy. The story reminds me of a fantasy version of The Little Engine that Could. No talking down to children here, the rich language will have train and bot lovers matching words and visuals in the illustrations.
   The spiky, angular badbots are larger than the trainbots, subtly reinforcing the message that little kids can work together and accomplish big things--bigger than the bad guys.
  My review copy was a pre-release F&G so I didn't see final art for the final several spreads, but I'm guessing there's going to be a market for cuddly toybots! 

Resources/Activities: 

• I googled "train activities for kids" and got a long list of possibilities! Preschool Express had some great simple ideas for crafting and games.

• For older readers- Make a list of all of the verbs in the story. Try to use each in a new sentence.

• Would you want a toybot? Why or why not? What else could the train bring? Ride a local train--what do you see (Trainbots?!).

• Reading builds up an appetitie. Mommy Moment's blog wants kids to eat their veggies--off the veggie train.  And Makinglearningfun.com has a savory twist using crackers and cheese.

Trainbots is available for pre-order. 

This review is part of PPBF (Perfect Picture Book Friday) where bloggers share great picture books. Organized and curated by author Susanna Leonard Hill, she keeps an ever-growing list of Perfect Picture Books. #PPBF

Note: My review is based on a Folded and Gathered review copy received from the author in exchange for my honest review. No other compensation was received.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Mermaid and the Shoe - Perfect Picture Book Friday #PPBF

      I read about this book somewhere and put it on my "list." If you're like me, your list can be long! And my library doesn't have all of the books. And my budget for book buying runs out waaay before my list ends. So I'm pleased that I finally got this book through inter-library loan. It was worth the wait!


TITLE: The Mermaid and the Shoe   

  AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR: K. G. Campbell   
Publisher: Kids Can Press, 2014
Intended Age:
Themes: Self-esteem/discovery, adventure
Opening lines: "King Neptune had fifty daughters. 
                             They were his pride and joy."

Synopsis: When an unfamiliar item sinks into Minnow's world under the sea she sets off to find its purpose, and in doing so finds her own.

What I like about this book: It feels like an old fable. Going against current trends in picture books, the main character isn't introduced until the third page. First the scene, tone and mood are set. The muted underwater illustrations bring to mind the real-life shadowy underwater world, with bright colors saved for Minnow's peek of the world above water. But the bright colors don't signal a longing for another life or another world like other mermaid stories. Minnow's curiosity and fearlessness combine with an overlooked talent that makes this mermaid a happy one right at home where she belongs. One of my favorite lines is also one that may not be a favorite with everyone:
             "Useless!" hissed Calypso (for sisters can be mean that way). 
While I don't think all sisters are mean (!), for me it captured the tumultuous emotions of childhood, but others may feel differently. That's a good talking point below.
(Fun note: the author/illustrator also illustrated Kate Di Camillo's book Flora and Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures)

Resources:

•  Take a walk and look for lost objects. Make up stories about where they came from and what they can be used for. Some of the stories can be realistic, some fantastical! (Bring heavy gloves and a bag if you want to pick the objects up--they may be dirty or sharp! Have an adult pick it up.)
• Talk about brothers and sisters. Is this story an accurate portrayal of people you know? What could the older sisters have done differently? 
• An extensive review (giving away the ending-spoiler alert!) in School Library Journal
• Recycle an old pair of shoes as a planter, a jewelery box like Minnow tried, or some other idea you come up with!
  

This review is part of PPBF (perfect picture book Friday) where bloggers share great picture books at Susanna Leonard Hill's site. Along with tons of writing wisdom, she keeps an ever-growing list of Perfect Picture Books. #PPBF

Thanks again for stopping by!

HUGO AND THE REALLY, REALLY LONG STRING #PPBF

     Maybe it's the arrival of the cool weather we had this week.
     Maybe it's the recycle truck arriving at 5AM.
     Or maybe I've just been channeling Grumpy Cat. Because I didn't find a "perfect" picture book to spotlight last week. There is a PERFECT one out there. I read it and loved it. But everyone and the kitchen sink has already reviewed it, singing its praises. And they're all right. If it's possible to make baby elephants and cupcakes more deliciously adorable, the author succeeds. But does the world really need another review of that book right now?? Probably not. So if you haven't read Little Elliot, Big City go do it! The link takes you to the page with the activity guide.
     Luckily, I stumbled across an older book that made the grade this week!

 Title: Hugo and the Really, Really Long String         

Author/Illustrator: Bob Boyle
Publisher: Bolder Media Inc./Random House, 2010
Themes: Adventure, Friendship
Intended Ages: 2-7

Synopsis: (from publisher) In a little house on the top of a hill lives a happy little guy named Hugo. When Hugo sees a mysterious red string, he just knows hes going to find something wonderful at the end of it! Hugos journey takes him across the river, underground, and throughout town—all while gathering curious new friends along the way!

Opening line: (Warning! This was my least favorite part of the book-keep reading!)
     In a little house on the top of a hill lived a happy little guy named Hugo and his playful dog, Biscuit.

Why I like this book: The book is pure silliness. The MC is a short huge-headed purple creature with what look like giraffe knobs on his head. He wears a black necktie. One of the other creatures he meets along the way is named Mr. Alligator Police. A class of young birds lifts their teacher (Mrs. Snake) into the air! You get to follow the increasing cast of characters through underground tunnels and even a noodle shop! And all the while, the other characters who are draped with a LONG red string appear oblivious to it. Giggle inducing. But then there's the refrain "There must be something special at the end!" A profound message cloaked in the absurdity of the story. Great stuff.

Resources: I'm a huge fan of the ages-old string and balloon art. All you need is a paper plate to put glue on, a few small balloons (partially blown up!) and string or yarn. Multi-colors are exciting! Dip the string in the glue and wrap it on the balloon. Wait until it dries and then pop the balloon and ta-da! Something that looks like it's from the Museum of Modern Art is revealed. :)
There are crafty websites with all sorts of great ideas for string craft projects for kids.Try Kid Activities here or Artists helping Children (good ideas for making holiday or birthday gifts, too! Can anyone have too many pencil holders? Not at my house.)
Follow a trail (real or imaginary) for your own adventure.
Read other books about string. Just how long can a long string be?! by Keith Baker is another fun one!

This review is part of PPBF (perfect picture book Friday) where bloggers share great picture books at Susanna Leonard Hill's site. Along with tons of writing wisdom, she keeps an ever-growing list of Perfect Picture Books. #PPBF