Papillon Goes to the Vet AND Max Attacks

The coronavirus has changed many things in our world. Luckily, humorous books for kids are out there, to keep their world less stressful.

I'm a dog person. I've been one for as long as I have memories. Maybe it's the Siamese that attacked me repeatedly. Maybe it was the kitten I rescued from a tree that clawed my neck in thanks. But--I'm a dog person. But these two books are so funny and sweet, I have to admit to a smile.

First Title:    Papillon Goes to the Vet               
Author/Illustrator: A. N. Kang

Publisher: Disney Hyperion, 2017
Intended Ages:4-8
Themes: Humor, Sickness

Opening Line(s):
"Papillon is a very fluffy cat. He can float like a cloud in the sky."
 
Synopsis: A playtime accident lands a cat at the veterinarian (no worries cat lovers--there's a happy ending!).

What I like about this book:
This story combines absurdity and reality in a charming way. A bird and a cat are best friends! And the cat--well, it can do things no real cat can, in a believable setting and story. The squirrel in the background of the illustrations adds more humor.

Second Title: Max Attacks
Author: Kathi Appelt     
                

Illustrator: Penelope Dullaghan
Publisher: Atheneum, 2019
Intended Ages: 4-8
Themes: Animals, humor


Opening Line (s): "This is Max. He attacks. In a bowl of water brimming . . . Fishes! Lots of fishes swimming."

 Synopsis: A slice of life look at a cat that fancies himself a predatory champ, but turns out to be a better napper.


 What I like About this book: Don't we all fancy ourselves a bit more skilled than we are in reality? I know I do! Max is an endearing look at an ordinary cat and his foibles. Told in rhyme, this story is a fun read aloud.

 
Resources:

•  Compare and contrast the cats in these two books.
• Make cat toys for a local shelter (call ahead to see if they're open, or deliver them later)
• Read about animal "manners" and training methods. The ASPCA is one source for information.
• If you have pets of your own, check your pet's toys for loose bits or hazards. Fix them or throw them away.
• Play with your pet and see who tires out first!
• Draw a picture of your pet, or one you'd like to have.

I hope you enjoy these books. Happy reading!

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

Windows With Birds - Perfect Picture Book Friday

I have a new favorite book about moving (sorry, Sesame Street!).

It was one of those lucky finds. The cover is nice, but not the sort of cover that grabs you by the throat and says “READ ME.”  But I was browsing the author R’s and I hadn’t seen this book before so I picked it up.

This book is a master class for the writer’s rule to say everything you need to say with as few words as possible. I’m not moving. I don’t have a cat. Still, the words gripped me and pulled me in.

Title: Windows With Birds

Author/Illustrator: Karen Ritz

Publisher: Boyds Mills Press, 2010

Audience:4-8

Themes: Moving, Family, Home, Cats

Opening: This was the house (page turn)

                that had windows with birds (turn)

                twenty-six stairs, twenty-nine hiding places (turn)

                and one foolish mouse in the basement. ( turn)

Synopsis: You experience a move from a sprawling single family home to a smaller, high-rise apartment from a cat’s point of view. Without schmatz, the author conveys the feelings of disorientation and difficulty that accompanies a move. As a writer, I especially enjoyed Ms. Ritz’s switch from past to present tense and the judicious use of the words house and home to let the reader know that what is truly important to a family travels with them wherever they are together.

Resources/Activities:Apart from the message about moving, this book brings up an interesting question about how our surroundings make a place feel like home. Without going to look, ask kids to draw a picture of what they could see outside their favorite window. Make a list of what makes the place you live feel like home. The Librarians' Choices blog suggests that older readers can "create their own stories about “change” moments and imagine it from the perspective of an animal." If you are moving and you have animals, read this book then go to these posts by the San Francisco SPCA and the Humane Society of the United States.

Is this book new to you? Let me know. If not, I'd love to hear what you thought of it!

This review is part of PPBF (perfect picture book Friday) where bloggers share great picture books at Susanna Leonard Hill's site. She keeps an ever-growing list of Perfect Picture Books.