The Day Fin Flooded the World by Adam Stower

We lived in the UK for four years and I spent a lot of time hauling books back from the local library to read to our kids. I don't know if it's because of that, but I find I have a particular affinity for books by British and other European authors. Today is one of them.

Title: The Day Fin Flooded the World

Author/Illustrator: Adam Stower

Publisher: Andersen Press USA, 2023

Themes: Humor, Forgetfulness, Point of View

Ages: Suitable for 2+

Opening Lines:

"In a house beside the sea lived a forgetful boy called Fin. Every morning he forgot to make his bed, brush his hair, and switch off his lamp."

Why I like this book: 

I'm a big fan of absurdity and I like to laugh. Honestly, a lot of real life is absurd! Fin's expressions and dialogue--his regretful truthfulness--resonated with my experiences with the young ones in my life. The colorful illustrations bring a make-believe world to life.

Activities:

• Talk about Fin's character. What do you like about him? What do you dislike? 
• Pick one of the fish in the illustrations and write their story. Where were they going? What were they going to do?
• Try to remember a time you forgot something. Did something good or bad happen as a result?
• Compare the Bird Queen to Mo Willem's pigeon. How is it similar and different in appearance and personality?
• Read about scuba diving and compare it to Fin's experience.
• Make a Paper mobile with fish on it with Teacher Sheila!

I enjoy hearing if you enjoyed this book recommendation. My review is part of Perfect Picture Book Friday created and hosted by author Susanna Leonard Hill. The opinion in the review is wholly my own.

A Review by Wendy Greenley of How To Count to 1 written by Caspar Salmon, art by Matt Hunt

 There are some picture book titles that make me laugh. The book I'm reviewing today is one of them!

And the bright colors on the cover--ahhh--I had to take this one home.

Title: How To Count To 1

Publisher: Nosy Crow, 2022, Concept book

Author: Caspar Salmon

Illustrator: Matt Hunt

Suitable for Ages: 2+

Themes: Numbers, Humor

Opening Lines: Note: These deadpan lines do NOT show the broad humor that had me laughing

"Hello!

Welcome to a fun new counting book.

Are you ready to start counting?"

Brief Synopsis: The narrator invites kids to count images on each spread. But the images become wilder, and the items you're being asked to locate and find are more clever with each page turn. If you're a rulebreaker--you might even be able to count higher! Note: The library edition of the book has the endpapers partially covered, and this makes the "final" count for industrious kids more difficult.

Resources: 

• Read this book on the 100th day of school, then ask the listeners why the book is appropriate for this day. 
• Pair the book with other 100th day of school titles. Suggestions are on the Just Reed blog and Read Brightly website here. 
• Practice free printable counting activities from Fun Learning for Kids
• Have readers create their own "tricky" counting lesson using drawings or items collected
• Ask readers whether they think the author really wants them to follow directions. WHy do they think this?

Why I like this book: 

While it certainly can be used for math lessons, I'm all about the humor in this book. The narrator's insistence to follow the rules, and the encouragement to spot the specified items meld perfectly with creative, dynamic over-the-top illustrations. 

I'm always interested to know if you've read this book and what you think!

This review is being shared as part of Susanna Leonard Hill's Perfect Picture Book Friday. 

For the complete list of books with resources, please visit Perfect Picture Books.

I'm a Hare, So There! Book Review

     My friend Julie Rowan-Zoch is an extremely talented illustrator. Check out her work in Louis by Tom Lichtenheld! 

     I had seen a bit of the idea for her author/illustrator debut, but was blown away by the final product.

Do you like picture book characters with attitude? Check! Do you like to learn a little bit about desert creatures? Check! Do you wonder if some animals that look alike are as similar as they appear? Check!

Julie's illustrations convey emotions with simplicity and style. For those of you who have a "no violence" policy, note that there is a Roadrunner/Coyote type moment (an old cartoon to check out for those of you who aren't old enough to know the reference!) of comedic violence near the end to save Hare and Squirrel's lives. For me, it's two thumbs up for I'M A HARE, SO THERE. 

Note: I learned that Google Blogger is no longer supporting Feedburner subscriptions as of July, so I may have to migrate my blog elsewhere. It's disappointing that tech companies do this. I'll try to give everyone a heads up as I figure this out.

Fall Writing Frenzy - Ghouls will be Ghouls by Wendy Greenley

 

 I realize I haven't posted in some time. The pandemic has slowed time for me, but unfortunately not for the rest of the world! I've hesitated to go into the public library since March which for a huge reader like me has been hard. But I don't want to be the one who brings covid germs to older relatives, and so I've been waiting. I think I've reread every book on my shelves. I hope to get back to posting picture book reviews soon.

 Meanwhile--

Kaitlyn Sanchez and Lydia Lukidis are hosting a fun writing contest. Challenged to write a short story (under 200 words) inspired by one of their posted photos, I penned the following. I hope you enjoy it! The photo that inspired the story is posted below.

 

Ghouls will be Ghouls by Wendy Greenley               193 words

“Coming out to sweep the porch?”

I shouldn’t tease my sister. I know it isn’t nice.

But her costume looks more Cinderella than scary witch.

“Sorry. I couldn’t help myself,” I apologize.

“You think yours is better?” She smiles and taps me with her wand.

All forgiven, I look down.

Where’s my cocoa?

Whose socks are these?

Whose feet are these?!

My hands find their way down a strange sports uniform, down strange legs, to large sturdy ankles.

Where are my superhero boots?

Is this me?

Aaarrrggghhh! “Anna! Wait! Come back!”

She waves from the curb and joins her friends.

Shareen and her dad come up the walk. “Where’s Tarah?” she asks.

I’m dumbstruck. She doesn’t recognize me.

I need a mirror!

“She isn’t feeling well,” I mumble to disguise my voice, and bolt inside.

My brain is inside a football player’s body.

Or maybe, my body is—this—now?

Either way, Shareen will have to trick or treat without me while I wait for Anna’s spell to wear off.

It will wear off, won’t it?

Her costume was better than I thought.

I shouldn’t tease my sister!

I really am sorry, now.

 

Thanks for visiting! I'd love to know what you think of my ghoulish tale. 😱

I look forward to visiting your sites in the upcoming days to read your stories! Fall FUN!

Image courtesy of Lydia Lukidis and Unsplash

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

MAXIMILLIAN VILLAINOUS and HAMMERING FOR FREEDOM recommended!

A slew of great picture books have released in the last few months. I'm highlighting just two of them today, one fiction, and one nonfiction.

First up - for all the upcoming Halloween story times!

Title: Maximillian Villainous

Author: Margaret Chiu Greanias          

Illustrator: Lesley Breen Withrow
Publisher: Running Press Kids, 2018
Intended Ages: 4-8
Themes: Monsters, Humor, Kindness

Opening Line: "Maximillian Villainous came from a long line of famous villains. But Max was different from his family."

Synopsis: When a monster chooses a friendly bunny sidekick, he has to decide whether to follow his family's directive to embrace their evil nature or his own inclination to be good.

What I like about this book: The first reason is that the author is one of my critique partners and a friend! I love to see her great story-telling flair out in the world. More than that, this story is FUN! Sure, there's an underlying theme of being true to yourself, and good triumphs over evil, but the language is playful ("evil up!") and the characters' attempts to "reform" and become evil are delightfully silly. Paired with adorable illustrations, this book is a winner. The "monsters" are cute and shouldn't scare your little ones.


Resources and Activities:

• The author has an extensive teacher's guide on her website, and two crafts.
• The website PLAY IDEAS has a great compilation of easy monster crafts (I LOVE the paper roll monsters!) 
• Would you want to be part of Maximillian's family? Why or why not?
• Design a monstrous Halloween costume 
• Read more monster books and compare-what makes a monster a monster? (some of my favorites include Tara Lazar's THE MONSTORE, Tammie Sauer's MOSTLY MONSTERLY and Anne Marie Pace's VAMPIRINA series)

 The second book I've got in the spotlight today is totally different in tone, but no less exciting. 

Title: Hammering for Freedom  

    

Author: Rita Lorraine Hubbard          Illustrator: John Holyfield

Publisher: Lee & Low, 2018
Intended Ages: 7-10
Themes: Slavery, Perseverance, Family

Opening Line: "One starry night in 1810, William "Bill" Lewis was born on a plantation in Winchester, Tennessee."

Synopsis: The true story of a slave who learned the blacksmith trade and worked to try to earn enough money to free his family.

What I like about this book: Inspiring true stories make my heart glad. Throughout history there have been people who toiled without need for public recognition or celebrity to achieve something amazing. I'd like to think these are the real celebrities that deserve our attention. The author and illustrator bring a time in history to life in an accessible story without glossing over the horror of people as property yet keeping a hopeful thread to pull young readers through those "bone-weary years." Readers will also get a feeling for how important a blacksmith was to the community during this time.

Resources and Activities:

• Compare this book with DAVE THE POTTER by Laban Hill.
• Google teaching resources for slavery to find resources available for your reader's age level
• Brainstorm what you would want to do to earn money at your age now, and when you are in your twenties (like Bill).
• Estimate how many tools a blacksmith could make in a day and then watch the TV show Forged with Fire to see modern day forgers in action (does it look easier or harder than you expected?). 
• Find out how much $1000 in 1830 would be today

I hope you enjoy my reviews and look up these books for yourself!

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

THERE WAS AN OLD DRAGON WHO SWALLOWED A KNIGHT

     I have never net Penny Parker Klostermann in person. But I consider her a friend. Why? We belong to several of the same online writing groups, and the writing process is such an intimate one that it engenders feelings of camaraderie that I don't feel in other online relationships.
    My thumbs up for the title today, however, isn't because of any relationship.
     Enjoy this book because it's good fun.

Title: There Was an Old Dragon Who Swallowed a Knight
Author: Penny Parker Klostermann
Illustrator: Ben Mantle
Publisher: Random House
Intended Age: 3-7
Themes: Humor, Gluttony

Opening Line: There was an old dragon who swallowed a knight.
                        I don't know why he swallowed the knight.

Synopsis: A dragon swallows a succession of people and items in this cumulative tale following the structure of "There was an old woman who swallowed a fly."

Why I like this book: The rhyming text is smart and snappy. A great read-along with the refrain: "It's not polite!" The illustrations provide a cutaway view inside the dragon as each new person lands atop the others. While some younger ones may feel sorry for the knight, the illustrator cleverly provided ample warnings to him, so it feels as if the knight got what was coming to him. And all the while the faithful steed keeps "clippity, clippity" clopping--even across the endpapers.

Warning signs aplenty!

Resources/Activities: Random House provided an activity guide.
Susanna Leonard Hill reviewed this book before release in a special Perfect Picture Book Friday post.

Note: I received a review copy from Random House 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.”

Thanks for stopping by! I love to know what you think of my selections.

APES A-GO-GO! Picture book review

There's a reason this title is in all caps.
That's the way it's written on the cover.
Also, that's the tone of this book. Big. Raucous. Fun!

Title: APES A-GO-GO!

Author: Roman Milisic
Illustrator: A. Richard Allen
Publisher: Knopf, 2014 (UK), US release 2015
Intended Age: 4-8
Themes: Cleaning, Good Intentions, Community
First Line: "Once upon a time, there was a lovely town. It was so well kept that it was set to win the Tidiest Town Competition for the third year in a row."

Synopsis: When the persnickety mayor notices that one detail is out-of-whack, a series of Great Apes tries to fix it with comical results.

What I like About this Book: There is a even mix of humorous child and parent appeal in this read aloud. The mayor is the stand-in for a parent who wants things done RIGHT. And the apes are the child-like foils who want to fix things, are completely well-intentioned, but don't always understand how their "fix" will have unintended results. It's probably not a spoiler alert to say that things go downhill quickly!
The author uses a fun read aloud (shout aloud!?) refrain - "Bogo! Pogo! Apes A-Go-Go!" that made me want to beat my chest in Tarzan-like fashion. The illustrator's use of black line over scenes washed with color added energy. The yellow, blue and pink skies, and brown, purple, green, orange and blue apes felt genuine and playful. And who can resist an ape in oven mitts! (FUN FACT - the author is a NY fashion designer who has designed for Lady Gaga)

Activities:
Watch the trailer! Here.

Learn about apes. First-School.ws and Easy Science for Kids have material for this age group.

Is there something at home that needs fixing? Brainstorm solutions and talk about the pros and cons of each suggestion. Try the one deemed best. Do other unexpected problems arise?

Discuss if the town is better at the start of the story, or at the end.

Bake a cake.

For older readers- compare the apes in this book to the ape characters in Furious George Goes Bananas (by Michael Rex), Ding Dong Ding Dong (by Margie Palatini) and Look! (by Jeff Mack).

Note: I received a review copy from Random House 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.”

Thanks for stopping by! I love to know what you think of my selections.

The HUEYS in IT WASN'T ME #PPBF

     Sometimes a book's gorgeous illustrations pull me in and  make me fall in love.
     The book I'm reviewing for Perfect Picture Book Friday has perfect illustrations. But they aren't gorgeous. Sometimes spare lines are all a masterful storyteller needs.

Title: The HUEYS in IT WASN'T ME

Author/Illustrator: Oliver Jeffers

Publisher: Philomel Books, 2014

Intended age: 3-5

Themes: Interpersonal relationships (arguments), humor

Opening Line: "The thing about the Hueys . . .
                      . . . was that most of the time they got along."

Synopsis: A family of jelly bean-shaped multicolored creatures is in the throngs of a disagreement when their brother arrives and settles the problem in a laugh out loud moment that mirrors reality.

Why I liked this book: Kid appeal oozes off each page. These are characters that kids can easily draw imitations of. The use of white space focuses the reader on the characters and their emotions. (Do you recognize this style from The Day the Crayons Quit? Yes, same illustrator!) And the way the initial problem morphs into a blame-shifting "It wasn't me" free-for-all is funny and relatable. Although unintentional in this instance, what parent hasn't used the tactic of distraction to tame some terrible moments? (Or was I the only one?) And, honestly, I have liked all of Oliver Jeffers' books. I reviewed The Incredible Book-eating Boy last year. Although this title is the second in a series (I believe it's now at three!) featuring these characters, I hadn't heard about them and wanted to spread the word.

Resources: Temper tantrums are a fact of life. Learning to deal with emotions is a lifelong process. Behavioral advisor, "Dr. Mac" has a page on problem resolution specially for kids (I liked the tagline "Be a thinker, not a stinker"). Other sites that deal with conflict resolution are the Women's and Children's health network (with a conflict resolution quiz), the Kids Matter site describing win-lose (sharks!), win-some (compromise) and win-win strategies (creative problem-solving) for elementary school ages and older, and teaching-guide materials at goodcharacter.com. 
 
A cute rap video about done by kids about conflict resolution:
(under 3 mins.)




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

Tadpole's Promise - Perfect Picture Book Friday #PPBF

     This week we have Valentine's Day AND the winter Olympics to celebrate. Being the softie that I am, I went with the Valentine's Day theme of love for my picture book selection.
     But be forewarned--this is a Grimm's fairy tale kind of love story. The kind of story where happy endings aren't a given. So maybe I'm not such a big softie after all.
     While I often review new releases, so we can share the thrill of discovery together, this week, I'm looking back to 2005, to the re-discovery of a book I enjoyed before I started reviewing perfect picture books. For my U.K. friends, this was a 2003 book, but those of us who live across the pond didn't get to read it until two years later!
    
     Title: Tadpole's promise

Note: new editions have a different cover

     Author: Jeanne Willis
     (also the author of Bog Baby, another favorite of mine!)
     Illustrator: Tony Ross

     Publisher: Atheneum Books for young readers, 2005 (U.S.)
     FICTION

     Audience: 5-12 HUGE Caveat:
     While the subject is simple, and some listings say the book is for ages 5 and up (Scholastic lists this as a K-2 interest book), I think older kids will enjoy the wry humor. The laugh out loud ending may NOT be suitable for many younger readers.
     Themes:  Humor, Love, metamorphosis

     Opening Lines: "Where the willow meets the water, a tadpole met a caterpillar. They gazed into each other's tiny eyes. . . ."

     Synopsis: A tadpole and a caterpillar fall in love and promise each other that they'll never change. Then metamorphosis takes place. Are the lovebirds still a perfect match?

     What I like about this book: The story AND the structure. The photo of the book cover above isn't a mistake. I didn't "forget" to turn the camera sideways. If you sit with the book in your lap and the title reads correctly, you open the book by lifting the pages up, not right to left. While this is harder to do than a "normal" page turn, it allows the illustrator to have the two spreads show action simultaneously above water and below water.

Crease in the middle - showing a partial top and bottom spread!

     See! It's genius.
     The text playfully recounts how, despite their best intentions, the creatures' can't escape their destiny: metamorphosis. And if you're expecting a happy ending? If you love slightly bawdy humor, this book is for you. [SPOILER ALERT: Tender-of-heart butterfly lovers may want to skip this book]

     Activities/resources: The book is read on Youtube here. Honestly, I don't like the reading. I don't like the "voices" the reader used. He uses a French accent for the tadpole, which is borderline racist in my book. But you can see the illustrations as he goes along. A less accurate portrayal, but way cuter, is this Vimeo video where Grade 2 students re-tell the story with their own illustrations. The "think educate share" blog from the U.K. has several great resources for this book but you do have to register with their site to view them. Texas librarian suggests using this book with 5th Graders to discuss their transition to middle school and what happens when you're not prepared for change. The book is a perfect way for science teachers to bring the subject of metamorphosis alive. At the high school level, teachers could use the book in a discussion of tragedies and ill-fated romances such as Romeo and Juliet. 

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