75- Danny and the Dinosaur by: Syd Hoff
Writing: A - Illustrations: A-
A classic I Can Read Book. Danny finds a dinosaur at the museum and they hang out together all day long. Fun and silly. A good read.
76-Pedro, His Perro, and the Aphabet Sombrero by: Lynn Rowe Reed
Writing: ? Illustrations: B+
I really can't put a grade for writing on this one because I have a problem that keeps me from seeing the book for what it is. I don't like feeling stupid. Reading books that have words in Spanish make me feel stupid. I don't speak Spanish. This book does have a pronunciation guide in the back which is nice, if I felt like spending the time to sound all the words out.
The story is cute though. A boy gets a sombrero and it is plain. He adds something for each letter of the alphabet to it and then it is HEAVY.
77-Let's Dig It! by:Lara Bergen Illustrated by: David Shannon, Loren Long and David Gordon
Writing: A Illustrations: A
I'm confused why sooooo many people helped with such a little book. It is cute though. A pay loader digs himself into a deep hole and must be saved by his friends.
78-B is for Bagpipes-A scotland Alphabet by: Eve Begley Kiehm illustrated by: Alexa Rutherford
Writing: A Illustrations: A-
I have to be honest and say that I didn't read all of the words in this book. It has two parts. A part that a little kid could sit through and then 3 or 4 more paragraphs to give more information for an adult or older child. I just read the basics. It was fun to learn a bit more about Scotland and the pictures are nice (I gave it an A- because the people look a little odd).
79- Russell the Sheep by: Rob Scotton
Writing: A Illustrations: A
It seems this author has a series of Russell books and I am now excited to look for them. They are just silly! Russell can't sleep. He counts all he can, but can't fall asleep. Finally he counts sheep (imagine that) and falls asleep just as everyone else wakes up. Did I mention it is cute?
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
books 69-74
69- Swim by: Eve Rice illustrated by: Marisabina Russo
Writing: B+ Illustrations: B+
A nice book, but not thrilling or anything. It is about a dad who takes his daughter swimming every weekend. That is really it. So if you have a kids who is scared of swimming, it might be good.
70- Tale of a Tadpole by: Barbara Ann Porte illustrated by: Annie Cannon
Writing: A- Illustrations: A
This book goes over how a tadpole turns into a toad. It is nice because it does it differently from other books I've read. The girl has a tadpole as a pet and is excited to see it change into a frog. She then finds out that it is really a toad.
71- Tomorrow's Alphabet by: George Shannon illustrated by: Donald Crews
Writing: A Illustrations: A
A very creative alphabet book. It takes something like wheat and says that is for the letter F (tomorrow's flour). It was a little tricky for my daughter who is just trying to learn her letters, but I think it would be great for kids who have a firm grasp on the alphabet already.
72- Inside Outside Upside Down by: Stan and Jan Berenstain
Writing: A- Illustrations: A-
I guess it is okay not to have complete sentences in beginner books. This book mostly has statements anyway. Brother bear goes inside a box, which goes outside the door, and into town. In the end he gets back home and is able to tell his mother that he has been inside, outside and upside down. My daughter laughed and laughed.
73- A Box Can Be Many Things by: Dana Meachen Rau Illustrated by: Paige Billin-Frye
Writing: A Illustrations: A
For being an easy reader, this is really written well. The kids get a box and turn it into most of the things we think of using a box for. In the process the box gets shredded, but the kids still find something to make out of it.
74-Oh My Baby Bear! by: Audrey Wood
Writing: A Illustrations: A-
Not my favorite Audrey Wood book, but it is still much better than a lot of picture books. The baby bear has to start to do things by himself. His parents teach him how, and the next day he can do it all (I wish it were that easy!). He is no longer baby bear, but little bear. Luckily little bear can still be tucked into bed. Maybe I should read this to my daughter more so she can become more independent.
Writing: B+ Illustrations: B+
A nice book, but not thrilling or anything. It is about a dad who takes his daughter swimming every weekend. That is really it. So if you have a kids who is scared of swimming, it might be good.
70- Tale of a Tadpole by: Barbara Ann Porte illustrated by: Annie Cannon
Writing: A- Illustrations: A
This book goes over how a tadpole turns into a toad. It is nice because it does it differently from other books I've read. The girl has a tadpole as a pet and is excited to see it change into a frog. She then finds out that it is really a toad.
71- Tomorrow's Alphabet by: George Shannon illustrated by: Donald Crews
Writing: A Illustrations: A
A very creative alphabet book. It takes something like wheat and says that is for the letter F (tomorrow's flour). It was a little tricky for my daughter who is just trying to learn her letters, but I think it would be great for kids who have a firm grasp on the alphabet already.
72- Inside Outside Upside Down by: Stan and Jan Berenstain
Writing: A- Illustrations: A-
I guess it is okay not to have complete sentences in beginner books. This book mostly has statements anyway. Brother bear goes inside a box, which goes outside the door, and into town. In the end he gets back home and is able to tell his mother that he has been inside, outside and upside down. My daughter laughed and laughed.
73- A Box Can Be Many Things by: Dana Meachen Rau Illustrated by: Paige Billin-Frye
Writing: A Illustrations: A
For being an easy reader, this is really written well. The kids get a box and turn it into most of the things we think of using a box for. In the process the box gets shredded, but the kids still find something to make out of it.
74-Oh My Baby Bear! by: Audrey Wood
Writing: A Illustrations: A-
Not my favorite Audrey Wood book, but it is still much better than a lot of picture books. The baby bear has to start to do things by himself. His parents teach him how, and the next day he can do it all (I wish it were that easy!). He is no longer baby bear, but little bear. Luckily little bear can still be tucked into bed. Maybe I should read this to my daughter more so she can become more independent.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Books 63-68
63- Don't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late! by Mo Willems
Writing: A Illustrations: B
I haven't ever read any of these Pigeon books. The illustrations made me think it would be lame. Really, they are just simple. My daughter has so much fun telling the pigeon what to do. The pigeon wants to stay up and has a conversation with the reader about it. He begs to stay up and gives reasons and yawns. The reader has to tell him to go to bed. It can be confusing the first time you read it though because it seems that there are things the author wants you to say. All in all I really liked this and will check out some of the other ones.
64- A Tree is Nice by: Janice May Udry illustrated by: Marc Simont
Writing: A Illustrations: A
This is a Caldecott Medal winner from 1956. This just talks about how nice trees are and has beautiful pictures.
65- and tango makes three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell illustrated by: Henry Cole
Writing: A- Illustrations: A
I had mixed feelings about this book. It helps to know that the story is a true story and isn't trying to tell your kids that being a family with two daddies is the way to go. So these two penguins in the Central Park Zoo love each other and don't pay attention to the girl penguins. They make a nest and sit on a rock, but nothing happens. Then another set of penguins have two eggs, but will only take care of one. The male penguins get it and raise the chick. They are good daddies and can be seen today at the zoo.
66- Ella Sarah Gets Dressed by: Margaret Chodos-Irvine
Writing: A Illustrations: A
This is a Caldecott honor book. Ella wants to wear a funky outfit. Her mother, father and sister try to convince her otherwise (which I think is lame for a girl of her age, I figure you let them wear what they want). Ella decides to get dressed by herself. She looks crazy, but so do her friends who come over for tea!
67- The Ant and the Grasshopper retold and illustrated by: Amy Lowry Poole
Writing: A- Illustrations: A
This is the traditional story of the ant and the grasshopper. It is set in China. I don't think it is my all time favorite version of this book.
68- My Little People Farm- A lift-the-flap playbook by:Doris Tomaselli Illustrated by: Thompson Bros.
Writing: A Illustrations: A
For a lift-the-flap book, this is great. It goes over lots of concepts for young readers.
Writing: A Illustrations: B
I haven't ever read any of these Pigeon books. The illustrations made me think it would be lame. Really, they are just simple. My daughter has so much fun telling the pigeon what to do. The pigeon wants to stay up and has a conversation with the reader about it. He begs to stay up and gives reasons and yawns. The reader has to tell him to go to bed. It can be confusing the first time you read it though because it seems that there are things the author wants you to say. All in all I really liked this and will check out some of the other ones.
64- A Tree is Nice by: Janice May Udry illustrated by: Marc Simont
Writing: A Illustrations: A
This is a Caldecott Medal winner from 1956. This just talks about how nice trees are and has beautiful pictures.
65- and tango makes three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell illustrated by: Henry Cole
Writing: A- Illustrations: A
I had mixed feelings about this book. It helps to know that the story is a true story and isn't trying to tell your kids that being a family with two daddies is the way to go. So these two penguins in the Central Park Zoo love each other and don't pay attention to the girl penguins. They make a nest and sit on a rock, but nothing happens. Then another set of penguins have two eggs, but will only take care of one. The male penguins get it and raise the chick. They are good daddies and can be seen today at the zoo.
66- Ella Sarah Gets Dressed by: Margaret Chodos-Irvine
Writing: A Illustrations: A
This is a Caldecott honor book. Ella wants to wear a funky outfit. Her mother, father and sister try to convince her otherwise (which I think is lame for a girl of her age, I figure you let them wear what they want). Ella decides to get dressed by herself. She looks crazy, but so do her friends who come over for tea!
67- The Ant and the Grasshopper retold and illustrated by: Amy Lowry Poole
Writing: A- Illustrations: A
This is the traditional story of the ant and the grasshopper. It is set in China. I don't think it is my all time favorite version of this book.
68- My Little People Farm- A lift-the-flap playbook by:Doris Tomaselli Illustrated by: Thompson Bros.
Writing: A Illustrations: A
For a lift-the-flap book, this is great. It goes over lots of concepts for young readers.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Books 60-62
60- My Very First Mother Goose edited by Iona Opie illustrated by Rosemary Wells
Writing: N/A Illustrations: A
This is the most comprehensive Mother Goose books I have come across. Who knew there were soooo many rhymes. It is 104 pages of great illustrations to all the favorite rhymes and many lesser known rhymes. It is nice and big too which makes it nice for a crowd.
*61- Pajama Time by Sandra Boynton
Writing: A Illustrations: A
Another winner by Sandra. If you want to know the tune, get Philadelphia Chickens and learn it. This one works without knowing the tune though. A fun going to bed book that everyone should have that shamefully I do not own yet.
62-How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night? by Jane Yolen and Mark Teague
Writing: A Illustrations: A
I am not a fan of dinosaurs (gasp) and haven't been since I can remember. This book makes learning dinosaur names bearable for those of you like me. It also talks about the right way to go to bed which is always nice to reinforce.
Writing: N/A Illustrations: A
This is the most comprehensive Mother Goose books I have come across. Who knew there were soooo many rhymes. It is 104 pages of great illustrations to all the favorite rhymes and many lesser known rhymes. It is nice and big too which makes it nice for a crowd.
*61- Pajama Time by Sandra Boynton
Writing: A Illustrations: A
Another winner by Sandra. If you want to know the tune, get Philadelphia Chickens and learn it. This one works without knowing the tune though. A fun going to bed book that everyone should have that shamefully I do not own yet.
62-How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night? by Jane Yolen and Mark Teague
Writing: A Illustrations: A
I am not a fan of dinosaurs (gasp) and haven't been since I can remember. This book makes learning dinosaur names bearable for those of you like me. It also talks about the right way to go to bed which is always nice to reinforce.
A book you may not see in your library
*59- The Jolly Postman or Other People's Letters by Janet and Allan Ahlberg
Writing: A Illustrations: A
I have loved this book since elementary school when a teacher read it to us and then we did a unit on letter writing. It probably really is at your library, but if it isn't, I understand. There are removable parts in this book. At each character's house there is a letter from another fairtale character. Goldilocks invites Little Bear to her birthday party, you meet the Big Bad Wolf and you also meet the Giant from Jack and the Beanstalk. Kids love to open up the next letter. Just keep it up high and read it together if they are too young. Did I mention that I love this book?
Writing: A Illustrations: A
I have loved this book since elementary school when a teacher read it to us and then we did a unit on letter writing. It probably really is at your library, but if it isn't, I understand. There are removable parts in this book. At each character's house there is a letter from another fairtale character. Goldilocks invites Little Bear to her birthday party, you meet the Big Bad Wolf and you also meet the Giant from Jack and the Beanstalk. Kids love to open up the next letter. Just keep it up high and read it together if they are too young. Did I mention that I love this book?
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Books 55- 58
55- The missing Piece Meets the BIG O by Shel Silverstein
Writing: A Illustrations: B-
This has very simple drawings which are appropriate for the book, but they aren't amazing which is why I didn't give them an A. The missing piece is like a piece of pie missing from a circle. He tries to find someplace to fit and in the end becomes okay all by himself. This is a good book about being who you want to be and not having others complete you.
56-Father Bear Comes Home by: Else Holmelund Minarik illustrated by: Maurice Sendak
Writing: B+ Illustrations: A-
These books are a little slow for my interest and my daughters. If I were going to have her read a whole series of I Can Read type books I would choose Henry and Mudge. Much more fun.
57-Swine Divine by Jan Carr illustrated by Robert Bender
Writing: C Illustrations: B
This book is kind of random I think. You think the pig is going to go to the fair and then be killed, but then it gets its picture taken. Then it gets sick of that and runs away. Just not the best story line ever.
58- Bear Dreams by Elisha Cooper
Writing: A- Illustrations: B+
Little bear doesn't want to hibernate. He plays with other animal friends and then falls asleep in the end. Pretty basic and not very thrilling, but a nice book to talk about hibernation with.
Writing: A Illustrations: B-
This has very simple drawings which are appropriate for the book, but they aren't amazing which is why I didn't give them an A. The missing piece is like a piece of pie missing from a circle. He tries to find someplace to fit and in the end becomes okay all by himself. This is a good book about being who you want to be and not having others complete you.
56-Father Bear Comes Home by: Else Holmelund Minarik illustrated by: Maurice Sendak
Writing: B+ Illustrations: A-
These books are a little slow for my interest and my daughters. If I were going to have her read a whole series of I Can Read type books I would choose Henry and Mudge. Much more fun.
57-Swine Divine by Jan Carr illustrated by Robert Bender
Writing: C Illustrations: B
This book is kind of random I think. You think the pig is going to go to the fair and then be killed, but then it gets its picture taken. Then it gets sick of that and runs away. Just not the best story line ever.
58- Bear Dreams by Elisha Cooper
Writing: A- Illustrations: B+
Little bear doesn't want to hibernate. He plays with other animal friends and then falls asleep in the end. Pretty basic and not very thrilling, but a nice book to talk about hibernation with.
Monday, October 11, 2010
books 45-54
*45- Barnyard Dance by: Sandra Boynton
Writing: A Illustrations: A
If you haven't read Sandra Boynton books, you are missing out! She has clever books with a nice rhythm to them. Barnyard Dance! is one of my favorites.
46- The Owl and The Pussy Cat and other silly-time tales by:Edward Lear
illustrated by: Chuck Reasoner
Writing: B Illustrations: A
Edward Lear lived quite a while ago (he died in 1888) and his stories are still nice to read. They do have a lot of nonsense, so maybe he is the inspiration for Dr. Suess! I enjoyed the first and last story in this book, but the middle one didn't float my boat.
47- My Backpack by: Eve Bunting illustrated by: Maryann Cocca-Leffler
Writing: A Illustrations: A
Eve Bunting almost always does a good job. She has a nice flow in this book about a little boy and his new backpack. He packs everything he can in it to keep it from getting lost including, his dad's glasses, his mom's keys and his brother's socks. You can bet they aren't happy about that and soon he is found and told that he can not do that with his backpack.
48- My Bag and Me! by: Karen Farmer illustrated by: Gary Currant
Writing: B Illustrations: A
This book is all about being green and not using plastic bags while shopping at the store. At least you get a mini bag that can hold one small toy in it for your kid to take to the store.
*49- Princess Mia and the Big Smile by:Rachel Elliot illustrated by: Jacqueline East
Writing: A- Illustrations: A
This is a good reminder for parents that it is important to have fun and not be serious all the time, but it is also a fun story to read. I don't like the page breaks and line breaks sometimes because it makes it tricky to read aloud the first time. Princess Mia teaches her family that you can have fun and be silly in any situation.
50- On Beyond Zebra! by: Dr. Seuss
Writing: B Illustrations: A
You know how I feel about Dr. Seuss, but I read this book because my daughter picked it. It is an alphabet book that goes on with the alphabet after the letter Z. The thing is that it uses the letters A-Z to write the book so when it asks questions like how could you write Humpf-Humpf-a-Dumpfer without the letter Humpf I thought, "The way you just did!". I did find about five of the pages charming though.
51-The Pudgy Book of Mother Goose illustrated by: Richard Walz
Illustrations: A
This book only does one verse of each rhyme which can be helpful for very small children.
52-Not Until Christmas, Walter! by: Eileen Christelow
writing: A- illustrations: A
This is a clever book about a girl and her dog Walter. Walter eats all of the Christmas presents before Christmas. The girl gets VERY mad at him. She later gets lost and then found by Walter. They are friends again. Santa comes and gives him a bone, but the girl doesn't see Santa.
*53-Just what Mama Needs by: Sharlee Glenn illustrated by: Amiko Hirao
writing: A- illustrations: A
I got to meet the author of this book at a workshop. She even signed the book for me! Anyway, the book follows Abby as she dresses up every day. When she becomes something, her mother finds a way that it is just what she needs (the pirate Abby can help swab the deck a.k.a. the kitchen floor). In the end Abby is just Abby which is what her mama wants most of all! Very sweet book. There are some sentences that maybe could have been improved.
54- The Baby's Book of Baby Animals by: Kay Chorao
illustrations: A
This is a compilation of poems about baby animals that Kay Chorao illustrated. Beautiful illustrations. It can be a little long if you are reading the whole book, especially to a baby. You could just read a few pages though because each page is complete.
Writing: A Illustrations: A
If you haven't read Sandra Boynton books, you are missing out! She has clever books with a nice rhythm to them. Barnyard Dance! is one of my favorites.
46- The Owl and The Pussy Cat and other silly-time tales by:Edward Lear
illustrated by: Chuck Reasoner
Writing: B Illustrations: A
Edward Lear lived quite a while ago (he died in 1888) and his stories are still nice to read. They do have a lot of nonsense, so maybe he is the inspiration for Dr. Suess! I enjoyed the first and last story in this book, but the middle one didn't float my boat.
47- My Backpack by: Eve Bunting illustrated by: Maryann Cocca-Leffler
Writing: A Illustrations: A
Eve Bunting almost always does a good job. She has a nice flow in this book about a little boy and his new backpack. He packs everything he can in it to keep it from getting lost including, his dad's glasses, his mom's keys and his brother's socks. You can bet they aren't happy about that and soon he is found and told that he can not do that with his backpack.
48- My Bag and Me! by: Karen Farmer illustrated by: Gary Currant
Writing: B Illustrations: A
This book is all about being green and not using plastic bags while shopping at the store. At least you get a mini bag that can hold one small toy in it for your kid to take to the store.
*49- Princess Mia and the Big Smile by:Rachel Elliot illustrated by: Jacqueline East
Writing: A- Illustrations: A
This is a good reminder for parents that it is important to have fun and not be serious all the time, but it is also a fun story to read. I don't like the page breaks and line breaks sometimes because it makes it tricky to read aloud the first time. Princess Mia teaches her family that you can have fun and be silly in any situation.
50- On Beyond Zebra! by: Dr. Seuss
Writing: B Illustrations: A
You know how I feel about Dr. Seuss, but I read this book because my daughter picked it. It is an alphabet book that goes on with the alphabet after the letter Z. The thing is that it uses the letters A-Z to write the book so when it asks questions like how could you write Humpf-Humpf-a-Dumpfer without the letter Humpf I thought, "The way you just did!". I did find about five of the pages charming though.
51-The Pudgy Book of Mother Goose illustrated by: Richard Walz
Illustrations: A
This book only does one verse of each rhyme which can be helpful for very small children.
52-Not Until Christmas, Walter! by: Eileen Christelow
writing: A- illustrations: A
This is a clever book about a girl and her dog Walter. Walter eats all of the Christmas presents before Christmas. The girl gets VERY mad at him. She later gets lost and then found by Walter. They are friends again. Santa comes and gives him a bone, but the girl doesn't see Santa.
*53-Just what Mama Needs by: Sharlee Glenn illustrated by: Amiko Hirao
writing: A- illustrations: A
I got to meet the author of this book at a workshop. She even signed the book for me! Anyway, the book follows Abby as she dresses up every day. When she becomes something, her mother finds a way that it is just what she needs (the pirate Abby can help swab the deck a.k.a. the kitchen floor). In the end Abby is just Abby which is what her mama wants most of all! Very sweet book. There are some sentences that maybe could have been improved.
54- The Baby's Book of Baby Animals by: Kay Chorao
illustrations: A
This is a compilation of poems about baby animals that Kay Chorao illustrated. Beautiful illustrations. It can be a little long if you are reading the whole book, especially to a baby. You could just read a few pages though because each page is complete.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
WAY BEHIND
I know! I will try to catch up. We have been busy, busy, busy trying to get a refinance on our home. Now I need to read like 6 books a day. I can do this! It is a good goal.
Books 40-44
40- Splish, Splash, Spring by: Jan Carr illustrated by: Dorothy Donohue
writing: A- illustrations: A
Paper cut outs for illustrations. A fun rhyming book about spring coming.
41- The Very Best Daddy of All by: Marion Dane Bauer illustrated by: Leslie Wu
writing: A illustrations: A
This book shows wild animal daddies helping their kids, but the words all apply to human children too. In the end the boy says HIS daddy is the best daddy of all. Very sweet and can also be used to identify animals and their babies.
42- The Bag I'm Taking To Grandma's by: Shirley Neitzel illustrated by: Nacy Winslow Parker
writing: A illustrations: B
Some people may be annoyed by the repetitive nature of this book. I like it for my 4 year old because she "helps" me read it. A little boy wants to take EVERYTHING to his grandma's house. It is made in a list with a picture taking the place of the thing he brings (such as a picture of a bunny instead of the word bunny). By the end there is a list of 7 things he is taking and his mom comes in. She makes him put things back and pack clothes. He says he doesn't have room for clothes.
My daughter says: "Cool because he takes too many things."
43- Gray Wolf Pup by: Doe Boyle illustrated by: Jeff Domm
writing: A illustrations: A (beautiful!)
I don't know why this wasn't in the nonfiction section. It tells a lot about how a wolf pack works and what happens when a wolf pup disobeys and gets too far away from home. If your kid loves wolves, this is a book for him/her.
44- The Three Bears Holiday Rhyme Book by: Jane Yolen illustrated by: Jane Dyer
writing: A- (some sticky parts in the poems) illustrations: A
This book goes through most holidays in a year and has a poem for each. I was confused when it kept talking about Goldie in the poems until I realized it was Goldilocks. Great book for teachers.
writing: A- illustrations: A
Paper cut outs for illustrations. A fun rhyming book about spring coming.
41- The Very Best Daddy of All by: Marion Dane Bauer illustrated by: Leslie Wu
writing: A illustrations: A
This book shows wild animal daddies helping their kids, but the words all apply to human children too. In the end the boy says HIS daddy is the best daddy of all. Very sweet and can also be used to identify animals and their babies.
42- The Bag I'm Taking To Grandma's by: Shirley Neitzel illustrated by: Nacy Winslow Parker
writing: A illustrations: B
Some people may be annoyed by the repetitive nature of this book. I like it for my 4 year old because she "helps" me read it. A little boy wants to take EVERYTHING to his grandma's house. It is made in a list with a picture taking the place of the thing he brings (such as a picture of a bunny instead of the word bunny). By the end there is a list of 7 things he is taking and his mom comes in. She makes him put things back and pack clothes. He says he doesn't have room for clothes.
My daughter says: "Cool because he takes too many things."
43- Gray Wolf Pup by: Doe Boyle illustrated by: Jeff Domm
writing: A illustrations: A (beautiful!)
I don't know why this wasn't in the nonfiction section. It tells a lot about how a wolf pack works and what happens when a wolf pup disobeys and gets too far away from home. If your kid loves wolves, this is a book for him/her.
44- The Three Bears Holiday Rhyme Book by: Jane Yolen illustrated by: Jane Dyer
writing: A- (some sticky parts in the poems) illustrations: A
This book goes through most holidays in a year and has a poem for each. I was confused when it kept talking about Goldie in the poems until I realized it was Goldilocks. Great book for teachers.
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