Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs, by Mo Willems

Rating: Recommended
Balzer and Bray, 2012, $17.99
ISBN: 978-0062104182
Age/Grade Level:

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When has Mo Willems written anything bad?  Never, of course, and this retelling of the classic Goldilocks story is no exception.  It's darling and hilarious in that sly only-adults-know-how-funny-this-is way, while never failing to appeal to children.  In this boo, Papa Dinosaur, Mama Dinosaur, and a visiting dinosaur from Norway try to bait Goldilocks wiht chocolate pudding so that they can create the perfect "chocolate-filled-little-girl-bonbon."  But she wises up to the face that their lovely home's furniture is just too enormous to belong to bears and runs out the back door, leaving the dinosaurs hungry and disappointed.  There are two morals to the story that are pretty darned appropriate and funny.  Highly recommended for the witty writing and crayon-like illustrations that Mo Willems perfected in his pigeon books!

Reviewer:  Rita Law, Children's Librarian, Fullerton Public Library

Little Sweet Potato, by Amy Beth Bloom

Illustrated by Noah Z. Jones
Rating: Recommended
Katherine Tegen Books, 2012
ISBN: 978-0061804397
Age/Grade Level: Primary

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Amy Beth Bloom's debut picture book is simply adorable.  After getting dislodged from his garden one day, a little sweet potato tries to find his way back home.  Along the way he meets some not-so-nice flowers, eggplants, and carrots who call him "dumpy, bumpy, and kind of lumpy."  But finally the little sweet potato comes upon a nice hodgepodge garden with many oblong vegetables and flowers.  Calling him "bumpalicious," they welcome him in and tell him they like "all kinds."  Children and adults alike will appreciate the book's message of acceptance, not to mention the bright illustrations with plenty of smiley faces to go around.  Highly recommended!

Reviewer:  Rita Law, Children's Librarian, Fullerton Public Library

Bang! Boom! Roar! A busy crew of dinosaurs, by Nate Evans and Stephanie Gwyn Brown

Illustrated by Christopher Santoro
Rating: Recommended
HarperCollins, 2012, $15.99
ISBN: 978-0060879600
Age/Grade Level: Grade 1-2

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This book combines almost all of the slam-dunk elements a child likes in a book, which means it has a lot going on, but it has a lot going for it, too. A fun, rhyming ABC book, it appeals to kids who love dinosaurs and kids who love bulldozers, featuring computer-generated art alongside real photographs.  On top of all this realistic whimsy, the wacky expressions on the dinosaurs' faces simply inspire joy in the reader.  The book is very charming, although every stanza is a mouthful to read.  The passages emphasize letters of the alphabet with non-stop alliteration, making it a good selection for bedtime, though not for library storytimes.  Recommended!

Reviewer:  Rita Law, Children's Librarian, Fullerton Public Library

Amelia Bedelia's First Vote, by Herman Parish

Illustrated by Lynn Avril

Rating: Recommended
Greenwillow, 2012, $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-06-209406-3
Age/Grade Level: 6-8 years

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Amelia Bedelia returns to the classroom as a busy young lady who runs errands for Miss Edwards, and runs into "Mr. K," the principal.  When Amelia suggests that the kids in her class VOTE on the school rules, Mr. K. agrees.  Students learn the process of casting a ballot, dealing with a tie vote, and its solution.  Everyone is delighted with the school rule that gets the most votes, including Miss Edwards and Mr. K.  A totally upbeat, delightful story.

Reviewer:  Jane Yarbrough, Library Consultant

The Next Door Bear, by Mary Kuryla

Illustrated by Eugene Yelchin
Rating: Very Good
HarperCollins, 2011
ISBN: 978-0-170874-9
Age/Grade Range: 4-8 years

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Emma is new to the city.  She has no friends and doesn't feel welcome.  Even riding the elevator was a problem, until she found the door opened on both sides.  A honeybee leads her to a garden where she meets Mr. Bear, dripping with honey.  An invitation to tea, by Mr. Bear, begins a new friendship.  This fanciful experience helps Emma find a way to feel welcome, and to make friends with the neighborhood kids.

Reviewer:  Jane Yarbrough, Library Consultant

Charlie the Ranch Dog, by Ree Drummond

Illustrated by Diane de Groat
Rating: Very Good
HarperCollins, 2011
ISBN: 978-0-06-199655-9
Age/Grade level: 4-8 years

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Charlie the Ranch Dog loves living on the ranch.  His daily chores are many: eating comes first, and keeping track of his friend Daisy.  That is a lot of work, espeically between naps.  The illustrations will make you smile.  Note the back pages:  The Pioneer Woman's (and Charlie's) Favorite Lasagna recipe.

Reviewer:  Jane Yarbrough, Library consultant

Snowy Valentine, by David Peterson

Rating:  Very Good
Harper, 2011
ISBN:  978-0-06-164380-8 (lib bdg)
Age/Grade level: 3-8 years

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On a snowy Valentine's Day, Jasper the bunny still could not find a gift for his lovely wife, Lilly.  Venturing through the entire valley, getting suggestions from Mr. Porcupine, Mr. Frog, the raccoon and the scary wolf was of little help.  But when Lilly slipped out into the snow to wait for Jasper, the steps in his journey proved to be the best gift of all. Save this one for Valentine's Day.

Reviewer:  Jane Yarbrough, Library Consultant

No Dogs Allowed, by Anne Davis

Rating: Recommended
Harper, 2011
978-0-06-075355-9
Age/Grade Level: 4-8 years

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A visual description of exclusion that turns to kindness and caring, by two house cats and a new unwelcome dog named Cookie.  A wonderful read-aloud with an opportunity to identify all the acts of kindness.  Delightful animal illustrations.  Cat and dog lovers will enjoy this book.

If You're Hoppy, by April Pulley Sayre

Illustrated by Jackie Urbanovic
Rating: Very Good
Greenwillow, 2011
ISBN:  978-0-06-156634-9
Age/Grade Level:  2-5 years

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The "Hoppy Animals" help the young reader hop from page to page.  Frogs, rabbits, and kangaroos are seen jumping around while bears and dogs are the "growlie" guys.  Provides a good opportunity for naming and identifying the characteristicsof a variety of animals.  Vocabulary supports the action.

Reviewer:  Jane Yarbrough, Consultant

The Invisible Man, by Arthur Yorinks

Illustrated by Doug Cushman
Rating: Very Good
Harper, 2011
ISBN: 978-0061561481
Age/Grade Level: 4-8 years

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Sy sold all kind of fruit at his stand on Pitkin Avenue.  Folks came from all over as Sy prescribed his fruit for all kinds of ahes and pains.  What kind of world is it that one day, this nice fellow, without warning becomes invisible?  A series of events follow as Sy, the invisitible man, turns up, usually in trouble, all around the world.  Only a barrage of fruit thrown from an angry audience changes things, and Sy finds his way back to his fruit stand and his happy patrons.  It will take an imaginative reader to sort through the actions.

Reviewer:  Jane Yarbrough, Consultant

Miss Dorothy and Her Bookmobile, by Gloria Huston

Illustrated by Susan Condie Lamb
Rating: Very Good
HarperCollins, 2011
ISBN: 978-0-06-029156-3
Age/Grade Level: 6-9 years

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When Dorothy was a young girl, she loved books and decided she would become a librarian.  Her dream came true, but not in the big library in her hometown in Massachusetts.  The author brings to life her memories of Dorothy Thomas, the rural library lady, who traveled about the rural south in her Bookmobile bringing wonderful books to young and old.  Years later, adults recall the bright spot in their lives was the love for reading that she brought to them.  A lovely memory of Dorothy Thomas.
A delightful reading experience.
Reviewer: Jane Yarbrough, Consultant

The Adventure of Granny Clearwater and Little Critter, by Kimberly Wills Holt

Illustrated by Laura Huliaka-Beith
Rating: Recommended
Henry Holt, 2010, $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-8050-7898-2
Age/Grade Level: Grades 1 to 3
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Granny and Little Critter are seated in the back of the wagon as the Clearwater family moves West.  A big bump in the trail bounces them out, and a new adventure for them follows.  As Granny leads the way, they encounter the MOUNTAINS, the Bad Poet train robber, and a brief ride with the Pony Express.  After an exciting journey, they meet up with Pa and Ma in California.

Wild and wacky illustrations fill the pages with opportunities for hilarious observations about Granny's next move as she and Critter travel West.

A delightful reading experience.
Reviewer: Jane Yarbrough, Consultant

Henry's Night, by D.B. Johnson and Linda Michelin

Rating: Special Reader

Houghton Mifflin, $16.00, 2009

ISBN: 9780547056630

Age/Grade Level: Ages 6 and up

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Incongruous as it may seem for a stylized, airbrushed dog to be a stand-in to intoduce children to the 19th century ideas of Henry David Thoreau, that is what D.B. Johnson has accomplished in a series of picture books of which this is the fifth. Unable to sleep, Henry (Thoreau) takes a moonlit walk in search of the elusive whipporwill. The dimly luminous artwork effectively captures fireflies and other night creatures. Yet overall there is a surreal quality to the story that young people might find confusing rather than illuminating.

Reviewer: Mary Smith, OCPL/El Toro Branch Library

My Mommy Hung the Moon: A Love Story, by Jamie Lee Curtis

Illustrated by Laura Cornell

Rating: Recommended

Joanna Cotler Books, 2010, $16.99

ISBN: 9780060290160

Age/Grade Level: 4-8 years

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Opening Curtis and Cornell's book challenges the reader to actually begin reading, so mesmerizing is its visual largess. With deep, rich jewel tones, My Mommy Hung the Moon is as bold as the bond of love between Mother and Child. With carefree aplomb, each page solidifies the safety, security, and confidence children so need to feel for their parents. Trochaic rhyme is the lynchpin holding the child on the page while, at once, the dazzling illustrations send one into hyperspace--much like watching fireworks while holding your parent's hand. Through learning to burp, writing all the books, webbing the world, and making everything from scratch, the mesmerized reader is conviced in the end that there is absolutely nothing Mommy can't do!

Reviewer: Marie Louise Twombly, OCPL/Aliso Viejo

Fletcher and the Snowflake Christmas, by Julia Rawlinson

Illustrated by Tiphanie Beeke

Rating: Very Good

Greenwillow, 2010, $16.99

ISBN: 9780061990335

Age/Grade level: 3-7 years

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Fletcher the fox is worried Santa won't be able to find the new rabbit burrow. The animals and birds all help him make arrows to point the way so Santa can find the new location. While the animals party, the snow covers the arrows, and the animals all vow to stay awake to tell Santa the location of the new burrow. They are all so tired they fall asleep. The next morning they all arrive at the burrow with gifts because they are afraid Santa wouldn't bring any. The happy ending and the convincing characters make this a satisfying storytime choice. This author and illustrator team worked together on two previous Fletcher stories, which are both definitely picks for your Children's collection.

Reviewer: Anne Williams, OCPL/Fountain Valley

Bear Dance, by Jan Wahl

Illustrated by Monique Felix

Rating: Recommended

Creative Editions, 2008, $17.95

ISBN: 8791568461991

Age/Grade Level: 4-8

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With Van Gogh-esque illustrations, Felix and Wahl draw the reader into the natural beauty of the wilderness where Bear is dancing, living in freedom and peace. To the adult reader the ominous approach of the tiny caged wagon drawn by two horses signals impending doom. Small men with orange hats capture Bear, shove him in a wagon, and feed him only when he performs their demanded requests. If your goal is to subtly imbue children with respect for nature's freedom, the egregious wrong of dominating and taking against someone's will, then this is the book for you. Circling back to the way things should be, Bear teaches the reader that despite terrible things that happen to you, joy of spirit cannot be destroyed.

Reviewer: Marie Twombly, OCPL/Aliso Viejo

Floating on Mama's Song: Flotando en la Cancion de Mama, by Laura Lacamara

Illustrated by Yuyi Morales

Rating: Recommended

HarperCollins, 2010, $16.99

ISBN: 9780060843687

Age/Grade level: ages 4 to 7

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Simply delightful! Mama loves to sing, and her gift holds a special magic. But sometimes special magic is not understood by everyone. Out of fear and ignorance, negative neighbors pressure Grandma into making Mama promise never to sing again. Told from the young daughter's perspective, we learn how to navigate our way out of misery and oppression. Singing during childhood is a powerful method of expressing emotions that young children may not be capable of articulating. Moreover, Lacamara's text teaches a lesson of self-esteem by juxtoposing the neighbor's negative disapproval against the positive aspects of Mama's singing. Morales' dreamy illustrations soften what could be a pedantic lecture, although Lacamara's lyrical style would not have permitted that either. All in all, an enjoyable bilingual tale that will encourage the Spanish and English learner to read on!

Reviewer: Marie Twombly, OCPL/Aliso Viejo

Magnus Maximus, A Marvelous Measurer, by Kathleen T. Pelley

Rating: Very Good

Farrar Straus Giroux, 2010, $16.99

ISBN: 9780374347253

Age/Grade Level: Ages 4-8

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This unique picture book tells the tale of Magnus Maximus, an old man who likes to measure things. But he doesn't just measure normal things, he likes to measure all kinds of crazy things like the wobbliness of a jellyfish or the itchiness of an itch. The book is nicely illustrated and it's enough unlike a typical picture book that it might be an interesting choice for an older storytime crowd. The story concludes with Magnus realizing that his obsession with measuring things has made him unappreciative of many things around him, such as his friends at a dinner party or the beauty of the ocean. This lesson seemed a little abrupt, especially since his measurements seemed really cool and fun up until practically the end of the book. However, the story is well written and the alliterative sentences and vocabulary make it enjoyable to read aloud.

Reviewer: Sarah Stimson, OCPL/Irvine University Park

Spartacus the Spider, by Etienne Delessert

Rating: Recommended


Creative Editions, 2010, $17.95


ISBN: 9781568462134



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Delessert is without a doubt one of the most talented illustrators, as is evidenced by numerous awards and renowned recognition. So it goes without saying that the contrast between glossy white, charcoal grays, honey browns decorated with soft rose-toned hues, accented occasionally with some fire-engine red makes Spartacus the Spider visually uplifting. Equally uplifting is the story of a young spider imbued with expectations of grandeur by his parents, who discovers through an intricate process of reflection and consideration the rewarding confidence healthy self-esteem supplies. Moreover, Delessert's platform provides considerable topics for discussion depending upon one's viewpoints. His work supplies an arena in which values can be discussed and considered; an excellent method of developing a child's mind.





Reviewer: Marie Twombly, OCPL/Aliso Viejo

Pajama Pirates, by Andrew Kramer

Illustrated by Leslie Lammle

Rating: Recommended

HarperCollins, 2010, $16.99

ISBN: 978-0-06-1251948

Age Range: Ages 4-6

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This simple rhyming book captures the fun of imaginative play. It's bedtime and three children and a dog turn into pirates on the hunt for treasure in a bed-boat. They barely escape with their lives when they meet up with unfriendly pirates and are hopelessly outnumbered. They outwit them by turning their torn sail into a ghost and scaring them off. This brave trio and dog can't escape Mama Nature's final call, so they land their ship and walk the plank to their beds and dream about buried treasure. The double spread watercolor illustrations are perfect with their dreamy quality and soft pastel colors.

Reviewer: Pat Campbell, OCPL/La Palma Branch