Invasion of the Giant Bugs

Invasion of the Giant Bugs written by A.J. Wood illustrated by Wayne Anderson

After returning from a trip from space, a trio and their dog notice some odd things.

Mom's Review: I have no legitimate reason for saying this, but I didn't care for this book. I guess it has to do with the fact that I have no interest in bugs. And, I feel like this book wanted to be more adventurous than it was. I didn't really get a sense of fright or confusion, it was just so matter of fact; but I guess I have to suspend that need when I'm reading a book about a grandfather who takes an afternoon trip to outer space with his grandchildren and their dog named Sponge.

Daughter's Review:
I liked it because I like bugs.

Matthew Wheelock's Wall

Matthew Wheelock's Wall by Frances Ward Weller illustrated by Ted Lewin


A nearly indestructible wall is built by a single man.

Mom's Review: I wanted to love this book. I usually enjoy anything that focuses on a single subject/object and its passage through time. I wanted so much more from this book than it provided. The words near poetry, but just not close enough for me. I feel like the book is trying too hard. The images are masterfully done, but kind of boring. I enjoy more color. I imagine they were kind of boring to create as well; well, they would be for me anyhow. By no means was this book awful, I just had higher hopes. It's all about expectations.

Daughter's Review: I didn't like this book. The pictures weren't good either.

The Velveteen Rabbit and The Golden Egg Book

The Velveteen Rabbit Based on the story by Margery Williams Illustrated by Thea Kliros

A stuff bunny is loved to life.

Mom's Review: The story is cute, although it's a little disheartening when the boy's belongings need to be burned due to illness. This version is a little board book. I think I'll try to find a bigger, more detailed version at the library.

Daughter's Review: I liked the bunny and the fairy.

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The Golden Egg Book by Margaret Wise Brown illustrated by Leonard Weisgard

A little egg holds a lot of mystery.

Mom's Review: Margaret Wise Brown. Do I need to say more? No. But I will. I am continually amazed at this woman's writing talent. She takes complex concepts, simplifies them, and makes them comprehensible for children.
So the bunny and the duck were friends
And no one was ever alone again.


Daughter's Review: I liked it because I like bunnies.

Oscar and the Mooncats

Oscar and the Mooncats by Lynda Gene Rymond Illustrated by Nicoletta Ceccoli

Oscar the cat jumps to the moon.

Mom's Review:
I'm fairly confident that the fact that we're "cat people" is evident. We (I) gravitate toward cat-related books. This book was a gift for Abby from my very good friend. I love Oscar the cat because he's a curious little bugger with a relentless love for his boy. The illustrations are dreamy. I've previously admired Ceccoli's other illustrations.

Daughter's Review: I like this book because I like outer space. Nothing else.

Sophie's Masterpiece

Sophie's Masterpiece by Eileen Spinelli illustrations by Jane Dyer

Sophie the spider is a master web spinner.

Mom's Review: Did you ever read a book that warmed you so much that you wanted to crawl inside its pages and just live in the world created by the words? If not, immediately head to the library, bookstore, or website and reserve/pick up/order Sophie's Masterpiece. This book is stunning in every aspect. The words flow effortlessly into each other as you experience the life of a spider from a new point of view. (Ya know, the point of view that doesn't involve shrieking and slapping an arachnid with the nearest blunt object.)
I think I'm so fond of this book because I consider myself and Sophie kindred spirits. The words used to describe Sophie's thoughts as she creates her masterpiece are what make me love knitting so much. With each stitch, you put a piece of yourself into the fibers. It sounds trite, but it's true. If you're a knitter you can understand. With each finished row, there's a sense of satisfaction. With each completed piece, there's a sense of pride, accomplishment, and love. When you spend time with needles and yarn on your lap, a bit of yourself is transferred into those objects.
"Sophie began. As she spun, new ideas came to her. She worked them into the blanket... snippets of fragrant pine... wisps of night... old lullabies... playful snowflakes..." This book is pure and lovely.

Daughter's Review: I like it because I like spiders.

Since Lulu Learned the Cancan

Since Lulu Learned the Cancan by Orel Odinov Protopopescu Illustrations by Sandra Forrest

Lulu the ostrich cannot stop doing the cancan!

Mom's Review:
I found this book at a thrift store for $.35. I thought I'd pick it up since it was about dancing and the child is all about dancing and performing. (This is the one of the only online photos I could find!) It's a cute rhyme-y book and the illustrations are cute; not fabulous, but cute. My favorite part is when one of Lulu's kicks break the TV, but the family is kind of happy about it since they spend more time reading. Yay!

Daughter's Review: I liked it because I like dancing. That's it.

If I Ran the Zoo

If I Ran the Zoo by Dr. Seuss

Gerald McGrew contemplates the animals he would acquire if he ran the zoo.

Mom's Review: Not a fan of this one. The premise of it pretty smart, I like the clever made up animals, and how it gets a kid to think about the animals that s/he would have in his/her imaginary zoo; but, I do NOT like the made up words. It's annoying to read rhyming non-existent words. Today is Dr. Seuss' birthday and we're celebrating it by taking a break from his books. I may be the only person in the world who doesn't think he's a mastermind of children's literature.

Daughter's Review: I liked it because I like animals.