A Confession.

I miss the blog terribly. Each time we read a book, I think of this space.

Why have I stopped blogging? Because I am a bad, bad library-goer. See those books listed below? "The Hinky Pink"? "Good Boy, Fergus," "A Bad Case of Stripes"? See them? Yeah, they were good books. And I... (shuffling foot, looking at the ground) I haven't returned them! It's been almost a year!

At first they were just late. Then I thought, "Oh, let me go return them, I'll check the site to see what my fee is." ACK! It was no longer late, but delinquent and I had to PAY for the books. And rightly, so, I admit, however, I cannot afford that. So, I've decided to wait for an amnesty day.

And so, my dear reader(s), if you still come here, which I doubt you do, because it's been almost a year, that is the excuse.

I want to start it up again though. Perhaps I will with the weekly books that the kiddo gets out of her school library.

I'm sorry. :(

The Hinky Pink

The Hinky Pink an old tale retold by Megan McDonald Illustrated by Brian Floca

A seamstress' dream comes true, only to be disrupted by a hinky pink.

Mom's Review: Did you ever see a movie that featured several different, yet connected story lines? A movie that was so good, you felt like all the pieces were going to come together and make perfect sense until it ended and it sucked? (Think: "Magnolia.") Anyhow, this book was the children's book version of "Magnolia." OK, I know a lot of people loved that movie. In my not-so-humble opinion, they just liked the movie because they didn't get it, but wanted to appear smart or esoteric or something. Whatever, dude. Frogs falling from the sky does not a good movie make. ANYHOW... this book didn't have descending frogs, but it did feature a "Hinky Pink" which was an unexplained little critter who wanted a comfortable bed. HUH!? It seemed to have nothing to do with the story. It was annoying really. What was the Hinky Pink's motivation? None of that was explained. The story would have been good enough with the seamstress getting to make a beautiful gown for the princess. In all fairness, this is an old story, retold. And, I think that Megan McDonald did a great job! It's very fun to read aloud. The descriptions are imaginative. I didn't much care for the story, but I did enjoy the writing. I know Abby enjoyed this book, it had her full attention.
The illustrations were very pretty to look at, plus, I loved reading all the sewing-related metaphors.

Daughter's Review: I love every page except the page where the princess is demanding. My favorite part is the part with the dress.

Frederick

Frederick by Leo Lionni

Frederick the mouse preps for winter in an unusual way.

Mom's Review: Don't let the apparent simplicity of this book trick you; it is a complex tale! I love this book because of what it advocates: creativity. Frederick is an introspective little artist who helps his utilitarian friends embrace their imaginations. I don't think Abby has fully grasped the dimensions of this book, but I can tell she knows there's a message in there.

Daughter's Review: I like it because I LOVE mouses.

A Bad Case of Stripes

A Bad Case of Stripes by David Shannon

A little girl has a very odd condition.

Mom's Review: Confession: I'm 34 and still get the occasional case of the stripes. Don't know what that means? Get your hands on this book! You may realize that you still suffer from stripes. And you'll realize that you want to avoid them and you want your child to avoid them too. Basically, having the stripes is the physical manifestation of what happens when you care too much about what other think of you. No one needs that pressure! The images are beautiful and clever. I haven't asked Abby for her review yet, but I know that she loves this book because she loves looking at the pictures. She also is curious to know if this is a true story. *sigh* What a loaded question.
I'm adding David Shannon to my list of favorite authors.

Daughter's Review: I like it because I like different colors. I also like lima beans even though I don't know what they are. Do they taste like limes?

Good Boy, Fergus!

Good Boy, Fergus! By David Shannon

A day in the life of Fergus the dog.

Mom's Review: Here are two questions to see if you'll like this book:
1. Do you have a dog?
2. If no, do you like dogs?
3. If no, what the heck is wrong with you!?

This is a simple book with fun and colorful illustrations. This is one of those books that really depends on your vocal inflections when you read it. It's a wonderful read aloud book. I wish I had a Fergus.

Daughter's Review: I like it because of the doggy.

The Bunny Who Found Easter

The Bunny Who Found Easter by Charlotte Zolotow Illustrated by Helen Craig

A bunny is searching for Easter.

Mom's Review: This is an enjoyable book. The white bunny travels through the seasons searching for other bunnies and Easter; however, he ends up exactly where he began. He did find what he was looking for, although it was slightly different than he expected. This book works on so many levels. The more figurative level is probably lost of children until further explained, but that doesn't matter. The book is a fun story with perfectly springy illustrations.

Daughter's Review: I loved it because I love brown bunnies. That's it.

Princesses are Not Perfect

Princesses are Not Perfect by Kate Lum illustrated by Sue Hellard

Three princesses switch hobbies.

Mom's Review: As far as stories go, this one is 100% predictable, but that doesn't mean it's not enjoyable. It was entertaining to see the princesses do what they love and then try something new. I greatly appreciate each princess' love of her unique talent and how she turns to her passion in times of despair. The illustrations are fun to look at. There is a lot going on and a lot to take in, but it's worth it.

Daughter's Review:
I like it because I like crazy and because I like princesses.

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.

~~~~~~~~~~

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.

And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street

And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street by Dr. Seuss

A little boy concocts a wild tale.

Mom's Review: Another one by Dr. Seuss. OK, so apparently it's not Dr. Seuss that I don't care for, it's The Cat in the Hat. And ya know what? I never would have realized that if it wasn't for Abby. I like this book a lot. The rhymes are fun and the boy's imagination is epic. However, I still do not like Dr. Seuss' illustrations. There's nothing really wrong with them, I was just never really found them appealing.

Daughter's Review: I liked it because of the thing. The mechanical thing.

Puss in Boots

Puss in Boots by Charles Perrault Illustrated by Fred Marcellino


The tale of the smart cat who wore a pair of boots.

Mom's Review: OK, I'll admit it, I became curious about the origins of Puss from the Shrek movies. Sue me. Sure, I've heard of Puss, but not until Shrek was I curious of his past. I really like this book because (in my best Abby impression): I like cats and I like pretty pictures. Puss is one clever cat. Yeah, he's manipulative and sneaky, but whatever. He's a talking cat. In boots. Would I recommend it for your kiddos? Difficult to say. Read it yourself first. It's definitely written at a level more advanced than what a five-year-old can comprehend. Also, Puss kills a bunny (Abby thought that was awesome... should I be concerned?!), there are some nasty threats(Puss threatens to turn some working people into sausage meat if they don't comply with his wishes). Overall, I like this book, the illustrations are absolutely stunning. If you don't want to read it to your child, at least show him/her the pictures and make up your own words. They're that appealing.

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

Good Morning, Chick

Good Morning, Chick by Mirra Ginsburg pictures by Byron Barton

A little chick is born and faces farm life.

Mom's Review: This is one of Abby's selections. Primarily a picture book, it's not too bad for a quick read. It's very simplistic, but still entertaining. True, it seems to be for younger kids, but Abby was intrigued. While I wouldn't purchase it, we will probably check it out of the library again.

Daughter's Review: I liked it because I like animals. But not the chick. The chick was weird.

Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears

Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears by Verna Aardema pictures by Leo and Diane Dillon

The tale of a chain reaction of a mosquito's buzzing.

Mom's Review: Not one of my favorite books. It's one of those chain reaction things that you hope will have a really cool conclusion. Except it doesn't. And an owlet is killed by a falling monkey. (Skipped that sentence while reading, but the child still picked up on it.)Avoid this book. In my opinion, you don't want a children's book to have dead baby animals in it. Despite the Caldecott Medal, the artwork didn't do much for me.

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

Song and Dance Man

Song and Dance Man by Karen Ackerman illustrated by Stephen Gammell

A Grandpa who used to be a vaudeville performer entertains his grandchildren before dinner.

Mom's Review:
Seriously, I love this book. I think parts of it were lost on Abby; we need to discuss some concepts such as "the good old days" and what exactly vaudeville is. For me, however, I loved it for a few reasons: 1. I love the idea of climbing up into an attic to finding treasures. We had an attic in our old house. We didn't have any treasure. One of my goals in life: have a fun attic for grandchildren (no pressure, Abby!) to explore. Also, it must contain at least one of the following items: a sewing dummy, a large hope chest, a map that leads to pirate's gold; however, the gold must end up saving the town from demolition. (Goonies never say die!) 2. Vaudeville is completely enchanting to me. 3. Seriously? This is a Grandpa who can still shake his money-maker? Awesome!
I think this book is more for adults who have a fondness for the past. (Um, hello! That's me!)That being said, kids can still enjoy it. What kid wouldn't want to see a grandparent sing and dance?
This book won the Caldecott Medal, so the pictures are pretty captivating as well.


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

Horton Hears a Who!

Horton Hears a Who! by Dr. Seuss


The title explains it all.

Mom's Review: My view of Dr. Seuss was made perfectly clear not too long ago. My daughter, sensing my dislike of Seuss' writing, decided to check out approximately five books by the fine "doctor." She likes to keep her Mommy agitated in every way possible. I will eat crow and announce that I have discovered a Dr. Seuss book that I like. I really, really like Horton. The Seussian rhymes don't irritate me in this book; I don't know why, though. I love Horton and his willingness to help. He's a pretty awesome elephant. We actually own the movie, but only ever watched it once, and frankly, I was probably on Facebook during most of it. The best line, which I'm sure those who enjoy Seuss already know: A person's a person, no matter how small. Maybe we'll watch the movie tomorrow.

Daughter's Review: One thumb up. One thumb down.