Musings of a Bookish Kitty: Children's

Showing posts with label Children's. Show all posts

Sunday, September 09, 2018

Bookish Thoughts: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum

~ Opening of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (Oz #1) by L. Frank Baum, narrated by Anne Hathaway
Audible Audio, 2012 (originally published in 1900)
Fantasy (Children's); 3 hrs, 49 minutes

I have not been too good about keeping up with audiobooks as of late (when have I ever?) and decided to pop in a short one while doing some major housecleaning. L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz seemed to be the perfect option. I am not sure what compelled me to decide to get this one in the first place, given I am not the biggest fan of the original movie. On second thought, it probably had everything to do with my daughter’s recent performance in a stage musical version. I wish now I had listened to it with her. I even bought a physical copy of the book to read to her—but she hasn’t shown any interest, sad to say.

L. Frank Baum first published The Wonderful Wizard of Oz in 1900, and, in my mind, has earned its place as a classic; although I know some have argued the lessons are outdated. And there are those readers who cannot help but see the symbolism at every turn, analyzing every nook and cranny. There is nothing wrong with that. That’s just not the type of reader I am. I listened to this novel strictly for entertainment purposes, and got just what I was looking for—an imaginative and delightful story about a girl who is thrust into an unknown fantastical world where she longs to find her way home. Along the way, she meets new friends, helps them along, and faces both big and small obstacles.

I have seen the movie multiple times over the last few months (thanks to my daughter), and it was nice to fill in some of the details with the book. And to see the differences. I never knew that the black and white opening of the movie is actually written in the book. Suddenly there is meaning behind it! And knowing more about the backstories of some of the main characters was nice, some of which I had picked up in Gregory Maguire’s Wicked. I almost want to go back and read Maguire’s novel to compare the two. My favorite backstory has to be that of the flying monkeys. I really appreciated their plight and even their tenuous tie to the Wicked Witch of the West. It is so much more complicated than depicted in the movie. I also appreciated that the book’s ending—or resolution—is a bit more fleshed out in the book than it is in the movie. We get to see a little more of Oz and have a better idea where each of the character’s fates lie—besides just Dorothy. The book is a bit darker than I initially expected, but it was balanced out with the tongue and cheek writing, and compassion and hope of many of the characters. Of course, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is just the beginning of a series of books set in Wonderland. As much as I enjoyed this book, I have not yet decided if I want to jump into the rest. It is tempting though!

Anne Hathaway narrates the version of the book I listened to, and I was quite satisfied with her reading. I cannot say I would have known it was her except her name is on the cover. I tried to convince my daughter that we should listen to it on our way up north while on vacation, but she ultimately was more interested in her tablet. Oh well. Hopefully I can interest her in the book one of these days. I really think she would like it. Especially given her personal tie with the story now.

© 2018, Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Sunday, October 29, 2017

Mouse's Corner: The Too Scary Story by Bethanie Deeney Murguia

The Too-Scary Story by Bethanie Deeney Murguia

Arthur A. Levine Books, 2017

Fiction (Children's); 40 pgs

Source: Purchased at school book fair.

One of Mouse's favorite books is Princess! Fairy! Ballerina! and so when I mentioned the author had written The Too Scary Story, she said she wanted to give it a try. Mouse was a little concerned The Too-Scary Story might be too scary for her at first. The artwork in the opening pages is quite dark and a bit creepy.

In the book, a father asks his two children if they want to hear a bedtime story. His two children, an older sister Grace and her younger brother Walter both have very different ideas of the kind of story they want. The father has a job of it, finding a balance between their two desires--extra scary for his daughter and not too scary for his son. Mouse and I enjoyed guessing with each page what would come next as the story progressed--the story within the story about two children home at night through the forest. The suspense builds as the story goes and even Grace finds herself too afraid in the end. Although I doubt she'd admit it.

The artwork is cleverly done throughout the novel to match the story itself. Mouse could identify with both Walter and Grace, at varying points in the story, and she was anxious to find out how the story would end. Both Mouse and I had fun with The Too-Scary Story, finding it not so scary in the end. In fact, the final page brought memories back of our trip to Pennsylvania this summer and seeing the fireflies waking up as darkness feel in the woods.

You can learn more about Bethanie Deeney Murguia and her books on the author's website. You can also find her on Twitter.

© 2017, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Sunday, September 17, 2017

Mouse's Corner: Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell & David Catrow & The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires

Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon written by Patty Lovell & illustrated by David Catrow

Putnam Juvenile, 2001

Fiction; 32 pgs

A young girl gets the chance to put her grandmother's advice to the test when she moves to a new neighborhood and school in Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon. Molly Lou is faced with a bully in her new school, only inspiring Molly Lou to rise above and be true to herself.

Mouse and I both absolutely adored this book, which has become a favorite we re-read often. Mouse especially likes the colorful artwork and thinks Molly Lou would make a fun friend. I have to agree. There are many ways to stand up for ourselves, and we like Molly Lou's style. She's creative and smart, not to mention has a wise grandmother. If you have a young one and are looking for a book about having confidence in oneself and celebrating our differences, I highly recommend you give this one a try.

You can learn more about Patty Lovell and her books on the Goodreads.

You can learn more about David Catrow and his work on the his website.

The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires

Kids Can Press, 2014

Fiction; 32 pgs

Admittedly the first time Mouse and I read this one, she wasn't quite as excited about it as I was. Now that she's a little older, she appreciates and likes it a lot more. While Mouse may not collect various parts to put together a spectacular invention, she does like to collect bits and pieces here and there to create artful masterpieces.

In The Most Magnificent Thing, we see a girl turn an idea into a reality. She has a vision and a plan. Through the text and the artwork, we go through a variety of emotions with the girl, from excitement to doubt, to frustration, to almost wanting to give up. And yet, she doesn't.

Ashley Spires uses her artwork to touch on topics such as creativity, perseverance, and that making mistakes are okay--a natural part of the process. When reading this book, Mouse and I have discussed how the girl's experiences have mirrored our own at different times, each of us giving examples. It's often a book I break out or refer to when Mouse is feeling especially down on herself and her ability to do or complete something she is working on. I also like that this book goes through the various emotions the girl feels. It's very real to life, something my daughter can relate to--and me as well. The Most Magnificent Thing is now a book my daughter enjoys quite a bit, and it has become a a household favorite.

You can learn more about Ashley Spires and her books on the author's website.

Sunday, August 20, 2017

Mouse's Corner: Four Feet, Two Sandals by Karen Lynn Williams, Khadra Mohammed & Doug Chayka

Four Feet, Two Sandals by Karen Lynn Williams, Khadra Mohammed & illustrated by Doug Chayka

Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2007

Fiction (Children's); 32 pgs

Mouse picked out Four Feet, Two Sandals as one of her Library Summer Reading Program books. She had quite a few questions as we read about the refugee life. Although we had read another refugee-related book several months ago, this one touched more on the camp-life experience whereas the other one was more about the journey to find a new home.

In Four Feet, Two Sandals, clothes are being delivered to the refugees at the camp and ten year old Lina finds a sandal. She notices another girl, Feroza, has the other sandal. The girls decide to share the sandals, one wearing the pair one day and switching off the other. One day, Lina finds out she and her family have been approved to move to America. As she and her friend were saying goodbye, Mouse began crying. She was sad the two friends were separating and was afraid they might never see each other again.

This made a great book for discussing both having to say goodbye and also the refugee experience. We both really liked Four Feet, Two Sandals. Mouse because it was a story about friendship and sharing, and me because it introduced Mouse to another culture and life she is not familiar with in a way that she would be able to relate to and understand.

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Sunday, February 12, 2017

Mouse's Corner: The Princess In Black by Shannon & Dean Hale

The Princess in Black Series by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale, Illustrated by LeUyen Pham

Books in the series (so far):

The Princess In Black (Candlewick Press, 2014; 96 pgs)
The Princess in Black and the Perfect Princess Party (Candlewick Press, 2015; 96 pgs)
The Princess in Black and the Hungry Bunny Horde (Candlewick Press, 2016; 96 pgs)
The Princess in Black Takes a Vacation (Candlewick Press, 2016; 9688 pgs)

While browsing the shelves at my daughter's school book fair this past fall, I discovered The Princess in Black series and asked Mouse if it was something she might be interested in. It was a silly question. Anything about princesses is sure to get her attention. We came home with three books in the series, and she received the fourth for Christmas, soon after it had come out.

These chapter books might be a little above her reading level just yet, but the stories are fun and we enjoy reading them together. Mouse is quite taken with Princess Magnolia and her secret identity as the Princess in Black. When wearing her mask, the princess fights monsters wanting to eat the village goats. Princess Magnolia loves pink and parties and is afraid of snails. She wears frilly pink dresses and has a unicorn named Frimplepants. The Princess in Black can hold her own in a fight and rides a pony named Blacky. There's nothing she is afraid of.

In the first novel, The Princess in Black, Princess Magnolia has an unexpected visitor who is determined to find out what the Princess is hiding. A window of opportunity to snoop opens when Princess Magnolia's monster alarm goes off. I love the illustrations and how they tell their own story.

In the second novel, The Princess in Black and the Perfect Princess Party, finds Princess Magnolia struggling to balance playing host at her own birthday party while at the same time being called out repeatedly as the Princess in Black to fight monsters. I was out of breath just reading that one! It's no wonder Princess Sneezewort has some questions.

Bunnies can't possibly be monsters, the Princess in Black argues in The Princess in Black and the Hungry Bunny Horde. Her friend Duff the Goat Boy isn't so so convinced. This story one never fails to get Mouse laughing.

Tired and in need desperate need of a nap, the Princess in Black has been fighting monsters all night in The Princess in Black Takes a Vacation. The Goat Avenger suggests she take a vacation, and after some contemplation, she agrees, leaving him to guard the goats. Only, it doesn't turn into much of a vacation when a sea monster threatens to eat everyone on the beach. Whenever we read this one, Mouse likes to make up her own stories about climbing or riding the sea monster's back.

The writing is witty and the stories adventures any young school-aged child will enjoy. In each book, Princess Magnolia must balance her dual identities as princess and hero. She is as sweet and kind as she is courageous and a fighter, and Mouse likes that most about her.

The illustrations are well fitted to the story and really add life to the Shannon and Dean Hale's stories. LeUyen Pham captures Princess Magnolia's expressions quite well. Mouse's favorite illustrated scenes in the novel are the ones where the Princess in Black is fighting the monsters. She has a style all her own.

Mouse and I enjoy these books, and I imagine will continue to do so for a long while yet.

To learn more about author Shannon Hale and her work, please visit the author's website.

To learn more about author Dean Hale and his work, please visit him on Twitter.

To learn more about illustrator LuYuyen Pham and her work, please visit her website.

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Sunday, February 05, 2017

Mouse's Corner: Flat Stanley Series (I Can Read! Level 2)

Flat Stanley (Flat Stanley - I Can Read! Level 2) Series by Jeff Brown, illustrated by Macky Pamintuan

Books in the series:

Flat Stanley and the Haunted House (HarperCollins, 2009; 32 pgs)
Flat Stanley at Bat (HarperCollins, 2012; 32 pgs)
Flat Stanley Goes Camping (HarperCollins, 2013; 32 pgs)
Flat Stanley Show--and-Tell, Flat Stanley! (HarperCollins, 2014; 32 pgs)
Flat Stanley on Ice (HarperCollins, 2015; 32 pgs)
Flat Stanley and the Very Big Cookie (HarperCollins, 2015; 32 pgs)

Flat Stanley first came into our lives a couple years ago when a friend asked if his Flat Stanley could visit us for awhile. We've since had another Flat Stanley visit. He's great company. He isn't a picky eater and he easily fits in a book or my purse for traveling purposes. He's quiet and clean and always wears a smile on his face. I hadn't heard of Flat Stanley before he first came to visit us, a boy who was flattened by a chalkboard and never filled out again, or so the story goes. When we took him to Disneyland one year, the cast members at the Park knew just who he was--he is famous!

The character Flat Stanley is evidently a phenomenon of sorts. Children can put together their own Flat Stanley and take him on adventures or mail him to a friend to explore the world. I love the idea and have had a lot of fun posing Flat Stanley in various locations. Admittedly, Mouse's interest in the paper figure has lessened over time, but she seems to enjoy the books. From what I've heard, there is also a Girl Scout version out there that we may have to give a try.

Mouse received the above six titles for Christmas this past year to help her with her reading. The stories are cute. Flat Stanley and his brother find themselves in all sorts of predicaments, whether it be as they are helping the local baker, scaring a bully, struggling with self-image issues, or what have you. Flat Stanley is often the one who saves the day, his flatness coming in handy.

Mouse and I or her dad (or her grandmother) have been reading the books together. The stories certainly hold Mouse's attention, and she likes to see how Flat Stanley solves each of the problems he encounters.

To learn more about author Jeff Brown and his work, please visit the author's website.

To learn more about illustrator Macky Pamintuan and his work, please visit his Facebook Page.

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Sunday, September 28, 2014

Mouse's Corner: Library Favorites

Fire Engine for Ruthie by Lesléa Newman, Illustrated by Cyd Moore

Clarion Books, 2004

Fiction (Children's); 32 pgs

I think I loved this book more than my daughter did, although she did enjoy the story. It's just that my daughter is very much a girl who loves dolls and dress up and tea parties. She also enjoys playing with fire engines and trains too though, so she does not quite understand why anyone would not want to play with them ALL.

Fire Engine for Ruthie is about a little girl who is visiting her grandmother. Her grandmother has such wonderful plans for the two of them, only Ruthie, on a walk with her grandmother, sees a neighbor boy, Brian, playing with a fire truck. She plays at home with her grandmother, only she'd much rather be playing with the fire truck. On and on it goes until one day the grandmother asks Ruthie what she wants to do. Ruthie asks if she can play with Brian--and off they go.

What I liked about this story most is that it shows a girl who doesn't necessarily like to play designated girl games or with girl oriented toys. It's okay for a girl to want to play with trucks and motorcycles and trains! And some do. I like that Ruthie doesn't fit into that stereotype of a girly girl--and I think a lot of other girls (and boys) would be able to relate to Ruthie's character.

I especially loved the way Ruthie turned her grandmother's games of dress up and dolls and the tea party into a game she could enjoy--even if it wasn't what the grandmother had envisioned. It showed imagination and outside the box thinking.

I admit I wish the book ended sooner than it did. At the risk of spoiling the book, the grandmother at the end takes Ruthie to the store to buy the toys Ruthie wants. I would rather the book have ended a couple pages earlier--with the grandmother playing with Ruthie and the neighbor boy. I think the message would have been just as powerful.

The illustrations are eye catching, not to mention well done. Mouse loved picking out various details on the pages.

Fire Engine for Ruthie is a fun story, one I think will especially appeal to young children who don't always (or at all) fit into stereotypical behavior when it comes to play.

To learn more about author Lesléa Newman and her work, please visit her website.
To learn more about illustrator Cyd Moore and his work, please visit his website.

Source: We read this book at the public library.

Chalk by Bill Thomson

Two Lions, 2010

Fiction; 40 pgs

Mouse and I are of the same mind when it comes to Bill Thomson's Chalk. It's is one of our favorites. After the first couple readings of this one at the library, Mouse begged her dad and I to buy it for her. We haven't yet, but we did check it out of the library.

The illustrations are amazing. They are very detailed and realistic. I like that the children are of different races. Most of all, I love the story this book tells--all without words. It's the story of three children who are walking in the rain. They come across a gift bag full of chalk, hanging from the mouth of a dinosaur at the park. Each of the children takes a piece of chalk and draws a different picture. The first girl draws the sun--and magically, the sun raises from the ground and into the sky, chasing away the rain clouds. The second girl draws butterflies and soon the children are surrounded by the beautiful butterflies. The boy decide to draw a dinosaur who comes to life--and scares them, forcing them to hide in the park.

It's a beautiful story about the magic of our imaginations and problem solving. Mouse enjoys telling her dad and I the story just as much as we enjoy telling it to her. I can't recommend this book enough.

To learn more about author Bill Thomson and his work, please visit his website.

Source: We checked this book out from our local public library (after reading it a few times at the actual library)

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© 2014, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Sunday, September 14, 2014

Mouse's Corner: Mooncakes and A Cat Named Gorilla

When I first considered joining A More Diverse Universe Event, I started going through my daughter's shelves in search of books that might qualify. My daughter is fortunate to live in a community and go to a school that is fairly diverse. As a parent, I think it is important to continue to expose my daughter to a variety of cultures and ethnicities, and that includes through literature. I would like her to have an appreciation for the differences as well as to know just how similar we all are as well.

When Gorilla Goes Walking written by Nikki Grimes and illustrated by Shane Evans

Orchard Books, 2007

Fiction (Children's); 32 pgs

We have two cats, one of which has been with us since before Mouse was born. She's never known life without a cat. She is also an only child, like the main character in Grimes' book. When Gorilla Goes Walking seemed like the perfect book for Mouse, a collection of poems telling the story of Cecilia, an African American girl, and her cat, Gorilla. It is a fun (and funny) story, with bright playful illustrations. Mouse and I both enjoy the rhythm of the verses as we read together. Gorilla is a bit more bold and mischievous than our own cats, but in some ways they are similar. Mouse really likes Cecelia and can relate to her in many ways. Especially when Cecelia is sick or sad, and her cat comes to comfort her. Mouse particularly loves the page in which Cecelia and Gorilla get into the paints and make quite a mess. She always points out the colorful paw prints.

My daughter and I are definitely interested in reading more by Nikki Grimes and Shane Evans.

To learn more about author Nikki Grimes and her work, please visit the author's website.
To learn more about illustrator Shane Evans and his work, please visit his website.

Round is a Mooncake: A Book of Shapes by Roseanne Thong, illustrated by Grace Lin

Chronicle Books, 2000

Fiction (Children's); 40 pgs

From the Publisher:

A little girl's neighborhood becomes a discovery ground of things round, square and rectangular. Many of the objects are Asian in origin, other universal: round rice bowls and a found pebble, square dim sum and pizza boxes, rectangular Chinese lace and very special pencil case. Bright art accompanies this lively introduction to shapes and short glossary explains the cultural significance of the objects featured in the book. Perfect for read-alouds or one-on-one sharing.

My daughter has long known her shapes, at least the basic ones. She has a little trouble with differentiating between squares and rectangles sometimes, although mostly gets them right. I wish the author had gone with the triangle instead of the rectangle, but there are triangles to be found on some of the pages. As a result, I sometimes ask Mouse to identify them as we read through the book.

Her favorite shape to point out is the circle. She loves finding the lanterns and moon. Mouse often asks questions about the objects she finds in the illustrations, and I do my best to explain what they are, including the "chop's inky mark" and the abacus.

I love the illustrations in the book. The colors are bright and big. For me, they make the book more than the actual words on each page. I think this is a book that will grow with Mouse over the next few years as she gets older and begins to notice different things.

To learn more about author Roseanne Thong and her work, please visit the author's website.
To learn more about illustrator Grace Lin and her work, please visit her website.

Saturday, January 25, 2014

Mouse's Corner: Birthday Planning, Shoes & Mr. Peabody's Apples by Madonna

What Mouse is Doing Today: We get to sleep in just a little on Saturdays, but even Mouse is not too excited about waking up to the alarm on Saturdays. Mention that it's a soccer day though, and she's immediately wide awake. Most of the time. Today was not one of those days. It took a little coaxing to get her up, and ready for the day.

What Mouse Needs: New shoes. Her feet have grown yet again. So, another activity to add to the list of things to do today. Shoe shopping.

What Mouse is Talking About: Mostly she is into telling stories right now. It's so fun to witness her imagination take flight. She may not have many life experiences to build on, but she can be quite creative when she wants to be.

She is also talking a lot about her birthday. She even has it all planned out. Who she is inviting. What her theme will be. Who will bring and do what. I think the talk stems from the fact that so many other children in her school have birthdays this coming month. She even can tell you the order of their birthdays before it's her turn.

She goes through phases where she sometimes calls me Mommy, Mom or Mama. We are going through a Mama phase right now.

What Mouse is Playing:

What Mouse is Listening to: "Not talk music, Mommy." I do not generally listen to an audio book or talk radio when Mouse is in the car, but occasionally it's on when I turn the car on. At the moment we are listening to the third CD of a children's song set. The Wheels on the Bus is her favorite from this particular CD. She also has been singing the Itsy Bitsy Spider song quite often lately as well as making up her own songs.

What Mouse is Watching: All week it has been all about Caillou. Yesterday she was in the mood for Jake and the Neverland Pirates. While there are several shows she likes to watch, she often fixates on one at a time.

What Mouse is Reading:

Mr. Peabody's Apples by Madonna, illustrated by Loren Long

Callaway, 2003

Children's; 40 pgs

My daughter has an extensive book collection, but, true to her age, she often has a favorite she likes us to read to her over and over. The favored book changes frequently, which is nice in a way. Just when my husband and I are ready to hide a book because we just can't read it one more time, she fixates on another book.

One of her most recent favorites came as a surprise. A surprise because I had forgotten it was on her shelf. My aunt and uncle had gotten it for her the year before last. The other reason I find it surprising my daughter likes this book is because of its length. I am not sure she fully grasps what the story is about just yet, but it's a lesson well worth learning. Madonna admits the story is not a new one, based on one that has been told in one version or another for over 300 years.

Mr. Peabody is a well liked teacher who is witnessed taking an apple from a fruit stand without paying for it. Soon everyone in town thinks Mr. Peabody is a thief. This is the story of what happens when a person spreads a rumor instead of first seeking out the truth.

This book has an overall good message, and the author does a good job of getting her point across in a way children will understand. I think the biggest draw for both my daughter and I though are the illustrations, which complement the story very well. The book is set in 1949, and the pictures have a late 1940 feel to them in terms of details and characterizations.

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Mouse's Final Thoughts: Have a Happy Saturday! And don't play with the light switch.

Monday, October 07, 2013

Mouse's Corner: The Digging-est Dog by Al Perkins

The Digging-est Dog written by Al Perkins and illustrated by Eric Gurney

Random House, 1967

Fiction (Children's); 72 pgs

A friend loaned Mouse a copy of The Digging-est Dog about a month ago and it is one of the most often read books in our house presently. So much so, that I bought my daughter a copy so that I could finally return the copy loaned to us by Mouse's friend.

It's a cute story about a dog living in a pet store, lonely as can be. A farmer takes him in, wanting to give the dog the the life he deserves and place where he can run around and, well, be a dog. The other dogs in the town come to check the new dog out, only to discover he can't dig. They turn their backs on him. The farmer and the dog practice and practice, trying to teach the dog how to dig. When he finally does figure it out, he gets in a heap of trouble by digging up the entire town.

I think I enjoy this book as much as my daughter. No matter how many times I read the book to her (sometimes back to back to back to back . . . ), she never fails to feel for that poor dog, both when he's sitting on that "cold hard floor" and later when the other dogs ostracize him for not being able to dig. She cheers for him when he finally is able to dig and then at the end when he is rescued after a little mishap. It's a story of compassion, friendship, making mistakes and learning from them. Lessons that I think any child--and adult--can always benefit from.

There is only one part of the story that I don't especially like, but it is realistic--and provides a good opportunity to discuss feelings of anger and how we sometimes lash out at each other. Mouse is still a little too young to be bothered by this particular scene (it's probably just my issue anyway), but when she's older, I think it will be worthy of discussion.

The artwork does a good job of helping to carry the story along; each image telling a story of its own. Overall, The Digging-est Dog is a household favorite, and one I imagine we will be reading for a long time to come.

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© 2013, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Monday, September 16, 2013

Mouse's Corner: Dinosaurs Love Underpants by Claire Freedman & Ben Cort

Dinosaurs Love Underpants by Claire Freedman and Ben Cort

Aladdin, 2009

Fiction (Children's); 32 pgs

If you have ever wondered why dinosaurs disappeared, here's the book for you. It offers one version of their demise, anyway. Dinosaurs Love Underpants is my daughter's new favorite book. She has the most fun picking out which underwear should go to mommy and daddy and grandma (saving all the pink ones for herself) at the end of the book.

The illustrations are colorful and fun. I love the details in each drawing. The writing is creative and lyrical, rhyming and flowing. It's a cute story, even if a little sad (only to me, I'm sure, who thinks the end of the dinosaurs isn't really a happy occasion). I like that each page has much in the way to see--Mouse can count the cavemen or dinosaurs on a page or can show me which children are sad and which are happy. Plus, all the colorful underpants are cool.

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Saturday, May 19, 2012

Kid Konnection: Mouse's Favorite Downstairs Books (Part 3)

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It isn't just the little board books that have won Mouse over. Seeing her coming with Olivia the Magnificent by Sheila Higginson (Simon Spotlight, 2009), a rather large book, is a sight to see! Olivia the Magnificent was a birthday gift from a friend and her twins and it became a fast favorite.

I admit there is a part of me that cringes every time Mouse brings me Olivia the Magnificent to read to her. Olivia the Magnificent is a flip flap book. While it's a board book, there are flip pages, hiding parts of the story behind them on each page--and those pages are easy to bend and rip. She's already ripped one flip page off, resulting in some doctoring of the book. I know, I know. Children will be children--and it's just a book. As I try to teach Mouse to be gentle with her books, she isn't quite there yet--and so it's a bit of a balancing act on my part--keeping it fun for her without keeping her away from her favorite books. And keeping the book in one piece.

While Mouse is mesmerized by the flip pages, I like the story. Olivia and Ian's grandmother comes to visit one day and performs a magic trick. Olivia is determined to become a magician herself and so practices on her brother. She makes herself disappear. I believe the story is also a Nickelodeon show. I especially like the artwork--it tells the story well on its own, although it's nice to have the narrative as well.

© 2012, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved.If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Saturday, May 12, 2012

Kid Konnection: Mouse's Favorite Downstairs Books (Part 2)

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Mouse's interest in books has grown over the past few months, and it is fun to see which books she is most drawn to. Here I highlight another couple of books which have gained her affection, evidenced by the number of times she brings me the book to read to her.

One of my aunts is a strong believer in giving books as gifts to children. She'll get no argument from me! For Easter, she and my uncle gave Mouse a set of animal books, one called Kitty Kitty and the other Farm Friends. Both are board books that Mouse has grown quite attached to. Farm Friends teaches children the various sounds that farm animals make. Mouse loves it when I make the donkey sound--probably because I get a little too into it. The Kitty Kitty book discusses a kitty's behavior, using real life pictures of cats. I try to engage Mouse as we read, asking her if her cats do the same as the cats on the pages. Both books are more instructional than entertaining story wise, but they are perfect reading for a toddler learning about the sights and sounds around her.

Saturday, May 05, 2012

Kid Konnection: Mouse's Favorite Downstairs Books (Part 1)

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Mouse loves to bring me books, climb into my lap and sit for a minute or two as I begin to read. Rarely does she stay long enough for me to get through an entire book, no matter how short or how much I abbreviate the story. Sometimes she'll join in the page turning and other times not. It depends on what she has on her agenda at the time. The books that do have her sticking around tend to be the more interactive books: ones with squeaky buttons to push or different textures to feel. And then I or my husband can expect to have her wanting us to read the book to her over and over again. It's fun to see her so animated about reading, especially after worrying she would never sit still long enough to enjoy it.

One of her current favorites is Squeak Squeak (written by Gabby Goldsack, illustrated by Marie Allen, concept by Fiona Hayes) about a puppy who is trying to figure out where the squeaky noise is coming from. He asks all his friends, including a snake and a bear if they are the ones squeaking. It's a fun board book, encouraging the reader (or child being read to) to push the black nose to make the squeaky nose. Mouse loves pushing the nose.

Perhaps more than Squeak Squeak, Mouse loves Quack! Quack!, a baby touch and feel book. Each animal inside the pages sports a different texture for the reader to touch. Mouse particularly likes to poke the pig in the nose. I can't tell you how many times Mouse has brought me Quack! Quack! to read, sometimes multiple times during the same sitting. Besides getting to know the feel and sounds of the different animals via the book, I have also been working on teaching her "nice touch", a lesson we've been going over for months in an effort to teach her to be gentle with the real animals (humans included) in the house. She's pretty good at it, although sometimes her enthusiasm gets the better of her--and now that she's bigger her slaps can carry quite a sting.

Friday, February 24, 2012

Kid Konnection: The Best-Loved Doll by Rebecca Caudill

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The Best-Loved Doll by Rebecca Caudill, Pictures by Elliott Gilbert
Scholastic Books, 1962

A few months ago, I opened a random box in the garage and discovered a treasure trove. I thought I had found and unpacked all my old children's books only to find I must have missed a box. And not just any box. I hadn't realized I had saved any of the books inside, many of them old favorites.

One book that jumped out at me immediately was The Best-Loved Doll. My heart just about melted on the spot! I've already read it to Mouse, although I have to say her attention and interest in books has never been great. She played around me, mostly, as I read to her. I imagine this particular book is a little too old for her anyway. At least right now. It's got a place among her books, however, just waiting its turn.

Betsy is invited to a party in which she is instructed to bring one doll. Prizes will be given for dolls in a variety of categories--whether it be for the oldest, best dressed, or the doll that can do the most things. Betsy considers each of her dolls, trying to decide which one she wants to take. She has a doll that fits just about any category imaginable--including a doll that most of us would think has seen better days.

It is the sweetest story and the illustrations are beautiful in their simplicity. I remember reading it over and over again as a child, knowing that I would make the same decision Betsy made each time. Although on the surface the story is about a girl and her dolls, underneath it is about so much more. And that ending . . . So perfect!

Source: I am not sure where this book came from. It was most likely a gift. It has been in my possession for over thirty years.