Read to Me Picture Book Challenge -11 - 15

 The Read to Me Picture Book Challenge is hosted by There's A Book.

Reviews for this challenge will be posted in blocks of 5. A full list of books I have reviewed can be viewed here

Title: Good Baby, Bad Baby
Author: Nanette Newman
Illustrated by: Jonathan Langely
Source: Personal collection
Favourite Line: None!

Synopsis: This book has two stories in it. Each cover is the start of a story with them meeting in the middle. On one side is the story of good baby and on the other the story of bad baby. Sounds like a great idea, right?

What I thought: Lets be brutally honest here, I really don't like this book! In fact the only reason it is still in the house is because Kira likes it and goes looking for it at least once a week. Trust me, the moment she doesn't, it's gone! As you most probably have guessed, I didn't buy this book and if I ever remember who did, I will not be impressed! My problem is this - good baby is so sickeningly good, she never does anything wrong! Her voice is so gentle you won't hear her shout. She piles up the bricks, doesn't knock them all down. Now seriously, anyone who has kids knows there is something wrong here! All kids shout at some point, (even if their voices aren't very loud, they still try it out!) and what is the point of building a tower of bricks if it isn't to knock them all down. As for bad baby - the child obviously has no discipline in her life at all! She never says 'Please," she just grabs and says 'More'. She tip bowls on her head and throws jam on the floor.  Now I don't know about your house, but there is consequences for that kind of behaviour in this house and repeat performances are not tolerated! In all seriousness, I can see what the author is trying to do, but in the end I think they have totally missed the mark.

What Kira (5 years old) thinks: As I said, Kira loves this book and I am at a loss as to explain why! She does often say I'm the good baby aren't I mummy? to which I honestly reply Most of the time.

Recommended for: no one! Stay away! Don't let it in your house!

Title: Peace at Last
Author: Jill Murphy
Illustrated by: Jill Murphy
Source: Personal collection
Favourite Line: Well you would not believe what noises there are in the garden at night.

Synopsis: Everyone in the bear house is tired so off they all traipse to bed. Unfortunately Mrs Bear starts to snore, keeping Mr Bear awake, so he sets off around the house looking for somewhere quiet to sleep.

What I thought: One of the things I love about this story is it's poor Mr Bear who is kept awake by his snoring wife, rather than her being kept awake. Mind you, if he'd just given her a good poke in the ribs he most probably would have saved himself a lot of trouble!

What Kira (5 years old) thinks: Kira feels sorry for Mr Bear. And we have had interesting discussions about the noises you hear at night, although tonight she told me she would be able to sleep in the kitchen because she wouldn't hear the tick-tock of the clock!

Recommended for: those who want a fun read.

Title: The Midnight Gang
Author: Margaret Wild
Illustrated by: Ann James
Source: Personal collection
Favourite Line: On the stroke of midnight, when anything can happen, Baby Brenda climbs out of her cot, crawls backwards down the creaky-cracky stairs, whizzes across the kitchen floor, and squeezes through the cat-flap. The gang is waiting.

Synopsis: Baby Brenda and her gang make a midnight excursion to the playground where all sorts of fun is had!

What I thought: I was so pleased when I saw Kira had pulled this out tonight - it's one of my favourites! I remember first reading this when I was childless, working as a teacher librarian and being completely captivated by the story and the pictures. The kids I taught that year had a great time coming up for ideas of where Brenda and her gang could go next time. Ann James' illustrations are done with chalk pastels on coloured paper and are just stunning. Lovely little details like Brenda's bare bottom (she loses her nappy going out the cat flap!) delight and thrill kids and adults alike.

What Kira (5 years old) thinks: Kira loves the bare bum (who doesn't?) She has also told me in great seriousness that she did this when she was a baby and it was lots of fun! I asked her how she got out since we don't have a cat flap and she told me she climbed out the window instead - but she left her nappy on!

Recommended for: those who want a story that is a visual masterpiece as well as a great story.

Title: Cock-a-doodle-do0
Author: Steve Lavis
Illustrated by: Steve Lavis
Source: Personal collection
Favourite Line: Seven woolly sheep wondering where to go.

Synopsis: Explore the farmyard and the noises animals make while learning to count.

What I thought: Is it wrong to like a book because it doesn't take too long to read? There is nothing special about this book, but I silently cheer if Kira pulls in out at the end of long, tiring day. The animals are fun, the noises are fun, but in the end it's short which is sometimes the best thing!

What Kira (5 years old) thinks: Kira loves to count the animals and help make the noises of the farmyard at the end. Secretly I think she picks it when she knows she is tired and wants something quick too!

Recommended for: those who want a quick story with a little extra.

Title: Little Rabbit's New Baby
Author: Harry Horse
Illustrated by: Harry Horse
Source: Personal collection
Favourite Line: But it wasn't a baby. It was three babies!

Synopsis: Little Rabbit can't wait to be a big brother. He will be able to show the baby how to play games, hop and skip. But having new babies in the house isn't as fun as he thought.

What I thought: I love Little Rabbit. He is cheeky and always in mischief, but his heart is in the right place. When his new brothers are born, he wants to help, but gets frustrated when the babies can't play the way he wants. He also gets upset that so much of Mama's time is taken up with caring for the babies. Harry Horse manages to express the frustration of Little Rabbit so clearly. From his excitement to meeting the new babies, to the disappointment they aren't all he thought, to the realisation that he adores them anyway!

What Kira (5 years old) thinks: Kira goes through phases with these books (we have 4 Little Rabbit books) For awhile we seem to read nothing but and then he disappears for awhile. She loves the new baby book though and will often say Three babies mummy! That's a lot! I must admit, I agree with her!

Recommended for: those who may be about to add to their family!

Read to Me Picture Book Challenge - 6 - 10

 The Read to Me Picture Book Challenge is hosted by There's A Book.

Reviews for this challenge will be posted in blocks of 5.

Title: Too Loud Lily
Author: Sofie Languna
Illustrated by: Kerry Argent
Source: Personal collection
Favourite Line: 'Wonderful work!" called out Miss Loopiola. "But you could try stomping just a little louder this time please!"
Lily really liked Miss Loopiola.

Synopsis: Lily is loud. She tries to be quiet, but she isn't. Then Miss Loopiola arrives at school and utilises Lily's talents in the school play. Could Lily have found her true calling?

What I thought: I've always liked Lily. She's the underdog, the one who never quite gets it right. This a great read aloud, with lots of opportunity to use voice modulation to bring the story to life. As great as the story is however, Kerry Argent's illustration brings the book to life for me. I went to a conference once where Kerry Argent spoke and found it fascinating when she explained that even if we couldn't see the whole character in her drawing, if the were standing in a group with some behind the others, she still had to draw the whole animal and would just layer them one on top of the other. It's something I think of every time I see a book illustrated by her. 

What Kira (5 years old) thinks: This is on high rotation as a bed time read. Apparently a little bit of loud Lily before bed is a good thing. The spotty undies always extract a giggle and I have caught Kira and a friend doing a "Lily dance."

Recommended for: those who want a story that is a lot of fun while letting children know that everyone has a talent.

Title: My Uncle's Donkey
Author: Tohby Riddle
Illustrated by: Tohby Riddle
Source: Library
Favourite Line: My uncle's donkey is toilet trained...luckily

Synopsis: My uncle's donkey is allowed in the house and does a whole heap of things you really wouldn't think a donkey would do. Would my uncle's donkey be allowed in your house.

What I thought: This was fun in that lovely silly way that a nonsense book can be. Because really, would a donkey be allowed in your house? And if it was, would it be allowed to do cartwheels in the living room, talk on the phone and wear socks (but only when it was cold!) It puts in mind of a game where one person says My uncle's donkey {insert some activity here} and another replies with but {insert an exception to the rule}
The illustrations are striking. Using gray white and red, Riddle has the knack of putting a lot of expression into the donkey's face so you know when he knows he's up to mischief! 

What Kira (5 years old) thinks: I think she was a little confused by it. A bit young for it I feel. She did find a lot of the things the donkey did funny and when the final page asked "I wonder if my uncle's donkey would be allowed in our house?" her answer was a definite no!

Recommended for: those with older children who could appreciate the irreverence of the story

Title: Over In the Meadow
Author: Louise Voce
Illustrated by: Louise Voce
Source: Library
Favourite Line:

Synopsis: A rhyming counting book.

What I thought: A nice counting book, although trying to rhyme seven with even doesn't quite work!

What Kira (5 years old) thinks: Kira loves counting books because she gets to show off her counting skills! She loves being able to count each animal group and shout out the end number.

Recommended for: those looking for a quick read.

Title: Penguin Pete and Pat
Author: Marcus Pfister
Illustrated by: Marcus Pfister
Source: Library
Favourite Line: And when at last Pete plucked up the courage to ask for Pat's flipper in marriage, preparations were made for a big wedding party on the island.

Synopsis: Penguin Pete has returned from his trip around the world and a lovely female penguin called Pat has caught his eye. Is it true love for Pete?

What I thought: OK, confession time, I'm not a big fan of Marcus Pfister's work. Apart from the sparkly bits on the Rainbow Fish, I couldn't see the fuss. For me, a good picture book lets the pictures tell the story as much as the words do. I find Pfister's books too work and the stories not particularly inspiring either.

What Kira (5 years old) thinks: Kira picked this book because "The penguins are cute mummy." And she is right, the pictures are cute. However, I think she finds there are too many words as well. She fidgeted (not something she normally does during reading) and wanted to turn the pages quicker than I could read.

Recommended for: Penguin Pete fans.

Title: Milly, Molly and Different Dads
Author: Gill Pitter
Illustrated by: Cris Morrell
Source: Library

Favourite Line: "So there we are," Miss Blythe said. "All dads and families are different. That's just the way it is."

Synopsis: Sophie is sad because her dad has left. Miss Blythe encourages the children to talk about their dads and what makes them different.


What I thought: So every now and then your child  borrows a book that when you open it up and start to read it you think "OK, where is this going!" This is the first Milly and Molly book I have seen, but it appears to be a series whose motto is We may look different, but we feel the same.

What Kira (5 years old) thinks: Kira asked lots of questions about this book. Why is she sad?, Why is he in hospital? and made lots of comments He's wearing a funny hat, they are fishing. So, obviously she was engaging in the book. 

Recommended for: children possibly having a hard time with separation or other issues. It would be great as a jump off book for discussions about differences in families.

Read to Me Picture Book Challenge - 1 - 5

Given we read so many picture books in this house, I thought I would post reviews in bunches of 5.

 The Read to Me Picture Book Challenge is hosted by There's A Book.

Title: Fancy Nancy
Author: Jane O'Connor
Illustrated by: Robin Preiss Glasser
Source: Personal collection
Favourite Line: When we arrive at The King's Crown, everyone looks up. They probably think we are movie stars. 

Synopsis: Fancy Nancy loves to be fancy. Unfortunately her family is not so fancy until Fancy Nancy teaches them how to add a bit of class to their lives.

What I thought: We love Fancy Nancy in this house. It's a sure fire hit for my 5 year old daughter and her friends. In fact, a friend was looking after Kira one day and they had a Fancy Nancy day. They got dressed up and headed down the park in their finery of jewels, dresses and gloves. Very fancy! Despite all of her fanciness, Nancy in the end is a gorgeous little girl with a loving and supportive family. This is evidenced if in no other way, than by the last lines in the book:

"I love you," says dad says.
"I love you," says mum says.
And all I say back is, "I love you"
Because there isn't a fancy - or better - way of saying that.

What Kira (5 years old) thinks: "I have a peignoir," (that's a fancy French word for dressing gown.) leaping out of bed to show me! "I like the sparkly cover and the French words." (You can't tell on the cover I have here, but the cover of our copy has lots of sparkles on it!)

Recommended for: those who have little girls who like to be princesses.

Title: Fancy Nancy and the Posh Puppy
Author: Jane O'Connor
Illustrated by: Robin Preiss Glasser
Source: Personal collection 
Favourite Line: Sometimes it's hard being the only fancy person in a family.

Synopsis: Fancy Nancy wants a fancy dog and what better than a papillon (pronounced pappy-yon, something I never knew until I read Fancy Nancy!) But maybe even a papillon is too fancy for Nancy's family

What I thought: Another Fancy Nancy hit! Sometimes things are not always as good as you think as Nancy finds out when she babysits this highly strung pampered pooch. This Fancy Nancy book looks at the importance of considering the needs of all the family rather than just one person.

What Kira (5 years old) thinks: "It's funny when the puppy blurps," (our family's unique [unique is fancy for one of a kind did you know??] word for vomiting.) The first time we read this, Kira showed great concern for Nancy's little sister who upset the puppy. Even now she reassures me that the little sister was only trying to help.

Recommended for: those who have little girls who like to be princesses.

Title: This Dog Bruce
Author: Frances Watts
Illustrated by: Bridget Steven-Marzo 
Source: Personal collection and library. 
Favourite Line: This dog Bruce comes sniffing along, wagging his tail and looking for fun!

Synopsis: Bruce is a very bouncy puppy who just wants someone to play with him, but his over exuberance scares the other animals away. Can they find a game they all can play?

What I thought: Bruce has been a hit in our family for many a year. We actually own a copy, but Kira chose to borrow it from the library as well. (hence the double on the source tag!). It's a fantastic read - a - loud with a great rhythm and rhyme that kids love.

What Kira (5 years old) thinks: Kira loves to read this book. She always chimes in with the  This dog Bruce.. line. In fact, quite often she does it alone, meaning I only read half the book these days!

Recommended for: those who love a good rhyming book that kids can join in with.

Title: Bunny and Bee's Rainbow Colours 
Author: Sam Wilson
Illustrated by: Sam Wilson 
Source: Library.
Favourite Line: Outside their home, in the cold black night, the big white moon shines its light.

Synopsis: Bunny and Bee have a lovely day exploring all the colours around their home.

What I thought: Bunny and Bee is a rhyming book and it's ok. It has a lovely rhythm but in the end is nothing special.

What Kira (5 years old) thinks: This is the second time Kira has borrowed it from the library, but each time she has only asked for it to be read once. Each time though she has pointed out who is Bunny and who is Bee on each page.

Recommended for: those who like rhyming books.
 

Title: Clive Eats Alligators
Author: Alison Lester
Illustrated by: Alison Lester
Source: Personal collection
Favourite Line: But Ernie loves to visit the taxidermist.

Synopsis: In this book, Alison Lester explores the daily lives of seven different children and the different things they do at different times of the day. This is a one in a series of books. Other titles include Rosie Sips Spiders, Ernie Dances to the Didgeridoo and When Frank was Four. Each includes the same 7 children and follow the same format. For example, in Clive Eats Alligators, the first double spread is titled breakfast. It tells you what each of six of the children eat, accompanied by a small picture. You turn the page to a bigger picture on one page and the text But Clive eats alligators  on the other page. Each child gets to shine as they are singled out for the double spread.

What I thought: I've always loved Alison Lester's picture books and this series is wonderful! Each child is immediately identifiable and their personalities shine through as you discover a little bit more about them each time. I've used these books in teaching, and the children have always enjoyed putting themselves in the books and adding their likes and special traits. They are truly books about accepting and celebrating everyones differences.

What Kira (5 years old) thinks: "Clive really loves alligators, doesn't he mummy?" Another book that Kira loves joining in with. She can finish off each section with what each child is doing or enjoying and with questioning, will put herself in the book with glee. (What does Kira have for breakfast? Weetbix!)

Recommended for: those who want a book that teaches about differences without ramming it down your throat!