Provo Library Children's Book Blog

Galapagos Islands by Erinn Banting Weigl, 2012.  32 pgs.  Nonfiction      Lots of publishers are jumping on the Common Core/STEM trolley these days, but Weigl press with its AV2 series ought to be sitting somewhere towards the front of the bus. In this title, stunning visuals are described and explained by readily accessible text. Informational sections are interrupted here and there by "puzzler," given students and opportunity to test their knowledge of related material; for example, "Can you name some of the world's major island chains?" with a letter map and answers at the bottom of the page.  One of the best components of this book (one in a series:  Wonders of the World AV2) is that it has an online component. Simply go to the AV2 books website, type in the Book Code for the Galapagos Islands book, and then add the secret password from a particular location in the book; for example, the last word in the second paragraph of page 8.  (Won't kids l

The Big Book of Crafts and Activities By James Mitchem DK Publishing, 2013. 128 pgs. Juvenile nonfiction. In this bright, attractive volume, there are plenty of crafts and activities to choose from to turn a regular day into something extra-special. Make pom-pom sandals, whip up a homemade facial (or smoothie), grow strawberries in rain boots, or bedazzle everything in sight--this book has instructions for all these things and more! Targeted at girls who are six to twelve, this is a great book to browse for fun ideas to spark your imagination. For more activities, check out the companion book The Big Book of Things to Make , tailored for boys.

Miracle Mud: Lena Blackburne and the Secret Mud that Changed Baseball by David A. Kelly illustrated by Oliver Dominguez Lerner Pub Group. April 2013.  unpaged. picture book biography Lena Blackburne wanted to be a famous ballplayer. He tried playing every position for many different teams, but he just wasn't good enough. Although Lena Blackburne was not a star baseball player, he loved everything about the game. After he retired he stayed close to the game and found somewhere he could help out. Before a game, the baseballs would be prepped so they weren't as slick and shiny. However, the methods being used caused the balls to be soft, soggy, sticky or stinky. Nobody liked this and it was difficult to throw the ball and to hit it. Lena set his mind to coming up with a solution and eventually stumbled upon it by accident. He found a muddy area near his home in New Jersey with the perfect slop to take care of the balls. 75 years later, the same muddy place is b

Amelia Bedelia Means Business by Herman Parish pictures by Lynne Avril New York : Greenwillow Books, c2013. 149 pages. Intermediate chapter book. Believe it or not, the classic literal-minded housekeeper, Amelia Bedelia, was once a child! This younger version of the silly yet lovable lady has been seen in a few picture books and now she has her own chapter book series! The first in the series is about Amelia's desire for a shiny new bicycle. Her birthday and Christmas are far away so her parents offer to pay for half if she can earn the money for the other half. Of course this makes her work extra hard as she can't imagine what she would do with only half of a bicycle! Amelia Bedelia as a budding entrepreneur is not to be missed! She loses her first job when she learns waitressing is not "as easy as pie". Even the tried-and-true lemonade stand backfires for poor Amelia Bedelia. Her patient parents stick with her and learn how to re-phrase their words so she do

Gone Fishing a novel in vers by Tamera Will Wissinger illustrated by Matthew Cordell Houghton Mifflin Books for Children. March 5, 2013. 120 pages. Intermediate novel in verse. Sam is super excited to go fishing with his dad. He begins preparing the night before by digging night crawlers and checking his tackle box. Wait a minute...his tackle box is full of princesses and perfume! Lucy, his annoying little sister has obviously been messing around with his stuff. You can imagine his dismay when she gets up the next morning and begs their father to take her fishing too. Sam knows the trip is ruined now! Sure enough, Lucy makes a lot of noise and even sings to the fish! Yet somehow, she catches more fish than Sam! As the day wears on, Sam learns that Lucy doesn't mean any harm and their relationship and friendship grows. This charming little story is told from three voices, Sam, Lucy and the father, using numerous styles of poetry. It is wonderful how well emotions and

Seeing Orange by Sara Cassidy illustrated by Amy Meissner Victoria, B.C. : Orca Book Publishers, 2012. 57 pages. Intermediate fiction.   Leland is struggling in his second grade class. He has a really hard time putting words on paper. He would much rather express himself by drawing or painting. Life gets even more frustrating when his orange tabby cat, Pumpkin, disappears. The only bright spot in his day is his art lessons from a neighbor. She teaches him about more than painting. From her he learns to really look at things and that it is okay to see things differently than other people. His new found perspective helps him find old friends and new friends in unexpected places. This is a great book for 2nd-4th graders who might be experiencing similar attention problems.  Teachers and parents also would benefit from reading this as they would gain some understanding of what a child may be dealing with.

Snorkeling with Sea-Bots! by Amy J. Lemke art by Jess Bradley North Mankato, Minn. : Stone Arch Books, c2013. 23 pages. Easy Reader Graphic Novel On a trip to the beach with his parents, Kolten is having a blast snorkeling. He is in for a surprise when he sees more than fish and seaweed. Kolten discovers the secret to how the ocean works - Sea-Bots! There's one in charge of whirlpools, one that plants seaweed and one who makes waves, just to name a few. Kolten is enjoying his time in Sea City when he realizes his parents might be worried about him. His new friends make his return to shore extra exciting. This is a great new graphic novel series for beginning readers. The bold and colorful panels are easy to follow and the text is a cinch to read. There are numerous activities at the end such as word games, how-to-draw characters, a glossary and more.

Something to Prove: The Great Satchel Paige vs Rookie Joe Dimaggio by Robert Skead illustrated by Floyd Cooper Lerner Pub Group. April 2013. unpaged. picture book. Although Satchel Paige was not allowed to play in the major leagues due to his skin color, everyone knew and respected his skills. This gorgeously illustrated picture book tells of how the Yankees tested Joe DiMaggio’s talent by pitting him against the great Paige in a barnstormer game.  Satchel was playing with an unskilled team against a whole team of major-leaguers. He wasn't too worried, he just knew he would have to do his best. He threw his incredible arsenal of amazing pitches as well as provided some hits for his team. It came down to a tie and extra innings. Joe DiMaggio was up at bat for the fourth time! He finally got a hit! Now the Yankee scout could report to the owners that DiMaggio was as great as they had hoped; he had batted 1 for 4 on Satchel Paige. DiMaggio went on to help his team win the Worl

The Missing Cuckoo Clock A Mystery about Gravity by Lynda Beauregard illustrated by Der-Shing Helmer Science Camp Science Mysteries #5 Lerner Pub Group, April 2013 47 pages, graphic novel mystery Summer Camp Science Mysteries continue to teach basic science principles with a fun graphic novel mystery. There are some of our old friends from previous adventures as well as some new. This mystery focuses on gravity and its effects on everything from the human body to a ballpoint pen to a cuckoo clock that is now missing from the wall of the camp mess hall. The kids notice the missing timepiece and get busy trying to find out what really happened. Their investigation leads to a gravity-challenged baton and a naughty camper. These graphic novels are a great way for kids 2nd grade and  up to learn about science and its practical applications in their daily lives. The graphic novel format makes it accessible to kids with varying learning abilities as well as reluctant readers who wou

The Sinking of the U.S.S. Indianapolis By Mark Tyler Nobleman Recounts the history of the USS "Indianapolis," discussing its secret mission, attack and destruction by a Japanese submarine, and the ordeal of the surviving crew members. I Survived (series) By Joan Holub Blizzard of Glass: The Halifax Explosion of 1917 By Sally M. Walker When two ships collided in Halifax Harbour, on December 6, 1917, one of them was full of munitions for World War I. The ensuing explosion, aftershocks, and tsunami wrecked unbelievable devastation. It was the largest explosion in the world until the atomic bomb was detonated in World War II in 1945. Titanic: Voices From the Disaster By Deborah Hopkinson Tells the tale of the sinking of the Titanic using the narratives of the witnesses and survivors to the disaster.  The Great Molasses Flood: Boston, 1919 By Deborah Kops Primary sources and archival photographs help tell the true account of the 1919 molasses tank ex

True Legend by Mike Lupica Philomel, 2012.  292 pgs.  Fiction       Drew "True" Robinson is the best high school point guard in the country.  He and his Mom have moved from New York to Southern California to nestle under the wing of Mr. G., a filthy rich basketball fan who started his own prep school academy just to assemble a grade-A basketball team and then to highlight Drew's talents.  His soon to be best friend Lee promises to be his wingman, hoping to bring a district championship to Oakley, and though his Mom warns him about believing his own hype and slacking off in his schoolwork, he soon begins to give in to casual lying and cheating, letting others "help" him with his homework and thinking life owes him whatever he wants. But one night when he arrives to shoot around by himself on a neighborhood court, lit only by the moon, he sees a ghost.  An old guy with skills--extraordinary skills--attacking the basket like an elite pro player.  When he hai

Sea Anemones By Meryl Magby Describes the characteristics of sea anemones, including their history, way of life, habitat, physical characteristics, diet, reproduction, threats from predators and the environment. Volcanoes By Claire Llewellyn Discusses volcanoes explaining what they are, where they are found, and the different types of volcanoes. Movers and Makers: How Animals Build and Use Tools to Survive By Robin Michal Koontz  Animals and insects throughout the world have some extreme, and sometimes gross, special skills, explore a variety of ways creatures use tools and build homes in order to survive in the wild. Frog Song By Brenda Z. Guiberson  Text and color illustrations introduce frogs and their vital role in environmental balance in places all over the world. Wonderful World of Sharks By Christina Wilsdon Real-life photos and vivid illustrations offer children a fascinating look into the deep-sea lives of sharks. Guided by th

  Percussion By Daniel Nunn This book looks at a variety of percussion instruments and shows the reader the different ways in which they are played around the world. Percussion By Roger Thomas Rattles, Bells, and Chiming Bars By Karen Foster Traces the development of percussion instruments through various cultures, discussing jingles, rattles, gongs, and drums. Includes projects for making instruments. Recorder Fun! Teach Yourself the Easy Way This book/CD pack will have you playing 40 great songs on recorder in no time! The book includes all the information you will need to get started, plus an easy-to-use finger chart, and the demonstration/play-along CD features professional accompaniments to make you sound like a pro! What in the World is a Clarinet? By Mary Elizabeth Salzmann Simple text and large color photographs show the different parts of the clarinet and how it is played. Blowing By Angela Aylmore  What sorts of instrumen

Tea Rex Written and Illustrated by Molly Idle Viking, 2013. Unpaged picture book. Tea Rex details the rules and etiquette of hosting a dignified tea party, even when one's guest is anything but dainty.  Cordelia and her little brother play host to Mr. Rex, who does not always conduct himself properly, but nonetheless provides for a rousing, adventurous afternoon. The characters are immediately likeable, and the artwork is reminiscent of the best of Disney. Molly Idle's colored-pencil illustrations are soft, with interesting colors and funny details, such as a collapsed chair and tattered wallpaper left in Mr. Rex's wake. This is a charming story, and little brothers will find as much to enjoy as prim little ladies.

Always Daddy's Princess by Karen Kingsbury illustrated by Valeria Docampo Zondervan March 2013 unpaged picture book Daddy is ecstatic as his little princess is born. He showers her with love and adoration (and lots of pink things) throughout her life. He supports her and cheers for her at every moment. Whether it's watching a soccer game in the rain or taking her clothes shopping, this dad is there with a smile on his face and love in his heart. Then the inevitable happens and his princess gets married. But guess what? Soon Grandpa's little princess is born! Now the lucky man has two special princesses in his life! This sweet rhyming picture book highlights a father's love for his little girl through every step of her life. It is also very pink! The love between this father and daughter will touch your heart, though at times the rhymes seem a little forced. Also, there are some biblical quotes sprinkled throughout giving it a slightly religious feeling, but it

The Dark Written by Lemony Snicket Illustrated by Jon Klassen Little, Brown & Co., 2013. Unpaged picture book. Laszlo is afraid of the dark, which lives in the basement of his creaky house. When the sun sets, the dark slowly spreads through the house, and when the sun rises, he returns to the basement. Laszlo sleeps with a flashlight and a blazing nightlight, hoping that the dark won't appear. The dark comes to visit him anyway, and shows Laszlo that there is nothing to be afraid of. This is a unique and comforting story of darkness personified and a boy conquering the unknown. Snicket's words are wonderful, carefully-chosen and descriptive. Klassen's artwork never disappoints, and I wouldn't be surprised to see him considered for another Caldecott. The contrast between light and dark, with colorful gouache, creates incredible depth and dimension.

The Black Rabbit Written and Illustrated by Philippa Leathers Candlewick Press, 2013. Unpaged picture book. When Rabbit wakes up one sunny morning, he is alarmed to see that a big, Black Rabbit is following him. He tells it to go away, but the Black Rabbit doesn't budge. The Black Rabbit is also hot on Rabbit's tail as he tried to run away. For a brief moment, Rabbit is alone as he swims across the river, but the Black Rabbit is still there when he reaches shore. When Rabbit runs into the deep, dark forest, the Black Rabbit doesn't follow, but then Wolf appears and chases him through the woods. When they are out in the sunshine, Wolf is scared off by the sight of the Black Rabbit appearing menacingly behind Rabbit once again. Ah, a happy ending. This picture book is a clever read aloud, and kids will love being in on the shadow-joke. It is an adventurous tale, but- thanks to the sweet watercolor illustrations- not too scary for little ones.

Ozomatli presents Ozokidz by Ozomatli Hornblow Recordings, 2012.  14 tracks.  Music CD One of the American Library Association's Notable Recordings for Kids, 2012, Ozomatli's Ozokidz album has a bit of a dreary cover (see above) so you won't know to take it home without this tipoff.  If you have any toddler rockers in your house who like their kid stuff up-tempo, Ozokidz is the recording for them.  From songs about a moose on the loose, to sides about the joys of spelling and skateboarding, Ozomatli's wide-ranging, multicultural selections with Latin, hip hop, reggae, and funk rhythms will be way fun for kids who may learn a little something along the way--as will their grownups.

If You Hold a Seed by Elly MacKay Philadelphia : RP Kids, c2013. unpaged picture book The seasons pass with each turn of the page. The short sentences help move the pages along as they describe the weather and the growth of a single tree. Though you will linger long after reading the text as you enjoy the stunning illustrations. The creator used a fascinating layered technique with photography and lighting to invoke the atmosphere of the seasons. Please visit her website to learn more about this as I know my words can't do it justice. http://www.ellymackay.com/process/ I wish the artist was in the US so this could be a Caldecott contender next year, but alas, she is Canadian! 

Blastoff to the Secret Side of the Moon! by Scott Nickel art by Jess Bradley North Mankato, Minn. : Stone Arch Books, c2013. 23 pages. Easy reader. Graphic novel.   Aaron is having a blast playing with his action figures in his backyard when he discovers an empty spaceship next door. What little boy could resist climbing inside and pushing buttons? Definitely not Aaron! Of course the button he pushed sent him into space on a course for the moon. He lands in Area 52, a very mysterious place on the dark side of the moon. It is top secret so I can't tell you anymore than that! This simple and colorful graphic novel is perfect for beginning readers. And a perk in all Comics Land books is the bonus material at the end which includes: "Word Power" a fabulous vocabulary list, questions to make the reader really think about what they just read, "Game Time", and a how to draw section.

Bluebird Written and Illustrated by Bob Staake Schwartz & Wade Books, c2013. Unpaged picture book. Bob Staake's Bluebird is a wordless picture book that speaks volumes with its digitally-rendered illustrations and varying shades of blue, gray, white, and black. A young boy walks through the streets of New York City, lonely and always an outsider. A sweet bluebird follows him throughout the day, and becomes a bright little playmate for the boy. Together, they share a cookie, play hide and seek, and race small sailboats. The story turns dark when the boy and his bird walk through a dark park and find themselves in the middle of a pack of bullies. The poor bird falls victim to their cruel treatment, and in the end is carried into the heavens by a group of birds in rainbow colors. Discussion about Bluebird can take off in many directions- about friendship and kindness, life and death, even nature and cities. I am rooting for Mr. Staake to win a Caldecott for what I think is

Bug Patrol by Denise Dowling Mortensen, illustrated by Cece Bell Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013. Unpaged.  Picture Book.      Captain Bob patrols the streets of Bugland holding coffee and a cruller in two of his right "hands" and resting one of his left appendages on the steering wheel.  His first call is a Code Eleven--unruly ants swarming a donut.  Captain Bob lines them up and tells them to share.  Subsequent calls take him to beetles bumping in the parking lot of the Mall.  Speeding spiders on low-riders are probably his most hazardous call.  Off he speeds "Weee-o Weee-o Weee-o Woo," corners the miscreants, gives them a fine and a lecture, and goes about his day until its time for him to "Hurry home to my nest.  And the bugs that I love BEST!"  Officer Bug is a great guy who keeps his insect community from descending into anarchy.  Kids will love the rhyming, repetitive text and maybe the gross-out factor of roaches being relocated from a Roac

Rain! by Linda Ashman, illustrated by Christian Robinson Houghton Mifflin, 2013.  Unpaged. Picture book      Rain is just one thing but it evokes different reactions.  In this simple and charming picture book Grumpy Old Guy and Happy Young Boy both exclaim at the "Rain!"  Grumpy Old Guy is mad; Happy Young Boy is glad, glad, glad!  The two make their way through the rainy day until they meet at the Rain or Shine cafe. GOG has coffee, black.  HYB has hot chocolate and a cookie.  When GOG leaves his hat behind, HYB chases him down.  They trade hats.  Grumpy Old Guy looks surprisingly perky in Happy Young Boy's frog hat--his mood and his tune are changed and he jumps in a puddle on his happy way home.  A fun and un-pushy book about choosing to be happy, no matter what.

                                                                    The Diary of Pringle Rose (Dear America) by Susan Campbell Bartoletti Scholastic, 2013.  245 pgs.  Historical Fiction      After a few years' break, the American Girl books are back in full flower, and The Diary of Pringle Rose is a fine, realistic, nuanced addition to the series. Pringle and Gideon's parents have been killed in a carriage accident and her aunt and uncle want to put Gideon--who would now be known as a Down syndrome child--into an asylum.  The two run away from home to find one of her mother's friends in Chicago, but the woman has herself been committed to an asylum so they move in with a family they met on the train. The book appears to be about the Great Fire in Chicago and it is, briefly, but it is mostly about labor relations in the late 1800s.  Pringle's father was a mine owner and the family she moves in with are union organizers. A budding romance comes to an unexpected f

A Long Way Away: a two-way story By Frank Viva Little, Brown, 2013. Unpaged. Picture book. A little alien, who looks a bit like an onion, has an incredible journey that takes him through space, sky, earth, and water. As for what order he travels through these areas, the reader gets to decide! This is a clever, unusual book with a special secret: you can choose to read it left to right or right to left! I tried both ways and found my favorite option was left to right. It gave a very sweet ending to the story. The illustrations are sharp and fun, designed superbly, in line with Frank Viva's usual brilliant, graphic style. This is a zippy adventure with a cozy ending, whichever way you choose to read it. Two thumbs up!

Elephant Talk by Ann Downer Twenty-First Century Books, 2011.  112 pgs. Nonfiction Elephants are by far some of the most fascinating animals on the face of the planet--and this book has the facts to prove it.  Scientists have studied these highly intelligent and social creatures for years and have even figured out how it is that elephants manage to "speak" to one another. Sometimes over miles of distance. Did you know that an elephant's sense of smell is far superior to any bloodhound's? Did you also know, that wild  elephants in Kenya have learned tell tell, just by looking at them, the difference between tribes of people based on the clothing they wear? Elephants have actually learned which tribes will not hurt them, and which ones will hunt and kill them. This book will give any reader a new respect for this noble race of creatures. I would highly recommend this book for older middle grade readers who will not be hindered by the technical speak that is some

Ball by Mary Sullivan Houghton Mifflin Harcour. April 2013. unpaged picture book/graphic novel   Whoever said dog is man's best friend never met the main character of this story. This dog's best friend is his bright red ball. He sleeps with the ball in his mouth so the moment his other best friend wakes up she can start throwing it for him. The little girl throws and throws the ball as she gets ready for school. The dog is devastated when she finally leaves for school and he has no one to play with. He wanders the house looking for anyone or anything to play with him. Out of desperation he even asks the cat. He finally resorts to the less-than-satisfying game of hiding the ball for himself. However when he hides it under the pillow a nap suddenly becomes more important. Dog then dreams of many adventures with his ball. Will his little girl ever get home so they can play ball again? This graphic novel picture book is absolutely charming. The illustrations along wit

The Little Gray Bunny By Barbara Barbieri McGrath; illustrated by Violet Kim Charlesbridge, 2013. Unpaged. Picture book. Based on the fable of The Little Red Hen , a gray bunny, lamb, turtle, and duck all live together in a barn. The bunny is hardworking and always asks his companions for help, but of course, they pretend to mishear him or flat-out refuse. On top of all the usual chores, he also manages all the Easter prep, too. When he has a special egg hunt, his friends are suddenly all too happy to help, but the bunny has an unusual surprise in store for them! Bright, simple illustrations using watercolor, pen, and gouache compliment the story well. This is a nice alternative to the traditional Red Hen tale and a great choice for Easter!

Little Dinos Don't Bite by Michael Dahl illustrated by Adam Record Mankato, Minn. : Picture Window Books, c2013. unpaged board book   Here is a cute and simple way to teach very small children what is acceptable to bite and what is not. "Don't bite your shoes! And Don't bite your mom! Bite a snack instead, Little Dino". The large and colorful pages will appeal to little ones while they are being taught a valuable lesson. Little Dinos is a wonderful new board book series teaching babies very important behavioral concepts. Other titles include, "Don't Push" and "Don't Hit". 

Lester's Dreadful Sweaters by K. G. Campbell Kids Can Pr. September 2012. unpaged picture book Young Lester was suspicious of pretty much everything and he liked his life to be perfectly ordered. That all changed when cousin Clara arrived. The family isn't quite sure whose cousin she is, but if she's family then she, and her knitting basket, will be welcomed in their home. Now poor Lester's life will never be the same for Cousin Clara rapidly knitted him a sweater which, to be polite, he wore until it "accidentally" got ruined. Never fear, cousin Clara can knit up a new one in the blink of an eye - this one even more dreadful than the last. No matter what accidents befall the gifted sweaters there was always another one close behind. Until eventually Lester was able to find a more appreciative home for his collection of sweaters and the knitting fiend herself. Lester is a fabulous little boy full of quirks and charm. This is a fun story with a

Dessert Designer: Creations You Can Make and Eat! by Dana Meachen Rau North Mankato, Minn. : Capstone Press, 2013. 112 pages, Juvenile Cookbook This creative book has lots of fun projects to inspire your next birthday or other themed party. There are also great ides for edible craft projects to do with your kids. The cover does say, "51 Fun Creations Easy Enough for Kids", but there are several that will most definitely require an adult helper. The ingredient and supply lists are easy-to-read and fairly basic. The instructions are clear and detailed for most kids ages 10 and up on their own, younger kids can help with many steps. The big, colorful, eye-catching photos will surely inspire you to try these tempting treats at home.

Stripes of All Types by Susan Stockdale Peachtree Pub Ltd. April 2013. unpaged picture book When you think of striped animals you probably think of a tiger or a zebra first. There is actually quite a variety of striped animals in the world. Author/illustrator Susan Stockdale does a fabulous job illustrating some for us. The charming little rhymes tell us what these striped creatures do in their natural habitat. Insects, birds, reptiles and mammals are well-represented on the colorful pages. Bonuses at the end of the book include short informative paragraphs about each animal as well as a guessing game of striped patterns - all of which are found in the book. This is a great choice for teaching pre-schoolers about patterns.

Nugget & Fang: Friends Forever - or Snack Time? by Tammie Sauer illustrated by Michael Slack Houghton Mifflin Harcourt April 2013. unpaged picture book Nugget and Fang are the best of friends. They do everything together and go everywhere together. Until one day Nugget has to go to school and Fang isn't allowed. You see, Nugget is a minnow and Fang is a Shark. Every lesson is about the dangers and hazards of sharks. Nugget knows in his heart they aren't true, at least he hopes not. He finds it is kind of hard to stick to your beliefs when everyone else around you believes something else. Fang desperately misses little Nugget and tries to prove himself a true friend in many ways. Will Nugget ever trust his friend again? Will the other minnows realize that not all sharks are the same? Read this cute and colorful picture book to find out.

I Dare You Not to Yawn by Helene Boudreau illustrated by Serge Bloch Somerville, Mass. : Candlewick Press, 2013 unpaged picture books Never let your mom see you yawn or it will lead to pajamas and bedtime stories and songs and goodnight kisses. So if you're not ready for all of that be sure to follow the simple instructions laid out in this book. I dare you not to yawn as you read this to your little ones. Who knew yawns were contagious from illustrations and text as well as in person? Trying not to yawn when you are reading a book all about yawning is so much easier said than done. This is sure to brings smiles (and yawns) to everyone! Dare I ask how many times you yawned while reading this review?

Dangerously Ever After by Dashka Slater illustrated by Valeria Docampo New York : Dial Books for Young Readers, c2012. unpaged picture book Princess Amanita loves dangerous and nasty things - particularly in her garden. Everything she grows does something horrid or vicious to any who dare get near enough. When a young prince visits her she is at first unimpressed with his gift of beautiful pink roses. However, she soon discovers that where there is a lovely rose blooming, there are also wicked and lethal thorns, exactly her kind of thing. Unfortunately her request for seeds from the neighboring gardener is misread leading to an adventurous trek through a very dark and forbidding wood. Ultimately Amanita discovers that it is good to venture outside one's comfort zone and explore a bit - it is a great way to make friends.

Have You Seen My New Blue Socks? by Eve Bunting illustrated by Sergio Ruzzier Boston ; New York : Clarion Books, 2013 unpaged picture book Duck can not find his new blue socks. He looks in his box and asks his friends, Fox and Mr. Ox. He even looks by the rocks and talks to the peacocks. Where he finds his new blue socks will be obvious to some grown-ups early on, but youngsters will love discovering them long before Duck does. Eve Bunting has tapped into her inner Dr. Seuss with this one. It reads like "Green Eggs and Ham" and "Fox in Socks". The illustrations however, do not follow the Seussian style of bold colors and quirky characters. Bunting's tale is well-paired with more of a classic and charming style in a muted color palette. This will be a great choice for reading to individual young children or to larger groups. And it does beg to be read-aloud!