Little Red Riding Hood
Grandma must have looked
Like a wolf to start with --- or --
Little Red was blind.
Monday, September 24, 2012
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Book 118
Major Manners Presents Nite Nite Soldier, written by Michael and Beth Hafer, illustrated by Russ Cox, Out House Ink Publishing, 2012.
The dedication in this book won me over right away. Nite Nite Soldier is dedicated to military families. As the sister of a retired veteran, I loved that; as the nephew of a retired veteran, so did my son.
Nite Nite Soldier sets getting-ready-for-bed activities to a cadence, so it is a fun read for the adult reader. It is also fun for the listeners who get to repeat parts of the cadence. What makes Nite Nite Soldier really special, however, is the delightful artwork.
On every page, Russ Cox's vivid illustrations pop with humor and texture. I giggle every time I see Major Manners parading around in his pink bunny slippers. And the expressions on the children's faces have to be seen to be enjoyed.
There is also a CD with this book. I have yet to listen to it because I want to read the story.
The dedication in this book won me over right away. Nite Nite Soldier is dedicated to military families. As the sister of a retired veteran, I loved that; as the nephew of a retired veteran, so did my son.
Nite Nite Soldier sets getting-ready-for-bed activities to a cadence, so it is a fun read for the adult reader. It is also fun for the listeners who get to repeat parts of the cadence. What makes Nite Nite Soldier really special, however, is the delightful artwork.
On every page, Russ Cox's vivid illustrations pop with humor and texture. I giggle every time I see Major Manners parading around in his pink bunny slippers. And the expressions on the children's faces have to be seen to be enjoyed.
There is also a CD with this book. I have yet to listen to it because I want to read the story.
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Book 117
The Red Lemon, by Bob Staake, Golden Book/Random House, 2006
Instead of trying to explain why I like this book, I decided to write down what my three-and-a-half year old son said when we first read this book: "Wow", "Beautiful", "Delicious", "Awesome", "This is wonderful."
If you still want more information on why I bought this book, I could tell you how we've read this story almost every day, and usually more than once a day; how I had to hide it to write this review; how Bob Staake is my new favorite author/illustrator for the preschool set; how delectably brilliant the illustrations are; and how the quirky writing borders on ridiculous without crossing over. Or I could just let Thomas sum it up: "I love it!"
Instead of trying to explain why I like this book, I decided to write down what my three-and-a-half year old son said when we first read this book: "Wow", "Beautiful", "Delicious", "Awesome", "This is wonderful."
If you still want more information on why I bought this book, I could tell you how we've read this story almost every day, and usually more than once a day; how I had to hide it to write this review; how Bob Staake is my new favorite author/illustrator for the preschool set; how delectably brilliant the illustrations are; and how the quirky writing borders on ridiculous without crossing over. Or I could just let Thomas sum it up: "I love it!"
Monday, September 17, 2012
Fairy Tale Haiku: 57
Celtic Kai
Kai, when he desired
Could reach the height of a tree,
Or shrink to a stump
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Book 116
Miss Smith's Incredible Storybook, by Michael Garland, Dutton Children's Books, 2003.
Some years ago I drew a pen and ink graphic for the literacy program at our library. It showed an open door with stacks of books and some of the characters come to life. I thought I was pretty clever. I was not, however, as clever as Michael Garland in Miss Smith's Incredible Storybook.
Miss Smith is the second-grade teacher that you wished you had. She has rather punk-y red hair, red cat-eye glasses, and best of all, she sports red Converse high-tops. She reads from an incredible storybook that brings characters to life, not just in an imaginary way as any good reader can, but in a way that fills the classroom. Imagine the possibilities, and you have Michael Garland's book.
Michael Garland is an artist of astounding range. The illustrations for this book are phenomenal and add to the magic that is this story.
Some years ago I drew a pen and ink graphic for the literacy program at our library. It showed an open door with stacks of books and some of the characters come to life. I thought I was pretty clever. I was not, however, as clever as Michael Garland in Miss Smith's Incredible Storybook.
Miss Smith is the second-grade teacher that you wished you had. She has rather punk-y red hair, red cat-eye glasses, and best of all, she sports red Converse high-tops. She reads from an incredible storybook that brings characters to life, not just in an imaginary way as any good reader can, but in a way that fills the classroom. Imagine the possibilities, and you have Michael Garland's book.
Michael Garland is an artist of astounding range. The illustrations for this book are phenomenal and add to the magic that is this story.
Monday, September 10, 2012
Fairy Tale Haiku: 56
The Donkeys and the Wasps
Wasp stung the donkey;
Donkey challenged wasps to war;
Wasps in ear -- wasps won.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Book 115
Good Boy, Fergus!, by David Shannon, Blue Sky Press 2006.
Fergus is the cutest little white Scottish terrier, ever. And David Shannon is a genius at capturing Fergus' expressions in his darling illustrations. Anyone who has ever been trained by a dog will recognize themselves (and their dogs) in this story.
So how does it go over with the target audience? Extremely well judging by the giggling that occurs when this story is being read. It might help that we have a dog named Sophie who behaves much the same way as Fergus. If anyone is wondering: Yes, Sophie does have us trained.
Fergus is the cutest little white Scottish terrier, ever. And David Shannon is a genius at capturing Fergus' expressions in his darling illustrations. Anyone who has ever been trained by a dog will recognize themselves (and their dogs) in this story.
So how does it go over with the target audience? Extremely well judging by the giggling that occurs when this story is being read. It might help that we have a dog named Sophie who behaves much the same way as Fergus. If anyone is wondering: Yes, Sophie does have us trained.
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