Snoozefest

Snoozefest
Written by Samantha Berger, illustrated by Kristyna Litten

My rating: ★★★★½

ISBN: 978-0803740464
Publisher: Dial
Date of publication: January 22, 2015
Age: 3 - 6

Themes: snuggles, cuddles, sleeping, festival festivities

Snuggleford Cuddlebun is the sleepiest of sloths. In fact, the only thing that disrupts her rest is the chance to go to Snoozefest, an entire musical festival devoted to nappers and sleepyheads. The seats are all hammocks, warm milk is available for all, and with bands like the Nocturnal Nesters playing—well, it's no wonder that Snuggleford might have accidentally slept through the whole thing.

This just may be the cuddliest of nuzzle-wuzzle books. I mean, it just doesn't stop! Eveything in it is just so darn cuddly! Snuggleford lives in Snoozeville, and takes Schluffy Street to get to the Nuzzledome, where (of course) Snoozefest is being held. And don't forget your Snoozeticket. Or blanky named Woobee. For extra cuddling. Gah! The snuggle-ness of it all! I just want to go cuddle a child and read this as their bedtime story!

Okay, I'll be a bit more controlled now. The illustrations have just the right amount of softness and whimsy, but are still vivid and full of color. The text has a simple rhyming scheme, making it a perfect read-aloud. It's just like a big, hilarious lullaby. Really. Give it a try. Although, be warned, it does make you sleepy!

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A Crankenstein Valentine

A Crankenstein Valentine
Written by Samantha Berger, illustrated by Dan Santat

My rating: ★★★★

ISBN: 978-0316376389
Publisher: Little, Brown Books
Date of publication: December 16, 2014
Age: 3 years and up
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Themes: mood, emotions, grumpy, Valentine's Day, friendship,

Sure we've all seen Crankenstein before, but have you seen him on Valentine's Day? YECHHHH! Cheesy cards, big smooches, heart-shaped everything, and coconut hiding in the chocolate—it's enough to turn anyone into a monster! But Crankenstein might be able to turn his day around with the help of a friend. Even monsters have a heart!

I thought I'd celebrate Dan Santat's Caldecott WIN today (YAY!!!! Called it!) with his most recent illustrated work. And his illustrations do not disappoint! This is one cranky Crankenstein, made especially obvious by the excellent emotions obvious in the pictures. Even the end pages are put to use. The story itself is pretty awesome, because, yes, it's true, Valentine's can be a bit gag-inducing. So why not make fun of it? I'm glad Berger brought out Crankenstein again. I think kids of all ages will definitely enjoy this one.

Find it at your library or on Amazon