Top Picture Books of the Month (August 2017)

There were a lot of great picture books published this summer, but here are some of my favorites. You'll notice most of them are based on humor... (what can I say, I love to laugh)

Whobert Whover, Owl Detective
Written by Jason Gallaher, illustrated by Jess Pauwels

My rating: ★★★★½

ISBN: 978-1481462716
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry
Date of publication: July 18, 2017
Age: 4 - 9 years
Genre: Mystery
Format: ARC from publisher

Themes: forest animals, detectives, mystery, humor

"Help Whobert Whover, Owl Detective, keep his woods safe in this hilarious who-who-dun-it. What happened to Perry the Possum? Whobert Whover, Owl Detective, is on the case! Did Debbie the Duck whack Perry with her wicked wings? Or did Freddie the Frog soak Perry in his sickening slime? And what if the culprit is closer to home than Whobert expects?"

Whobert is adorable. Yes, I'm TOTALLY biased because—hello—I run a book review blog called Literary Hoots. But, sadly, he's not quite as wise as you might expect for an owl... (*giggle*). Okay, sorry, let's keep going. Really, the book, overall, is just awesome—but it takes a couple of read-throughs to really appreciate it. The writing has great flow, with a repetitive pattern of Whobert looking for clues, making an accusation, being totally wrong and starting again. Then the ending exploits that nicely and wraps up quite humorously—perfect for a readaloud or storytime.

The illustrations support the text beautifully because this is where the real humor comes in. Look closely at the clues illustrated—what is Whobert missing that the intrepid reader could discover? It's brilliant and demands to be looked at repeatedly, encouraging the reader to be their own detective. In storytime or with a child on your lap, this is a fantastic picture book to try out. I really hope more Whobert adventures are in the works.

Find it at your library or on Amazon

Monster's New Undies
Written by Samantha Berger, illustrated by Tad Carpenter

My rating: ★★★½

ISBN: 978-0545879736
Publisher: Orchard Books
Date of publication: June 27, 2017
Age: 3 - 5 years
Genre: Humor
Format: library book

Themes: monsters, underwear, rhyming, humor

"These are my undies! / A sweet work of art! / Uh-oh! My undies! / They just fell apart. Monster is JUST FINE with his old undies, thank you very much. But when his undies fall apart, what's a monster to do? His mommy takes him shopping, of course! But finding the perfect pair of undies is not going to be easy..."

Rhyming text all about underwear? I would never NOT use this in storytime. Fun to read aloud and content kids love (I'm sorry, kids will never NOT laugh at underwear books—trust me, I did a whole underwear storytime). My only complaint is that it might be a tad too long; I honestly didn't know you could poeticize about underpants for so many pages. And the ending felt a bit abrupt. Still, with appealing illustrations and the chance to repeatedly rhyme words like "buns" and "rump," I know kids would have a lot of fun with it. See for yourself!

Find it at your library or on Amazon

The Legend of Rock Paper Scissors
Written by Drew Daywalt, illustrated by Adam Rex

My rating: ★★★★½

ISBN: 978-0062438898
Publisher: Balzar + Bray
Date of publication: April 4, 2017
Age: 5 - 10 years
Genre: humor
Format: library book

Themes: games, battles, legends, humor

"You've played the game. Now read the legend of how it all began...Long ago, in an ancient and distant realm called the Kingdom of Backyard, there lived a warrior named ROCK. Meanwhile in the Empire of Mom's Home Office, a second great warrior sought the glory of battle. And his name was PAPER. At the same time, in the Kitchen Realm, in the tiny village of Junk Drawer, lived a third warrior. They called her SCISSORS. These three were the strongest, smartest, and fastest in all the land. Time and again they beat the most fearsome opponents they could find: an apricot, a computer printer—even frozen, breaded, dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets! But when the warriors finally meet each other, the most epic round of battles begins...and never ends. That is why, to this day, children around the world honor these worthy adversaries by playing ROCK, PAPER, SCISSORS!"

There's been a lot of buzz about this one—and for good reason. The writing is just so clever and the illustrations so totally epic. And of course, the two together make for a hilarious homage to a rather simple game. Who knew you could make Rock, Paper, Scissors so totally awesome? Gosh, even the publisher-provided summary is rather glorious. The length of this book, though, does lead me to say it'd be better for an older audience—grade-schoolers will love it. I think it'd make for a great classroom study, in addition to it being just an all around fun read.

Find it at your library or on Amazon

Blue Sky, White Stars
Written by Sarvinder Naberhaus, illustrated by Kadir Nelson

My rating: ★★★★

ISBN: 978-0803737006
Publisher: Dial Books
Date of publication: June 13, 2017
Age: 4 and up
Genre: Poetry
Format: library book

Themes: The United States of America, the flag, patriotism,

"An inspiring and patriotic tribute to the beauty of the American flag, a symbol of America’s history, landscape, and people. It depicts a stirring tableau, from the view of the Statue of Library at Ellis Island to civil rights marchers shoulder to shoulder, to a spacecraft at Cape Canaveral blasting off. This book is an ode to America then and now, from sea to shining sea."

Man, I missed the ball on this one—what a perfect read for the 4th of July! I only missed it by a month or so. While the writing is poetic and evocative, it's Nelson's illustrations that make this book so successful. I'm a huge fan of his skill; the detail and realism in his paintings are awe-inspiring. Naberhaus outlines, while Nelson fills in the details. So, really, his work was perfect for Naberhaus' writing. Definitely take the time to really pore over the art in this book. This is one that can be appreciated by people of all ages.

Find it at your library or on Amazon

Be Quiet!
Ryan T. Higgins

My rating: ★★★★½

ISBN: 978-1484731628
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Date of publication: April 4, 2017
Age: 4 - 9 years
Genre: Humor
Format: library book

Themes: forest animals, humor, book writing

All Rupert the mouse wants is to star in a beautiful, wordless picturebook. One that's visually stimulating! With scenic pictures! And style! He has plenty of ideas about what makes a great book, but his friends just WON'T. STOP. TALKING.

Genius, really. Pure comedic genius. Higgins has delivered a story that not only makes you laugh out loud, but even explores aspects of the book writing and illustrating process. It's so meta; it breaks the fourth wall before the book even starts. The illustrations, with their comic-like word bubbles and action contributes to the humor even further. This would be such a great readaloud—the more dramatically read, the better (and it allows for a lot of drama!). Give this one a try!

Find it at your library or on Amazon

Reviews of the Week 4/17: Earth Day Reads!

Earth Day is coming up! And books are a great way to celebrate, of course (books are always a great way to celebrate). I have a BUNCH of new reads that celebrate all things Earth and wanted to share three reviews here. Lot's of nonfiction/animal/earth-science love today!

National Poetry Month Library Display

Ages ago, when working at my old library, I found this image on Pinterest:

As far as I can tell, the image came from Greenville County Library. So I'm giving them the credit, though I will admit that it could've come from anywhere (oh the joys of Pinterest).

But the point is: I got out a poster board and copied it exactly to hang as a display in my library. Because I think it is hilarious. And it worked so well to promote our (somewhat rarely used) poetry section. In fact, I've got a list of some of my favorite poetry books below.

Something Sure Smells Around Here: Limericks

Something Sure Smells Around Here: Limericks
Written by Brian P. Cleary, illustrated by Andy Rowland

My rating: ★★★★

ISBN: 978-1467760355
Publisher: Millbrook Press
Date of publication: January 1, 2015
Age: Grades 2 - 5
Genre: Poetry

Themes: humor, limericks, puns, a sundry

A combination of joke and poem will make for a great limerick. They're five-lined funny stories filled with silly and sly humor. They have an almost musical beat that makes writing them and telling them a fun thing to do!

Yes, Poetry Adventures is back! You can see the other books I reviewed by Brian Cleary here. But basically, I really appreciate his books of poetry. They're educational, hilarious, and fun—great for grade-school kids. And, what's more, this book is perfect for National Poetry Month! Just check out one of my favorite limericks:

"A frog drove her car down the road.
Hearing one of her tires explode,
the frog didn't panic—
she called her mechanic
and next thing you know, she was toad."

Ha! The only thing negative thing I would say is that the book felt short. I wish there were a few more poems in it. It didn't seem quite as filling as his first two. But still! As a set, they're awesome. Totally recommended!

Find it at your library or on Amazon

Stardines Swim High Across the Sky: and Other Poems

Stardines Swim High Across the Sky: and Other Poems
Written by Jack Prelutsky, illustrated by Carin Berger

My rating: ★★★

ISBN: 9780062014641
Publisher: Greenwillow
Date of publication: February 26, 2013
Age: 4 - 8 years
Genre: Poetry

Themes: imagination, animals, uniqueness, discovery

Prelutsky has returned from his adventures to far off places to report on even more strange and unique creates. He observed stardines in the sky, jollyfish under the sea, and even the annoying tattlesnake. There are sixteen in all, and all have hilarious attributes described in pure poetry.

As a companion to his earlier book, Behold the Bold Umbrellaphant: and Other Poems, Prelutsky again impresses with his profound imagination and grasp on the English language. With Plandas, Sobcats, and Braindeer, one must admire his creativity. The illustrations are brilliant, using scraps and cut-outs to personify some crazy animals. I really enjoyed the Stardines illustrations, as seen on the cover.

I'm not completely won over; I got a tad bored reading it all at once. But, I still appreciate the tool it can be in the classroom. After reading this book, it's hard not to try to imagine other animals mashed with whatever variety of inanimate objects/traits. It'd be a great prompt for a poetry lesson for second or third graders.

I'd say it is definitely skewed towards older children (what with a vocabulary including "cacophonic monotone" and animals like cormorants and wapitis). But the imagination is contagious and the poems rather creative. See if you like it.

Find it at you library or on Amazon

Moonshot: The Flight of Apollo 11

Moonshot: The Flight of Apollo 11
Written and illustrated by Brian Floca

My rating: ★★★★

ISBN: 978-1416950462
Publisher: Atheneum/Richard Jackson Books
Date of publication: April 7, 2009
Age: Grades PreK - 4
Genre: Nonfiction, Poetry

Themes: rocketry, moon landing, Apollo space program,

With simple, poetic verse, the grand story is told: how Apollo 11 got to the moon and back. The rockets of Saturn V burst, machinery working in sync, to get three men traveling at amazing speeds to make the 238,000 mile trip to the lunar surface. People all across the Earth cheered as the Eagle landed. History was made.

Floca is a Caldecott winner for a reason: while the actual writing is rather simple (in a very beautiful, poetic sort of way), it's the illustrations that capture the reader's attention. They are what communicate the magnitude of the trip. Even the endpaper is filled with information and scaled drawings to help kids get a small grasp of the historical mission.

To help kids of all ages, really! One could just read the words and look at your pictures with a preschooler--or a 4th grader could use it to get needed factual information. It's that versatile. Not to mention the adults, like me, who thoroughly enjoyed it and learned some new facts. This one is definitely recommended.

Find it at your library or on Amazon

M is for Monster

M is for Monster: A Fantastic Creatures Alphabet
Written by J. Patrick Lewis, Illustrated by Gerald Kelley

My rating: ★★★★

ISBN: 978-1585368181
Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press
Date of publication: August 1, 2014
Age: Grades 2 - 5
Genre: Nonfiction, Poetry

Themes: folklore, mystical creatures, monsters, multicultural legends

From Frankenstein's origin as a scary story told among friends to the lesser known Chinese legend of Xing Tian, this book has descriptions of menacing and mysterious creatures from all over the world. A simple poem about the creature accompanies a greater, in-depth look at their origin and multicultural impressions. All while following the alphabet.

Everything is a win with this book. First of all: J. Patrick Lewis is a former U.S. Children's Poet Laureate and Kelley provides illustrations that are detailed, beautiful, and (with some monsters) positively chilling. Second: the range of creatures examined is excellent: the pop-culture phenoms (zombies and vampires, for example) in the same book as the lesser known (like the Jersey Devil, which I had never heard of and am now educated on). Third: it's part of a series of alphabet/fun facts books (like A is for America and P is for Pirate, which is totally next on my reading list) so if kids like this, they're sure to seek out the others. Here's the publisher's full list.

Basically, I recommend it to everyone. It's great for the classroom, in the library, or at home.

Find it at your library or on Amazon

Brown Girl Dreaming

Brown Girl Dreaming
Jacqueline Woodson

My rating: ★★★★★

ISBN: 9780399252518
Publisher: Nancy Paulsen
Date of publication: August 28, 2014
Age: Grades 5 and up
Genre: Poetry, Nonfiction

Themes: race, home, identity, memoir

Growing up in both South Carolina and New York as an African American in the 1960s, Jacqueline Woodson had a unique experience as a child. This memoir delivers her evolving perspective of her two homes as she became aware of segregation and bigotry, as well as the growing Civil Rights Movement. But also, it is a journey of self-discovery; she learns to express herself through the telling of stories, and through writing, as she faces challenges and heartbreak. This expression, of course, is the reason she is giving this memoir.

I don't even know why I'm reviewing this, when it is so clear everyone has the same review: this book is BEAUTIFUL. It is deeply personal, yet eloquent. The poetry is succinct, yet paints a vivid picture of each scene. If I could write, I wish it was like this. Woodson is able to communicate her memories in a way that appeals to both kids and adults: it's clear, emotional, and deeply moving. It incorporates national history with personal history in a fascinating way. I love it. I love this book and I want everyone to read it.

On a completely biased standpoint, this era of American history is what I studied in college, so anything about that time is always a favorite of mine. But this...even more so. This is a perfect combination of my love of history and middle-grade books. So it's a winner in my mind.

But on a totally non-biased standpoint, it very well may be the next Newbery. Complex poetry, historical insight, a personal memoir...this book will last through history. This is what our grandkids will be reading in school. I truly think so. Now go. Go and read it. And step into the shoes of an African American girl in the era of change.

Find it at your library or on Amazon

Rhyme & PUNishment: Adventures in Wordplay

Rhyme & PUNishment: Adventures in Wordplay
Written by Brian P. Cleary, illustrated by J. P. Sandy

My rating: ★★★★★

ISBN: 978-1575058498
Publisher: Millbrook Press
Date of publication: March 1, 2006
Age: Grades 3 and up
Genre: Poetry

Themes: puns, poems, music, places, food, animals

Okay, normally I make up my own summary, but the publisher's summary really does it better. I cannot compete. See for yourself: "Ready to laugh until you're horse? ...This imaginative collection of silly and sophisticated puns uncovers double meanings that are kind dove hiding in everyday phrases. A helpful pun-unciation guide is included on porpoise to help ewe give it a try!"

You get the idea? This book is HILARIOUS. And I do not go in all-caps for just anyone. He divides the book up by themes--music, animals, food, places--and then has puns corresponding to that theme. Really, there's no other way to describe how hilarious it is without showing you some of my favorites.

In the Music theme:

"They tune into the older films
and love to watch the dancing
'There's too much sax and violins now,
and not enough romancing.'"

Bahahaha. Okay, and then there's also the super clever puns. Check out this one from the Places theme:

"My dad comes home so tired
he can't keep his Bering Strait.
His Sudan Thailand on the floor,
his shoes land on his plate."

Right?? It took you a second, huh? So this book is FULL of these little, simple poems. Plus, (get this), he includes the factual information about whatever puns he uses at the bottom of the page! For instance, with the last poem, he included, "Bering Strait is the narrow stretch of water that separates Alaska from Siberia." So it's totally educational! I'm telling you, Cleary's poetry is genius. Funny and educational. That is what I require. Go and check it out!

Find it at your library or on Amazon

Ode to the Commode: Concrete Poems

Ode to the Commode: Concrete Poems
Written by Brian P. Cleary, illustrated by Andy Rowland

My rating: ★★★★

ISBN: 9781467744546
Publisher: Millbrook Press
Date of publication: August 1, 2014
Age: Grades 1 - 4
Genre: Poetry

Themes: humor, poetry, anything and everything

Concrete poems are shaped like their subjects--people, place, or thing. These poems cover everything from a toilet flush to an unloved piece of Halloween candy. To really understand it, you should just see some of the illustrations:

See what I mean? Who knew poetry could be so much fun!

Yes, Brian Cleary is getting TWO posts today, because I wanted to cover both of his new books, the start of his "Poetry Adventure" series (see If It Rains Pancakes just below). This one, in particular, was super fun because I hadn't really encountered concrete poems before--or realized what they were, anyway. So, now we all know!

Basically, while being funny (you know I love funny), clever, and heartwarming, it is an excellent exercise for kids to try on their own. The illustrations are cute, too, with those four friends gracing every page. It's perfect for the classroom or storytime, or to encourage some creativity at home! Like, even I want to go try it now...

Find it at your library or on Amazon

If It Rains Pancakes: Haiku and Lantern Poems

If It Rains Pancakes: Haiku and Lantern Poems
Written by Brian P. Cleary, illustrated by Andy Rowland

My rating: ★★★★

ISBN: 9781467744126
Publisher: Millbrook Press
Date of publication: May 1, 2014
Age: Grades 1 - 4
Genre: Poetry

Themes: humor, poetry, anything and everything

Although a "haiku" just sounds like you're sneezing, and a "lantern" is a lighting source, they're also types of ancient Japanese poetry. And you can have a lot of fun with them. For example: "Haiku:/When you've written one/without enough syllables/you add words. Football." and "Hug:/a gift/that is best/when you return/it."

Brian Cleary may be the newest addition to my favorite-poet list. Yes, right up there with Shel Silverstein and Jack Prelutsky. Why? Because he's hilarious, but totally educational! Just like you should be. My favorites are his "Words Are CATegorical" books, which are just AWESOME (like Hairy, Scary, Ordinary: What Is an Adjective?), Honestly, I wish I had had them when I was trying to figure out English as a kid.

ANYWAY... So I was super excited to see this book and discover Cleary's new series "Poetry Adventures." And I discovered that it is totally hilarious. I think it is so important to be able to laugh aloud while reading. Which this one totally did make me laugh. And feel good. Yes, this book has feel-goods. Plus! It does a fabulous job of explaining how Haikus and Lanterns work, and how kids can try it out on their own. So, great in the classroom, or to laugh at in storytime—either way, I highly recommend it. (This one is probably even more favorite than his others.)

I posted a review for the newest "Poetry Adventures" book today, as well, here.

Find it at your library or on Amazon

Forgive Me, I Meant To Do It: False Apology Poems

Forgive Me, I Meant To Do It: False Apology Poems
Written by Gail Carson Levine
Illustrated by Matthew Cordell

My rating: ★★★

ISBN: 9780061787256
Publisher: HarperCollins
Date of publication: March 13, 2012
Age: Grades 2 - 6
Genre: Poetry

Themes: fairy tales, non-rhyming poetry, apologies, wickedness

Inspired by William Carlos William’s poem “This Is Just to Say,” this book is a collection of false apologies: forgive me, not really. Using various fairytales or real life experiences, these poems are a representation of how tricksters and pranksters my really feel about their work. Or how Rapunzel really felt about the prince climbing her hair. Here's an example:

“I baked
a cottage
made all
of gingerbread

which
you and your sister
will be unable
to resist

Forgive me
I am hungry
and I prefer my food
young”

Some of the poems are fairly disturbing, but Levine does warn the reader that this is not “a nice happy book.” Indeed, rather hilarious and awfully snarky, you can tell Levine had a lot of fun writing this book. Cordell’s illustrations, in the style of Shel Silverstein, add some additional laughs, but it is really the poems that shine through. This is the perfect book to get kids to try their own hands at poetry—because who hasn’t given a false apology?

Find it at your library or on Amazon

Hi, Koo!

Hi, Koo! A Year of Seasons
Written and illustrated by Jon J. Muth

My rating: ★★★★

ISBN: 978-0545166683
Publisher: Scholastic
Date of publication: February 25, 2010
Age: 4 - 8 years
Genre: Poetry

Themes: friendship, seasons, haiku, Japanese culture

“Tiny lights
garden full of blinking stars
fireflies”

Koo the panda bear plays and experiences each season, delivering 26 haikus along the way. From sweeping up leaves in autumn to warm cookies in winter, and puddle jumping in spring to kite flying in summer, Koo has a lot of fun with his friends.

Hi, Koo…haiku…get it? Jon Muth starts his book with his explanation that a haiku does not have to be 17 syllables, but should deliver sensory images in few words—and so he describes the seasons. With 26 haikus, he also creates an “alphabetical path” for the reader to follow. Overall, it is a very beautiful book—poems, illustrations, emotion…I like it very much. Even more so once you read his other books, too. I recommend them all (but go check out Zen Shorts, a Caldecott honor and fantastic book).

Where's My Tushy?

Where’s My Tushy?
Written by Deborah Aronson, illustrated by Ivica Stevanovic

My rating: ★★★

ISBN: 978-1467711975
Publisher: Carolrhoda Books
Date of publication: January 5, 2014
Age: 5 to 8 years
Genre: Poetry

Themes: posteriors, abandonment, rhyming,

Do you appreciate all that your tushy does for you? What if it left you, then what would you do? This happens in one unusual town: all the tushies escape in the middle of the night! The people don’t know what they’ll do—they can’t sit down and their pants don’t stay on—and yet the tushies are enjoying themselves on the beach. Will the townspeople be able to get their rear ends back?

It makes you wonder about the kind of person that thinks, “What would life be like if my butt abandoned me?” and then writes a book about it. In rhyme. Because that is what this is. It’s potty humor, but it is humorous nonetheless. It’s true! I laughed; I’m sorry. But little boys and girls everywhere will love this. They’ll giggle and giggle. Can’t say the same for the parent. And the illustrations? Well…have you ever wondered what a butt would look like if it had arms, legs, and a face?

Find it at your library or on Amazon

I've Lost My Hippopotamus

I’ve Lost My Hippopotamus
Written by Jack Prelutsky, illustrated by Jackie Urbanovic

My rating: ★★★

ISBN: 978-0062014573
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Date of publication: March 13, 2012
Age: Grades 1 - 4
Genre: Poetry, Humor

Themes: Animal life, poetry, rhymes 

I’ve Lost My Hippopotamus is a collection of a hundred or more of Prelutsky’s poems. The general theme behind the poems is animal life, such as “If Pigeons Weighed as Much as Pigs.” But of course, his humor is prevalent with poems about such animals as the "wiguana," "halibutterfly," and "gludu." The corresponding pictures are rather entertaining.

I did start out rather biased because I love Jack Prelutsky’s work. This new collection did not disappoint. They are still very imaginative with just the right amount of humor. Plus, he is able to find a rhyme for the word “subterfuge.” Yeah. It’s a perfect read for children—sometimes challenging, but always fun.

Find it at your library or on Amazon

Guyku: A Year of Haiku for Boys

Guyku: A Year of Haiku for Boys
Written by Bob Raczka, Illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds

My rating: ★★★

ISBN: 9780547240039
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Date of publication: October 4, 2010
Age: 4 to 8 years
Genre: Poetry

Themes: seasons, activities, childhood,

"The wind and I play
tug-of-war with my new kite.
The wind is winning."

Boys just want to have fun, right? Guyku is a book of haikus that are about boys’ activities during the four seasons. Moving from spring to winter, it highlights simple season activities like camping, going back to school, and seeing your breath in the cold. There are several haikus for each season.

The simple verse makes it an easy, enjoyable read and the illustrations are simple, but fantastic. I’m sure, children (especially boys) would enjoy it. It's a good read aloud, and perfect for teaching kids about the haiku structure. It would be a good themed storytime book for something like seasons, poetry, or boys. I recommend it!

Find it in your library or on Amazon