Snappsy the Alligator (Did Not Ask to Be in This Book!)

Snappsy the Alligator (Did Not Ask to Be in This Book!)
Written by Julie Falatko, illustrated by Tim J. Miller

My rating: ★★★

ISBN: 978-0451469458
Publisher: Viking Books
Date of publication: February 2, 2016
Age: 4 - 8 years

Themes: storytelling, alligators, parties, humor

Snappsy the alligator is having a normal day when a pesky narrator steps in to spice up the story. Is Snappsy reading a book ... or is he making CRAFTY plans? Is Snappsy on his way to the grocery store ... or is he PROWLING the forest for defenseless birds and fuzzy bunnies? Is Snappsy innocently shopping for a party ... or is he OBSESSED with snack foods that start with the letter P? What's the truth?

Three starred reviews, "perfect for fans of Mo Willems," and some catchy illustrations...and yet, it just didn't quite sit right. It was enjoyable enough, but the storyline felt too random and disjointed. The ending was particularly strange with the reveal of the narrator, yet no explanation for why this "narrator" felt the need to follow and narrate all of Snappsy's actions. And, worse of all, I didn't laugh. Sad day.

But, I will say, this would be a fun as a readaloud because it's perfect for two different people. So, either a parent and child could have fun reading the two parts (narrator and Snappsy) which would be perfect for beginning readers, or it'd be fun in storytime with a helper or (even better!) an alligator puppet. So yes, there's some good fun to be had. Just not quite my particular cup of tea.

A readalike for Mo Willem's Pigeon books (kind of) and perfect for an alligator storytime.

Find it at your library or on Amazon

Sizing Up Sequels: 3 Chapter Book Series

I finished a bunch of books this week that were all sequels and decided to review them together, since I've already reviewed the first in each series more extensively. So consider this a start to a new book list category of posts called "Sizing Up Sequels" to check-up on series continuations. Because, obviously, I've got to make sure they're still good...

Cozy Quilt Storytime

Guess what? Today is World Read Aloud Day! Here's a storytime idea to get you inspired or you can just sit down with your favorite picture book and reading buddy. Either way, register your own read aloud celebrations here to participate!

This storytime is targeted at preschool-aged kids at the library. It's a great opportunity for kids to bring their blankies with them!

Pax

Pax
Written by Sara Pennypacker, illustratred by Jon Klassen

My rating: ★★★

ISBN: 978-0062377012
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Date of publication: February 2, 2016
Age: Grades 5 - 8
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Themes: human/animal relationships, foxes, war, anxiety, depression

As war approaches and his father enlists in the army, 12-year-old Peter is forced to move miles away to his grandfather's and (worst of all) return his pet fox, Pax, to the wild. Peter raised Pax since he was a kit and is his very best friend, so it doesn't take him long to realize he shouldn't have abandoned the fox. Peter runs away to start the desperate, trouble-laden, 300-mile journey back. Pax, anxiously awaiting the return of his boy, embarks on his own dangerous adventure as he tries to survive the wild. Will the two be reunited?

When I saw the buzz about this book, I got excited. I mean, it's Sara Pennypacker of Clementine fame and Jon Klassen—author/illustrator of one of my favorite hilarious picture books. So I guess I was picturing something compelling yet fun, along those lines of their earlier works. I mean, it is an illustrated chapter book...right?

Oh gosh, no. I almost couldn't finish it. I mean: the first chapter when Peter has to abandon Pax? It's utterly heartbreaking. And that's just the first couple of pages! It is definitely a hint of what's to come! Death, hardship, depression, anxiety, war, blood, secrets, lies, abandonment, bitterness—it's all there. Humor? Nope. Happiness? Hardly! This is not just an illustrated chapter book; in my opinion, the target audience is not the appropriate audience. With a 12-year-old main character dealing with a lot of difficulties (to put it lightly), this book is definitely on par with all those tragic Newbery contenders people like to write (I know, I complain about these often—sorry). Also, the lack of setting (the story takes place in an unknown time and place) underlies the author's mature theme of the universality of the tragedies of war. It just doesn't come off as a very juvenile book, to say the least.

So let me put it all this way: in terms of an excellently written book (my goodness, the way Pennypacker writes from a fox's point-of-view is simply fascinating and very well done) with good character development (both boy and fox must become stronger) and difficult topics addressed—yes, this will be a critically acclaimed book. As for the thoroughly depressing storyline, terrible ending, and some mature content—no, I did not particularly enjoy this book. I'm not rushing to recommend it to kids, either. I'm torn between content and merit, so a middling review? You can decide for yourself (just prepare to be sad).

Find it at your library or on Amazon