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Book Review List

These are the books I recently reviewed on this blog:

Starfish by Lisa Fipps (Printz Honor Winner)

Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell (YA Romance)

This Book is Gay by Juno Dawson (Banned or challenged book)

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Book Review: This Book is Gay by Juno Dawson

This Book is Gay by Juno Dawson

Genre (or “category” from the requirements list):

            This book is from the Banned or Challenged book category.

Target Age Group:

            The target age group is grades 9-12, ages 14 and up (LVCCLD library catalog).  

Summary:

            With humor, personal insight and some science, Juno Dawson has created a handbook for young people wanting to explore their identity and sexuality.  

Justification:

I chose this book from a list of banned books because it has been challenged so many times. It is an important book in youth literature and should be read by everyone: gay, straight, or any other identity.

Evaluation:

For this review, I will be evaluating content or theme, language, and accuracy.

The content of this book is of extreme relevance and importance to young adults who are still discovering who they are. The author Juno Dawson calls it an instruction manual on identity and sexuality and I have to agree- it lays everything out and explains many things that young people are possibly afraid to ask. Dawson’s humor gives the book a unique spin so it doesn’t read like a boring encyclopedia. It’s definitely her take on the issues of identity, but that’s what’s charming and likable about it. It’s a quick read because it flows so fast. I’m sure I’m in the majority when I look at this book and lament that I didn’t have anything like it when I was a young adult! I can say that about a lot of YA books though, and ultimately that’s a good thing- it means we’re making progress in the right direction. The illustrations are funny and disarming, and make the topic of the book less intimidating.

The straightforward language Dawson uses to explain some otherwise complicated concepts is refreshing. She has a knack for breaking down complex ideas to their roots and they seem suddenly simple. This is where this book ultimately succeeds- she knows her audience is going to be young people searching for answers and clarity, and making the book accessible to the young adult population has been what’s kept this book circulating again and again. Dawson’s voice is authentic, and she adds her personal experience with being a trans woman. This also makes the book welcoming, as if she is assuring any young adult seeking confirmation or acceptance.

This book is presented accurately, without bias as much as it can be. The author’s personal opinions and experiences are peppered throughout, but that doesn’t take away from the quality of the work. It is not an unbiased dictionary or medical tome, but it poses a lot of questions and answers some, and leaves room for readers to explore more if they want.

Do I wish I had been able to read this book when I was a questioning teen? Desperately. Am I glad this book exists now, even if I didn’t have it when I was young? Yes!

Format

I began reading this book digitally before I received the physical copy, and I am glad I did so. I was able to compare and contrast the reading experience. Not only was I surprised at how little the book appeared when I received the physical copy (for some reason I imagined it to be this giant, almost larger than life volume- maybe because of the importance of the content) but I also was able to see and appreciate the illustrations. There was no option on the digital copy to enlarge the image but with the physical book the illustrations were clearer. I did, however, notice that when I was reading the physical book, I was more comfortable with the idea that if someone came up behind me at work I could easily flip to another page, whereas with the digital version up on the monitor screen (I was reading it in the browser) I felt very vulnerable and afraid that someone was going to “call me out” for reading it! It made me realize that format can affect a reader’s energy and stress levels. A book like this could benefit from having an alternate cover, one that isn’t so brash and loudly displaying the pride flag so young people could read it without advertising to the world (or a disapproving parent) what they’re reading.

References:

Dawson, J. (2015). This Book is Gay (S. Gerrell, Illus.). Sourcebooks Fire.

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Book Review: Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell

Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell

Genre (or “category” from the requirements list):

            This book is from the Romance category. 

Target Age Group:

            The target age group is ages 11-17 (LVCCLD library catalog).  

Summary:

            High school seniors Deja and Josiah work in the town pumpkin patch every Halloween, and this Halloween is their last before they go off to college.  Will they make the most of their last night?

Justification:

This book looked to be a gentle teen romance in graphic novel form with a Halloween pumpkin patch as the entire story setting. I was intrigued to see what it was about after seeing the cover!

Evaluation: 

For this review, I will be evaluating theme, characters and illustrations.  

This lighthearted story is as sweet as the pumpkin confections that main character Deja delights in. It maintains a delicate balance between being innocent and still romantic, which can be very relevant to young adults when navigating romantic relationships for the first time. Rowell knows how to keep a story moving along like a train but she takes moments to savor as well. This is a perfect recommendation for a young teen or tween who isn’t looking for anything hot and steamy but wants a romance. The pumpkin patch setting is so inviting I immediately wanted it to be October so I could visit one! The “will they won’t they” vibe of the two main characters Josiah and Deja doesn’t wear thin, maybe because the story itself is relatively short. There could have been one or two less drawings of Deja staring longingly at an oblivious Josiah, but I know this was written for a younger audience who may not be cynical in the love department yet.

Deja has a youthful exuberance that balances Josiah’s worried cluelessness: she inspires him to live a little and take a chance once in a while. Josiah, in turn, grounds the airy Deja, and gives her a reason to stop and think on occasion. They are playful with one another and you get the feeling they could hang out forever, happily.  The illustrations are absolutely perfect. Not only do the characters feel believable and likeable but the setting is beautifully rendered. The pumpkin patch background is a character in its own right and plays a big part in the story, and the faces of the characters are energetic, young, and balanced. Hicks has a superb personal style and her artistry is first rate. It’s her artwork that turns this simple story into a specially wrapped gift for the reader to open. I want to look at her art all day long. 

References:

Rowell, R. (2019). Pumpkinheads (F. Hicks, Illus.). First Second Publishers. 

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Book Review: Starfish by Lisa Fipps

Starfish by Lisa Fipps

Genre (or “category” from the requirements list):

            This book is a 2022 Printz award Honor winner. 

Target Age Group:

            The target age group is ages 10 and up (LVCCLD library catalog).  

Summary:

            Through poetic narrative, Ellie tells her story about growing up a “Fat Girl” and struggling for acceptance. Every area of her life is touched by fat prejudice, including her friendships, school life, and her turbulent relationship with her mother. 

Justification:

When I saw the cover of this book I knew what it was about immediately, and it struck a chord. I grew up with very similar experiences that Ellie has in this book, but only in school and not at home. I wanted to read it because of that personal connection, but also because I want to support books like this and advocate for more to be published.

Evaluation: 

For this review, I will be evaluating content/theme, characters and cover.

The issue of bullying and fatphobia is dealt with very directly in this book. The author Lisa Fipps does not shy away from any aspect of the ugliness that surrounds this issue. This is an incredibly relevant topic to middle schoolers as they are hitting puberty and their bodies are changing. Kids in the intended age range will either empathize with the main character’s struggle for acceptance, or they will be introduced to an entirely new world. Either way, the main message of the book is self-acceptance amidst a storm of outside criticism. The value of which is unfathomable. If any kid needs an example of how to stand up for themselves in front of a bully, this book can read like a how-to manual. 

Ellie is the main character in the story and she is incredibly smart, funny, and likeable. She even makes mistakes, which is critical for kids to see that even protagonists in stories falter on occasion. She learns from her mistakes and has empathy for people who are struggling but lash out instead of inwardly criticize like she does. The fact that she can understand how differently people process trauma shows she is a well written character. Every one of her friends, family and enemies is written with depth and a driving need that we discover through Ellie’s eyes. Fipps did a wonderful job at creating believable characters with straightforward writing. Ellie’s mom stands out as another memorable but rather unlikeable character. She has a complicated relationship with her daughter that thankfully improves a little throughout the book. I appreciate that Lisa Fipps didn’t tie up every loose end and write a “happily ever after” ending for all the characters. She left some things a little bit broken, and leaves us with a shred of hope that they might be mended someday.

The cover of Starfish is elegant- a girl is floating in a swimming pool with her arms and legs extended outward. It’s simple but it evokes the titular phrase “starfishing” which is explained in the book. The simplicity of Ellie’s content expression and free posture tell us she’s going to be alright, and is a powerful statement that she should be accepted as she is, not how society wishes she was. She’s stretching out, taking up space and taking in the world. And she looks happy.

References:

Fipps, L. (2021). Starfish. Nancy Paulsen Books. 

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Book Review List

These are the books I recently reviewed on this blog:

A Different Kind of Normal by Abigail Balfe (Differences or Disability)

Pizza and Taco by Stephen Shaskan (Kids Graphic Novel)

The One Thing You'd Save by Linda Sue Park (Poetry or Novel in Verse)

Unfamiliar by Haley Newsome (Young Adult Graphic Novel)

Ugly by Robert Hoge (Informational or Biography)

The Cruel Prince by Holly Black (Young Adult LGBTQ+ Novel)

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Book Review: The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

The Cruel Prince by Holly Black 

Genre (or “category” from the requirements list):

            This book is from the 7-12th grade LGBTQ+ category. 

Target Age Group:

Grades 9 and up (LVCCLD library catalog). 

Summary:

            Rebellious mortal Jude was stolen away along with her two sisters to live in the court of Fairie. Growing up amongst the Fae, she must prove herself and use her skills and cunning to gain a place in court and survive. 

Justification:

            I am a fan of anything with the Fae in it, and I like Holly Black’s work. I attempted to read the book but didn’t succeed. I decided to give the audiobook a try.       

Evaluation: 

For this review, I will be evaluating characters, setting, and genre. 

Holly Black does a wonderful job of giving each character a distinct personality and desires that drive them to get what they need. Jude remembers her parents being murdered at the hand of Madoc, who has now become her “father” in the land of Fairie. Her relationship with him is complex and dysfunctional, as she simultaneously hates him for what he did, but has grown to have a twisted sort of affection for him. Many of her driving needs and actions are the result of this complicated relationship. She is trained in combat and strategy and wants to be a knight in the court. This story line is enjoyable as it’s a departure from what we expect from a female character. Her twin sister Taryn is slightly less developed than Jude, possibly because the story is told from Jude’s point of view. Taryn is more passive than Jude, which makes her less interesting to read. Vivi is mysterious as the twin’s older sister who we discover is the child of Madoc and the girls’ mother, which makes her part Fae. This revelation shapes the relationship of the sisters, and Madoc’s relationship with Vivi. Vivi has always been “different” and finds solace in a relationship with Heather, a mortal who she deeply cares for. 

The setting of the mortal world juxtaposed with the world of Fairie is superbly written, and the setting is easy jump into. Black wonderfully describes Fairie through the character’s actions so you don’t even know it’s happening but you get immersed quickly. Even with its dysfunctions and murderous intrigues I wanted to live in Fairie when I was reading the story.   

The genre of fairie fantasy is followed to some extent. Black writes a genre that still adheres to a lot of the traditions of a faerie world but gives us some surprises, like Jude becoming a knight and spy. Even though her love/hate relationship with Cardan ends up with some romance, it doesn’t feel cliché. Holly Black is great at following the conventions readers want and expect with the genre but always makes it her own. 

Some may disagree or chafe at the idea of including this in an LGBTQ+ category since the queer relationship (between Vivi and Heather) isn’t a main part of the story and doesn’t involve a main character. However, I think this is an example of where we should go in the future- stories that involve queer characters and successful healthy queer relationships but don’t put that as the only focus. These characters should have motivations and interests that are informed by their queerness but are not defined by it. No character should be a monolith, or mere symbol of a movement. They should be fully realized and move beyond the simplicity of being the “gay” character. One can also make the argument that the world of the fae that Black has created is an example of a type of gender fluid utopia where anyone can love or have relations with anyone else (all consensual and legal, of course) without even so much as an eyelash flutter in their direction. It’s a non-issue in Faerie, as it should be in the mortal real world. indeed, all fairies might be pansexual, or some form of queer expression. Mortals should strive to be more like faeries, at least in that aspect. 

Format: 

I chose to read this book through an audiobook format. The narrator Caitlyn Kelly breathed life into the characters while successfully navigating through male and female characters, and mortals and faeries. It never sounded forced or contrived and didn’t detract from the story. She also helped clarify the plot, as there are a few twists and turns and many characters. By giving each one their own energy and rhythm she helped me keep everyone separate and allowed me to follow the plot. Being an actor, I am admittedly picky about audiobooks and narrators and have been known to stop an audiobook two minutes into the story if I feel like the narration is getting in the way. Kelly not only succeeded in not detracting from the story, but she added something that wasn’t there when I tried to read the print version. Now when I think back on the characters, I hear them in the voice she created for them. That is the ultimate accomplishment for a narrator! 

References:

Black, H. (2018). The cruel prince. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. 

Black, H. (2018). The cruel prince. (C. Kelly, Narr.) [Audiobook]. Hachette Audio. 

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Book Review: Ugly by Robert Hoge

Ugly by Robert Hoge 

Genre (or “category” from the requirements list):

            This book is from the informational or biography category.    

Target Age Group:

Ages 8-12, Grades 4-6 (LVCCLD library catalog). 

Summary:

            Robert Hoge tells the story of growing up with what some consider an “ugly” appearance and how he overcame his many obstacles to embrace himself and live a full happy life. 

Justification:

            We need more memoirs from people living with challenges like Hoge does, if we hear their story in their own words it’s much more powerful and gives them a voice.      

Evaluation: 

For this review, I will be evaluating language, content, and illustrations. 

Robert Hoge begins his memoir with an imaginary scenario, and guides the reader through it until he ties it back to his own birth. It creates a wonderfully smooth entrance into his world, and this is perfect for kids who are hesitant to read a memoir or think it’s going to be difficult to read. His casual writing style and sense of humor make his book infinitely readable and enjoyable for all ages. He uses simple language and metaphors to tell his story, and he gives just enough detail about his experiences so readers never feel that they need to take a break. 

The title of the book “Ugly” and the first chapter “The Art of Being Ugly” tip off the reader that this author isn’t going to tiptoe around difficult content, and that puts readers at ease. Hoge writes with a disarming charm that he presumably developed by growing up with a visible difference that set him apart. He had to work to get people to like him- and that charm infuses his writing. He tells a relevant story in his authentic voice, and gives readers a chance to get to know someone different from them. His welcoming story is upfront and honest, and his candor makes it a memoir that should be on the to-read list of any librarian or teacher, along with such popular titles as “Wonder”. 

Keith Robinson’s illustrations are few, but they have maximum impact. Drawn with a sense of compassion and grace, they turn Hoge’s “Ugly” memoir into a beautiful story. While reading it I often forgot there were illustrations, then I would turn a page and be delighted that Robinson’s illustration was there to lighten the text and provide a visual treat. In particular, his simple line drawings scattered amongst Hoge’s school nickname list diffuses some of the tragic element and gives it a poignant twist. 

References:

Hoge, R. (2015). Ugly (K. Robinson, Illus.). Penguin Random House, LLC. 

Palacio, R.J. (2012). Wonder. Knopf Books for Young Readers. 

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Book Review: Unfamiliar by Haley Newsome

Unfamiliar by Haley Newsome 

Genre (or “category” from the requirements list):

            7th-12th grade level Graphic Novel  

Target Age Group:

            Ages 13-17; Grade level 10-12  

Summary:

            A magical story about beginner witch Planchette who moves to a new house filled with ghosts and makes some new witchy friends. They discover they can all help each other with the problems in their lives.  

Justification:

            I had seen this book a while ago at my work and wanted to read it. The colors and art style are unique and that intrigued me, and I love witch stories.   

Evaluation: 

For this review, I will be evaluating characters, artwork and cover.  

The color palette on the cover of this book is eye catching and communicates what kind of artwork will be inside. The font of the title is in a handwritten style that is repeated throughout the book and gives a cozy informal feel. Two of the main characters are depicted on the cover riding on a broom, which tells us immediately it’s a witch story.

The artwork is cute and lush, with a pastel goth color palette that compliments the characters nicely. The characters are drawn loosely, but still look intentional and stylized which is a nice balance. The character Babs is all in pink, and her eyes are hearts because of her heritage as a siren. She appears as a delightfully fluffy yet fretful pink puff, reminiscent of a cream puff!

Each character has their own backstory, individual style, and driving need that makes for a rich ensemble. Planchette, the main character, finds a way to get what she needs through helping her friends with their desires. She has a sweet disposition and her familiar is humorous as a cuddly bunny who’s rather particular about things. I found myself relating to aspects of all the characters in the book. 

I would recommend this book to tweens and teens looking for pastel goth visuals in a graphic novel format. I would also recommend it to any middle or high schooler wanting a cute story with spooky elements to it and characters searching for friendship and meaning in their lives. 

References:

Newsome, H. (2022). Unfamiliar. Missouri: Andrews McMeel Publishing. 

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Book Review: The One Thing You'd Save by Linda Sue Park

The One Thing You’d Save by Linda Sue Park 

Genre (or “category” from the requirements list):

            This book is from the Poetry or Novels in Verse category.   

Target Age Group:

Ages 8 and up (author’s website).

Summary:

            A teacher asks her class a thought-provoking question and records their answers in poetic form.  

Justification:

            I intentionally looked for a book in poetry form and came across this one- the question is thought provoking and stayed with me for a while. I wanted to read it to see how other people answered the question. 

Evaluation: 

For this review, I will be evaluating language, accuracy, and setting.  

The first thing that struck me about this book is how the author wrote in the language of kids answering the question: What would you save if your house was on fire and your loved ones and pets were out safely? The answers range from silly, to funny to poignant and thoughtful but through each answer you can almost hear the different kids’ voices calling out their answers. She has a great ear for writing in varied young voices. As far as the writing structure, she was inspired by a traditional Korean poetic form called sijo, which she had written a previous book on. 

When you read the conversation that happens in poem form, you hear answers from different characters and get a feel for their priorities, like the character that says they’d save the sweater their grandma knitted for them out of the same yarn that their dad’s sweater was made from, or the character that talks about taking a photo with them. There’s another kid who says he’d take his new sneakers with him but acknowledges that it might seem a little shallow compared to other answers. It never feels like Linda Sue Park is judging the characters as she’s writing them- she gives them full respect and portrays them as they are, without bias. 

The setting of Park’s book is a middle school classroom. As I was reading it, my mind filled in the silence with all the sounds of a classroom: chairs banging into desks, jewelry and sneakers jangling and shuffling, paper crumpling, a window open. The simple style of the poems and the way they flowed into each other, sometimes overlapping, left enough to the imagination so that the reader could fill in what wasn’t there on the page. 

References:

Park, L. (2021). The one thing you’d save (R. Sae-Heng, Illus.). Clarion Books.  

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Book Review: Pizza and Taco Rock Out by Stephen Shaskan

Pizza and Taco Rock Out by Stephen Shaskan 

Genre (or “category” from the requirements list):

            This is a graphic novel for kids.   

Target Age Group:

Ages 5-8 (LVCCLD library catalog). 

Summary:

            Best friends Pizza and Taco are arguing about musical tastes when they get the bright idea to start a band. It’s not so easy, however, when they try to get other people to join their band and actually try to make music.

Justification:

            I chose this book for the graphic novel category because it’s accessible for younger readers and easy to follow. It’s got food-based characters which are relatable to most kids and it was a fun read.     

Evaluation: 

For this review, I will be evaluating plot, characters, and artwork.

This is a “stepping stone” book, which is easy enough to read for beginning readers in general and to readers new to graphic novels and comics. The plot is very straightforward and easy to follow, appropriate for the age group it’s intended for. What kid hasn’t at one point or another said to their best friend “let’s start a band” and then realized it’s harder than it looks? 

Pizza and Taco are both food characters and written simply enough for kids to relate to them. However, they both have their own separate personalities, and they have disagreements and work together to mend their relationship. The author does a great job of injecting personality into the line of the character, creating a mood or quirk of a character with a simple stroke. Pizza is a bit more cynical than Taco, and Taco can be a bit of a dreamer. There is plenty of bickering and eye rolling, but they always make up in the end. Kids can easily understand and find humor in this relationship dynamic. 

The artwork is simple but enticing with its bright colors and its larger-than-life main characters. Pizza is drawn over a realistic slice of cheese pizza, giving him the look of a real slice come to life. Taco’s shell is realistic but has drawn on stick arms and legs, giving him a silly but fun appearance. Shaskan works wonders with a few squiggly lines and some simple eyes in bringing these two characters to life on the page. 

References:

Shaskan, S. (2023). Pizza and taco rock out. Random House Children’s Books. 

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Book Review: A Different Kind Of Normal by Abigail Balfe

A Different Kind of Normal by Abigail Balfe 

Genre (or “category” from the requirements list):

            This is from the Disability or Differences category.  

Target Age Group:

Grades 4-8 (LVCCLD library catalog). 

Summary:

            Abigail Balfe tells her true-life story about growing up as an autistic girl who isn’t diagnosed until her adulthood through playful illustrations and a diary like writing style. She looks back on her childhood and gains a better understanding of herself though the lens of a diagnosis. 

Justification:

            Her story is told in an informal and humorous journal style that caught my eye. When I saw it was about an autistic girl, I wanted to read it because it reminded me of my daughter who has sensory challenges.    

Evaluation: 

For this review, I will be evaluating illustrations, content, and language.  

Even though this book is a nonfiction biography it’s written in the style of a journal. Balfe illustrates herself in a playful way that shows her personality and sense of humor wonderfully. There are color illustrations throughout that follow the same limited color palette. This limitation echoes the roadblocks and challenges she faced growing up not knowing she was autistic. Her simple line drawings include cartoons of herself, her family, various pets, doodles and even a happy smiling uterus. 

In her simple storytelling style Abigail Balfe dispels several myths about girls and autism, pointing out commonly held beliefs that most autistic people are male. She talks about the differences between genders and how girls tend to present in different ways than society is used to, and how most scientific research on autism is based on cisgender males. She presents her challenges in a realistic way (there’s a chapter on her fear of using the school toilets), but tells kids that it will get better. This is an important message for young people, and they need to hear it over and over again from people they respect throughout their developing years. 

Balfe’s voice in the book is incredibly approachable and relatable. She never talks down to her readers. Instead, she addresses them directly and welcomes them into her world. She is identity affirming and respectful of differences. She tells her story in her own style: the reader gets Abigail unfiltered, and it’s delightfully fun and relaxed. Even in her more somber moments when she’s relating a detail that isn’t so fun (her confusion over dissolving friendships, for example), she tells it in a way that gives us hope that things will still turn out okay, and that we are not alone in our uniqueness. We need more books in authentic autistic voices- only then will they truly have a seat at the table and get more understanding and inclusion. 

References:

Balfe, A. (2021). A different kind of normal. Crown Books for Young Readers. New York. 

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Book Review List

These are the books I've reviewed on this blog so far:

I was Born a Baby by Meg Fleming (Texas 2x2)

Gladys the Magic Chicken by Alex Rubin (Texas Bluebonnet nominee)

Standing in the Need of Prayer by Carole Boston Weatherford (Coretta Scott King illustrator winner)

The Coquies Still Sing by Karina Gonzalez/E (Pura Belpre honor)

Hot Dog by Doug Salati (Caldecott 2023 winner)

The Puppy Prince by Melody Mews (Fantasy, digital format)

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Book Review: The Puppy Prince by Melody Mews

The Puppy Prince by Melody Mews

Genre (or “category” from the requirements list):

            This is a fantasy early chapter book.

Target Age Group:

            The target age group is 5-9 years old, and K-4th grade (LVCCLD catalog).  

Summary:

            In this 3rd installment of the Itty Bitty Princess Kitty series, Itty meets the Puppy Prince! But he is not what she expects, and they must find common ground to get along.

Justification:

            I have been reading books from this series to my daughter, and we hadn’t read this one yet. I was intrigued by the Puppy Prince character. He’s mentioned in the previous books but he doesn’t look very “nice”, and it was surprising since many characters in fantasy early chapter books have a sweet disposition! I also think it’s important for librarians to be aware of early chapter books because they are the bridge from Early Readers into chapter books.

Evaluation:

For this review, I will be evaluating cover, illustrations, and characters.  

The Puppy Prince (Prince Pip) and Itty are pictured on the cover, and the way they are posed tells a story on its own. The puppy has a sour expression, his arms are folded across his chest and he’s looking away from Itty. In contrast, Itty is leaning in towards Pip with a smile on her face. Her arms are open and she appears to be curtseying to him. This gives us information about their relationship before we even open the book. It’s colorful and looks inviting to kids.

Even though this is a chapter book, there are many illustrations. It’s an early chapter so it makes the transition easier for kids who are used to picture books but are learning to read. The illustrations are in black and white and sprinkled throughout the text when something is needed to support the story. For example, when Itty first meets the Prince and he’s not happy- the illustration really lets kids see that he’s upset. The drawings are cute, and simple enough to support the story without taking away from the text. Readers will be happy to see Itty in her beautiful gown and the Prince in his princely finery.

Itty Bitty is the main character of these stories, and she is a gentle, kind, and adventurous cat. Her family is comprised of her mother the Queen, and her father the King. She has three best friends that are a different species than her- Esme is a butterfly, Chipper is a bunny, and Luna is a unicorn. The Prince is an interesting character- he is a dog and he’s from Wagmire. He is disappointed in Lollyland at first, and with Princess Itty. He thinks she doesn’t act royal enough, and that the kingdom doesn’t do things by “the book” like in Wagmire. He turns his puppy nose up at everything, and it takes the persistence and patience of Itty to win him over and show him that just because Lollyland is different, it doesn’t mean it’s any less wonderful than his kingdom.

Format:

I read this book digitally. Some of the other volumes in this series I read in print format, and for me it was pretty interchangeable. My daughter and I read these together, and she loves both formats just like me. We like the immediacy of being able to check apps like Libby, Axis 360 and Hoopla to see if a book we want to read is available, and we can get it right then and there and read it. We are both moody readers, and want to read exactly what we’re in the mood for so having it available so easily without having to plan ahead or go anywhere is great. I like being able to go right back to the place we were at when we read it over the course of a couple nights. She loves that we can zoom in on the illustrations and see them close. I prefer the Libby app to the others, as it holds your place and you can turn the page easily. With short books like this, and graphic novels I’m don’t mind reading them digitally. I prefer my textbooks in digital format. Longer books and non-fiction books I prefer to have in print.

Recommendations:

I would recommend this series to any fans of Unicorn Diaries, Purrmaids, or any of the many fantasy early chapter books out there.

Reference

Mews, M. (2020). The puppy prince (E. Stubbings, Illus.). Little Simon.

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Book Review: Hot Dog By Doug Salati

Hot Dog By Doug Salati

Genre (or “category” from the requirements list):

            This book is the 2023 Caldecott award winner.

Target Age Group:

            The target age group is ages 4-8, grades k-1 (LVCCLD library catalog)

Summary:

            A little city dog has found himself utterly drained from the summer heat and his owner has just the right thing to perk him up again!

Justification:

            I chose this book because the moment I saw the cover I was drawn in by the look on the dog’s face when he’s on the beach, wind in his fur.  The book manages to hit that rare combination of rich illustration with minimal text. The simplicity drives the story and makes it all the more meaningful.

Evaluation:

For this review, I will be evaluating illustration, setting, and characters.  

The illustrations in this book are the star, of course- it’s a Caldecott winner! The story can be understood with the illustrations alone, although the simple text really makes it a total package. In the beginning the illustrations set the scene: summer in the city. You can see the steam rising off the street, and the loose lines and warm colors of the city make you feel like you’re right there with the little dog. When the dog and owner get to the beach- the pictures open up, and the tightness felt from the chaotic city is no more. Here you have more curved lines, upturned corners and waves to mimic the ocean. The dog’s fur is breezy, a little bit lighter in color and blows along in the ocean wind. The color palette and loose quality of the line reminds me of the Madeline books by Bemelmans.

The setting goes from the hot blistering city to the cool breezy beach. The city setting seems timeless, the use of color and simple design make this possible. The author and illustrator take us to the hot city with the evocative text and pictures, and we get rewarded along with the little dog when we go to the beach. I felt a sense of relief and abandon when they got to the beach and he started to run!

I think readers of all ages can relate to the dog in the story. When he refuses to move from the city street it reminded me of my children when they don’t want to get up! Kids could see themselves in his frolicking when he’s on the beach and his sense of wonder. Adults could see themselves in the lady, when she sees that her dog (and her) needs to get out of the city for a while. The characters don’t really speak but we know what they want and they are brought alive by their actions and their obvious love for one another.

References:

Salati, D. (2022). Hot dog (D. Salati, Illus.). Knopf Books.

[gingerlanier]

Book Review: The Coquies Still Sing

 The Coquies Still Sing by Karina Nicole Gonzalez 

Genre (or “category” from the requirements list):

            This was a 2023 Pura Belpre Honor book.

Target Age Group:

            The target age group for this book is 4-8, grades Pre-K through 3 (LVCCLD library catalog). 

Summary:

            A young girl tells the story of her life in her village in Puerto Rico, and how a devastating hurricane changes the life of her family and village forever.

Justification:

            I chose this book because the illustrations are beautifully done and I wanted to learn more about life in Puerto Rico. It’s a Pura Belpre honor book for 2023, and it’s a powerful story of resilience and hope in the face of disaster.

Evaluation: 

For this review, I will be evaluating content, setting, and accuracy. 

The content of this book highlights social issues that are ongoing in Puerto Rico, and it doesn’t sugarcoat the reality of living in a hurricane devastated area. Even though the story is about hope and rebuilding, there is a section in the back about Puerto Rico’s struggle to obtain food sovereignty. 

The author and illustrator have done an amazing job creating the setting for this story. Each illustration is full of the vibrancy of life in the narrator Elena's small village. The mangoes on the family tree are vivid and juicy, the coquies of the title are bright and have their own personalities. Because of the care the illustrator and author took setting the scene in the beginning of the book, when the hurricane comes the reader is gripped and taken along with the harrowing action. 

The author of the book grew up part time in Puerto Rico, which adds to the authenticity of her voice in telling this story. The illustrator is Latinx as well. They avoid stereotyping the characters, and the characters are not depicted as poor simple village folks or victims. They love their village and culture. The family is loving and close, and the main character Elena continues her schooling through reading books even after her school is closed forever because of the hurricane. This is an authentic portrait of a family in Puerto Rico by a marginalized voice. 

References:

Gonzalez, K. (2022). The coquies still sing (K. Quiles, Illus.). Roaring Brook Press. 

[gingerlanier]

Book Review: Standing in the Need of Prayer

 Standing in the Need Of Prayer by Carole Boston Weatherford

Genre (or “category” from the requirements list):

            This book was the 2023 Coretta Scott King illustrator winner.

Target Age Group:

            This picture book is targeted to a slightly older audience than many picture books, 6-9 years and grade 1-4 (LVCCLD library catalog). 

Summary:

            A reimagining of the popular spiritual song Standing in the Need of Prayer. The author adds on to the lyrics with references to critical points in Black history, and the illustrator brings to life those moments. 

Justification:

            I chose this book to satisfy the requirement for the Coretta Scott King award winner because it caught my eye when I saw it at the library. I was familiar with the spiritual but I didn’t know much about its origins. I liked that it took the lyrics and expanded on them to provide a glimpse into African American history. 

Evaluation: 

For this review, I will be evaluating illustrations, content and accuracy. 

The illustrations are a beautiful combination of modern life and historical events, combined together to show a melding of the two. We are our history, and we carry it with us into the future. This communicates the author’s intent from her note at the end of the book: to integrate modern and historical events. The more modern illustrations in the book are full of life and hope for the future, with children of many different races singing together.

The historical social events in the book are depicted realistically, and it creates a conversation with each page. The content isn’t changed or watered down, but it is still age appropriate. It starts the conversation about the topics, and then adults can delve into the topics further with other books. 

The events in the book do not propagate bias, instead they do the opposite. They raise questions children may have about the topics. The social and cultural aspects are presented in realistic ways, but still have a style that allows for a gentler introduction to the subject matter than actual photos. 

References:

Weatherford, C. (2022). Standing in the need of prayer (F. Morrison, Illus.). Penguin Random House LLC.

[gingerlanier]

Book Review: Gladys the Magic Chicken

Gladys the Magic Chicken by Adam Rubin

Genre (or “category” from the requirements list):

            This book was a Texas Bluebonnet award nominee. 

Target Age Group:

            This book has a wider age range than some picture books: 3-7 years (LVCCLD library website). 

Summary:

            Gladys is a chicken with magical abilities…or is she? In this lively romp through ancient times, we follow a likeable chicken and ask the question: Is something magical because it has magic, or because we see the magic in it?

Justification:

            I chose this Texas Bluebonnet award nominee because I have read other books from Adam Rubin and Adam Rex so I knew it would be enjoyable. I also think you can never go wrong with a chicken picture book, and I like the bewildered look on Gladys’ face on the cover. It immediately communicated that this would be a funny read. 

Evaluation: 

For this review, I will be evaluating cover, illustration, and plot. 

I mentioned above that Gladys is on the cover, looking bewildered. The artist did a great job conveying this emotion on a chicken, as it can be challenging to effectively anthropomorphize animals that have beaks and no cheeks! The colors he used are rich and communicate a fantastical element. The font for the title and author/illustrator’s names is a style that we know as ancient Greek. It sets the story by letting us in on the world inside.

The artwork inside doesn’t disappoint. Some of the text is drawn on parchment scroll in the ancient Greek style lettering. There is a bas relief texture of a chicken like creature on the first page which really looks like is has depth and dimension. The colors are soft tones of pinks and warm golds. Gladys always has a surprised look in her eyes, and her plumage is almost rainbow in colors. All of this creates a warm inviting feel to the book.

The plot centers on Gladys and her experience being whisked around as a token of magical powers. It’s never truly clear whether Gladys actually has magic, or whether the characters want to believe it so badly that they attribute good things happening to Gladys’ presence. I think the story is entertaining, but I wished it was a little shorter. The plot seems overly complicated and it makes the book too long to read aloud unless it’s to older children who have a longer attention span. I think the author could have gotten to the same plot points a little quicker. 

References:

Rubin, A. (2021). Gladys the magic chicken (A. Rex, Illus.). Penguin Random House LLC.