Sleepy Kittens (Despicable Me)

by Cinco Paul and Ken Daurio (Authors), Eric Guillon (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Board book: 10 pages

Publisher: LB Kids; Brdbk edition (May 19, 2010)

Source: Publisher

What to expect: Kittens, Rhyme, Lullaby

Sleepy Kittens is a board book based on a book featured in the 3-D animated film Despicable Me. The story is about three little kittens who cannot fall asleep. Mama Cat appeases their restlessness with a calmness and ease that lulls the kittens off to sleep. It’s short and utterly sweet. It has a wonderful rhythm and rhymes effortlessly. The illustrations are playful but not over stimulating; and the three attached kitten finger puppets compliment both the pictures and story and add their own tactile appeal. This book is not to be confused with the average novelty book produced to tie in with a hit movie. What can I say? This book is lovely!

Add this book to your collection: Sleepy Kittens (Despicable Me)

Enter to win: Despicable Me Prize Pack

©2010 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

A boy? What am I going to do with a boy?

As an expectant mom, I received the news with trepidation. The child growing inside me was soon to emerge as a son. An enthusiast of baseball and hockey. A collector of fly wings and fart jokes. How could I imagine relating to such a being? Where would we connect?

Of course, as soon as Colin arrived into the world with his wide eyes and pointy head, I was captivated. Even as he was later followed by a daughter, I discovered what all parents know to be true, that each child is a unique and unexpected entity, a composite of their gender, their genetics and their environment. And in the case of Colin, I soon recognized there was another surprise as well. My son had a special gift for enchantment.

At the tender age of two, Colin started drawing faces. He saw them everywhere—in the patterns in the curtains, in the clouds and the leaves of trees. Once, when was three, he glanced down at his coat and exclaimed, “Look! All these people are buttons!” With amazement I realized that he recognized his buttons as people first, and only later recalled that they served a function. What a delightful world he lived in! Charmed, I fell into it this world, head over heels.

Around the time that Colin was ten years old, I noticed his illustrations had become more inventive and I puzzled over the stories his characters seemed to tell. One day, while looking at an illustration he’d done of a city bus, I found myself absorbed in the drawing. A few lines of verse popped into my head. It happened suddenly. My first poem was born.

I kept it a secret.

I had a glimmering thought that I could do a whole series of these stories, and maybe we could publish them as a book. I spent the next few weeks working on the sly with a collection of Colin’s drawings, hoping that something child-worthy might result. The verdict came when I presented the poems to Colin and his younger sister, Devon, and witnessed the excitement and laughter they created.

And so we decided to do it, to embark upon a quest to publish a children’s book together. As we created and edited and enhanced our stories, I realized that Colin and I shared a common perspective. A recurring theme emerged from both the drawings and the poems, that no matter how challenging or absurd one’s situation, the power of the human spirit can prevail. Colin’s unabashedly unconventional characters always found a way to triumph over their circumstances with humor and with grace.

The process of publishing was a story unto itself, but we prevailed, and Colin and I are now the author and illustrator of two poetry books for children, Coolhead Luke: and Other Stories, and On the Edge With Coolhead Luke. We’ve spent the last few years presenting our stories to groups of children at bookstores, schools and libraries. We’ve learned a lot, and we’ve had a lot of laughs. We’ve even shared the odd fart joke or two.

Motherhood leads us on unexpected paths. In my pursuit to celebrate Colin’s talent, I’ve become an author and public speaker, two roles I never expected to fill. Colin has provided me with so many surprising opportunities to build our relationship. At 15, he’s a great kid with a full life, lots of friends and a girlfriend, too. But, even now that he’s a teenager, I can say with satisfaction that he continues to be very close with his mother.

And so does his sister, by the way, who is turning into quite a talented singer. Maybe songwriting is in my future?

And on we go!

Jennifer Lasker White

The Coolhead Luke book series is available at www.amazon.com or on Jen and Colin’s website at www.coolheadluke.com

©2010 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

Dr. Seuss’ Oh, the Places You’ll Go! has to be one of the most inspiring and encouraging pieces of literacy for children and adults, alike. From the words of wisdom to the nostalgic illustrations, this story is a gift-book favorite among many. To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Oh, the Places You’ll Go!, a couple of new editions have been released. This awesome book now spins, sparkles, and pops.

The amazing Paper Engineer, David A. Carter (known for his artistic creations One Red Dot and Blue 2), has created a pop-up version that does not disappoint. Every page unfolds into an elaborate scene that truly deepens the original artwork. There is also a special collectible limited edition that boasts additional pop-ups and is lavishly packaged. And, just so the older kids don’t get all the interactive fun, a touch-and-feel-slide-the-tabs book has been created for babies and toddlers; it sparkles, moves and spins. The regular picture book has been revamped as a “Party Edition,” which means it now has an embossed jacket printed on shimmering foil.

The celebratory updates are all fabulous—Dr. Seuss would be proud…especially of the pop-up!

Add these books to your collection:

Oh, the Places You’ll Go Pop-Up by Dr. Seuss

Oh, Baby! Go, Baby! by Dr. Seuss

©2010 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

Think Again

by JonArno Lawson (Author), Julie Morstad

Reading level: Young Adult

Hardcover: 64 pages

Publisher: Kids Can Press, Ltd. (March 1, 2010)

Source of book: Publicist

What to expect: Poetry, First love

“Make sure that your heart

Isn’t too well-defended.

Your heart is designed

To be broken and mended.”

The teenage years can be confusing and bewildering, especially when it comes to first love—I know mine were. Thankfully, JonArno Lawson has written a collection of simple but thought-provoking poems that highlights the quandary of teenage relationships. His words are encouraging, realistic, and quite blithe. Julie Morstad’s provocative line art strengthens the story and adds a visually stimulating depth with her depiction of a girl and boy who are obviously dealing with the uncertainties of a new relationship and the self-discovery that comes with the territory. Think Again is a valuable choice  for opening up discussions between peers, a parent and a teen, or an introspective soul-search. It’s a fast read that’s light and deep all at the same time.

Add this book to your collection: Think Again

©2010 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

Alice in Verse: The Lost Rhymes of Wonderland

by J.T. Holden (Author), Andrew Johnson (Illustrator)

Reading Level: Ages 10 and up

Hardcover: 112 pages

Publisher: Candleshoe Books; 1st edition edition (January 11, 2010)

Source of book: Publisher

What to expect: Alice in Wonderland characters, Verse, Riddles

I couldn’t resist writing a review of this book, for many reasons: Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland is currently showing in theatres. The entire book is written in verse, which makes it a good choice for National Poetry Month. And … who doesn’t want to know who it was that really stole the Queen of Hearts tarts?

J.T Holden has adeptly re-imagined the characters from Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass. As a young boy, Holden was made aware of a rumour that some of Carroll’s rhymes—rhymes that had not made it into the original books—had been lost. These ‘lost rhymes’ are the inspiration behind Alice in Verse: The Lost Rhymes of Wonderland; a compilation of masterful, original poetry. While adding new and interesting elements, Holden has managed to keep the timeless appeal from the original works, allowing true fans to insatiably dig in.

From the absurdity of the verse to the well composed rhyme to the shrewd black-and-white illustrations, this book is certainly a literature lover’s delight.

Add this book to your collection: Alice in Verse: The Lost Rhymes of Wonderland

You may also like: More Alice in Wonderland Books

©2010 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

The Tighty Whitey Spider: And More Wacky Animal Poems I Totally Made Up

by Kenn Nesbitt (Author), Ethan Long (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 6-11

Paperback: 128 pages

Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky; Pap/Com edition (April 1, 2010)

Sometimes it can be hard to even fathom the thought that your child will pick up a book and read it—let alone a book of poems. Unless, of course, it’s a book of funny animal poems written by bestselling poet Kenn Nesbitt. His latest collection of poetry, The Tighty Whitey Spider: and More Wacky Animal Poems I Totally Made Up, is downright hilarious and tastefully flavored with black-and-white illustrations.

Kenn Nesbitt is a young people’s poet virtuoso. His zippy rhymes roll right off the tongue and are fantastic for independent readers or a group read-aloud session. The poem titles alone are enough to grab a young readers attention, or any reader with an eye for preposterousness; such as: Today I Touched the Buffalobster, When Pigs Fly, and Toby the Snowboarding Elephant. Each reader is certain to connect with the absurdity of the poems and, undoubtedly, will find that particular pieces resonate with their inner silliness more than others. For those that enjoy a good audiobook, Nesbitt reads his poems with captivating energy—another way to entrap your non-reader and conform him or her into a poetry reader. This book certainly gets the green light!

Excerpt from While Lying on the Grass Today:

While lying on the grass today

and staring at the sky,

I saw the strangest animals

in clouds that drifted by.

I saw a cloud that looked just like

an elephant on skis.

Another one reminded me

of dancing manatees. …

About the author: Kenn Nesbitt is one of the most in-demand children’s poetry performers in the country, and founder of  poetry4kids.com. In honor of National Poetry Month (April), and to celebrate the release of his new book, The Tighty-Whitey Spider, his book My Hippo Has the Hiccups is available as a free eBook.

Add this book to your collection: The Tighty Whitey Spider: And More Wacky Animal Poems I Totally Made Up

And this one: My Hippo Has the Hiccups

©2010 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

The month of April brings so many great occurrences: Birds fly north. Bears come out of their caves after months of hibernation. Passover. Easter. April Fool’s Day. Earth Day. And, of course, National Poetry Month—established by the Academy of American Poets in 1996 to highlight the values and benefits of the inspiring art form.

Here is a list of  books that exemplify the wide array of  poetry available for young readers:

• A Light in the Attic Special Edition by Shel Silverstein (All Ages)

• A Boy Had a Mother Who Bought Him a Hat by Karla Kuskin (Ages 3-8)

• Fancy Nancy: Poet Extraordinaire! by Jane O’connor

• Hip Hop Dog by Chris Raschka (Ages 4-8)
• The Wonder Book by Amy Krouse Rosenthal (Ages 5-10)
• Coolhead Luke: and Other Stories by Jennifer Lasker White (Ages 5-10)
• On the Edge With Coolhead Luke by Jennifer Lasker White (Ages 5-10)
• The Tighty Whitey Spider: And More Wacky Animal Poems I Totally Made Up by Kenn Nesbitt (Ages 6-11)
• Think Again by JonArno Lawson (Ages 8-13)
• Poetry Speaks Who I Am with CD: Poems of Discovery, Inspiration, Independence, and Everything Else by Elise Paschen (Ages 10-14)
• Time You Let Me In: 25 Poets under 25 by Naomi Shihab Nye (Ages 12 and up)

Bilingual poetry books:

• Muu, Moo!: Rimas de animales/Animal Nursery Rhymes (Spanish Edition) by Alma Flor Ada (Ages 2-7)
• Once Upon a Time/Habia una vez: Traditional Latin American Tales/ Cuentos tradicionales latinoamericanos (Spanish Edition) by Rueben Martinez (Ages 5-10)

Visit: http://www.poets.org

Leave us a comment: What’s your favorite children’s poetry book?

Source of books: Publishers and an author

©2010 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

It was 49 years ago, today, that Jane Yolen had her first book, Pirates in Petticoats, published. That day was her 22nd birthday—what a great birthday present. In honor of Jane Yolen’s 71st birthday and the 300+ books that she has written—winning awards for many—we are celebrating by sharing with you some of her more recent picture books and board books. Happy Birthday, Jane Yolen. We hope you have a wonderful day!

Valentine’s Day is close—in fact, Cupid is shining his bow and washing his favorite diaper. The following rhyming books are both about love, making them the perfect choice for the romantic holiday or any other day you want to feel warm and fuzzy.

Come to the Fairies’ Ball

by Jane Yolen(Author), Gary Lippincott (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: Wordsong (December 2009)

This is a love story about a fairy who is running late to the ball because her dress is too torn from hanging on a thorn—the plot is somewhat reminiscent of Cinderella. The old-world characters with new-age attitudes, the sprightly but traditional watercolor illustrations, and the inspiring and poetic use of words make this a really fun fairytale.

“And then what a tizzy, a flap, and a pother,

A terrible fooforaw, swivet, and bother,

A twitter, a dither, oh my! what a rumble,

A fret and a fuss and a fidget and grumble.”

Add this book to your collection: Come to the Fairies’ Ball

How Do Dinosaurs Say I Love You?

by Jane Yolen (Author), Mark Teague (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 0-6

Hardcover: 40 pages

Publisher: The Blue Sky Press; First Printing edition (October 6, 2009)

Yolen’s infamous dinosaur characters always carry the true energy and emotion of toddlers and preschoolers,  Teague’s illustrations match perfectly. A reminder to both adults and children, alike, that love is unconditional. Dinosaurs are a great delivery system for such messages—especially for young boys.

“Off in the car, you kept kicking my seat …

and when we got out, you were dragging your feet.

But you held my hand tight when we walked in the store.

I’ll love you forever, my dinosaur.”

Add this book to your collection: How Do Dinosaurs Say I Love You?

Talking about dinosaurs … oh, and cats and dogs … these two board books are a great way to introduce concepts on the right and wrong ways to treat pets:

How Do Dinosaurs Love Their Cats?

by Jane Yolen (Author), Mark Teague (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 0-4

Board book: 14 pages

Publisher: The Blue Sky Press; Brdbk edition (January 1, 2010)

It’s short and mostly sweet—ending with the positives, of course.

“She loves her dear kitty, and does every chore,

strokes its fur, hears it pur—good dinosaur!”

Add this book to your collection: How Do Dinosaurs Love Their Cats?

How Do Dinosaurs Love Their Dogs?

by Jane Yolen (Author), Mark Teague (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 0-4

Board book: 14 pages

Publisher: The Blue Sky Press; Brdbk edition (January 1, 2010)

The illustrations are comical.

“He throws it a stick or a bone or a ball,

and rewards it whenever it comes to his call.”

Add this book to your collection: How Do Dinosaurs Love Their Dogs?

Onto an animal of a different kind …

An Egret’s Day

by Jane Yolen (Author), Jason Stemple (Photographer)

Reading level: Ages 9-12

Hardcover: 30 pages

Publisher: Wordsong; 1 edition (April 1, 2009)

Remarkably absorbing is this wonderful telling of an Egret’s day. The accuracy of the poetry and the sharpness of the beautiful photography are mesmerizing. For the astute mind, each page of poetry is paired with intriguing scientific facts about this alluring bird.

“I am a tower

of strength,

a bird

of great length.

I am tall,

of much height,

a long arrow

in flight.”

Add this book to your collection: An Egret’s Day

Three more beautiful books, all unique in their own special way:

The Seeing Stick

by Jane Yolen (Author), Daniela Jaglenka Terrazzini (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: Running Press Kids; Reprint edition (September 22, 2009)

This tale is rich in so many ways. The daughter of an Emperor can not see, until the day that a wise old man with a seeing stick  teaches her seeing can be done with more than just the use of one’s eyes. The illustrations are sensational—vibrant and toned, detailed and glossy—some of the best I’ve seen.  A simply beautiful book.

“Hwei Ming turned to her father, the emperor, who sat straight and tall and unmoving on his great throne. She reached out and her fingers ran eagerly through his hair and down his nose and cheek and rested curiously on a tear they found there.”

Add this book to your collection: The Seeing Stick

Pumpkin Baby

by Jane Yolen (Author), Susan Mitchell (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: Key Porter Books (July 1, 2009)

This is a fabulous concept. All the wonder that must go through the mind of a soon-to-be big sister is captured in this brilliant telling. Yolen’s text is engaging and sweetly complimented by Mitchell’s delightful and revealing illustrations.

“When I was three years old, old enough to know better, Mama took a ripe pumpkin from Auntie May’s patch of land.”

Add this book to your collection: Pumpkin Baby

The Scarecrow’s Dance

by Jane Yolen (Author), Bagram Ibatoulline (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing (August 25, 2009)

I’m completely partial to scarecrows—especially those with a brain. This particular scarecrow goes on a journey, not for a brain, but, a journey of self-actualization and purpose. As usual, Yolen’s rhyme is effortless and astute.The acryl gouache and watercolor illustrations set the scene with the dusk colored hues and harmonious connection to the text.

“An autumn eve,

The moon was high,

As yellow as

A black cat’s eye.

Out in the field,

Stiff and forlorn,

The scarecrow stood

And watched the corn.”

Add this book to your collection: The Scarecrow’s Dance

Leave us a comment: Tell us about your favorite Jane Yolen book or leave Jane a birthday message.

Source of books: Publicist

©2010 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

Congratulations to Bobbie Hinman and Mark Wayne Adams for your Gold Medal win in the Mom’s Choice Awards! We love your book The Belly Button Fairy, along with The Knot Fairy and The Sock Fairy (both illustrated by Kristi Bridgeman). We look forward to your next offering.

The Belly Button Fairy

by Bobbie Hinman (Author), Mark Wayne Adams (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 0-6

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: Best Fairy Books; Har/Com edition (September 1, 2009)

Source: Author

What to expect: Children, Fairies, Belly buttons

Using enchanting rhyme, Bobbie Hinman has created an imaginative and whimsical take on how belly buttons end up in the middle of our tummies. The illustrations are bright and delightful! A sweet book that is perfect for a calming story time. The lovely story reading and music on the CD—included with the book—just add to the appeal.

Publisher’s synopsis: The Belly Button Fairy is a grandmotherly fairy who flies through the skies in her rocking chair, carrying a ruler and a bucket of fairy dust. She is responsible for making sure that every child has a belly button, and that its always in the middle.

Add this book to your collection: The Belly Button Fairy

You may also enjoy: The Knot Fairy and The Sock Fairy

©2010 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

Shoofly is an audiomagazine for children between the ages of 3 and 7, developed by a small independent publisher “dedicated to offering families of young children quality entertainment.” An annual subscription to Shoofly includes 4 issues and a bonus music CD (or MP3 download). Typically, each issue has 4 stories and 4 songs, all are mixed very artfully with poetry and musical elements — the CD’s usually run around 45-60 minutes.

The collection of stories in each issue is an all-embracing mix of original and traditional tales. Some of the traditional tales you could expect are The Tortoise and the Hare, Stone Soup, and Jack and the Beanstalk. The narrations are clear, vibrant, and lively; they certainly hold the attention of little listeners. You can listen to a sample here.

A list of awards and achievements:

• iParenting Media Award
• Seal of Excellence Creative Child Magazine Award
• Parents’ Choice Silver Honor
• National Parenting Publications Award
• Parent’s Guide Award
• EdPress Distinguished Achievement Award

Shoofly can be purchased individually or as a yearly subscription (available on CD or MP3 – 4 Shoofly issues  + 1 bonus music CD or MP3): http://shooflyaudio.com/

_{TCBR’s source of CD: Shoofly Audio}

©2010 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.