Week 12:

STUCK VS Lion vs Rabbit

STUCK:

Age range: Probably around 4-8 yrs old.

Summary:

When Floyd's kite gets stuck in a tree, he's determined to get it out. But how? Well, by knocking it down with his shoe, of course. But strangely enough, it too gets stuck. And the only logical course of action . . . is to throw his other shoe. Only now it's stuck! Surely there must be something he can use to get his kite unstuck. An orangutan? A boat? His front door? Yes, yes, and yes. And that's only the beginning.Stuck is Oliver Jeffers' most absurdly funny story since The Incredible Book-Eating Boy. Childlike in concept and vibrantly illustrated as only Oliver Jeffers could, here is a picture book worth rescuing from any tree.

Review:

I can’t say enough about this book. It’s one of my favorites. The author, Oliver Jeffers, is a genius. The story is as close as you can get to a child’s thought process, while completely catering to the adult’s sense of humor. You have to read this. You have to.

Lion vs Rabbit:

Age range: Probably around 4-8 yrs old.

Summary:

Lion bullies all the other animals until finally they cant take it anymore. They post an ad, asking for help. One animal after another tries and fails to defeat Lion. Can no one stop him? Finally, a rabbit arrives. No one thinks that such a small animal will be brave enough or strong enough to defeat Lion. But perhaps this rabbit is smart enough?

Review:

The lion is no longer the king of the jungle, …at least not when he’s being a bully. Eventually a rabbit will take him down. I enjoyed this book a lot. It was what you want a children’s book to be, funny, fun, well told, and all with hilarious illustrations. I think everyone will enjoy this book.

The Winner:

Congratulations to STUCK! 

We will see you in November!

We’ll see everyone else next week!

Week 11:

The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore VS Goldi Rocks and the Three Bears

The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris:

Age range: Probably around 6-8 yrs old.

Summary:

Morris Lessmore loved words.
He loved stories.
He loved books.
But every story has its upsets.
Everything in Morris Lessmore’s life, including his own story, is scattered to the winds.
But the power of story will save the day.
Stunningly brought to life by William Joyce, one of the preeminent creators in children’s literature, The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore is a modern masterpiece, showing that in today’s world of traditional books, eBooks, and apps, it’s story that we truly celebrate—and this story, no matterhow you tell it, begs to be read again and again.

Review:

The flying books aren’t the only fantastic part of this book. In fact, the story and illustrations put up a phenomenal fight to overtake them! There’s only one word to describe this fabulous piece of children’s literature…, timeless. Two thumbs up!

Goldi Rocks and the Three Bears:

Age range: Probably around 6-8 yrs old.

Summary:

Papa Bear, Mama Bear, and Baby Bear know how to rock! But they need a new singer, so they audition everyone—the Three Pigs, Little Red Riding Hood, and more. To their dismay, no one seems just right.

Review:

If you’re looking for a fun rhyming book, this would be a good place to start. It’s not a great book, but it’s funny, and sometimes that’s all you need to have a good time. As far as the illustrations go, they match well with this light-hearted story.

The Winner:

Congratulations to The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore! 

We will see you in November!

We’ll see everyone else next week!

Week 10:

Dream Animals VS Mustache Baby

Dream Animals:

Age range: Probably around 3-6 yrs old.

Summary:

Ideal for bed time reading, this book will appeal to parents and children who love Grandfather Twilight and On the Night That You Were Born. Author, illustrator, and creator of The Black Apple Etsy shop, Emily Martin convinces children to close their eyes and discover who their dream animal might be—and what dream it might take them to. With a perfect nighttime rhyme and gorgeous illustrations, this book is irresistible.

Review:

I’d give this book a 6/7 out of 10. There were a few things about this book that did not make stand out, but I will comment on the two things that did. One, there was a strange style in the illustrations. Nearly every time I turned the page I felt like it was illustrated by a novice, but after looking at it for a second I’d notice some beautiful aspects to the techniques and color choices. I still find it fascinating how it had the feeling of both a professional illustration and an amateur illustration. Two, the rhyming was practically perfect! I don’t know if I’ve ever enjoyed reading a rhyme as much as I did while reading this book. For the rhyming aspect alone you should read it.

Mustache Baby:

Age range: Probably around 3-8 yrs old.

Summary:

When Baby Billy is born with a mustache, his family takes it in stride. They are reassured when he nobly saves the day in imaginary-play sessions as a cowboy or cop and his mustache looks good-guy great. But as time passes, their worst fears are confirmed when little Billy’s mustache starts to curl up at the ends in a suspiciously villainous fashion. Sure enough, “Billy’s disreputable mustache led him into a life of dreadful crime.” Plenty of tongue-in-cheek humor and cartoonish illustrations make this the perfect baby-shower gift for a mustachioed father-to-be.

Review:

This book is AWESOME. It is utterly hilarious and illustrated brilliantly. There is really nothing else you should want in a book. I’m not really sure what else to say. Just go read this!

The Winner:

Congratulations to Mustache Baby! 

We will see you in November!

We’ll see everyone else next week!