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J. Otto Seibold has illustrated, and in some cases also written, 15 books for children, including Vunce Upon a Time, Penguin Dreams, the Mr. Lunch books, and Olive, the Other Reindeer. He lives in Oakland, California.
About the book:
It’s Humpty Dumpty, Little Bo Peep, Jack Be Nimble, Miss Muffet, Little Boy Blue, and more, like you’ve never seen them before! Renowned artist J.otto Seibold re-nursuries and re-rhymes over the Mother Goose classics in this must-have collection. Featuring recurring characters and an ending that brings everyone back for a showstopping finale, this book is the most fun dear old Mother Goose has ever had!
My take on the book:
I was lucky enough to win this book from Jeff at Out With The Kids. I didn’t know much about the book at the time but if you’re anything like me, you’ll be impressed immediately with the visual presentation of the book. It’s big, colorful and simply a gorgeous book. Young readers will be drawn to it immediately, even before opening it up to see the pages.
As with the outside, the inside is just as pleasing to the eye. The illustrations are bold and lavishly colorful. The characters in the rhymes are given exaggerated physical features (large bulbous eyes or noses so big they cast shadows!). There’s lots going on in the pictures as well, so young readers will enjoy exploring the visual feast before them.
While readers of all ages will enjoy the illustrations, they’ll also get their share of laughs from this fantastic remake and “re-nurseried” take on Mother Goose. The book’s storyteller, Other Goose, introduces the book by explaining the purpose for this new “re-rhymed” collection: ““While I certainly compliment [Mother Goose's] rhymes, some of them have grown quite dusty over time. I mean, what good is a pocket full of rye anymore, I ask you?”
Adults will enjoy this take as much (if not more) than kids. Younger kids might not get all the jokes, especially if they’re not familiar with Mother Goose nursery rhymes. I don’t think that taints the experience though. Seibold gets kids and especially gets their humor. The fun and laughs are a-plenty. Besides being fun for individual readers, the size of the book lends itself to being a terrific read aloud for classrooms or readings at the library as well. I highly recommend adding this new classic from J. Otto Seibold to your home or classroom collection.
Slog’s Dad by David Almond (Illustrated by Dave McKean)
Review by: Chris Singer
About the author:
David Almond is the acclaimed author of Skellig, winner of the Whitbread Children’s Award and the Carnegie Medal; Kit’s Wilderness, winner of the Smarties Award Silver Medal, Highly Commended for the Carnegie Medal, and shortlisted for the Guardian Award; and The Fire-Eaters, winner of the Whitbread Award, the Smarties Gold Award and shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal. He lives in Northumberland.
About the illustrator:
Dave McKean’s distinctive illustrations have graced several children’s books including The Day I Swapped My Dad for Two Goldfish and The Wolves in the Walls (New York Times Best Illustrated Book of the Year and shortlisted for the 2006 Kate Greenaway Medal) by Neil Gaiman. Dave also provided the unique covers for Neil Gaiman’s World Fantasy Award-winning comic series The Sandman. He lives in Kent.
About the book:
Part story, part graphic novel – a tender slice of life and death from the creators of “The Savage”. Do you believe there’s life after death? Slog does. He reckons that the scruffy bloke sitting outside the pork shop is his dad come back to visit him for one last time – just like he’d said he would, just before he died. Slog’s mate Davie isn’t convinced. But how does this man know everything Slog’s dad would know? Because Slog says it really is his dad, that’s how.
My take on the book:
Slog’s Dad is a haunting yet surprisingly beautiful story told both through thoughtful prose and touching illustrations. Through the narration of Slog’s friend, Davie, we get a glimpse into Slog’s state of mind and see how truly devastating the loss of his father has been for him. Although Davie is skeptical the scruffy bloke is Slog’s father returned, he wants to believe it is him, just as we do while reading.
This is quite a short read (about 55 pages), so I don’t want to share too much about the narrative. I’ve read and re-read this three times now. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever read before, and although it’s a very melancholy story, I’m fascinated with how McKean and Almond have weaved this complex tale.
The book purposely alternates between prose and illustrations, and both uniquely reveal different parts of the same story. McKean’s illustrations are stunning and put us inside Slog’s head, showing us how he’s been coping with the enormous loss of his father. Almond’s prose fills us in on the details prior to and after Slog’s dad’s passing.
This is my first experience reading Almond and McKean. I’m interested in checking out their previous work. I’m not sure if this book is meant as a kid’s book. I saw where it was recommended on Amazon for kids ages 4-8. Not that it can’t be shared with kids that age, I just don’t think they’ll understand it. I could be wrong though. My first guess would
2 Comments on Book Review: Slog’s Dad, last added: 3/20/2011
Skellig was also unusual – I liked it but . . . hmmm, it’s just not for everyone perhaps. Thanks for the review, you’ve made me curious now.
Chris Singer said, on 3/20/2011 10:40:00 AM
I hope you get a chance to read it. I’m about ready to read it again for the 4th time. It’s definitely a bit unusual, but fascinating at the same time. Again, it might not be for everyone, but there’s something very beautiful about the book.
LaRue Across America: Postcards from the Vacation by Mark Teague
About the author:
Mark Teague has delighted young readers with more than 20 picture books, and he has written many of them himself, including the popular Pigsty, Baby Tamer, and One Halloween Night. He is also the illustrator of Cynthia Rylant’s beloved Poppleton series for beginning readers and the best-selling books by Jane Yolen, How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight and How Do Dinosaurs Get Well Soon.
About the book:
Ike’s plan for a peaceful cruise with Mrs. LaRue are thwarted when their neighbor, Mrs. Hibbins, falls suddenly ill. Mrs. LaRue suggests that she and Ike care for her cats while Mrs. Hibbins is in the hospital, inviting them along on the cruise. But cats aren’t allowed, and Mrs. LaRue decides to take them all on a week’s vacation of road-tripping. Ike is beside himself and quickly takes up his pen to tell us why!
Join award-winner Mark Teague on this romping road trip across America. Readers can follow along on the maps of the U.S. that span the endpapers. Teague drives us to the story’s satisfying conclusion, and we are left with one profound question: Can cats and dogs really be friends?
Watch the trailer:
My take on the book:
Mark Teague’s latest effort is a take on the classic theme of good vs. evil, or depending on which animal you prefer, dogs vs. cats. Ike is devastated about missing his planned vacation cruise with Mrs. LaRue, and senses trouble when she opts instead for a cross-country driving tour so they can take along their neighbor’s two cats.
Almost immediately Ike takes up writing postcards to Mrs Hibbins pleading for her to get better and save him from her cats. Both adult and young readers will find Ike’s postcards to Mrs. Hibbins comical, and will get a kick out of the fantastic illustrations and the constant bickering between Ike and the cats.
I think this book makes a terrific read aloud and there’s all sorts of activities an imaginative elementary school teacher can come up with to tie in to the story. Students could write their own postcard responses to Ike or even try their hand at writing postcards from the cats’ perspec
8 Comments on Book Review & Giveaway: LaRue Across America, last added: 3/19/2011
I love Scholastic and adore LaRue…The illustrations in these books
are delightful and LaRue Across America would be great for learning
about the states…
Many thanks, Cindi
Dawn Little said, on 3/16/2011 2:59:00 PM
I love the LaRue series and would love to add this book to my collection! I think it would be a fantastic resource to use to help my son (and daughter for that matter) learn about the states.
Julie said, on 3/16/2011 6:32:00 PM
My kids would love this. We’re always looking for new, fun geography books.
Chris Singer said, on 3/16/2011 6:48:00 PM
Thanks again Cindi! Good luck.
Chris Singer said, on 3/16/2011 6:50:00 PM
Thanks for entering the giveaway Julie! Good luck
Chris Singer said, on 3/16/2011 6:52:00 PM
Hey Dawn, thanks for entering the giveaway! I Good luck!
Tommy Batchelor said, on 3/18/2011 8:31:00 AM
My youngest granddaughter loves a good picture book read to her at night.
Eric Van Raepenbusch said, on 3/19/2011 9:17:00 AM
My daughter’s kindergarten class is doing a postcard project this month. This would be a cool book for them to read. I will have to pass this along to her teacher.
Larry Peterson was born and raised in the Bronx, New York. As a freelancer, he has written many newspaper columns for local publications. “Slippery Willie’s Stupid, Ugly Shoes” is his first children’s book. Peterson has lived in Pinellas Park, Florida for the past 28 years.
About the book:
Willie Wiggles hates his slippery feet. He just slips, slides and spins all over the place. But what he hates even more are the special shoes that have been made for him that will help him to walk just like all the other kids. Willie thinks that they are the “stupidest, ugliest shoes in the whole world.”
Discover how sometimes we worry about things about ourselves when actually there is nothing to worry about in the first place.
Book Trailer:
My take on the book:
Teaching young children that differences are okay is one of the building blocks necessary for children to be able to show empathy for others. The author, Larry Peterson, takes on this issue of accepting differences in an engaging and light-hearted manner. Children ages 4-8 will be able to easily identify with Willie’s feelings of being different and standing out.
While the storyline was definitely geared for children 4-8 years of age, I thought some of the pages had a lot of words. I think this could make it a little difficult for younger children to read. Yet because the story is engaging and fun, it does seem to make an excellent book to read aloud with younger children. I really liked the illustrations accompanying the story as well. I thought they helped express the emotions elicited in the story very nicely.
I did have one little pet peeve about the story. I really am not a fan of using the word ‘stupid’ in children’s books. I know it sounds prudish but I worked for many years as a teacher’s aide in special education classrooms, and I also owned a business where I provided respite care for families of children with special needs. I simply heard too many children during those years get called that word. I really enjoyed this book and I think the message is excellent, but that word strikes a chord in me which I can’t shake.
That being said, I was thrilled to see the excellent discussion questions provided at the en
4 Comments on Book Review: Slippery Willie’s Stupid, Ugly Shoes, last added: 3/16/2011
Aww, thanks Chris for the review and for making such valid points.
You’re right – it is so important to teach children how to empathize with others. I’m glad that you feel “Slippery Willie” accomplishes that task.
Thank you for helping us spread the word about the book. It’s an honor to be featured on such a great blog like Book Dads.
Chris Singer said, on 3/15/2011 7:59:00 AM
Thanks for your kind words Nicole! I’m so happy to have connected with you and Mary Ann — especially since you’re in my hometown!
Larry Peterson said, on 3/15/2011 2:40:00 PM
Hi Chris—Thanks so much for doing the review on my book. I appreciate your insight into the message of the book and also for your take on the word ‘stupid’. It is very informative for me to get a different viewpoint and I appreciate it. Thanks again and best wishes to you and yours—Larry Peterson
Linda Sue Park is the author of the Newbery Medal book A Single Shard, many other novels, several picture books, and most recently a book of poetry: Tap Dancing on the Roof: Sijo (Poems). She lives in Rochester, New York, with her family, and is now a devoted fan of the New York Mets. For more infromation visit www.lspark.com.
About the book:
A Long Walk to Water is based on the true story of Salva, one of some 3,800 Sudanese “Lost Boys” airlifted to the United States beginning in the mid 1990s.
Before leaving Africa, Salva’s life is one of harrowing tragedy. Separated from his family by war and forced to travel on foot through hundreds of miles of hostile territory, he survives starvation, animal attacks, and disease, and ultimately leads a group of about 150 boys to safety in Kenya. Relocated to upstate New York, Salva resourcefully learns English and continues on to college. Eventually he returns to his home region in southern Sudan to establish a foundation that installs deep-water wells in remote villages in dire need of clean water. This poignant story of Salva’s life is told side-by-side with the story of Nya, a young girl who lives today in one of those villages.
Watch the trailer:
My take on the book:
Many books have been written about the story of the Lost Boys of Sudan yet I haven’t ever seen anything written for 9-12 year olds until A Long Walk To Water. I’m very familiar with the story of the Lost Boys as I worked for some time with a few of the Lost Boys who were resettled in Lansing, Michigan. Salva’s story is similar to many of the boys I met and spoke with, yet I never tire of hearing their incredibly inspirational stories. In fact, every time I read one of these stories I’m often moved to tears. Salva’s story, as told through the writing of Linda Sue Park, was no different.
I’m thrilled that Linda Sue Park wrote this for middle readers. If there’s ever a story about the harsh realities of life in some parts of the world, which could provide some much needed perspective to American 9-12 year olds it would be A Long Walk to Water. While many of our kids
2 Comments on Book Review: A Long Walk to Water, last added: 3/15/2011
Brandon Mull resides in a happy little valley near the mouth of a canyon with his wife and three children. He spent two years living in the Atacama Desert of Northern Chile where he learned Spanish and juggling. He once won a pudding eating contest in the park behind his grandma’s house, earning a gold medal. Brandon is the author of the New York Times bestselling Fablehaven series and The Candy Shop War.
About the book:
Jason Walker has often wished his life could be less predictable—until a routine day at the zoo ends with Jason suddenly transporting from the hippo tank into a strange, imperiled world. Lyrian holds dangers and challenges unlike anyplace Jason has ever known. The people all live in fear of their malicious wizard emperor, Maldor. The brave resistors who once opposed the emperor have been bought off or broken, leaving a realm where fear and suspicion prevail.
In his search for a way home, Jason meets Rachel, who was also mysteriously drawn to Lyrian from our world. With the help of a few scattered rebels, Jason and Rachel become entangled in a quest to piece together the word of power that can destroy the emperor and learn that their best hope to find a way home will be to save this world without heroes.
My take on the book:
Brandon Mull’s Beyonders is the latest addition to an already crowded fantasy genre for middle readers. Seasoned readers of fantasy will definitely recognize Beyonders theme of a hero’s journey, and has many elements reminiscent of some classic fantasy stories such as Tolkien’s The Hobbit and Homer’s Odyssey.
Beyonders is packed with action from the get-go. Middle readers will be engaged immediately by the circumstances in which Jason finds himself. Thirteen-year-old Jason takes on challenge after challenge and lives up to the billing of a hero throughout. Although I found myself rolling my eyes over Jason’s good fortune in overcoming these challenges (he’s only 13!!), middle readers will still enjoy this fast-moving adventure, which despite the length of the book (over 450 pages), finds each chapter moving along quickly.
Beyonders has good messages for young readers as bravery, self-worth and determination are characteristics of many of the story’s heroes and their allies. Despite being thrust into a world devoid of bravery and heroes, Jason’s high quality of character helps attract the few people who wish to stand up to Maldor.
Throughout the adventure, Jason is paired with another “Beyonder,” Rachel, who happened upon the world of Lyrian in a similarly bizarre incident. Despite Jason’s pairing with Rachel, there isn’t the same sort of equal billing given to her. This may turn off female readers as Rachel is pretty consistently left behind in much of the story, often forced to stay out of sight in the paranoid and suspicious world of Lyrian due to her being a girl. As Beyonder
0 Comments on Book Review: Beyonders as of 3/10/2011 10:26:00 PM
Dad and Pop: (An Ode to Fathers & Stepfathers) by Kelly Bennett (Illustrated by Paul Meisel)
Review by: Chris Singer
About the author:
Kelly Bennett is the author of many books for children, including Not Norman: A Goldfish Story. About Dad and Pop, she says, “My children, Max and Lexi, and the loving relationship they have with their fathers inspired this story.” Kelly Bennett lives part-time in Houston, Texas, and part-time in Jakarta, Indonesia.
About the illustrator:
Paul Meisel is the illustrator of many books, including Harriet’s Had Enough! by Elissa Haden Guest and What’s the Matter in Mr. Whiskers’ Room? by Michael Elsohn Ross, among many others. About Dad and Pop, he says, “Creating this book brought to mind a quote from the Dalai Lama I once read: ‘Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries.’” Paul Meisel lives in Newtown, Connecticut.
About the book:
I have two fathers. I call this one Dad, and this one Pop.
Dad is tall and wears suits. Pop is bald and wears boots. Dad’s into gadgets and Pop’s into plants; one paints on easels, the other on walls; and they certainly don’t share the same taste in music! In this funny, affectionate ode to fathers and stepfathers, a young girl explains that while Dad and Pop may seem completely different, in one crucial way they’re exactly the same — they both love her.
My take on the book:
I’ve been remiss in not having enough books on the site about stepfathers so when Candlewick Press sent this along with another book I request to review, I knew it was something I wanted to review.
As the title says, Dad and Pop is a wonderfully written and illustrated ode to fathers and stepfathers. I like how the story shows both the differences and the similarities between Dad and Pop with the similarities essentially being how much they both care for and love the little girl. I enjoyed seeing the little girl being doted on by both her Dad and Pop – an important thing to see in any family and little girls reading the story will enjoy seeing this as well. My favorite scene was during the soccer game when both dads are on the sideline cheering their little girl on.
This is a really nice book showing a beautiful and positive portrayal of a blended family. I really like the focus on the dad and stepfather as well. I would have to do a little research but I would guess this is very unique to see in picture books about blended families. I would recommend this for blended families as well as teachers and counselors who might be working with kids struggling to adapt to family changes such as having a new stepfather or stepmother.
0 Comments on Book Review: Dad and Pop as of 1/1/1900
Other Goose: Re-nurseried and Re-Rhymed Children’s Classics by J. Otto Siebold
Skellig was also unusual – I liked it but . . . hmmm, it’s just not for everyone perhaps. Thanks for the review, you’ve made me curious now.
I hope you get a chance to read it. I’m about ready to read it again for the 4th time. It’s definitely a bit unusual, but fascinating at the same time. Again, it might not be for everyone, but there’s something very beautiful about the book.