By Phoebe Vreeland, The Children’s Book Review
Published: November 2, 2010
Tell the Truth, B.B. Wolf
by Judy Sierra (Author), J. otto Seibold (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 5-8
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers (August 24, 2010)
Source: Publisher
Who’s afraid of the big bad wolf? No one, these days.
The tale of the Three Little Pigs has been twisted, turned and fractured so much in recent picture books, it’s a wonder anyone can even remember what actually happened. In Tell the Truth, B.B.Wolf folklorist Judy Sierra chooses this classic bully for her tale about the importance of honesty and remorse. Her 2007 book, Mind Your Manners, B.B.Wolf, had Big Bad at the library minding his P’s and Q’s. In this new book, the librarian has once again invited B.B.Wolf to the library. This time it is to tell the tale of how he met the three little pigs.
Now an older, gentler wolf, he has put aside his wicked ways and retired to Villain Villa. Full of regret and surprisingly longing to be a hero, his friends at the retirement home convince him to put a spin on the truth—give the Three Little Pigs tale a happy ending. But B.B. can’t hide behind his snazzy suit or newly acquired manners for long. The savvy crowd at story time are unwilling to let B.B. sugar coat his story. Pinocchio, the Ginger Bread Baby and Humpty Dumpty all seemed to have learned their lessons. Besides, there are three little pigs in the audience who keep interrupting his re-write with a chorus of “Tell the truth, B.B.Wolf!” And, with much trotter stomping, the pigs demand an apology. The wolf’s huff and puff have faded to a wheeze and a gasp. There’s only one way out and in the end Big Bad sings his sorry, rights his wrong and even changes his middle name. Having come clean, the re-invented wolf is last seen driving off in a bright red truck with his chums, in a new renovation venture.
J. otto Siebold uses his zany computer generated art to stylize a collection of familiar fairy tale critters. Adults will enjoy the puns and amusing detail in Seibold’s depiction. While the book is aimed at 5-8 year-olds, an older child may better enjoy the humor and truly get the lesson. The author, Judy Sierra, comes from a family of book lovers, with a past career as a librarian and children’s entertainer. Her books are written to be dramatized and read aloud. So dust off those vocal chords parents—B.B. loves to sing his lines—especially the blues. With its large bold text, this book is bound to be popular at library and school story times.
Add this book to your collection: Tell the Truth, B.B. Wolf
I'm a big fan of parodies (as you may or may not have noticed), and am invariably compelled to pick up every spooky parody we come across when bookstore (or library) prowling. There's a LOT of great stuff out there. Some things, I've noticed, just seem to really lend themselves to parody...they practically beg for it. To date we've located three different creepy-themed parodies of the old nursery rhyme 'The House that Jack Built'. Check 'em out!
The House that Drac Built, written by the awesome and talented Judy Sierra, is first on our list. It's got slightly darker artwork and is less cutesy than the other two, appealing to the slightly older picture book crowd who want the spookier Halloween feel.
The House that Jack Haunted (by Pamela Conn Beall and Susan Hagen Nipp) is a board book, full of cute Halloween characters. Perfect for the the tiniest of your monster lovers!
Last but not least is The Haunted House That Jack Built by Helaine Becker. A new release, it's cute and fun and slots pretty much right in between the other two in terms of age range and level of spookiness.
They are very very amusing and fantastically illustrated, but also pretty dark and recommended (by the publisher) for kids over ten. Not very appropriate for littler ones. We don't want little kids to miss out on the fun of macabre parodies, though, which is why we're absolutely thrilled to have discovered Monster Goose by the awesome Judy Sierra (author of The Gruesome Guide to World Monsters):
These hilarious versions of well-known nursery rhymes are creepy enough to capture the fancy of a small monster lover, but not as dark as those in Grimly's books, making them much more suitable for a younger audience. Check it out and enjoy!
S.
The Gruesome Guide To World Monsters
Written by: Judy Sierra
Illustrated by: Henrik Drescher
Candlewick Press, 2005
ISBN: 076361727-X
Planning a trip? If your tiny world traveler is also an aspiring folklore expert and a budding horror buff, you're definitely going to need to search for the perfect guide as a vacation treat. Lucky for you, we've found a phenomenal book to end the search, and send you hunting for (or running from) some of the worlds greatest monsters.
The Grusome Guide not only has descriptions of some of the worlds most impressive monsters of folklore, but also a rating system detailing just how dangerous these fiends are, and helpful survival tips in case you may find yourself face to face with one.
These baddies and boogeymen come from all over the globe. In North America, we start off with one of the good old standards: Bloody Mary, the evil spectre that appears in the mirror when you chant her name several time. She's rumoured to reach out, grab her victims, and try to pull them back into the mirror with her, but only if you see her first. She's also rated as Very Dangerous.
Moving on to Africa, you can see the dreaded Nundu. This monster takes the shape of a Lion or a Leopard until it comes closer. When it reaches its intended victim, it opens its mouth to the size of a cave and swallows the victim whole. Survival tips include...well...there are no tips, as a meeting with this particular bit of business is deemed "Fatal".
Other places in the world covered include Central and South America, Europe, and Asia and the Pacific.
The illustrations in this book are intense and terrifying. Rendered in mixed media, they're incredibly colourful, inventive, and...well, terrifying. I wouldn't want to roll over at night and face any if these illustrations staring me down. Not...at...all.
Check this book out when you're on your next family vacation. If not to find out where to go, at least to figure out where you don't want to travel. Oh, and if we may make a suggestion, New Zealand has a particularly nasty monster called Maraki-Hau that haunts the seas around there. Do yourself a favour and stay on dry land.
C.
#19 in an ongoing series of posts celebrating the alphabet.
Sshhhhhh!
I hope you don't mind my whispering, but I finally got all the lower case letters to go to sleep. As soon as I opened this doozy (or should I say dozy) of a picture book, those little rascals skitter-scattered every which way and their UPPER CASE parents kind of looked at me like this -- :o(.
But I know it's not my fault. Every time anyone tries to read this funny bedtime story the same thing happens. Even though they should be settling down and going to sleep, all the little letters find something they'd much rather do -- jump on the bed, play the accordian, read funny stories, take a bath, giggle and fidget. Typical, I say. Alphabet midgets run amok!
Just between you and me, I like them that way. Judy Sierra's done a brilliant job of capturing all their naughty and nice antics in rollicking rhyming couplets -- the lower case letters have a ball flexing their poetic muscle while they oh-so-cleverly elude bedtime (at least for most of the book). Some of these imps even alliterate: "f is full of fidgety wiggles./g has got the googly giggles."
And the illos? You know how I feel about Melissa Sweet. It wasn't enough she had to nail the impish personalities of letters big and small in all their goggly-googly-eyed glory. No! In addition to a jumble of shapes, textures, patterns and hilarious expressions rendered in pencil, watercolor, and collage, she just had to add a plethora of polka dots! *swoons* I. am. mad. for. dots!
Pint-sized alphabet learners will love all the giggle-worthy detail. Clothed letters with teeny tiny hands and feet. And those toothy grins would make any dentist proud! Each spread includes objects beginning with the featured letter (for "T" there's a telephone, turtle, t-shirt, teddy bear and tea set!). Melissa is famous for all those charming little touches that go straight to the heart of what kids love and look for in a book.
Did I mention the polka dots?
There are a ton of alphabet books out there, but Judy and Melissa have managed to create one that's fresh (slap me!), zany, and vvvvvibrating with energy. Just wait till you see all the little letters going through their bedtime paces, and then finally dozing in their cozy beds. The Sleepy Little Alphabet earned a *starred review* from Horn Book and was awarded a 2009 Oppenheimer Toy Portfolio Award. A great read aloud and fun primer. Go out and grab it!
Oops. I shouldn't have yelled. They're up again.
The Sleepy Little Alphabet by Judy Sierra,
illustrated by Melissa Sweet
Knopf (2009), Ages 3-6, 40 pp.
Review copy provided by publisher.
(Finally, somebody besides me who truly believes the alphabet is alive . . .)
Some random books from the shelves this week. Hope you find something that you and your children will enjoy!
Shark in the Dark, written by Peter Bently and illustrated by Ben Cort is adorable, literally, from cover to cover. The front cover features a cut-out that appears a shark is going to come right through, out at the reader and the text inside is filled with cute rhymes about how this shark scares all the little fish. When the shark meets someone even bigger than he is, a fish that wants to eat HIM, the shark begins to think a little differently about how he treats fish smaller than he is.
Cute, rhyming text, bright, bold illustrations, and a cute plot make for a great read aloud. Not too scary for the little ones, I promise!
Shark in the Dark
Peter Bently
32 pages
Picture Book
Walker Books
9780802798411
May 2009
The Frogs and Toads All Sang is a brand new collection of short little stories by the infamous Arnold Lobel, with color by Adrienne Lobel. The stories, discovered by his daughter, are as lovely and sweet as anything else you've ever read by Lobel, accompanied by familiar, soft illustrations, perfect for bedtime reading.
I felt comfort while reading this book, as it definitely reminded me of my childhood reading of Lobel's work. Frog and Toad will always be hits!
The Frogs and Toads All Sang
Arnold Lobel
32 pages
Picture Book
HarperCollins
9780061800221
May 2009
Maggie's Monkeys, written by Linda Sanders-Wells and illustrated by Abby Carter, is my laugh-out-loud pick of the week. Your kids will be giggle throughout each reading of this adorable book, filled with realistic characters (that I'm sure you're children can relate to!).
When little Maggie declares there are pink monkeys living in the refridgerator, everyone in her family, except for her older brother, is very kind to the "monkeys." Dad puts a "do not disturb" sign on the door, older sister helps Maggie make clothes for the imaginary monkeys, but her older brother is insistant that everyone is just crazy!!
A very cute read, perfect for storytimes, with bright illustrations and an adorable plot!
Maggie's Monkeys
Linda Sanders-Wells
32 pages
Picture Book
Candlewick
9780763633264
April 2009
Finally, Ballyhoo Bay, written by Judy Sierra and illustrated by Derek Anderson, is my do-good choice of the week! It's a sweet story of kids and animals teaming up together to save their beloved beach when highrise apartment buildings are said to be in the works.
Though maybe a bit of a complex plot topic for the younger kiddos, the older ones will certainly understand, and the illustrations are so bold and bright, they'll easily hold the younger ones' attention. Plus it's by Judy Sierra! Ya gotta read it!
Recommended for storytimes and for library shelves.
Ballyhoo Bay
Judy Sierra
40 pages
Picture Book
Simon & Schuster
9781416958888
February 2009
There have been some awesome picture books released this spring season and I've been lucky enough to get my hands on quite a few of them it seems. These two titles have been some of my favorite reads in the past two weeks.
Sylvie, written and illustrated by Jennifer Sattler, is the story of an adorable pink flamingo, searching for her identity. When she wonders why she is pink instead of a different color and her mother tells her it's because of the shrimp that flamingos eat, Sylvie decides to try out some different colors, by eating lots of different things.
Sylvie samples some grapes and turns a lovely shade of purple, snacks on some chocolate and becomes a beautiful brown, and even consumes a piece of paisley bathing suit and is instantly a gorgeous paisley all over. However, after trying all of wonderful colors, Sylvie feels a bit yucky and a whole lot less like Sylvie.
Though the plot is one like a lot we've heard before....trying out different identities before truly loving one's self, Sylvie is presented in a unique, super-cute, funny manner, with hilarious illustrations, and some great. This would make a wonderful read aloud!
Sylvie
Jennifer Sattler
40 pages
Picture Book
Random House
9780375857089
May 2009
The Sleepy Little Alphabet: A Bedtime Story from Alphabet Town, written by one of my all-time favorite children's authors, Judy Sierra, and illustrated by Melissa Sweet is a great bedtime read aloud for one on one with children or at a pajama party at the library.
Going through the alphabet in a nicely rhyming form, using a bedtime routine, readers (or listeners) will work on learning their ABC's, as well as giggle at the silly illustrations done by Sweet. We see "b" taking a bath, "f" full of fidgety wiggles, and "i" and "j" jumping on the bed!
Very cute!
The Sleepy Little Alphabet: A Bedtime Story from Alphabet Town
Judy Sierra
40 pages
Picture Book
Knopf
9780375840029
June 2009
To learn more about either title or to purchase, click on the book covers above to link to Amazon.
Born to Read by Judy Sierra, illustrated by Marc Brown
I was prepared to write my review for Born to Read and had all my
ideas ready to go. I planned to write the review while babysitting my
grandkids, so I brought the book along. My notes had several
comments I had taken as I read and reread the book:
1. Wonderful message to share - but seemed forced
- Reading will help you win - but it won't make you win every time as in the bike race
- Coaches frown on basketball playing and book reading at the same time
2. Story line seemed a bit contrived
- Putting the child in impossible situations which are made to seem realistic (correcting the doctor's diagnosis, competitions above child's ability)
- Reading in the tub (oh my what were they thinking? ) Water and books don't mix.
- Realistic examples and the fantasy giant fit together well to present the message
3. Illustrations were superb!
- Details- you can almost feel the texture of clothing
- The expressions on the faces of the characters are entertaining
But, then my three year old grandson saw the book. "Can I read it?" was his first question. "What is it called?" was the next. I watched while he took the book and began pointing to the letters on the inside of the cover. " I know that one. Here is a "b" Nana." When he finished with those he knew, he turned the page and began to read. He put his finger under each word and started making up a story to go with the illustrations. He paused before "reading" each page to look at the illustrations and point out what he liked or noticed that was interesting. He knew most of the books in the baby's crib and told me which ones he had in his room and which ones were in his sister's room. He "read" the whole book with great enjoyment. Later, when I tried to find the book during their naptime to write this review it was not where we had left it when Noah finished reading.
After my grandson's nap I asked him if he knew where the book was. "It is in my room Nana, I wanted to read it again at naptime, and will you read it to me now?" He and his five year old sister paid close attention to me as I read Born to Read. When I told them I had to take the book home to do my homework, Noah nodded seriously and asked, "Will you bring it back?"
So much for my notes, this book is a hit with the three-year-old reviewer! Maybe sometimes, we older reviewers would be better off letting the books speak to the children and judging their reactions as the true test of a worthwhile book.
What Other Bloggers Are Saying:
Kidazy! : "This wonderful book rhymes words with such enthusiasm that you can’t help but get in to the story yourself rooting for Sam!"
(Read more...)
Jen Robinson's Book Page: "I think that this book is well-intentioned, sometimes fun, and gorgeously illustrated. I think that parents who want to encourage young readers will buy it and read it to their kids, and that they will enjoy it. But my personal recommendation, if you're looking to encourage a child to love books, is to not push this particular book too hard." (
read more...)
Young Readers: "Great premise. Great start. Ultimately falls into mediocrity. Slightly disappointing." (
read more...)
Cheryl Rainfield: "Born to Read celebrates reading and reinforces its importance. It’s got a wonderful message, though the message is laid on a bit too thick for me. Still, it’s got a message that both kids and parents really need to hear–that reading can help you." (read more...)
More Info:
- Reading level: Ages 4-8
- Hardcover: 40 pages
- Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers (August 12, 2008)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0375846875
- ISBN-13: 978-0375846878
- Source: Review copy from publisher
A love of folk tales and puppetry, a drive to create and a childhood that included rewards for memorizing poems has made a natural children’s book author of Judy Sierra. Her long list of books and story collections include one of our favourites, Monster Goose, a book of mother goose poems with a beastly twist.
On this edition of Just One More Book, author, poet and literary quilter Judy Sierra talks about writing with a library setting in mind, the importance of read-aloud and the advantage of writing in rhyme.
Books mentioned:
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Poor misbegotten Quill Awards. I mean, they describe themselves as, "the only book awards to pair a populist sensibility with Hollywood-style glitz. They are the first literary prizes to reflect the tastes of all the groups that matter most in publishing--- readers, booksellers and librarians." Not actually true. The Cybils might have something to say in the matter. But in any case, the Quill Nominations were announced at BEA this year. We seem to have a nicer crop of titles than usual too. Observe (as I have lifted these wholesale from the website in question):
Graphic Novel
Making ComicsWritten by Scott McCloud
Published by HarperCollins
Ode to Kirihito Written by Osamu Tezuka
Published by Vertical
Alice in SunderlandWritten by Bryan Talbot
Published by Dark Horse
Exit WoundsWritten by Rutu Modan
Published by Drawn & Quarterly
Aya Written by Marguerite Abouet
Illustrated by Clement Oubrerie
Published by Drawn & Quarterly
Children's Picture Books
The Adventures of the Dish and the SpoonWritten by Mini Grey
Published by Alfred A. Knopf
Fancy Nancy and the Posh Puppy Written by Jane O'Connor
Illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser
Published by HarperCollins
FlotsamWritten by David Wiesner
Published by Clarion Books
Orange Pear Apple Bear Written by Emily Gravett
Published by Simon and Schuster
Owen & Mzee: The Language of Friendship Written by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff and Dr. Paula Kahumbu
Photos by Peter Greste
Published by Scholastic Press
Children's Chapter/Middle Grade
Clementine Written by Sara Pennypacker
Illustrated by Marla Frazee
Published by Hyperion Books
Diary of a Wimpy Kid Written by Jeff Kinney
Published by Abrams/Amulet
The Invention of Hugo Cabret Written by Brian Selznick
Published Scholastic Press
Pick Me Up Written by Jeremy Leslie and David Roberts
Published by DK Children's Books
The Titan's Curse (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 3)Written by Rick Riordan
Published by Miramax Books
Young Adult/Teen
American Born Chinese Written by Gene Luen Yang
Published by First Second Books
The Green Glass Sea Written by Ellen Klages
Published by Viking
Incantation Written by Alice Hoffman
Published by Little, Brown and Company
Life as We Knew It Written by Susan Beth Pfeffer
Published by Harcourt Books
Sold Written by Patricia McCormick
Published by Hyperion Books
I was rather fond of
Ms. Pfeffer's thoughtful take on her chances. And as I recall, they changed the voting requirements this year.
The Voting Board
The Quills Voting Board, comprised of over 6,000 invited booksellers and librarians, will vote for the 19 category winners between June 18, 2007 and August 31, 2007.
Consumer Voting
Following the announcement of this year’s winners on September 10, 2007, readers will get to cast their online votes for The Book of The Year from September 10 to October 10, 2007. To cast your vote log on to www.quillsvote.com.
Fascinating stuff. I know where my votes lay. Yourself?
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Happy Birthday Judy Sierra! I have wanting to read this book! I am going to put it on our summer reading list!
Thanks for posting on Facebook that you featured this book!
Hi, Eric. Thank YOU for posting about Judy Sierra's birthday, too. I've seriously been meaning to post about ZooZical for months, so it's kind of funny that I finally posted it today of all days. Have a great weekend, and can't wait to see who's birthday you celebrate next!
Love the theme of this book. There is the Great American Mouse Musical, now a book about animals putting on a musical. Love...love...love the idea. This is a book you wonder, why didn't I think of that. Great choice.
Ha, ha! I chose between my ZooZical and Animal Masquerade reviews today! AM won today! So glad to see your review - much more worthy of the book than my sparse one!
Thanks, Patricia. I did in fact think "Darn! I wish I had thought of that!" when I heard about this book :)
Oh, my gosh. You know, I was so nervous when I checked the PPBF archive because I thought someone might have already posted about this book. I was so relieved when I found out they hadn't. That would have been fun if we had posted about the same book, though :) Going to check out Animal Masquerade now. It sounds like fun, too!
The title alone - Zoozical was enough to capture my attention. Sounds like a lovely book and perfect for a group read aloud. Just ordered from the library. thanks
Those familiar songs sound hilarious. I was interested to read that a slightly odd-metered rhyme was published because the story is just so fun. A zoozical sounds like such an awesome way to get rid of those midwinter blues!
Excellent comprehensive review!I will need to go find it now! Thanks for adding it to PPBF.
Hi, Joanna. I just read a bunch more reviews of this book, and most of them loved the rhythm and rhyme. So maybe it is just me! Let me know what you think if you get a chance to read the book. I agree it is very rhythmical and so so much fun...I just had a hard time finding the rhythm sometimes :)
Awesome. And that's great that your library has it. I hope you like it!
What a fun book! We have lots of trips to the zoo planned for the summer. I'll have to add this one to our "too read" stack. Thanks Kerry!
Sounds like a great book. Can't wait to read it. I love rhyme.
Hi, Kirsten. Have you heard of ANIMAL STRIKE AT THE ZOO by Karma Wilson? If not, it's another fun one to consider adding to your zoo list!
Thanks for stopping by, Carol. I hope you are able to find this book. I love rhyme, too. Rhyming picture books are my favorite :)