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Oliver Has Something to Say! By Pamela Edwards
Review by Mary Rowe (Library Queen's Weblog)


Oliver has a very common problem found among children with an older sibling. Oliver doesn’t get a chance to speak. Oliver opens his mouth to speak but someone always answers every question for him. First, it is his older sister. She seems like the typical older sister who is trying to be helpful. She just has not noticed that Oliver has grown up and is able to speak for himself. Mom and Dad are also guilty of speaking for Oliver instead of waiting for him to form the words and make his own voice heard.

It takes a kind, patient preschool teacher to help Oliver find his voice. Oliver seems a little overwhelmed when he gets to make a choice for himself about where to play. Mrs. Samra is patient while Oliver tries to get his underused mouth in motion. Through the process Mrs. Samra listens with her eyes and heart as well as her ears. Finally, Oliver is able to tell her what he wants to do.

Oliver has learned his lesson well. After his first day in pre-school he gets up in the middle of the night and lets everyone know they have not been right about what he really wanted as they spoke for him. Loudly, he lets them know all the things he tried to say over the week. Mom, Dad, and Margaret are so surprised that this time they have nothing to say.

This is an excellent book to be used in the home or classroom, not only to encourage children to speak up, but to let talkative children know they are not being helpful when they rush to finish someone’s thought or sentence. Sometimes, children need an extra few seconds of time before they can gather their thoughts. Those who are a bit quicker in forming their thoughts (Mom, Dad, older siblings, and even teachers) need to take the lesson in this book to heart.

Reviewers note: This book hit very close to home for me. My grandson has some tendencies found in children with oral apraxia. There seems to be a bit of “a disconnect” between his brain and his oral muscles. He can make all the sounds but has a hard time getting his lips and tongue into position to make the sounds. This causes a bit of a delay when he begins to speak. It also causes him to substitute some sounds that are easier for him to make for some of the harder sounds. He is more than happy most of the time to let his older sister do the speaking for him. His mom has an undergraduate degree in speech communication. She has been able to make sure he got an opportunity to make his voice heard.

What Other Bloggers Are Saying:
Just One More Book: "Slurps, spaghetti, grimaces and gasps seem to spurt from the page in this animated escapade of a younger sibling who finally finds his voice." (listen to podcast about book...)

My Readable Feast: "Oliver Has Something to Say! makes us realize that quiet kids do have opinions and we need to encourage them to express themselves." (read more...)

Cheryl Rainfield: "Do you know a shy child, or a child who has a hard time speaking up? Give them this book; it may help them to feel understood or less alone." (read more...)

The Literary Word: " I think this is an amazing book in that it will inspire and promote confidence in children who are shy or quiet." (read more...)



More Info:

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 24 pages
• Publisher: Lobster Press (March 25, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1897073526
• ISBN-13: 978-1897073520
• Source: Review Copy from Publisher
  

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What Does Mrs. Claus Do? by Kate Wharton, illustrated by Christian Slade

Review by Shelly Burns (Write for a Reader)


Summary

Many stories are written about Santa Claus so we all know what he does on Christmas, but no one really knows about Mrs. Claus. Does she just sit around and wait until Santa returns? Is she hosting a party while he’s gone? Could she be a…whale rider, sushi chef, snowmobile chopper, heli-ski-jump-mountain-top hopper? After reading this book you’ll be asking yourself, what can’t Mrs. Claus do?

My Review

I really enjoyed this story. I love Christmas and try to read every Christmas picture book that I can. This one is going on my list of “must read to the students” list. I know that they will be laughing, as I was, when they read this. Not only does Kate Wharton put a comical spin on Mrs. Claus, she does it through rhyme which children will pick up on and enjoy the rhythmic quality of this story. I found myself wanting to read it again as soon as I was finished with it, and I imagine that is how a child would feel about it as well. The illustrations that Christian Slade did are just great! They add to the comedy of the entire thing.

According to the story, Mrs. Claus has her own things to do while Santa is gone. My favorite part is when Santa returns.

“When Santa comes home and hangs up his pack, Mrs. Claus has just secretly beaten him back. Are you thinking, ‘She can’t do that all in one night! There’s not enough time!’? And perhaps you are right. But then, if the stories of Santa are true, why couldn’t Mrs. Claus do it all too?”

The picture shows Mrs. Claus sitting in her rocker with a cup of cocoa, like she’s been there all night, just waiting on him to return.

As a teacher, I could see using this with the students to springboard some of their own writing and artwork about what Mrs. Claus does. I think that they could come up with some very creative ideas, maybe even some that Kate Wharton didn’t think of. I know it would be a hit in my classroom. I also think that young children will fall in love with this story.

It’s time for us to see Christmas from a different perspective, that of Mrs. Claus. Thank you, Kate Wharton, for allowing us to do that!


What Other Bloggers Are Saying:

A Patchwork of Books: "You just never know what that sneaky Mrs. Claus may be up to..." (read more...)

Simply Sensational Divas Review: "I love the rhythm and the rhyming; the words flow nicely and easily together. I love the educational opportunities the words provide." (read more...)

Rhyme of the Day: "It seems like something kids would like, whether they "believe in Santa" or not. " (read more...)




More Info:

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Tricycle Press (October 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1582461643
• ISBN-13: 978-1582461649
• Source: Review copy from publisher
  

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The Adventures of Max and Pinky: The Mystery by Maxwell Eaton III

Maxwell Eaton III kicks off his blog tour at Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast tomorrow. He’ll be here for a fantastic guest post on Wednesday, but before all of the excitement commences, I want to introduce you to Max and Pinky through their newest adventure, The Adventures of Max and Pinky: The Mystery.

Max and his friend, Pinky, who happens to be a pig, decide to paint the barn outside their house red. When they wake up the next morning, the barn is Pepto Bismol pink. They repaint it red and stay up all night to guard it only to see it repainted the next day. They set about trying to discover who keeps painting the barn and even set a trap. Young readers will be delighted to discover who the culprit is.

Along with the very cute story are vibrant and equally cute comic-like illustrations that kids will love. They’ll get a few giggles out of the dialog bubbles above the characters’ heads and the elaborate trap that involves a bowling ball, a frog, a chicken, and a duck. The text is simple and sparse enough for a beginning reader to read with little difficulty. Even very young children will enjoy looking at and identifying the different farm animals in the book. This, along with Max and Pinky’s other two adventures, The Adventures of Max and Pinky: Best Buds and The Adventures of Max and Pinky: Superheroes would make a perfect gift for younger readers.



What Other Bloggers Are Saying:

Menasha Kids: "Eaton excels at writing books with few words and lots of laughs. His characters say so much with a simple facial expression. This is simplicity at its best. " (read more...)

Bookgasm: "Cute, and not the least bit nauseating." (read more...)




More info:

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers (October 14, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0375838074
• ISBN-13: 978-0375838071
• Source: Review copy from publisher
  

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I'm excited to be wrapping up the week with an interview with Dimitria Tokunbo, illustrator of Amadi's Snowman.






When you received the text for Amadi's Snowman, what did you want to capture through your illustrations?
I really wanted to convey the colors I remembered from my visits to Nigeria. I wanted the readers to see the rich orange and copper tones of the dirt and pottery, the lush greens of the trees and bushes that lined the roads and the multicolored fabrics that swished by me as the people hurried past.


I see that your father grew up in Nigeria. Did you draw from your own experiences to create the art in Amadi's Snowman?
I have been to Nigeria a number of times and I did use my experiences there, but I also relied heavily on my relatives & friends through the internet to provide me with valuable research and photos.


Tell us a little about your art. What medium did you use for Amadi's Snowman? Is this your preferred medium or do you use others?
I used acrylic paint for Amadi’s Snowman. I’ve used acrylic paints for a few magazine assignments but not for a full length picture until Amadi’s Snowman. For previous books, I used water color and colored pencils.



The overarching theme of Amadi's Snowman is about the importance of literacy. Why do you personally think literacy is important?
I grew up in a family of teachers and story tellers. My great, great grandmother’s sister was a missionary who taught newly freed slaves in America to read. My mother was a special reading teacher before she retired. I believe that reading is an essential part of a good education and I believe that a good education unlocks limitless opportunities for the world’s children.

How do you think parents and teachers can help reach out to reluctant readers?
I think that graphic novels and comic books are a great tool in getting reluctant readers to read. I am dyslexic and so I resisted reading for a large part of my childhood. I loved to be read to but didn’t get excited about reading chapter books to myself. I’ve always been attracted to pictures. And found that Graphic novels helped me (and later one of my daughters) transition from picture books to chapter books.


Do you and your daughters read together as a family?
My daughters are ages 11 and 14 and they still love it when I read novels to them at bed time, if I’m too tired one of them will read a chapter or two. Our schedules are hectic but we still squeeze family reading time in. Sometimes we will be seen riding the subway and each of us is deep into our own book (o:


What are some of your daughters' favorite books?
When my daughters were much younger they loved books like “Is your Mama a Llama?” and “Why Do Mosquitoes Buzz in People’s Ears: A West African Tale”. We went to the local library at least three times a week so they got a chance to have a lot of favorites.


What can we hope to see next from you?
Well, I have a book coming out in Fall of 09 that I’ve written for Scholastic Inc. titled, The Sound of Kwanzaa, illustrated by Lisa Cohen.


Any final thoughts?
I am really glad to be a part of the team that put together Amadi’s Snowman. It was fun to work on and it is fun to share it!

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Yesterday, I reviewed Katia Novet Saint-Lot's picture book, Amadi's Snowman, and today, I'm honored to present to you an interview with Katia.

Jill: What inspired you to write Amadi's Snowman?

Katia: My husband was the UNICEF state representative for the South-Eastern region of Nigeria. One evening, he came home, full of stories about young boys quitting school because they preferred to earn quick money doing street business. My character, whose name was Ifeanyi, at the time, was born right then.

Jill: In the book, Amadi doesn't at first realize how important it is to be able to read. Can you talk a bit about why you believe literacy is important?

Katia: Literacy means education, education means freedom, independence, understanding, being able to grow, to expand one's horizons, to stand up for oneself. I grew up with a Spanish mother who never went to school until the age of 40, when she finally learned to read and write. My father had to quit school when he was 15 to earn a living, in spite of his teachers having tried to convince his parents to let him continue with his studies. He did go back to school after I was born, studying at night for years, and he did well for himself. I suppose my background made me realize certain things, early in life. The way people treated my mother in shops because she was a foreigner, and obviously not very educated, for instance. These things had a profound impact on me, as a child. Having lived in several developing countries, I also have and continue to see the way uneducated people are taken advantage of by those who were lucky enough to have the means to get an education. Education opens doors. The lack of education keeps people from moving up the social ladder.

Jill: By the book's end, Amadi is excited about learning how to read. Do you think that children who love to read get a bigger benefit from reading than the ones who merely read because they have to for school? Why?

Katia: That's an interesting question. I suppose you get a bigger benefit simply because you take pleasure in doing it. I'm pretty much an autodidact, and one thing I've learned over the years is that it is so much easier to learn quickly and efficiently when you like a subject, when you're motivated. If books give you pleasure, then, it seems to me that what you read will have an impact on you, will stay in your mind, as opposed to kind of entering your brains from one side, and getting right out the other.

Jill: What advice can you give parents and teachers for helping children learn to love reading?

Katia: I'm not sure I have any qualification to answer that question, but having books around and reading to children, reading stories that spark their interest and curiosity, that get them involved, that make them feel concerned, that move them, fascinate them, all these would seem like good ways to foster a love for reading. Just like Amadi.

Jill: I see in your bio that you have two daughters. Do you read together as a family?

Katia: I read a lot to my daughters, yes. I wouldn't say as a family, because they are four years apart, and the oldest can now read books on her own. But the little one has inherited all her sister's books, and the older one still loves me to read for her. Or we read one page, she reads the following, etc.

Jill: What are some of your daughters' favorite books?

Katia: There again, it depends on the age. My older daughter loved Dr. Seuss's "M. Brown can Mow" as a baby and a toddler. I knew it by heart. I also read her Anastasia Suen's "Baby Born" a million times at least. And we both loved Robert Munsh's "Love you Forever." I actually composed a little tune to go with the song in the book, and I still sing it to them at night time. Kora also loves "Bringing Asha Home," by Uma Krishnaswami. It's a lovely book, and there is an Indian baby, and we live in India. She's starting to read longer books, now. She seems to be very visual, so illustrations, art, graphics really catch her eye. As for the little one, she's never really had a favorite book so far. She'll ask me to read the same one several nights in a row, and then, it will be another, and another.


Jill: What message do you hope to send to children who read Amadi's Snowman?

Katia: Apart from the obvious message about the glory and magic of books, and how they open doors, I think that I also wanted to show a child in a different setting. Something familiar to a western child, like snow, can be totally foreign to another. And yet, Amadi is such an universal character. He's stubborn, slightly defiant, in a hurry to grow up, and also immensely likable because he's smart, and curious, and wise enough, in the end, to change his mind.

Jill: Do you have any plans for future books?

Katia: I have stories going around, absolutely. And several projects in the draft stage. Keeping my fingers, toes, and eyes crossed :)


Thanks so much for stopping by Katia, and I wish you the best of luck with all of your future endeavors!


Be sure to come back on Friday for an interview with Dimitrea Tokunbo, the illustrator of Amadi's Snowman.

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Amadi's Snowman
by Katia Novet Saint-lot, illustrated by Dimitria Tokunbo

Amadi, a young Igbo boy in Nigeria doesn't see a reason for learning how to read, so he disobeys his mother and runs off to market instead of waiting for his reading teacher to arrive. After all, he IS going to be an Igbo businessman, and they certainly have much more to do than sit around and read.

As he's walking through the market, Amadi notices an older boy he knows reading a book with an interesting picture of a snowman inside. The boy, Chima, tells Amadi about snow, something he has never even heard of, and for the rest of the day, Amadi's mind is full of questions. Maybe there's more to reading after all...

If you've been reading this blog for any amount of time, you know that I'm a huge proponent of literacy. Knowing how to read is not only a crucial survival skill, but LOVING to read can open your eyes to so many new people, places, and things. This is why I like Amadi's Snowman.

I'm not a fan of heavy-handed messages, and this book could have easily gone in that direction. However, Katia Novet Saint-Lot passes on the message of the importance of literacy through the eyes of a curious child. I've always heard stories of reluctant readers finding THE book that turned them onto reading, and in Amadi's case, it was a book about a snowman. Don't get me wrong...the message is still there, but I don't think it's too "preachy."

Also, by telling us the story of a boy in Nigeria, Ms. Saint-Lot is opening OUR eyes to another culture. We get a great description of the marketplace, learn a bit about business in Nigeria, and meet a boy who I think a lot of children will relate to even though he's in a different part of the world.

Dimitria Tokunbo's earth-toned illustrations with vivid splashes of color take us straight to Nigeria and draw us into its rich culture.

This book shares a critical message in an engaging and unintimidating manner and would be a good addition to any school, home, or classroom library. Teachers and homeschool parents, visit Tilbury House's website for a variety of discussion questions and resources you can use with the book.

I'm honored to be taking part of Katia Novet Saint-Lot's Global Virtual Tour. Click here to see all of the former and future stops on the tour. Tomorrow, Katia will be visiting and answering a few questions, and on Friday, we'll be talking to the illustrator, Dimitria Tokunbo.


What Other Bloggers Are Saying:

Mitali's Fire Escape: "Novet Saint-Lot has written a universal story about the power of literacy without losing sight of the delightful particulars of one boy's life." (read more...)

5 Minutes for Books: "Amadi's Snowman is a touching reminder of how transformative books can be. " (read more...)

In the Pages: "It shows the importance of learning to read and the lifestyle of another culture. " (read more...)

Books Together Blog: "My own kids identified with Amadi, who is a very likeable character, despite the fact they've made many a snowman during winters in Michigan and Virginia. " (read more...)


Random Wonder: "...To me, Amadi's Snowman is more than just a reading-is-a-wonder send up; it’s a multicultural look at how others view the same world. " (read more...)

Scrub-A-Dub-Tub: "While the power of reading is a key theme, it is not the only one. Just as Amadi has a chance to learn about snow in places far away, kids reading this book can learn about the Ibo (African people) and Nigeria." (read more...)

Bees Knees Reads: "A reminder of how just one little book can change a persons entire life! " (read more...)

Literary Safari: "This picture book would make a good read-aloud for children who question the role of reading in their lives and could lead to some interesting group discussions . " (read more..)

My Readable Feast: "Not only is it a beautiful book and a sweet story, but it shows the magic of reading and how it’s the key to knowing so much about the world and its wonders. " (read more...)
More information about the book:

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Tilbury House Publishers (May 31, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0884482987
• ISBN-13: 978-0884482987
• Source: Review copy from publisher
  

All images are used with permission from Tilbury House Publishers.

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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
  

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For today's Poetry Friday selection, I'm offering up Crocs!, a rhyming picture book by "the emerging poet of gross," David T. Greenberg. Told in second person, which is unique in itself, a boy leaves the city for what promises to be a quiet vacation away from "Roaches in your omelets/ pigeons dropping bomblets/ wild poodles stalking you in gangs." At first he's having a nice time relaxing, but is soon surrounded by tons of crocodiles intent on disturbing his peaceful vacation. They soon invade his life, and the boy soon starts getting the urge to act like a crocodile. The surprise ending is cute and satisfying even though it is a bit cheesy.

So, you know, it's very difficult to tell a story in rhyme. Children's book authors often try it and often fail because it's hard to make the rhymes work. While Crocs! is not a failure, there are moments when the rhymes really work like in the beginning of the book, "Isn't it a pity/ That you had to leave the city/ Because of the all the horrifying critters/ Giant tabby cats/ And defiant scabby rats/ Large enough to swallow baby-sitters."

And then there are times when the rhythm is off a bit: "Crocodiles growling/ Crocodiles Howling/ At the very tops of their lungs/ Crocodiles thrashing/ Wildly smashing/ Crocs with studs in their tongues."

However, Lynn Munsinger's illustrations are very funny and had me laughing out loud in places. Goofy-looking crocodiles are in all types of funny situations. You see a long-lashed crocodile putting on lipstick, another painting her nails bright pink, a couple of crocodiles unsuccessfully trying to floss their teeth, a crocodile chef with a wok, noodles in its mouth and all over the place, and many many more. Because of this, I can forgive some of the weak poetry in the book even though I really do wish it was just a tad bit better.

I think many kids will enjoy the absurdity of the situations depicted in the book and will reach for it again and again.

Visit the Poetry Friday roundup at author amok.



What Other Bloggers are Saying:

Charlotte's Library: "...this book is fun to read aloud, and fun to look at, and kind of strange. Definitely one for the child who appreciates more than a bit of surreality with their playful, rollicking verse." (read more...)

A Patchwork of Books: "The illustrations are a perfect match to the story and your little ones will be giggling at the silliness of the crocs and the great faces on the boy." (read more...)


More info:

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Little, Brown Young Readers (May 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0316073067
• ISBN-13: 978-0316073066
• Source: Review copy from publisher
  

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Katie Loves the Kittens written and illustrated by John Himmelman

Katie is a clumsy floppy-eared dog whose owner Sara Ann has just brought home three kittens. According to the book it was, "the most exciting day in Katie's whole life." She's so happy that she can't help but howling, "AROOOOOOOOO!" As you may imagine, it frightens the kittens, and Sara Ann scolds her. Katie is determined to control her excitement around the kittens, but every time she gets close to them, another "AROOOOOOOOOO!" comes out. Can Katie control herself enough to enjoy the kittens and to please Sara Ann? Maybe....


This book is sooooo sweet, satisfying, and funny. The simple, yet engaging storyline is perfect for beginning readers and kids with short attention spans. Himmelman's illustrations are very amusing. Katie's "AROOOOOOOOO's" send kittens scurrying up lampshades and windows; her pathetic facial expressions when Sara Ann scolds her are adorable; and her futile attempts at self control are hilarious.

This is one of those books that I think both boys and girls will love, especially those who love cats and dogs. It would make an excellent read aloud for the entire family.



What Other Bloggers Are Saying:

Fuse #8: " Maybe it’s the three-year-old in me, but there is nothing finer in this world that watching characters explode off a page over, under, around, and through. Tumbling, tossing, flying, it’s all wonderful. " (read more...)

4IQREAD: "This is a very simple sweet picture book with charming illustrations that capture nicely Katie’s eagerness to make friends with the kittens and highlight her engaging expressions and movements." (read more...)

We Love Children's Books: "I don't laugh out loud at many books but I did with this one! The words and pictures work together perfectly, telling a fine story with on the mark canine and feline behavior." (read more...)




More Info:

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) (September 16, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 080508682X
• ISBN-13: 978-0805086829
• Source: Review copy from publisher
  

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