Last week, I read some wonderful picture books, and one middle grade novel:
Written and illustrated by Deborah Freedman
Mouse wakes up early one morning because he wants to begin writing a book. And frog is more than willing to help him out. The only problem is that they have different ideas about how and what to write. Can they learn to work together so each is happy?
Deborah Freedman brings us another metafiction story. this time about friendship and compromise. For readers age 3+
Written & Illustrated by Kadir Nelson
Young readers see for themselves what happens when you plant a seed, whether it is a tomato seed or a carrot seed or a seed of selfishness or one of kindness, it will grow and grow.
Beautifully illustrated, this expressive book gives a new and relatable take on the old Biblical lesson demonstrating how you reap what you sow. For readers age 4+
by Lee Wardlaw, illustrated by Eugene Yelchin
Remember Won Ton, the shelter cat who found a forever home a few years age? Well, he back, and just as poetic as ever. Told in a series of 17 syllable haikus, Won Ton suffers some sibling rivalry when a new puppy arrives to disrupt his purrrfect life. Will cat and dog ever learn to get along and share the affections of their family?
Once again, Wardlaw captures each sometimes rocky, always emotional step towards acceptance in these haiku. Won Ton and Chopstick is funny, but truthful and a nice read aloud (especially for kids about to become an older sibling). For readers age 4+
Written by A.F. Harrold, illustrated by Emily Gravett
Have you ever wondered what happens to imaginary friends when they aren't being imagined? This very tongue-in-cheek middle grade novel explores that question. After Amanda is hit by a car, Rudger, her imaginary friend, needs to find a way to get back to her before he completely Fades and is gone for good. But, Rudger had started to Fade before the accident, and is also being pursued by the ancient, evil Mr. Bunting who has sold his sold to the devil - for every fading imaginary he consumes, he buys himself more living (?) time.
The story is sufficiently creepy, but not for all kids. If your young readers liked Doll Bones and Coraline, they will probably enjoy The Imagainary. The black and white illustrations, some with a splash of color add to the weirdness.
For readers age 8+
This week, I will be reading the following books:
What are you reading this week?
Yikes about The Imaginary. I read Coraline, but couldn't read Doll Bones as it creeped me out too much!
ReplyDeleteI usually get creeped out by books like Doll Bones, I hate creepy doll stories but I liked it. Still, my feeling is that if a book creeps you out, not to worry - there are so many other goods books to read instead.
DeleteInteresting, The Imaginary cover doesn't look creepy, but I like the premise and really liked Coraline and Doll Bones. This week I'm reading Dr. Critchlore's School for Minions.
ReplyDeleteNo, the cover doesn't, does it. I found it fun to read, others hated it, found it depressing or scary. I like a book like that once in a while, and I know kids do, too. Heck, they read Goosebumps.
DeleteJust check Dr. Crichlore's School for Minions - sounds great!
DeleteI love meta books. Will definitely check out By Mouse and Frog. I loved Won Ton and Chopstick too and am looking forward to getting my hands on If You Plant a Seed. Great books this week!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to read The Imaginary! It seems like it might be fun to pair it with Beekle? And, I loved the first Won Ton so much - I am thrilled that there is a second!
ReplyDeleteI've been seeing The Imaginary in the bookstore for awhile now, and I am convinced that it is a book that I should own - simply my kind of read. Plus Emily Gravett, wow. Have you read any of Colin Thompson's The Floods? It sounds like they might be of the same ilk too.
ReplyDeleteI didn't find The Imaginary as creepy as Doll Bones, but I did think it was...weird. My students are curious about it, but I have yet to have a student finish it. I recently shared by mouse & frog, too. I loved it, and my kids did, too!
ReplyDeleteHello Alex, Mouse and frog looks adorable, and I’m intrigued enough by The imaginary to investigate further. I’ve just finished The girl on the train by Paula Hawkins (loved it) and have started Disclaimer by Renee Knight. I’m not sure about it yet, but I've read some excellent reviews so will keep going.
ReplyDeleteI've heard ok things about The Imaginary, so thank you for reviewing it! I adored Mouse and Frog! Another great one by Deborah Freedman!
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