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A Review in Reverse
Engaging and entertaining, Otto Grows Down is hard to deny.
The artwork doesn’t take itself too seriously, and is a worthy match for a story that does the same. Similar to the recent The Very Hungry Dinosaur, Scott Magoon’s (Rabbit & Squirrel: A Tale of War & Peas) illustrations exude a deceptively simple, childlike quality.
Plot-driven and genuinely funny (there is a bathroom scene that had me absolutely disgusted, yet laughing out loud just the same), youngsters will be drawn in from page one. This title’s usefulness in a read-aloud setting is clear.
Will Otto be able to set things straight before he ceases to exist? But it doesn’t work. His birthday wish is for things to go back to normal. When his 5th birthday arrives, Otto has had enough. But time keeps going backward. Immediately, time and events start moving in reverse – un-blowing out the candles, walking backwards – and it isn’t long before Anna is out of the picture. Amazingly, he gets his way. Upstaged at his own b-day bash, Otto blows out his candles wishing that little sis were never born. One week before Otto’s 6th birthday, his little sister Anna steals his thunder by being born. The story begins with an easily relatable set-up.
A solidly above average release that is sure to be a read-aloud success. Funny, clever, and sporting a subtle moral that doesn’t thwack young readers on the head. Otto Grows Down takes this theme, adds a bit of time-in-reverse craziness, and comes out a winner. Excitement, anticipation, and the ever-so-familiar resentment are a few of the mixed feelings that spring from such an event. Plenty of kids have a hard time adjusting to a new sibling.
Review copy provided by the publisher.
Also reviewed by Literate Lives, Books Upon a Wee One’s Shelf.
Find this book at your local library with WorldCat.
So how’s your electricity section doing? Oh, pretty well you say? Anything in there for the K-2 set? You’ll get back to me? Look, let me save you some embarrassment and just suggest something that might help.
Oscar and the Bird: A Book About Electricity capably joins the other titles in the Start with Science nonfiction series. The basic vocabulary and storybook format make this book accessible for younger readers. A complex concept in a package that kids will be able to understand, this title is ripe for classroom connections.
Gray and white cat Oscar is a curious feline. When he comes across a tractor with its windshield wipers on, Oscar can’t help but wonder how the wipers are able to move. A brown bird flies down just in time to supply the answer: electricity. The two talk about the tractor battery that makes it all possible. Oscar’s questions soon lead to more big-picture concepts, like how circuits work and where electricity comes from.
What’s old is new again. The crisp, outline-free illustrations have a retro look that clearly illustrate the concepts covered. Soft blues, greens, reds, and yellows cover each two page spread.
A clear, concise little title that serves its purpose well. Good to have on hand.
Review copy provided by the publisher.
Check out the Nonfiction Monday roundup at Tales From the Rushmore Kid.
Also reviewed by Moss Green Children’s Books.
Find this book at your local library with WorldCat.
There’s something about the taming of wild beasts that has staying power in children’s lit – you’ve heard of Where the Wild Things Are, right? I can understand why – it’s a role reversal. Rules are so often imposed on youngsters, it only makes sense that they would enjoy a story where the kid gets to call the shots, besting the monster. And such is the case with The Super Hungry Dinosaur. But don’t let my (possible over-) analysis cloud the picture – this book is charming as all get out, and kids will approve – especially in a read-aloud setting.
Hal and his dog, Billy, are minding their business in the back yard, when they are surprised by an unexpected guest. The titular Super Hungry Dinosaur breaks down the fence and is looking for food. The dino first tells Hal that he will be lunch, but the curly-haired boy is sharp and explains why that is not a fair choice. Rebuffed, the dinosaur suggests other family members (each suggestion denied by Hal) until the line is crossed: the dino wants to eat Billy. Hal takes a stand, taming the beast and feeding him, sending the green dinosaur contentedly on his way.
The artwork, created by Leonie Lord, sets a jovial mood. Crayonlike in texture and childlike in form, Lord creates sunny pages that are a delight to lay eyes on. The two-page spread is nicely utilized, showing the full size of the dinosaur. Spreads are also occasionally split into thirds horizontally, providing three narrow strips to continue the story. This is Lord’s first children’s book, and I look forward to more in the future.
Appealing in story and artwork, The Super Hungry Dinosaur will do pretty well for itself in collections far and wide.
Review copy provided by the publisher
Find this book at your local library with WorldCat.
Children’s Book of Art
DK Publishing
ISBN: 9780756655112
$24.99
Grades 4-7
In Stores
Really, kids are in prime position to be turned on to the wide world of art. If they don’t already draw for fun, classroom crafts, “draw a picture” assignments, and weekly art class ensure that elementary-aged youngsters are getting creative on a daily basis. Children’s Book of Art proves to be a well-organized, able introduction to the noteworthy names, styles, and works that form the basics of artistic knowledge. A solid overview of a topic that kids are ready to dig into.
Split into three general sections (Early Art, Modern Art, and Sculpture), the book covers a wide swath of territory. Beginning with the who, how, and why of early cave paintings up to Damien Hirst’s installation art, each time period and style of art is given its due. The book consists of “gallery” pages (showing the use of different artistic elements), “artist profiles” (detailing the life and work or individuals), “how did they do that” sections (which provide instructions for working with different media), and “art style” spreads (covering significant art movements). The range is impressive.
Easy on the eyes, as an art book should be. Large images of well-known (and some more obscure) artwork pop up everywhere. Page layouts often teach, showing readers how different styles of art are created. Artist biographies run down the side of pages, time line style, hitting important events and highlighting influences.
Useful for fact-finding students looking for artist info as well as those simply interested in learning more, Children’s Book of Art effectively (and entertainingly) serves both audiences.
Review copy provided by the publisher.
Check out the Nonfiction Monday roundup at Books Together Blog.
Find this book at your local library with WorldCat.
Four score and seven zzzzzzzzzzzzz.
As much as this amateur Abe Lincoln impersonator hates to say it, history often has the unfortunate reputation of being boring. Unfairly pigeonholed, I say! While there are plenty of picture books featuring historical settings, there aren’t many that deal with the importance of preserving the past. Allow Imogene’s Last Stand to help fill the void. Credit is due to Candace Fleming (The Lincolns) and illustrator Nancy Carpenter (17 Things I’m Not Allowed to do Anymore), who have created a story about the importance of history that is a delight to read.
Ever since she was very young, Imogene Tripp has been an historical enthusiast. When she sees an opportunity to revive the long ignored Liddleville Historical Society, Imogene seizes it with enthusiasm. After putting her all into cleaning and organizing the old house, she discovers that it is to be torn down, by order of the mayor, to make way for a shoelace factory. Imogene tries to save the Society, but her attempts fail until she makes a discovery that changes minds and just might put Liddleville on the historical map.
Sharp and resourceful, Imogene is the quintessential spunky protagonist. She infuses history into everything she does, often quoting the words of famous Americans. Extra credit points are earned as an explanation of each quote is provided on the book’s endpapers.
It’s difficult to deny the “after-school special” vibe going on. When a feisty youngster fights back against an unsavory developer, the comparison is an easy one to make. However, through humor and appealing characters, the story doesn’t give an ounce of tiresome familiarity.
Carpenter uses pen, ink and digital media to create images that wonderfully match the text. Liberal use of two-page spreads make this book well suited for read-aloud settings. The soft, inviting tones and a drawing style that blurs the line between detailed and doodled will subtly engage young readers.
In the words of 100 Scope Notes,
“An entertaining and undeniably charming read, Imogene’s Last Stand has my endorsement!”
Review copy borrowed.
Also reviewed by Bri Meets Books.
Find this book at your local library with WorldCat.
Also reviewed by A Fuse #8 Production, Becky’s Book Reviews, educating alice.
Find this book at your local library with WorldCat.
Comics created using Bitstrips.
The rise of the journal format has been swift and, by my estimation, successful. Taking a story and telling it in the form of a hand-written account makes sense for two reasons:
1. It takes said story into the first person, adding an immediacy that draws readers in.
2. Journals provide an opportunity to add richness to the text through illustrations, photographs, and other bits of non-text miscellanea.
The reasons above also explain why the journal format is a perfect fit for nonfiction. Following the wagon-wheel ruts of 2008’s How to Get Rich in the California Gold Rush, How to Get Rich on the Oregon Trail takes an historical event and gives it the journal treatment. If your nonfiction section is in need of an Oregon Trail update (and, really, is there one that isn’t?), this is a title you will want to seek out.
While the facts are accurate, the characters are fictional. In April of 1852 the young William Reed sets out with his family for the land and opportunity of the West. William, an aspiring writer, arranges to send his accounts of the trip back home to be published in the newspaper. Plans are set, finances are in order, supplies are acquired. The journey begins and the hardships the Reed family has heard about become reality. Scarce food and water, disease, and treacherous terrain combine to make the going tough. It isn’t long before their financial situation is looking grim. When their oxen are stolen, William and his older brother create the “Reed Brothers Ferry” and quickly learn that there is money to be made on the trail if you’ve got the will to seek it out. Four months after beginning, William and his family arrive in Portland, eager to settle in and begin life anew.
As laid out in the table of contents, each two-page spread is dedicated to a stop on the journey. These chunks prove quite manageable and will work well for young readers.
The way I see it, you can go two ways with this format – you can keep things ultra authentic, or you can make it modern. Oregon Trail goes the latter route. Presented as a current-day publication of an original journal, the overall look does not smack of 1852. While original photographs and maps are in the mix, the illustrations and layout provide an updated feel.
Engaging in format and boasting enough detail to give a sense of the journey that so many families made, How to Get Rich on the Oregon Trail should satisfy young history buffs and student fact finders alike.
Check out the Nonfiction Monday roundup at the outstanding Bookends blog.
Also reviewed by Kidliterate, Great Kids Reads.
Find this book at your local library with WorldCat.
It’s fairly rare in children’s literature to run across an unlikeable character with absolutely no redeeming qualities. Sure Junie B. Jones breaks some rules, Max is difficult, and Pigeon can be self-centered, but all of those characters provoke sympathy from the reader.
Not Constance.
Rude and manipulative, her over-the-top behavior will come as a bit of a shock to those used to warmer, friendlier characters. In Constance and the Great Escape, Le Gall presents a personality that is completely disagreeable, yet difficult to stop reading about. An easy reader series worth checking out.
After pushing her parents, teacher, and principal to the breaking point with her wild behavior, Constance is sent to the ironically named Jolly Boarding School, in hopes that the strict rules and regulations will change her ways. Alone and missing her huge, unruly cat Tiny, Constance hatches a plan – if she’s there to correct her behavior, what if it doesn’t need fixing? Constance “shapes up” in a hurry, fooling her boarding school headmasters and earning a ticket home to continue her misbehaving ways.
The story is told from the perspective of Constance, and she is the quintessential unreliable narrator. On every page, the text tells her side of things, while the pen and ink illustrations tell the truth. When she says her teachers are bad, the artwork shows Constance shooting a fire extinguisher into the principal’s office. When she states that her parents don’t want her to be happy, the page shows Constance demolishing the house.
Don’t underestimate the intelligence of young readers. While there will likely be some folks who say this sort of book is setting a bad example, I disagree. Her bad behavior and attitude of denial is where the fun lies. Kids know that Constance isn’t a role model, but will enjoy her mischievous exploits.
You don’t often see these two sentences next to each other, but here goes:
A character with no appeal. A book many young readers will enjoy.
Find this book at your local library with WorldCat.
A Step-by-Step Review
Step 1 – Get your hands on this book.
You might check it out from a library, you might find it in a book store, maybe you see it at a friend’s house – no matter the avenue, you should take a look.
Step 2 – Find out what’s inside.
Open it up, check out the table of contents. Highly visual step-by-step guides to more activities than you can shake a stick at. Contemplating a fake tatoo? Page 114. Considering boogie boarding? You’re covered. You’ll likely find a whole new batch of thing you want to try.
Step 3 – Learn how to use it.
Since words are at a minimum, symbols, images, and icons do much of the talking. Show Off begins with a guide to describe how to make sense of it all.
Step 4 – Examine the illustrations.
The artwork is bright and modern. Page layouts are varied, adding visual interest. They clearly show, so fewer words are needed to tell.
Step 5 – Dive in.
Broken into broad sections with titles like Amaze, Create, and Explore, there is plenty to learn. The difficulty level of the activities covered – from the simplicity of shadow puppets to the more advanced “cereal box speakers”, is nicely varied.
Step 7 – Burn the receipt (if purchased).
You ain’t gonna need it. Add to your collection and alert reluctant readers accordingly.
Check out the Nonfiction Monday roundup at SimplyScience Blog.
Find this book at your local library with WorldCat.
The pet who thinks it knows better than its owner is a mainstay protagonist in children’s literature and popular culture in general. From Mark Teague’s LaRue books to Garfield, young readers enjoy animals who believe themselves to be the brains of the operation. In Binky the Space Cat, Ashley Spires takes a feline who thinks he knows better than his humans, adds deadpan humor and a gently off-beat storyline to craft a pleasingly quirky graphic novel that should make the rounds quite nicely.
He doesn’t know it, but Binky is a bit confused. Outer space and aliens? Couldn’t be farther from the truth. “Outer space” is actually the world outside the house he lives in. “Aliens” are the bugs that pester him and his owners. In order to stop an alien invasion Binky becomes Space Cat qualified and builds a rocket to take him into the great unknown. He trains hard for the big day. When the countdown begins Binky realizes that there is one thing he can’t leave behind – two things actually. The big human and the small human he protects.
Muted tones dominate the ink and watercolor illustrations, nicely juxtaposing the outlandish ideas of our hero. Everything is not as calm as it may seem.
A graphic novel for younger readers that has plenty going for it, Binky the Space Cat makes for a solid addition to your collection.
Also reviewed by Young Readers, Good Comics for Kids.
Find this book at your local library with WorldCat.
