Bee & Me

McGuiness, E.J. (2009). Bee & Me. (H. Brown, illus.). Denver: Accord Publishing.

Genre: Picture Storybook/Informational
Format: Toy Book
Age Recommendation: 1-5 years

Young children will ooh and aah at Bee & Me, a story of only a few pages in which a little bee gets chased inside of a house by a dog only to get trapped inside with a little boy. "'Please help me,' said Bee, as I peered through the crack. 'I'm in a big hurry and have to get back. My friends are all busy working hard at the hive. They wiggle, they waggle, they jiggle and jive'." Told in rhyme, children's attention will easily be kept, yet the best part is the three dimensional aspect to each page, as different parts of the bee move as the page is turned back and forth. In one scene the bee shakes his booty, in another tears trickle down as he explains that all bees try to do is help people. They help the flowers and trees, yet humans run away in fear. In the end, the bee is released, and the boy is no longer afraid of bees: "Now that I've met you---I'm not scared anymore. I know lots about bees, way more than before." This book will serve as a perfect tool to teach young children about bees as well as comfort them about being around bees, yet the book does not seem to mention that bees sting and can cause pain, which is something I think children need to know as well. The last thing parents want is for their young children to seek out bees and personally investigate them. Overall, I recommend Bee & Me to all librarians, as it would make a perfect addition to an early childhood collection.

Brimful Curiosities. (2009, March 20). Bee & Me - Review and Book Giveaway. Retrieved from http://www.brimfulcuriosities.com/2009/03/bee-me-review-and-book-giveaway.html.

In her blog, Brimful Curiosities does a great job of reviewing the book. She provides the basic plot, and adds in the fact that "Bee & Me teaches kids the ecological and environmental importance of the honeybee and instructs children to respect the remarkable insect." In addition, she raves about the illustrations, saying "Young and old alike will have a hard time setting this unique moving picture book down with it's colorful, eye-catching illustrations by Heather Brown. Even my one-year-old watches with fascination and wonder as the pictures move." Perhaps what I liked best about the review was the fact that she gave a name to the three-dimensional aspect within the book, which is apparently called an AniMotion™ Illustration Technique. I for one feel relieved to know that there's a name for it, and that it's not something I should have known off the top of my head. Overall, it was a good review, and it's a great review if you consider the fact that she attached a YouTube video to her post which includes an interview of the author and illustrator.

Barnaby Grimes: Curse of the Night Wolf

Riddell, C. & Stewart, P. (2008). Barnaby Grimes: Curse of the night wolf. New York: David Fickling Books.

Genre: Mystery/Science Fiction
Format: Chapter Book
Age Recommendation: 10-12 years

Taking place in a Sherlock Holmes-esque setting, Barnaby Grimes works as a tick-tock lad delivering messages, yet he soon finds himself mixed up in an erie mystery when his friend Benjamin suddenly disappears. Already suspicious of a Doctor Cadwallader for his miracle concoction Benjamin spoke so highly of, Barnaby later intercepts a message from the Dr. to Benjamin speaking of a missed appointment and "side effects of the worst kind." Thinking he could be of more service to the Dr. than the lad who delivered the message too late, Barnaby goes to see the Dr. and is indeed hired on to deliver messages to Dr. Cadwallader's many patients. It isn't long before Barnaby finds himself mixed up in a plot involving werewolves, fur coats, disappearing patients, and mad scientists. Children ages 10-12 will especially enjoy this book as it sends them on an intriguing adventure and keeps them guessing the whole way through, yet readers beware...there are scenes describing bloody massacres caused by the werewolf that could easily frighten younger readers. Parents should keep this in mind and use the information to their own discretion. Nonetheless, Barnaby Grimes is a real gem, combining mystery with sci-fi, and all the while keeping the eerie tone of 18th century London that was so well-loved by Sherlock Holmes fans. Libraries shouldn't hesitate to add this to their collection, nor the books that follow.

Knight, E.E. (2008, December 21). Grades 5-8: Curse of the Night Wolf [a review of the book Barnaby Grimes: Curse of the Night Wolf]. School Library Journal. Retrieved April 21, 2010 from http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6618442.html?q=barnaby+grimes.

Knight gives a good overview of the book, describing the plot to readers in a concise, yet detailed manner, and supplying brief quotes for readers to get a taste of the text. A positive review, Knight says of the book, "The setting resembles Sherlock Holmes's London as seen in a shadowed, slightly warped mirror. There are hansom cabs, high-gabled row houses, and foul rat-infested slums, but mad scientists hold sway and fiendish creatures lurk in odd corners. Eerie, angular black-and-white drawings complement the atmospheric text." I love the way Knight describes the setting, and couldn't agree more with her descriptions. Overall a good review, and executed in an unbiased manner, which is always appreciated.

The Princess and the Frog

Del Vecho, P. (Producer), Clements, R. (Director) & Musker, J. (Director). (2009). The princess and the frog [Motion picture]. United States: Walt Disney.

Genre: Family/Fantasy/Musical
Format: DVD
Age Recommendation: All Ages

I was originally skeptical about The Princess and the Frog, as the last few animated Disney films released have not particularly met my personal expectations. Yet after having now watched The Princess and the Frog not once, but twice, I can say with much assurance that I absolutely LOVE this movie. Taking place in New Orleans during the rip-roaring twenties, the film is filled with jazz, humor, romance, and strong moral values. Tiana is a hard-working, strong-willed, African-Americna young woman, working two waitressing jobs with the hopes of someday opening her own restaurant. Prince Naveen, however, is a rich playboy cut off by his parents as a punishment for his bad behavior. When Prince Naveen comes to town, he gets mixed up with the big bad voodoo Dr. Facilier, who turns him into a frog. The plot takes a twist when Tiana and Prince Naveen first encounter each other, and Tiana, dressed as a princess for the ball, kisses the frog prince (at his urging) only to turn into a frog herself! From then on ensues a tale of adventure as the two frogs flee from Dr. Facilier's clutches to the Bayou swamp, then set out to return again and save the day with the help of their newfound friends, Louis the trumpet-playing alligator, and Ray the warm-hearted cajun firefly. I recommend this movie for all ages, yet some parents might find the voodoo magic present in the movie to be objectionable, especially as the dark shadows that act as the voodoo spirits can easily frighten small children. Some stereotyping is also present within the movie, as the cajuns, depicted as fireflies, are characterized as unintelligent, backwoods hillbillies. However, the theme of good vs. evil is ever present throughout the movie, with good prevailing in the end, and all the while enstilling the values of hard work and unconditional love within the viewers.

Dargis, M. (2009, November 25). That old bayou magic: Kiss and ribbit (and sing) [Review of the film The Princess and the Frog]. New York Times. Retrieved April 18, 2010 from http://movies.nytimes.com/2009/11/25/movies/25frog.html?pagewanted=print.

A more in-depth review of the movie, Dargis's review gives both negative and positive aspects of the film. Whereas he is appreciative of the fact that Tiana is a hard-working heroine, he also finds this aspect to make her somewhat of a bore. "Although she can be a whirlwind of activity, as when she balances multiple plates at the cafe where she works double shifts, Tiana doesn’t have the verve of the spunky little girl who bounces through the first few minutes of the movie. What she does have, like most Disney heroines, is a prince charming." Dargis also becomes somewhat disappointed with the fact that Prince Naveen indeed ends up being Tiana's savior, for she can not achieve her dreams without him. Dargis is clearly not sold on the film, as he counterbalances every positive aspect with a negative one: "Gorgeously animated with bursts of bright purple and acid green — the realistic lines of the characters explosively give way to increasingly jagged, graphic and surreal shapes — this number erupts early in the story, setting false expectations for the rest of the movie and its songs and animation. Despite some ensuing comic relief, largely in the hefty form of a musical alligator, Louis (Michael-Leon Wooley), and a snaggletoothed Cajun firefly, Ray (Jim Cummings), the film sags without Dr. Facilier and his menace." Overall, Dargis gives this movie a so-so review, yet I would have to disagree with him given the fact that it's a movie aimed at an audience of children. In my opinion, Dargis is over-criticizing the film, going too in-depth with details that despite his opinion, would undoubtedly capture the hearts of young viewers. I found Princess and the Frog to be fun and fancy free, staying true to the long-held traditional tone of Disney films, yet Dargis's review would communicate otherwise.

Who's That Snoring?

Chapman, J. (2008). Who's that snoring?: A pull-the-tab bedtime book. New York: Campbell Books.

Genre: Picture Storybook
Format: Toy Book/ Board Book
Age Recommendation: 1-4 years

This pull-tab story will delight young children as they go through the book in search of the barnyard culprit who's waking up all of the animals with his loud snoring. Five pull-tab pages let children open the eyes and mouth of each animal as they awaken with a start. Children will love being able to interact as the story is read, and the simple rhyme with which the story is told will capture their attention as well: "Who could snore so loudly? No one had a clue. Ducks, cat, chick, and chicken didn't know what to do." My personal favorite part is the awakening of the culprit---the dog, as his ears perk straight up and his eyes shoot wide open when the other animals yell "Wake up dog!" I couldn't help but laugh at the accuracy of the expression, and the soundtrack in my head supplied the image with a deep, gruff "Barrr?" I would recommend this book for children ages 1-4, as it will aid in the development of motor skills and is short enough to keep their attention. Parents and librarians will love the delighted expressions on their childrens' faces as they read through this book, and they might as well prepare to read it again and again, because the children will love it!

Carter, R.J. (2010, January 18). Book review: Who's that snoring?: A pull-the-tab bedtime book. Retrieved April 18, 2010 from http://www.the-trades.com/article.php?id=11605.

Carter has nothing but positive things to say about this book, but given the fact that the entire book is only five pages long, his review is bound to be short and sweet. Through several quotes directly from the book as well as descriptions of the delightful pop-up-feature, Carter gives readers an overall picture of the book. Parents in search of a good bedtime book will find much use out of his review, and should keep an eye out for the book at their local bookstore.

Rapunzel's Revenge

Hale, D and Hale, S. (2008). Rapunzel's revenge (N. Hale, illus.). New York: Bloomsbury.

Genre: Fractured Fairy Tale
Format: Graphic Novel
Age Recommendation: 8 & up

Shannon Hale and her husband Dean Hale, accompanied by illustrator Nathan Hale (no relation) work together to make their graphic novel debut with Rapunzel's Revenge, an adventure story set in the old west, loosely based on the fairy tale classic Rapunzel. Having been raised with a privelaged life by Mother Gothel inside the castle walls, Rapunzel one day lets her curiosity get the best of her and ventures outside the towering walls only to find a ravaged land and her own mother enslaved as a mine worker. Having previously believed Mother Gothel to be her real mother, all of Rapunzel's repressed memories come flooding back to her and in her bravery she confronts Mother Gothel, only to be tied up, dragged away, and locked up in a towering magical tree. With no hope of being rescued, Rapunzel passes her time reading books and practicing kicks and flips. As her hair grows longer, she begins using it to jump rope, swing from the towering heights of the tree, and practice rope tricks. Her hair eventually grows so long that she's able to escape from the tree holding her captive, and she sets out on a journey to return to Mother Gothel and defeat her once for all so as to free the land from her magical destruction. Along the way, Rapunzel meets Jack (who is later discovered to be the same Jack from Jack and the Beanstalk), and together they face villain after villain until the final showdown with Mother Gothel. (My personal favorite parts of the book are, of course, these very fighting scenes where Rapunzel uses her long braids as a whip to defeat the villains. Only the Hale's could think of such a creative use for her classic long locks...)

Full of fun, adventure, wit, romance, and every other ingredient needed for a successful graphic novel, Rapunzel's Revenge is an absolute delight. I recommend this book to children at least eight years old, as children of this age are developing more of an interest in adventure stories as well as stories set in the past. Children stuck in a cowboys and indians phase or a fairy tale phase will especially love this book. Schools, libraries, and parents alike shouldn't hesitate to own this book, as it will no doubt be a great way to get kids interested in reading.

Bird, E. (2008, June 24). Review of the day: Rapunzel's revenge by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale. School Library Journal. Retrieved April 15, 2010 from http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/blog/1790000379/post/1650028565.html?q=rapunzel%27s+revenge.

Bird gives Rapunzel's Revenge a raving review in School Library Journal, and her sharp wit makes even the review a delight to read: "Why an enterprising young man or woman---and man, could perhaps even take a fairy tale and do wondrous things with it. You could even, and maybe I'm just talking crazy stuff here, take the fairy tale of Rapunzel slap it into a psudo-cowboy/wizardry setting. Add in Newberry-Honor winner Shannon Hale, her husband, and a guy with the same last name who doesn't happen to be related to either of them, and you have a rip-roaring tale of betrayal, escape, romance, and very long locks. Hypothetically, of course." Had I read this review without having read the book, I would have gone out and bought it. She describes the plot with great detail, discusses the personality quirks of the characters, and describes the book as a "kick-butt girl package," a term that would have had me sold in an instant. In the end, the only problem Bird finds with the book is "in figuring out what to recommend to patrons when they finish the book and want more of the same." Now that's a good review if I ever saw one.

What's Wrong Little Pookie?

Boynton, S. (2007). What's wrong little pookie? New York: Robin Corey Books.

Genre: Picture Storybook
Format: Board Book
Age Recommendation: 1-4

Sandra Boynton is back again with yet another charming story, What's Wrong Little Pookie? Little Pookie is upset, yet his mother can't figure out why: "Oh sweet little Pookie! Your eyes are wet. Come over and tell me why you are upset." Yet Pookie simply will not reveal his dilemma. "Are you tired?...Are you hungry?" his mother asks in big bold print. "No," he responds, in little red letters. His mother goes on to suggest that perhaps hippos are borrowing his shoes, or frogs are snoozing in his bed, or maybe tiny green blue-winged elephants are stealing cookies. Maybe that's why Pookie is upset! Yet Pookie's mother's suggestions are so silly, that when she makes her final plea as to what's wrong, he responds with "Um...I forget." Accompanied by simple illustrations, with Pookie and his mother drawn as the most adorable pigs anyone has laid eyes upon, this book is a delight for young children and their parents. I would recommend this book mainly for toddlers, ages 1-4, as it can easily aid in calming them down during a crying episode as well as teach them about their emotions and how to communicate them. This book is a real gem, and parents and teachers will find it to be a wonderful resource for young children.

Slide & Find ABC: Early Learning Fun for the Very Young

Play and Learn. (2004). Slide & find ABC: Early learning fun for the very young. New York: St. Martin's Press.

Genre: Alphabet Book
Format: Board Book/ Toy Book
Recommended Age: 3-5 years

Slide & Find ABC: Early Learning Fun for the Very Young is more than just an average alphabet book, it's an interactive photographic world for young children to revel in as they grow and learn. Each letter of the alphabet is accompanied by a photograph of an object, animal, or action that represents that letter, such as a zebra for the letter z, or a child jumping for the letter j. For some, but not all, of the letters is a small yellow sliding window which displays the letter on top, yet when the child slides the window the corresponding photograph is revealed. Throughout the book, further learning is prompted, as questions such as "I'm a baby dog. What am I?" or "Which M can you dance to??" are asked along the top of the page. At the very end of the book, the page also displays several groups of pictures that all begin with the same letter, asking children "Which letter does each group begin with?"

Being an ABC book, this book is clearly meant for a younger age, typically children around 3-5 years old. Since children within this age range are rapidly developing language and love to explore things, this book is a perfect way to teach them the alphabet. Some of the questions asked in the book, however, may be too difficult for some children to answer, especially since the children might not know what the picture displayed is, yet overall, this book proves to be a fun and interesting read for young children.

*Note: No review could be found for this book.