Martina, the Beautiful Cockroach

Deedy, C.A. (2007). Martina, the beautiful cockroach: A Cuban folktale (M. Austin, illus.). Atlanta, GA: Peachtree.

Genre: Folktale
Format: Picture Storybook
Recommended Age: 6-12 years
Awards: 2008 Pura Belpre Honor Book, for narrative

What felicity Martina, the Beautiful Cockroach will bring to any reader! Martina is a beautiful cockroach who at the ripe age of 21 days is just beginning to accept suitors for marriage. Among her suitors are the most unlikely of creatures to suit a cockroach: a rooster, a pig, and a lizard. As each one approaches, he woos her with the phrase "Martina Josefina Catalina Cucaracha. Beautiful muchacha. Won't you be my wife?" Yet little do her suitors know that Martina is acting upon her Cuban grandmother's wise and shocking advice, and as a test of their temperament she pours coffee all over their shoes. After the rooster is cocky, the pig behaves boorishly, and the lizard is just plain cold-blooded, Martina is ready to give up hope, yet her grandmother quickly points out a quiet, shy mouse waiting for her. Martina goes to meet him and finding him to be kind-hearted nearly doesn't go through with her grandmother's advice, yet at grandmother's urgings Martina begins to pour the coffee when suddenly the mouse himself grabs the cup and pours it on her shoes! "How did you know about the Coffee Test?" she asks. "Well, mi amor, my love...I too have a Cuban grandmother."

Filled with what appear to be computer generated illustrations, this book is a real gem. Not only do children get to experience a romantic and traditional Cuban story, but as they read they will also learn the meaning of such Spanish words as una peineta, una mantilla, abuela, and a plethora of others. I would recommend this book for children ages six to twelve, as children within this age span will appreciate the Cuban culture embedded deep within the tale, and the younger children will especially enjoy the personified animal protagonists. In addition, the book will greatly aid in language development, particularly for those children beginning to learn Spanish within the classroom. Overall, I give this book 10 stars out of a possible 5 stars! It would make a great addition to any library!

Del Negro, J. (2007, October 1). Martina, the beautiful cockroach [A review of the book Martina, the Beautiful Cockroach]. Retrieved April 30, 2010 from http://www.booklistonline.com/default.aspx?page=show_product&pid=2086688.

Del Negro has nothing but positive things to say about this book, but perhaps what is most evident within her review is her extensive knowledge of art: "The acrylic illustrations, in a hyperrealistic style reminiscent of a softer William Joyce, are rendered in a vivid tropical palette. Shifting perspectives and points of view add vitality to the compositions, and facial expressions reveal both emotions and character traits." In addition Del Negro too finds the Spanish words scattered throughout to be a real treat for the children. Though short, I found this review to be helpful, and I can't help but admit that her extensive vocabulary may have slightly seduced me. After reading her write-up, I don't know who wouldn't want to read this book!

Crossing Bok Chitto

Tingle, T. (2006). Crossing Bok Chitto (J.R. Bridges, illus.). El Paso, TX: Cinco Puntos.

Genre: Legend
Format: Picture Storybook
Recommended Age: 8 & Up
Awards: 2008 American Indian Youth Literature Award

Weaving together a tale of beauty and history, Tingle and Bridges work together to create an inspiring tale rooted deep within Native American history. Through the Mississippi bayou cuts a river called Bok Chitto. Before even the civil war, the Choctaws took up residence on one side of the river while plantation owners and their slaves lived on the other. It was law that if slaves were able to cross Bok Chitto, they were then considered free. The story begins when Martha Tom, a young Choctaw girl, is sent by her mother to pick blackberries for a wedding to take place later that night. However, Martha Tom did what she was never supposed to do---she crossed Bok Chitto. It is here that the author gives the importance of that crossing: "The only way to cross Bok Chitto in those days was a stone path just beneath the surface of the river. Only the Choctaw's knew it was there, for the Choctaw's had built it." Upon her crossing of the river, Martha meets many of the slaves, and begins a new friendship with Mo, who in turn visits her side of the river. From then on, Martha Tom crossed the river every Sunday to go to church with the slaves, yet trouble came when Mo's mother was sold to a new slave owner. When they had only one night left with their mother, then, the family decided to flee across Bok Chitto. The plantation heavily guarded, the family took to their fathers words, moving "not too fast, not too slow, eyes to the ground, away you go!" They made it to the river, but did not remain unseen. Thankfully, though, Mo made it across the river to ask Martha Tom and her family for help. The Choctaw women then gathered together, dressed in white ceremonial wedding gowns, carrying candles and singing as they walked to the river. When they crossed the river, it appeared as though they were walking on water, and the guards were so taken aback that they simply let Mo's family cross the river too. To this day, people still "talk about the night their forefathers witnessed seven black spirits, walking on the water---to their freedom!"

Not only is this a beautiful tale, but the book also provides a history lesson in the back which tells about the Choctaws today as well as their tradition of storytelling. I recommend this book for children ages eight and up as they're beginning to build interest in stories of the past. In addition, children this age are more open to discussion of books, and this book would make a great introduction to the topics of slavery as well as African American and Native American traditions. Overall, this was a wonderful story. The illustrations captured the mood and emotion perfectly, and readers are left with a sense of pride, hope, and fulfillment. Well worthy of its award, I recommend this book to all. Parents, teachers, and librarians shouldn't hesitate to add it to their collection.

Riedel, C. (2006, July 1). Preschool to grade 4 cont.: Crossing Bok Chitto [A review of the book Crossing Bok Chitto]. School Library Journal. Retrieved April 30, 2010 from http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6350108.html?q=crossing+bok+chitto.

Riedel gives Crossing Bok Chitto and overall positive review, saying "This is a lovely story, beautifully illustrated, though the ending requires a somewhat large leap of the imagination"---a point I have to agree with. Riedel also points out that "Tingle is a performing storyteller, and his text has the rhythm and grace of that oral tradition. It will be easily and effectively read aloud." This was an aspect I hadn't really thought of, yet Riedel does well to point it out, as it is most certainly true. Overall, this was a good review. Short and sweet, it provides the basic plot outline as well as a few tidbits of information that most readers wouldn't know, yet that would also enrich their reading experience were they to go out and read the book.

Christian the Lion

Bourke, A. & Rendall, J. (2009). Christian the lion. New York: Henry Holt & Company, LLC.

Genre: Biography/Informational
Format: Picture Story Book
Recommended Age: 8 & Up

Christian the Lion tells the inspiring story of a young lion cub as he grows up in London and follows him until his eventual release into the wild. Composed in a scrapbook format, children will see pictures taken of Christian taken by his owners, John and Anthony, as he grows up in their flat. John and Anthony first saw Christian in a cage in a department store in London. Sad to see him in such a place, the two bough him and took him home to live with them in the apartment above a store. Eventually, Christian got too big to live in the apartment and he was taken to live in the country just outside of London. He eventually moved to Kenya, where he was introduced to other lions and slowly incorporated into the wild. As children read, they'll not only learn about Christian, but they'll learn loads of fun facts about lions, and they'll love all of the silly pictures of Christian as he grows up. Pictures of Christian watching TV, getting into the sock drawer, sitting on the couch, and hugging his owner are sure to warm the hearts of children.

I would recommend this book to children eight years old and up. Children this age are just beginning to find interest in biographies an informational books, and this book is a perfect introduction to the genre. Since it's in a scrapbook format and therefore not quite structured for story time, it's the perfect way to get children to read independently as well. Yes, it's true. Like every other book I've read, Christian the Lion, too, has the Tiffany stamp of approval. Librarians, teachers, and parents...consider this one recommended.

Bad Kitty

Bruel, N. (2005). Bad Kitty. New Milford, CT: Roaring Brook.

Genre: ABC
Format: Picture Storybook
Recommended Age: 3 & Up

Never has a trip through the alphabet been so charming and so fun. In Bad Kitty, readers go through the alphabet not once, but four times, and it's no ordinary journey. The first journey begins when kitty becomes upset with his owner because they ran out of food. As a result, he's forced to eat vegetables ranging from asparagus to zucchinis, thus the first span of the alphabet. Then, out of revenge, kitty decides to be a very very bad kitty and goes on an alphabetical rampage, clawing the curtains, damaging the dishes, and zeroing the zinnias, along with a plethora of other bad deeds. Perhaps the most hilarious misdeed is his quarreling with the neighbors, which is illustrated by an angry kitty peeking through the mail slot as his neighbors read his angry letter: "Dear neighbor, meow, hiss, hiss, hiss, meow, meow, meow, hiss, meow! Sincerely, *paw print*" It is only just after kitty goes on his angry rampage that mom comes home with all of his favorite food, ranging from kangaroo kidney pie to baked zebra ziti. This makes kitty very happy, and he therefore resolves to make up for all of his bad behavior. Thus ensues kitty's alphabetical charity in which he repairs the curtains, files their taxes, invites affection, and quits quarreling with the neighbor, an illustration which this time involves a happy kitty peeking through the mail slot as the neighbor reads: "Dear neighbor, purr, purrr, purr, purr, purrr, purr, purr! Sincerely, *paw print*" In the end, the owners are so happy with kitty's good behavior that they give him a reward...a brand new puppy! Kitty is not happy...

In the world of ABC books, this one tops them all. The plot is hilarious, the illustrations are hilarious, and the way in which children are introduced to the letters of the alphabet is, yes, hilarious. I would recommend this book for ages three and up. Children just beginning to develop their language will learn their alphabet as well as a plethora of new words, and children of all ages will especially love kitty as the main protagonist with all of his zany facial expressions and shenannigans. In addition, kids will also learn the names of all sorts of vegatables and animals, as they're purposefully incorporated throughout sections of the book. A wonderful story and a wonderful learning tool, I give Bad Kitty the highest of recommendations. Parents, teachers, and librarians...buy it immediately!

Bresnahan, M. (2005, October 1). Preschool to grade 4 reviews: October 2005 [A review of the book Bad Kitty]. School Library Journal. Retrieved April 29, 2010 from http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA446412.html?q=bad+kitty.

In this review, Bresnahan gives Bad Kitty a positive review, claiming it will "appeal to youngsters who like their stories more naughty than nice. She goes on to describe the contents of the book, pointing out that sometimes the use of the letters are a bit of a stretch, such as "sQuashes" for "Q" and "rhUbarb" for "U." In addition, I couldn't agree more with the fact that "it is Kitty who steals the show with her slyly drawn feline expressions. As always, School Library Journal doesn't disappoint and delivers a good review.

The Butt Book

Bennett, A. (2010). The butt book (M. Lester, illus.). New York: Bloomsbury.

Genre: Informational/Humor
Format: Picture Storybook
Recommended Age: 8 & Up

If you're looking for a way to lift your child's spirits, The Butt Book is the perfect antecdote to a foul mood. A rhythmic comedy, Bennett uses poetry as a medium to communicate the many functions of the rear end as well as a plethora of fun facts, all the while accompanied by even funnier illustrations. As soon as one turns the first page, they know they're in for a treat: "Eyes and ears are much respected, but the butt has been neglected. We hope to change that here and now. Would the butt please take a bow." Throughout the book children will learn what the butt is used for, which animals have butts, and different slang words used for the butt. Perhaps one of the most delightful illustrations in the book accompanied the lines "Some names for butts have foreign flair: tuchas, keister, derriere." Right above the lines, children's eyes are drawn up to see the bottom half of three men in their underwear. The first in boxers with the star of David across his tuchas, the second in suspenders, tall socks, and boxers with the German flag stamped upon his keister, and the third in little tighty whiteys with the French flag stretched across his derriere.

I would recommend this book for children ages eight and up. Children are just beginning to learn about their bodies at this age, and teaching them about their rear end will most likely be done best through the use of a little humor since at this age most will lack the maturity to seriously discuss the topic. Some parents, however, will likely have objections to this book as it uses the word "butt" on many occasions. For parents who do not wish their children to refer to their rear end as a "butt," I would therefore certainly not recommend this book. With this in mind, I would also suggest against the public reading of this book by teachers or librarians without first checking that it is alright with parents. Overall, though, The Butt Book was a joy to read. As I sat reading it in a Barnes & Noble, I found myself laughing quietly out loud on several occasions. This book has easily become one of my personal favorites, and I suggest it to anyone who enjoys a bit of silly humor every now and then.

Eric Carle's 123

Carle, E. (2009). Eric Carle's 123. New York: Grosset & Dunlap.

Genre: Counting Book
Format: Picture Book
Age Recommendation: 1-5 years

A compilation of Eric Carle's past illustrations, Eric Carle's 1, 2, 3 provides the bare basics when it comes to learning to count. Providing a two-page spread for each number 1-10, each number is both spelled out and represented numerically, as well as accompanied by a classic illustration of an animal. Also accompanying the number are the colored dots in the top left-hand corner, allowing children many different visual representations of the featured number. As children move forward with each new number, a brand new animal is added to a line formed at the bottom of the page. Beginning with the tallest animal, the giraffe, children will love Carle's classic artwork as they continue to discover the elephant, bear, hippo, pig, dog, squirrel, turtle, chick, and caterpillar. The best part of the book comes at the end, where a pull-tab acts as a flip book of each number so children can count along. Given the simplicity of the book, I would recommend this book for children ages 1-5, as they are just beginning to develop language and learn concepts such as counting. The fact that the book provides several different methods by which children can learn to count is indeed a plus as well: some will count the animals, some the dots, and some will simply recognize the number or spelling of the word. This is a great starter book for infants and toddlers, and I highly recommend it as a tool for parents, teachers, and librarians.

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

I See Colors

Disney Baby Einstein. (2010). I see colors. New York: Disney.

Genre: Concept Book
Format: Board Book
Recommended Age: 1-4 years

A simple board book, I See Colors is filled with captivating photographs and adorable cartoon illustrations to teach young children about basic colors. As one first opens the book, they are greeted by an adorable yellow chick on the left page, whose words describe the stunning photograph of a yellow rose on the right page: "Yellow as the sweetest rose," the chick says. On each page is also a peek-a-boo hole that gives children a sneak peak of the color to come, allowing them to interact with the book and guess the name of the color. In the end, a rainbow cutout reveals a photograph of a rainbow, asking kids "What other colors do you see?"

Since this book is a simple concept book mean to teach children about colors, I would recommend this book for ages 1-4. The sturdy format of the book will stay in tact after the wear and tear that infants and toddlers will no doubt cause to it, the bright colors will appeal to their senses, and the short length and interactive questions will keep their attention and excite them as they're able to name the colors. A good book for early childhood education, I highly recommend I See Colors to librarians, teachers, and parents everywhere, and encourage them to implement it into their collection.

Aigner-Clark, J. (2010). I see colors (Disney: Baby Einstein) by Julie Aigner-Clark. Retrieved April 29, 2010 from http://www.curledupkids.com/seecolor.html.

Aigner-Clark gives the typical book description, describing the many photographs and illustrations within the book. Yet she takes it a little bit further by throwing in some good parenting advice, suggesting "Make paging through the book a game by asking your child what color various objects are. Then, when you go out, ask, "Do you see something red?" (or some other color). While you are at it, you can practice animal recognition with the cow, monkey, zebra, and lion cartoon animals." Although a short review, it was a practical review nonetheless, providing the necessary basic information for those who want a quick read-up.