Tag: Picture Book

Good Night Mr Clutterbuck – Mauri Kunnas

Mr. Clutterbuck is reserved and quite boring during the day, consistently turning down offers from people to join them in fun activities. However during his sleepwalking expeditions he becomes a town hero by singlehandedly putting an end to the rivalry between two biker gangs, preventing the impending bankruptcy of the sausage factory and helping a rock band out of a rut, amongst other exciting things. Gus, Mr. Clutterbuck’s faithful guinea pig, tags along to ensure Mr. Clutterbuck remains safe while he wanders around the town asleep.

Translated from Finnish by Jill Timbers, I don’t know if anything was lost in the translation but if it was it didn’t matter. The names of the characters are a hoot! Rip and Roar are leaders of rival biker gangs, Wally Wurst is a hippopotamus that owns a sausage factory and one of the policemen is called Constable Fuzz!

Kids are going to love hearing the jumbled words that come out of Mr. Clutterbuck’s mouth when he’s sleepwalking. I couldn’t tell you why but Mr. Clutterbuck’s voice in my head sounded exactly like Wallace from Wallace & Gromit.

Kids and adults alike will enjoy finding new things in the pictures each time they open the book, like a car on a roof or a snake playing drums in a rock band. Even if you had no interest in this book based on the story I’d still recommend it for the illustrations alone. They’re detailed, quirky, funny and the animals are fantastic!

I’ve already spent a lot of time looking closely at all of the pictures to try and ensure I haven’t missed anything but even so I’m sure I have. There’s just so much to look at! Keep your eye out for the cutest fuzzy little spider with a top hat and cane in the majority of illustrations, adorable bats, and the spoon thief who’s lurking around throughout the book.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Archipelago Books for the opportunity to read this book.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Once Upon a Blurb

Mr Clutterbuck is blissfully unaware of his reputation as the fittest and busiest sleepwalker in town.

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The Social Butterfly – Beth Bracken

Illustrations – Sofia Cardoso

The Social Butterfly just broke my cute-meter! It’s such a lovely picture book with a great message and the sweetest illustrations.

Charlotte is a gorgeous purple butterfly who makes new friends everywhere she goes. She loves talking, singing and telling jokes, and she also loves school. When her constant chattering one day results in her friends missing out on eating lunch, not being able to concentrate on reading or their maths worksheet in class, or not hearing something important their teacher Miss Flora says, they each get upset with Charlotte. Charlotte talks to Miss Flora about her fears that her friends don’t like her anymore. Will Charlotte take Miss Flora’s advice?

This book has a great message for all of the young social butterflies out there about learning when it is appropriate to talk, laugh and play with your friends and when you need to be quiet and pay attention.

The writing style was engaging and the illustrations were adorable! The layout has been well thought out and the font choice complements the soft colour palette of the illustrations. The childrens’ expressions leave no room for confusion regarding what they’re feeling and the children themselves are simply the cutest little insects ever! The backgrounds are detailed and I loved the attention to detail. I especially loved Miss Flora’s chipped upside down teacup table.

After reading this book I had convinced myself I wanted to live in a mushroom and be friends with Charlotte. I think I want to be a butterfly as well but since my favourite colour is already taken, I may have to be blue instead.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Capstone for the opportunity to read this book. This book would make a fantastic bedtime story and I’d also love to see it in schools and libraries. I’d enjoy reading this book over and over. Charlotte now has a place in my heart.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Once Upon a Blurb

Charlotte loves talking, singing, and playing. What Charlotte doesn’t love is sitting still, being quiet, and listening, which is a big problem at school. Charlotte’s overly social ways interfere with her friendships and her learning. Will Charlotte be able to modify her behaviour and learn when to be social and when to be quiet? A sweet and relatable picture book story that shines a light on social behaviours.

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A Stegosaurus Would Not Make a Good Pirate – Thomas Kingsley Troupe

Illustrations – Steph Calvert

Ahoy, me mateys! This book were bein’ a fun ride. Chock full of colourful pictures and plenty o’ pirate characters, I enjoyed readin’ this story. Gary the Stegosaurus does his best t’ please Cap’n One-Tooth. Avast! He gets fired!

Gary was not bein’ the right size for pirate clothes, he be too big, his tail be too spiky, he not be eatin’ pirate food, and he not be good at countin’. Maybe there be ‘nother job perfect for a Stegosaurus, eh?

Cap’n Thomas Kingsley Troupe, ye did a good job. Cap’n Steph Calvert, ye drawin’ ability be full o’ whimsy. Lads and lasses, they be enjoyin’ this here book.

Thanks to me mateys at NetGalley and Capstone for givin’ me the opportunity to be tellin’ ’em what I be thinkin’ of it. Arrr!

Rating: 3 out of 5.

Once Upon a Blurb

Gary the Stegosaurus wants to be a pirate. But then he gets the chance, things do NOT work out. Getting seasick is the least of Gary’s worries once he’s on that ship! This delightful picture book from the Dinosaur Dreams series includes discussion questions, an interactive look-and-find fact section, and dinosaur facts.

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Seagrass Dreams: A Counting Book – Kathleen Hanes

Illustrations – Chloe Bonfield

The illustrations were beautiful and are what drew me to this book in the first place. I liked that there were photos of the sea creatures towards the back of the book to complement the illustrations. The boundaries of the Collector Urchins didn’t seem distinct enough for a counting book but I loved all of the others.

I became confused about the target audience as I made my way through the book. After all, we’re talking about a counting book here so our audience is maybe 3, 4 or 5 years old? Please keep in mind that all of my questions and comments from here on relate to thinking of this book as being targeted towards 3 to 5 year olds.

The level of information conveyed seemed at too high a level for kids learning to count to 10. Perhaps the same sort of information could have been written in a more age appropriate way? I could see primary school age kids using some of the information found in this book for school projects but at the same time, what primary school child is going to want to open a book that teaches you to count to 10?

While I personally love glossaries I question why words are being used in a counting book that kids learning to count wouldn’t already know. I also think some of the explanations in the glossary needed a glossary of their own. Do kids who are learning to count to 10 know what an organism or crustacean are?

I waited for an explanation to go with the Chocolate Chip Sea Star that didn’t come so I expect there to be a series of conversations between parents and kids ending up somewhere in this territory… “But why can’t you eat the chocolate chips?!”

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Seagrass Press for the opportunity to read this book. It really is a beautiful book. I just think it would have worked better if either the illustrations were paired with simpler explanations for a counting book or if the counting part was scrapped so the book could be gorgeous illustrations accompanying interesting facts.

Rating: 3 out of 5.

Once Upon a Blurb

Introduce your future marine biologist to all of the creatures who live in underwater foliage, and how to count from 1 to 11 in Seagrass Dreams.

Seagrass Dreams is a unique counting book and introduction to marine life that stars animals who make their home in the seagrass. Young children and their parents will love learning to count from 1 to 11 while they also meet a host of marine animals. You’ll be introduced to characters such as the toothy great barracuda, the gliding yellow stingray, the bucktooth parrotfish, and the chocolate chip sea star (not good for adding to cookies).

That isn’t all though! Seagrass Dreams will also teach you each animal’s common name, scientific name, natural habitat, and a whole lot more! This book is loaded with gorgeous illustrations which add a colorful and engaging element. Seagrass Dreams closes with a list of the common species of seagrasses, their scientific names, and where each can be found.

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There’s a Dog on the Dining Room Table – Elizabeth Maginnis

Illustrations – Annie Dwyer Internicola

There’s a Dog on the Dining Room Table is an adorable children’s book. I love dogs so requesting to read this book was a no brainer for me but I enjoyed it even more than I expected to. The rhymes flow really well and the illustrations complement the words. I loved seeing the dog transformed as each scenario for why the dog is on the dining room table is explored. I can imagine children giggling as they see the dog dressed up and engaged in different activities. The illustrations are lovely and imaginative.

If I was reading this book to a child I couldn’t simply read the book and be done. I’d have to make it into a game where the child and I come up with our own explanations for why the dog is on the dining room table. I loved the introduction of a new character at the end of the book and I’d definitely be asking the child I was reading with for other reasons why that character could be where it was.

I really enjoyed this book and appreciated that it encourages children to use their imaginations. Thank you very much to NetGalley and Xist Publishing for the opportunity to read this book.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Once Upon a Blurb

In this cute rhyming story about an unexpected visitor a little girl wonders why there is a dog on her dining room table. She imagines a world of funny scenarios for the new visitor, but not everyone is happy about his arrival.

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The Dream Dragon – Kathryn England

Illustrations – Valeria Issa

Spoilers Ahead!

This story shows how what we experience throughout our days can show up in our dreams at night, in particular what we’re thinking about as we fall asleep. At the beginning of this story, the boy has a book about dragons on his bedside table and while he sleeps he is protected by a dream dragon.

The dream dragon wanted to be the boy’s main dream so it would be remembered in the morning. The dream dragon chased good dreams away and breathed fire on the bad dreams, until the boy learns about dinosaurs at school. The boy then has dream protectors in the forms of a T-rex, followed by a super hero, then a pirate. The dream dragon is sad that the boy no longer dreams of it, but at the end of the book a girl has a book about dragons on her bedside table…

Bedtime stories are powerful and this one would be a great tool to help children who experience nightmares. I love the idea of teaching children that the characters in their bedtime stories can be their own dream protectors, doing battle on the child’s behalf while they’re sleeping to help keep away bad dreams.

I liked the illustrations, none of which looked scary. The dream dragon itself is quite quirky and kind of adorable in an ugly cute kind of way.

Thank you very much to NetGalley and Xist Publishing for the opportunity to read this book.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Once Upon a Blurb

A dragon protects a child’s dreams from nightmares in this picture book perfect for bedtime. Bedtime stories inspires a series of dream protectors for a little boy. The dream dragon keeps the nightmares away and is joined by dinosaurs, pirates, super heroes and more in the quest to keep nighttime safe.

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Do Not Take Your Dragon to Dinner – Julie Gassman

Illustrations – Andy Elkerton

Do you want to teach your children table manners and have fun doing it? Just add dragons! I love this book so much! I mean, come on! There’s dragons!

The rhymes make reading aloud lots of fun and the gorgeous illustrations complement the text brilliantly. Whether they’re being read to or reading to themselves, kids are going to love this book. They will be able to clearly contrast the rude behaviour at the beginning of the book with the good table manners shown at the end.

The illustrations are incredible! I really loved seeing the diversity of people (and dragons) shown at the restaurant. The colours throughout the book were beautiful and vibrant, and the expressions on the faces of everyone at the restaurant were priceless.

This is one of those books where everything works well together. You could take away the illustrations and still have a great story. You could take away the text and still understand the story from the pictures alone.

Thank you very much to NetGalley and Capstone for the opportunity to read this book. This book needs to be in libraries and homes everywhere! This is a book I’d still enjoy reading the 100th time. Did I mention the dragons?!

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Once Upon a Blurb

We know you shouldn’t take your dragon to the library, but what about taking him out to dinner? After all, dragons need to eat too! But with fiery breath, flapping wings, and pointy spikes, that might not be a good idea! Rhyming text and diverse characters bring the importance of dinner manners to a new level in this colorful picture book by Julie Gassman.

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Hair-Pocalypse – Geoff Herbach

Illustrations – Stephen Gilpin

So, you think you’re having a bad hair day? Well, you haven’t seen anything until you see Aidan Allen’s hair! It’s got a mind of its own and no matter how much Aidan yells and screams at it, it just won’t behave. Can Aidan find a way to tame his mane?

Hair-Pocalypse is a fun picture book that teaches about hygiene in an entertaining way. I particularly loved the passage where needs are distinguished from wants. Although the focus is on hair in this instance, it is a great lesson that parents can apply to other circumstances relevant to their child.

The story is funny and engaging, and the illustrations are captivating. I loved the personalities that were captured on the childrens’ faces in the illustrations and the use of colours and detail to maintain your attention. Be certain to look closely at the pictures, as it seems the story may not be over for Aidan at the end of the book.

Thank you very much to NetGalley and Capstone for the opportunity to read this book. I want to this book to find its way into homes, schools and libraries. Parents are sure to see their kids in Aidan and kids are going to really like him.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Once Upon a Blurb

Aidan Allen has angry hair. That’s right – angry hair. Hands down, he has the angriest hair anyone has ever seen. But why is his hair so angry? Why is his hair trying to ruin his life? Why is the sky blue? Two of these three questions will be answered in this comical tale of kid vs. hair. In his debut picture book, Geoff Herbach mixes his fresh writing style with over-the-top situations to help his character through a very hairy situation.

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A Loud Winter’s Nap – Katy Hudson

This book is so adorable! With a lovely story and gorgeous, detailed illustrations, it’s sure to be a hit with children and parents alike. While Tortoise just wants to go to sleep until spring, his friends want to include him in their fun winter activities. When Tortoise accidentally joins in he realises that maybe some tortoises do like winter after all.

I loved Tortoise’s teddy bear and I enjoyed seeing all of the different facial expressions of the animals in this story. This story would be fantastic to help teach children about friendship and could also be used to help them understand how people are feeling by their facial expressions.

Thank you very much to NetGalley and Capstone for the opportunity to read this book. I adore everything about this book and hope it finds its way into homes and libraries everywhere. I’ll be revisiting this book many times. It’s one of those books you read with a smile on your face.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Once Upon a Blurb

Every year Tortoise sleeps through winter. He assumes he isn’t missing much. However, his friends are determined to prove otherwise! Will Tortoise sleep through another winter, or will his friends convince him to stay awake and experience the frosty fun of winter? Best-selling author Katy Hudson’s charming picture book, now in a board book format, will convince even the biggest winter grouche that winter can be magical if you have friends by your side.

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Batty Betty – Kathryn Hast

Illustrations – L.M. Phang

I loved the cover and wanted to adore this book based on its fantastic blurb but unfortunately I didn’t connect with it like I do with most children’s books. It felt somewhat disjointed and I wanted to hear what Betty had to say about bullying and being yourself. The pictures were sweet. I wondered about some of the choice of words as I’m not sure a young child would know or care who Liszt is or what opus means.

Thank you very much to NetGalley and LuJu Books for the opportunity to read this book. I’m sure a lot of children and parents alike will love this book but I’m afraid this one wasn’t for me.

Rating: 2 out of 5.

Once Upon a Blurb

In a world that seems to encourage us all to look, talk, think, and act the same and is in a constant state of comparison, how can we teach children from a young age that their differences are actually their strengths, not their weaknesses?

It all begins with what we show them and tell them, and a wonderful starting point for this important conversation is the engaging, beautifully illustrated new book Batty Betty by children’s author Kathryn Hast (LuJu Books). What sets this book apart from others in the stack is its storyline – which is purposefully, delightfully whimsical even as it tackles tough subjects – as well as its lyrical style. Hast wanted to be sure it was just as fun for both parents and children to read while also illuminating ways to approach and take on real and often difficult scenarios. 

Enter: Abel, the tuba; Eve, the sad banana; and Betty, a giant who dances unapologetically to her own drum. When Abel goes out marching by himself, he finds a sad banana named Eve who has been bullied by local beavers. As it turns out, she’s not alone. The beavers are also out for Betty, who stands out with her towering height and “batty” behavior. Abel sets out to defeat these beavers, but soon discovers it’s not about winning – it’s about finding your own music amidst the ruckus and noise.

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