Interrupting Chicken

Written and illustrated by David Ezra Stein. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press, 2010.

Interrupting someone while they are talking is a bad habit, and we are all guilty of it. In the case of this story, Chicken likes to interrupt stories. It's bedtime for little red chicken, but she can't go to sleep without a story. Papa says he'll read her a story "and of course you are not going to interrupt the story tonight, are you?" She assuredly says "Oh no, Papa. I'll be good." So Papa begins the tale of Hansel and Gretel and just as the story gets going, little red chicken pops into the story (literally), in an attempt to save the characters. But, she ends up ending the story abruptly and spoiling the story. Papa tries Little Red Riding Hood and Chicken Little, and even though Chicken promises she will be good, she still interrupts the story. She's not even tired, but Papa is all out of stories. So Chicken reads to her Papa, but is soon interrupted by a loud "zzzzzzz."

This is a fun story! The title immediately caught my eye, as well as the cover illustration. You see Papa and Chicken behind a big picture book; Chicken looks rather fiesty, jumping up, while Papa looks like he's had enough. Chicken says "This book is called Interrupting Chicken, right, Papa?" and he replies, "Yes. Now, please don't interrupt the story!" Right away, you are prepared for what is going to happen in this book. I love this touch! The illustrations are wonderful; towards the end, papa has an expression of complete exasperation and chicken is looking like she knows best, which is why she interrupts. This is a perfect bedtime story that will elicit chuckles from adults and children. Now kids, try not to interrupt while your grown up is reading. :)

That's Not Funny!

Written by Jeanne Willis. Illustrated by Adrian Reynolds. Minneapolis: Andersen Press USA, 2010.

It all started with a banana peel. I'm sure you've heard (or seen) that practical joke. Some poor, unsuspecting soul steps on the peel and - whoops!- down he or she goes! That's how this story begins. Hyena, an animal known in books for being a prankster, decides "just for a joke" to put a banana peel in Giraffe's path. Giraffe, of course, has no idea, and slips on it, skids into a tree - "KER-RANG!" - and says "That's not funny!" And so begins an unfortunate series of events involving many animals. Giraffe's collision into the tree causes a coconut to fall which lands "BINK!" on top of Hippo's head. Hippo stepped on Snake, who bit Ostrich, who kicked Rhino, etc. Each time, the animal exclaims "That's not funny!" But Hyena just "laughed and laughed." Eventually, Hyena gets his just desserts; when waiting to see what misfortune will befall Elephant, he steps into a big, hot pile of Elephant's poo! Of course, the joke is now on him, and he doesn't think it's that funny, but of course, the other animals laugh and laugh.

This is a terrific book demonstrating the consequences of practical jokes and laughing at someone's expense. Kids will really enjoy acting out the animal sounds, as well as the repetition of "that's not funny!" The illustrations are fun and full of color, and they represent the action going on in the story. The expressions on the animal's faces articulate what is happening to them, and children will easily be able to follow along with the chain of events. A very cute book that will make you laugh, and perhaps think twice about what's funny.

Hugless Douglas

Written and illustrated by David Melling. Wilton, CT: Tiger Tales, 2010.

Let’s face it - hugs are one of the best things in the entire world! There is nothing as comforting and affectionate as putting your arms around someone else and giving them a big ole’ squeeze. One spring morning in a cave, a young bear named Douglas woke up from his winter’s nap and said, “I need a hug.” So he got up, changed out of his pajamas, brushed his fur, and went out in search of a hug. Big hugs are the best, so Douglas tried picking up a big rock, but it didn’t feel right and was much too heavy. Tall hugs are also the best, but hugging a tree just wasn’t working for him. Comfy hugs are also the best, but jumping into a leafy bush that starts wiggling and trembling and finally runs away (it was filled with sheep), isn’t good. Douglas finally gets some help from rabbit, who takes him to another cave where another sleepy someone was waking up. Douglas peeped inside, and ran quick as can be towards his Mommy, who of course gives the best hugs ever!

This story is so funny and heartfelt – you’ll be rooting for Douglas to find a hug. The illustrations convey the humor and seriousness of searching for the perfect hug. The end of the story includes a two-page spread with rabbit and the poor sheep demonstrating different types of hugs (sandwich hug, tummy hug, and my favorite, the unrequited hug). This book will make you giggle and most importantly, want to give your special someone a big hug!

Who Said Coo?

Written by Deborah Ruddell. Illustrated by Robin Luebs. New York: Beach Lane Books, 2010.

Oh, can I relate to poor Lulu! Lulu is a pig who is getting ready for bed. Her room is "cozy and quiet, just the way she liked it" and as she is settling into sleep, she is awoken by a loud noise..."Cooooooo." She asks "who said coo? Pigeon? Was it you?" But Pigeon doesn't answer, so Lulu goes back to bed. And so begins a long, sleepless night for Lulu. Each time she goes back to bed, she is awoken by other noises like "Whoooo." But Owl doesn't fess up to making the noise either. Eventually, Lulu forgives the birds for making the noise, and they all go inside for a good night's rest.

This book is delightful to read aloud, primarily because of the rhyming and the repetition of the storyline. Children will have fun following along as you read, and be able to shout out the lines. You can relate to this tale, especially if you have difficulty falling asleep when it's noisy (like me). The ending is adorable, and children will have fun guessing what animal could be making the noise now, since both Owl and Pigeon are fast asleep. The illustrations are softly colored, and match the gentleness of this bedtime tale. This is a really cute story, and I'm sure your little ones will ask for repeat readings!

Plethora of Picture Books

It's the most wonderful time of the year...time to spend money! In a library's case, it's time to spend out the rest of our book budget. We have got a TON (okay, perhaps a slight exaggeration, but they DO weigh alot when stacked together) of new picture books at the DCL! Not only that, we've got new non-fiction books for kids as well as chapter books. Stop on in and check them out - you won't be disappointed!

With all the new picture books we've received, I have alot of books to choose from to review. So, I am determined to give it the college try and highlight some of the great reads I think you'll enjoy. Picture books are wonderful for all ages, so borrow a bag full, curl up on the couch, and share some great reads with your family. Happy Reading!

The Strange Case of Origami Yoda

By Tom Angleberger. New York: Amulet Books, 2010.

Who do you ask when you need advice about something? I bet you're going to say your parents, families, or friends. You wouldn't think of asking a finger puppet, would you? I didn't think so. But what if the finger puppet was an origami Yoda? We all remember Yoda, the wise sage from the Star Wars movies. He gives GREAT advice, that it would be silly not to follow it. That's what a bunch of sixth-grade friends discover in this fun book.

Dwight is a goofball. He's kinda weird, and always says things that are unpredictable and strange. One day he shows up to school with an origami finger puppet of Yoda. All of a sudden, Yoda is dispensing advice and predicting the future to most of the kids in the sixth grade. And, the advice works! Well, Tommy needs to find out how origami Yoda can be right about so many things, when his owner, Dwight, is just completely clueless. This book is a case file, and Tommy interviews several of his sixth-grade friends to discover their experiences with origami Yoda.

This book is very funny and goofy, and would be perfect for kids who love the Wimpy Kid books. Along the page margins are really fun doodles that complement the text perfectly. There's even directions at the end for making your very own origami Yoda. Read this book you must.

Gracias / Thanks

By Pat Mora. Illustrations by John Parra. New York: Lee & Low Books Inc., 2009.

Sometimes it's the little things in life that you are most thankful for. This lovely, bilingual book demonstrates that feeling in a beautiful way. Starting in the morning, a young boy wakes up thankful for the sun. Throughout his busy day, he's thankful for all the things in nature that help make his day joyful. The story ends with the boy going to bed, thankful for the cricket serenading him to sleep. This book provides a way for families to have a nice conversation about the big and little things in life that give you pleasure, and make you stop and say "thanks!" This book is a joy to read!