Walt Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Walt Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Cynthia Rylant. Illustrated by Gustaf Tenggren. 2009. Disney. 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: It is when we are most lost that we sometimes find our truest friends. This is the story of Snow White.

Premise/plot: Cynthia Rylant beautifully retells the fairy tale Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. It feels silly--beyond silly--to summarize the plot of so familiar a tale. Snow White is forced to take flight after her wicked stepmother tries to have her killed. She finds refuge--even happiness--in the home of the seven dwarfs. She loves them; they love her. But when the magic mirror reveals Snow White is still alive, well, her life is in danger once more. Will the queen's jealousy ever end? Will Snow White get her happily ever ending?

 My thoughts: I LOVED this one. I loved the writing. Rylant did a beautiful job with the story.

But those with an evil heart seem to have a talent for destroying anything beautiful which is about to bloom. So it was that one day the Queen consulted the Magic Mirror, and Snow White's life was forever changed.

 The dwarfs went inside and found Snow White asleep. When she awoke, Snow White told them her story. By the end of the telling, they loved her. How could they not? The Dwarfs had not known gentleness and beauty for a very long time.

Many stories in life have a happy ending, and this is one of them.

I also loved the illustrations by Gustaf Tenggren. Tenggren worked at Disney from 1936 to 1939. The films he worked on include Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Pinocchio, and Bambi. But he didn't just work at Disney. He illustrated a LOT of children's books. Books such as The Poky Little Puppy, The Shy Little Kitten, The Saggy Baggy Elephant, The Tawny, Scrawny Lion, Bedtime Stories, Farm Stories, and King Arthur and the Knights Around the Round Table. You can read more about his work here: http://www.gustaftenggren.com/tenggren/default.asp

I didn't grow up watching Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. It wasn't released on VHS until I was in high school. (The Disney Wiki says October 1994. That sounds about right!) But I did grow up listening to the soundtrack on record. I do have favorites. I love and adore the Silly Song and the Dwarf's Washing Song. And then there's One Song.

Text: 5 out of 5
Illustrations: 4 out of 5
Total: 9 out of 10


© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers

A Friend Is Someone Who Likes You

A Friend Is Someone Who Likes You. Joan Walsh Anglund. 1958/2017. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. 40 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: A friend is someone who likes you. It can be a boy... It can be a girl... or a cat... or a dog... or even a white mouse.

Premise/plot: A Friend is Someone who Likes You was originally published in 1958. It was recently republished in a teeny-tiny size. The theme is friendship. The opening pages keep it quite simple, but, as the book progresses so does its complexity.

My thoughts: I liked it. The illustrations are sweet. The theme is sweet as well. It doesn't say everything there is to say on the subject of friendship. But what it does say is true enough. I have never found a special friend in the wind, a tree, or a brook. But I can easily imagine Anne Shirley doing so! My friends were mainly BOOKS. This little book doesn't include books as potential friends. But I forgive it that slight sin!

Last sentence: But everyone...everyone in the whole world has at least one friend. Where did you find yours?

Two of my closest, dearest friends were "found" because of a mutual love of books. 

© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Mr. Putter and Tabby See The Stars

Mr. Putter and Tabby See The Stars (#16) Cynthia Rylant. Illustrated by Arthur Howard. 2007. 44 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Mr. Putter and his fine cat, Tabby, loved to sleep. They could sleep anywhere. They slept in chairs, in swings, in cars, in tubs, and sometimes in the laundry room. Mr. Putter and Tabby also slept in a bed. Of course, most of the time, sleeping in a bed was just fine. Mr. Putter plumped his pillows. Tabby squished hers. And then they slept like logs. But one night, one of the logs could not sleep.

Premise/plot: Mr. Putter is finding it absolutely IMPOSSIBLE to sleep. Why is he struggling to sleep?! Perhaps because he had WAY too many jelly rolls at Mrs. Teaberry's house. How many is too many?! Well, I think we can one and all agree that TWENTY-ONE pineapple jelly rolls are too many for any person to consume at a time!!!!!

Knowing that he can't sleep, Mr. Putter decides to go for a walk outside--with his cat, Tabby--to enjoy the stars. Maybe his stomach will settle after a little exercise!

My thoughts: I LOVE these characters so much!!!! This early chapter series is the best of the best! This neighborhood stroll is just LOVELY.


© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Mr. Putter Makes a Wish

Mr. Putter & Tabby Make a Wish (Mr. Putter & Tabby #14). Cynthia Rylant. Illustrated by Arthur Howard. 2005. HMH. 44 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: It was a beautiful morning. Mr. Putter and his fine cat, Tabby, were eating raisin crumpets and apple jam and reading the morning paper. Mr. Putter looked at the date of the paper: October 2. "Good heavens, Tabby!" said Mr. Putter. "It's my birthday!"

Premise/plot: It is Mr. Putter's birthday. At first he tries to be practical and sensible. He is much too old to want to CELEBRATE his birthday. He's "too old" for balloons and cakes and presents. Isn't he? But the more he thinks about birthdays gone by, the more he wants to celebrate THIS ONE. Perhaps a little celebratory tea with his neighbor Mrs. Teaberry would be just the thing...

My thoughts: I love, love, love Mr. Putter and Tabby. In this one, readers get another chance to glimpse a YOUNG Mr. Putter--with his adorable red hair. Readers also get to see Mr. Putter struggling with waiting patiently. I think everyone can relate to that! Mr. Putter has to wait and wait and wait and wait for Mrs. Teaberry to come over. Though readers might suspect that she's busy planning something special for his birthday, something that takes TIME.

This one was a JOY to read.


© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers

The Case of the Troublesome Turtle

The Case of the Troublesome Turtle. (High Rise Private Eyes #4) Cynthia Rylant. Illustrated by G. Brian Karas. 2001. 47 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Bunny enjoyed painting on Sundays. "Why don't you paint me?" asked Jack. "Because you won't sit still," said Bunny. "Yes, I will," said Jack. "No, you won't," said Bunny.

Premise/plot: Bunny and Jack have a new case to solve. Someone is stealing balloons from Mr. Paris' toy store. Can these two detectives figure out who or why? Often with these two they begin by focusing on the why to figure out the who. Why would anyone want to steal green and yellow balloons? Why are the balloons only stolen on Friday nights?

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. It may be my favorite of the series. I'm not sure if kids enjoy the banter between Bunny and Jack as much as I do. I don't always love it. In some books it can be more annoying than amusing. But this one opens with Bunny painting a portrait of Jack. That illustration is hilarious!

I believe I've now read all the books in the series.

© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers

When I Was Young In the Mountains

When I Was Young in the Mountains. Cynthia Rylant. Illustrated by Diane Goode. 1982. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: When I was young in the mountains, Grandfather came home in the evening covered with the black dust of a coal mine. Only his lips were clean, and he used them to kiss the top of my head. When I was young in the mountains, Grandmother spread the table with hot corn bread, pinto beans, and friend okra. Later, in the middle of the night, she walked through the grass with me to the johnny-house and held my hand in the dark. I promised never to eat more than one serving of okra again.

Premise/plot: When I Was Young in the Mountains was Cynthia Rylant's first book. It would not be her last. It was only the beginning of a LONG career. Perhaps it is fitting--RIGHT--that her career began where she began--in the mountains of West Virginia. The book--beautifully, almost poetically--recounts her childhood memories. She was raised by her grandparents. Each page begins, "When I was young in the mountains..."

My thoughts: I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this one. I love it for the text. I should mention that it earned a Caldecott Honor in 1983. And the illustrations are nice enough. But it is the text itself that practically sings: a tribute to all things beautiful, simple, and true.

When I was young in the mountains, we went to church in the schoolhouse on Sundays, and sometimes walked with the congregation through the cow pasture to the dark swimming hole, for baptisms. My cousin Peter was laid back into the water, and his white shirt stuck to him, and my Grandmother cried.

When I was young in the mountains, I never wanted to go to the ocean, and I never wanted to go to the desert. I never wanted to go anywhere else in the world, for I was in the mountains. And that was always enough. 

 Text: 5 out of 5
Illustrations: 3 out of 5
Total: 8 out of 10


© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers

The Case of the Baffled Bear

The Case of the Baffled Bear. (The High Rise Private Eyes #7) Cynthia Rylant. G. Brian Karas. 2004. 48 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Every Tuesday night Bunny and Jack liked to play Slap Jack. They played for pretzels. It was Jack's idea to play for pretzels. It was Bunny's idea to play Slap Jack. She thought the name was funny. Jack did not.

Premise/plot: Bernard is a bear who delivers messages speedy-quick on his bike. Unfortunately--or fortunately depending on your perspective--his whistle is missing. He's come to Jack and Bunny for help. Can they find his whistle so he can go back to delivering messages?

My thoughts: Jack and Bunny have a new case.  I liked this one. I like the series in general. If you're looking for an early chapter book mystery series, the High Rise Private Eyes series would be a good choice. Cynthia Rylant is an excellent writer!

© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers

The Case of the Fidgety Fox

The Case of the Fidgety Fox ( The High Rise Private Eyes #6). Cynthia Rylant. Illustrated by G. Brian Karas. 2003. 56 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: On Saturday Bunny did her yoga. Bunny did yoga every Saturday. When she was finished, she called Jack. "You're missing all the cartoons," Jack said. "Yes, but I am very, very calm," said Bunny. "Mighty Monkey is trapped," said Jack. "I'm too calm to care," said Bunny. "He's in a room full of gardenias," said Jack," And he's allergic." "Really?" said Bunny. "That's not good." "I know," said Jack. He's sneezing to high heaven." "Goodness," said Bunny.

Premise/plot: Bunny and Jack are as different as can be. But they have a few things in common. They love chips--the ruffly kind--and dip. They love detecting. In this one, Bunny and Jack eat a lot of chips in an effort to get calm...and stay calm. IT is when they are out "exercising" off those chips that they discover a new case.

Someone has stolen the bus driver's lucky fuzzy dice? He won't drive without those dice. And there are a lot of angry people who depend on the bus to get where they are going. Can Bunny and Jack solve the case and discover the thief?!

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I especially enjoyed the illustrations. Readers see Bunny when she's agitated and stressed out and when she's super-calm. The story is silly. Would someone really, truly get that worked up over the "dangers" facing cartoon characters? Especially if this is all word-of-mouth. But then I think about it in this way. Haven't I got upset over the "dangers" facing characters in books?! So maybe it's not ridiculously silly. Are chips the answer to anyone's stress? They shouldn't be. Though realistically, I would say many people DO turn to food as a coping mechanism.

I enjoy spending time with Bunny and Jack.

© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers

John Philip Duck

John Philip Duck. Patricia Polacco. 2004. 48 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Edward was a sweet boy who lived with his family on a small farm just outside Memphis in the foothills of Tennessee. Times were hard. there was a depression on and money was hard to come by. Even though Edward was just a lad, he and his father worked at the same hotel in Memphis. During the work week they stayed at the hotel, but on the weekends they both went home.

Premise/plot: Edward finds an abandoned little duckling; he decides to raise it as his very own. He takes the duck to work with him--at first with the intent to keep him completely out of sight. He teaches the duck tricks--trains him. The boss isn't happy to discover the duck in his hotel, but, he's happy enough when he sees the duck perform. Can Edward train other ducks too?! He's given a month. Will it be enough time?!

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one very much. Parents should definitely introduce their children to the music of John Philip Sousa before or after reading this one. (Sousa in Stereo). Edward LOVES, LOVES, LOVES Sousa's marches, and he trains his ducks to "march" to Sousa.

The goal becomes to train the ducks to march through the lobby and into the lobby's fountain, and to stay in the fountain and swim all day. At the end of the day, they will march out again. That is if all goes according to plan.

This one is loosely based on a true story. There are ducks at the Peabody hotel that were/are trained to do just that. Edward and his father are fictional representatives of that first duckmaster.

Text: 4 out of 5
Illustrations: 4 out of 5
Total: 8 out of 10

© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Knit Your Bit

Knit Your Bit: A World War I Story. Deborah Hopkinson. Illustrated by Steven Guarnaccia. 2013. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: When Pop left to be a soldier, I wanted to go with him. "I'm brave," I told Pop. "I know, Mikey," he said, patting my shoulder. "And you'll need to be, 'cause it takes just as much courage to stay behind."

Premise/plot: Mikey says he wants to do something BIG to help the war effort. While his sister, Ellie, learns to knit so she can knit her bit, Mikey resists such a simple, little thing. Besides knitting is for girls. BUT when a knitting bee--to be held at Central Park--is announced, Mikey finds himself entering with two of his friends. Perhaps he enters because he's dared to enter. But once he begins knitting lessons, he realizes that it's not so simple and anything but a 'little' contribution to the war effort.

My thoughts: I enjoyed this historical picture book. It was inspired by real events.

The New York Times reported that the event raised $4,000. Mrs. Ethel Rizzo of East 67th Street, who completed an entire sweater in around six hours, won the prize for fastest knitter. Over the course of three days, volunteers knitted 50 sweaters, 48 mufflers, and 224 pairs of socks. Prize winners included four blind women, two men, an eighty-three year old woman, and four children under the age of eleven. 

I would definitely recommend this one! I found it a compelling story with a fascinating author's note.

Text: 5 out of 5
Illustrations: 3 out of 5
Total: 8 out of 10

© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Make A Wish, Molly

Make A Wish, Molly. Barbara Cohen. 1994. 48 pages. [Source: Bought]

First sentence: I didn't know about birthdays. In Russia we hadn't celebrated birthdays. But I learned once we came to Winter Hill. I had started school in the fall, and I'd hated it. But by spring I didn't hate it anymore. That's because I had a friend. Her name was Emma. Her desk was next to mine.

Premise/plot: Molly gets the chance to learn about birthdays--and birthday parties--in this early chapter book by Barbara Cohen. But perhaps more importantly she gets the chance to learn something about herself.

Molly sees a BEAUTIFUL decorated cake in a shop window. Her friend says she'll have a cake like that and her birthday party in a few weeks. Molly might get a chance to taste such a delectable cake for herself--it seems almost too good to be true.

Unfortunately, the birthday party takes place during Passover week. Molly does NOT want to take her own food to snack on--not while her friends are enjoying that incredible cake. Could she--should she--eat the cake anyway?

My thoughts: What a lovely little story! It's historical fiction--presumably early to mid-twentieth century. The family of our wonderful little heroine is Jewish--recently arrived from Russia. Their traditions are not the same as everyone else. Part of Molly longs to fit in no matter what. Coming-of-age novels address the question who am I? This does just that. I loved Molly's confidence by the end of the novel!

© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Kat Writes a Song

Kat Writes a Song. Greg Foley. 2018. Simon & Schuster. 40 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence:  It was a gray and rainy day. Kat was stuck indoors. She was sad because there was no one to play with. "If I write a song, maybe it will make me feel better," Kat said.

Premise/plot: Kat, the ADORABLE heroine of Greg Foley's picture book, sets out to write a song one rainy day. The name of the song she writes is the "Amazing Song to Make Things Better." A song, once written, is meant to be SHARED. And share her music she does! Will the song make things better?!

My thoughts: I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this one. It is adorable, sweet, and fun. I would say it had me at the end covers--which you should definitely take notice of, by the way--but in all honesty, it was the cover that got me. I didn't even have to open the book to know that it was LOVE--that I was in for quite a treat. The book did not disappoint.

Text: 5 out of 5
Illustrations: 5 out of 5
Total: 10 out of 10

© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Monster and Mouse Go Camping

Monster and Mouse Go Camping. Deborah Underwood. Illustrated by Jared Chapman. 2018. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. 32 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Monster was having a snack when Mouse burst in the front door. "Let's go camping!" she said. "What's camping?" Monster asked. "Camping is great!" Mouse said. "You walk in the woods. You sleep in a tent. You tell spooky stories."

Premise/plot: Will Mouse convince her friend Monster to go camping? Of course! But will things go according to plan? Of course not! Monster's first camping trip will be memorable though!

My thoughts: I liked it. I liked both Mouse and Monster. At first I wasn't sure I liked the illustrations, but, the second time I read the book I enjoyed it more. I found the illustrations more expressive than I originally thought. The twist at the end made the book work for me.

Text: 4 out of 5
Illustrations: 3 out of 5
Total: 7 out of 10

© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers

The Case of the Sleepy Sloth

The Case of the Sleepy Sloth. (The High Rise Private Eyes #5) Cynthia Rylant. Illustrated by G. Brian Karas. 2002. 48 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Bunny and Jack liked to picnic with pizza. Jack brought the pizza, Bunny brought the pop, and they went to the docks downtown. "Now don't give the seagulls any pizza," said Bunny. "They'll just linger." "But they always look so hungry," said Jack. "That's because they are always hungry," said Bunny.

Premise/plot: While at the docks, these two private eyes stumble onto a new case. Ramon (a dog) has lost his one and only lawn chair from his houseboat. Can Bunny and Jack help him find it?

My thoughts: I like this one. I do. I enjoy the banter between Jack and Bunny.

© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers

The Case of the Puzzling Possum

The Case of the Puzzling Possum (High Rise Private Eyes #3) Cynthia Rylant. Illustrated by G. Brian Karas. 2001. 48 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Bunny collected buttons. She had a lot of them. Probably a million. "Bunny, you've got probably a million buttons," said Jack every time he visited. "Yes," said Bunny proudly.

Premise/plot: Jack and Bunny have a new case to solve in this early chapter book mystery series. Someone is "borrowing" a trombone. The mystery thief steals the trombone and then returns it--time and time again. Who is the thief? What is his (or her) motive for taking the trombone?

My thoughts: I like Jack and Bunny. In this one, Jack is trying to "prove" how nice he is--or how nice he can be. Unfortunately, being nice on purpose leads to a few messes. Does being extra nice make up for his accidents? Perhaps.

I enjoy this series. Rylant's writing is always enjoyable. 

© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Board book: Cat Nap

Board book: Cat Nap. Toni Yuly. 2016/2017. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: The clock says noon. It's time to rest. Cat is sleepy. He wants to nap. Kitten is curious. She wants to play...

Premise/plot: Will Cat ever get to take a nap?! Kitten suggests playing hide and seek. Cat is hoping that he'll sneak in a nap while Kitten seeks him. But. Kitten is good at the game. And Cat, well, Cat just can't trick Kitten. Can Kitten trick Cat?!

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. Cat and Kitten aren't the only ones playing hide and seek. Can you spot who else is playing?! (Hint: it's SMALL). I thought the book was cute.

Text: 4 out of 5
Illustrations: 4 out of 5
Total: 8 out of 10

© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers

The Case of the Climbing Cat

The Case of the Climbing Cat. (The High-Rise Private Eyes #2). Cynthia Rylant. Illustrated by G. Brian Karas. 2000. 48 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Bunny liked her balcony. She tried to get Jack to sit on it. "No, thanks," he always said.

Premise/plot: Bunny and Jack are the detective team in Cynthia Rylant's early chapter book mystery series. The book opens with the two eating Chinese take-out. A neighbor screams out THIEF. Her binoculars have been stolen. Can Bunny and Jack follow the clues and find the thief?

My thoughts: I enjoy the series. But this series is not as enjoyable--as delightful--of some of the other series by Cynthia Rylant. I prefer Poppleton and Mr. Putter and Tabby! But I am so glad I'm taking the time to read all of her books! I really enjoy the dialogue in all of her books.

If the book was truly a mystery, then the title would not give away who did it. Granted, the series is aimed at young readers and should be easy and obvious to solve. But still.

© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Poppleton

Poppleton. Cynthia Rylant. Illustrated by Mark Teague. 1997. 56 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Poppleton used to be a city pig. He did city things. He took taxis. He joggined in the park. He went to museums.

Premise/plot: Poppleton is an early chapter series book by Cynthia Rylant. This is the first book in the series. There are three stories. In the first, readers get a proper introduction to Poppleton. Poppleton is new in town. One of the first friends he makes is his next door neighbor, Cherry Sue. In the second, readers learn a little bit about Poppleton's routine. Monday IS library day. In the third, readers meet another friend of Poppleton, a goat named Fillmore. In this last story, Poppleton has come to take care of his sick friend, but is Fillmore an easy patient?!?!

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one SO MUCH. I loved, loved, LOVED it. I loved the humor. I loved the characters. I loved the writing. I loved the illustrations. I loved it all.

Cherry Sue was very friendly. In the mornings she called out, "Yoo hoo! Poppleton! Would you like some oatmeal?" So Poppleton had oatmeal with Cherry Sue. In the afternoon she called out, "Yoo hoo! Poppleton! Would you like a toasted cheese?" So Poppleton had toasted cheese with Cherry Sue. At night she called out, "Yoo hoo! Poppleton! Would you like spaghetti?" So Poppleton had spaghetti with Cherry Sue. This went on day after day. At first it was fun. But not for long.

Poppleton took library day very seriously. At the library Poppleton always got a table all to himself. He spread out each of his things on the table: his eyeglasses, his tissues, his lip balm, his pocket watch, his book marker, and his duffel.

© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Mervin the Sloth Is About To Do The Best Thing In the World

Mervin the Sloth Is About To Do The Best Thing In the World. Colleen AF Venable. 2016. 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: There you are, Mervin! What are you...

Premise/plot: Falling letters--or a falling sentence to be precise--begin this picture book starring Mervin the Sloth. If Mervin's friends have the patience to wait for it--if readers have the patience to wait for it--they will learn what 'the best thing in the world' is. In the meanwhile, everyone has an opinion, a guess, as to what the best thing in the world is.

My thoughts: I don't know that I love, love, love this one. But I liked the ending. I liked seeing what Mervin's 'best thing in the world' is. I thought it very sweet. Much better than some of his friends' suggestions.

Text: 3.5  out of 5
Illustrations: 3.5 out of 5
Total: 7 out of 10

© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Board book: Count My Cupcakes 1 2 3

Board Book: Count My Cupcakes 1 2 3. Joyce Wan. 2018. Scholastic. 14 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: 5 Five yummy cupcakes shimmy across the floor. In slides a milk shake. Oops! Now there are... 4 Four yummy cupcakes giggle with glee. Along rolls a donut. Uh-oh! Now there are...

Premise/plot: Count my Cupcakes 123 is the newest board book by Joyce Wan. In this one, readers count back from 5 to 1 as one by one cupcakes disappear from view. It is a touch-and-feel board book. The cupcakes are a squishy delight.

My thoughts: Joyce Wan wrote my all-time favorite, favorite, favorite board book YOU ARE MY CUPCAKE. This one would pair well with the other board book. And it's probably the first board book she's written since You Are My Cupcake that I really enjoyed. The illustrations are sweet and adorable.

© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers