Plaidypus Lost by Janet Stevens & Susan Stevens Crummel

Plaidypus Lost by Janet Stevens and Susan Stevens Crummel
Geared Towards: Ages 4-8
Published By: Holiday House
Publication Date: March 2004
ISBN-13: 978-0823415618

This is a book my kindergartener came home from school talking about a few weeks ago. Her teacher had read it to them during story time, and she just thought it was the best story. I, having never heard of it before, decided I had to see what all the hype was about. So, off to the library I went, and low and behold there was a well loved copy on the shelf. Naturally, I grabbed it like it was gold, nevermind that there wasn't another soul even in the kid's section with me. I wasn't about to lose out on it though, and was bound and determined to get it in to my 3 year old's pile as quickly as humanly possible.

I have to say, my 5 year old's hype was spot on. This book was incredibly cute, and actually struck a cord with me as we often have our own "Hippo Lost" and "Cow Lost" moments. Hippo is Jo's lovey that she's had since she was 4mos old, and Cow is Joc's lovey she's had since the day she was born. Both go everywhere with us, and both inexplainably disappear on a daily basis.

Darn! Why didn't I think to write the book?! LOL

"Plaidypus Lost. Plaidypus Found. This story goes around and around."

Yep, that about sums it up, but how about just a little more detail?

Plaidypus belongs to a little girl whose grandma made him out of grandpa's old shirt and buttons. He's big, he's lumpy, he's goofy looking, and he's absolutely and completely loved. Plaidypus goes sliding and swinging with his little girl at the park, rides in the cart at the grocery store, and goes swimming with her in the lake. But each time he goes out with his little girl she ends up distracted and forgets all about him until later when she realizes he's lost. Luckily, each time she is able to retrace her steps, and eventually finds her beloved Plaidypus.

However, one day while pretending to have Plaidypus fly in the car, they hit a bump and Plaidypus really does fly- right out the car window. His girl looks and looks, but Plaidypus is no where to be found. Sad and distraught, she decides the best idea she has left is to make posters in hopes that someone will recognize the picture of Plaidypus and send him home.

Days pass, and Plaidypus doesn't return. Then one day, there's a knock on the door. When the little girl opens it, she finds a brown sack with her sweet Plaidypus stuffed inside. Only, now her Plaidypus doesn't look quite the same. He's hurt, torn, and missing pieces. His girl is upset, yet she knows just what to do. Grandma made and gave her her Plaidypus, so surely she can make him well again. And, in the end, that's just what she does.

Plaidypus Lost was a sweet story. One I reckon most any parent can relate to on some level. It might not be a homemade Plaidypus, but undoubtedly there's been some other stuffed lovey, silky, blankie, or what-not. Whatever the case may be, I'm near positive that most parents will agree with me in saying that Plaidypus Lost or a variation thereof, could have been written by any of us. For me, the recurring line would be...

"Hippo/Cow Lost. Hippo/Cow Found. This story goes around and around." :P

Both the girls and I thought this story was well worth the read. The words were catchy and fun to read, plus the story itself made you feel happy inside when all was said and done. And the oversized hardback provided big, bold illustrations that while not my favorites were appropriate enough for the story.

Last but not least, I enjoyed that there was an underlying message with this one. That message is what I'm always looking for in kid's books. I mean, you can have a great story that's totally fun and nothing more, but it's nice to have a story with even a subtle good message incorporated. For Plaidypus Lost I'd say that message was that we (kids and adults alike) need to pay better attention to the world around us and take good care of the things we have, especially those we hold dear. Poor little Plaidypus was well loved, but because his little girl was not careful enough with him she ended up nearly losing him for good. Even when she did get him back he'd been damaged and wasn't the same as he'd been before. It's true she was able to have him fixed, but such a simple solution isn't always possible.

In short, I liked that the book taught kids that while it's okay to have fun and really enjoy the things we've been given and blessed with, that we must also never stop being responsible for and taking care of those things.

OUR RATING: 4 hearts

Pumpkinhead by Eric Rohmann

Generally speaking, I seem to have a pretty good ability to discern, just by looking at the cover and reading the synopsis, whether or not I'll like a book. I can do this with both the books I read to my kids and the ones I read for myself. Which is why I believe I rarely read a book that I end up giving a low rating. I simply tend to weed those books out during the initial selection process before they ever even end up sitting on my own personal TBR shelf. I'm only human, however, and so I do occasionally miss the mark.

With all the 5 heart reviews I've posting here, I thought it might serve me well to show everyone that it is indeed possible for me to give a less than perfect satisfaction rating. I have a couple of others that I will try to post here in the next few days, but since I only had a few minutes and this was one I'd written previously I decided I'd go ahead and share it now. Be fore warned though, this is probably the most harsh I've ever written. Thank God I don't find many that I end up rating this way. I'd feel awful.

Pumpkinhead by Eric Rohmann
Geared Towards: Ages 4-8
Published By: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: August 2003
ISBN-13: 978-0375824166

This is the most disturbing children's book I've ever read. And judging by the other reviews I've seen online for it, I must be one of the only ones that absolutely hated this book. Strange. To be perfectly honest, I found the whole idea behind the Pumpkinhead story to be completely disturbing, especially when the book is geared at preschool age children.

This story is about a little boy born with a human body and a jack-o-lantern head. One day while he's outside a bird swoops down and grabs Pumpkinhead's head from his body, and then flies off with it. Throughout the book the head travels by way of a second party (bird, fisherman, etc) until it winds up on sale at produce stand. It's here that the mother discovers the pumpkin head, and immediately snatches it back up after recognizing it as her son's.

The book goes as far as to say that the parent's had kept the boy's body in a "cool dry place" while they waiting in hopes of finding his head. I'm sorry, but that's just creepy and disgusting. I will say that the rhyming nature of the book was fun and enjoyable, but the storyline itself was just horrid. There is no way I would ever recommend this book. Infact, our copy is buried around here somewhere because I simply couldn't bring myself to pass it along for any other child to read, and it certainly wasn't going to remain on my daughters' shelves. It was just that bad. :(

OUR RATING: 1 Heart (and that's only because there is no ZERO)

Where's My Mummy? by Carolyn Crimi

Where's My Mummy? by Carolyn Crimi
Geared Towards: Ages 4-7
Published By: Candlewick Press
Publication Date: July 2008
ISBN-13: 978-0763631963

I was so excited to open up my door this morning and find an envelope from Candlewick Press waiting for me. Thank you so much to the wonderful Nicole Deming over at CP who sent me this great book for review. My oldest daughter wasn't home at the time (Because it's Fall break here, and she was off playing at a friend's house.), but my soon to be 3 year old was thrilled when she saw mommy open the package and pull out this super cute looking book. So, naturally, we had to sit right down and read it. (And sissy had her turn when she got home.)

Where's My Mummy? is the tale of Little Baby Mummy, and what happens when he wants to play one quick game of Hide-and-Shriek with his Mama Mummy before bed.

Like with many little kids I know, when Little Baby Mummy's bedtime rolls around, he wants to do anything but crawl in to bed. So, he asks his Mama Mummy if they can play one last game of Hide-and-Shriek. However, when Mama doesn't immediately come find him Baby goes to look for her. In the process he ends up getting a bit lost in the dark, spooky woods, and as he does so he stumbles upon a few odd characters who, while friendly, are not his Mama.

My girls and I really thought this was a fun book to read anytime, but especially now with Halloween just around the corner. Little Baby Mummy is portrayed just as sweet and gentle as any other little kid would be. Lost in the spooky woods he wants to maintain the upperhand, and, just like a little boy trying to be macho, he has to keep saying to himself "I'm not scared." (In my head I could totally picture a real little boy lost and walking through the dark woods, saying this to himself even though you know it's all a front because he is terrified inside.) Even when he hears lots of scary noises like clinking, clanking, glubbing, flapping, rustling, and scratching Little Baby Mummy stays calm, calling out "Mama Mummy is that you?"

The story was really cute, and my girls thought the "spooky" monsters that Little Baby Mummy encountered were pretty comical. From the mommy perspective I liked how the author and illustrator worked together to take characters who, under normal circumstances, would be considered too scary for little kids and made them fun and likeable. Bones, the skeleton that Little Baby Mummy meets first, is brushing his teeth before bed and is caught while wearing nothing but his bathrobe and dice printed boxer shorts. Glob, the swamp monster, is in the swamp washing his face with soap and water before bed. And lastly, Drac, the vampire, is washing and Q-tipping his ears while wearing his bat jammies and fuzzy slippers. Each of these characters could be really scary, but the way they've been portrayed they're more silly than anything. In other words, they perfectly fit the feel of this book without being too eerie.

Oh, and my 5 year old got a huge kick out of the one thing that finally made Little Baby Mummy scream out and call for Mama. I don't want to spoil it for those who haven't read it yet, so I won't say more here. Let's just say though that I think it was a very clever choice of direction for the author to take.

I think this would be a wonderful addition to any little one's library. Even though she's just a week shy of turning 3, and is therein still a year younger than the publisher recommended age for this title, my youngest had no trouble staying tuned in as I read the story. Then after we finished reading it together she decided to look through it again on her own, and each time she turned to one of the pages where Little Baby Mummy discovered the one making the noise wasn't his Mama, my daughter would say "You're not my mummy!" Just like in the story.

Last but not least, I have to give props to John Manders, the illustrator of this adorable look into a night in the life of a little mummy. Who knew, that by giving it just a few well thought out brilliant pops of color, you could make a frightening place like the dark woods or even a cemetary at night feel interesting and scary without being over the top scary? And Little Baby Mummy, as simply drawn as he was, had the most expressive face to match his attitude from page to page. You could look at him and know that he was really feeling the whimsy, curiosity, frustration, fear, and love that the author indicates in the story.

Where's My Mummy? was a lighthearted and entertaining read that is guaranteed to get lots of wear and enjoyment in this house.

OUR RATING: 5 Hearts

Trucks by Patricia Hubbell

Trucks by Patricia Hubbell
Geared Towards: Baby-Preschool
Published By: Marshall Cavendish
Publication Date: March 2003
ISBN-13: 978-0761451242

Readers who have or are girls themselves might not initially think to pick this book up off the shelf since the subject matter seems like a decidedly more boyish theme. However, I can speak from experience, as the mother of two little girls, when I say, boy or girl, young children will delight in this fun rhyming book all about trucks. Trucks big and small travel the pages of this book as Hubbell describes them from color, to size, to what they carry, and what sounds they make. Coupled with some very creative illustrations, Trucks makes you want to read it again and again. Infact, you really have to just to take it all in.

The online age recommendation for this one was baby to preschool. I'd have to say though that it's certainly suitable and engaging enough for not just early readers but for those up to ages 7-8 as well. Younger kids will enjoy just listening to the catchy story and taking in the pictures. Older readers will get a kick out of the clever play on words the illustrator uses for each of the company names on the vehicles. And if you look closely you're bound to get a laugh out of the people, er um.. creatures, driving the trucks. For example, there's a cow driving the dairy truck and a penguin driving the snow plow.

I know that this author has written several other kids books that also deal with a transportation theme, and I hope they're as entertaining as this one was to read and look through. I know my girls and I weren't disappointed this go round.

OUR RATING: 5 hearts

And the Cow Said Moo! by Mildred Phillips

And the Cow Said Moo! by Mildred Phillips
Geared Towards: Baby-Preschool
Published By: Greenwillow Books
Publication Date: May 2000
ISBN-13: 978-0688168025

Here we have a book that has actually been out for several years (8+ to be exact) that I had never heard of before. That's not to say that I'm aware of every book ever published. However, seeing as I discovered it at the library and we've spent so much time there since my oldest daughter was born 5+ years ago, I found it amazing that I'd never happened across it before. I'm glad though that after all this time it finally found me and me it. What a cute book!

In And the Cow Said Moo! a young calf receives an early morning visit from each of his farm friends. As each animal stops by to say 'hello', cow cries out "Good morning, _________. Say Moo! Say Moo! If I say Moo, why don't you?" Because cow is so young, he doesn't understand that not everyone speaks 'moo'. So each animal visitor explains to cow that it doesn't moo, and then proceeds to show cow what noise it does make. No matter how many animals parade by to greet the calf (there are six in all), he still asks each why they don't moo back to him.

Finally, his last visitor, an owl, explains to the little cow that everybody is different and we all can't be the same. "Now if I said MOO, and you said Whoooo, you'd be me and I'd be you!" The calf is then able to grasp the concept of being different. And as he imagines all of his animal friends mixed up with each other (the wrong heads on the wrong bodies) he realizes the importance of each animal being just as they are.

This book was so much fun to read. From the lilting text to the cheerful and funny illustrations, this is one I want to read over and over again. Not only was it just a cute story in general, but I really felt the author conveyed a great message to her readers. Individual identity is important, and while it's wonderful to be the same as others, you don't always have to be exactly alike. Each of us has our own unique characteristics and tastes which makes life all the more interesting.

Due to the way Phillips wrote each animal's dialog, And the Cow Said Moo! can easily be converted from a normal "one reads while others listen" style book to one that allows audience participation. Both my 2 year old and my 5 year old loved this story, but I think they enjoyed it all the more simply because they got to help call out the animals sounds. For this particular point alone, I would definitely recommend this book for teachers or librarians who want a story to read in a group storytime setting. I personally am hoping to get my hands on my very own copy of this book, and then I'd love to go in and read it to my daughter's kindergarten class. I can hear the excited shouts of participation ringing in my ears already.

OUR RATING: 5 hearts

Baby Animals by Jim Pipe

Baby Animals by Jim Pipe
Geared Towards: Ages 4-8
Published By: Stargazer Books
Publication Date: January 2007 (reprint- library binding)
ISBN- 13: 978-1596041110

Part of the "Read and Play" book line from Stargazer, Baby Animals is one I'd certainly recommend for parents/educators with children as young as 1 or 2, not just the 4-8 yrs age group as suggested in the publisher information. While the younger of the group would not be able to read the book themselves, obviously, they would most definitely be drawn to the clear, close up animal pictures (such as puppies, kittens, lambs, piggies, and more) featured throughout. Likewise, this would be an excellent training tool to help teach these younger, not quite there yet, readers the names of the baby animals.

With a simple text and featured word blocks, older children who are new or learning readers will easily be able to navigate through the book on their own or with minimal help. Phrases on each page concisely refer to the animal pictured, and help the young child learn the baby animal names and occasionally a very basic fact about the animal.

Upon coming to the end, readers will find the "play" portion of this book which entails three quick games. The first inspires the child to recall visual details about four of the featured animals as he/she is asked to match the animal name to its pictured part. The second shows a picture of an animal included in the story, and asks the young reader to count the number of babies. Next there are four of the featured animals pictured, and the reader is asked to make the sound each animal would make. Lastly, on the index page, there are several images pictured from in the book, and the child is asked to find the pages each picture was on.

I loved how this book prompts the reader to use his/her mind, even if he/she is not of reading age. A child as young as 1 or 2 won't grasp the counting aspect on that particular quiz, but he/she will most definitely be able to begin recognizing the animals by sight and with help learning the noises each makes. The older kids can practice their memorization skills and counting skills as well. And don't let the learning and play stop there. Flip to the Parent/Teacher guide located on the last page of the book. Listed there are several themed tie in questions and activities that one can use to continue teaching, quizing, and playing with their kids even after you've finished reading the book.

Final thoughts...

I read this today with my 2 year old, and she absolutely loved it. As suspected, she was drawn to the animal pictures, quickly began displaying her knowledge by rattling off the names of the adult animals, and the animal's sound. She needed help with several of the names in their baby form, but that's exactly the point of this book- to teach the baby names to the child. At the end of the story, we were able to do all three activities included in the "play" section. We worked together on the counting one, but the rest she did on her own. So, yes, while referenced as being for children 4+, I stick to my guns about believing there's no reason a younger child couldn't enjoy and benefit from this book.

OUR RATING: 5 Hearts

Arabella Miller's Tiny Caterpillar by Clare Jarrett

Arabella Miller's Tiny Caterpillar by Clare Jarrett
Geared Towards: Ages 4-8
Published By: Candlewick Press
Publication Date: February 2008
ISBN- 13: 978-0763636609

I'm all about books that not only have a good story, but that actually teach a child something too. Be it a lesson about sharing, not fighting, eating your veggies, or life in general. If there's a good message in the story, it makes it all the more appealing to me.

So it was Arabella Miller's Tiny Caterpillar. This is the story of how a young girl, Arabella, discovers a fuzzy caterpillar while she's out climbing trees one day. First Arabella talks to the caterpillar, then she plays with the caterpillar, then she takes it home with her. At home, she makes it a bed of grass and flowers, and then she feeds it lots of tasty foods just perfect for a caterpillar. After the caterpillar eats and eats, Arabella watches as it begins to grow. She then proceeds to watch the caterpillar as it makes its cocoon, and eventually blossoms forth as a beautiful butterfly.

What I really loved about this book, aside from the simple yet colorful illustrations and lovely sing song rhyme, was how it taught its young readers several lessons. It was only a handful of pages, but Jarrett incorporated key lessons that I spotted right off. Obviously, the biggest being the life cycle of the title insect, and how it starts as a caterpillar but after a time transforms in to a butterfly. There was also the lesson of being compassionate and careful with life around you, as well as the lesson of patience. Arabella took the caterpillar home, but she protected and freed it when necessary. And when her little friend made his home in his cocoon she had to exibit patience while she waited to see what would happen.

Here we have another perfect example of a well written book, that is sure to become a favorite of children, parents, and educators.

OUR RATING: 5 Hearts (I promise, as unfortunate as it is, there are books that don't get this rating from us. I just haven't gotten to them here yet. LOL)

1001 Things to Spot in Fairyland by Gillian Doherty and Anna Milbourne

1001 Things to Spot in Fairyland by Gillian Doherty and Anna Milbourne, illustrated by Teri Gower
Geared Towards: Ages 4-8
Published By: Usborne Books
Publication Date: January 2006
ISBN: 978-0794512200

My five year old absolutely loves to play games like ISpy (both the board game and the original, no board included, version). So when she was about on the 3-4 yrs old cusp I began introducing her to the fun world of hidden picture puzzles. She became hooked almost right away, and has a surprising eye for detail when looking. Shoot, some of the times I don't even see the object and she's done found it and moved along to the next.

As soon as I saw the cover, (Yes, another cover attaction.) I knew that even if my daughter wasn't interested in the book, which I was certain she would be, I wanted to do the puzzles myself. The bright and whimsical illustrations, inspire you to want to pick up the book and seek out the hidden objects.

In a dual page spread with such intricate pictures, it can be quite difficult for a smaller child to navigate their way through the puzzle if they don't know exactly what they are looking for. Unfortunately, many of the hidden picture style books out there require the reader to be able to read the name of what it is they are looking for and then search for the item without any real direction. This is great if the child is on the older end of the spectrum (6-7), but for younger kids it can pose too difficult a challenge and become a discouragement. With this Usborne version, however, the authors/publishers have taken all the guess work out of it by placing easy to read numbers, words, AND pictures of the items around the border of the picture. Children can easily determine how many of each object they are searching to locate, as well as exactly what that item will look like.

My daughter is able to do the regular hidden picture style books quite well with practice, but this was a nice change for her because she really didn't need to have me standing over her to help. That's not to say we didn't do any of the puzzles together, quite the contrary. It is to say though that this book was able to sufficiently provide entertainment and brain stimulation for my five year old, and she was able to do it all on her own when she wanted. Lots of fun!

This book would definitely be at the top of my list as far as favorites in the genre/style go. It certainly is one I would love to add to our collection.

OUR RATING: 5 Hearts

Ladybug Girl by David Soman and Jacky Davis

Ladybug Girl by David Soman and Jacky Davis
Geared Towards: Ages 4-8
Published By: Dial Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: March 2008
ISBN-13: 978-0803731950

This was a book that grabbed my attention the minute I first set eyes on it sitting on the library shelf. The colors are bold and the cover art inviting. I didn't even know what the book was about, but I knew I just had to get it for my five year old daughter.

I'm so glad I did.

Ladybug Girl is a little girl, probably 4-6 years old, with nothing but time on her hands. Mommy and daddy have work to be done, her big brother is playing baseball with friends, and Ladybug Girl has to find something to do to occupy herself. Dressed in her favorite red and black ladybug costume, hence the nickname, Ladybug Girl and her dog, Bingo, set out to find adventure in their own back yard. They save ants, puddle jump, make a fort, and more. Through it all Ladybug Girl shows that just because you're little it doesn't mean you can't have just as much fun as the bigger kids do.

This book was truly a delight to read. The story was cute, and carried with it an inspirational message. Size doesn't count for everything, and you're only as small as you feel. I think this message will be one many kids will be able to benefit from and enjoy.

Additionally, the illustrations were beautiful, eye catching, and detailed. You could really get a sense of what Ladybug Girl was feeling/thinking just by looking at the expressions portrayed on her face.

Then, lastly, there's the matter of the text. The font itself was quirky and fun. And to top it off, the authors chose to emphasis the name "Ladybug Girl" in the text with a bright red color. Not only does this make the text pop, but it engages the reader on a whole new level.

In short, my five year old totally loved it. My two year old really liked the illustrations. And I thought it to be a very clever and enjoyable read to be sure.

OUR RATING: 5 HEARTS

Introduction

Hi! My name is Rebekah, and I am a bookworm. I'm not just any bookworm, however; I am a bookworm mommy. That's right. I've taken my immense love for books, and I have begun cultivating it in my two little girls (ages 2 & 5). Before either of them was born I read to them in utero hoping that by sharing my literary love with them at such a conceptual time they too would come in to the world with an ear, eye, mind, and heart for books. Guess what? It worked!

From time my older daughter was born she was both fixated with and surrounded by books. Infact, we have pictures of her lying on her back at 6mos old totally engrossed in a board book. She participated in her very first library reading program when she was 10mos old (Yes, that's right. She's even got the medal and certificate to prove it. LOL As long as the parent was able to read to the child and documents the books, there was no restriction on start age.), and again every year since. She began teaching herself to read when she was two, though it was just small words here and there. By three she was making more progress, and by four she was reading like a pro and devouring the Pre-K, Level 1, and some Level 2 readers. She didn't go to daycare or to preschool, so I had the great opportunity to work with her on a daily basis to continue to encourage and inspire her love of books. Now at age five, Joey is in the top percent of her kindergarten class (though she's one of the youngest) because her ability to read and comprehend so vastly exceeds that of the other kids in her class. Currently her teacher is actually having her tested to be moved in to an accellerated reading program. Yay! So, yes, in short, my daughter Joey loves to read.

My younger daughter, Jocelyn, will be celebrating her 3rd birthday at the end of next month, and I'm proud to say that she is quickly following in her sister's footsteps. She didn't end up really attaching herself to books at quite as early an age as her sister did, but once she got there she hasn't been able to get enough either. She, like her sister did at this age, has already been pointing out and reading some words here and there, but she still has a long way to go ahead of her. That's okay though because there's no law that says she has to have it all down pat yet. She's still little, and it's just a joy to see her developing in to her own little person and to watch her own personal interests and talents grow. I have no doubts that she too will be reading well before the majority of her peers, but even if that doesn't happen I'm not going to worry about it. She's already showing such a great love for books. (This year she completed her third Summer reading program at the library- with mommy's and daddy's help reading and documenting, of course.)

Since books seem to be such a big part of our lives, I decided that it might be fun to start a review blog just for kid's books. I'd also love to start my own blog/site for reviews and discussions on the books filling my own nightstand. For now though, I'll start with this, and see where it takes me.

To anyone who should happen by, I hope you'll like what you see. You will have to forgive me though if everything isn't 100% up to par. I'm a novice at blogging. Some of you may recognize me from Simply Romance Reviews where I'm a reviewer and where I currently help admin the blog. That though doesn't consist of coming up with the posts myself. Rather I simply post the blogs of the guest authors who join us. That's pretty easy cause the authors have already done all the hard work by the time the post gets to me. I just proof the post, add in any links and/or visual stimulation, and that's it. LOL

So, yah, it might take me just a bit to get everything together and looking pretty here, but it will happen. I figure with all the books my daughters and I read together daily (We check out 30-50 weekly from the library.) I should be able to come up with some good recommendations, suggestions, reviews, previews, etc. I hope so anyways! =)