An Artist’s Alphabet

An Artist’s Alphabet

Norman Messenger
Candlewick Studio, 2016

From the dust jacket, “See how the shape of each letter is transformed into an extraordinary object in this ingenious and intriguing alphabet by Norman Messenger, the creator of Imagine and The Land of Neverbelieve.”

What an extraordinary book! This isn’t your average alphabet book – for instance, A does not stand for apple, C for cat or Q for queen. In the artist’s interpretation, A is a pair of circus performers, C is a line of waves, and Q is a group snakes. Not only are the subjects unusual, the colors are as well. No primary colors here – they’re all muted and earthy-toned. Very subtle, but very beautiful. We are adding this book to our list of must-haves! There are tons of inspiration within its covers and we guarantee you’ll be excited when you read this book.

Rating 5 out of 5 because it’s so gorgeous and awesome!!

Reviewer:

Simon

The Library Book

The Library Book

Tom Chapin and Michael Mark
Illustrated by Chuck Groenink
Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2017

From the dust jacket, “The rain is pouring, Dad is snoring, and the same old stuff is on TV-boring. What is there to do today? Go to the library, of course! Who will we find there?

“Charmingly illustrated and based on the catchy “Library Song” by Tom Chapin and Michael Mark, here is an affectionate, exuberant, uproarious celebration of – SHHHH! – libraries!”

Any book about libraries, we, here at the LoC absolutely love!! In this book a young girl goes to the library and meets all sorts of friends there while she decides who to take home. It starts first with Winnie the Pooh but then Madeline wants to go home with her. Then The Cat in the Hat, Pinocchio, the Cheshire Cat, Babar and Cinderella all join in clamoring to go home with her. Suddenly more and more books are shouting “Take me home!” Which one will she take? We won’t tell!

Rating 5 out of 5 paws because any book that champions libraries and reading is the best kind of book!!!!

Reviewer:

Simon

I Am a Cat

I am a Cat

Galia Bernstein
Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2017

From the dust jacket, “Simon thinks he’s a cat. But Lion, Cheetah, Puma, Panther and Tiger disagree. Can Simon convince the big cats that they are all more alike than they seem?”

I love reading books when the main character is named after me! Well, at least we share the same name! Anyway, for every reason the big cats give for why Simon is not a cat, Simon just takes it all in and in the end, he challenges what they believe. My favorite part is in the beginning when Simon says, “I am a Cat” and at first, the big cats just stare at him, and then they burst out laughing wildly. So funny! Your kittens will just love this book! And maybe they’ll get the subtle lesson that while we are different on the outside, we are really all the same on the inside!!!

Rating 5 out of 5 paws – Simon is just too adorable not to rate a 5!

Reviewer:

Simon!

Peek-a-Boo You!

Peek-a-Boo You!

Jane Cabrera
Little Bee Books, a division of Bonnier Publishing, 2016

From the back of the book, “Peek-a-boo baby, peek-a-boo you! Kitty’s playing peek-a-boo, why don’t you play, too? Join in the fun with curious Kitty and see who’s hiding behind the cut-out holes.”

For the youngest of kittens, this book is absolutely adorable. What a great shower or first birthday gift to a queen and her kittens! The story is told with simple, rhyming words and sweet painted drawings about a Kitty that plays peek-a-boo with a toddler.

The beautiful kitty on the cover is what attracted me to this picture book – and I wasn’t disappointed. You know how I love a beautiful cat book!! This is a lovely first book to introduce kittens to storytelling and reading. And even if at first they don’t understand the words, they will enjoy looking at the kitty and toddler on each page.

Rating 4 out of 5 paws because it’s a heart-warmer story with a lovely cat on almost every page.

Reviewer:

Simon

 

Lola Gets a Cat

Lola Gets a Cat

Anna McQuinn
Illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw
Charlesbridge, 2017

From the dust jacket: “Lola really wants a cat. But Mommy says pets are a lot of work. Lola is eager to find out more.
“She reads all about cats at the library. She takes extra good care of her stuffed cat toys. When Lola finally gets to adopt a cat of her own, she knows just what to do.”

Awwwww – this book is very Awwwww worthy! If you’re a human and your kitten, er, child wants a cat, this is a book to read. It shows exactly how it should happen. Read, practice, adopt!!!

Lola is so adorable with all her cat paraphernalia in her room (she reminds me of mom and her cat stuff!). We ABSOLUTELY LOVE that Lola’s mom takes her to the LIBRARY to find out more information. Books are way better than Googling it! Then she puts in to practice what she’s read – never were stuffed kitties so well fed! Then it’s time and off to the shelter they go – another thing we ABSOLUTELY LOVE! – to find the right kitty. Kitty is finally brought home and learns how much Lola loves her.

Thinking of adopting one of us regal creatures to grace your home? Read this ‘how-to’ book first! You won’t regret it.

Rating 5 out of 5 paws because there is nothing we don’t like about this story and has everything to love in it!!

Reviewer:

Simon