What Moms Can't Do

What Moms Can't Do

 

Wood, D. (2001). What Moms Can’t Do. Cushman, D. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster for Young Readers. 

Genre: Children’s Picture Storybook

A young dinosaur child explains all the things that moms can’t do. For example, moms have trouble keeping things clean and sometimes they can’t hear themselves think. (Sound about right, moms?) The humor in these statements is the corresponding illustrations in which the young dinosaur is throwing his clothes, making a mess, and blasting his radio in the car. As funny as these statements might be, some of the book’s points are very heartfelt. Wood and Cushman send an overall message that moms love their children and do many things to care for them throughout the day.  

Reaction: The book is very touching, the only criticism I have is that the book might be more meaningful for children if the illustrations depicted an actual family instead of dinosaur characters.

Edwurd Fudwupper Fibbed Big

"Edwurd Fudwupper Fibbed Big"

 Breathed, B. (2000). Edwurd Fudwupper fibbed big. Boston, MA: A Storyopolis Book (Little, Brown and Company).

Genre: Children’s Picture Storybook

Fannie Fudwupper is the younger sister of Edwurd, the most “higher upper” liar from a long line of liars. Edwurd lies to Mabel Dill and the neighborhood kids but saves his biggest fib for his parents. For some sisters that would be enough to cause some resentment and strain but poor Fannie is not bothered by her brother’s humdingers—she just wants his love and attention. But Edwurd does not even notice her…

Meanwhile, Edwurd’s fib is spreading like wildfire. It demands attention from the army, air force, dogcatcher…and gigantic space alien. Yep, you read that right. A gigantic space alien. Will anyone come to Edwurd’s rescue? Read to find out!

Reaction: So, before I can even share my thoughts and reactions to the book, I must point out the author’s note located in the front endpapers:

“The author wishes to thank President Bill Clinton, without whose daily inspiration this particular story just plain wouldn’t have come to mind.”

This made me giggle…for reasons better left to the imagination. Sadly, a great number of political figures could be inserted in the place of our former president.

Okay, okay, time for the actual review.

Berkeley Breathed is an incredible illustrator and his writing is just as grand. Edwurd Fudwupper Fibbed Big is written in verse that flows well for a read aloud. What does that mean? Breathed’s writing is written so smoothly that expression comes naturally for the reader. Example:  

“They were cruising by Earth,

Looking down from above…

When they spotted Mom’s pig

And fell deeply in love.”

Try reading that with no expression. It will be tough because it is written so brilliantly, it demands expression. This is ideal for reading a story aloud to children or as Breathed brought to our attention, even adults can stand to hear a story about the repercussions of lying.

The illustrations are not to be outdone by Edwurd’s whoppers. Breathed has won the Pulitzer’s Prize for his cartoons and comics and he brings the same level of quality to the artwork of this picture book and others (see my review of Breathed’s Mars Needs Moms! here.) The illustrations are an enticing combination of both cartoon features and watercolor backdrops and coloring. My favorite illustration spread depicts the before mentioned gigantic space alien standing on his space cruiser shouting at Earth in his pajamas with a fly swatter in his hand. My description does not do Breathed’s art justice; you have to experience his work to fully appreciate it. Check it out!

Stay connected:Randie

Blog Updates!

Hello!

Wowzers! So much has been happening in the past few days! Here's a quick update:

1. STAY CONNECTED! I have added buttons, links, and widgets to help you better connect through the site or tool that works for you! Google friend connect, blogger's reader, twitter, goodreads, facebook, pinterest, bloglovin', blogHer, email, and RSS feeds.  Please view the blog's left side and footer for access to those buttons, links, and widgets. *If I am missing a connection tool you like/use, let me know!

2. REQUESTS! I am amazed by the reach out from authors, in regards to review requests and interest in interviews. The blog's first author interview will be next Friday! And there will be more quickly following, so check back often! I cannot wait to share their perspectives with you!

3. INDIE AUTHORS! I will admit that while I am an avid reader, I have not been exposed to many Indie authors or really understood their whole world/process. That is changing! I am looking forward to reading the Indie books I have received and delving into this new arena...I will be sharing my thoughts along the way. Stay tuned.

4. BLOG TOURS! I am still learning about what this entails but it means authors with NEW books will be featured on a series of blogs sharing interviews, books, giveaways, etc. I am still making connections but this will be happening soon too!

5. MOTHER'S DAY! I have a fun post planned in honor of Mother's Day tomorrow!

BTW...here is the book I am currently reading, review to come!

In Our Mothers' House

Polacco, P. (2009). In our mothers’ house. New York, NY: Philomel Books.

Genre: Children’s Picture Storybook 

Polacco stepped aside from her usual books based on personal experiences and heritage to write a book for children and families that she has met in schools, at speaking engagements, etc. In Our Mothers’ House is the story of three adopted children and the love and devotion they received from their two mothers in their mothers' house. Polacco’s story highlights the love of this family but also showcases some of the challenges and discrimination that “non-traditional” families face. 

I particularly enjoyed the scenes in which the mothers sewed the children’s homemade Halloween costumes and dresses for a special tea. Despite all the love and support the two mothers offered their children, there was one mother in the neighborhood that was not accepting of their non-traditional family and it is beyond sad that these children had to deal with the hateful confrontation of this cold, bitter woman in such a public manner. Fortunately, Marmee and Meema were loving individuals and they did not let the hateful comments of one person impact the love in their hearts. I admire their strength and respectful response to hatred. 

The book follows the three children into their adult lives. Sharing their marriages at their mothers' house, capturing the first steps of their own children at their mothers' house, and coming together for family events/gatherings after their mothers have passed...this story is remarkably touching and  brought tears to my eyes.

Beautiful, beautiful story of unconditional love. Polacco at her finest!

Boy + Bot

Dyckman, A. (2012). Boy and bot. Yaccarino, D. New York, NY: Random House Children’s Books.

Genre: Children’s Picture Storybook

Dyckman shares a story of two unlikely friends: a young boy and a bot. Their friendship begins when boy finds bot out in the woods and brings him home. They have all kinds of fun—until bot stops working. Boy takes on the role of “mother hen” and tries to cure his sick (reading stories, applesauce) bot but nothing works. A disappointed boy falls asleep. When bot regains power and wakes to a seemingly broken boy, he performs his bot version of home remedies (reading instructions, oil) but nothing works. So, bot decides to take boy to his home. What will bot’s inventor do? Read to find out!

My wild thing’s review: "Funny. I liked it when the bot put oil in his ear. (Laughs). I also liked the applesauce on bot's face. It has good details and organization. And it has a funny voice. And I liked it when the boy tucked the bot into bed. I liked the good coloring that goes with the words. And the author has good writing. The pictures were written good too."

My response: I concur with my son but would also point out the significant role of the inventor. Parents will appreciate his contribution to the story.

Fever

DeStefano, L. (2012). Fever: The chemical garden #2. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.

Genre: Dystopian Fiction, Young Adult

Fever, is a continuation of Wither (see my review of Wither here). In this novel, Rhine and Gabriel escape from Vaughn and embark on a journey to find Rowan. The journey is rocky from the very beginning and each new obstacle is like a huge boulder determined to hold them back from achieving their goal. 

Reaction: Rhine has certainly grown as a person and as a character…and it is evident that DeStefano’s writing has improved also. After reading Wither, I would never have thought Rhine had the strength and depth to accomplish everything she did in this book. She’s not as dependent on others as it seems. Rhine's relationships and interactions with the other characters were noticeably more meaningful in this book too. For me the highlight of this book was Maddie. Maddie is a young child, a brilliant child (possibly with autism) who sees life more clearly than the adults around her do. 

I hope to see Gabriel, Maddie, and Rowan in book three…I suppose Rhine should be on that list too.

Evermore

Noel, A. (2009). Evermore. New York, NY: St. Martin’s Griffin.

Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Young Adult

Evermore, is the first book in a series of six novels. Ever Bloom is the sole survivor of a tragic accident that took the lives of her parents, younger sister (Riley), and pet dog. In the process of losing everything she loved, Ever gained something…something powerful. She copes with this newly acquired power by trying to hide in sweatshirts and filling her ears with music…strategies that were kinda-sorta working until Damen comes along. He’s everything Ever has been missing but he is a mystery and he’s far from a savior—actually, he makes Ever’s life even more complicated.

Reaction: After finishing book two in this series, I was able to better appreciate some aspects of Evermore. Honestly, this book couldn’t stand alone because there wasn’t much growth or development but that was probably the intention of the author. Noel wants her readers to stick it out for the entire series.

Ever seems clueless to life sometimes. I suppose it is acceptable given the amount of loss, grief, and change she has gone through but it is frustrating as the reader. Ever did begin to grow and learn more about herself but I can only hope she will continue to become more aware of her surroundings as the series continues. 

Ever and Damen. They have a “love at first sight” kind of connection that is a tad bit unrealistic but it is maybe believable given the circumstances of the book’s plot. 

Miles and Riley were my favorite characters. Why? Because they were the most authentic and they both add humor to the heavy plot. I do not care for Haven at all. Noel might be doing some foreshadowing by better developing the minor characters now and coming back to them later in the series. Noel’s writing is simple yet descriptive, especially when it comes to Summerland and other settings. 

This is my first paranormal read. I have avoided the genre because I wanted no part in the “Twilight” bandwagon but I am drawn to this series because of the worlds, dimensions, and fantastical aspects...not necessarily for the characters or plot. I would recommend others to give this book a try.