Year in Review: Top Twelve Board Books

FAVORITE BOARD BOOKS (in no particular order):

1. That's Me Loving You. Amy Krouse Rosenthal. Illustrated by Teagan White. 2018. [December] Random House. 28 pages. [Source: Review Copy] 
2. Board book: Where's Ellie? A Hide and Seek Book. Salina Yoon. 2012. Random House. 18 pages. [Source: Review copy]
3. Anne's Colors. Kelly Hill. 2018. 20 pages. [Source: Library]
4. Will Ladybug Hug? Hilary Leung. 2018. [October 30, 2018] Scholastic. 38 pages. [Source: Review copy] 
5. Alice in Wonderland (Lit for Little Hands). Lewis Carroll and Brooke Jordan. Illustrated by David Miles. 2018. 16 pages. [Source: Library]
6. Board book: Have You Seen My Lunch Box? Steve Light. 2017. Candlewick. 18 pages. [Source: Review copy]
7. Board book: I Love the Nutcracker: My First Sound Book. Marion Billet. 2018. Scholastic. 16 pages. [Source: Review copy]
8. I Love To Gobble You Up. Sandra Magsamen. 2018. Scholastic. 10 pages. [Source: Review copy]
9. Will Sheep Sleep? Hilary Leung. 2018. Scholastic. 40 pages. [Source: Review copy]
10. Will Bear Share? Hilary Leung. 2018. Scholastic. 40 pages. [Source: Review copy] 
11. I Love Classical Music: My First Sound Book. Marion Billet. 2019. Scholastic. [Source: Review copy]
12. You Are My Cupcake. Joyce Wan. 2011. Scholastic. 14 pages. [Source: Library]

© 2018 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Board book: I Love Classical Music

I Love Classical Music: My First Sound Book. Marion Billet. 2019. Scholastic. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The Turkish March. Watch the tigers move to the rhythm. Antonio Vivaldi. Spring from the Four Seasons. Look at the flowers and bugs spring to life!

Premise/plot: This board book "introduces" little ones to six selections of classical music from famous composers. The songs and artists included are as follows: Mozart's The Turkish March, Vivaldi's Spring, Strauss' The Radetzky March,  Schubert's The Trout Quintet, Tchaikovsky's Dance of the Mirlitons, and Paganini's The Campanella.

My thoughts: One of my favorite things about this one is that there is an off/on switch. Board books with batteries are tricky. On the one hand, they are usually fun. On the other hand, the batteries won't last all that long. The more beloved a book is, the quicker the battery dies. Then it is just SAD, SAD, super-sad. Little fingers can touch the 'buttons' on each spread to start and stop the music. Each song lasts under a minute.

© 2018 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Board book: The Three Little Pigs

The Three Little Pigs. Michael Robertson, illustrator. 2017. Scholastic. 7 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Once upon a time, there were three little pigs. When they were all grown up, they went off to build their own houses. "Beware of the Big Bad Wolf," Mama Pig warned as she kissed her piggies good-bye.

Premise/plot: What you should know about this book: a) it's a board book; b) it's in a novelty shape with a handle; c) there are FOUR finger puppets and a built-in stage for story retelling; d) the story is THE THREE LITTLE PIGS; e) It is not the traditional story.

My thoughts: I enjoy the story The Three Little Pigs. In fact, in college I even did an annotated bibliography of picture book adaptations. I called it a pigliography. This retelling is not traditional in several ways. No pigs are actually eaten. All three pigs are alive and doing well at the end of the story. That in and of itself doesn't make this one all that different from many retellings. But in most retellings, the wolf is punished in one way or another for trying to eat the three little pigs. Justice is served up somehow, someway. That isn't the case in this one: the three little pigs willingly OPEN up the door and extend FRIENDSHIP. The book ends with these words: "The wolf stood up and smiled with a grinny-grin-grin! The End....or is it?

I like that children (or adults) can retell the story using the built-in theatre and the finger puppets. It can be retold in any way, one doesn't have to stick to the version used in the book. The finger puppets themselves are adorable.

© 2017 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Board Book: Welcome A Mo Willems Guide for New Arrivals

Welcome: A Mo Willems Guide for New Arrivals. Mo Willems. 2017. 30 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Our research indicates this is YOU. Take a good look. How remarkable it is that you are you. You are a unique combination of LOVE + Time + Luck. I am lucky, too. I am lucky that you are here with me...while we read this book together.

Premise/plot: Mo Willems has a new picture book. It is for "new arrivals." It is written in the second person, presumably to your new baby. It celebrates reading books together among other things.

My thoughts: I asked for a second opinion on this one. My mom said, "what a disappointment! I expect more from a Mo Willems' book!" I concurred--which is why I went to her in the first place. I was very disappointed. Still, I want to talk about what this book is and isn't.

There is a mirror at the front and back of the book. Many books for babies feature mirrors. Babies do like to look at themselves...usually. So this could be a plus.

Also the cover is thicker and sturdier which may invite a certain amount of sucking and chewing. The pages themselves are not as sturdy or as thick as a traditional board book.

The text of the book is wordy. Or should I say verbose?! It is the sound of your voice reading anything, that babies enjoy, or so I've been told. So the fact that the book is text-heavy wouldn't have to be a deal breaker. Comprehension isn't the goal, right? Not at the 'new arrival' stage.

There is some repetition. Nine times we see the refrain, "while we read this book together." Repetition goes hand in hand with being a book for babies, toddlers, or preschoolers.

The book is all about being honest.

Please enjoy your stay. Many activities are available for you to enjoy, including, but not limited to: SLEEPING and WAKING, EATING and BURPING, POOPING and MORE POOPING. Other options are available upon request and will be updated on a regular basis. Of our current offerings, I can personally recommend your being right here with me...while we read this book together.

If you have further questions do not hesitate to CALL or FLAIL ABOUT or SCREAM LIKE A BANSHEE. Someone is standing by 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They will be with you as soon as possible. Right now I am here with you...while we read this book together.

Honesty is good.

Is the book truly for newborns? for very young babies? Or is the book written for new parents? Is the message really written for--directed to--new arrivals to this thing called parenting. If the "new arrivals" in question are actually the parents, then, I think it would make more sense!

Parents can establish the habit, the routine, of reading books aloud to their newborns. It is never too early to start reading aloud. One shouldn't worry if the baby can understand, comprehend, the text. As a bond-builder this one can more than suffice.

I guess what I found so disappointing were the illustrations. I just was not amused or impressed by the illustrations. I did not find them appealing. I found them dull, boring, uninspired.

Text: 4 out of 5
Illustrations: 1 out of 5
Total: 5 out of 10

© 2017 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Board book: So Many Feet

So Many Feet. Nichole Mara. Illustrated by Alexander Vidal. 2017. Abrams. 34 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: High Feet/ A mountain goat's toes/ help it climb and hold on to/ the smallest bit of rock. Slow Feet/ Giant tortoises move slowly,/ carrying their very heavy bodies/ on their small feet. Fast Feet/ An ostrich has two strong/ toes on each foot that help/ it run fast.

Premise plot: In all, readers are introduced to "High Feet" (mountain goat), "Slow Feet" (Giant tortoise), "Fast Feet" (ostrich), "Snow Feet" (polar bear), "Dancing Feet" (shovel-snouted lizard), "Jumping Feet" (kangaroo), "Hanging Feet" (sloth), "Thumping Feet" (elephant), "Wet Feet" (duck), "Glue Feet" (gecko), "Soft Feet" (tiger), "Blue Feet" (blue-footed booby), "Dirty Feet" (mole), "Scratchy Feet" (chicken), "Picky Feet" (butterfly) and "Snatchy Feet" (bat). Each two-page spread has an illustration of the animal and an animal fact. All facts are feet-related, of course. The book ends with asking readers, "What can your feet do?"

My thoughts: For anyone who loves animals and animal facts, this is a cute and informational board book for families. Some children--even young children--are super-super curious about the world around them. Some days it seems like they have way more questions than you have answers. This book is fact-filled. I honestly haven't been that curious about feet. But this one kept my interest.

© 2017 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Board Book: Charlie Rides

Board book: Charlie Rides. Bob Bianchini. 2017. Abrams. 20 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: This is Charlie and he loves to ride.......bikes with Dad when it's sunny outside, soapbox cars in a downhill race, a rocket ship to outer space,

Premise/plot: Charlie Rides: Planes, Trains, Bikes, & More is a board book about a father and son who enjoy spending time together riding. (The rocket ship to outerspace is an amusement park ride.) By the end of this one, readers learn what Charlie's favorite, favorite thing to ride is.

My thoughts: I really like this one. I'm not sure if there truly is an imbalance of representation between mothers in literature and fathers in literature, but, this one is certainly a good example of a father being there and being an important part of his family. It is also one of the funner transportation-themed books.

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

© 2017 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Tinyville Town: I'm A Librarian

Board book: Tinyville Town: I'm A Librarian. Brian Biggs. 2017. Abrams. 22 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: I'm very good at answering questions. People ask me all kinds of things. I like to help people get the information they need.

Premise/plot: This board book is essentially a day in the life of a librarian.

Quotes:

There's Owen. What's he looking for today? Books about elephants! The search is on! The elephant books are missing! Where could they be?

My thoughts: I really loved this one. It's simple but true. I love that the last image is of him reading in bed--he loves a good mystery. The last words are good too: "I'm a librarian."

© 2017 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Board book: Nighty-Night

Nighty-Night. Leslie Patricelli. 2017. Candlewick. 26 pages. [Source: Review copy; board book]

First sentence: Dinner is done. Bye-bye, sun. See you soon. Hello, moon!

Premise/plot: It is BABY's bedtime. Almost. Is this your typical bedtime routine book? Yes and no. It stars Leslie Patricelli's BABY. So it doesn't feel typical. It is DELIGHTFUL AND FUNNY. For anyone--of any age--who has spent time with this character, it's a must.

My thoughts: Board books CAN be great fun. Leslie Patricelli is GREAT at making board books fun for the entire family. The text itself is simple, and, the illustrations are bold and colorful. But the story is easy to relate to and genuinely amusing. (Loved the "bye-bye, pants" and the "naked dance" on the way to the tub.)

© 2017 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Board book: I'm Wild About You

I'm Wild About You. Sandra Magsamen. 2016. Scholastic. 10 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: I love the way you monkey around. I love the way you stomp up dand down! I love the way you waddle when you walk.

Premise/plot: An animal-themed board book for parents to read aloud to their little ones. The message from cover to cover is very sweet and affectionate. (Some readers might think it a little over the top with sweetness.)

My thoughts: I definitely like this one. It's for little ones--babies, toddlers--no doubt. I like the animals. I especially like the elephant!

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

© 2016 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Board book: Itsy-Bitsy I Love You!

Itsy-Bitsy I Love You! Sandra Magsamen. 2016. Scholastic. 10 pages. [Source: review copy]

First sentence: My itsy-bitsy spider climbed up to snuggle me. Down came my arms, we hugged so happily.

Premise/plot: This board book reworks the classic song "Itsy Bitsy Spider."

My thoughts: I liked this one. I did. This is definitely for little ones, and, not so much preschoolers. (Although if you have preschoolers and little ones, then both might enjoy it.) The illustrations are very bright and bold. The text is cute. You can still sing it as a song. This one begs to be acted out. (As did the original song!)

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

© 2016 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Board book: HAIR

Hair. Leslie Patricelli. 2017. Candlewick. 26 pages. [Source: Review copy; board book]

First sentence: I have a hair. I take care of my hair.

Premise/plot: If you're not familiar with Leslie Patricelli's board books--especially if you're a parent with littles--you need to be. The star of this one will be a familiar face to those who have loved--or LOVED, LOVED, LOVED her delightful series. In this one, the baby will be getting a hair cut. Literally one hair cut.

My thoughts: I adore Leslie Patricelli's books. I do. This BABY has long been beloved. So it is great fun for me to see the release of two new books this year. (The Other is Nighty-Night.)

Definitely recommended for families with toddlers.

© 2016 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Carry and Learn: Opposites

Board book: Carry and Learn: Opposites. Sarah Ward. 2016. Scholastic. 10 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence:
Chicken
UP and DOWN
Cluck like a chicken!

Premise/plot: Carry and Learn Opposites is a concept board book that can be used with little ones to illustrate ("teach") the concept of opposites. The opposites explored in this book are as follows:

• up and down
• in and out
• big and little
• over and under
• full and empty

Each page has something "interactive" for your little one to do. It may be "making" the chickens jump up and down. It might be "petting" a sheep. It might be making an animal sound. Not all pages are equally interactive and engaging.

My thoughts: I like it well enough. I like the series well enough. I think the pages are easy enough for little ones to turn themselves. 

© 2016 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Christmas at Last

Board book: Christmas At Last! Sam Hearn. Illustrated by Penny Dann. 2015. Scholastic. 16 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: It's Christmas at last, and outside it's snowing. The stockings are hanging. And the fire is glowing.

Premise/plot: Christmas at Last is told on stocking-shaped pages. Each page reveals what a particular bear received in his or her stocking. The bears in the family: Daddy Bear, Momma Bear, Bonnie Bear, Bobby Bear, and Baby Bear. At first the presents seem to make sense: a hat for Daddy Bear, a scarf for Momma Bear, a pair of mittens for Bobby Bear. But by the end of the book that has changed. The presents all turn out to be clues for a fun family activity. Will little readers--or adult readers--guess what's going on before the big reveal?

My thoughts: I liked it more than I thought it would. Why? Because it has more story to it than I initially thought. I liked the bears. I liked the cozy Christmas scenes. And I like that readers need to solve a mystery. That added a tiny bit of depth to the book, which is what Christmas stories even for the very young need, in my opinion. 

© 2015 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Jingle Bells

Board Book: Jingle Bells. James Lord Pierpont. Illustrated by Pauline Siewert. 2015. Candlewick. 14 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Jingle bells! Jingle bells! Jingle all the way! Oh, what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh.

Premise/plot: A board book adaptation of the familiar holiday song "Jingle Bells." The illustrations feature a family of bears going on a sleigh ride. Little ones can press the button and hear the song.

My thoughts: I enjoyed it. This family of bears is going on a sleigh ride. But on their sleigh ride they are joined by other animals: some squirrels, some badgers, some bunnies, a fox, an owl, etc. (The owl isn't the only bird making its way through the woods.) I loved the last illustration of all the animals gathered around a Christmas tree singing together as Santa in his sleigh passes by overhead. 

© 2015 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Jingle! Jingle!

Board Book: Jingle! Jingle! Sebastien Braun. 2015. Candlewick. 10 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Who's that by the sleigh? It's some hungry reindeer! Jingle! Jingle!

Premise/plot: Santa is delivering presents on Christmas Eve. This lift-the-flap book follows his journey. Along the way readers meet some hungry reindeer, a friendly polar bear, a jolly bird, an excited dog, and some happy children.

My thoughts: This board book is one in the Can You Say It, Too? series by Nosy Crow. If you've enjoyed other books in the series--or perhaps I should say if your little one has enjoyed previous books in the series--this one is a holiday-themed addition that should prove just as enjoyable. If the other books in the series haven't wowed you, then this one may not either. 

© 2015 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Counting Dogs

Board Book: Counting Dogs (StoryBox Book). Eric Barclay. 2015. Scholastic. 16 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: One squirrel. Two kangaroos. Three turtles.

Premise/plot: It is a counting book. Various animals are counted.

My thoughts: But is it one dog counting? Or all ten?! It looks like just one dog gets to go on a counting adventure! Or perhaps they take turns being the one dog that gets to count? Regardless the dog in question I would say is definitely curious. But not always depicted as happy and carefree. Sometimes the expression on his face looks doubtful, worried, unsure, alarmed, or even unhappy. (For example, when he's balancing on one leg like a flamingo over the water. He doesn't look happy. And is it a coincidence that the next page has him IN the water counting fish?)

Overall, I was disappointed with this one. Why? Well. The cover looks fun, joyful, inviting. And the story itself, well, it doesn't match that spirit. The front cover, the back cover, the first page, the last page--there is something appealing and joyous about the illustrations. It looks promising. Like it would be a really fun, can't-miss book.

Also: This one says 3 and up.

© 2015 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Are You My Mommy?

Board Book: Are You My Mommy? Mary Murphy. 2015. Candlewick. 16 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Are you my mommy? No, I'm a sheep. And...here's my lamb.

Premise/plot: A puppy is looking for his/her Mommy. The puppy is asking EVERYONE "Are you my Mommy?" Will the puppy find his/her Mommy? How many different animals will readers meet?

My thoughts: Are You My Mommy? is a flap book. I do like lift-the-flap books. Some better than others, of course. This is one of the better ones, in my opinion. One of the reasons why I do enjoy it is I really like the illustrations. The puppy is just adorable.

© 2015 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Are You My Mommy?

Board Book: Are You My Mommy? Joyce Wan. 2014 [December] Scholastic. 18 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Mommy! Mommy! Where is my mommy? Are you my mommy? No, I'm a chicken and my baby is a...chick!

Premise/plot: A baby bunny goes in search of his (or her) mommy. The search takes place on the farm, of course, and the bunny will encounter several different animals before finally finding MOMMY.

My thoughts: I like this one. I don't love, love, love it. But I like it. There is just something charming about Wan's illustrations. I like the die-cuts on the pages which provide some clues for little ones.

© 2015 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Peek-a-Boo Farm

Board Book: Peek-a-Boo Farm. Joyce Wan. 2015. Scholastic. 14 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: With a curly tail, I am pink and short. I play in the mud and go, "Oink, oink, snort." Guess who? Peek-a-boo! Pig

Premise/plot: Peek-a-Boo Farm is a board book for parents and caregivers to share with little ones. It is a companion book to Peek-a-Boo Zoo which I reviewed earlier in the year. Each spread reveals a riddle for little ones to solve. Can they guess--based on the rhyming clues--which animal is playing peek-a-boo? Flaps reveal the answer.

My thoughts: My favorite Joyce Wan title remains You Are My Cupcake. That title is probably my most favorite board book ever.  But Peek-a-Boo Farm is probably my second favorite title. I do enjoy her unique style of illustration. And the riddles are fun. Another title you might enjoy sharing with the little ones in your life: Pig-a-Boo! A Farmyard Peekaboo Book.

© 2015 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

I Love My Dinosaur

Board Book: I Love My Dinosaur. Caroline Jayne Church. 2015. Scholastic. 10 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Hi! I'm Patrick, and I love my dinosaur! 
So here's my little dino.
He's green with tiny teeth.
Scaly on his top side
And bumpy underneath.

Premise/plot: Readers meet a boy, Patrick, who loves his dinosaur. Through rhyme, he shares just why he loves his dinosaur so much.

My thoughts: Caroline Jayne Church's board books are best for young toddlers. The art is cute and precious-y. Some readers find that type of art irresistible. Others not so much. But you always know what to expect from Caroline Jayne Church.

© 2015 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews