Once Upon A Time there was a girl who read picture books. A lot of picture books. And because they were different styles she knew that not all books would be a home-run for her. Sadly, these four books fell into that category. Yet, there was something about each one she knew someone would enjoy. Therefore, that made her want to share them with you, her adoring reading public. These four books are from a late night reading marathon that came from wanting to read something, but nothing too heavy. Each one is unique, but could be loved by anyone. Yet, they will not be to everyone’s tastes. Some sweet. Some a little sour. Others a little bit of both.
Bear Needs Help by Sarah S. Brannen has a cute ending. What you think is going to happen, probably does not. I liked that the ending was not as predictable as first thought. But there was nothing for me until then. A Polar Bear wants help, but no one will give it to them, because they are all scared of them. What is a poor bear to do? I only finished because the story is super short, and I wanted to see who would help. This would be an adorable board book. Gift this to a new baby or a first birthday. The other plus was the illustrations. While, they are simply drawn, there is a specific charm to them.
This Little Piggy by James Serafino was a book that reminded me of Llama Destroys the World in attitude and pacing. And if you have read my review of Llama, you know that it was not one my favorite books that I read this year. I missed the point of This Little Piggy. If there is a moral, I missed that, too. Perhaps one could liken the feeling of the story to “there was an old lady who swallowed a fly” kind of humor with those kinds of silly antics or even the pace of the story itself. The illustrations are almost abstract and a slightly more detailed version of the illustrations in the No David series by David Shannon.
Busy Babies by Amy Schwartz would have been more enjoyable if it had been in a board book format. Busy Babies was just too simple and cutesie for me; perfect for the board book size. If you like books like Everywhere Babies by Susan Meyers, this is the perfect companion. It has that classic feel, sweet story where “all is good” and knowing that nothing bad could ever happen. The right reader (adult or toddler) will love this book. It is just not going to be for the type of people who like a little edge to their stories, even if they are in a picture book. The art is very basic, but the colors are popping off the page!
What do you think of when you hear: What the Ladybug Heard at the Zoo? I am not sure what Julia Donaldson thought, but she created a story with mystery, mayhem and royal corgis. Lydia Monks has cute, happy, bright, get moving illustrations. Those corgis are snuggling worthy! Donaldson’s and Monk’s ladybug flies around the zoo, learning of a plot to steal the Queens crown. Ladybug and the zoo animals make a plan that makes a monkey out of some thieves! While I adore Donaldson’s works, such as Room on the Broom, this time this was flat. Most likely it’s due to the fact, this book is aimed at a younger crowd, while I wanted more to the story.