Because I heard we had a few new damaged copies of books I looked on the shelf at work that housed them. Because I looked at the at shelf, I found several books I thought might be interesting to read. And one of those books that was there was because Shawn Byous wrote a book. And it was also there because the store was able to buy it for its selves. But because it was damaged, it was there to be read by me. And because I read Because I Stubbed My Toe, I can now tell you about the cleverness of the connection’s in this picture book that are fun but not everyone’s cone of ice cream.
Because I Stubbed My Toe is a take on The House that Jack Built. A kid stubs his toe, that leads to an event that leads to another event that keeps the chain going until it comes all the way back to the original owner of said stubbed toe. Everything is obvious, basic and cute. It is a fun story that you know. You know how it will (most likely) end. You know that the text will be simple but friendly. It can be a read aloud or solo read. Will it become a classic? Probably not, but it will be a loved memory of a book read and enjoyed as a child.
The artwork is not going to be for everyone. The cover is what you will see in the book. There are colors, the cartoon-like images and detail as needed. Of course, the interior does have a little more detail, but is not crowded. The story is told obviously by the text, but you can still tell it via the illustrations. Ages five and up are probably the best ages for the reader/listener.
(images not mine, but from web)