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32 pp.
| Kane Press
| April, 2019
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-6359-2115-1$25.32
|
PaperISBN 978-1-6359-2116-8$5.99
|
EbookISBN 978-1-6359-2117-5
(4)
1-3
Makers Make It Work series.
Illustrated by
Barbara Bongini.
In each of these early-reader stories, the main character employs a makerspace skill--chemistry, rocketry, beekeeping, and sewing--to solve a problem. If the child's first effort fails, he or she persists to achieve success. The various illustrations (by different artists) are serviceable and the stories are fairly engaging, but kids will likely be more interested in the instructions for hands-on activities. Useful for early-elementary classrooms and makerspaces. Review covers these Makers Make It Work titles: Slime King, Rocket Rivals, The Broken Bees' Nest, and The Lost and Found Weekend.
32 pp.
| Candlewick
| July, 2017
|
TradeISBN 978-0-7636-8853-0$16.99
(3)
K-3
"Where did I put my glasses?...I'm usually GREAT at remembering things." Readers will quickly realize that this book's confident young rabbit narrator Barnaby is rather unreliable. The expressive digital illustrations expand upon Barnaby's own endearing cluelessness throughout, and the end twist will leave youngsters giggling: Barnaby not only goes to school on a Saturday, but he also forgets to wear pants!
32 pp.
| Dial
| July, 2016
|
TradeISBN 978-0-8037-4067-9$16.99
(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
Fred Blunt.
The most unreliable of narrators describes a knight's adventure by horse ("Then again... / he had no horse. / Did I say 'rode'? / He strode, of course"). At book's end, readers learn that the narrator, who fires off snappy rhymes throughout, is none other than the knight himself. The art offers a visual gag for every slapstick narrative bumble.
32 pp.
| Candlewick
| September, 2016
|
TradeISBN 978-0-7636-7312-3$14.99
(3)
PS
Fiona forgets that she's Felix's Birthday Elf at school, and instead of being honest, she makes up stories and blames others for the lack of cupcakes. Everything works out neatly, and the lessons about lying, friendship, and self-control are effectively conveyed through engaging dialogue and word choice. Colorful, friendly animals fill the pages, and the thought-balloon vignettes of Fiona's lies add humor.
57 pp.
| Hyperion
| May, 2016
|
TradeISBN 978-1-4231-7828-6$9.99
(2)
K-3
Elephant & Piggie Book series.
In this final entry, Piggie decides to thank everyone who has touched her life. ("Everyone?" says elephant Gerald, incredulous. "You will forget someone.") You think you know where this is going, and Piggie does forget to thank Gerald, who does humorously blow his top. However, a twist provides an ending that is sweet, silly, metafictive, and heartfelt--everything the series has been all along.
Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
September, 2016
32 pp.
| Little
| January, 2013
|
TradeISBN 978-0-316-18559-2$16.99
(4)
K-3
Illustrated by
Christine Davenier.
In this go-around, Gerry the self-described fairy princess (the illustrations attest otherwise) throws herself into creating homemade valentines for her classmates but realizes at school that she forgot to bring them. Although the authors produce a satisfying solution, they borrow too heavily from Fancy Nancy, right down to Gerry's effervescent voice. The pages swarm with hearts, emotion, and WORDS IN CAPITAL LETTERS.
32 pp.
| Boyds
| October, 2013
|
TradeISBN 978-1-59078-996-4$16.95
(3)
PS
Before going out, Goose tells Fox, "I'll be right back. Be sure to tell Bear." But Fox is so busy playing, she forgets to relay the message, leaving Bear to wait and wonder. Readers will likely empathize with both Bear and Fox in this accessible, sparely written story. Rendered in pastels, the textured, eye-catching illustrations readily convey (delightfully fuzzy) Bear's anxiety.
32 pp.
| Holiday
| January, 2013
|
TradeISBN 978-0-8234-2405-4$16.95
(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
Stephen Gammell.
The Frazzle family members can't remember sunscreen, grocery lists, or pants. Aunt Rosemary comes to the rescue, but her many organizational efforts fail. The Frazzles eventually discover they can remember anything if they put it in a song. Gammell's frenetic illustrations perfectly express the Frazzle family's frazzled world. The happy ending leaves the whole family celebrating Rosemary's birthday--which they remembered.
32 pp.
| Andrews
| June, 2011
|
TradeISBN 978-1-4494-0306-5$14.99
(4)
K-3
Farley the dog searches for his long-ago buried bone in the flower bed, under a train set, in the sandbox, and in a fort, succeeding only in making his human family mad. When he slinks off to his "Special Place" to escape their ire, he remembers where the bone is. The text is plodding, but goofy Farley's predictable antics liven up the energetic illustrations.
32 pp.
| Viking
| May, 2008
|
TradeISBN 978-0-670-06142-6$13.99
(4)
K-3
Viking Easy-to-Read series.
Illustrated by
Susanna Natti.
When Cam, best pal Eric, and Cam's father arrive at the airport to greet Aunt Molly, they discover that the sleepy traveler has misplaced her shoes. Cam, as always, uses her photographic memory to solve the puzzle; her fans won't be far behind, thanks to Adler's not-too-difficult clues. Short sentences, gentle humor, and bright illustrations make for an accessible (albeit boilerplate) mystery.
32 pp.
| Houghton
| January, 2008
|
TradeISBN 978-0-618-75506-6$6.95 New ed. (2004)
(3)
PS
Dunrea's stories about baby geese and their small, amusing adventures make perfect board books. BooBoo eats everything--until she eats a soap bubble; Peedie forgets everything--except where his lucky red baseball cap is. The brief, rhythmic texts and spare but detail-filled illustrations humorously convey the lovable foibles of these toddlerlike goslings. Review covers these titles: BooBoo and Peedie.
90 pp.
| Farrar
| March, 2007
|
TradeISBN 978-0-374-30657-1$16.00
(2)
4-6
Illustrated by
R. W. Alley.
Riley O'Rourke may be forgetful, but he knows what he wants more than anything: to play the saxophone. Unfortunately, the rental fee is more than his single mom can handle. While researching Teddy Roosevelt, Riley is inspired by the president's life, which ends up providing the answer. Bully for Mills for writing a timely, comfortable school story filled with likable fourth graders.
Reviewer: Robin L. Smith
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
March, 2007
32 pp.
| Harcourt
| May, 2005
|
TradeISBN 0-15-216490-1$16.00
(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
Nadine Bernard Westcott.
After umpteen haphazard return trips home to retrieve forgotten items, a family of seven finally makes it to the beach--just as a storm hits. Short lines of rhymed text let the hilarity unfold as the saga grows increasingly preposterous. Lively illustrations capture the silly fun and the frenetic pace of a good day gone bad, then good again.
40 pp.
| Dutton
| February, 2005
|
TradeISBN 0-525-47355-6$16.99
(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
Thor Wickstrom.
On Pajama Day everyone arrives in PJs--everyone except Drew A. Blank, who always forgets things. Not wanting to be "the odd man out," he rummages and stirs and clips until he ingeniously improvises all the things he has forgotten, including his snack and pillow. Once again Mrs. Shepherd's class provides a welcome comical look (assisted by Wickstrom's cartoony illustrations) at our foibles.
32 pp.
| Houghton
| August, 2004
|
TradeISBN 0-618-35652-5$9.95
(3)
PS
Like Dunrea's previous gosling books (Gossie & Gertie, etc.), each of these small, square offerings follows a baby goose on a small, amusing adventure. BooBoo eats everything, until she eats a soap bubble; Peedie forgets everything, except where his lucky red baseball cap is. The brief, rhythmic texts and spare but detail-filled illustrations humorously convey the lovable foibles of these toddlerlike goslings. Review covers these titles: BooBoo and Peedie.
40 pp.
| Holt
| September, 2004
|
TradeISBN 0-8050-6785-X$16.95
(4)
K-3
Illustrated by
Ted Rand.
In 1915, when the song "Danny Boy" first comes out, Grandpa Danny and Kathleen sing it together when she visits. As time passes, Grandpa's mind becomes "shadowy," and he moves in with Kathleen's family. Still, Kathleen connects with him through their song. The quiet language, echoing the words of "Danny Boy," and the expressive illustrations make this a touching if sentimental story.
32 pp.
| Dial
| January, 2004
|
TradeISBN 0-8037-2920-0$$15.99
(3)
PS
Illustrated by
Anna Currey.
When Billy dawdles one morning, he and Mama are late for nursery school; in her hurry, Mama rushes off to work without giving Billy his toy rabbit or telling him that she loves him. The happy resolution is sweet without being saccharine, and both text and illustrations--loose but effectively composed color washes--capture the stresses and joys of preschool life.
32 pp.
| Viking
| May, 2003
|
TradeISBN 0-670-03626-9$$13.99
(3)
K-3
Viking Easy-to-Read series.
Illustrated by
Susanna Natti.
When Eric misplaces his permission slip for the class trip, it looks as if he'll be spending the day at school rather than at the zoo--that is, until Cam Jansen puts her detective skills to work. Each page of this simple yet satisfying story is reinforced with an illustration, making it a good choice for beginning readers, many of whom will relate to the anxiety-provoking experience of losing something vital.
32 pp.
| Doubleday
| January, 2001
|
TradeISBN 0-385-32797-8$$15.95
(3)
PS
In spite of her love for her stuffed animal, Lily frequently loses him. When she announces they'll be going to the seashore the next day, Blue Kangaroo takes matters into his own hands to insure that Lily won't lose him again. Appealing watercolor illustrations provide clues to Blue Kangaroo's whereabouts when Lily forgets him. This story is sure to strike a chord with many youngsters.
32 pp.
| Putnam
| September, 1999
|
TradeISBN 0-399-23149-8$$15.99
(4)
K-3
Illustrated by
Kathy Osborn.
It's a day when everyone forgets everything--backpacks, puppy feeding, peas cooking on the stove. The illustrations contain lifeless-looking people positioned stiffly against brightly colored sets. However, the rhyming laundry list of forgotten tasks and items bounces along amiably enough.