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(2)
K-3
Young listeners and readers may identify more with playdate first-timer Ultrabot than with its child playmate--neighbor Becky Tingle, who's seemingly unfazed by visiting a professor's barn-sized robot. Playdate veteran Becky models positive social behavior, putting shy, unsure host Ultrabot at ease. What Schneider's understated text doesn't say, his intriguing, meticulous, and detail-rich mixed-media illustrations fill in. Storytime audiences will want to revisit the illustrations for their comical juxtapositions.
Reviewer: Kitty Flynn
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
July, 2019
32 pp.
| Clarion
| June, 2017
|
TradeISBN 978-0-544-80125-7$16.99
(3)
K-3
Watercolor and detailed pen-and-ink lines combine to showcase big brother Jimmy using his imagination to turn caring for his sibling into an epic adventure. Fighting "the Blob" (his little sister) and her "stink-containment unit" (diaper) with the help of a "howl neutralizer" (pacifier) is something only "Kid Amazing" can do. A comedic take on toddler siblings and their unique challenges.
32 pp.
| Clarion
| April, 2015
|
TradeISBN 978-0-544-33924-8$16.99
(3)
K-3
In this rhyming tale, a boy in striped pajamas finds increasingly clever ways to avoid going to sleep. Everyone and everything goes to bed, but Fred has a long to-do list, which includes practicing karate and breaking the world record for shouting. Humorous cartoon drawings portray Fred's shenanigans until he finally gives in and falls asleep with thumb in mouth.
32 pp.
| Clarion
| April, 2014
|
TradeISBN 978-0-544-14228-2$16.99
(3)
K-3
Amelia's jealous dog hates Amelia's beloved princess doll. Following "an accident" (read: the dog destroys the doll), Amelia rebuilds Princess Sparkle-Heart, but readers don't see until book's end that it now resembles a dog-repelling Raggedy Ann–like horror-movie creation. Schneider plays it perfectly: Amelia is mellow throughout, and he never tips his hand regarding her sinister side. The droll art is pleasantly sparkle-light.
32 pp.
| Clarion
| October, 2013
|
TradeISBN 978-0-544-00270-8$16.99
(2)
PS
Young Arnold is concerned that an under-the-bed monster will bite off his toes. The toe biter has its own worries: "I'm scared of the horrible tooth gnasher." Monster after monster gets under the covers with Arnold, until one of them mentions the scariest monster of all: the Arnold. The funny monster names and the sight of the monsters crowded into Arnold's bed will appeal to scaredycats.
Reviewer: Susan Dove Lempke
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
November, 2013
48 pp.
| Clarion
| May, 2013
|
TradeISBN 978-0-547-83814-4$14.99
(4)
1-3
Dana, a show-off and a bully, receives a white elephant for her birthday--literally and figuratively. At first she's thrilled, but as she struggles to take care of her pet she falls victim to a bully and begins feeling empathy for others. The illustrations ably support the short text, but overall the message in this chapter book for newly independent readers is rather confusing.
48 pp.
| Clarion
| May, 2011
|
TradeISBN 978-0-547-14956-1$14.99
(3)
1-3
Picky little boy James doesn't want any "disgusting broccoli" or "smelly lasagna"; okay, offers his sly father, how about some dirt or pre-chewed gum? When James turns up his nose at "repulsive milk," Dad explains, tongue-in-cheek, what fun it will be to have "nice soft bones." Watercolor, pen-and-ink, and colored-pencil illustrations with plenty of white space display the imaginative scenarios.
32 pp.
| Clarion
| September, 2007
|
TradeISBN 978-0-618-81932-4$15.00
(3)
K-3
Though her parents tell her not to hit her little brother or "you'll be sorry," mouse Samantha goes right ahead anyway. She's finally moved to apologize--not only because his tears flood the entire neighborhood ("That night, they slept in the rowboat") but because of his sorrowful expression. The watercolor and pen-and-ink illustrations include many droll details and are occasionally heart-tugging.