Young Reader in the Making

Young Reader in the Making

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Book 78: How Do Dinosaurs Say I Love You?

How Do Dinosaurs Say I Love You?, written by Jane Yolen and illustrated by Mark Teague, Blue Sky Press 2009.   Toddler to Preschool

If you know anything about Jane Yolen's fantastic books for young adults, you might be surprised to see her name behind the wildly successful Dinosaur books for toddlers. Then again, maybe you wouldn't be. A well-written book is a well-written book, and Jane Yolen is a master at her craft.

Originally, I bought this book for my son because it appeared on the list of 100 Picture Books put out by the South Carolina State Library. I am familiar with most of the books on the list, having been a children's librarian until fairly recently, and then continuing to follow newly released books through the library, and I'm not crazy about all of them, so I won't be investing in all of them. The Dinosaur book, however, seemed like a safe bet. Even though I didn't know this particular book, I knew enough of the series to think that my son would like it. And I was right.

So far, of all the Dinosaur books I've read, this one is my favorite. When a book starts out "You woke up this morning is such a bad mood", it is pretty easy for me to connect the dinosaurs in the book with my toddler. And, more importantly, it is also pretty easy for my toddler to see a good deal of himself in the dinosaurs.

And do we read it often? Oh, yeah. We've only had this book for about two weeks and already I have the text memorized.



*For reviews on books to borrow, see Louise's Blog in Blogs I Follow

Sunday, June 12, 2011

Addendum -- Book 39: The Cat Came Back

The Cat Came Back, by Fred Penner, illustrated by Renee Reichert. Roaring Books Press, 2005.  (Preschool/Elementary)

I shattered my leg about three weeks ago, and I live in a two-story house. So, for the past three weeks, I've been living in the first floor of the house. Most of my son's books are upstairs in his room. We brought a few books downstairs so that I could do the bedtime stories with my husband for my son. The Cat Came Back was one of the books my SON brought downstairs.

When I reviewed this book in May of last year, I gave you my opinion. I re-read the review today, and, while I agree with what I wrote, I didn't nearly do this book justice.

Right now, this book is my son's absolute favorite book, even when his daddy sings the song. From repeated readings/singings, he's learned the words at the end of every line. It is hilarious to hear him say "give the cat the boot" and "run amuck", and the "ho, ho, ho" spurts out at the most inopportune (but funny) times, like when the lady tried to cut in front of my husband and son in the grocery store line. But funniest of all must be when he says the lines in the final verse, "crash", "meow" and "roar". This child is a born actor.

So my two-and-a-half year old highly recommends this book for all toddlers.


The Cat Came Back


For reviews on books to borrow, please see Louise's Blog in Blogs I Follow.