Book 448: Return to Fern Valley

Return to Fern Valley, by Aileen Stewart, Tate Publishing, 2014.

Much like Mary Poppins, each chapter of this book is a complete story. And, much like Mary Poppins, this book is a perfect bridge between picture books and chapter books. And the line drawings that introduce each chapter are darling. 

I did have to edit a bit when I was reading this book to my six-year-old son. He really likes the stories and the characters, but I lost him sometimes in the descriptions and the thought processes. He is so close to reading this book on his own, and I imagine when he does, he will read every word. 

Book 447: Nugget & Fang

Nugget & Fang, by Tammi Sauer, illustrated by Michael Slack, Scholastic, 2015 (originally published in 2013).


There is a very important lesson in this funny and adorably illustrated book:  Friends don't eat friends.

OK, I'm just kidding -- that is not the real lesson.  The real lesson is about acceptance, understanding, and what it means to be a friend.

But, in case you are wondering, friends don't eat friends.

Book 446: Oliver

Oliver, by Syd Hoff, Random House, 1960.


I really can't stand concrete zoos or performing elephants in a circus, but, if I can get past that, I like the book.

Oliver the elephant is completely charming and resilient.  And he, and everyone else, are adorably drawn.

Book 445: Buster Cat Goes Out

Buster Cat Goes Out, by Joanna Cole, illustrated by Rose Mary Berlin, Little Golden Books, 1990.

We have a cat named Buster, and we collect Little Golden Books, so when I saw this book, I bought it.

This was a somewhat cute story about irresponsible cat ownership.  How much mores have changed in twenty-five years!

Book 444: My First Fairy Tales, Rumpelstiltskin

Rumpelstiltskin, by Mara Alperin, illustrated by Loretta Schauer, Little Tiger Press, 2015.


I found this book in a set of four Easy Reader fairy tales.  This was the one that my six-year-old son wanted to read first.

This retelling stays true to the original without being quite so graphic or cruel.  And the illustrations are delightfully cartoony.

Book 443: Happy Birthday to You!

Happy Birthday to You!, by Dr. Seuss, Random House, 1959.

I know this is a much-loved Dr. Seuss book, but it is not much-loved by me. Or my six-year-old son, for that matter. He was pretty entranced for about the first quarter or third of the book, and then lost interest. I can't blame him -- so did I. 

Still -- excellent illustrations, as always.

Book 442: Splat the Cat, Name of the Game

Splat the Cat, Name of the Game, based on creation by Rob Scotton, illustrated by Robert Eberz, Harper Collins, 2012.

My six-year-old son picked this out to give to a little girl for her birthday. I'm sure he picked it because of the artwork. 

I'm not in love with the text -- some of the word choices are questionable -- but I am in love with the artwork. That Splat is one darn cute cat.