MADreads for Kids
A review of
My Name Is Elizabeth
by
Annika
Dunklee
Orange, blue, white and black are the only four colors needed in this beautifully illustrated new picture book. The bold, graphic images are the perfect backdrop for a day in the life of Elizabeth, who is a perfectly normal girl with a bit of a sassy streak. If you have a name that can be shortened, you'll enjoy watching Elizabeth try to navigate a day as Lizzy, Liz, and WORST OF ALL Betsy!
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Reviewed by Trent on
December 14, 2012
A review of
Wonder
by
R.J.
Palacio
I could not put this book down--it was an engrossing, emotional rollercoaster ride.
Ten-year-old August (Auggie), is going to school for the very first time after being homeschooled by his mother. He is apprehensive about entering the 5th grade because of the way he looks. Auggie was born with severe facial deformities that have required extensive surgeries, but he still doesn’t look “normal.” At one point, Auggie says, “I won’t describe what I look like. Whatever you are thinking, it’s
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Reviewed by Lesley K on
December 7, 2012
A review of
Stuck
by
Oliver
Jeffers
I'm a huge fan of Oliver Jeffers' illustrations and stories, so when I noticed this on the shelf, I had to take a look. Jeffers again comes through with a laugh-out-loud story about a boy whose kite gets stuck in a tree. As the boy attempts to get the kite out, he throws everything at the tree, including the kitchen sink... although the kitchen sink is really just the beginning! This is a ridiculously silly and funny book that adults and kids will both love. I think I've actually found my new
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Reviewed by Trent on
November 30, 2012
A review of
Where's Walrus
by
Stephen
Savage
When walrus waddles off, wackiness ensues in this wordless wonder-book. Perfect for pointing preschoolers, pick this prize from your proximal (Madison) Public Library--pronto!
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Reviewed by Abby on
November 16, 2012
A review of
A Home for Bird
by
Philip
Stead
The story begins on the copyright page as an overstuffed moving truck bumps along the road. Vernon the toad meets a silent Bird. Vernon and friends quickly deduce that Bird is homesick, and Vernon makes it a mission to find Bird's home. Through land, water and air, they venture to homes of all sorts, until one morning Vernon finally hears Bird 'speak.' The colorful watercolors exude the warmth and richness of what having good friends in life should feel like. Those who take the time to
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Reviewed by Jody on
November 9, 2012
A review of
Boy + Bot
by
Ame
Dyckman
It's just a normal day when Boy and Bot meet in the forest. When Bot answers Boy's request to play with an "Affirmative," the two begin a beautiful friendship. But, it takes a little time for both to get used to the quirks of humans and robots. With Dan Yaccarino's bright illustrations and Ame Dyckman's sweet and funny text, this delightful story is sure to please anyone who's ever wanted a friend that's a little different from themselves.
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Reviewed by Krissy on
November 2, 2012
A review of
Dini Dinosaur
by
Karen
Beaumont
Karen Beaumont knows how to write a book for little ones! Dini Dinosaur gets dirty while playing outside and has to take a bath before bed. But, oops! How can he get clean without taking his clothes off? Silly, simple rhymes, a familiar situation, and a dinosaur create a perfect story your toddler will want to hear over and over again.
Don't miss Karen Beaumont's other great books, like:
Baby Danced the
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Reviewed by Krissy on
October 26, 2012
A review of
Crowfield Curse
by
Pat
Walsh
Everyone tells horror stories about the Whistling Hollow--with its unearthly sounds, ancient twisted trees and the ominous pool that never completely freezes in the dead of winter, even the birds avoid it. One bone-chilling winter's day, fourteen year old Will, the servant to the monks of nearby Crowfield Abbey, must go to the Hollow on an unexpected errand of mercy, and his life will never be the same! Now, Will must find his way through a once-familiar world now rife with deep secrets,
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Reviewed by Abby on
October 12, 2012
A review of
Not a Baby Anymore
by
Jorge
Uzon
New parents take a million photos of their baby, but many end up buried on a computer hard drive (the modern day equivalent to the shoebox under the bed). Author Jorge Uzón not only created an adorable series of four board books about his son’s first year of life, he also managed to get them published to share with the world! Attractive photographs fill each page, accompanied by simple text discussing the everyday life of his baby from birth to first birthday. Since the books are full of
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Reviewed by Carissa - Alicia Ashman on
October 5, 2012
