MADreads

For future Picassos
A review of My Dog Thinks i'm a Genius by Harriet Ziefert

 While his master paints, Louie the dog watches enthusiastically. When it's time for school, Louie gets inspired himself to try his paw at painting. The fantastic illustrations in this book mix pencil, crayon and paint masterfully, while giving kids a good feel of what an artist's studio really looks like. With nicely done art historical references, this is a great story for any budding artist or art enthusiast. ...read more

Reviewed by Trent on December 28, 2012 | 0 comments

Don't call me Betsy!
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! ...read more

Reviewed by Trent on December 14, 2012 | 0 comments

I hate it when that happens
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 ...read more

Reviewed by Trent on November 30, 2012 | 0 comments

Another Mini masterpiece!
A review of Three By the Sea by Mini Grey

 From the creator of the wonderful Traction Man books comes this mystifying little tale about a cat, a dog, a mouse and a mysterious visitor. The three unlikely friends live a quiet existence in their little seaside house until a strange fox shows up at their place and introduces them to everything they have been missing in life. All of these new and exciting options cause some rifts among the friends but also teach them to work together. This book does a great job of presenting a lot of ...read more

Reviewed by Trent on April 20, 2012 | 0 comments

Beautiful Birds
A review of Ten Birds by Cybele Young

 In her new book, writer, illustrator and artist Cybele Young tells a fanciful tale of ten funny little birds who are trying to get to the other side of a river. Young's beautiful black-and-white illustrations are “Exceptional,” “Outstanding,” and the birds might even call them “Highly Satisfactory.” More than just a simple counting book, this very clever little fable shows that the simplest solution to a problem can sometimes be the best. For fans of: ...read more

Reviewed by Trent on October 28, 2011 | 0 comments

Mo Willems does it again!
A review of Hooray for Amanda & Her Alligator by Mo Willems

 Mo Willems, who has charmed us all with pigeons, bunnies and elephants, turns to a funny little alligator for his latest book. Willems's illustrations are spot-on and full of life. It’s amazing to see how he can capture such a broad range of emotion with just a few simple lines! In Hooray for Amanda & Her Alligator! we get 6 -- no make that 6 ½ -- silly tales that continually surprise and amuse. Amanda likes to spend her day with her nose in a favorite library book, while Alligator ...read more

Reviewed by Trent on July 15, 2011 | 1 comment

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