Adding to Others' Accolades #PPBF

     My post today won't be linked to the Perfect Picture Book Friday bunch, because there's nothing new. New to me--yes. But these books have been reviewed a lot of places already. However, sometimes after I read the books that are recommended, I think "eh." And sometimes I think "YES!" So I thought I would share a few that made me say "YES!" even though they have already been plentifully reviewed. Perhaps you forgot about them and could use another nudge.
   

I love Deborah Freedman's book, SHY. Maybe it's because I identify with the subject matter. As an adult, I take that big breath before I walk into a group of strangers. As a child, I just sat on the sidelines. And the way Deborah uses perspective and  the physical gutter (the center of the book) in her artwork is brilliant. I've seen some reviews that found fault with the lack of options to deal with shyness in the story, but I found it a great way for kids to discuss the subject at all. To recognize that some kids might need help with introductions, and an example to the shy kids that a happy ending is a possibility if they make the effort to connect. You can find a complete review of this book at Unleashing Readers.




     Big thumbs up to the following stories as well:
     TELL ME A TATTOO STORY by Alison McGhee  (reviewed by Joanna Marple)
     A SQUIGGLY STORY by Andrew Larsen (one review at Pickle Me This) and last but not least
     Teeny Tiny Toady by Jill Esbaum (there aren't any caps in the title, so I couldn't bring myself to do it here!) (reviewed by Sue Heavenrich).
 
      Just wanted to let other reviewers know that your reviews ARE being read and appreciated! It's hard to keep up with everything and reviews are one way to pare down the library list.

BOB, NOT BOB! #PPBF

     Can anyone find humor in being sick? Co-authors Liz Garton Scanlon and Audrey Vernick did.
     This book is a fantastic read aloud!
     If you know anyone, big or small, who has a stuffy-head---this is definitely the book for them.

 

Title: BOB, NOT BOB!

Author: Co-authors Liz Garton Scanlon & Audrey Vernick
Illustrator: Matthew Cordell
Publisher: Disney/Hyperion, February 14, 2017
Intended Ages: 4-7
Themes: Humor, Illness, Family

Opening Line: "Little Louie wasn't all that little. It wasn't like he needed his mom every minute of the day."
Synopsis: When Louie gets a bad cold, he wants his mom, but every time he tries to call her ("Mom"), the family Dog, Bob, comes running instead.

What I like about this book: The Spoiler is printed right on the cover, and kind of revealed in the synopsis, so I guess it's okay to share it. This book is to be read as if you have the worst cold ever. You know that voice. That pitiful, muddled, croaky voice that pleads for sympathy. That voice transforms a sick day into hilarity. The illustrations amp up the family dog's enthusiasm and glee, compounding the chaos and the protagonist's frustration. The conflict is resolved with a heart-warming Awww.

Resources/Activities:

• Make a list of things that make you feel better when you're sick
• Why is the first line of the story important? Discuss how people act differently when they don't feel well
• Discuss the differences between dogs and cats. Would the story be as funny if Bob was a cat? A sibling? A mouse? A dinosaur?
• Read this book with SICK SIMON. Discuss which you prefer and why.
  

Thanks for stopping by! Hope you enjoy my selection this week.  I haven't read any other book like this, if you have, I'd love to hear about it in the comments!

This review is part of PPBF (Perfect Picture Book Friday) where bloggers share great picture books. Organized and curated by author Susanna Leonard Hill, she keeps an ever-growing list of Perfect Picture Books. #PPBF

Note: My review is based on a review copy received from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. No other compensation was received.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”