Review: A Tree for Emmy by Mary Ann Rodman and Tatjana Mai-Wyss

Title: A Tree for Emmy
Author: Mary Ann Rodman
Illustrator: Tatjana Mai-Wyss
Reading Level: Ages 4-8
Pages: 32
Publisher: Peachtree Publishers (March 1, 2009)
Genre: Children's Book
Edition: Hardback - Many thanks to Peachtree Publishers for sending me a copy to review for Children's Book Week!



Perfect for : Personal reading, children's story time, gift book

In a nutshell: The fun story of Emmy, who is "stubborn and strong and a little bit wild," just like a mimosa tree. She loves the fuzzy pink blossoms on her Grandmother's mimosa tree, and for her birthday wants a tree of her own. When they eventually find a baby mimosa tree at her Grandmother's house, her parents help her take it home and plant it so that it can eventually grow to be "stubborn and strong and a little bit wild," just like Emmy. This is a fun story, with whimsical illustrations that bring out the best in nature and Emmy. Tatjana Mai-Wyss has cleverly combined both watercolor and pictures within her illustrations (Emmy's sweater is drawn on the page, and filled with an actual cable design from a real sweater, The flowers in a flower pot are filled with pictures of real flowers).

From OC Family:


Extended Review:
Characters: Emmy is "stubborn and strong and a little bit wild," just like a mimosa tree, or at least Grandma thinks so! Grandma is very lovable, with her green striped socks and pointy purple glasses. . . and Mom and Dad are loving and supportive parents.

Story-Line: A fun story of Emmy, as she explores nature, plays in a mimosa tree, has a birthday and learns to care for her own little mimosa tree so it can grow "stubborn and strong and a little bit wild," just like her.

Illustrations: The full-color pages are full of bright colors and beautiful examples from nature (trees, flowers, butterflies, etc) and family! A combination of watercolors and pictures makes the illustrations come to life.

Readability: Each page is easy to read and the story moves along nicely.

Overall: A fun and entertaining book with plenty of opportunity to explore nature and family. Read along as Emmy explores, has a birthday, and learns to nurture a tree of her own so it can grow to be "stubborn and strong and a little bit wild," just like her!

From the Publisher:
“I declare, Emmy,” said Gramma. “That mimosa tree is a lot like you. Stubborn and strong and a little bit wild.”

Emmy loves trees. She loves oak trees with acorns. She loves pine trees with cones, and willow trees with swishy branches. But best of all, Emmy loves the mimosa tree that grows in her grandmother’s pasture. Emmy swings on its branches, plays with its fuzzy pink blossoms, and rattles its seedpods like maracas.

But when Emmy decides she wants a mimosa tree of her own for her birthday, she is dismayed to find that many grown-ups do not share her enthusiasm. Garden stores only sell ornamental trees like plum or pear or tulip trees.

Emmy is crushed—until she discovers that the answer to her problem is growing right before her eyes!

This joyful story of a spirited young girl’s steadfast affection for a wild mimosa tree will appeal to all who cherish a special dream, and will help readers appreciate the natural world around them. Illustrator Tatjana Mai-Wyss’s whimsical watercolor and collage illustrations capture Emmy’s exuberant personality and the story’s hopeful ending.

About the Author: (from the publisher's site)
MARY ANN RODMAN, a former school media specialist, is the author of Yankee Girl and My Best Friend. She has received both the Ezra Jack Keats Award for Outstanding New Picture Book Writer and the Charlotte Zolotow Award. She lives in Georgia
You can visit Mary Ann Rodman's website at: www.maryannrodman.com

Tatjana Mai-Wyss was born in Switzerland. She has illustrated a number of picture books, including The Yawn Heard Round the World, The Lemon Sisters, and You Have to Be Nice to Someone on Their Birthday. She lives in South Carolina.

If you have reviewed this book and would like me to add a link to your review, please include a link in your comment!

Review: Monsoon Afternoon by Kashmira Sheth and Yoshiko Jaeggi

Title: Monsoon Afternoon
Author: Kashmira Sheth
Illustrator: Yoshiko Jaeggi
Reading Level: Ages 4-8
Pages: 32
Publisher: Peachtree Publishers (September 1, 2008)
Genre: Children's Book
Edition: Hardback - Many thanks to Peachtree Publishers for sending me a copy to review for Children's Book Week!



Perfect for : Personal reading, children's story time, gift book

In a nutshell: Kashmira Sheth has written a wonderful children's book that explores the monsoon rains in India, and one boy's desire to play outside in the rain. He has a very special relationship with his Dadaji (grandfather), who helps him make paper boats and then goes outside to play, while sharing memories from his own childhood. The story explores the familial relationships the boy has, as well as local customs and facts in India. The author has included a wonderful two-page write-up of growing up in India and experiencing the monsoon season. The illustrations within the book are stunning watercolors. Each page is full-color and provides parents with plenty of things to discuss in addition to the story: family, culture, customs, etc. This is a heart-warming story that is sure to be enjoyed by the entire family.

Extended Review:
Characters: I loved the inclusion of Dadaji (grandfather) and Dadima (grandmother) in the boys life. The relationship he had with them is precious, and it was easy to see how much they loved and respected each other.

Story-Line: This story will give readers a timeless glimpse into the culture and customs of India, as well as a look into one loving family.

Illustrations: The full-page beautifully detailed watercolor illustrations are absolutely stunning, and Yoshiko Jaeggi has been able to portray such depth of emotion in the characters' faces as they share special moments together.

Readability: An easy-to-read story for the entire family.

Overall: A wonderful book for the entire family. Kashmira Sheth and Yoshiko Jaeggi have created a wonderful family among the words and illustrations to help share both the culture and customs of India in this heart-warming and informative book.

From the Publisher:
This warm, multigenerational story offers a glimpse into the distinctive culture and customs of India, while reinforcing universal themes of love and the importance of family.

It is monsoon season in India. Outside, dark clouds roll in and the rain starts to fall. As animals scatter to find cover, a young boy and his dadaji (grandfather) head out into the rainy weather.

The two sail paper boats. They watch the peacocks dance in the rain, just as the colorful birds did when Dadaji was a boy. They pick mangoes and Dadaji lifts up his grandson so he can swing on the roots of the banyan tree, just as Dadaji did when he was young. Finally, when the two return home, hot tea and a loving family are waiting.

Author Kashmira Sheth’s affectionate, sensitive story provides a look into Indian life and the shared moments and memories that bind generations together. Illustrator Yoshiko Jaeggi’s colorful and fanciful watercolor illustrations recreate the lush Indian landscape during monsoon season, and capture the bond of love that unites a grandfather and his grandson.

About the Author: (from the publisher's site)
Kashmira Sheth is the author of the award-winning young adult novels Blue Jasmine and Koyal Dark, Mango Sweet. She lives in Wisconsin.

You can visit Kashmira Sheth's website at: www.kashmirasheth.typepad.com

Yoshiko Jaeggi's work has appeared in Cricket Magazine. She lives in Maryland.

If you have reviewed this book and would like me to add a link to your review, please include a link in your comment!

Kiss Kiss Yuck Yuck by Kyle Mewburn, Ali Teo and John O'Reilly

Title: Kiss! Kiss! Yuck! Yuck!
Author: Kyle Mewburn
Illustrator: Ali Teo and John O'Reilly
Reading Level: Ages 4-8
Pages: 32
Publisher: Peachtree Publishers (September 1, 2008)
Genre: Children's Book
Edition: Hardback - Many thanks to Peachtree Publishers for sending me a copy to review for Children's Book Week!



Perfect for : Personal reading, children's story time, gift book for the little boy in your life

In a nutshell: This book had me laughing in moments. I've known little boys who receive kisses or hugs, just to wipe them off and say "Yucky!" This book is perfect for just such a little boy! Little Andy is always trying to hide from huggy-kissy Auntie Elsie. . . he runs. . . he hides. . . he even climbs up trees - all to escape from Auntie Elsie, who ALWAYS manages to catch him. Until one day that she doesn't show up and he realizes that he misses her. This book is really cute, with fun and entertaining illustrations that are a mix of cartoon drawing and photographed textures (when Dad wears jeans, he is a cartoon character, but the cartoon drawing of his jeans in actually filled in with a picture of real jeans.).

Extended Review:
Characters: Andy seems like a typical little boy - he loves his family, loves to explore, but hates hugs and kisses! Auntie Elsie seems like a fun and colorful aunt.

Story-Line: Auntie Elsie seems to have fun finding Andy as he runs and hides from her kisses, and gets a nice surprise when he turns the tables on her after she breaks her leg and misses a few visits.

Illustrations: The illustrations are fun and entertaining, and are a mix of cartoon drawing and photographed textures: when Dad wears jeans, he is a cartoon character, but the cartoon drawing of his jeans in actually filled in with a picture of real jeans, when Andy hides in the chicken coop under the straw, the straw REALLY looks real!

Readability: The words on each page are large and easy to read, and children will love to read along with the "Kiss! Kiss!" and "Yuck! Yuck!"

Overall: A great book for little boys (and girls). The book is a great way to explore how much we love and appreciate friends and relatives and how we feel when we miss them.

From the Publisher:
The next time Auntie Elsie came to visit, Andy hid under the bed. ‘Where’s my Andy Apple Jelly?’ cried Aunt Elsie.

Every time Auntie Elsie comes to visit she gives Andy two big sloppy kisses. Kiss! Kiss! on the left cheek. Kiss! Kiss! on the right cheek. Yuck! Yuck! Andy says to himself.

Andy is a fast runner. But not fast enough to outrun Auntie Elsie. Andy is good at hiding. But Auntie Elsie always finds him. When he ducks down in a pig pen, she climbs right over the fence. When he climbs a tree, she follows right after him.

But then Auntie Elsie breaks her leg and stops coming to visit. Andy realizes he misses Aunt Elsie and her sloppy kisses. One day, a taxi pulls by the gate and out come two crutches. Now it’s Andy’s turn to get Aunt Elsie. Kiss! Kiss! Hug! Hug!

Kyle Mewburn’s funny story of an overly affectionate aunt and her long-suffering nephew will resonate with readers, who will instantly recognize the bond of love that unites the two characters. Ali Teo and John O’Reilly’s colorful and quirky multimedia illustrations, which combine freehand drawing and photographic collage, exaggerate the humor of the story.

About the Author: (from the publisher's site)

Kyle Mewburn was born in Australia and educated at the Queensland Institute of Technology. He’s had all sorts of jobs, including sports reporting, teaching, traffic counting, and volunteering on a kibbutz. Now he lives in New Zealand in a house that he built himself and writes books. He is also the author of BEAR IN THE ROOM NEXT DOOR, NO ROOM FOR A MOUSE, DUCK’S STUCK, and ANT’S BAGGY PANTS.

Ali Teo and John O'Reilly both grew up in New Zealand and studied graphic design. Ali has illustrated several books, including KISS! KISS! YUCK! YUCK!, BARNABY BENNETT, and OH HOGWASH, SWEET PEA! Ali and John live and work together in New Zealand, along with three dogs and a bird.

If you have reviewed this book and would like me to add a link to your review, please include a link in your comment!

Review: I Can Do It Myself by Diane Adams and Nancy Hayashi

Title: I Can Do It Myself!
Author: Diane Adams
Illustrator: Nancy Hayashi
Reading Level: Ages 4-8
Pages: 32
Publisher: Peachtree Publishers (March 1, 2009)
Genre: Children's Book
Edition: Hardback - Many thanks to Peachtree Publishers for sending me a copy to review for Children's Book Week!



Perfect for : Personal reading, children's story time, gift book

In a nutshell: This beautifully written and illustrated book perfectly represents every little child who thinks they can do everything all by themselves! Everyone has known the little girl who has cut her own bangs, or the little boy who knows how to climb up the tree but not back down. This story explores similar activities, including things like making a peanut and butter sandwich, brushing teeth, tying shoes, painting pictures, and folding clothes. . . but reminds us that we are needed, that we provide comfort when it counts the most, and that we make bedtime special and safe. This is the perfect story to read at bedtime, or anytime!

From OC Family:


Extended Review:

Characters: Emily Pearl is a precious little girl who is embracing life to the fullest, and doing her best to do everything by herself. Mom is always there watching over her, offering to help.

Story-Line: The story reminds us just how independent little children can be, and how much parents are needed.

Illustrations: The pictures are vibrant and fun, bringing to life everyday tasks from a child's perspective. There are plenty of details to entertain children of all ages.

Readability: Each page has a sentence or two. The story flows nicely, and is wonderful to read aloud.

Overall: A great book for children of all ages and their parents! A great way to explore everyday tasks and and take time together.

From the Publisher:
Emily Pearl can do lots of things by herself. But sometimes even resourceful little girls need help.

Emily Pearl is a very big girl. She can pour her own juice. She can tie her own shoes. She can feed her goldfish. She can even curl her own hair. Whenever her mother tries to help, Emily says, “I can do it myself!”

But even a very big girl like Emily can sometimes feel a teeny bit small, especially at bedtime when dark shadows creep across the walls of her bedroom. Lucky for Emily, her mom understands and gives her a helping hand.

Young children will surely recognize themselves in Diane Adams’s delightful, rhyming story of one child’s determined quest for independence. Nancy Hayashi’s charming illustrations complement the text, colorfully capturing the chaotic ups and downs in the life of a preschooler.

About the Author: (from the publisher's site)Diane Adams is an art and writing teacher. She has a bachelor's degree from the University of Redlands. She lives in California.

You can visit Diane Adams's website at: www.dianeadams.net

Nancy Hayashi has illustrated seven picture books, including Bunny Bungalow, which won a 2000 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Award; Wanda's Monster, a CCBC Choice; and What Did You Do Today?, also a CCBC Choice. She lives in California.


If you have reviewed this book and would like me to add a link to your review, please include a link in your comment!

In Honor of Children's Book Week (May 11-17, 2009)

This week is Children's Book Week, and to help celebrate, Peachtree Publishers sent me five wonderful children's books that arrived today!!

I decided to research how Children's Book Week began, so I found my way over to the official site of Children's Book Week. According to the site, Children's Book Week has been celebrated since 1919 in schools, libraries, stores, homes and clubs. . . anywhere that children's books can be found, and it all started with Franklin K. Matthiews, the librarian of the Boy Scouts of America. To read more, visit the history here.

Over the next few days I will be sharing five books with you (all from Peachtree Publishers):



I Can Do It Myself! written by Diane Adams, Illustrated by Nancy Hayashi

Kiss! Kiss! Yuck! Yuck! written by Kyle Mewburn, Illustrated by Ali Teo and John Reilly

The Last Castaways written and illustrated by Harry Horse

Monsoon Afternoon written by Kashmira Sheth, Illustrated by Yoshiko Jaeggi

A Tree for Emmy written by Mary Ann Rodman, Illustrated by Tatjana Mai-Wyss

Visit often as I'm going to try to get all of these books posted this week!

~ Wendi