Valuable enough, but limited.
Charlie’s close relationship with his grandfather is changed because of dementia.
Charlie’s grandfather told amazing stories when Charlie was a little boy. Whether it was a tale of pirates in the attic or a backyard witch or the gnome who lived in the basement, Grandpa had a fantastic explanation for everything. But now that Charlie is older and Grandpa has a disease that has “eaten up his memory and his words,” Charlie and his parents are heartbroken. Charlie’s grandfather prefers watching cars to conversing with the family, but Charlie pulls out one of his grandfather’s old stories, which causes Grandpa to turn toward the family. He uses the same tactic, with success, when Grandpa refuses to eat or to smile. He even has a trick when Grandpa no longer recognizes his family. Rich colors and humorous details elevate the illustrations in this well-meaning, but overly optimistic volume for the youngest reader. The fantastic is shown in black ink, with the witch, gnome and pirate mischievously cavorting, while Charlie and his grandfather’s moods are reflected in the background colors. While this might be comforting to children whose older relatives are in the early stages of dementia, it’s hard to see how any of Charlie’s strategies would work when the disease progresses.
Valuable enough, but limited. (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: Aug. 15, 2012
ISBN: 978-1-926973-40-1
Page Count: 24
Publisher: Owlkids Books
Review Posted Online: June 12, 2012
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2012
Glamorous glasses for everyone! (Picture book. 4-8)
Who wouldn’t want a pair of chic new frames?
When Bobbie accompanies her cousin and best friend Joanie to buy a pair of glasses, Bobbie finds the most perfect, most glamorous pair ever. Unfortunately, she doesn’t need glasses. Joanie unwillingly chooses a pair, and the girls leave, but Bobbie just can’t forget about the ones she saw. Brightly colored mixed-media illustrations show a dizzying plethora of glamorous glasses, and it’s easy to see why Bobbie would like a pair. In fact, she starts noticing glamorous glasses everywhere she looks! Struck by inspiration, Bobbie starts missing the ball in gym and claims to be unable to see the board, which results in a visit to a very sharp-eyed eye doctor. Foiled, Bobbie talks Joanie into loaning her her glasses while their mothers are shopping, but after a series of mishaps, both girls realize that it’s better to stick with what they’ve got. Will Bobbie ever be able to wear glasses? A yard sale just might hold the solution. Charming, positive and replete with kidlike observations and gentle humor, this tale of friendship will offer encouragement to any child who needs help adjusting to glasses and will discourage teasing before it starts. A nice choice for home or school reading.
Glamorous glasses for everyone! (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2012
ISBN: 978-1-59078-878-3
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Boyds Mills
Review Posted Online: July 31, 2012
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2012
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Might incite some sympathy scratching but worth inclusion in most collections.
What is wrong with Nurse Penny?
Nurse Penny is a fantastic school nurse. She makes student patients feel better with a fist pump and a “Eureka!…We’ll banish this trouble in no time!” One day, however, when Max, Tessa and Van are awaiting treatment, they notice Nurse Penny’s usual smile has deserted her. They cheer her up, and that cheer gives her an idea that leads to a surprise all-school assembly about…lice. Nurse Penny lectures the whole school on lice: What they are, where they come from and how to get rid of them. She emphasizes that getting lice is not a sign of a dirty lifestyle and that anyone can get them…even a school nurse! She leaves to treat her problem, and on her return, Max and the other students have an artistic surprise for Nurse Penny. Though not nearly as ebullient as David Shannon’s Bugs in My Hair! (2013), Stier’s informational picture book is entertaining without being glib or foolish; it is an interesting-enough story as well as good instruction for prevention or bibliotherapy for those infected. Beaky’s expressive and bright cartoon illustrations, mostly full-bleed, feature a multicultural cast and complement the text nicely. A page of lice facts follows the story.
Might incite some sympathy scratching but worth inclusion in most collections. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2013
ISBN: 978-0-8075-8803-1
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Whitman
Review Posted Online: July 16, 2013
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2013
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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