Books | Page 76 of 81

Nancy’s Genius Plan, clever premise, wrong format

Nancy who? Nancy Drew? Is this shorthand for Fancy Nancy? Nancy’s Genius Plan is a new board book staring Nancy. She’s the distinctively drawn character with the brillo-esque hair, polka dot skirt and sly grin. Her best friend is Sluggo, a buzz cut boy who could easily be confused for a know-nothing hooligan. Nancy was introduced in the 1930’s and had an almost constant presence in the now metaphorical comic strip page since then. In 2018 Nancy did take a two-month break for a slight modernization. The comic strip is funny, filled with dry observations and humor that appeals to kids and adults. Nancy’s Genius Plan has the same DNA, but it doesn’t take off in the board book.

It’s a board book, but too advanced or dated for intended audiences

Sulwe, a story on darkness and light that teaches all

Sulwe is a children’s illustrated book about color. It’s color from the perspective of darkness and a young girl named Sulwe that looks nothing like her family. She’s the color of midnight, while her mother, father and sister all have lighter hues. Sulwe’s skin tone is affecting her personality, ability to make friends and her morale. How she deals with this and overcomes it will resonate with any pre-k through mid-elementary school student.

Sulwe is an illustrated book that’s about acceptance, exclusion, prejudice, hope and love. Kids 4 and up will love the art and embrace the message.

Sulwe and its reach goes past where you think it would, 4 and up will love it and the art

Paint By Sticker Kids Christmas, a go-to activity for ages 5-10

Paint By Sticker Kids Christmas is the latest in the best selling activity series that’s been entertaining our kids for years. The concept behind these books is very simple. There’s a sheet that has a couple dozen stickers on it. Beneath each sticker is a number that corresponds to a number that’s within a blank space in the final image. Young mosaic artists will put the stickers in the picture one at a time until the final image is revealed.

This is the rare kid’s craft book that they can do 100% by themselves

The Kids’ Book of Paper Love, a craft haven for girls 10-14

Write, craft, play. That’s the backdrop to The Kids’ Book of Paper Love by Irene Smit & Astrid Van Der Hulst. For kids of a certain age this will be a creative cul de sac where they’ll be able to spend hours playing, dreaming and enjoying the love of paper. From the moment you pick up the book it’s obvious that there are details upon details lovingly crammed into every corner of every page. It’s thick, compact and just like those collector stamps at the post office, meant to be used.

If you have a crafty girl, 10-14, this book is your happy place

Infinite Hope, A Black Artist’s Journey from WWII to Peace review

A couple of years ago Ashley Bryan’s artwork made a stop at High Museum of Art. It was our first introduction into the way he told stories. It’s a way that speaks to children, as well as adults. Bryan is also a children’s author and his art made reference to the fact that he served in WWII. Infinite Hope, A Black Artist’s Journey from World War II to Peace is a thorough written look at his time in the military, as well as the art that he created while serving in various locales.

Infinite Hope by artist and children’s author Ashley Bryan tells about his WW II service through art, stories and history-warts and all.

Infinite Hope is a book from artist/author Ashley Bryan about his service in WWII

The Incredible yet True Adventures of Alexander von Humboldt review

I love to learn about people that I haven’t previously heard of, especially if it involves travel, discovery, science or animals. The Incredible Yet True Adventures of Alexander Von Humboldt, The Greatest Inventor-Naturalist-Scientist-Explorer Who Ever Lived easily has the longest book title of anything we’ve ever read. It also perfectly baits your imagination by asking you to align why you’ve (or at least I) never heard of him and the chutzpah that author, Volker Mehnert had in titling the book that. It turns out that Alexander von Humboldt indeed did have a magical life. In the 1820’s in Germany he was the rock star storyteller who spoke to sold out crowds that included all walks of life as he recounted his stories about travelling to those far-away places.

Alexander von Humboldt, exploring before it was cool

Oscar the Octopus, a learn the month book for ages 2-5

Matthew Van Fleet’s books have a way of transcending their audience. He makes books that are squarely aimed at preschool aged students as a way of teaching them some of the basics such as shapes, months, counting, senses and more. The reason that his books are memorable is because of his art and the story that they tell. Oscar the Octopus, A Book About the Months of the Year was previously titled October the Octopus and released as a huggable concept or puppet book.

Oscar the Octopus is a solidly constructed learn the month book by Matthew Van Fleet with flaps, tactile elements, big animals and lots to love.

Sturdy, durable and will last for years, that’s the caliber of Oscar The Octopus

Kitten Construction Company, A Bridge Too Fur, pun for ages 6-10

Mewberg has its brand-new, stat of the art sports stadium and it was built by cats. That’s what happened in Kitten Construction Company as the House Kittens that no other company could complete. Sampson, the engineer, Professor von Wigglebottom on masonry, Bubbles the plumber and the architect Marmalade. In the Kitten Construction Company: A Bridge Too Fur, the crew takes on a tougher challenge-to build the new Mewberg bridge. For a variety of elementary school aged readers this series will entertain them or give them motivation to read.

A Bridge Too fur, graphic novel for the non-super elementary kid