EVEN SUPERHEROES HAVE BAD DAYS by Shelly Becker

(I received a copy of this book from the publisher.)

I absolutely adore EVEN SUPERHEROES HAVE BAD DAYS by Shelly Becker and illustrated by Eda Kaban. First of all, everyone loves superheroes. And this book has superheroes in all shapes, sizes, colors, and genders. In this story, we see that superheroes sometimes have bad days and moments where they aren't their best selves. The illustrations are wonderful. I was charmed by the very first page where a very cranky superhero kicks over a fire hydrant. In the following pages, we seeing different superheroes throwing all sorts of tantrums as they deal with everyday stressors. The story reminds us, however, that superheroes have CHOICES about how they react. It gives examples about other more positive choices that could be made in dealing with bad days such as exercise and helping other people. Or even just engaging in some centering meditation:

The book also reminds us that it is okay for us to have bad days and yucky feelings. We can always recover and go back to saving the world.

While this picture book is aimed at younger children, I felt it was very timely for my 8-year-old. Going back to school and dealing with new routines and social interactions can be stressful and there are often cranky days after school. But I love how the book validates those feelings while giving concrete examples of how to deal with them in a very funny way.

BOTTOM LINE: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. I absolutely loved this book. Wonderful concept and illustrations. A great book to have in one's "parental toolbox."

CAN YOU CANOE? by the Okee Dokee Brothers

(I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher)

CAN YOU CANOE? is another charming book/music CD combo from Sterling.  I have always been a big fan of books that come with CDs. There is something special about reading along with the spoken word or hearing music as you look at illustrations. Especially for young children. When I heard about the subject matter of this latest release, I couldn't wait to get my hands on it!

My son is a Cub Scout and we have been trying to do more camping and exploring. In CAN YOU CANOE?, the Okee Dokee Brothers explore the great outdoors throughout the United States with toe-tapping songs and music. Brandon Reese's illustrations are the perfect accompaniment to the music and lyrics and are filled with lots of fun details.

We had a hard time deciding which songs were our favorites. I enjoyed "Black Bear Mama" because it reminds me of what a Mama Bear I can be. Plus, it is super fun to sing and includes a nod to one of our favorite folk songs "Jenny Jenkins."  My husband got a good laugh out of "Campin' Tent."  My son enjoyed "Jamboree" with its rollicking rhythms.

We are hoping to share some of these songs with our camping buddies this Summer. I loved all the different types of folk music represented in the book and I also enjoyed how the authors included a map at the back of the book that showed where the inspiration for each song came from. I have a feeling this will be one of our soundtracks of Summer!

ALLY-SAURUS AND THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL by Richard Torrey

(I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher)

When my son started Kindergarten two years ago, I was afraid about what knew social pressures he would face. Our Back to School theme for that year was taken from Sting: "Be Yourself No Matter What They Say."  I didn't want him to lose those parts of himself that were so special just to fit in with the other kids. So far so good!  If this book had been around two years ago, it would definitely have been one of his first day of school gifts.

ALLY-SAURUS AND THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL follows the adventures of an imaginative little girl named Ally who loves dinosaurs and likes to pretend that she is one. Ally hopes to meet other dinosaur-loving children at school. Ally quickly discovers that not all kids love dinosaurs as much as she does. Some love space and some love lions and some even like (gasp!) princesses. Ally has a difficult moment with the "princesses" when they tell her that dinosaurs are not allowed to eat at their table. She quickly meets other friends, however, and the children figure out how to play together in all their imaginative forms.

The illustrations in this book are so charming.  I love that Ally and her friends reveal their alternate identities through child-like scribbles.

I also really enjoyed how the book included some conflict and demonstrated how the children worked through this conflict. I think it is important that children understand that they will be facing new ideas and situations at school and that there are ways to figure out how to work out differences in a positive way. The book is very sweet and I loved how it ended with a visit to the school library!

BOTTOM LINE: Highly recommended!  Very sweet illustrations and a charming message about being yourself while letting others be themselves as well.

YOUR ALIEN by Tammi Sauer and GIVEAWAY!!!

I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher.

I am so excited about this one!  YOUR ALIEN is an absolutely charming children's book from Tammi Sauer and Goro Fujita.  A little boy looks out his window one day to see an alien spaceship crash landing. He and the cute little alien become good friends and have a lot of fun together. That night, however, the alien gets sad and the boy has to figure out how to comfort his new friend.

Not only is this book incredibly sweet but the illustrations are so charming!  The rhythm and style of the text are reminiscent of Numeroff's IF YOU GIVE A MOUSE A COOKIE books. My 7-year-old son read the book out loud to me. There were only a few tough words and he was able to use picture clues to figure them out.  He laughed out loud several times during the story and told me this was his favorite part:

I loved that this picture book was both funny and sweet.  It has lovely things to say about friends, family, and helping others. I think kids of all ages will like this one but especially Preschool through 2nd Grade.  Even if your child is already a good reader, the story and illustrations will draw him/her in.

BOTTOM LINE: Highly recommended. Incredibly sweet and charming. Lovely illustrations and a great message.


***GIVEAWAY***

Want to win a copy of this wonderful book?
Leave a comment telling me your favorite alien in books, television or film. 
Open to US residents only.  Contest closes August 7, 2015 at 8:00am PST.

SUSIE IS THE WINNER! Thanks for playing!  I will have more giveaways soon!

ANIMAL GAS by Bryan Bollinger

(I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher.)

While I am not huge fan of potty humor, everyone loves a good fart joke. Especially kids. Bryan Bollinger's new picture book celebrates the humor in farts. In the book, a variety of animals try to convince others that THEIR farts smell wonderful.  Each animal in turn is disabused of that notion until one animal surprises everyone at the end.  I think Bollinger manages to include just about every slang term for farts that one can think of: foof, poots, cut the cheese, breaking wind, etc. It is definitely funny.

 I really enjoyed Bollinger's whimsical and cartoonish illustrations:

My 7-year-old was highly amused.  I found myself wishing that the book included an additional element of either the science and mechanics of farting or something about manners regarding farts, Instead, the book exists simply as one long fart joke.  For reluctant readers, a fart joke might be just what is needed to encourage them to read.

Special thanks to Sterling for sending a whoopie cushion along with the book. My child had never seen one before and now I have to watch where I sit!!!

BOTTOM LINE:  Recommended.  Potty humor is not my favorite but kids will enjoy this one.