Picture Book Review: Delia's Dull Day

Title:  Delia's Dull Day
Author:  Andy Myer
Publisher:  Sleeping Bear Press, 2012
Ages 4 to 9

Delia spends the story lamenting about her super boring and ordinary day.  But readers are treated to the exciting adventures that occurred while Delia was oblivious to them:  elephants walking through the kitchen during breakfast time, a gargantuan gorilla in line at the school cafeteria, and an alien invasion in her living room during her viewing of Mars Invaders 3.

Children will delight in the very un-dull events that Delia is missing out on during her day and will chuckle at her woes.  This book is best for children aged 4 to 9.

Children's Book Review: The Humming Room

Title:  The Humming Room
Author:  Ellen Potter
Publisher:  Feiwel and Friends, 2012
Ages 9-14

Roo is not your average 12 year old girl. She has a narrow, bony face with a tight, dissatisfied mouth and dull green eyes, and is extremely small for her age. She often finds solace in tight, cramped hiding places. When her father dies, she is sent to live with her uncle who resides in an old children's hospital on a private island. After her initial misgivings about her new residence, she finds herself becoming even more in tune with nature through the island and its enchantment. When she stumbles on a secret garden hidden within the facility, she sets out to bring it back to life. A loner by nature, Roo surprises herself by finding and enjoying companionship in Jack and her cousin Phillip. This children's novel will appeal to kids aged 9-14. While heavily inspired by The Secret Garden, this story will give the reader an additional layer of whimsy and adventure. Those familiar with the story will see many similarities, but also some new twists in the tale.

Picture Book Review: The Lonely Book

Title:  The Lonely Book
Author:  Kate Bernheimer
Illustrator:  Chris Sheban
Publisher:  Schwartz & Wade Books, 2012
Ages 4 to 8

The green book with a picture of a girl in the forest under a toadstool was beloved by many.  Boys and girls chose the book to take home from the library, using its yellow ribbon bookmark to save their place in the adventure.  As time went on, the book was not enjoyed as frequently and its beautiful cover that had drawn so many children in was now faded and torn.  Eventually the book was selected by Alice and read again and again, and the book no longer felt lonely.  But events separated Alice from her book and it began a lonely adventure of its own.  The lonely book doesn't stay lonely forever, when a twist of fate reunites Alice with her beloved book much later in life.

A gorgeously illustrated book that bookworms both young and old will enjoy.  This book is best for ages four to eight.

Picture Book Review: Crafty Chloe

Title:  Crafty Chloe

Author:  Kelly DiPucchio

Illustrator:  Heather Ross

Publisher:  Athenum Books for Young Readers, 2012

Ages 4-8

What Chloe lacks in soccer skills, video gaming, and ballet lessons, she more than makes up for in her ability to dream up, craft, and create, especially when those creations include googly eyes. When she is invited to her best friend's birthday party, she has the best idea for a present, until she learns it's already been bought by another party goer. After pouring over her craft materials to inspire her to make the perfect gift, she finally stumbles on a truly unique creation that her friend Emma will love. A twist in the tale at the arrival of Emma's birthday party shows Chloe's large heart, and will help teach kids a lesson in compassion and forgiveness. An excellent read aloud that emphasizes uniqueness and friendship that will engage kids aged 4-8, while the fun illustrations offer an additional element of humor.

Picture Book Review: Glamorous Glasses

Title:  Glamorous Glasses
Author:  Barbara Johansen Newman
Publisher:  Boys Mills Press, 2012
Ages 4-8

Bobbie and her best cousin Joanie do everything together.  So it's no surprise when Joanie needs to get glasses, Bobbie jumps at the chance to go along with her.  After trying on zillions of different spectacles Joanie reluctantly agrees to a blue pair with flecks of gold that turned up at the ends like a smiley mouth.  Bobbie picked a red and white striped pair that she thought made her look glamorous!  Unfortunately for Bobbie, she didn't need eyeglasses and her mom said, "No way!"  The girls eventually devise a plan for both of them to look and feel glamorous and hijinx ensue.

A spin on the classic "grass is always greener" tale that will interest many young children, especially those that find themselves amidst four-eyed misfortune.  The delightful illustrations will appeal to all.  Best for ages 4 to 8.

Picture Book Review: Suppose You Meet a Dinosaur

Title:  Suppose You Meet a Dinosaur:  A Book of Manners

Author:  Judy Sierra

Illustrator:  Tim Bowers

Publisher:  Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2012

Ages 3-6

A plucky pig-tailed toddler meets a tyrannosaurus rex sporting pink horn-rimmed glasses at the grocery store and showcases perfect manners during their encounter.

An avalanche of apples in the produce aisle exhibits a “thank you” from the dinosaur when the little girl offers to pick them up for her. When the little girl loses control of her shopping cart in the cereal aisle, and dings the dino on the shin, she offers up her apologies, “I'm sorry.”

This duo's exchange of niceties while traipsing through the grocery store teaches and reinforces good manners and politeness. Their oftentimes funny and clumsy moments are illustrated in bright, eye catching pictures. This fun introduction to manners, or friendly reminder of lessons already learned, is suitable for kids ages 3-6. The clever rhyming and jovial flow of the text make this book an excellent read aloud.