Thursday, January 27, 2011

Board Book Review- I Love You Always & Forever

By Joanthan Emmett
Illustrated by Daniel Howarth
Published by Scholastic
Released on Janurary 1st, 2011
Ages- 2 yrs & up
Source- the publisher
5 stars- A Book We Read Over & Over Again

In this endearing story about a father and his child, Longtail is always so much faster than Littletail. He's also so much cleverer. But that won't be forever, Longtail tells Littletail. At the end of a busy day, as Littletail curls up in their nest, Longtail reminds her of the one thing that will stay the same--always and forever (quoted from Goodreads).

This is a fantastic board book, as not only is it a story about a father mouse and his young daughter, but it's a beautiful story that no matter how children grow, their parents will always love them. As a parent, I loved that power message. Jonathan Emmett does a fantastic job at expressing the ways the father will always love his young daughter, no matter what she can or can't do.

This is story is a hit with my children, as the illustrations are great, the story is powerful and fun, and it's a book that makes them think, and ask questions similar to the ones Littletail asks her father, Longtail. I Love You Always & Forever is a great book to add to your bedtime book collection and one I definitely recommend picking this book up.

Picture Book Review- Tony Baloney

By Pam Munoz Ryan
Illustrated By Edwin Fotheringham
Published by Scholastic
Released on January 1st, 2011
Age- I would recommend it for 4-7yr olds
Source- Scholastic
3 stars- It's A Good Read

Tony Baloney is a macaroni penguin. He loves fish tacos, Little Green Walrus Guys, his stuffed animal, Dandelion, and anything with wheels. He does not love trouble . . . but trouble loves him. Sometimes, when he is tired of Bossy Big Sister Baloney and exasperated with the Bothersome Babies Baloney, Dandelion behaves badly. And then, Tony must say he is sorry, which is not always easy for him.

For all middle children, mischief makers, and boys in a girls' world, Tony Baloney is sure to become a new hero! (quoted from Goodreads).

Tony Baloney has bright, fun illustrations that quickly captured my attention and that of my children. Tony himself is a fun character to read about. His story is one about sibling relationships and his feelings with being the middle child. This cute Macaroni Penguin has to deal with an older sister who bosses him around and two twin babies who get into his things.

Tony is a typical little boy who enjoys playing and pretending, and some times his best intentions lead him into trouble. With the help of his stuffed animal Dandelion, he's able to share his feelings with his family. Tony Baloney is a good read and one I'd recommend to older kids, pre-K to elementary school aged, as I think they'd take more out of the story than the younger kids.

I would be most content if my children grew up to be the kind of people who think decorating consists mostly of building enough bookshelves. ~ Anna Quindlen

Good children's literature appeals not only to
the child in the adult, but to the adult in the child.
~ Anonymous ~