Thursday, March 7, 2013

Picture Book Review: The Snake Who Would Not Bend by Robb Fulcher / Nighttime Ninja by Barbara DeCosta


Illustrated by: Dawn Von Flue
Source: book from author to review
4 stars: We Enjoyed It!
Purchase from: the author

Once there was a snake so frightened that he would not bend.

Then, when he finally tried, he found that he could not.

What was he to do?

The Snake Who Would Not Bend is one of those stories that not only tells a story, it also teaches it's young readers a little bit about snakes. I loved that this story kind of has that legend feel to it, even though it's truly a fun, well told story about a snake who could not bend. No matter how hard he tries, he can't bend like his friends, until one day something happened..... This is a story that readers of all ages will enjoy! It's fun, engaging story with beautiful illustrations, that is perfect for any at home library, school library and even in the classroom. 



By: Barbara DaCosta
Illustrated by: Ed Young
Published by: Little Brown Books
Released on: September 18th, 2012
Source: book from publisher to review
3.5 stars: It's A Good Read
Purchase from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Add it to Goodreads

Late at night, when all is quiet and everyone is asleep, a ninja creeps silently through the house in search of treasure. Soon he reaches his ultimate goal...and gets a big surprise! Will the nighttime ninja complete his mission? With spare text and lush illustrations, Nighttime Ninja is a fun, adventure-filled story about the power of play and imagination.

This is a good read for young children. This cute story is made up media art, and features few simplistic words, making it easy for younger readers to stay engaged with the book. I'm not a huge fan of media art, but I liked how what the illustrator did with this book. As the story begins the art fits that of the story, it's darker colors give off the feel of nighttime, and the mystery of what the ninja is going. The further along the story gets, the lighter the colors become, until we get towards the end of the Ninja's mission the surprising reveal. This was a fun read and got the thumbs up from kids. I'd recommend this to kids 5 & under. 

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 ~