I don't know what to make of this book. First of all, the illustrations are, at times, stunning. The different animal group names are integrated into...moreI don't know what to make of this book. First of all, the illustrations are, at times, stunning. The different animal group names are integrated into the design of each illustration in ingenious ways. For example, the quiver of cobras is shown as if the cobra heads were the ends of arrows sitting in a quiver, the tower of giraffes includes a giraffe head among the buildings in a city skyline, etc. Most are very clever and extremely well-done (notable exception: the pride of lions, which is pretty lame). Unfortunately, the nonfiction text sections are extremely inconsistent, and often downright poorly written. Here's an example from the parcel of hogs: "With its keen sense of smell it is used for foraging for truffles, its skin used for leather and its bristles for brushes." Very unclearly written, poor word choice... where was the editor?(less)
The illustrations are great, the details interesting, good factual info (about civil rights leaders such as MLK, Rosa, Ruby Bridges, the Little Rock N...moreThe illustrations are great, the details interesting, good factual info (about civil rights leaders such as MLK, Rosa, Ruby Bridges, the Little Rock Nine, etc.) for young people. Of course I missed Claudette Colvin among the heroes, but I'm done complaining about her lack of notoriety after Hoose won the NBA. Overall, this is a very good intro to some extremely important events of the late 50s and early 60s.(less)
The illustrations are beautiful, but I was pretty unimpressed with Munoz Ryan's rhyming text. I guess I was expecting more from the author of Esperanz...moreThe illustrations are beautiful, but I was pretty unimpressed with Munoz Ryan's rhyming text. I guess I was expecting more from the author of Esperanza Rising... I guess I'd recommend it to California folks, but otherwise, I'd skip it.(less)
Cute enough stories (this is a flip book, where there is one story going one way and another story going the other way) but I have a hard time believi...moreCute enough stories (this is a flip book, where there is one story going one way and another story going the other way) but I have a hard time believing this will appeal to the toddlers it portrays. Would probably work better for a preschool audience, which wouldn't be quite as interested in the whole baby theme.(less)
I don't understand why the two kids in this book are illustrated to look like Nic Cage circa "Raising Arizona," nor can I figure out why the president...moreI don't understand why the two kids in this book are illustrated to look like Nic Cage circa "Raising Arizona," nor can I figure out why the president in the third story reminds me of Eddie Izzard. The stories are all cute, though, and an extra star must be given simply because the phrase "tell me a Mitzi" has become something of a mantra in our household.(less)
The more about I read about Teddy and his family, the more I think I'm going to have to nerd it up and do some research. They seem like they were pret...moreThe more about I read about Teddy and his family, the more I think I'm going to have to nerd it up and do some research. They seem like they were pretty cool!(less)
This truly bizarre, yet strangely comforting picture book tells the story of a blue stone, which is one day cut in half. The two halves are separated,...moreThis truly bizarre, yet strangely comforting picture book tells the story of a blue stone, which is one day cut in half. The two halves are separated, and we follow the second half around the world as it is sculpted, painted, battered, all the while longing for its forest with its other half. The illustrations are outstanding. The book itself is too weird to really explain very thoroughly.(less)
Good/not great biography of a definitely great man. The illustrations are nice, for the most part, but the adaptation is not all that wonderful. I thi...moreGood/not great biography of a definitely great man. The illustrations are nice, for the most part, but the adaptation is not all that wonderful. I think Mandela deserves better.(less)
Very informative look at good old G.W.'s pre-Father of the Country/1st president years. Who knew he had a nasty temper, or that he was such a looker t...moreVery informative look at good old G.W.'s pre-Father of the Country/1st president years. Who knew he had a nasty temper, or that he was such a looker that all the girls around his Virginia home wanted to dance with him at the balls? Not I. An enjoyable biography.(less)
"Life-size Zoo" for the younger crowd - an alphabet book featuring extraordinary photos of animals set against a stark white background. I was even ab...more"Life-size Zoo" for the younger crowd - an alphabet book featuring extraordinary photos of animals set against a stark white background. I was even able to look at the picture of the bat and not only remain conscious, but actually appreciate the quality of the photo. Nice.(less)
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