Review: 2 Board Books for Baby

If you follow my blog, you know that my brother and sister-in-law are expecting my first nephew, Brayden, in March.  My brother knows, that as a teacher, I believe in giving books as gifts, and my nephew will be no exception.  I have recently received 2 board books, that I'm sure he'll love; he just doesn't know it yet. :)

Title:  Peek - a- Boo, I love you!

Author:  Sandra Magsamen

Review Copy Provided By:  Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

About the Book:  This adorable peek-a-boo book invites little ones to play along with their favorite animals, with soothing rhymes and engaging illustrations as only Sandra Magsamen can deliver. The anticipation of what's hiding on the next page will keep kids guessing and giggling all the way to the surprise ending - when a heart-shaped mirror reveals who's loved most of all!

My Review:  This is a cute book to give as a baby shower gift.  I would not recommend letting baby have it alone because of the flaps in the book, but it is great for reading to baby.  The rhymes are catchy and the pictures give clues as to what's under the flap.  I like the script used in this board book.  It is not your typical block font, but it's large enough for little eyes to notice.  Magsamen has given us another wonderful book to enjoy with babies!

Title:  Listen, Listen

Author:  Phillis Gershator

Illustrator:  Alison Jay

Review Copy Provided by:  publisher, Barefoot Books via The Picnic Basket

About the Book:  Introduce young readers to the sights and sounds of the year - from summer's sizzling sun to winter's crackling snow. Featuring breathtaking illustrations by internationally renowned illustrator, Alison Jay, this book will open your child's eyes and ears to the world around them!

My Review:  I enjoyed this oversized board book.  Kids love noises, and this book is full of them, from the noises the insects make in summer, to the silent sounds of winter.  I can just hear young children mimicing the sounds that are read to them in this delightful book.  Children love to learn about the differences in the seasons and this book will help them to do just that.  The muted colors and rustic looking illustrations by Alison Jay, add character to this book.  I especially liked how she added faces to the flowers and made them come to life on the page as you read, "Pop, pop, bulbs sprout.  Leaves grow, flowers shout."  An added bonus at the end is an "I Spy" like page for each season that I'm sure kids are going to enjoy.  Even though this is a board book, usually for babies, toddlers and preschoolers will enjoy it as well.  This is a review for The Picnic Basket, so this book receives a 4 - recommend without reservation.

Review: Waggit Again

Title:  Waggit Again

Author:  Peter Howe

ARC Provided by:  Harper Collins Publishers via the Picnic Basket

About the Book:  The first time it happened, Waggit was just a puppy.  But now he is lost again, and this time far away from home.  How will he ever get back to where he belongs?  Just when all hope is lost he finds two new and very unusual friends.  Are his troubles over?  Or are they just beginning?

My Review:  Once again, Peter Howe gives us Waggit's story only this time he's older and has more friends.  I enjoyed Waggit Again just as much as the Waggit's Tale.  In this story, Waggit is out of the park living on a farm, but he doesn't like can't and can't believe his Upright has left him there.  Howe tells Waggit's story as he meets up with 2 new friends and together, they venture back to the park where Waggit's Tale began, the place that he loves and feels he belongs.  Like his first book, Howe tells the story from Waggit's point of view, drawing the reader in with the suspense and adventure.  I fell in love with the new characters and was saddened at times by events in the story.  Again, I was unable to put this one down until I knew what was going to happen.  I can't say much more about this book without giving away spoilers.  Waggit Again is due out in May, so keep an eye out for it.  I do want to share some quotes from the book which I think sum up the theme well.

"So much had happened in such a short period of time.  He had learned about survival and friendship, and loyalty and bravery through overcoming fear.  He had also come to understand that the world was not always the friendly place he would like it to be.  There were bad dogs...and bad humans like the men at the bar, and these you had to stand up to, even though it was scary and dangerous."

"What he had learned was that both humans and dogs are often different from the way they first seem, and to judge too quickly was often to be wrong.  It was a lesson he would try to live by."

Aren't those things that we all wish our children would learn?  Not only has Howe written a great story, but he leaves you with life lessons.

This book was reviewed for the Picnic Basket and it gets a 5 - strongly recommend

Thank you Picnic Basket and Harper Collins for sending this to me!

Review: Waggit's Tale

Title:  Waggit's Tale
Author:  Peter Howe
Review Copy Provided by: Harpers Collins Publishers via The Picnic Basket


About the Book:  He is nameless.  He is homeless.  He is friendless.  He is lost.

Until he is found . . . by a team of mutts who shelter him and teach him how to survive the wilds of the city park.  And so he becomes Waggit, the best hunter and tracker in the pack, and the dog with the most powerfully wagging tail. Waggit grows to love his team, especially its leader, Tazar, and his best friend, an old dog named Lowdown.  But life in the park is dangerous and uncertain. In winter, food and warmth are scarce. Another team of wild dogs is a constant menace. And always, there is the fear of capture by park rangers. Waggit can't help feeling that something is missing . . . something warm and cozy and . . . human. Then one day everything changes and Waggit must face a new threat and a new choice.


My Review:  This is a sweet story told from a dog's point of view.  I have to say that I am a sucker for animal books.  When my kids at school ask me for a book recommendation, I usually point them to Bill Wallace, especially Beauty and A Dog Called Kitty.  Those books have animals in them, but the main character is usually a child.  Peter Howe's books will be ones that I add to the likes of Bill Wallace when I recommend books, because not only are they about animals, but the animals are the main characters which is different and wonderful.  I have not known many kids who don't like dogs or reading about dogs.  For Howe's first book for children, he chose characters that appeal to children.  Waggit's Tale introduces us to Waggit and his life in the park.  Stray dogs are commonplace in the country, but who knew there were groups of them in the heart of the city?  My heart was with Waggit as Howe told his story.  The writing is such that you get into the character and don't want to put the book down until you find out what happens to him.  This book is full of suspense, mystery, adventure and humor which when all put together makes for a great story with a loveable main character. 

This is a Picnic Basket review, so I must rate it.  I give Waggit's Tale a 5 - strongly recommend.

Thank you to the Picnic Basket and Harper Collins Publishers for sending me this book to review!