Children’s book reviews by Andrea Dochney of the Oakland Public Library.
Belle, the Last Mule at Gee’s Bend
By: Calvin A. Ramsey
Enhancing the civil rights narrative, readers learn of how mules, particularly Belle, helped African-Americans vote and even played an important role in the funeral of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The story is told to [...]
Books reviewed by Andrea Dochney of the Oakland Public Library.
The Worst Twelve Days of Christmas
By: Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen
In an amusing twist on the traditional holiday song, older sister Joy laments sharing the holiday with her new baby brother. Frustration and exasperation arise as Joy deals with shattered ornaments and ripped cards courtesy her younger sibling. [...]
Reviews by Andrea Dochney of the Oakland Public Library
Balloons Over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade
By: Melissa Sweet
Ever wondered about the first balloons used in the beloved Thanksgiving parade? Melissa Sweet takes us into the story of puppeteer Tony Sarg, who first created the balloons now famous in the Macy’s [...]
By Andrea Dochney of the Oakland Public Library
Fall Mixed-Up
Bob Raczka
Traditional fall images go awry in the newest Racza book. Readers will delight in the silly pictures as leaves rise from trees rather than fall. In addition to the mix-ups mentioned in the text, children can scavenge the pages looking for the extra mix-up. The [...]
Reviews by Andrea Dochney of the Oakland Public Library.
Nina Nandu’s Nervous Noggins
By: Barbara DeRubertis
The latest edition in Barbara DeRubertis’ Animal Antics A to Z follows Nina Nandu as she copes with being new in town for the first day of school. The alliteration featured in the series helps to reinforce single consonant sounds, a [...]
Children’s book reviews are written by Andrea Dochney of the Oakland Public Library.
Zoomer’s Summer Snowstorm
By: Ned Young
Does the heat have you longing for winter snowstorms? Zoomer, an adorable dog, decides to cool off with an icy treat one hot day. One little snow cone snowballs into a much larger snow escapade complete with [...]
Books are reviewed by Andrea Dochney of the Oakland Public Library.
Summer Jackson: Grown Up
By: Teresa Harris
Have one of those kids who cannot wait to grow up or is tired of being treated like “a baby”? This book features a young girl exactly like that. Summer Jackson decides she is ready to act as an adult [...]
Dino-Basketball
By: Lisa Wheeler
A follow up to its hockey, soccer and baseball counterparts, Dino-Basketball follows the big game at Mastadon Square Garden. Although neither the real Clippers or Raptors made it to the NBA Finals this year, the two teams battle for the championship as cheerleader, mascots and even an Elvis impersonator cheer them on. [...]
Leap Back Home to Me
By: Lauren Thompson
Sweet rhymes express the reassuring love of a mother frog to her child going out into the world. As the little frog ventures farther and farther away, the mother frog faithfully awaits his return. The words flow nicely as simplistic watercolor and ink illustrations depict little frog’s journeys [...]
Children’s Books reviewed by Andrea Dochney of the Oakland Pubic Library
If You’re Hoppy
By: April Sayre
With a cover featuring some springtime staples, If You’re Hoppy encourages readers to mimic various animal movements from hopping to growling. The illustrations are straightforward and fun as they depict animals in various activities. A great book to read [...]
