Panda Bear, Panda Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin, Jr., Illustrated by Eric Carle

Panda Bear, Panda Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin, Jr.
Illustrated by Eric Carle
Henry Holt and Company
Published in 2003
ISBN 0805092927
32 Pages

PLACES TO BUY FROM:

Amazon (Hardback)
Barnes & Noble (Hardback)

CHECKED OUT THE BOOK FROM MY PUBLIC LIBRARY.

APART OF THE GOODREADS 2011 READING CHALLENGE.

Review/Rating:

2 out of 5



Ease of Reading Text: 5 out of 5
Illustrations: 2 out of 5
Plot: 1 out of 5

A dreaming child sees all kinds of endangered animals.

I love Eric Carle's books since they are always so cute and almost fun, even now, even though I am an adult. Though, this one of the first ones that I have read where he works with another author. However, this time, instead of Eric Carle of writing this book, Bill Martin, Jr.

This book was really too simple compared to other children's books. In order for your child to be interested in this book, I think that they will have to be under the age of five. Why? Because if they are any older, I think they will think it is as boring as I thought it was. I think the plot of showing different types of endangered animals was a very good idea, but it was poorly used to make it more interesting and less boring.

The illustrations are really very simple, but they are also kind of boring at the same time. However, I think it is creative how he can illustrate his own books with tissue paper, but it is still a little too simple for me to enjoy. The only thing that was well done for this book was how easy it was to read/see the text.

Anyways, I found this book kind of average and not really worth reading, but it is up to you if you think it is worth reading to your child. However, be warned that any child under the age of 5 might find it a little too boring. :|

Other Reviews/Author Site:

Bill Martin, Jr.
Eric Carle
Goodreads: Panda Bear, Panda Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin, Jr., Illustrated by Eric Carle
Library Thing: Panda Bear, Panda Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin, Jr., Illustrated by Eric Carle
Kids' Book Review: Panda Bear, Panda Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin, Jr., Illustrated by Eric Carle

Dear Vampa by Ross Collins, Illustrated by Ross Collins

Dear Vampa by Ross Collins
Illustrated by Ross Collins
Katherine Tegan Books
Published in 2009
ISBN 9780061355349
32 Pages

PLACES TO BUY FROM:

Amazon (Hardback)
Barnes & Noble (Hardback)

CHECKED OUT THE BOOK FROM MY PUBLIC LIBRARY.

APART OF THE GOODREADS 2011 READING CHALLENGE.

Review/Rating:

4 out of 5



Ease of Reading Text: 4 out of 5
Illustrations: 5 out of 5
Plot: 5 out of 5

It's hard to find good neighbors. Though, when the Pires get the Wolfsons as new neighbors, they discover they are as different as day and night. They think the Wolfsons have strange rituals --- staying up all day, liking sunshine, and other non-nocturnal activities. What does this Vampire family do in response to this new neighbor problem?

Who doesn't have problems with new neighbors or neighbors in general? This book puts a new twist and outlook on neighbor problems by using vampires and what appears to be humans. Though, you will find out later that these humans are more than they appear to be. ;) The plot might seem very simple, but it really is very cute and a little bit funny --- it actually made me smile a couple of times.

You can also see/read the text pretty easily, but it gets a little bit hard to see/read when it is against a black background with little white lines on the black. And the type of font they used for the book matches the vampire/supernatural theme of the book very well, which I liked a lot. However, I just wish they made the font a little bigger or made it in bold to make it even more easier to see/read. The illustrations of the book are also very well done and cute.

Overall, I like the book very much, except the font could have used a little work. However, it is still a good read despite that, and I like the twist and supernatural use of the classic neighbor problem since it made the story a lot cuter than if it was just ordinary people. :)

Other Reviews/Author Site:

Ross Collins
Goodreads: Dear Vampa by Ross Collins, Illustrated by Ross Collins
Library Thing: Dear Vampa by Ross Collins, Illustrated by Ross Collins
KinderScares: Dear Vampa by Ross Collins, Illustrated by Ross Collins
Maw Books: Dear Vampa by Ross Collins, Illustrated by Ross Collins

The Sissy Duckling by Harvey Fierstein, Illustrated by Henry Cole

The Sissy Duckling by Harvey Fierstein
Illustrated by Henry Cole
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Published in 2002
ISBN 0689835663
40 Pages

PLACES TO BUY FROM: 

Amazon (Paperback)
Barnes & Noble (Paperback)

CHECKED OUT THE BOOK FROM MY PUBLIC LIBRARY.

APART OF THE BANNED/CHALLENGED BOOKS CHALLENGE.

APART OF THE GOODREADS 2011 READING CHALLENGE.

Review/Rating:

5 out of 5



Ease of Reading Text: 5 out of 5
Illustrations: 5 out of 5
Plot: 5 out of 5

Elmer is different from other male ducklings --- he likes to cook, clean, paint pictures, and other non-masculine things. And because of this, everyone calls him a sissy, even his own father. But will they learn that Elmer is just fine the way he is?

This book is on the ALA Banned and Challenged book list, and I kind of understand why, that is, if I was one of the narrow-minded type of person. Anyways, it has been banned/challenged because it has "gay tendencies", which I could see in some ways.

However, to me, it is just teaching people, children mostly, that it is okay to be different and not like things based on the stereotypical views of today's society. In my opinion, this book teaches a good lesson. Why? Because of the fact that no one likes being judged based on a mold that has been around for decades.

Anyways, besides liking the "don't judge people by stereotypes" lesson, I like the illustrations. They matched the words very well, and were cutely drawn and very bright. Also, the text was very easy to see and read, which is always a plus with children's books since most of them have text that's hard to see/read.

That said, this book is very good if you want to teach your kids not to judge people by stereotypes ans other unfair things.

Other Reviews/Author Site:

Harvey Fierstein
Henry Cole
Goodreads: The Sissy Duckling by Harvey Fierstein, Illustrated by Henry Cole
Library Thing: The Sissy Duckling by Harvey Fierstein, Illustrated by Henry Cole
See the World in Rainbows: The Sissy Duckling by Harvey Fierstein, Illustrated by Henry Cole

Draw Me A Star by Eric Carle, Illustrated by Eric Carle

Draw Me A Star by Eric Carle
Illustrated by Eric Carle
Philomel Books
Published in 1992
ISBN 039921877
40 Pages

PLACES TO BUY FROM:

Amazon (Hardback)
Barnes & Noble (Hardback)

CHECKED OUT THE BOOK FROM MY PUBLIC LIBRARY.

APART OF THE BANNED/CHALLENGED BOOKS CHALLENGE.

APART OF THE GOODREADS 2011 READING CHALLENGE.

Review/Rating:

3 out of 5



Ease of Reading Text: 5 out of 5
Illustrations: 3 out of 5
Plot: 3 out of 5

An artist creates things, and this one is no different. From a young child to his elder years, he draws and creates things.

I love Eric Carle's books since they are always so cute and almost fun, even now, even though I am an adult.

Even though I like his picture books, this one seems to touch the legend of creation and God, so it kind of turns me off from that point. It kind of makes it simple, but most parents will not like one of the illustrations. The illustration is of a naked man and woman, which is why this book is banned/challenged. If that kind of image/picture is a problem, find a piece a paper or something and cover the whole picture before you read the book to your kid. Or, you can just cover from the head down before reading it. Just so you know, it is AFTER the sun page.

The illustrations are really very simple, but they are also kind of boring at the same time. However, I think it is creative how he can illustrate his own books with tissue paper, but it is still a little bleh for me. Also, the text is very easy to see/read because it is either on a black or white background.

Anyways, I found this book kind of average and not really worth reading, but it is up to you if you think it is worth reading to your child.

Other Reviews/Author Site:

Eric Carle
Goodreads: Draw Me A Star by Eric Carle, Illustrated by Eric Carle
Library Thing: Draw Me A Star by Eric Carle, Illustrated by Eric Carle
Little Lamb Books: Draw Me A Star by Eric Carle, Illustrated by Eric Carle

Smoky Night by Eve Bunting, Illustrated by David Diaz

Smoky Night by Eve Bunting
Illustrated by David Diaz
Harcourt Brace & Company
Published in 1994
ISBN 0152699546
40 Pages

PLACES TO BUY FROM:

Amazon (Hardback)
Barnes & Noble (Hardback)

CHECKED OUT THE BOOK FROM MY PUBLIC LIBRARY.

APART OF THE GOODREADS 2011 READING CHALLENGE.

Review/Rating:

3 out of 5



Ease of Reading Text: 2 out of 5
Illustrations: 2 out of 5
Plot: 5 out of 5

Riots are breaking out in the streets of Los Angeles, and it isn't any different in Daniel's neighborhood. Daniel and his neighbors learn an important lesson after two always fighting cats finally get along.

This picture book is set during an actual historical event, the 1992 Los Angeles riots. Because it uses a historical related event, the plot is very well informed and good because it teaches us and any children who read this book that we should value people and get along, no matter how different we are. Also, it teachers young children about the racial differences we had, and still have, through simple measures.

Even though the plot is very nicely done, the illustrations and how easy you can read the text isn't. The illustrations seem overdone with the textures all over the place, and I paid more attention to the textures instead of the actual drawings. Also, with most of the text, it was over textures that were hard to read black text off of.

Anyways, those were the only two things that I had a problem with in this book. It also has a wonderful lesson for everyone to learn and remember. Though, I have just a word of warning, it has the theme of racism in the book. However, it isn't really that noticeable, if the kid is really young. This is a very good book with an important lesson to learn, no matter how young the child is, but the illustrations and how well you can see/read the text is kind of hard and bleh.

Other Reviews/Author Site:

Eve Bunting
David Diaz
Goodreads: Smoky Night by Eve Bunting, Illustrated by David Diaz
Library Thing: Smoky Night by Eve Bunting, Illustrated by David Diaz
The Rookie's View: Smoky Night by Eve Bunting, Illustrated by David Diaz
Best Children's Books: Smoky Night by Eve Bunting, Illustrated by David Diaz

And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell, Illustrated by Henry Cole

And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell
Illustrated by Henry Cole
Simon & Schuster for Young Readers
Published in 2005
ISBN 9780689878459
32 Pages

PLACES TO BUY FROM:

Amazon (Hardback)
Barnes & Noble (Hardback)

CHECKED OUT THE BOOK FROM MY PUBLIC LIBRARY.

APART OF THE BANNED/CHALLENGED BOOKS CHALLENGE.

APART OF THE GOODREADS 2011 READING CHALLENGE.

Review/Rating:

4 out of 5



Ease of Reading Text: 5 out of 5
Illustrations: 3 out of 5
Plot: 5 out of 5

Based on a true story, Roy and Silo are two penguins who are a couple, but when they notice all the other penguins having babies, they want one as well. Then, their caretaker, Mr. Gramzay, gives them a left over egg to take care of. And when Tango is hatched, they created a new kind of penguin family.

This is one of the top ten challenged books in 2006, 2007, and 2008. It was also number two for 2009. Anyways, I can't see how it is one of the top challenged children's books. It only retells a true story about penguins in New York. Yeah, sure, it is about two male penguins, but it goes in about how there are different types of families. I guess most people are just too touchy about subjects like two males being together, even if it is penguins.

I thought the story/plot was cute, even if it is based on a true story. You might have to explain some weird things, if your kid asks about it. But it might be a good way to start explaining different kinds of families and not to start hate over different people. Anyways, I really didn't like the illustrations that much, but they did remind me of how picture books used to be --- colored with colored pencils. :X

The only lesson I can think that's in there is to not judge different kinds of families, which makes it sort of enjoyable. Anyways, it is a good read to read to your children, and I think they will love the illustrations, even if they are basic looking. And if they do ask questions, explain it without hate or judging. :)

Other Reviews/Author Site:

Justin Richardson
Peter Parnell
Henry Cole
Goodreads: And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell
Library Thing: And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell
Books for Kids Blog: And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell
The Quick Wit Litniks: And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell

There's a Cat in the Library by Vicki Myron and Bret Witter, Illustrated by Steve James

DEWEY SERIES

There's a Cat in the Library by Vicki Myron and Bret Witter
Illustrated by Steve James
Little, Brown and Company
Published in 2009
ISBN 9780316068741
40 Pages

PLACES TO BUY FROM:

Amazon (Hardback)
Barnes & Noble (Hardback)

CHECKED OUT THE BOOK FROM MY PUBLIC LIBRARY.

APART OF THE GOODREADS 2011 READING CHALLENGE.

Review/Rating:

5 out of 5



Ease of Reading Text: 5 out of 5
Illustrations: 5 out of 5
Plot: 5 out of 5

The illustrated children's book version of Vicki Myron's adult book, Dewey the Library Cat. Dewey is new to being a library cat, as he is trying to figure out what a library cat does, he wonders if he is the right cat for the job.

I decided to start reviewing some picture books because I see really cute ones in the library, and this is my first one. While most people don't like it is based on a true story from another author, I like it. Why? Because it gives a chance for little kids to broaden their horizons even though they aren't on the adult reading level yet.

Anyways, I like the children's book version, but I'm not too sure if I would like the adult book. >.>" The author(s) made it really easy and fun to read for children. The illustrations make it even more enjoyable. They were so cute and soft that I looked at the pages extra long. :)

There aren't really any special hidden lessons for children in the book, but it is still really enjoyable. Anyways, it is a good read to read to your children, and I think they will love the illustrations.

Other Reviews/Author Site:

Vicki Myron
Bret Witter
Steve James
Goodreads: Dewey: There's a Cat in the Library by Vicki Myron and Bret Witter
Library Thing: Dewey: There's a Cat in the Library by Vicki Myron and Bret Witter
Books for Kids Blog: Dewey: There's a Cat in the Library by Vicki Myron and Bret Witter
The Quick Wit Litniks: There's a Cat in the Library by Vicki Myron and Bret Witter