This month’s Popular Picks features favorite authors such as Emma Chichester Clark, Deb Lucke, and Kimberly and James Dean.
PICTURE BOOKS
Asher, Sandy. Chicken Story Time. illus. by Mark Fearing. 40p. Dial. Dec. 2016. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9780803739444. POP
PreS-Gr 2 –Everyone looks forward to the storytime program at the public library. One week, a chicken comes in through the window and joins the entourage of children as they gather around the librarian to hear a story, and a good time is had by all. The next week, a larger crowd of children attend, along with a whole flock of chickens. The session is a bit hectic but is nonetheless a big hit. The following week, there are so many children, and so many chickens, that the beleaguered librarian can’t be heard over the din, even with a bullhorn. How can they possibly conduct a storytime? Suddenly, a solution occurs to her—she hands out “shelves and shelves of stories” to the children, and they spread out all over the building, each conducting mini-storytimes, reading to the chickens. The vibrant cartoon art captures the suburban library setting with a mix of full-bleed spreads, sequential panels, and increasingly busy (and noisy) scenes. The simple, large-font, cumulative text reinforces several recurring elements (children, chickens, stories) and features the refrain, “Everyone loves storytime.” With this engaging, bibliocentric answer to the proverbial question of why the chicken crossed the road, librarians and teachers can introduce the idea of library programming in a lively and humorous way. VERDICT Children will flock to hear this raucous read-aloud.–Luann Toth, School Library Journal
Clark, Emma Chichester. Plenty of Love To Go Around. illus. by Emma Chichester Clark. 32p. ebook available. Penguin/Nancy Paulsen Bks. Nov. 2016. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9780399546662. POP
PreS-Gr 1 –Plum, an adorable black shaggy dog with a definite terrier look, is back for another adventure. As in the first book, it’s all about love—Plum’s favorite thing!—plus a bit of naughtiness, which she can’t seem to control. Plum’s best friends, the kids next door, bring home Binky, a cat. As he follows Plum around and mimics her every move, the pup’s annoyance changes to jealousy, especially when Binky seems to rise to status as the new Special One. Full spreads and panels present colorful images that coordinate exceptionally well with the text. The font is dark gray, with emphasized words in black. The simple watercolor and pencil figures are full of expression, especially the large eyes, which show a range of emotions: happiness, dubious concern, and even some anger. VERDICT The large format makes this offering ideal for preschool storytime, and the message is a reassuring one. Recommended for all picture book collections.–Gaye Hinchliff, King County Library System, WA
Cronin, Doreen. Click, Clack, Surprise! illus. by Betsy Lewin. 40p. Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Bks. Sept. 2016. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9781481470315. POP
PreS-Gr 1 –In the 11th “Click, Clack” book by Cronin and Lewin, Farmer Brown and the animals are preparing for Little Duck’s birthday party. Once the cake is baked, the decorations hung, and the games chosen, the animals focus on spiffing themselves up for the event. In turn, the duck, sheep, cat, chickens, and pigs “rub-a-dub,” “snippity-clip,” “slurp-a-lurp,” “shimmy-shake,” and “squish and squash” clean. Little Duck follows their example, ending with a dust bath and a roll in a mud puddle. Readers are likely to get caught up in the onomatopoeic fun and may be inspired by Lewin’s energetic watercolors to wiggle, shake, and strut along with the animals. VERDICT Sure to be a lively storytime read-aloud. Recommended for most picture book collections.–Jennifer Costa, Cambridge Public Library, MA
Dean, Kimberly & James Dean. Pete the Cat and the Missing Cupcakes. illus. by James Dean. 40p. HarperCollins. Oct. 2016. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9780062304346. POP
PreS-Gr 1 –Pete’s back, this time in a rhyming counting book that has the cat and his platypus buddy, Gus, solving a mystery: Who’s taking the cupcakes for the party? The tale sees the friends, most of whom will be familiar to fans of the mischievous feline, giving alibis one by one (“Turtle said, ‘It wasn’t me! It couldn’t be! I’ve been swimming in the sea!’ ”) while Pete and Gus seek clues. Observant readers will enjoy finding hints along the way—amphibian footprints are a dead giveaway—and the rhyming and counting down as the cakes disappear make the book highly interactive. As usual, the Deans accompany their rollicking tale with jump-off-the-page bright artwork. Even the endpapers get in on the fun—they show sumptuous cupcakes, with the possible culprits popping up here and there. VERDICT For storytime or anytime sharing, this appealing picture book will be eaten up by readers and listeners alike.–Henrietta Verma, National Information Standards Organization, Baltimore
Hood, Susan. The Fix-It Man. illus. by Arree Chung. 40p. HarperCollins/Harper. Nov. 2016. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9780062370853. POP
PreS-Gr 2 –Rat-a-tat-tat! Make way for Joshua James and his tool belt and hard hat! In this lighthearted and innovative story, Joshua (aka Mr. Fix-It) tinkers with broken household items and manages a checklist on his clipboard. One day, he tries to concoct a mechanism that dumps his sister’s smelly diapers from the house into the outdoor garbage can. Once his plan is in place, the wheels start turning and the Fix-It Man is on the case. Two silly critters, assumed to be household pets, dillydally across each page either assisting the children or taking part in mischievous activities, which adds even more humor. Some of the content is displayed in comic book layout, along with some catchy onomatopoeia to grab readers’ attention. Joshua’s contraptions are each illustrated in a sequential order of lettered parts that could help children follow along with the mechanics of inventive construction. The children and animals are drawn with cartoonlike characteristics, such as oversize heads and squat legs, while watercolor and ink illustrations cover each spread. The subjects of brothers and sisters and apologies are explored as the story progresses, demonstrating what can go wrong when things don’t go as planned. VERDICT Pair with Andrea Beaty’s Ada Twist, Scientist for a terrific session on the trial and error of tinkering and problem-solving. A recommended general purchase.–Krista Welz, North Bergen High School, NJ
Krensky, Stephen. Dinosaurs in Disguise. illus. by Lynn Munsinger. 32p. ebook available. HMH. Nov. 2016. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9780544472716. POP
PreS-Gr 1 –In Krensky’s latest picture book, a boy posits the idea that dinosaurs are still alive but in hiding. The child narrator, carrying a stuffed dinosaur, states that he believes dinosaurs were strong enough to survive an asteroid collision but they are too scared of humans to show themselves. People are polluters, and until they stop littering and contaminating the air and water with poisons, the giant reptiles will remain concealed. The watercolor illustrations show how dinosaurs have disguised themselves over the years to blend in with their environment. People from around the world don’t see them, because the dinosaurs are disguised as cave dwellers, the Sphinx, a mountain under a castle, a Pilgrim, and even Santa Claus. Some, like the dinosaur traffic light, are harder to spot than others. VERDICT This boy’s theory is far-fetched but fun to imagine. Children will giggle at this supremely silly read-aloud.–Tanya Boudreau, Cold Lake Public Library, Alta.
McGill, Erin. I Do Not Like Al’s Hat. illus. by Erin McGill. 32p. HarperCollins/Greenwillow. Jan. 2017. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9780062455765. POP
PreS-Gr 2 –Herb, who is Al the magician’s rabbit, has had it. He relishes the spotlight, the applause, and the carrots, but his ears hurt from night after night of being pulled out of a hat. He needs a new job, but the only options seem to be pet rabbit, wild rabbit, and veggie farmer. Weighing the pros and cons (and teaching readers about decision-making in the process), Herb finds that each vocation falls short. Then—ta da!—he tries the classified ads and meets a new friend, one who, too, enjoys the spotlight, the applause, and…carrot cake. This unexpected and lovely offering that ends with a warm friendship is beautifully illustrated with McGill’s expressive, whimsical collages. It lends itself to multiple storytime pairings—for farm tales with a twist, pair it with Susan Pearson’s Slugs in Love; for a storytime featuring classified ads, grab this and Rachael Mortimer’s The Three Billy Goats Fluff; and for unexpected friendships, read this and Phyllis Root’s Toot Toot Zoom! VERDICT What a romp! Al’s loss is readers’ gain when Herb goes on the lam. Sure to be a read-aloud favorite.–Henrietta Verma, National Information Standards Organization, Baltimore
Proimos, James. Mac & Cheese. illus. by James Proimos. 40p. Holt/Christy Ottaviano Bks. Nov. 2016. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780805091564. POP
K-Gr 2 –Best friends Mac (a tall, thin, bespectacled piece of pasta) and Cheese (a small orange square of cheddar, perhaps) are spending a day together. On a long walk after breakfast, Cheese asks his brilliant friend a series of challenging questions and is impressed by Mac’s knowledge. After lunch, Mac becomes indignant over perceived discrepancies in several paintings that Cheese has created. Cheese uses this opportunity to teach Mac that art can be produced and interpreted in many ways. After dinner, their peaceful evening gazing at the stars is interrupted by the arguing of Oil and Water. Mac and Cheese decide to return to their respective homes, where each contentedly dreams of the other. Broken up into three short stories named after the three meals of the day, this full-size picture book is formatted much like the easy readers of Arnold Lobel and James Marshall. The premises of the tales can be a little zany, yet these are amusing and timeless stories of friendship. The cartoon illustrations, rendered with brush pen on paper and colored in Sketchbook Pro, are bold and engaging. The deeply colored pictures give readers further insight into what is going on in the narrative. VERDICT A silly, fun read-aloud for kids who love cartoons and enjoy a good laugh.–Amy Shepherd, St. Anne’s Episcopal School, Middleton, DE
MIDDLE GRADE
Bell, Jennifer. The Crooked Sixpence. illus. by Karl James Mountford. 320p. (The Uncommoners: Bk. 1). Crown. Jan. 2017. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780553498431; lib. ed. $19.99. ISBN 9780553498448. POP
Gr 4-6 –Debut author Bell introduces Ivy Sparrow, 11, and her older brother, Seb. The children are staying with their grandmother, who is rushed to the hospital after a fall. Within hours, events start to spiral out of control, with kidnappings, death threats, creepy figures, and a race against time to solve an old mystery. Ivy and Seb are swept into a world of adventure, magic, and intrigue. As the story progresses, they discover that their grandmother is from a secret underground world called Lundinor, under the city of London. The city is filled with magical people and common objects used in uncommon ways. The characters are well-rounded and likable. The language is rich and detailed and helps illuminate the setting. Students will dive right into this journey and not want to come up for air. The illustrations add to the dark and scary tone. VERDICT Fans of classic fantasy with a dash of horror will enjoy this new series starter.–Megan McGinnis, Sachem Public Library, Holbrook, NY
Lundquist, Jenny. The Charming Life of Izzy Malone. 288p. S. & S./Aladdin. Nov. 2016. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9781481460323. POP
Gr 4-6 –Izzy feels like a sore thumb in a room full of pinkies. She’s a spirited girl who wants to be a part of the competitive after-school rowing team, the Dandelion Paddlers, but is best known as “Toad Girl” by her classmates. She describes herself as the “kid in class that everyone secretly (and not-so-secretly) thinks is weird.” She lives with her older sister (a musical prodigy who gets more than her fair share of attention), her mom (who is running for mayor), her father (who is the town’s police chief), her grandma, and her great-aunt. Her parents enroll her in Mrs. Whippie’s Earn Your Charm School, where she learns about manners while being prompted to do her best and is rewarded with charms for a bracelet. This contemporary realistic novel is told in the first person, and readers will root for Izzy. VERDICT A well-executed and fun school romp. Hand this to middle grade readers looking for light and entertaining fare.–Helen Foster James, University of California at San Diego
Surrisi, C.M. Vampires on the Run: A Quinnie Boyd Mystery. 296p. Carolrhoda. Mar. 2017. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9781512411508. POP
Gr 4-8 –Eighth grader Quinnie Boyd looks forward to the last few days of school before summer vacation arrives in Maiden Rock, ME. Summer also brings her friend Ella’s houseguests—horror writers Edgar and Ceil Waterman. Quinnie wonders if they really talk to vampires and why they walk the beach after dark. She starts surveilling them with the help of her new friend Dominic. Quinnie hopes to present evidence of vampire activity to her mother, a real estate agent cum sheriff cum mayor, even though she promised she wouldn’t investigate anymore after her adventures in Surrisi’s first “Quinnie Boyd” mystery. During their work, Quinnie and friends notice a predatory coyote and a couple of tourists who seem far too friendly. Quinnie may not have all the answers, but a dramatic boating escape in rough waters brings the story to a satisfying resolution. This second outing doesn’t suffer from the awkward stumbles that plague many follow-up novels. Surrisi creates characters with memorable personalities that come together in the detailed Maine setting. Unlike some fictional detectives, Quinnie doesn’t solve the mystery so much as discover interesting clues, but that seems realistic given her age. Readers will enjoy the reveals as much as Quinnie does, though there are consequences for all of her midnight high jinks. The vampire plot adds to the book’s appeal. VERDICT A lively Maine mystery with spooky elements that kids will relish. The characters are a little older than the intended audience, but the story is suitable for a wide age range.–Caitlin Augusta, Stratford Library Association, CT
YA
Hocking, Amanda. Freeks. 400p. ebook available. St. Martin’s Griffin. Jan. 2017. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9781250084774. POP
Gr 9 Up –Tired of living in a strange and paranormal world, all Mara wants is an escape from the carnival sideshow she’s known most of her life. She thinks she might have it in a boy named Gabe whom she meets at a party when she arrives in town. Unfortunately, there is a gut feeling among many in the sideshow that something sinister is lurking. After her friends and fellow carnies are attacked by a mysterious beast, Mara must embrace the part of her identity she’s tried to hide, make use of her otherworldly abilities, and save those she cares about. Hocking has crafted an interesting cast of quirky characters and a unique spin on a carnival freak show setting. The variety of supernatural creatures, from the familiar werewolf to a different take on necromancers, will delight fans of paranormal romance. The protagonist’s struggle with her identity provides needed grounding in a story that largely requires readers to suspend disbelief. Some awkward pacing and heavy-handed foreshadowing make major plot points predictable far before their reveal. The climax and the conclusion, though, are ultimately quite satisfying. VERDICT This fun paranormal romance, wrapped up in a circus-tent setting, is recommended where the genre and the author’s books are popular. Hand to fans of Twilight and MTV’s Teen Wolf.–Kristee Copley, Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, Washington, DC
Howard, A.G. RoseBlood. 432p. ebook available. Abrams/Amulet. Jan. 2017. Tr $18.95. ISBN 9781419719097. POP
Gr 7 Up –Rune Germain has sung opera since she was four years old, as her father played arias on his violin. She sings beautifully, and often the music becomes so strong that it bursts out of her, but each performance leaves her feeling ill, especially following her father’s death. After Rune has a devastating encounter with a boy at a party, her mother sends her to her aunt’s music conservatory, RoseBlood, near Paris, hoping that it will cure Rune of her “affliction.” The school has a past that scares Rune. Originally a theater modeled after the one in Gaston Leroux’s The Phantom of the Opera, the building burned down and has been partially rebuilt with funds from an anonymous benefactor. At RoseBlood, Rune experiences cruelty from jealous classmates, but she also makes good friends, and at night, lovely violin music lulls her to sleep. Then, in a secret encounter, she meets violin- playing Etalon, who helps her understand the mysteries surrounding the school as well as her own identity. In a complex interweaving of teen school story, romance, and horror, the novel combines Phantom narrative elements with a cast of energy-sucking psychic vampires. Rune is a multifaceted, artistic character whose actions and reactions feel believably young adult as she confronts questions about family secrets and heredity. This is an accomplished undertaking, although the slow reveal may fail to engage some readers, especially those unfamiliar with the source material. VERDICT A good purchase for paranormal romance collections, and the connections to a classic work of literature add appeal.–Janet Hilbun, University of North Texas, Denton
Pearson, Mary E. The Beauty of Darkness. 688p. (The Remnant Chronicles: Bk. 3). ebook available. Holt. Aug. 2016. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9780805099256. POP
Gr 9 Up –After the cliff-hanger ending in The Heart of Betrayal, Lia wakes to find Rafe, the prince of Dalbreck, stitching up the wounds she suffered in their escape from the Komizar. Fighting for their lives each step of the way, the small group of survivors finally return to Dalbreck only to learn that the king is dead. Pushed by duty, Rafe assumes the crown, but he loses Lia, who is determined to return home to her own kingdom, Morrighan, where she hopes to rally her father’s soldiers and repel the Komizar’s invasion. Unfortunately, her father is gravely ill, poisoned by his trusted doctor, and she takes on the role of regent. With only a few thousand troops, though, she knows Morrighan has little hope of surviving the upcoming assault. Still, Pearson has created such a dynamic and inspiring heroine that readers will be convinced that she can save her kingdom. This action-filled novel, set in a high fantasy world, has it all: romance, adventure, mysticism, and heroism. Hand this to readers of “The Hunger Games” and John Flanagan’s “Ranger’s Apprentice” series. VERDICT Fantasy fans will love this marvelous, high-action conclusion to the trilogy.–Jane Henriksen Baird, Anchorage Public Library, AK
Silvera, Adam. History Is All You Left Me. 320p. ebook available. Soho Teen. Jan. 2017. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9781616956929. POP
Gr 10 Up –No one understands what Griffin is going through after Theo, his ex and the love of his life, dies. No one, perhaps, except Theo’s new boyfriend, Jackson. In a narrative that alternates between past and present, Silvera offers a gem of a story about first love and great loss. Griffin’s voice is strong and affecting, and as readers come to know Theo’s history and the depth of Griffin’s love, the loss becomes more and more poignant. Griffin has obsessive-compulsive disorder, and while his illness is a sensitively portrayed and central part of his life, it is not the defining theme of the novel: his grief and loss are the focus. Griffin’s transformation as he moves from resentment and rage at Jackson to compassion and connection is profound to witness. But perhaps most memorable is the protagonist’s slow, dawning realization of Theo’s deep imperfections. It is so easy to idolize a first love, and even easier to idolize someone who has died. Griffin’s gradual awareness of Theo’s flaws is the true heart of this standout title. VERDICT With a cast of beautifully realized characters, a powerful narrative voice, and genuine portrayals of complex teen situations, this work is a must-have.–L. Lee Butler, Hart Middle School, Washington, DC
GRAPHIC NOVELS
Lucke, Deb. Knee-Deep in Niceness. illus. by Deb Lucke. 180p. (The Lunch Witch: Bk. 2). Papercutz. Oct. 2016. pap. $14.99. ISBN 9781629915036. POP
Gr 4-6 –Don’t be fooled by rumors that witch–turned–lunch lady Grunhilda Blackheart has gone soft. She’s just as tough and crabby as she ever was. Or is she? Grunhilda’s dog, Mr. Williams, spies his owner lovingly poring over letters from the girl she helped in her debut outing, The Lunch Witch, and becomes worried. To placate the ancestors, whose ire will surely be roused if Grunhilda can’t prove her commitment to evil, Mr. Williams opens The-Book-That-Is-Not-To-Be-Used-for-Good and accidentally casts a spell: Vince’s Potion for Positivity. Soon, sunny thoughts are everywhere, the ancestors are on the warpath—and a terrified Mr. Williams flees, along with Grunhilda’s bats. Lucke employs a downright dingy palette, dominated by beige and olive green—the very pages look flecked with dirt—ideal for the story’s subject matter and darkly funny, deliciously irreverent tone. The characters have a grotesquely exaggerated feel (think—Roz Chast for the younger set), from hairnet-sporting, grim-faced Grunhilda to the do-gooder Boy Scout she finds herself saddled with in her quest to put things right (or, perhaps more accurately, wrong). This zany, off-the-wall caper explodes with humor and action and is bound to keep readers laughing, though some may be put off by the more disgusting elements. VERDICT A wonderfully wacky installment for fans of the series and for those with a taste for the subversive.–Mahnaz Dar, School Library Journal
NONFICTION
Hansen, Dustin. Game On!: Video Game History from Pong and Pac-Man to Mario, Minecraft, and More. 368p. ebook available. further reading. photos. websites. Feiwel & Friends. Nov. 2016. Tr $19.99. ISBN 9781250080950. POP
Gr 4 Up –This zippy primer on video game development takes readers from the arcades of the 1970s to Minecraft and the future of gaming. Short, chronological chapters introduce iconic games that represent innovations in design, story, and player experience. The well-told origin tales are a fantastic mash-up of pop and gaming culture and reveal the dedication and creativity of industry leaders such as Shigeru Miyamoto, creator of Donkey Kong and Super Mario Bros. Each chapter builds on the last, tracing the development of gaming technology, including apps. Sectioning the information into easily digestible chapters, factoids, and lists and using a conversational tone, the book is accessible, even though the content is quite extensive. Visuals include screenshots and photos of consoles and controllers. VERDICT This satisfyingly thorough and worthy addition to any collection is sure to please hard-core gamers and newbies alike.–Marian McLeod, Convent of the Sacred Heart, Greenwich, CT
Krull, Kathleen. A Kids’ Guide to America’s First Ladies. illus. by Anna DiVito. 256p. (Kids’ Guide to American History). bibliog. chron. HarperCollins/Harper. Jan. 2017. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780062381071. POP
Gr 4-6 –Krull covers 45 first ladies in compact style, with tidbits readers will find intriguing. Abigail Adams hung laundry inside the White House, putting the presidential underclothes on view. Anna Harrison had 10 children. At one point, Jackie Kennedy and her kids had nine dogs in the White House. Krull isn’t afraid to mention issues like slave ownership and infidelity, although with about five pages per figure, the profiles tend to stay on the surface. Each chapter is accompanied by at least one full-page illustration, and boxed highlights appear every few pages. A chronological “Women Break Through” time line appears periodically, noting events such as Harriet Tubman’s activities with the Underground Railroad, the founding of the League of Women Voters, and Sandra Day O’Connor’s appointment to the Supreme Court. The book is set to include 2016 election results. Students who have enjoyed Krull’s “Giants of Science” series will recognize her middle grade–friendly mix of facts and humor. VERDICT Krull brings to life the diverse personalities of her subjects and shines light on lesser-known first ladies who may not have dedicated middle grade biographies of their own.–Maggie Knapp, Trinity Valley School, Fort Worth, TX
Trunko, Emily. Dear My Blank: Secret Letters Never Sent. illus. by Lisa Congdon. 192p. Crown. Nov. 2016. Tr $14.99. ISBN 9780399557422. POP
Gr 9 Up –It can be quite cathartic to write down thoughts in the form of a letter or, in the case of this volume, anonymously post them online. This assortment of letters submitted to the popular Tumblr “Dear My Blank,” created and run by 16-year-old Trunko, contains entries on myriad teen-related subjects and emotions. The book is neatly divided into thematic sections (unrequited love, loss, and so on). The letters are punctuated by lovely illustrations that help transform the text. Readers can peruse at their discretion, read straight through, or even share with friends this accessible and browsable selection. However, the writing tends to be a bit uneven, and the mature content (cursing, sex) makes this better suited for high school readers. VERDICT The popularity of the Tumblr is a testament to the cache of readers awaiting this title. Consider for teen nonfiction collections with an interest in social media and inspirational stories.–Esther Keller, I.S. 278, Brooklyn
DVD
Click, Clack, Ho! Ho! Ho! 6 min. Dist. by Dreamscape. 2016. $38.99. ISBN 9781520018089. POP
PreS-Gr 1 –It’s Christmas Eve down on the farm, and everything seems perfect. Snow falls, lights twinkle, and festive music plays. Farmer Brown is just setting out the milk and cookies when he hears a noise outside—but it isn’t Santa’s arrival. It’s Duck, dressed in night-vision goggles and sporting a backpack and climbing spurs. Duck scales the barn, zip lines toward the chimney, and attempts to squeeze down it Santa-style. But he gets stuck. The other farm animals try to help, but the sheep, the cows, the pigs, the goats, the chickens, the mice, a dog, and a cat all become stuck in Farmer Brown’s chimney. When Santa finally appears, he unclogs everyone, and all the animals land in a sooty heap on the living room floor. They add the final ornaments to the tree and celebrate the holiday together. Doreen Cronin’s spare text is complemented by Betsy Lewin’s loose watercolor illustrations. The seasonal bright reds and greens stand out against the inky blue nighttime sky and the snowy white fields. Narrator Maurice England’s deep drawl is accompanied by tinkling bells and instrumental background music. VERDICT Duck’s fans will laugh out loud at his latest schemes as the whole farm celebrates the Christmas holiday together. A winner for the youngest viewers.–Anne Bozievich, Friendship Elementary School, Glen Rock, PA
Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood: You Are Special, Daniel Tiger! 110 min. Dist. by PBS. 2016. $12.99. ISBN 9781627897495. POP
PreS-K –For those who miss Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood, there is now Daniel Tiger. In this animated series, a young tiger changes his shoes and puts on a red sweater before having adventures with his friends and family that reinforce the same concepts found in the original TV show. That is, recognizing that everyone is special, that we are all unique but also share many characteristics, and the importance of general kindness, empathy, and responsibility for those around us. Old friends (Trolley), sometimes in new iterations, can be found here and will bring a smile to the faces of parents and grandparents. The disc contains eight episodes, each with a gentle plot, a moral, a song or two (many familiar), and then a live-action segment featuring children of many different ethnicities illustrating the episode’s theme through their actions. It is all beautifully done and warmly sweet without being cloying. VERDICT An excellent choice for preschoolers or kindergartners and a good jumping-off point for further classroom or home discussions on positive character traits.–Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary, Federal Way, WA