Chelsea Moore – Page 2 – Derby Public Library's Blog

Mom and Me Reviews: I Am Every Good Thing

I Am Every Good Thing by Derrick Barnes: 9780525518778 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books — I Am Every Good Thing by Derrick Barnes and Gordon C. James

First Line: “I am/ a nonstop ball of energy.”

Summary: This book puts on display a set of inspiring poetry about a group of young black boys. It speaks of their virtues, and insinuates their innocence, kindness, and goodness. Each page reads like its own poem, but they flow together to form a larger piece.

Ratings:

Maggie: 5 stars (2 – 4 stars after it made her emotional)

Conor: 5 stars for page 23; 0 cares of all other pages

Mama Lala: 5 stars

Their Thoughts: Maggie says, “Its like when you go home after a bad day, and you just sit on your bed… and your mom brings a blanket and just holds you. It feels good. Like that.”

Conor: My assumption of what he would say, “the picture on page 24 is pretty! I want to touch it!”

My Thoughts: This book was beautiful and inspirational. It can be (and should be) read both with and without the context of race. These statements and lyrics should be felt by all young people. That said, this book provided an excellent opportunity to discuss race and the issues surrounding race at this time.

I should note, Maggie said this was a 5 star book before I had this conversation with her. After I provided the context of the dedication page, she became emotional. I told her about Trayvon Matin, who was still a child when he’d been attacked. I told her he was about the same age as one of her cousins. This made the tears flow (which made her star count drop).

I explained to her that these conversations are sad and uncomfortable, but important to have.

Happy Reading our friends,

Mama Lala, Maggie, & Conor

Mom and Me Reviews: Once Upon a Dragon’s Fire

This is the story of a dragon, and two children– Sylas and Freya. No one has ever seen the dragon, but there are many stories about him; stories to put fear into the minds of most. Freya and Sylas are not afraid, though. When the town says the dragon is at fault for their latest plight, the two children set off to make things right… and discover something new about the dragon.

Once Upon a Dragon's Fire: Blue, Beatrice: 9780358272427: Amazon.com: Books — Once Upon a Dragon’s Fire by Beatrice Blue

First Line: “Once upon a magic kingdom, before fire ever existed, there lived a terrifying dragon near a village.”

Summary: This is the story of a dragon, and two children– Sylas and Freya. No one has ever seen the dragon, but there are many stories about him; stories to put fear into the minds of most. Freya and Sylas are not afraid, though. When the town says the dragon is at fault for their latest plight, the two children set off to make things right… and discover something new about the dragon.

Ratings:

Maggie: 5 stars

Conor: One big smile

Mama Lala: 4 stars.

Their Thoughts: Conor was mostly uninterested in this story. He did, however, LOVE the giant fold out picture of the dragon!

Maggie enjoyed this story. She said she enjoyed the adventure, and the “moral of this story” ending. She believes the lesson to be learned here is not to judge a “dragon” by the words other people say about him. She says because of this lesson, it is a good story for all ages.

My Thoughts: The illustrations of this book are beautiful and vivid. I, also, enjoyed the giant fold out picture of the dragon. I also, as a parent, appreciate the teachings this book holds. Maggie was correct about the moral of the story, but there was one more: friendship can warm any heart.

Happy Reading our friends,

Mama Lala, Maggie, & Conor

Mom and Me Reviews: Red Riding Hood

This classic fairy tale is retold in graphic novel form for elementary aged readers. This version of the story includes the woodsman, red, grandmother, and red’s mother. Red’s mother asks her to deliver moon cakes and steamed buns to her grandmother, but a tricky wolf distracts her and tries to lead her off the path.

Fairy Tales Ser.: Red Riding Hood by Cristina Oxtra (2020, Library Binding) for sale online | eBay — Red Riding Hood by Cristina Oxtra

First Line: “Once upon a time there was a girl named Red.”

Summary: This classic fairy tale is retold in graphic novel form for elementary aged readers. This version of the story includes the woodsman, red, grandmother, and red’s mother. Red’s mother asks her to deliver moon cakes and steamed buns to her grandmother, but a tricky wolf distracts her and tries to lead her off the path.

Ratings:

Maggie: 5 stars

Conor: One laugh (for mama’s funny reading voice)

Mama Lala: 4 stars

Their Thoughts: This story was different from the other versions Maggie has been told. We haven’t heard of a woodsman in this story before. Grandmother’s role is also different from the version we know. She liked the telling of this story in graphic novel form, though, and didn’t think it strange to be both graphic novel and read aloud.

My Thoughts: This is a fantastic introduction to the world of graphic novels. Aside from the story, there is also an instruction on how to read graphic novels, panels, and word bubbles– perfect for the age group who would be attracted to this book.

The book also included an introduction to the characters and some atypical words within the story (before the story began), and hosted some review and writing prompts at the end of the tale. Those things alone make this book worth reading.

I agree with Maggie that the story was well transferred into a graphic novel. I liked the delivery.

The story itself was nothing new, so it didn’t hold my attention especially well. However, if tried-and-true fairy tales are your “bag”, this is a great option for you!

FYI: This is a part of a series! There are a total of 6 books in the series. Derby Public library currently has two: Red Riding Hood and Sleeping Beauty.

Happy Reading our friends,

Mama Lala, Maggie, & Conor

Mom and Me Reviews: Wonder Walkers

A brother and sister go on a “wonder walk”. A Wonder Walk is what it sounds like, a walk where you voice the things you wonder about as you walk.

Wonder Walkers by Micha Archer: 9780593109649 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books — Wonder Walkers by Micha Archer

First Line: “Wonder Walk? Sure.”

Summary: A brother and sister go on a “wonder walk”. A Wonder Walk is what it sounds like, a walk where you voice the things you wonder about as you walk.

Ratings:

Maggie: Five Stars

Conor: One Sigh

Mama Lala: Three stars

Their Thoughts: Conor wasn’t very interested in this story. He sat still for the reading, but nothing gripped his attention.

Maggie did not appear to pay attention, but at the end of the reading I was proven wrong about that assumption. It seems she was listening intently, but not looking at the illustrations.

She said she thought it was as good book, especially for preschool and elementary aged kids. Then said it was a good bed time or relaxing book. “It’s a good book to let you get away from the world for a little bit.”

My Thoughts: This is not an exciting book. It is a beautiful concept, though. I wish it were more memorable. I do not have words for what would take it from this level to the next. Do not mistake me, its a good book… it’s just also, unfortunately, forgettable.

The book DID provide for a wonderful discussion between my kids and me. We, like the main characters, played “I wonder”. We wondered if the leaves were the tree’s clothes, and if humans felt like tics or fleas to the world.

Happy Reading our friends,

Mama Lala, Maggie, & Conor

Mom and Me Reviews: Where the World Ends

Where the World Ends: A Zip, Trik, and Flip Adventure: Cali, Davide, Dek, Maria: 9781616899370: Amazon.com: Books — Where the World Ends by Davide Cali and Maria Dek

First Line: “It was a sunny and sleepy afternoon.”

Summary: One day three friends ponder where the clouds go when they cannot see them anymore. Flip suggests the clouds go to where the world ends, and the friends decide to go on an adventure to find that place.

Ratings:

Maggie: Two and a half stars

Conor: Zero smiles, but a general keeping up with the pages being turned

Mama Lala: Two stars.

Their Thoughts: Maggie had trouble coming up with anything to say about this story. She did suggest that it would be more relatable for her if the main characters were kids instead of animals. She said, as it is, she kind of felt “meh” about this story… which is why she gave it a rating exactly half way between zero and five. Conor didn’t seem very interested in this book, and rarely interacted with it. The illustrations did catch his attention occasionally, but rarely held it.

My Thoughts: I like the focus of friendship and adventure. The story felt incomplete, though. It’s alluded to that they find the end of the world, but the illustrations do not show it. The story didn’t really conclude at all. The title also suggests there are multiple adventures amongst these characters, but I could not find any others on goodreads… and if this is the first book in a series they did a poor job of introducing the characters. I have no idea which character is which. Hopefully their next adventure will land a little better with my two readers.

Happy Reading our friends,

Mama Lala, Maggie, & Conor

Mom and Me Reviews: We’re Going on a Bear Hunt

This family is going on a bear hunt. They’re going to catch a BIG one, and they are NOT afraid! The adventure takes them through lots of different types of terrain though.

We're Going on a Bear Hunt: Lap Edition: Rosen, Michael, Oxenbury, Helen: 9781481419246: Amazon.com: Books — We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen

First Line: “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt!”

Summary: This family is going on a bear hunt. They’re going to catch a BIG one, and they are NOT afraid! The adventure takes them through lots of different types of terrain though.

Ratings:

Maggie: 5 stars for preschoolers. It’s not for “my age” (3rd graders), though, mom.

Conor: Constant smiles, and one excited “fake run”

Mama Lala: 4 stars.

Their Thoughts: “That was a lot of fun!”

My Thoughts: This truly was an adventure!

FYI: For extra fun, read it like a song. My kiddos loved that part. There are also movements you can do for each different type of terrain.

Happy Reading our friends,

Mama Lala, Maggie, & Conor

Mom and Me Reviews: The Book With No Pictures

Summary: An adventure for any family, this book is exactly what is says it is– a book with no pictures. It makes up for that with its silly words and instructions for the readers. You’ll see.

The Book with No Pictures (2014, Hardcover) for sale online | eBay — The Book With No Pictures by B.J. Novak

First Line: “This is a book with no pictures.”

Summary: An adventure for any family, this book is exactly what is says it is– a book with no pictures. It makes up for that with its silly words and instructions for the readers. You’ll see.

Ratings:

Maggie: 5 stars

Conor: Two laughs, three smiles

Mama Lala: 5 stars

Their Thoughts:

Maggie says this book is very silly and she likes it. “It’s the weirdest book in the whole world, and also the funniest.”

Conor was pretty bored with the “adult responses” in the book, but he perked right up during all of the funny parts.

My Thoughts: What an ADVENTURE! I’m so glad we picked this book up.

Happy Reading our friends,

Mama Lala, Maggie, & Conor

Mom and Me Reviews: The Odyssey by Jennifer Adams

The Odyssey: A BabyLit® Monsters Primer (BabyLit Primers): Adams, Jennifer, Oliver, Alison: 9781423641780: Amazon.com: Books — The Odyssey by Jennifer Adams

First Line: “I keep Odysseus here with me, since I saved him from the wine-dark sea.”

Summary: Jennifer Adams’ retelling of The Odyssey is an extremely paired down introduction of the story via the characters. In other words, there is no plot in this board book, but there are a lovely assortment of classic characters (monsters) displayed across the 10 pages.

Ratings:

Maggie: did not participate in this adventure

Conor: two kisses and one throw down from the high chair

Mama Lala: 5 stars.

Their Thoughts: Conor was quite attached from the beginning. He was even smart enough to figure out the sirens were the characters to be kissed. He wasn’t interested in the wordy descriptions, but the illustrations were more than enough to keep him entertained.

My Thoughts: What a great way to introduce the classics to the little ones!

Happy Reading our friends,

Mama Lala, Maggie, & Conor

Mom and Me Reviews: The Real Mother Goose

I grew up being read to out of this book as well. When I found we had it at the library I became SO excited!

The Real Mother Goose - By Grace Maccarone (Hardcover) : Target — The Real Mother Goose Illustrated by Blanche Fisher Wright

First Line: “Little Bo-Peep has lost her sheep, and can’t tell where to find them;”

Summary: All of the mother goose nursery rhymes you grew up with (or your kids will) are included in this book alongside beautiful illustrations.

Ratings:

Maggie: *Did not participate*

Conor: 5 stars

Mama Lala: 5 stars

Their Thoughts: Conor opens the book repeatedly to the “Humpty Dumpty” and “Hey Diddle Diddle” Nursery Rhymes. He carries his board book version at home around. I think we found our favorite.

My Thoughts: I grew up being read to out of this book as well. When I found we had it at the library I became SO excited. My kids like it so much we actually found a board book version of it for Conor to have, and a regular picture book version for the family library. I am so happy we all get to share this memory.

Happy Reading our friends,

Mama Lala, Maggie, & Conor

Mama Lala Reads: Scritch Scratch

Image result for scritch scratch lindsay currie — Scritch Scratch by Lindsay Currie

First Line: “If someone had told me yesterday that I’d be spending my Saturday morning in the aisle of a stuffy bookstore searching for ghost stories, I would’ve told them they were nuts.”

Summary: Claire is the daughter of a ghost-obsessed writer slash ghost tour bus owner. She hates that. She is a scientist and doesn’t believe in that phooeoy. That is, until she is forced to help her dad on the bus. When the ghost follows her home she is forced to face facts she would rather not. To top that off, she’s also has a school science fair to prepare for, a middle school she has to prevent from finding out about her recent outing (hello, rumor mill), and a best friend who might be moving on. Middle school is rough, but ghosts are worse.

Ratings: 8 out of 10

Once again I read this book alone. No kiddos. It’s too long for the little’s consideration, and it’s a bit scary for the bigger of the two. Perhaps this should be more of a “Mama Lala Reads” blog, as I’m reading these books for my kids, but not always to. Anyhow…

My Thoughts: As an adult who remembers all too well how hard middle school was, I cried. It was a good cry, though. A “I finally can approach this with understanding” cry. I, too, had a friend who moved on without me. I acted much like Claire. Unfortunately, life isn’t like the books, and our ending didn’t turn out like this book’s ending for Claire. Then again, I’ve never been haunted quite like Claire has, and I count that a blessing. This book definitely gives the creepies. It’s a great read for all those creepy kids out there… and their parents too. It addresses real life issues like divorce, friendship, and *gasp* crushes, all while entertaining the reader with a plot line a bit more theatrical. For the cherry on top, it has a historically accurate thread as well.

All in all a great read. Points only discounted for giving a too perfect wrap up. Life isn’t pretty, and sometimes endings have to be a little ugly, too (twelve year olds don’t know how to work out those kind of relationship issues.)

Happy Reading my friends,

Mama Lala (Chelsea)