SurLaLune Storytime: Reviewed Books

Reviewed Books:
September 2005 Release Date

How Do Dinosaurs Eat Their Food?
by Jane Yolen
The Blue Sky Press
Age Level:
Toddler and up

SurLaLune's Review: Jane Yolen and Mark Teague offer us a fifth "How Do Dinosaurs,,,?" title that is fresh and fun for both parents and children, fortunately back in hardcover format. Yolen's effortless text is once again perfectly matched with Teague's vivid illustrations of dinosaurs at meal time, first behaving badly and then with grace and charm. The formula has been proven effective in the previous titles but is far from trite or redundant even the fifth time around thanks to the talents of author and illustrator. Children also receive a message about manners that is far from didactic or dull, but couched in humor that parents should still enjoy after the umpteenth reading. Expect to have that umpteenth reading, too, since this one is sure to become a favorite.

I just introduced the title to a storytime group and the response was positive. Children and parents sat quietly, excited to see what the dinosaurs will do next. This book, like the others in the series, are perfect for large groups or just one on one time between parent and child.

Highest recommendation.

How Many Sharks in the Bath?
by Bill Gillham
Frances Lincoln
Age Level:
Toddler and up

SurLaLune's Review: Not the usual type of counting book, this title combines traditional counting activities with a simple "I Spy" flair on each double page spread. Each spread features a different scene, from kitchen to playground to bedroom, in which different numbers of animals frolic in fun. A child in each picture encourages the reader to "count the animals and put your finger on the number" found in a list on the right side of the page. Four different types of animals in various numbers appear in each spread, prompting the reader in a column on the left. Once prereaders are comfortable with the basic mechanics of counting, the book is simple enough to be read alone as a seek and count activity. Enforcing number concepts playfully, this counting book will have more reading mileage as children become comfortable with counting and number recognition. Zero, often neglected in counting books, is also introduced. There might be two sharks in the bathtub, but no octopuses on the towel rail!

This book is wonderful for teaching number concept to toddlers and preschoolers, but not recommended for large storytime groups with its interactive format.

Highly recommended.

Why?
by Lila Prap
Kane/Miller Book Publishers
Age Level:
Preschool and up

SurLaLune's Review: Lila Prap's "Why?" is a scientifically sound question and answer book disguised as a silly riddle book. Each two page spread features an animal, a question, and several possible answers. "Why do kangaroos have pouches?" One ludicrous answer is "To hide their bellybuttons." The correct answer is marked with a star, always found on the far right of the page. The rest of the ridiculous answers follow kid logic and some adult logic, especially those adults driven quite mad by a little one's unending "Why?" questions. While the illustrations and short text are well-suited to preschoolers, older children will also fully enjoy the book's information and humor. A nice introductory book to the mysteries of the animal kingdom for ages 4+.

Recommended.

Dougal The Garbage Dump Bear
by Matt Dray
Kane/Miller Book Publishers
Age Level:
Preschool and up

SurLaLune's Review: Author and photographer Matt Dray discovered Dougal the Bear when he worked at a dump in Australia. A clever book with a scrapbook design, readers follow Dougal's journey from a child's toy to a garbage dump reject where he makes new friends and begins a new life. With a few bittersweet moments, Dougal doesn't become real like the Velveteen Rabbit, but still enjoys a happy ending for his young readers. This whimsical book will delight anyone who has ever loved and lost a teddy bear.

Recommended.