BOARD BOOK ROUND-UP, Part III

BOARD BOOK ROUND-UP, Part III

New Original Board Books

Hacohen, Dean. Who Needs a Hug? Candlewick, 10/2021. [22p.] $8.99. 978-1-5362-1249-5.

     In each spread, an animal parent asks their young child what is wrong, and hears about scraped knees, dropped food, loud noises, or bee stings. The animal parent consoles the child and gives a hug. The brief text is mainly dialogue, and something all toddlers can relate to, but it is the distinctive illustrations that are memorable. Although digitally created, the artwork looks hand-drawn, with realistic cartoon animals with expressive faces. Just right for young children.

Slack, Michael. The Sun Shines on the Sea. Candlewick, 09/2021. [20p.] $9.99. 978-1-5362-1569-4.

     In this description of ocean life, simple sentences caption what is seen in the full color digitally created illustrations: “Tuna dart among the squid.” In many spreads, one flap reveals what is in that fish’s stomach, helping young children understand the food chain.

New Books in a Series

Brown-Wood, Janay. “Chicken Soup for the Soul Babies” series. Charlesbridge, 04/2022. [24p.] $8.99 each.

Fast and Slow (Both Just Right!). 978-1-62354-280-1.

Me. You. Us. (Whose Turn?). 978-1-62354-281-8.

     In this new series from the “Chicken Soup for the Soul” inspirational series, animals demonstrate concepts of taking turns and celebrating differences. Jaguar and Sloth are friends even though one is fast and the other slow, and two penguins learn it is better to share. Both books rely on repetition and rhyme, with the entire text in dialogue balloons, making these fun books for young toddlers to emergent readers. The full color cartoonish artwork adds charm. The books end with a note to parents on how to extend the theme of each book.

Cousins, Lucy. Maisy’s Garage. Candlewick, 09/2021. [8p.] $9.99. 978-1-5362-1683-7.

     The popular little white mouse fixes cars in her auto repair business. The simple text and full color deeply saturated cartoon artwork include some sliding elements, such as a windshield wiper. Sure to be popular although this is not particularly memorable.

Kruszynski, Elliot. “Babies First…” series. Candlewick, 09/2021. [16p.] $8.99 each.

Hop Aboard! Baby’s First Vehicles. 978-1-5362-1778-0.

Wiggle, Walk, Wash! Baby’s First Animals. 978-1-5362-1779-7.

    Animals star in this new board book series that features rhyme, repetition, and onomatopoeia. The very simple short text describes what is in the full color graphic artwork: “Baby elephant likes to wash.” Each book ends with a mylar mirror so the young child can see themselves. This is a great example of board books that really are written for babies.

Penny Peck, SJSU iSchool