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Babak the Beatle.

4/28/2016

Babak the Beetle
By : Fred Paronuzzi ( Translated by : Elie Brangbour) Illustrated by : Andree Prigent
(Ages 4 to 7)
Publisher : NorthSouth Books ( May 2016)

Originated in France and now translated into English, the book with it`s uplifting story line-up arouses curiosity at every page turn. It`s eye catching graphical illustrations surely will keep it`s listeners arrested till the end. Children , without doubt will enjoy this witty tale full of information.

Babak the dung beetle was rolling a "ball of dung" when suddenly an egg falls down right in-front of him from nowhere. Babak decides to help it find it`s parents. Off he goes rolling the egg until he meets Mrs. Ostrich.
"Ahem?..... / Is Someone calling me? Oh it`s you little dung beetle Might I be of assistance? / I hope so Mrs Ostrich you see I`m looking for this egg`s parents...... / It`s a strange one isn't it / it`s all dented! / You could fit ten of those in just one of mine! / It`s not from around here that`s for sure."
So he is advised to look in the woods where many birds reside. In the woods a cuckoo helps him with some tips. "You might have more luck over by the swamp." And the little dung beetle rolls his beloved egg tirelessly from the swamp where Mrs Frog resides, to the foot of the hill to meet Mrs Snake who explains to him that " Our eggs are smooth and elongated." From there, Babak walks off, still full of hope of meeting the loving parents. Through each encounter the readers will get to learn a bit about their own eggs or egg laying habits. The story has such a quirky finale, surprising as well as hilarious with an unexpected twist.

A tastefully written story full of captivating phrases with equally gorgeous illustrations to compliment the tale. An ideal read-aloud for reluctant and fidgety listeners.

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All for Me and None for All.

4/18/2016

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All for Me and None for All
By : Helen Lester & Lynn Munsinger
Publisher : HMH Books for Young Readers ( Originaly published in April, 2012)

Selfish and greedy Gruntly is a hog who doesn't want to share anything but to keep everything for himself. And he doesn't stop at that as he grabs fleece from Woolworth the sheep and snatches feathers from Cluck, for the poofiest pillows he says.And what`s more he even collects "illegal flowers." "What a Hog! / Snorted Hampshire, Berkshire and Yorky"

Gruntly is certainly a greedy pig who wants everything of everyone to himself. Until when a treasure hunting was organised for Saturday, Gruntly couldn't wait for the event. His excitement was not to have fun with his friends but to grasp everything first and all for himself .
In his hurry to find all treasures he misses some clues. And fails to find any. But his thoughtful friends didn't leave him with nothing as they knew how to share. Grunty in the end learns a valuable lesson for life.

A little exaggerated though the author catches two for one through Grunty`s extreme negative characteristics. By integrating humor she ensures that the kids will thoroughly enjoy this "laugh out loud" story with it`s funny eye catching water colour images. The message about kindness and sharing is very direct. Good as a classroom read-aloud.

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Nola.

4/14/2016

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Nola
By : Stephanie Lisa Tara, Pilar Lama, & Tom Hamlyn
Publisher : Stephanie Lisa Tara children`s books (Jan.,2016)

Nola, one of the last four Northern White Rhinos left in this world passed away in last November. And this is Nola`s story! Nola was born in 1974 in the Sudanese wilderness and was rescued from the violent poaching in that region when she was very young. She lived in the San Diego Safari Park since 1989 until she passed away.

Lyrically written with utterly cute images in a spectacular backdrop,all done in watercolor, hopefully will grasp children`s attention and their hearts in it`s cause. In a simple way though this book explains children how extincts happen. And while celebrating Nola they will learn a bit about endangered animals as well.

" You ask Why? The truth is this: Some want what is not theirs / And what to do? Love what you`ve got! ( and not what you don`t ) matters a lot! "

Proceeds from this book goes to San Diego Zoo Global.

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You are My Best Friend.

4/9/2016

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You are My Best Friend ( Ages 3 to 7)
By : Tatsuya Miyanishi
Publisher :Museyon ( May, 2016)

"Crack! Thump! Bang! Help it`s the Tyrannosaurus! Run away!"
Another one of Tatsuya Miyanishi`s ('You Look Yummy') famous Tyrannosaurus series, with his signature art work is now available in English. The book offers a very direct message about friendship and bullying, again through a touching and an uncomplicated story. An absolute uniqueness in Miyanishi`s works I presume? His choice of strong colours completed with bold black lines are a complete contrast to the emotional and poignant story lineup. But the combination together seems to work brilliantly in capturing and then conserving the attention of young readers.

The big bad carnivorous Tyrannosaurus was chasing a group of little Styracosaurusus when he fell off a cliff into the deep sea. Now who would want to help a mean and nasty tyrannosaurus? But surprise! surprise! The Elasmosoaurus who lives in the sea answers his calls, and why? " Because you called for help," the Elasmosoaurus smiles.

When the Elsamosaurus tells him about the strong but mean and nasty creature who always bullies weaker dinosaurs in the ocean, the Tyrannosaurus feels ashamed of himself. He also lies about himself, not wanting to lose his new found and only friendship. But the guilt of having to lie to his friend remains: "His heart ached as he walked home / because he`d had to lie in-order to make a friend." Slowly though, they form a strong & a meaningful friendship. It`s particularly moving to see how they help each other in their company, as they walk in the shallow sea, the Tyrannosaurus holding on to the Elsamosaurus`s tail, and on land the Elsamosaurus on Tyrannosaurus's back.

This newly changed Tyrannosaurus not only stops bulling small Styracosaurusus but also helps his dear friend in his hour of need. And at that despairing moment he confesses his true self to his friend but the Elasmosoaurus interrupts to tell him that "The true you is ...kind / the true you is my friend." The book addresses many matters related to social interactions through this moving tale and is thus an ideal classroom read-aloud! The simple story structure with it`s fresh and divergent illustrations can easily capture children`s attention.

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Babak the Beatle.

All for Me and None for All.

Nola.

You are My Best Friend.

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