Random books for May

Just a few books for consideration this week. Except for the first one, I was not crazy about any of these books. But, each has some redeeming value. If you have read any of these or have questions, feel free to comment.  And anyone who comments in the next two weeks will be entered in a drawing for a free copy of the book of your choice. 

Power Down, Little Robot by Anna Staniszewski, Illustrated by Tim Zeltner

Little Robot has to go to bed to recharge and get ready for another day. But, he has all the stalling techniques ready to use against Mom Unit. While he gives it his best shot, nothing works. Some moms reading this might wish they had the same capabilities as Mom Unit: scanning the room for rust monsters and playing back film to verify that the cogs were already brushed. A cute bedtime story that will be useful when putting those little robots to bed.

Max’s Math by Kate Banks, pictures by Boris Kulikov

Kate Banks’ Max books are charming and full of fun (Max’s Words, Max’s Dragon and Max’s Castle), but Max’s Math is contrived and confusing. Max and his brothers go off on a search for problems and they find plenty in Shapeville and Counttown. But the action moves erratically from one place to another with the boys following close behind. As usual, the illustrations are very well done, great use of color and pleasing spatial designs. My favorite was the page of socks that had to be sorted in Shapeville. If you love Max, you might want this book to add to your collection, but it’s not my favorite of this series.

How to Pee: Potty Training for Boys by Todd Spector, MD, illustrated by Arree Chung

 

If you have a boy who is ready to be potty trained, then this might be the book for you. It is cute and presents a unique way to potty train. A couple of interesting ideas: encourage him to pee outside? Not sure about that one. I also found the illustrations to be well done and quite clever. A book about potty training with several “action” shots and no penis in sight! The books ends with some tips from Dr. Todd. Just one final question: why couldn’t this have been made more universal, alternating between boys and girls?

A Cat Like That by Wendy Wahman

 

A tale told by a black cat, looking for the perfect friend. Good instructions for how to take care of and love a cat. Each page is drawn with a limited palette of colors, and uncluttered backgrounds. Good for the little one who has a new kitty, the friendly tone and useful directions will help to cement the friendship of a lifetime.

Won Ton and Chopsticks: A Cat and Dog Tale Told in Haiku by Lee Wardlaw, illustrated by Eugene Yelchin

A story told completely in Haiku. A clever version of cat’s place in the home being usurped by a new puppy. My favorite: Master of escape!/ High-flying, dog-defying/acrobatic cat! Pastel illustrations show the developing friendship between the cat and dog as they both learn their places. While the story shows both a boy and a girl naming the new puppy, only the boy is featured later as the two best vie to be his favorite. What’s up with that?

The Glorkian Warrior Eats Adventure Pie by James Kochalka

Another silly adventure with the Glorkian Warrior includes his talking backpack and a baby alien as well as his nemesis Buster Glark. Totally whacko, silly comic with no real storyline and characters who talk to their elbow. Yet, the four year old grandson loves these books and would listen to them over and over. Must be something here!