Stellar illustrations, superb pacing, and wonderful clues planted on the pages make this mystery-adventure stand out from the crowd of picture books aStellar illustrations, superb pacing, and wonderful clues planted on the pages make this mystery-adventure stand out from the crowd of picture books and picture-book style graphic novels. There are partially translated bits of Korean text through the book (no worries--they're fully translated at the end), giving readers the same sense of confusion as the two protagonists. The background of the animal characters provides excellent context at the end, and the sly grandmother makes the whole story come together.
All these years, we've been telling the Pigeon, "No." He's been a toddler for ages! But now, he's growing up, and it's time to tell him, "Yes."
Yes, PAll these years, we've been telling the Pigeon, "No." He's been a toddler for ages! But now, he's growing up, and it's time to tell him, "Yes."
Yes, Pigeon, you must go to school. Yes, there is "all the stuff." Yes, the unknown can be stressful, dude. But you'll find something you like, I'm sure ...
Best line, "READING can be hard with one big eye!
P.S.: Yes, read the front CIP. (Which I'm pretty sure stands for "Cataloging In Pigeon.")...more
Kids at my library love this series, but I'd never dipped into it before reading this installment. I admit, I was a little confused about the Nathan HKids at my library love this series, but I'd never dipped into it before reading this installment. I admit, I was a little confused about the Nathan Hale connection, first assuming that it referred to the Revolutionary War spy, then realizing it's the author's name ... and finally discovering that it's both! The premise is ludicrous: Nathan Hale (the spy) is eaten by a history book and is regaling his executioners with the future of America, one story at a time. But ludicrous is just the right tone to explain how a spy in the 1770's would know the future. It's awesome.
The rest of the book is awesome, too. Heavy topics are addressed with both gravity and humor (not an easy balance!), and there's a ton of good history in there for younger grade school readers. With compelling illustrations to ice the cake, the whole book is supremely enjoyable....more
I'm so sorry to say that I didn't love this installment. Friendship to the ... min? April's obsession with merpeople causes a ruckus both on land and I'm so sorry to say that I didn't love this installment. Friendship to the ... min? April's obsession with merpeople causes a ruckus both on land and in the water. And there are sea serpents that don't have much of a purpose. And that's pretty much it.
The writing doesn't have the punch or pace of previous volumes, nor does it have the can't-hold-back-guffaws humor of other installments. Here's hoping for a return to the winning formula in future volumes!...more
Aref is just a boy who doesn't want to move. He loves his home, his cat, his neighborhood, his rock collection, and his grandfather. Especially his beAref is just a boy who doesn't want to move. He loves his home, his cat, his neighborhood, his rock collection, and his grandfather. Especially his beloved grandfather. In the one week between the time that Aref's father leaves Oman for Ann Arbor, Michigan, and the end of the book as Aref and his mother are about to leave, Aref must say goodbye to everything and everyone. Goodbye to friends, goodbye to Mish-Mish the cat, goodbye to the broiling heat of Oman, goodbye to glittering stars and wondrous turtles, goodbye to familiar customs and sights and smells.
Nothing unexpected happens, here. The story ends exactly the way we're told it will: Aref will move to Michigan. Everything that happens is in the hearts of the characters--and in our own. The sweetness of his grandfather's gentle understanding, the patience of his mother's reminders to pack. The empty suitcase, waiting to be packed is the metaphor for the whole story: what do we most need when we uproot our lives and leave? If Aref's last week in Oman is right, we need love, family, and reminders of where we have been.
There's so much to talk about with this book--highly recommended for book clubs! The audiobook is superb and should be strongly considered for all readers....more
This is a phenomenal book for an older listener--mid- to upper grade school, perhaps. The intersection of school and dog and pet relationship and thouThis is a phenomenal book for an older listener--mid- to upper grade school, perhaps. The intersection of school and dog and pet relationship and thought is superb. The illustrations are the perfect accompaniment to the text, and the whole package is wonderfully heart warming....more
Delightful again, from start to finish. Yes, the book's conclusion is wholly predictable, but the charm of the story is in the depth of the charactersDelightful again, from start to finish. Yes, the book's conclusion is wholly predictable, but the charm of the story is in the depth of the characters and the unexpected path to end....more
The bear family has had a hard year, and there won't be any Christmas presents. Still, Father scouts the sidewalks for sticks to make a small tree, MoThe bear family has had a hard year, and there won't be any Christmas presents. Still, Father scouts the sidewalks for sticks to make a small tree, Mother makes a stew with a fish that Father caught, and each child quietly accepts the truth. What a surprise, then, to see a gift for each family member under the tree on Christmas morning! It's a mystery ... but only if you haven't been watching carefully.
This understated, heart-warming story is brimming with kindness and resourcefulness. And keep an eye on the littlest bear, sparkling with a gleeful secret.
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