Review By HOMA WOODRUM

My son and daughter dove right into the review copy of Do Super Heroes Have Teddy Bears? when it arrived in the mail and it was a hit with them! A little boy and his sister both play super hero in this charming book by Carmela LaVigna Coyle and illustrated by Mike Gordon. I wasn’t sure (based on the title) if there would be a conflict about having a bear but it is just one component of the question and answer format within.

Some of the questions include:

Do super heroes make capes with blankies and string?
We can turn blankies into most anything.

Are heroes always brave and daring?
We’re brave and bold and kind and caring.

Is there still enough time to save the day?
I’m sure you will in your very own way.

The illustrations speak volumes in each scene. For example, on the pages about saving the day, our little super heroes are shown recycling, turning off a dripping spigot, and even the little dog is adding to the compost pile from his food dish (though I’m not sure that is the best fodder for compost). The final message of the book is to be your own hero. I especially like that the little boy is looking at his father and imagining that he is a super dad and that his room is decorated not just with caped super hero posters but a firefighter poster. There are even stickers to decorate in the back that can act as hero emblems. 

Two notes for veg families: the little boy runs away from eating peas and carrots at dinner and you can see the family is eating chicken. Also, he accidentally breaks a fish bowl but his sister saves the fish in a water glass and the fish is shown safely in a new bowl on another page. We enjoyed this book, especially all the imaginative games the brother and sister play, like putting boxes and tape together to make a spaceship. With summer coming, it is nice to remember that some of the best days for children are filled with outdoor and imaginary play.

Ages 4 and up.

I used to play super hero when I was little (and maybe even as a teen)…did you?

Review By JESSICA ALMY

My kiddo’s kindergarten class has been focusing on nonfiction books lately, both reading and writing/illustrating books that make a detailed exploration of the science and natural history of wild animals. Of course, with my passion for wildlife, I’ve taken this opportunity to find new books for our bookshelves at home!

One of the fabulous books I’ve discovered, which is just right for kids in the early grades, particularly those reading on their own, is How Do Birds Find Their Way? As part of the Let’s-Read-And-Find-Out-About-Science series (along with Oil Spill), this colorful book, illustrated by Paul Mirocha, is all about bird migration. Rather than simply lay out the facts, author Roma Gans explains how scientists have discovered what they know about migration — describing two noninvasive experiments conducted on bird migration — and what there is left to discover. I particularly like the ending:

Even though people have watched birds for thousands of years, we still do not have all the answers about bird migration. But ornithologists keep trying — maybe you will be one of them.

Kids need to know that adults don’t know everything, and they need to envision how they will contribute to the world. These words, together with an illustration of a girl looking through binoculars, may provide particular inspiration to kids who love animals.

Ages 5 to 9.

Review By JESSICA ALMY

Although my kiddo and I aren’t the target demographic for this children’s cookbook, described by author Jules Bass as “LOVE children: L=lacto O=ova V=veggie E=eaters” (in other words, vegetarians who eat dairy and eggs), we have enjoyed leafing through its colorful pages and trying a couple recipes. The book’s vibrant colors, funny illustrations, and managable size make it an appealing cookbook to a kindergartener.

Last week, we made steaming bowls of Herb’s Chili Con “No” Carne one night, and Snap-Dragon’s Stone Soup another. Both recipes called for small amounts of cheese, but as we’re vegan, we used Daiya instead. (Other families that forgo dairy could use Parma or skip the cheese altogether – it’s certainly not integral in either recipe.) Our whole family really enjoyed the chili, which, as the carnivorous dinosaur Meathook says in the illustration, has a nice meaty texture. The stone soup was certainly a fun novelty — after all, the recipe calls for using a real stone — but was pretty bland without the lovely fresh basil puree (pesto), so it didn’t keep well for leftovers.

For a children’s cookbook, I found that the recipes weren’t as straightforward as I’d hoped for. I love the illustrated step-by-step instructions that some similar cookbooks employ, particularly for beginning readers, and I think that would be a great approach for this book, if a new edition is ever published. As an adult, I also was confused by some of the measurements, particularly when I went to the store to buy ingredients and realized that I wasn’t sure what size can of tomatoes to buy.

The book is out of print, but widely available for used purchase. Recommended for vegetarian children ages 6 to 10, with adult help.

p.s. – I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: I’d love to see a vegan children’s cookbook published! Isa Chandra Moskowitz, Alicia Silverstone, Sayward Rebhal – help a vegan mama out?

Review By HOMA WOODRUM

I was so excited to hear that Alexander McCall Smith had written mystery chapter book for younger readers featuring a young Precious Ramotswe of The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency. My daughter and I got through The Great Cake Mystery in record time, she loved the story and the illustrations by Iain McIntosh. Precious Ramotswe is the founder of the fictional No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency in Botswana, Africa and the series for adults is charming — it is like a little vacation for me when each new book comes out. You don’t have to have any prior knowledge of the characters from the adult series, however, to enjoy this wonderful book.

The first two chapters follow Precious and her father as he retells a story to her of when he faced a lion in his village. He ultimately escapes the lion by making him sneeze, waking up the other villagers who bang on pots and pans to scare the animal away. At the end of her father’s story he mentions that “It’s well known that if a lion eats a person who’s feeling cross at the time, he gets indigestion.”  Precious tells her father she doesn’t believe the final part of his story and he places the seed in her mind that she could become a detective someday.

Precious’ chance to find out if detective work suits her comes sooner than one would think when a slice of cake, toast with jam, and sticky buns go missing one by one at her school. The other children are quick to accuse a boy who has a fondness for sweets but Precious does not think it is fair when no one has proof. I really liked the theme of not believing a serious accusation just because everyone else has decided to place blame. She discovers that monkeys are the culprit but it takes a vivid dream to help her figure out the solution. Spoiler alert: the monkeys aren’t harmed, they are just caught in the act of trying to take a cake she made just for them and her schoolmate is vindicated. When I asked my 3-1/2 year old daughter what her favorite part was, she said, “I like how Precious made the monkeys a sticky cake” and then asked to read it again. I think that considering the book is fiction no one will run out and put glue in a cake and the monkeys are cleaned up and return to the trees after being caught sticky handed but I wanted to mention those details in case they’re of concern.

The vivid illustrations are done in oranges, grays, and blacks — featured just often enough to keep a young reader’s interest. There are pronunciation guides that I found helpful as well as discussion points to raise when the book is over. My daughter was transported to a world where lions and monkeys can live just outside your door and I think she really enjoyed hearing the mystery unfold. Often if a story includes lions and monkeys they’re set in a city with a zoo so I found the setting refreshing for little ones.

Additional notes: There is a point where eggs are illustrated as a cake ingredient and a recipe in the back for sponge cake is not vegan. Cattle farming (a big part of life in Botswana) is referenced at one point as well but all these things make sense contextually. The 73 pages can be read aloud in an evening or two and the author’s note mentions that the book was specifically written with the under 10 set in mind. I am always on the lookout for good chapter books with admirable heroes and heroines and if my review doesn’t convince you to check this one out, the cover includes a positive quote from Mary Pope Osborne of The Magic Tree House fame.

Ages 3 to 9.

Let us know in the comments: Have you discovered any great chapter books for younger children lately?

Review By ROBYN MOORE

Huff & Puff is a twist on a classic fairy tale. We all know the story about the three little pigs and the wolf who huffed and puffed. This story features the same cast of characters, but the main character, the wolf, is played by the reader (or the reader’s child)! After introducing each pig, there is a page that says “Huff & Puff” with a circle cutout meant for the reader to blow in. The reader successfully blows down the first pig’s house and the second pig’s house. But when it comes to the third pig’s house, the reader huffs & puffs twice, and SURPRISE, instead of blowing down his house, he/she blows out the candles on a cake that the three little pigs made. It’s a great, happy ending.

The illustrations are in sketch form in a peachy-hue which gives the book a simple, uncluttered feel. This is a really cute, interactive story that gets kids involved as a character in the story. While my 20-month-old enjoyed blowing through the holes, she was too young to really understand the story, so this would be best suited for slightly older toddlers and young elementary school kids.

Ages 2 to 6 years.

Review By JENNIFER GANNETT

Many veg families are familiar with author/illustrator Ruby Roth’s first book That’s Why We Don’t Eat Animals, in which the reasons for compassionate eating are assiduously laid out. Ms. Roth’s most recent book, Vegan Is Love, is aimed at a slightly older audience (seven and up) and picks up where her previous book left off. Vegan is Love delves deeper into making compassionate choices when it comes to our entertainment, personal care products, clothing and food. This book is for children who are ready to hear a few more details (or reminders) about a vegan lifestyle.

Vegan Is Love addresses some of our society’s deeply institutionalized aspects of animal exploitation and practices. There are sections about racing, rodeos, hunting, zoos, marine parks and circuses (“We prefer to be entertained by creatures who love to perform,” reads the page of text with the illustration of a human gymnast.). There are also sections on forests, sea life, the benefits of organic growing and a tie in between current standard eating patterns and global hunger.

One of the most compelling aspects of this book is that it reminds children that everyone — including kids — can make compassionate, cruelty-free choices each day. The tone is empowering and will sit especially well with children who are motivated to improve their world. Parents, caregivers and teachers who practice or are transitioning to cruelty-free living will relish the fact that there is now another book available that buttresses their values.

This book is generating controversy. Many of the concerns being voiced have to do with the fact that Ms. Roth does not shy away from depicting some of the harshest realities of how some animals are treated for food and entertainment. Since this book is candid about the life and fate of many types of animals, it is easy to see that some adults may find this approach to be heavy handed. Though this is is not a lighthearted book, it has an important message. Vegetarian and mixed families may not appreciate the emphasis on veganism, though it is clear that Ms. Roth’s intention was to create a book about the problems with the status quo.

Ms. Roth finishes her book with a long list of ways that all of us, no matter what our age, can do to help animals and our planet. Her tips include thoughtful ways to approach shopping, eating, learning, giving and, well, living. For children who are vegan, the book is very validating, which is why many vegan families and friends will feel like this is a great choice for mid-elementary and up aged kids.

Review By HOMA WOODRUM

We’ve been really enjoying our review copy of Forget-Me-Nots: Poems to Learn by Heart. Full of lovely illustrations by Michael Emberly, the poems are organized into eleven categories and are all selected by former Children’s Poet Laureate Mary Ann Hoberman with a mind towards memorization. My 3-1/2 year old daughter and I have already sat with this book for hours. She points at the pictures and asks for the poems that relate to them and we ponder together what each one is trying to say. I especially like that there are illustrations on every page.

I loved seeing some of my favorites writers represented, like Edna St. Vincent Millay, A. A. Milne, and J.R. R. Tolkien. The only downside, and I think this is sometimes unavoidable where you have so many poems directed at young people, is that there are a number of poems that veg families will want to skip.  The “Delicious Dishes” category is largely about meat, including poems about cooking fish that are crying out. Other poems that you may want be ready to discuss include one about a boy taking a salamander out of the woods in a coffee can and bringing him to school where he “died very quietly during spelling.” Odd how many things geared for children depict cruelty casually and with presumed acceptance but the great thing about poetry is that it can get you thinking and talking.

There are wonderful poems and illustrations of animals in the book and I especially enjoyed the more thoughtful selections in the sections about happiness and time. I even learned something new to me, that St. Francis (of San Francisco fame) is considered the patron saint of animals. I’ll happily let you know if any of your favorite writers or themes are featured in this book – just let me know in the comments!

Review By HOMA WOODRUM

A little boy imagines what would happen If All the Animals Came Inside, and it pretty much spells disaster from the get-go in this book by Eric Pinder and illustrated by Marc Brown. I received a review copy of this hardcover large format picture book and my 3-1/2 year old daughter and 1-1/2 year old son enjoyed the lively illustrations that are a mix of photographs, drawings, and collage.

The chaos that results from the title scenario acts either to reinforce animal stereotypes or impress upon imaginative children that wild and exotic animals do belong out in the wild. I leaned to the former interpretation as the animals elbow their way into a family’s daily life – hogging the television and breaking things with abandon – but my kids definitely had the latter view.

On the opening page we learn that if the animals came inside the people in the family would cry and hide while the dog and cat would bark and hiss. Our narrator, however, imagines doing things like taking a ride on an elephant as glass shatters or playing hide and seek with monkeys and hippos. The verse is energetic and the refrain as each animal and accompanying activity is introduced is “Oh, what a terrible mess we would make!”

As the story progresses the animals become more boisterous and loud:

From sunset to sunrise, the wolves and the owls would keep us awake with their hooting and howls.
We’d have nowhere to sleep, so we’d stretch and we’d yawn.
We’d pack up our tent and go play on the lawn.
As fun as a house full of critters could be my dog and my kitten are plenty for me.
But oh, what a wild and wonderful ride when all the animals came inside.

I think the book is fun and well illustrated and my kids certainly enjoyed it. I just want to give fair warning that the tone is not entirely complimentary to the animals. As I mentioned above, this could serve as a reminder that animals are happiest in their own habitats and I did like that the boy acknowledges that traditional pets are just right for his home.  If you do decide to check this one out, two great companion stories would be Quick as a Cricket by Audrey and Don Wood (a fantastic book in its own right) and Children Make Terrible Pets (Carolyn reviewed it previously for Vegbooks) so that you could discuss perspectives on what is “proper” behavior for different beings.

Review by ROBYN MOORE

Struffel is a cute book for toddlers. It includes two short stories in one; both focus on Struffel the bear. The first story is about Struffel enjoying the springtime, which makes it a perfect book to read to kids in the spring months. Struffel walks in the garden, watches flowers bloom, plays ball, chases butterflies, and plays with his animal friends who just like him, are happy that spring has arrived! After reading this book, parents can encourage kids to share some of their favorite springtime activities.

The second story is about Struffel and his new bed. One day Struffel realizes that he is too big for his bed, so he asks his Mom for a new bed. While he is at school she surprises him and buys him a new bed. He loves it, and from that day on, he sleeps soundly in his new bed. This is a good story for kids who are also transitioning from their baby cribs into “big boy or girl” beds. Both of these stories are very simple, and would be best suited for very young kids.

Ages 1 to 5.

Review By SANDI LANCASTER

Momo Come Home addresses a topic of interest to many children – the disappearance of a beloved pet. At the start of this self-published picture book, the narrator is walking down the street with her small pet parrot, Momo, when the parrot suddenly flies away. The rest of the story chronicles the numerous attempts made by the narrator to find her parrot and get him back. The narrator eventually finds Momo after an extensive search, and she unsuccessfully attempts to catch Momo as the parrot keeps flying away. At the end of the story, after many repeated attempts, the narrator succeeds in catching her parrot.

The pictures are sweet, and the story held the attention of both my four-year old daughter and her four-year old friend as I read it to them. The book has some grammatical errors and at times the wording is a bit awkward. However, this went totally unnoticed by my four-year old audience, who remained content throughout the reading.

Throughout the story, the narrator’s love and concern for her parrot shine through. Some vegan families may really appreciate the depth of the love that the narrator feels for Momo. Other vegan families may have questions about whether or not an escaping pet bird may be demonstrating a desire to be free. The story can perhaps serve as a starting point for a discussion with vegan children about both perspectives – the love people can feel for pets, as well as what habitats are best for various animals.