I Stink! by Kate McMullan

McMullan, Kate. I Stink! Illustrated by Jim McMullan. HarperCollins Publishers, 2006. 40 pages. pap. $6.99. ISBN 978-0-06-443836-0.

Annotation: A garbage truck with personality galore and a really big appetite for refuse from A to Z collects trash at night while people are sleeping.

Summary: A garbage truck who loves his job collects trash at night in a big city. While most people are asleep, he ravenously devours people’s discard from A (apple cores) to Z (ziti with zucchini). His rounds are described complete with noises, smells, and operating instructions. He mentions that without a garbage truck’s essential services, people would be living on a pile of trash. In the early morning, he unloads his last haul onto a barge and heads back to the garage for some well–deserved rest.

Evaluation: This boldly illustrated book using exaggeration and dark colors to achieve its desired effect. The brazen garbage truck narrates the story with commanding, lively text. Sound effects and humor add to the brash tone. The story of a day in the life of sanitation truck is great for truck lovers. Recommended for ages 3 to 9.

Genre / Subject: Juvenile Fiction, Alphabet, Trucks, Trash, Refuse Disposal

Awards: 2003 Charlotte Zolotow Award - Highly Commended Titles, 2003 ALA Notable Books for Children, 2002 Boston Globe-Horn Award- Honor Picture Book

Birds by Kevin Henkes

Henkes, Kevin. Birds. Illustrated by Laura Dronzek. HarperCollins Publishers, 2009. 32 pages. Tr. $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06136304-7.

Annotation: Birds are all around us; they come in all different shapes, sizes, and colors. A young girl wonders at the movement and mysteries of birds.

Summary: This book is a good introduction to birds for the younger set. Birds come in all different sizes, shapes, and colors. Their movements and singing are magical. A young girl is fascinated with bird watching and studying these beautiful winged creatures.

Evaluation: The vibrant acrylic paintings show the beauty of birds. The simple yet reflective text combines well with the bright colorful illustrations. Children will take a more active interest in observing our featured friends after reading this wonderful book. Recommended for ages 2 to 7.

Genre / Subject: Juvenile Fiction, Animals, Birds

Awards: 2010 Charlotte Zolotow Honor Award, 2010 ALA Notable Books for Children

Kitten's First Full Moon by Kevin Henkes

Henkes, Kevin. Kitten’s First Full Moon. HarperCollins Publishers, 2004. 40 pages. Tr. $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-058828-1.

Annotation: A hungry kitten spies what she thinks is a bowl of milk in the sky and in a moonlit pond. After several ill-fated attempts to lick up the milk, she returns home sad and tired but soon discovers a bowl of milk waiting for her.

Summary: In the evening, a little kitten spies what she thinks is a bowl of milk in the sky. As she closes her eyes and tries to lick the moon, she gets a mouthful of bugs. Repeated attempts at trying to drink the milk from the sky and a nearby moonlit pond, results in a wet and tired kitty. Upon the return from her adventures, the kitten is excited to have a precious bowl of milk waiting for her on the porch. Persistence pays off.

Evaluation: In gouache and colored pencil, the hues of black and white illustrate the poor kitten’s milk misadventures. The rhythmic text coupled with the charming, expressive artwork add to the warm and comical story. The message of determination will be enjoyed by children. Recommended for ages 3 to 8.

Genre / Subject: Juvenile Fiction, Animals, Cats, Moon, Milk, Persistence

Awards: 2005 Caldecott Award Winner, 2005 ALA Notable Books for Children, 2005 Charlotte Zolotow Award Winner, 2005 American Booksellers Award - Children's Illustrated Honor Book

Bark, George by Jules Feiffer

Feiffer, Jules. Bark, George. Harper Collins Publishers, 1999. 32 pages. Tr. $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-205185-1.

Annotation: A mother dog is distraught when her pup tries to bark correctly but all that comes out of his throat are other animals’ sounds. She takes her pup to the veterinarian who gets to the bottom of the hilarious problem.

Summary: A mother dog is distressed because her pup cannot bark normally. When the poor puppy tries, other animal’s sounds emerge like a “Moo” or a “Meow”. When the mother has a vet examine the pup, the vet with rubber gloves extracts a number of other animals from the pup’s stomach. The mother is momentarily relieved when the pup produces a satisfying bark. However, on the way back home from the vet, the mother encourages the pup to bark once more and it manages to say, “Hello.”

Evaluation: This plain but expressive picture book with witty text expertly captures the comedy of the puppy’s animal “extractions” by the vet. The simple line drawings set against a pastel background will entertain children and adults alike. Recommended for children aged 2 to 8.

Genre / Subject: Juvenile Fiction, Animals, Dogs, Humor

Awards: 2000 ALA Notable Books for Children, 2000 Charlotte Zolotow Award nominee