Carter Higgins

My 8-year-old liked this more than I thought she would. I loved it, but she is getting to that age where she thinks she's too big for picture books (no one is too big for picture books). She loved the paper foldouts (obviously) but she also liked making connections between the big, small, and in-between. After she read it through once, she surprised me by reading it again.

I always enjoy art by Miyares and I think he's outdone himself here. This is one of my favorite picture books of the year for sure.… (mehr)

I want this book to be better. Ruth Krauss is a pillar of the children’s book community. Her books are strange and interesting, but her beloved books are still in print. This book tries to take her story and use her style, but it comes out a mishmash. What one hopes to be a biography is more of a headache. There was more to learn in the after notes of this book then was within the story itself. The illustrations are lovely and old fashioned, and they fit the theme of the book, but overall I find there’s nothing probative in this work or memorable either.… (mehr)

First sentence: Diego was flicking boogers again. Not actual straight-from-your-nose boogers, but the crusty crumbly bits of dried up glue that he'd peeled from his palms.

Premise/plot: Audrey L and Audrey W are best, best friends. Or they are supposed to be. But what happens when enough is enough is enough in Room 19? What happens if the table arrangements (the assigned seating at the tables) are completely redone! If Audrey L and Audrey W are assigned different tables, different teams/pods, will they still be best, best, best friends? Or will Audrey W replace her with a new friend (one named Bettina).

Meanwhile, the class is preparing for a talent show. Can Audrey L find her true talent???

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I still enjoy these characters. I still enjoy chapter books with a strong school setting. In particular, ones that flesh out all the students in a particular classroom and follows them through several books. Classroom dynamics are quite interesting. Audrey L is a great main character. But I like seeing the big picture too!

I loved the description of Audrey W being the guacamole to Audrey L's taco.… (mehr)