BEA Picturebook Reviews: The Summer Fairy

Three of the four picture books I got at BEA 2014. 

So, I decided to try and review my BEA books in some kind of order that actually made a little sense... both to me and hopefully to all of you! The next few blog posts will all be about the picture books that I received at BEA, then we'll move on to some of the middle grade, etc. etc. Enjoy!

The Summer Fairy

by Elizabeth Kelly Gillihan 

Illustrated by Jennifer Zivoin 

Each year on the last day of school, the Summer Fairy bestows her seasonal gifts and poetic wisdom to families everywhere! This magical story tells the tale of the Summer Fairy and reminds children how to have fun while being safe during the summer season. A reusable flower vase that is stored in the back pocket of the book inspires this new family tradition. Children will relish the magic of summer as they pick a flower in anticipation that the Summer Fairy will soon find her way to their home. (Description from website)

Similar to the "Elf on a Shelf" book, this picturebook features a small fairy that brings gifts to good children.  Unlike the "Elf on a Shelf" (which I personally happen to find a creepy way for parents to SCARE their children into good behavior before Christmas) this book is adorable and features a creature that shares love and good times and encourages good behavior, but only through spending safe and fun time with family and friends.  There are no threatened repercussions for any sort of behavior and this book presents gentle reminders about summer safety in a fun way.

She awakes... 

The reusable vase. 

The Summer Fairy, who awakens just as the school year is ending, brings small gifts to children who plan a fun, happy summer and leave a pretty flower for her (children can
do this at home with the small plastic, reusable vase that comes with the book) before the first day of summer. Only parents who plan to adopt this tradition will want to get this book, as after the fairy's visit, children are to expect some sort of small gift for their summer fun.

However, the Summer Fairy also gives out LOTS of great reminders to children about summer safety.  Things like to play outdoors and use their imagination...but not to talk to strangers or toads!  To swim and get exercise...but always with a parent or buddy.  Great illustrations make these little lessons appealing to read about and sounding less like parental reminders.


A winsome and colorful book that would have captivated me as a child.  One that reminds children of all the wonders of summer, but also helps to teach safety.  A great addition to family collections, as long as parents are willing to play the "Summer Fairy."

As a side note - I was also really excited to get to meet the author, Elizabeth Kelly Gillihan, in person at BEA this year.  She's very sweet and it was so nice to hear about how this story developed from her husband's family tradition...one that they now keep with their children.  







Full disclosure: Received from the author at BEA 2014.

Mini Reviews: Animal Picturebooks

All the Awake Animals Are Almost Asleep

by Crescent Dragonwagon

illustrated by David McPhail

 



In this lyrical animal ABC book, a mother tries to tuck her child in for the night by telling him about all the awake animals that are getting sleepy. From antlered Antelope to zzz-ing Zebra, this alphabet of animals becomes an exquisite celebration of language and nature, just right for lulling even the most wide-awake little ones into a cozy, soothing slumber. (description from Amazon.com)

This is a beautiful book. The illustrations are sweet watercolors full of amazing animals.  While there are animals that young children are certain to recognize, the author took this as a good opportunity to also teach young readers about other animals that have interesting and unusual names.  For example, as you can see here, the E is for Elephant, but D is for Dromedary (a type of camel), and Q is for Quetzal, a colorful tropical bird. 

Each page also features a large letter.  Though it is great that the letter is shown on each page, I wish that the letter were done in regular script.  The cursive letters look pretty, but young readers do not usually recognize cursive script.

I also wish that the entire book had continued the rhyming of the first few and final pages.  When the mother addresses the child there is a sleepy rhythm that is established. 

 

My little one, lay down your head.

It's time to doze, it's time for bed.

   You tell me, "I'm not sleepy now."

   "Just try," I say. You ask me, "How?"

 

I know the rhyme was not the focus of the book, though, and in terms of using the alliteration, the author did a great job.  This will make a great bedtime book for parents to explore with young children.

Full disclosure: Finished Copy received from publisher for review

What's New at the Zoo?

by Betty Comden and Adolph Green

illustrations by Travis Foster

 

The hilarious happenings, grumblings and rumblings, at an overcrowded zoo are comically chronicled by Broadway/Hollywood legends Adolph Green and Betty Comden and acclaimed illlustrator Travis Foster. (description from Amazon.com)

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This one made me laugh out loud.  With lines like, "Ouch! You're stepping on my pouch!" to the bear said the kangaroo, and "Oh! You're stepping on my toe!" to the kangaroo said the gnu, I giggled my way through this one.  With some pages that have flaps that kids can turn and bright, colorful illustrations, I think this book would be a hit with most young readers.  It would also make for a fun, and only slightly tongue-tying read aloud.

Full disclosure: Borrowed from my library