Tried & True and New: Picture Book Reviews

Jeff Goes Wild by Angie Rozelaar

Reviewed by: Erik Knapp

Jefferey Fluffy McSnuggle-Tum gets bored being cooped up all day resorts to mischief. Retreating to his favorite chair for a nap, he ends up dreaming he’s in the jungle.  Before he wakes up Jeff discovers that being wild and fierce like a tiger is great for some things, nothing is better than being who you really are.

The Panda Problem by Deborah Underwood

Reviewed by: Sarah Deay

In this hilarious book by Deborah Underwood, our poor narrator is just trying to tell a story about a panda, but Panda is not making things easy. Of course, all good stories need a problem to solve, but the panda doesn’t have any problems to speak of! The weather is perfect, the view in the bamboo grove is beautiful, and Panda is carefree and content. How is the narrator supposed to make a good story if the main character doesn’t even have a problem that needs solving?  Instead of having a problem, Panda decides to create chaos, take over the story, and become the problem. Panda’s goofy and rebellious acts range from mildly annoying to totally preposterous! This clever and engaging introduction to the five parts of a narrative (character, setting, plot, conflict, and resolution) “puts readers PANDA in control of the story.” 

Hornswoggled! A Wacky Words Whodunit by Josh Crute

Reviewed by: Erik Knapp

There is a crime spree in the forest! First, Deer’s antler is stolen and replaced with a tennis racket, then Catfish’s glasses are replaced with donuts.  Soon, they discover everyone has been bamboozled! Who could have perpetuated such an offensively egregious offense? Hornswoggled is a delightfully wacky word mystery that preschool kids will love.  They’ll learn to say great words like codswallop, poppycock and humbug, and all of them are quickly defined by a clever and helpful armadillo.  Be aware though, these words are so much fun, your kids will start to use them!

Bathe the Cat by Alice B. McGinty; illustrated by David Roberts

Reviewed by: Parisa Nasiripour

Ahead of a visit from Grandma, a family attempts to get through their long list of household chores. However, their mischievous cat has its own agenda and causes chaos in order to avoid an unwanted bath. With colorful illustrations depicting the silly rhymes, this book turns ordinary errands into a hilarious, boisterous story-time.

Don’t Worry, Murray by David Ezra Stein

Reviewed by: Maggie Fox

Murray is scared of a lot of things from loud noises to new experiences. But don’t you worry, Murray, it will all be okay. This book would be a great read for those little ones who worry about new and scary situations.