August Children’s Book Reviews


Children’s book reviews are written by Andrea Dochney of the Oakland Public Library.

andreazoomersZoomer’s Summer Snowstorm
By: Ned Young

Does the heat have you longing for winter snowstorms?  Zoomer, an adorable dog, decides to cool off with an icy treat one hot day.  One little snow cone snowballs into a much larger snow escapade complete with a snow locomotive.  Zoomer’s imagination and adventure will play to anyone who has daydreamed of cooler temperatures.

andrealilyGoing to the Beach with Lily and Milo
By: Pauline Oud

These two colorful friends prepare for a fun day at the beach.  Lily, a rabbit, and Milo, the mouse, choose bathing suits, umbrellas, hats, toys, snacks and drinks, while still trying to make it out the door. Toddlers will appreciate the recognizable and repetitive items used in getting ready. The pictures are simple but very colorful and playful. When you’ve finished going to the beach, you can also check out going to the zoo, getting dressed and eating with Milo and Lily.

andreawowWow! Ocean!
By: Robert Neubecker

A young girl, Izzy, and her family explore the wonders of the ocean in this edition which follows other books “Wow! School!” and “Wow! America!”  Neubecker finds a way to be informative and entertaining at the same time.  Interesting facts combine with colorful illustrations to educate about tidal pools, ocean animal species and more.

andreamisssmithMiss Smith Under the Ocean
By: Michael Garland

What’s better than a book character that evokes other book characters?! Miss Smith uses her incredible storybook to bring to life classic characters such as Long John Silver and the Little Mermaid and to embark on a wild ocean exploration. Miss Smith books, including other adventures like “Miss Smith and the Haunted Library”, are a great way to introduce and reinforce popular tales and characters. The illustrations are entertaining and somewhat realistic but maintain a comical look.