Children’s Book Reviews by Andrea Dochney of The Oakland Public Library
Beach is to Fun
By: Pat Brisson
A New Jersey native, author Pat Brisson grew up visiting the Jersey shore. Her book illustrates the numerous fun activities surrounding a trip to the beach. She presents each activity in relationship to an identifiable, illustrated analogy. One example from the text is “I am to land as crab is to sea. Claws are to crab as hands are to me.” The wordplays and relationships illustrated will lead to great discussions about the beach and summer activities.
The Day-Glo Brothers: The True Story of Bob and Joe Switzer’s Bright Ideas and Brand-New Colors
By: Chris Barton
This non-fiction title is sure to educate and entertain with the story of the invention of “Day-Glo” colors. The book chronicles the Switzer brother’s trials and tribulations with their invention from a glowing angel food cake to Andy Warhol’s pop art. The books uses bright colors and clever illustrations to tell their story.
Pirate Pete’s Talk Like a Pirate
By: Kim Kennedy
Follow Pirate Pete across the Sea of Mischeif to Rascal Island to find himself a new crew. Pete searches for a true pirate-talkin’ crew member and finds out he had his matey all along. The characters and dialogue in this story will have any young buccaneer talking like a pirate along with Pete. Kim Kennedy, along with her brother Doug have written and illustrated two other stories in the Pirate Pete adventures.
I’m the Best Artist in the Ocean
By: Kevin Sherry
Kevin Sherry presents an adorable take on a giant squid’s ink. The giant squid in the tale is the self-proclaimed best artist in the sea. The best feature of the book is the watercolor backdrops against the fun, simple illustrations of the squid and his artwork. The book would be a good jump off for any at home artistic endeavors as well as an entertaining read.