Book 40 - Outside Over There #100daysofbooks (verdict: creepy and weird)

Day 40, and Outside Over There, which is a creepy story with basically the same premise as Labyrinth only without the benefit of David Bowie in tights. Given what I said about Where The Wild Things Are I'm not sure why I thought I'd go for another Maurice Sendak, but I did. The story itself has a grim melancholic quality of a true dark fairy tale, but it has this awkward combination of lines that rhyme with those that don't, and a strange cadence that's really really difficult to read. But its the illustrations with their uncanny faces that makes it disturbing. I don't know ... I wanted to like this in the way that I liked the original (non-Disneyfied) Hans Christian Andersen tales I had as a kid (you know, where in The Little Mermaid, there is no happy ending), but its weirdness doesn't have a pleasing anchor for me to sit on to enjoy it. The pictures are weird, the text is weird. It's creepy and I'm not finding the BUT to recommend it.

NB. Further reading around reveals this story may have actually inspired Labyrinth. In which case, bravo to whoever decided to improve it by adding David Bowie in tights. That was a masterstroke.

Master A's verdict: No cues. Probably because my reading of it was so atrocious.

Details: 

• Title: Outside Over There
• Author/Illustrator: Maurice Sendak
• Source: Borrowed from local library
• Publisher: Random House

What's on tomorrow? Another library pick.

 WHAT'S THIS #100DAYSOFBOOKS?

Book 39 - Rudie Nudie #100daysofbooks (verdict: cheeky and fun)

Day 39. Today's pick Rudie Nudie just has a winning title from the start, and it's also a cheeky rhyming story about the time around bath to bed. My favourite line is the one pictured - "Rudie nudie dripping wet / dancing footprints on the bathmat / rudie nudie pirouette". It's elegant, with simple line drawing pictures that captures the carefree fun of the text. I'll be looking for this one to buy.

Master A's verdict: Bathtime is Master A's favourite thing of the day, and seemed to enjoy this version of it on paper. Giving him ideas for when he develops self-propulsion.

Details: 

• Title: Rude Nudie
• Author/Illustrator: Emma Quay
• Source: Borrowed from local library
• Publisher: HarperCollins

What's on tomorrow? Another library pick.

 WHAT'S THIS #100DAYSOFBOOKS?

Book 38 - Demolition #100daysofbooks (verdict: a winner!)

Day 38. We were away yesterday in a lovely spot that had patchy internet connection, so I'm posting yesterday's read Demolition a little late. This book, like Good Night, Good Night Construction Site is a fun take on heavy machinery and industry for kids. It combines rhyming narrative with onomatopoeic sounds on every double page spread. Master A's dad, who read this, pointed out it's reasonably accurate, and it show both male and female demolition works. Three cheers for gender representation. I note the author has also written one on Roadwork and one on Construction, and I'd give them both a go. Another NZ author winning at kids books.

Master A's verdict: Enjoyed both pictures and sounds.

Details: 

• Title: Demolition
• Author/Illustrator: Sally Sutton / Brian Lovelock
• Source: Borrowed from local library
• Publisher: Candlewick

What's on tomorrow? Another library pick.

 WHAT'S THIS #100DAYSOFBOOKS?

Book 37 - Check on Me #100daysofbooks (verdict: I'm done with Daddos)

Day 37 and the second offering from the Daddo picture book stable. Check on Me is sort of about a kid's bedtime routine. I say sort-of, because it's an odd one - there doesn't seem to be a clear narrative structure to it, or at least, it lacks some kind of cohesive idea that I usually find in other kids' books. And there's some weird lines ("There has to be a story - first from a book and another from your mouth / A happily-ever-after story with a kid like me - but it's not me - and a dog like her, and a cat like him") A story from your mouth, huh? Weird and kinda icky. The prose feels like it should have some kind of rhythm, but it just doesn't. The pictures are fun, though, and quite sweet. But the whole thing was a bit meh for me. The back promises Check on Me will immediately become one of your family's bedtime favourites! Yeah, no.

Master A's verdict: Enjoyed the pictures, but not as much as yesterday.

Details: 

• Title: Check on Me
• Author/Illustrator: Andrew Daddo / Jonathan Bentley
• Source: Borrowed from local library
• Publisher: HarperCollins

What's on tomorrow? Another library pick.

 WHAT'S THIS #100DAYSOFBOOKS?

Book 36 - My Daddy #100daysofbooks (verdict: cute)

Day 36 was a very long day. I won't get into it, but it was nice to have My Daddy to read. The story is about different animals, and the virtues of each of their fathers (really, I guess, it's about the animals themselves). It's full of bright, joyful illustrations with nice rhymes (a couple are a bit strained, but not too bad) ... the whole thing is cute, really. Master A had it read twice, once with me and once with Dad while I went to teach a class. I'd like this one in my home library.

Master A's verdict: Enjoyed this, clearly tracking the pictures across the pages.

Details: 

• Title: My Daddy
• Author/Illustrator: Julia Hubery / Rebecca Elliott
• Source: Borrowed from local library
• Publisher: Macmillan

What's on tomorrow? Another library pick.

 WHAT'S THIS #100DAYSOFBOOKS?

Book 35 - One Little Baby #100daysofbooks (verdict: sweet and simple)

Day 35. This book is simple and sweet with gentle rhymes and simple but expressive illustrations. Each double page begins with "One little baby ... " and it's pretty much a baby's day from beginning to end, was easy to read and a good length for Master A's age. Would read again.

Master A's verdict: Very excited reading this book today, and trying to turn the pages (or eat the book ... hard to tell sometimes).

Details: 

• Title: One Little Baby
• Author/Illustrator: Richard Dungworth / Jane Massey
• Source: Borrowed from local library
• Publisher: Penguin

What's on tomorrow? Another library pick.

 WHAT'S THIS #100DAYSOFBOOKS?

Book 34 - Mog's Family of Cats #100daysofbooks (verdict: simple catty goodness)

Day 34. I like Mog, though I'm not sure why. She's a fairly plain cat, and she hails from the era before Grumpy Cat and Henri (the French Existentialist Cat) became internet sensations based on a particular brand of cattiness. Perhaps it's that we weren't cat owners in my family growing up (I got my dose with the stable cat at the riding school). Or maybe it's just the affectionately every-cat exploits of Mog that are appealing - she's the original cat in books. Certainly, this tale of Mog (which is about her extended family) is pretty plain and simple. It's more the kind of book that prompts discussion of what you can see in the pictures. The Mog book I most remember is Mog and the Baby. I don't know that Master A even knows what a cat is yet, but maybe when he finally meets one, we might be reading more of these.

Master A's verdict: Very keen to grab this book, which is why I couldn't get a steady shot of the inside. Might have been hungry - the cats better watch out.

Details: 

• Title: Mog's Family of Cats
• Author/Illustrator: Judith Kerr
• Source: Borrowed from local library
• Publisher: HarperCollins

What's on tomorrow? Another library pick.

 WHAT'S THIS #100DAYSOFBOOKS?

Book 33 - Father Christmas Needs a Wee! #100daysofbooks (verdict: not quite as hilarious as it sounds)

Day 33. After the success of The Little Mole poo story last week, this one, I thought, would be a sure winner. Unfortunately, not quite so. While it is a story about Santa overindulging in tasty beverages (and the predictable consequence), the natural hilarity of the subject matter doesn't quite translate into text, for a few reasons. Firstly, there's an unsubtle attempt to make this a counting book, which leads to some very laboured rhyming and some logic problems (why does Santa leave Christmas trees as presents? Why does each household get all the same gifts??). Then there's the logic of why Santa bothers to hold on so long. Did he not pass a public toilet during his rounds? And if not, he's a man - isn't the world his toilet?? Just because it's a kids' book doesn't mean these logic things don't matter. The ending, however, did seem fitting, and it was worth reading once. Maybe it's a title to whip out once a year, as a Christmas tradition. ;)

Master A's verdict: Squirmy, very squirmy ...

Details: 

• Title: Father Christmas Needs a Wee!
• Author/Illustrator: Nicholas Allan
• Source: Borrowed from local library
• Publisher: Random House

What's on tomorrow? Another library pick.

 WHAT'S THIS #100DAYSOFBOOKS?

Book 31 - Daddy's Cheeky Monkey #100daysofbooks (verdict: nice idea, a bit boring)

Day 31. I was quite surprised to learn that Andrew Daddo writes kids' books (yes, it is that Daddo). My first thought whenever I see the Daddo name is the Late Show's pisstake of brother Cameron's attempt at a music, way back in the 90s. But to be fair, I should not be slurring Andrew because of his brother. Anyway, to the book - Daddy's [Daddo's?] Cheeky Monkey is a book 'celebrating the sweet/funny nicknames' fathers give their kids.

Master A's Dad read it while I was wrestling with a roux in the kitchen. At the end, I heard, "Well, that was boring, wasn't it?" This is, of course, after the frantic, clever rhyme from Marmaduke Duck has been muttered all week in this house. So the book's chief fault is simply that it doesn't rhyme or have rhythm (though Dad also said the nicknames didn't seem that fitting - I admit I've only heard him use one that's in the book). I took a look after and the illustrations are absolutely gorgeous - very sweet. But the reading experience is perhaps not enough up to the same level!

Master A's verdict: Looked at the pages and tried to grab the book, presumably to eat it.

Details: 

• Title: Daddy's Cheeky Monkey
• Author/Illustrator: Andrew Daddo / Emma Quay
• Source: Borrowed from local library
• Publisher: HarperCollins

What's on tomorrow? Peter Rabbit!

 WHAT'S THIS #100DAYSOFBOOKS?

Book 30 - The Bunyip of Berkeley Creek #100daysofbooks (verdict: unusual, a little sad, happy ending)

Day 30. I remember The Bunyip of Berkeley's Creek from primary school - not the story, but the illustrations, and the particularly odd composition of the cover. In fact, the whole story is an oddity - it's the only picture book I know where the text is not a simple typeface print. Instead, it has a hand-drawn quality and each page's text is contained in a decorative box. The illustrations are dark and moody, which suits the themes, I think. Poor Bunyip - the story is I guess an allegory for exclusion, but also for finding your tribe (which is the happy ending).

The Bunyip is quite adorable, although as a kid I remember not liking the dark, moodyness of it. As an adult, I'm still a bit tripped out by the images, particularly the one shown where the Bunyip meets a man and seems to be lying on a psychiatrist's couch. Also, there's the bits of trash in the landscape ... and the fact they start small and grow to occupy the page, as if zooming in. There's probably a thesis in the artistic choices and hidden meanings. Anyway, the story isn't too long, and while it's prose, it has nice repetitions of words for younger readers.

Master A's verdict: Happily paid attention to the story, more interested in the pictures once they were full page.

Details: 

• Title: The Bunyip of Berkeley's Creek
• Author/Illustrator: Jenny Wagner / Ron Brooks
• Source: Borrowed from local library
• Publisher: Penguin

What's on tomorrow? No idea, but probably another trip to the library.

 WHAT'S THIS #100DAYSOFBOOKS?

Book 29 - Oh Say Can You Say #100daysofbooks (verdict: I know I should like it ...)

Day 29. I didn't manage to get an inside shot today - it was madness with first day back teaching uni and with my manuscript of The Horseman due in tomorrow. But I'm not that sad. Why? I'm going to say what you're not meant to say (oh say can I say?) ... I don't like Dr Suess. I never have, even as a kid. It gave me a feeling then that, now as an adult, I would identify as feeling patronised. Weird, but true. This book, Oh Say Can You Say is perhaps the worst one I could have chosen, because it's full of tongue twisters but doesn't really have a narrative. The rhythms and combinations are clever, but there's just waaay too much of it and it seems a different small tale on every page. I admit I skipped about half of it. If someone wants to recommend which Dr Suess they think is his best, I'll try that, but I'm not sure I'll ever be a convert.

Master A's verdict: Didn't seem particularly taken with the pictures. Paid attention to the words for about three pages. Really, it's way too long for him at this age.

Details: 

• Title: Oh Say Can You Say?
• Author/Illustrator: Dr Seuss
• Source: Borrowed from the local library
• Publisher: HarperCollins

What's on tomorrow? Library pick.

 WHAT'S THIS #100DAYSOFBOOKS?

Book 27 - Where's Stripey? #100daysofbooks (verdict: hmmmm)

Day 27. Where's Stripey? caught my eye in the local bookshop with its bold artwork and shiny gold award stickers on the front (WA Premier's Book Award for an independently published children's book). The illustrations are beautiful, and the production is top quality. I misjudged it a bit, though - this is prose and quite long - way too long for Master A. And there's something about the content that didn't quite sit well with me. Might have been the thick Australiana (the dad emu is called Crikey and the mum emu is called Sheila) and we go through all the native animals looking for the titular Stripey. Of course, what's too laid on for me might be mightily popular with the little tikes, so no judgement, we'll just have to try it again when he's quite a bit older.

Master A's verdict: Liked the cover, but couldn't sustain interest through the rest of the story.

Details: 

• Title: Where's Stripey?
• Author/Illustrator: Wendy Binks
• Source: Purchased at our local bookstore and in home library
• Publisher: Stunned Emu Press

What's on tomorrow? Library pick

 WHAT'S THIS #100DAYSOFBOOKS?

Book 26 - Marmaduke Duck and the Marmalade Jam #100daysofbooks (verdict: frantic and fun)

Day 26 and we've read a story I can only describe as frenetic. There's bizarre happenings in this tale, much of which has to do with a Llama, who's there, I think, for the rhyming punchline on the last page. I admire the sheer lunacy of the pace and rhyme of this book - it's great fun to read, and batcrap crazy. Such bonkers levels of energy in text and drawings means I only thought later things like, hey, isn't saying "marmalade jam" redundant? Or worse, a meaningless tautology? Never mind, it doesn't matter. Just go with it. This one I can see being a favourite, and exhausting, choice of pre-bed story. I got tongue-tied trying to keep up, and I loved it.

Master A's verdict: A little long for his attention span at this age (and probably overstimulating!) but picked the cover out of the choices I offered.

Details: 

• Title: Marmaduke Duck and the Marmalade Jam
• Author/Illustrator: Juliette MacIver / Sarah Davis
• Source: Purchased at our local bookstore and in home library
• Publisher: Scholastic

What's on tomorrow? No idea...

 WHAT'S THIS #100DAYSOFBOOKS?

Book 24 - Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site #100daysofbooks (verdict: very cool)

Day 24 and Master A's Dad (a mechanical engineer and manbeast) read Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site. Not to be gender stereotyped, I'll add that manbeast reported he'd seen this book in the bookstore during the week. When I asked why on earth he hadn't bought it, he returned to do so on Friday and so brought the shiny copy home last night.

It's a lovely production, regardless of the subject matter, with gorgeous illustrations that make even heavy machinery tender (and amusing), with some pictures particularly clever in integrating the goodnight theme. I can easily see how it is a NYT bestseller. The rhyme and rhythm is also lovely - cement mixers have never seemed so restful. Check it a reading on YouTube here. This one, I would guess, is going to be a winner. As another mechanical engineer myself, read it to all your kids, including your daughters. They might like heavy machinery like I do.

Master A's verdict: Manbeast reports Master A very interested in this one, with much gazing at the pages and his face while reading, watching how words are made. Good signs!

Details: 

• Title: Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site
• Author/Illustrator: Sherri Duskey Rinker / Tom Lichtenheld
• Source: Gift from Dad and in home library
• Publisher: Chronicle Books

What's on tomorrow? Something classic.

 WHAT'S THIS #100DAYSOFBOOKS?

Book 22 - The Story of the Little Mole who knew it was none of his business #100daysofbooks (verdict: poo, and revenge!)

The Little Mole (no. 22) is a story about poo, and revenge. But mostly poo. Basically, a little mole is shat on and goes on a journey to find out who did it, so he can poo on them back. No, really. This is a badass story (in a toddler sense, if that's possible) but manages to be entirely charming with its exploration of the colour and consistency of all animal business, if you know what I mean. Of course, that's how all the bad boys get you in (with charm, I mean, not with animal dung). I was mesmerised by the subject matter being in print, but go with it ... it's funny, and surprisingly informative. I just hope it doesn't lead to bum gun preoccupations in real life (like this dude who pooed in a tunnel in NZ ... no really) because I suspect it will become a favourite once Master A is old enough to appreciate the subject matter!

Thanks very much to Betty Bath for the suggestion :) You can find it being read on YouTube here. Originally a German title, among the weirdest things I read is that it's been adapted for the stage in the Netherlands. Okay then!

Master A's verdict: Paid attention, probably because I was laughing.

Details: 

• Title: The Story of the Little Mole (who knew it was none of his business)
• Author/Illustrator: Werner Holzwarth / Wolf Erlbruch
• Source: Ordered online and in home library
• Publisher: Pavilion

What's on tomorrow? Probably another library pick.

 WHAT'S THIS #100DAYSOFBOOKS?

Book 21 - If Kisses Were Colours #100daysofbooks (verdict: gentle and lovely)

No. 21 is If Kisses were Colours. This is a gentle story of simple metaphors for a parent's love, and not much more really needs to be said. The illustrations are folksy, and the message is tender. I would read this one again.

Master A's verdict: A quick read with both rhyme and brightly coloured pages equaled full attention.

Details: 

• Title: If Kisses were Colours
• Author/Illustrator: Janet Lawler / Alison Jay
• Source: Borrowed from local library
• Publisher: Dial Books

What's on tomorrow? Probably another library pick.

 WHAT'S THIS #100DAYSOFBOOKS?

Book 20 - Where the Wild Things Are #100daysofbooks (verdict: reputation solid, but not a fan)

No. 20  and we come to the all conquering classic, Where the Wild Things Are. This is a picture book that has transcended its original form, even being made into a feature film in 2009. First published in the 60s, it won the Caldecott Medal and I don't remember a time when I wasn't aware of the story - a lecturer friend of mine even uses it as an example of narrative structure in creative writing courses. So I feel a great pressure to like it. But I don't. And I didn't, even as a kid.

I remember vividly not being able to identify with Max or the story - something about it was really unsatisfying to my kid brain. I know a lot of adults who don't like it think Max is a bit of a jerk and is rewarded for bad behaviour (i.e. Max is being kinda awful, is sent to his room, escapes into an imaginary fantasy where he bosses around the wild things, wants to be back where he's loved the most, then despite all the shenanigans, finds he has supper waiting when he gets home). I'm not so worried about that - I appreciate this is a story from a child's POV, without the adult moralising colouring the story (even if Max doesn't have any likable qualities for me). Academically, I like that and find it interesting, but only for analysis - you could make all the arguments you want about it, but I'll still feel the same way: as a story to read, it's still kinda meh for me, almost boring. Max has an imagination, boo hoo.  It doesn't touch my (cold?) heart at all.

That's okay. Given the huge popularity, no doubt it doesn't need my seal of approval, and not everyone likes everything (that would be highly suspicious). I do find with things that are massively loved, however, if you don't enjoy them it's awkward (ask me about Lord of the Rings). So I decided to be very honest. Sorry, WTWTA.

Master A's verdict: Wasn't interested in this one at all. Again, it's prose not poetry and the colours/contrast in the illustration style is muted, so unlikely to appeal to him.

Details: 

• Title: Where the Wild Things Are
• Author/Illustrator: Maurice Sendak
• Source: Borrowed from local library
• Publisher: Red Fox

What's on tomorrow? Another library pick.

 WHAT'S THIS #100DAYSOFBOOKS?

Book 18 - Be the best ever EVER astronaut #100daysofbooks (verdict: not so sure about the ending ...)

Day 18. So, right from the start I need to acknowledge my first degree was mechanical and space engineering, some of which I did spent building rockets (plus some time later at the CSIRO). So I'm a bit of a tough customer with space stuff (I remember some of us going to see Armageddon as students - the others in the cinema probably hated the running commentary). But anyway - I'm not your lay audience, put it that way. I'm going to assume a few things in this are for ironic humour (such as the rocket being full of knobs, and everyone wearing badges with their names on them, except the protagonist whose says 'me'. Useful.). These did amuse me. And I can forgive the stuff that stretches the reality of what astronauts currently do, and the simplifications (which felt a bit patronising, even for a kids' story) - the boundary to science fiction is probably thinnest in space.

But I am somewhat concerned with the self-aggrandising ending, where the astronaut is very famous, gets a medal and has their picture painted. I know we're in a celebrity culture, but wow ... did we really have to go there? Doesn't seem to be the point to be emphasising. Hmmmm.

Master A's verdict: Dad ironing shirts across the room was more interesting than the book, but to be fair he's more into books with rhyme and rhythm now, and can appreciate neither fact finding or ironic humour.

Details: 

• Title: Be the best ever EVER astronaut
• Author/Illustrator: Moira Butterfield / Caroline Davis
• Source: Gift and in home library
• Publisher: Parragon Book Service

What's on tomorrow? Undecided.

 WHAT'S THIS #100DAYSOFBOOKS?

Book 17 - Puff the Magic Dragon #100daysofbooks (verdict: I'm so depressed :()

Day 17. OMG!!! So, Puff the Magic Dragon is a timeless children's song, but lord, the ending. I'm so depressed! I only remembered the first verse and the chorus from childhood, so obviously I never learned the last few verses (or maybe it was only in the book??). In any case, wow. Could have done without that, especially as the tune is going to do laps in my head as I try to sleep tonight. The illustrations are nice, I guess, but I'm kinda miffed. Those last two pictures that try to say there's a happy ending beyond the words? Not buying it! *sad face*

Celebrating 50 magical (and sad, boo hoo) years.

Master A's verdict: Seemed to appreciate me trying to sing it, thought the "and girls" they've added to one of the lines that used to end in just "boys" completely mucks the rhythm. Fortunately he's too young to be traumatised by Puff's fate. Probably a good thing.

Details: 

• Title: Puff the Magic Dragon
• Author/Illustrator: Peter Yarrow, Lenny Lipton / Eric Puybaret
• Source: Borrowed from our local library
• Publisher: Sterling

What's on tomorrow? Raiding home library again.

 WHAT'S THIS #100DAYSOFBOOKS?

Book 16 - The House in the Night #100daysofbooks

Day 16. The House in the Night won the Cadlecott Medal in 2009 for the illustrations (the shiny gold award sticker on the front I must admit is why I picked it up), and I can see why. The moody black and grey pictures with simple yellow highlights create a restful atmosphere that I can see being perfect before bed. The images have a lithographic feel to me, which evokes a fairy tale vibe even though most of the settings are familiar and urban - it's a transformative kind of magic. Full marks. That's sorta where my admiration for it ends, though. The actual words, which are very sparse, are going for a very nice sentiment. But I find them awkward to read, and the text lacks some sort of cohesion and poetry that I've seen done better in many other books. As an adult reading the story, I feel as though there isn't really anything here for me beyond the beautiful pictures (and they're almost enough to make up for it).

This one came courtesy of a trip to the library to refresh our borrow pile, so we've a fresh crop to test out this coming week, and a few other recommendations that should arrive in the post any day now.

Master A's verdict: Spent a long time looking at the pictures. No obvious signs of enjoying the words. Might try again when he's older.

Details: 

• Title: The House in the Night
• Author/Illustrator: Susan Swanson / Beth Krommes
• Source: Borrowed from our local library
• Publisher: HMH Books

What's on tomorrow? Another library pick.

 WHAT'S THIS #100DAYSOFBOOKS?