Review: Sloth Wasn't Sleepy by Kate Messner

Any sloth fans out there? Today's read will be right down their alley. This super, cute sloth isn't only sweet and cuddle but also makes a great bedtime read. Even when I look at the cover, I want to grab the animal up and snuggle it...or head to bed and sleep away. Although that could be my own tiredness leaking in.

In any case, hope you enough today's review!

SLOTH WASN'T SLEEPY

by Kate Messner

Illustrated by Valentina Toro

Sounds True

Picture Book

32 pages

ages 4 to 8

For any child having trouble getting to sleep, the most lovable animal in the rain forest is here to help.

One night at bedtime, Sloth wasn’t sleepy.
“What if I worry when I try to fall asleep?” Sloth said.
“Ah … worries,” Mama said. “We will have to let them go.”

A tough day, a bad dream, a scary noise … these are just a few of the things that can keep kids wide awake and frightened after dark. But Mama Sloth knows the secrets for calming worried minds and getting to sleep—and as she shares them with her daughter, young readers will learn valuable relaxation skills that last a lifetime.

Sloth Wasn’t Sleepy does more than provide a sweet bedtime story—kids will join Sloth to learn mindfulness practices such as “shrinking down” fears in their mind and calming their body through breath and simple visualizations. Kate Messner’s beautiful book helps parents and kids relax into dreamland with a sense of peace, safety, and belonging.

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BOOK BLINK

                                            * beautifully illustrated

                                            * weaves in hints on how to fall asleep

                                            * comforting story

                                            * sloth fans will enjoy it

MY TIDBITS

Fears float away in a soothing and imaginative way, leaving a sense of comfort, warmth and security in a book, which is sure to become a nighttime favorite.

It's bedtime, but Sloth isn't sleepy. Although snuggled in Mama Sloth's arms, it's plagued by worries of dangerous animals and more. While Mama Sloth insists there's nothing to worry about, Sloth just can't seem to shove these thoughts away. But Mama Sloth just might have an idea how to help the situation so that Sloth can finally find peace and go to sleep.

The first thing that caught my eye (besides the super cute sloth) were the illustrations. These are beautifully done. The colors are bright and yet, soothing. While the scenes and characters are distinctly portrayed, there's enough artistry to sweep away harsh lines and allow a bit of dreaminess to come through. In other words, they're perfect for gazing but also give the right touch for those last minutes before going to sleep.

The tale itself is sweet, warming and even weaves in a few ideas on how to chase those worries away and drift off into dreamland. Mama Sloth's love and care is easy to feel as she wraps Sloth in her arms and tries her best to sooth him. Listeners will understand Sloth's problem, and thanks to the types of fears Sloth has, won't accidentally let his worries slide over into their own thoughts and concerns. Mama Sloth's solution, while chasing away Sloth's problems, also adds a bit of dreamy imagination and subtly sets the mood for sleep. 

It's a lovely bedtime read with an adorable character.

Review: The Next President by Kate Messner

THE NEXT PRESIDENT

by Kate Messner

Illustrated by Adam Rex

Chronicle Books

Picture Book / Non-Fiction

48 pages

ages 8 to 12

An inspiring and informative book for kids about the past and future of America's presidents.

Who will be the NEXT president? Could it be you? When George Washington became the first president of the United States, there were nine future presidents already alive in America, doing things like practicing law or studying medicine.

When JFK became the thirty-fifth president, there were 10 future presidents already alive in America, doing things like hosting TV shows and learning the saxophone.

And right now—today!—there are at least 10 future presidents alive in America. They could be playing basketball, like Barack Obama, or helping in the garden, like Dwight D. Eisenhower. They could be solving math problems or reading books. They could be making art—or already making change.

• A breezy, kid-friendly survey of American history and American presidents
• Great for teachers, librarians, and other educators
• Kate Messner's nonfiction picture books have been lauded by critics and received a variety of awards.

For young readers and students who loved The New Big Book of Presidents, Lincoln and Kennedy: A Pair to Compare, and Kid Presidents: True Tales of Childhood from America's Presidents.

A helpful addition to curriculums of 5th- to 8th-grade students studying U.S. History and civics and the federal government.

      

MY TIDBITS

Presidents weren't born as being presidents, and this book slides through all sorts of interesting facts about each president's life before they took office...and demonstrates that any American citizen has the possibility of being elected someday.

This book encourages young readers to dream, and that how it starts out. But right after that, the first president is introduced. Instead of concentrating on each president's accomplishments, this book gives one or two interesting tidbits, but then mentions how many presidents were born and growing up at the same time, and even hits at some of the things they were up to. And most of these were definitely not 'presidential'.  It is interesting to see all of the normal and not so usual hobbies and jobs these future presidents were doing years before they were actually elected.

While the book is placed in chronological order, time flows a bit back and forth. This breaks up the usual mundane atmosphere and adds as much life as the interesting facts. The illustrations are nicely done and reinforce the point—presidents were not raised to be presidents, but rather had diverse lives like every other normal human being. Some moments are humorous, others inspirations, and a few simply surprising.

At the end of the book, there's a map, which displays where presidents were born, a summary of the requirements to become president, a few 'changing face' facts, and a list of possible reads to learn more about the presidents.

It's an entertaining way to learn about the presidents...and that with a new twist. It also does a lovely job at encouraging young readers to hold onto their own dreams, since even they might find themselves as president someday.


And here they are...

The Author...
Kate Messner is an award-winning author whose many books for kids have been selected as Best Books by the New York Times, Junior Library Guild, IndieBound, and Bank Street College of Education. She lives on Lake Champlain with her family.

The Illustrator...

Adam Rex is the author and illustrator of many beloved picture books and novels, including Nothing Rhymes with Orange and the New York Times bestseller Frankenstein Makes a Sandwich. He has worked with the likes of Jon Scieszka, Mac Barnett, Jeff Kinney, and Neil Gaiman. He lives in Tucson, Arizona.

Review: Insect Superpowers by Kate Messner

INSECT SUPERPOWERS

by Kate Messner

Illustrated by Jillian Nickell

Chronicle Books

Middle Grade Non-Fiction / Graphic

80 pages

ages 8 to 12

Insect Superpowers is an action-packed nonfiction picture book about the incredible insect abilities found in the natural world. Packaged comic book style, this book explores 18 awesomely real superheroes and supervillains, who each possess powers far beyond the average insect.

Meet the Malevolent Mimic, who wickedly disguises itself as a harmless pink orchid only to shred unsuspecting butterflies, or the Great Glue Shooter, who can blast a smelly glue from its face.

• Presents insects as superheroes and supervillains who excel in head-to-head combat, astounding weapons, and extraordinary skills
• All facts are equally real and amazing
• Written by award-winning nonfiction author Kate Messner

Insect Superpowers is the perfect pick for young entomologists, reluctant readers, and any kid who has ever been equally grossed out and fascinated by a bug.

This thrilling look at insects will entertain and educate readers ages 8 to 12 years old, as well as the adults that read with them.

• A wonderful gift for teachers, librarians, and Common Core educators who are looking to teach about insects in a fresh and exciting way
• Perfect for parents and caregivers of science, nature, and bug-obsessed kids
• Great for fans of comic books, superheroes, and graphic novels, as well as reads like Bugs A to Z by Caroline Lawton, Ultimate Bugopedia: The Most Complete Bug Reference Ever by Darlyne Murawski and Nancy Honovich, and Atlas of Animal Adventures by Rachel Williams and Emily Hawkins

 MY TIDBITS

Amazing insects finally grab a spot in a comic-like superhero setting, showing off their natural abilities with action-packed flair, which amazingly, sits perfectly in fact and reality.

The cover already sets the tone—this book is set up like an action comic but lets insects for real life take the lead role. Eighteen various insects are presented with basic facts surrounding not only their anatomy and environment, but especially those aspects which set them apart and make the 'super'. It's non-fiction and science set in the excitement only comic books can give.

I can't imagine readers won't enjoy picking up this book. Not only are insects interesting and maybe, a bit creepy, but this books screams fun in facts. The illustrations keep the bug rather true to life (in comic style), allow the factual settings and situations to remain solid, and shove in a bit of active fun. Phrases like Bzooommm! and Crunch! add excitement and a great amount of humor. The text offers everything from the scientific name to average size and diet to habitat and special facts. It is information pure.

The 'super' side of these insects is also explained in easy to understand details, while creating an atmosphere of awe, adventure and fun. It is not a dry read, but bounces with energy and promises that even more reluctant readers won't feel overwhelmed or bored. I can imagine young readers picking this one up without being coaxed by adults and enjoying every page.

And here they are...

The Author...
Kate Messner is the award-winning author of Over and Under the Snow and more than a dozen other books for young readers. She lives on Lake Champlain with her family.

The Illustrator...

Jillian Nickell is a freelance illustrator, screen printer, and teacher living in Chicago, Illinois. Her work has been included in the Society of Illustrators' Illustrators 52 and Illustrators 55 award shows and book publications.