This Is Gus by Chris Chatterton

Meet Gus. He doesn't like anything or anyone. Or does he? 

Thoughts: Grumpy characters are so much fun. I loved Gus from the first. I've always wanted to name a dog Gus after the mouse in Disney's Cinderella. And it looks like Gus might be one of my favorite breeds...a basset hound. The illustrations are colorful and I love Gus's grouchy expressions. My favorite is Gus and the puppy on Gus's birthday. Gus is in good company with Bruce (the Bruce books by Ryan T. Higgins) and Mr. Panda from the books by Steve Antony.  

Themes: Dogs, Grumpy Characters 

(Penguin Workshop, 2019.) 

What About Worms!? by Ryan T. Higgins

Tiger is big and brave. He's not afraid of anything...except worms. 

Thoughts: Too funny! Tiger is just what I've come to expect from Ryan T. Higgins. Tiger isn't grumpy like Ryan's other character Bruce. Instead, he's a little bit of a mess especially when worms might be involved. I can't wait to share this book with kids. The illustrations are full of color, emotion, and movement. This book would pair well with Fear the Bunny by Richard T. Morris, The Secret Life of a Tiger by Przemysław Wechterowicz, and It's a Tiger! by David LaRochelle.  

Themes: Tigers, Worms, Fears 

Here are activity sheets from the publisher. 

Checkout the other Elephant & Piggie Like Reading Books:

• The Cookie Fiasco by Dan Santat
• We Are Growing! by Laurie Keller 
• The Good For Nothing Button! by Charise Mericle Harper 
• It's Shoe Time! by Bryan Collier 
• The Itchy Book! by LeUyen Pham 
• Harold & Hog Pretend for Real! by Dan Santat 

Checkout other books by Ryan T. Higgins: 

• Mother Bruce
• Hotel Bruce 
• Be Quiet! 
• Bruce's Big Move 
• Santa Bruce 
• 1 Grumpy Bruce 
• Bruce's Big Fun Day
• Bruce's Big Storm 
• Peek-a-Bruce
• We Don't Eat Our Classmates 
• We Will Rock Our Classmates 

Links are to my reviews. 

(An Elephant & Piggie Like Reading Book with Mo Willems. Disney, 2020.)

Soaked! by Abi Cushman

It's raining. Bear doesn't like the rain. It ruins everything. There's nothing to do. It's still raining. 

Thoughts: Too funny! Bear reminds me of Bruce from the books by Ryan T. Higgins. Bear is definitely a mildly sarcastic grump. The illustrations are detailed and there is a wealth of expression on the animals' faces. My favorite illustration is the hula-hooping animals. 

Themes: Bears, Rain, Forest Animals 

(Viking, 2020.)

Happy Blogiversary to What Is Bridget Reading?!

 

What Is Bridget Reading? is 12 years old today! So much has changed since 2008. This blog began with booktalks I was writing during my Programming for Children and Young Adults course in graduate school. Since then I've added reviews, reading projects (Harry Potter, Ramona, and Beatrix Potter), library program reflections, and Flannel Friday posts. I also became involved with the Cybils Awards for the first time in 2013. 2020 marks my third year serving as a category chair. 

I'm looking forward to blogging for many more years to come. 

Older Blogiversary Posts for a Walk Down Memory Lane: 

2010

2013

2014

It Is (Not) Perfect by Anna Kang

Making a sandcastle should be easy, but the more friends that help, the more complicated it gets. Will it ever be perfect? 

Thoughts: Such a fun book! I love the characters Kang and Weyant have created with these books. It Is (Not) Perfect will be a great addition to a beach themed storytime. I love the depth of feeling expressed in the illustrations...especially by the characters' faces. 

Themes: Beach, Friends

(Illustrated by Christopher Weyant. Two Lions, 2020.) 

The Hidden Rainbow by Christie Matheson

Can you help the bees grow the garden? 

Thoughts: I've been a fan of Christie Matheson's books from the moment I read Tap the Magic Tree. Her newest book doesn't disappoint. This will be a great addition to various storytimes in the spring. The illustrations are colorful and I like the mix of watercolor and collage. My favorite illustration is the violet blossoms. Interactive books are always a hit at storytime! 

Themes: Spring, Bees, Flowers, Colors, Numbers, Interactive 

Checkout the activity guide from the publisher! 

(Greenwillow, 2020.)

Fussy Flamingo by Shelly Vaughan James

Mami and Papi can't convince Lola to eat shrimp. Until she does, she'll stay gray. Lola doesn't want to eat shrimp. She would rather eat other things. 

Thoughts: This book is too funny. It reminds me of Sylvie by Jennifer Sattler. I like the South American setting. It's different and makes Fussy Flamingo unique. The illustrations are colorful. I especially like the expressions on the flamingos' faces. I think this book will appeal to many parents of picky-eaters. 

Themes: Birds, Flamingos, Fruit, Colors 

(Illustrated by Matthew Rivera, Sourcebooks, 2020.)