Picture Book Saturday

The Mighty Lalouche
By Matthew Olshan, illustrated by Sophie Blackall
Published 2013 by Schwartz & Wade
What a strange yet delightful book. I'm not sure who exactly the audience for this book would be - a story about a French postman who becomes a famous boxer would seem to have limited kid appeal. However, it's an amusing little story and Blackall's illustrations are lovely (as always), so I'm sure it will find its fans. There's an interesting author's note, though, once again, I'm not sure how many kids will pay attention to that bit. A very unique new book.

Cute & Cuter
By Michael Townsend
Published 2013 by Knopf Books for Young Readers
Janie is so excited to get Sir Yips-A-Lot, an adorable puppy, for her birthday. They do everything together from that day on. But soon, it's Janie's birthday again and, this year, she receives the world's cutest kitten, Lady Meow-meow. What does this mean for Sir Yips-A-Lot? This is a - wait for it - cute story, basically about sibling rivalry. It will be easy for older brothers and sisters to relate to Sir Yips-A-Lot's feelings. It's funny and sweet, and I think kids will enjoy it.


The New Arrival
By Vanya Nastanlieva
Published 2013 by Simply Read Books
I don't really have much to say about the story. It's simple and sweet. A little story of a hedgehog who moves to a new home and worries about whether or not he'll be able to find friends. I can see this being a comforting story for kids in a similar situation, or even kids starting kindergarten. Mostly, the illustrations are just so stinking adorable that it's hard not to enjoy this book.