Layn MarlowBesprekingen

A funny story for kids.

Imagination.
Wild animals.
Delightful!!

Noah so wants to see a seal, but Nana is still mending the boat. With sand and shells and seaweed, the boy forms his very own seal companion on the beach. Warm, rounded illustrations and child-friendly prose create magic. I love the illustration of Noah and his seal on the beach, both smiling: "The two of them lie stretched out on the sand together. They dream of the wild wide sea ..." The repitition of these last three words rounds the story full circle.

Aww... The theme's been done before, but probably never with otters! So cute - hit my buttons!

I enjoyed reading this book for a few reasons. I liked that the illustrations were done in soft, warm, calming tones. This helped to set the mood of the story. In addition, the pictures were very detailed and humorous.
The author also uses repetition to create a rhythm and flow to the story. On every page the hare tells the tortoise to “hurry up!” with what ever he is doing. For example when the tortoise and the hare are crossing the stream the hare tell the tortoise to “hurry up and keep up!” This repetition creates a sense of predictability that makes it easier for the reader to keep up with the events of the story. The message of this story is that not everything needs to be done as quickly as possible. There are some things in life that should be done slowly for enjoyment. For example, at the end of the story the hare finally slows down so he can read a book with his friend the tortoise.

Overall, I liked this story. I think my favorite part was the illustrations. I'm a visual learner, so I become absorbed into picture books by the illustrations. The illustrations in this story look like they are made from a combination of paint and colored pencil, which look really nice together. The illustrations also do a great job of helping tell the story, so I could definitely see myself using this as a writing activity of having my students write their own story based off the illustration I show them as a form of prediction. I also liked the story because I thought the message was cute. The story centered around building a snowman and how that's a special thing that only happens in the winter, so the overall message was that special things are always worth the wait. It's a nice way to teach students about patience and get them thinking of special things that only happen a few times a year. I would recommend this book for students in pre-k through first grade because it is definitely a very quick and easy book to read. There are only a few words on each page, which makes it very easy to comprehend.

In my opinion this is a good book and I liked it. The story line made sense and flowed easily. It showed a logical progression of ideas. The illustrations clearly depict what is happening in the story, and they are bright and grabbed my attention. Another reason I liked this book is because the things that are happening in the story can happen in real life, even though the book uses animals the scenarios are something that could happen to people.

The story made sense and flowed easily because of the way it was written. It starts off with the main character making a list of things he can and can’t do, there is only one thing he can’t do and by the end of the story he is able to do that. He practices and it takes him some time and in the middle he has some failures but keeps trying. The illustrations depict what is happening in the story, for example there is a page where the author says, “Otto would simply sit on his favorite slippery rock,” and in the illustration he is sitting on his rock and there is water around it and on it so it looks like it could be slippery. There is nothing else in the illustration so it does not get confusing. The illustrations are bright colors like green, blue, purple, orange, and a light brown against white pages so they stand out. The things that are happening to the animals in the book could happen in real life and it makes the story relatable. For example, there is a part in the book when Otto is watching his friends swim and play because he doesn’t know how.

The overall message of this book is to keep trying and to do things little by little. Take small steps to achieve a larger goal.

Remembering that I became an avid reader because as a child I spent many days at the local library, lately, I'm taking my grand daughter to the library. She selects illustrated books and we read them together...she reads...I listen.

She particularly liked this book which is the tale of a witch who is afraid of shadows, of bats, of spells, of owls and frogs. Nighttime made her shiver. Willa was bullied and made fun of by other witches. Her beloved cat Kitch was hounded by the cats of other witches to the point where he couldn't stand it and ran away to the sea.

Searching for Kitch forced her to overcome her fears. Finding Kitch was the only thing that mattered. When she rescued Kitch, she no longer was afraid of simple things. He was back and that's all that counted.

A nervous witch overcomes her fear in this endearing picture-book from English author Layn Marlow, and French illustrator Joëlle Dreidemy, coming through in a pinch, when it really matters. Ridiculed as a 'cowardly custard' by the other witches, because she is afraid of everything from toads to spiders - all the things that witches should find delightful! - Willa is a witch with a twitch. Even Kitch, her beloved feline companion, thinks her a bit of a scaredy-cat. When her twitchy fright lands him in the mud one night, and then sees him being ridiculed for his spotted appearance - Willa's spell to clean him having gone terribly wrong, due to the unexpected appearance of a mouse - Kitch decides that he can't take it any more, and runs away. Will Willa be able find her beloved cat again? And if she does, can she save him from whatever danger he might have fallen into...?

I really enjoyed this sweet little witchy tale, which is perfect for the younger child who hasn't yet graduated to scary stories, and still prefers gentler fare. Although Halloween is never specifically mentioned, the witchy theme, and various visual elements (the orange-ish pumpkiny color scheme, the spider-decorated endpapers) make it an excellent choice for the season. The artwork is humorous and colorful, if a bit too cartoon-like for my personal taste, and adds to the sense of adventure and fun. I like the theme of overcoming one's fears, particularly when those we love need us, and thought it was worked into the story in a suitably low-key way. All in all, although I wouldn't describe it as a personal favorite (3.5 stars, I'd say) The Witch with a Twitch is a witchy winner!½

In this story of two familiar characters, Hare and Tortoise go together through a day filled with many activities. Hare, in his usual frenetic excitement, wants to do everything in a hurry. Tortoise, on the other hand, approaches life in a slow, deliberate and thoughtful manner. As Tortoise begins his day, bouncy Hare is encouraging Tortoise to “hurry up…”. Ever cautious Tortoise crosses the stream slowly but Hare wants Tortoise to “hurry up…”. The refrain is repeated through each activity as Tortoise takes his time and Hare rushes forward. At bedtime, Tortoise is looking forward to a peaceful cup of tea when Hare begs Tortoise to read him a picture book (whose cover cleverly displays a line drawing of a hare and tortoise). Tortoise complies, reading and turning each page “in a wink of an eye”. In an uncharacteristic display of patience, Hare implores Tortoise to “hurry up and slow down” so they can look at the pictures. The borderless illustrations reflect Hare’s exuberance as he seems to bounce right off the page. Gouache and colored pencil drawings nestle warmly against creamy off-white backgrounds. The dynamic of the opposite personalities works well in this story. Tortoise’s patience is sorely tested, especially when he has to clean up twice after playing a game with Hare. However, Tortoise recognizes his own impatience when he rushes through reading the book to Hare. This beautifully illustrated story of friendship and tolerance is highly recommended for the PreK-2 level.

Average readable, buyable children's book. Is buyable a word?

For young children who are attempting to learn a new skill, learning ‘little by little’ is a great approach to take. Here we follow Scramble, a young otter, as he learns to swim in spite of his own reluctance and unwelcome criticism from Bear and Beaver. Lovely, warm illustrations accompany a gentle story that will give confidence to toddlers and preschoolers as they take on new challenges.