New Books this week

Big week for new picture books and nonfiction!  I'll highlight a few of my favorite new editions to the children's collection at the library.

Ball by Mary Sullivan creates a whole story around just one word.  A lonely dog misses his young owner when she heads off to school and attempts to find anyone else in the house that play fetch with his little red ball.  The expressions of the pup are super-endearing, and vaguely reminded me of the 90s cartoon Rocko's Modern Life. 

Everyone can learn to ride a bicycle by Chris Raschka is a welcome read for anyone learning to ride a bicycle for the first time.  It's easy to read, with simple sentences so beginning readers can it on their own, or with the grown-up teaching them to ride.  The story is simple, a father or grandfather is encouraging his young daughter or granddaughter to ride a bike.  He tells her not to give up, to have the courage to keep trying "again, and again, and again..."  I'm not among Chris Raschka's legions of fans.  I find his illustrations difficult to look at and understand, like not being able to tell the difference between a father and grandfather through visual clues.  In fact, I find the grown-up in the book a bit scary looking, with a droopy, deflated head he appears to be holding up.  However, I realize I'm in the minority and the strength of the story overrides my feelings on the illustrations. 

How to be a Cat by Nikki McClure is a cute picture book about a kitten shadowing her mother.  The illustrations are black and white, with a splash of blue provided by the text.  There is only one word on every page, which describes what the kitten is learning from her mother.  A wonderful, short, simple story makes a perfect gift to give to cat-loving new mothers.  It will make an excellent board book.