Nonna’s Corner -Three Fun Random House Children’s Books

August 31st, 2016 Kimberly Review 16 Comments

31st Aug

Welcome, today on Nonna’s Corner I am excited to share three fun Random House Children’s Books. Sophia and I had a grand time reading 101 Reasons Why I’m Not Taking a Bath, Who’s the Grossest of Them All and This Is My Dollhouse. Grab a cup of pumpkin spice coffee and enjoy!

Nonna's Corner

 

Nonna’s Corner -Three Fun Random House Children’s Books
101 Reasons Why I'm Not Taking a Bath
by Stacy McAnulty
Pages: 40
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarHalf a Star

No one likes baths. What a waste of time! There’s so much more important stuff to do! Plus, baths are super dangerous for a number of reasons. You want me to list a few? Most household accidents happen in the bathroom. Scientific fact! A kid in Texas turned into a prune after taking a bath. Scientific fact!

If you need more evidence, allow me to point you to an excellent book called 101 Reasons Why I'm Not Taking a Bath. It’s full of insightful and logical reasons why you should definitely not be subjected to this useless ritual. Joy Ang and Stacy McAnulty really understand how dumb baths are, and have done a top-notch job of demonstrating why.

101 Reasons Why I’m Not Taking A Bath was a silly look at one boy’s excuses for skipping a bath. This hardcover edition, illustrated by Joy Ang offered vivid illustrations that will have your youngster giggling. Geared towards children aged  three to seven, I can see this appealing to young boys. The inside jacket invites kids to read with a, “Psst Hey, you! You trying to GET OUT OF A BATH? Well, stick with me kid- I’ve got EVERY EXCUSE in the book!” The tale was silly, including passages sure to induce giggles like, “and water makes my fingers wrinkly. And my toes. And my butt. (At least I think it does.)” or, “I’ve seen an invisible crocodile in the tub. I mean I’ve heard an invisible crocodile in the tub.” Of course, none of his excuses work and ultimately he gets a bath and enjoys it. Sophia loved the illustrations as the pages are very colorful and the boy just looks dirtier and dirtier as the story progresses. The way in which the narrative is told, makes it feel as if the boy is telling the reader or adult why he isn’t taking a bath.

  • Age Range: 3 – 7 years
  • Grade Level: Preschool – 2

101reasonswhyomnottakingabath Collage

 

This Is My Dollhouse written and illustrated by Giselle Potter evoked childhood memories of my own dollhouse and the insecurities one faces when their friend’s dollhouse is perfect. In this tale we meet a little girl with a vivid imagination who creates a dollhouse out of household items. She uses a box, sponges, spools of thread, clothespins, corks and more to create a house and dolls. I loved her creativity and her playtime was delightful. But when she visits her friend Sophie who has the “perfect dollhouse” with real little dolls she suddenly has trouble playing. The little girl wants to pretend the family has an elevator with a Dixie cup, or make a pretend airplane to take them on vacation..but Sophie only likes real things. After their play date the little girl worries Sophie won’t like her dollhouse. I loved what happens next. It was exciting and shared a valuable lesson. The pages are beautifully illustrated and I loved how this little girl shared her vivid imagination. Sophia enjoyed the pictures and I myself cannot wait until she is old enough to build a cardboard dollhouse and make-believe.

  • Age Range: 3-8 years
  • Grade Level: Preschool -3

thisismydollhouse Collage

 

Who’s the Grossest of Them All written by Susan McElroy Montanari and illustrated by Jake Parker ended up being Sophia’s favorite as it ties into a lesson we recently taught her. Goblin and Troll believe they are each the grossest of them all and decide to settle it by asking someone. The first person who encounters them determines Troll is the grossest, but Troll decides they need another opinion. Next up is a little old lady who of course says Goblin is the grossest.  They decide on the best 2 out of 3. Next comes a little girl who looks like Red Riding Hood and things take an unexpected turn, that induced giggles from Sophia and made me squirm. Nope..no..eew! I was shocked! If you must know what happened: View Spoiler » The tale reminds me of classic nursery rhymes. Troll and Goblin may be gross, but they had good manners. Sophia loved the bridge illustration with its dark underbelly that showed only a set of eyes before Troll pops out. Kids will laugh at the twisted ending, and Mom’s may squirm but there is a lesson wrapped in all the grossness!

  • Age Range: 4 – 8 years
  • Grade Level: Preschool – 3

WhosthegrossestofthemallCollage

 

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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

16 Responses to “Nonna’s Corner -Three Fun Random House Children’s Books”

  1. La La in the Library

    The dollhouse book has stolen my heart. One of the girls I babysit just turned eight, so I think she would love to read it. I will be checking it out. 🙂

  2. Leona

    Forget my nieces and nephews I would so totally read these for myself LOL! I’m glad Princess Sophia enjoyed herself

  3. Adriana

    I love sharing silly books with kids so 101 Reasons Why I’m Not Taking a Bath looks perfect. I remember being the same way so I’m sure many kids can relate.
    So cute! I love that This Is My Dollhouse made you think of making a dollhouse with Sophia! I would love to do that with my future daughter if I had one (:
    I would have to pass on Who’s the Grossest of Them All? I’m one of those people who would squirm. I’ve never gotten that type of humor.

  4. Tyler H. Jolley

    Lol! I’m Not Taking A Bath might have been written after my Warrior Princess. She plays so hard outside that at the end of the day we joke that she looks like a homeless kid. Then we get to explain to her how her sheets will disintegrate if we don’t give her a bath before bed. I better not temp fate and read her that, more excuses is all she needs. 🙂

  5. Berls

    I’m loving these! Especially the 101 Reasons I’m not taking a Bath. I think my Kinder kiddos would love it. Question – does it actually list 101 Reasons? Like reason #1, reason #2, etc. I’m wondering because that amount for counting in a kids book is unusual but some of mine might like it, but it also probably would make the book on the long side. Thanks! Great reviews 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      They are not numbered Berls and at one point right before he ends up in the bath, he says, “What do you mean that is only 88 reasons?”I think it would be fun if they counted them.

  6. Bookworm Brandee

    I’ve not heard of any of these! *gasp* I think I need to go spend some time in the picture book section. 😉 I know a little boy who’d LOVE Who’s the Grossest of Them All? And I might just get This is My Dollhouse for me! Thanks for sharing a few books you and Sophia enjoyed!