Jonathan Fenske

First sentence: "No more playtime," says my momma. "Take a bath. Put on pajamas. And please, tonight, no dino drama."

Premise/plot: Will there be dino drama? YES. Of course. In this one a little boy and his dino alter ego get into a little trouble. Don't you know that NOTHING fits a dinosaur, so he'll just have to be FREE (without clothes). "These clothes shall feel my dino-might! Roar! I shed them with a mega roar!"

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. Not a big surprise since I am a fan of show more Jonathan Fenske. Perhaps a slight surprise since I don't really love dinosaurs. However, this one is ALL about imagination. This little boy is a hoot. However, as all hoots are, he is difficult to parent perhaps. show less

First sentence: I am a mop. I mop and mop. I mop. And mop.

Premise/plot: You may doubt that a book about a mop could be fun. But if you're familiar with Jonathan Fenske's work, then you know there's nothing to worry about! In this one, a mop who is TIRED OF IT ALL runs away. Many try to catch the mop....but will any succeed?????

My thoughts: I love, love, love Jonathan Fenske. I do. This one was fun. Is it my favorite of his? Probably not. Is it more entertaining that 90% of all other show more beginning readers???? YES. I thought this was a silly, fun, exuberant read. It did win the Geisel Award for 2026. show less

Sweet, silliness explodes with chaos and holiday cheer as the joyful sharing of Christmas tests its limits.

Candy corns are accustom to being leftover and forgotten on the shelf. When one of them spies something strange going on in the living room, they all head out to explore. They find lights, trees, songs, and so much more. It's a paradise of glee, and the candy corns are ready to enjoy every aspect of it...maybe, a little too ready. They are all over the place, and the Christmas candies show more are getting a bit frustrated. Finally, Candy Cane steps up to get control of the situation. The candy corns must leave. After all, they've had their holiday...but that might not really be a great Christmas attitude to have.

This is a book to smile with the entire way through. The candy corns are quite the little rascals as they embrace everything Christmas to a hyper-extreme. The scenes are chaotic and packed with humor, and readers might understand Candy Cane's reluctance to let the candy corns stay. After all, they are a handful! But with a Santa surprise and Christmas goodness, this tale warms by the end in a joyful way.

The illustrations are bright and bold, just like Christmas should be. There are details to giggle at and situations to raise eyebrows as little things happen here and there. It creates scenes to revisit and discover something new each time. The text flows in rhyme, switching gears to add punch at the right times. It lets the atmosphere come across nicely and draws readers into the lively moments.

While there is a touching message about Christmas and sharing the joy of the holiday, this book mostly circles around fun and is sure to delight young readers. show less

"I do not want to mop your slop!" A mop runs away, and proves impossible to catch (though the bunny hops, the pony clops, the fish flops, etc.). Even a stop sign can't stop this mop...but alas, the stop sign was in place for a good reason! The mop goes over a cliff, Loony Toons style, but unlike unlucky Wily E. Coyote, the mop lands on a bird and is whisked away (the bird, however, looks grumpy).

Geisel winner - and rightly so!