Vera Rosenberry

Really I couldn't even finish this one. My kid asked me, "Mama why didn't you read all the words?" and I had to respond: "Because this book was making me crazy." Setting aside the heteronormative large family, the gender-typical clothes (women are wearing skirts) and professional roles (dad "stays home" from work so mom can take the other kids to the dentist's office; the dentist is an old white man and the technician is a young black woman) -- honestly what made me crazy was the utterly show more flat "Jane saw a rabbit"-writing. The sole relief is when the little girl gets up and runs out of the dentist's office, but this too is told in such a flat style that I just couldn't bear to read it aloud to my three-year-old. show less

Really I couldn't even finish this one. My kid asked me, "Mama why didn't you read all the words?" and I had to respond: "Because this book was making me crazy." Setting aside the heteronormative large family, the gender-typical clothes (women are wearing skirts) and professional roles (dad "stays home" from work so mom can take the other kids to the dentist's office; the dentist is an old white man and the technician is a young black woman) -- honestly what made me crazy was the utterly show more flat "Jane saw a rabbit"-writing. The sole relief is when the little girl gets up and runs out of the dentist's office, but this too is told in such a flat style that I just couldn't bear to read it aloud to my three-year-old. show less

Vera is finally getting to trick-or-treat after dark with the big kids, but when she stops to adjust her costume and loses her family the night takes a bad turn. It starts raining so she loses her candy and her costume is ruined, and then it sleets and even snows. Just when she starts to worry about being so lost she stumbles upon the house of a classmate. Even though the story takes a scary turn when Vera is lost the book is very warm and comforting overall. The watercolor illustrations are show more intricate and textured, but use pastels and light colors so they do not pop off the pages. Vera’s story is one that many children may identify with but it is unrealistic. The chances of Vera finding a friend’s house are slim. Additionally, Vera sets a bad example by walking around and getting more lost rather than staying put. Because of this, the book would work best if paired with a discussion on what kids should do when they are separated from parents or guardians. This Halloween-themed picture book may not be the best book to read with young children before a spook-tastic night of trick-or-treating. show less

This book beautifully captures the emotions, thrills, and frustrations of learning to ride a bike. The writer adds lots of beautiful small details that make the story come alive and feel so human and true. I love the description of her legs and arms being so tired from riding that she can't work them properly. I love when books capture a child's emotions and experiences so perfectly, and it is rare to find!