HAPPY TICK TOCK DAY!

Did you know that December 29th was National Tick Tock Day? (Not Tic Toc.) Apparently Tick Tock Day was created to remind us to complete any unfinished business that might need addressing before the end of the year. 

I think it's a good day to talk about two books I read this past week.  And one that I started. 

          

Unstoppable by Adam Rex, illustrated by Laura Park is a totally silly book.  Crab has always wanted to fly; Bird has always wanted to tweak noses with claws. Both are being stalked by a cat. They join forces to fly in and tweak Cat's nose. Mission accomplished! Then along comes Turtle and CrabTurd is formed. What kid won't love Crabturd?  

Next our friends are joined by a Bear - an angry bear. He is angry because developers are going to destroy their beautiful lakefront and build a shopping mall. What?! No way! There's only one thing to do -- fly to Washington, DC and kidnap Madame President. She will be able to figure out how to stop that nonsense. And she does, sort of. With a little help. Completely silly. Utterly delightful. And adults will sigh and say, "If only it were that simple..."

 

 

Facts vs. Opinions vs. Robots by Michael Rex. As is clearly evident these days, a lot of people do not know the difference between a fact and an opinion. Actually, I am sure it has been that way for a long time but this past year, that distinction has seemed more pronounced. A lot of people think their opinion is fact. Tain't so. Never has been. And we have a team of robots that can help explain the difference. A fact is how many eyes a certain robot has. Or the color of the robot. An opinion is which robot would make the best friend or which ice cream flavor is the best (peppermint!). The book explains how it just does not make sense to argue over opinions. I like peppermint. Other people like vanilla. Or pistachio. And that's OK. There is a lot a parent, caregiver, and/or teacher could do with this book. It's a great introduction to discerning facts from opinions. It belongs in every classroom. Buy a copy. Donate it to your local school or library after you are done reading it. (And once libraries and schools start taking donations again...)

 And last night, I started The Enigma Game by Elizabeth Wein.  She wrote Code Name Verity and Rose Under Fire.  This is set in the same world - Britain during World War 2. Wein writes excellent historical fiction. If you have read her other books, then you won't want to miss this one! Code breaking that will give the British the edge they need to win the war.

 

OK - back to finishing up any unfinished business for 2020. Like putting a dent in your TBR pile. Or reading a few picture books or graphic novels to reach your Goodreads goal. That's not cheating. Everyone should read picture books on a regular basis. And graphic novels.