Summer Book Reviews: Part 4

Do you love to read? TFK Kid Reporters do too! David Murtagh and Via Ryerson shared their reviews of two of the summer’s most interesting books. This is the fourth in a five-part series. Check back soon for more from TFK’s Summer Book Review roundup.

Title: Drawing Outdoors

Author: Jairo Buitrago

Illustrator: Rafael Yockteng

Reviewed by: TFK Kid Reporter David Murtagh

What is the book about? It’s about some students who spend the day drawing outdoors with their teacher. They’re supposed to draw plants. But plans change when they stumble upon dinosaurs! The kids sketch a pterodactyl. They have lunch on the back of a T. rex. Then they spend the afternoon painting a sleeping theropod.

How do the pictures add to the story? The illustrations add a sense of imagination and creativity. They give the book a cool look.

Who would like this book? I thought this book was cute. And it was a good read. This is definitely a book that any imaginative, creative kid should have. It uses great images and easy-to-read words. The story line is easy to follow, too. This makes for a lovable book.

How would you rate this book? Why? I would rate this book 10 out of 10. It’s not your usual picture book. The use of cool illustrations really enhanced the book. Plus, the author’s choice of words to describe the setting added a cool twist.

Title: Lily Leads the Way

Author: Margi Preus

Illustrator: Matt Myers

Reviewed by: TFK Kid Reporter Via Ryerson

What is the book about? Lily is a small sailboat. She wants to go out to see all the big ships on the lake. To get there, she must pass under a lift bridge. But she’s too small and quiet to get the bridge to lift. In the end, Lily learns that size does not make a leader.

How do the pictures add to the story? The pictures show a comparison between Lily and the huge ships. The ships are drawn with human features. They can talk to one another. This helps readers understand each as a different character. The illustrations also teach readers about different kinds of boats.

Who would like this book? This book is great for everyone. It teaches a powerful lesson that even if you are small, you can do big things. Kids who are interested in boats and bridges can learn more about them in the author’s note.

How would you rate this book? Why? I would give this book an 8 out of 10. On each page, Lily is waving a different country’s flag. This shows how shipping brings people together from around the world. But some of the story was hard to understand. It would help to know a little about boats and bridges before reading.