PICTURE BOOK FICTION: What's that Noise? by Naomi Howarth & The Stars Just Up the Street by Sue Soltis
ABOUT THE BOOK
Rumble, rumble, rumble. . . . What's that noise?
Magnus the Arctic seal wakes up from a very deep sleep one morning, puzzled by a strange rumbling sound. What's that noise? Could it be the creaking of the trees? The whistling of the wind? The cracking of the ice? The roaring of the sea? Hare, Owl, and Polar Bear don't have any idea, but Walrus has a good suggestion: it could be Magnus's rumbling tummy! After a yummy feast of plump, pink shrimp, the friends all settle down to sleep -- but suddenly there's another rumbling sound. What's that noise? Readers curious about the creatures can learn more about them and their environment in an informative final spread.
REVIEW
After waking up to a rumbling sound, Magnus, an Arctic seal, tries to figure out what is causing the sound. When he can't figure it out himself, he seeks out his friends for advice. It isn't until he talks to Walrus that an answer is found. This cute story highlights a number of creatures that live in the Arctic. The ending provides a laugh. The end papers at the back of the book provide additional information about each of the animals included in the story. The illustrations are adorable with friendly-looking animals, bright-colored skies, and an appropriately white background. An amusing story with a bit of a mystery and pleasant illustrations for young animal-lovers to enjoy.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Mabel loves stars. She counts five from her window and thirty-seven from her backyard. But her grandfather tells her that, as a child, he could see thousands. Could it be true? Mabel climbs a hill looking for more stars -- only to discover that the glow from the nearby town makes them hard to see. What would it take for her neighbors to turn off their lights, just for one night, so that everyone could see the starlit sky? Sue Soltis's tale of a young activist and Christine Davenier's luminous illustrations will leave readers curious about the dark-sky movement -- and the wonder that is waiting for them just up the street.
REVIEW
I really enjoyed reading this book about taking the time to enjoy the beautiful world around us. Mabel loves looking at the stars. But from her bedroom window she can only see a few of them. When her grandfather tells her that he used to be able to see thousands, Mabel wants to be able to see that many as well. But all the lights of her neighborhood make it impossible. But with her grandfather's help, Mabel sets out to get the mayor and her neighbors to turn off the lights so they can all enjoy the beauty of the stars. An inspiring tale of the power of perseverance and the value in taking the time to enjoy the world around us. The illustrations are a bit reminiscent of Quentin Blake and work well. The curves and chaotic nature of the illustrations matches the themes of relaxing and letting go. A delightful tale just right for reminding us of the need to take the time to enjoy the natural world.
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