Module 15: Daddy's Roommate by Michael Willhoit

Summary

This book is straightforward and told from the child’s point of view. The child talks about his parent’s divorce and someone new moving in with his father. He talks about his dad’s new roommate and the normal things that his dad and his roommate do together; working, eating and sleeping. He also talks about the normal things that they do together; going to the zoo, going shopping or to the movies. The book uses simple language to describe this and the pictures go along well with the text. The pictures are not fancy, but they do get the point across.

My Impressions

I think this is a pretty good simple book and is an excellent book for the age group that it is intended. The author does a good job of making the child and parent’s lives as normal as possible. The book does not add any complications to the plot, such as what other kids might say, but that can come at a later time in a child’s life.

I am not a big fan of this style of illustration. It almost seems too simple, but may have been appropriate for the time it was written. The colors seem washed out and that makes the story seem to fade as well. I wish that this book would come out with some updated illustrations.

I know that this book is often challenged and I do not feel it should be. There is nothing inappropriate in this book. I think that every Librarian should be backed up by his or her collection development policy if any questions should arise.

Reviews

This a book to consider for purchase because of the treatment of the subject rather than for the quality of writing or art. It will be useful for children in similar situations or for helping those from heterosexual families understand differences. A similar picture book, Leslie Newman's Heather Has Two Mommies (In Other Words, 1989) presents a lesbian family. --Heide Piehler, Shorewood Public Library, WI
School Library Journal

Willhoite's cartoony pictures work well here; the colorful characters with their contemporary wardrobes and familiar surroundings lend the tale a stabilizing air of warmth and familiarity. Ages 2-5. (Dec.)

Publisher’s Weekly

Usage in a Library Setting

This could be used during Banned Book Week as a display. This may make people who were previously unaware of the book responsive. It could be used with books such as Heather Has Two Mommies and And Tango Makes Three.
I know that at my previous library, these books were kept on Reserve because they were often vandalized. I think this has probably changed in the past few years and this is no longer necessary.

Module 14-Take Me Out of the Bathtub by Alan Katz

Summary

Alan Katz takes popular children's songs and turns them on their ear. He takes those songs and makes new lyrics that children will love to the same tune. The lyrics are sometimes rude or gross, but kids will find them funny. The illustrations are wonderfully whimsical. They are often gross and a little disturbing, but again, kids will love them.

My impressions

I think this will be a kid that kids will enjoy for years to come. I think the songs will be passed down for years and years. The pictures are interesting enough to keep children intrigued during night time stories.

Reviews

“With the possible exception of the lesser-known "Polly, Put the Kettle On," most children will be familiar with the original versions of these songs, which will make it easy for them to join right in. Catrow's animated double-spread pictures are at least as silly as the song lyrics, offering action-filled scenes bursting with odd-looking creatures. For an easy enrichment activity, have kids create a silly-dilly adaptation of their own.” (Booklist 2001)

“The watercolor illustrations are equally entertaining, with exaggerated features and situations giving them a cartoon look. "Go Go Go to Bed" depicts an exhausted mom slumped in a chair with toys and a child literally bouncing off the ceiling above her. There's something here to tickle most funny bones.-Jane Marino, Scarsdale Public Library, NY Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.” (School Library Journal 2001)

(2001). Review. Booklist, July, 1st.

(2001). Reviews. School Library Journal, April, 1.

Usage in a Library Setting

This would be an excellent introduction to poetry for ages 3 to 6. While doing a program about poetry, a few passages from this book would be an excellent addition. It would be very easy for the children to learn the lyrics very quickly. I think that this would be great coupled with some more traditional (for this age anyway) poetry, such as Shel Silverstein or Dr. Seuss.