Review: Lost and Found - What's That Sound? by Jonathan and Victoria Ying

9780062380685

"Welcome to the Lost and Found, where we find items by their sound!"

It's a busy day at Rabbit's Lost and Found. Poor Squirrel has lost his drum, Elephant has lost her piano, and Bat has lost his entire band! Will Rabbit find their lost instruments before show-time?

I reviewed the sibling duo's first book back in February - not a bad book, but nothing I was excited about. This one, however, is going right into story time rotation. I am thinking a Five Senses theme in particular. The rhythm and rhyme are crisp and age-appropriate, and the page breaks allow the reader to pause for predictions. Illustrations are again slightly cartoony, with friendly little animals in black tie attire.

Grab some instruments or make your own, and end with a concert!

Review: Not Quite Black and White, by Jonathan Ying and Victoria Ying

9780062380661

$14.99

Silly animals star in this lively picture book that introduces colors in a unique and catchy way. Have you ever seen a zebra wearing pink polka dots? Or a penguin with bright-yellow boots?

Typically black and white animals (the tiger may give children pause) are featured in colorful accessories, beginning with basic hues and expanding into those like aqua or maroon. An underlying message of embracing differences, as well as not seeing people animals as simply black or white will be obvious to adults, but isn't heavy handed.

Illustrations are crisp and colorful, slightly cartoony. This is the first book from the brother and sister duo, with a second due out in June. Not the first book I would grab to teach about colors, but one that will do the job nicely and with a bit of fun. Worth a spot on the shelves!