Goodnight Moon September 23, 2016 meh A book about nothing, nothing, and also nothing. This would be more interesting than a list of bullet points than a book. Message None.
The Berenstain Bears and the Big Spelling Bee September 23, 2016 meh Nerdy things aren't fun. Papa Bear, to his credit, realizes that he's done something wrong before it's pointed out to him by Sister Bear, so he's able to take her criticism well. Message Nobody cares about spelling.
King of the Railway (Thomas & Friends) September 23, 2016 meh At least the kids won't understand the implications. Seriously, I never really thought about the universe of Thomas the Tank Engine until I read this book. Message Stay away from mines?
The Cabbage Princess September 22, 2016 meh Prance, prance, I'm the Lord of the Forest! Maybe the king needs to be taught a lesson, but The Lord of the Forest just gets to do whatever he wants because he's magical. Message Don't be a jerk or you might turn your daughter into a cabbage.
Seashore Story September 22, 2016 meh Japan's version of the fairy realm. The framing device for the story basically lampshades the fact that the story has a weird ending, which is even weirder. Message Don't forget about those who you love. The kids explicitly point out the moral in the book.
Seven Simeons: A Russian Tale September 22, 2016 meh Too-long Russian fable about the handsome guy getting the girl. I guess it's saved from being a bad book to read to kids by virtue of not really being a book to read to kids. Message If you're good looking, you can get away with anything. Or, women are property.
When Winter Comes September 22, 2016 meh As bland as the snow. Very repetitive. I certainly couldn't read this to my kid because it would drive me crazy. Message Descriptive. None.
Time to Get Dressed! September 22, 2016 meh Toddlers don't need to see their failures depicted in a book. It's a little bit silly, but not really all that funny. Message None.
Tap Tap Boom Boom September 22, 2016 meh Forced, annoying rhymes and not much of a story. Perhaps the diction is intentionally childlike? But no, then they wouldn't have used the word “congregate.” Message None. Just descriptive.
The Berenstain Bears' Sick Days September 22, 2016 meh Almost good. If it had some better illustrations, this one might actually be good. Message Taking care of sick kids is hard.
