Oh No! (Or How My Science Project Destroyed the World) by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Dan

Oh No! (Or How My Science Project Destroyed the World)
by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Dan Santat
Hyperion, 2010

GENRE: Picture Book, Science Fiction, Juvie Satire

HONORS: Silver Medal Society of Illustrators Original Art: Fine Art of Children’s Book Illustration, 2011 Golden Duck Award

REVIEW: With the goal of first prize in the school science fair, a young girl builds a fully functional robot, complete with a superclaw, laser eye and the power to control dogs’ minds. But when her invention escapes and starts wreaking havoc on the world, realizes she left out a few abilities like hearing and reading and must figure out how to defeat her robot before the world is destroyed completely!

OPINION: This was a uniquely original story with gorgeous illustrations that could serve as an introduction to manga. I really enjoyed this picture book and can see it appealing to many age groups.

IDEAS: This would be another book to include in the Picture Books with a wide appeal display with Children Make Terrible Pets. This book might also be good to recommend to a manga or anime club, or use as an introduction to these genres.

Children Make Terrible Pets by Peter Brown

Children Make Terrible Pets
by Peter Brown
Little, Brown, 2010

GENRE: Picture Books, Humor

HONORS: 2012 Carnegie Medal Winner

REVIEW: Lucy, a young bear, finds a boy in the woods and begs her mother “Can I keep him??” Her mother warns that children make terrible pets, but allows Lucy to keep him as long as she accepts all responsibility for him. Join Lucy on her day of fun with her new pet Squeaker, and decide for yourself what kind of pets children make.

OPINION: The illustrations are absolutely adorable, and what initially drew me to this book. They appear to be a combination of paper piecing and hand drawn, but overall completely adorable and captivating and perfectly accompany this quirky take on the “first pet” scenario.

IDEAS: This would be a great book to include in a display of picture books that appeal to a wide age range.