Book reviews: ‘Dear Tabby’ and ‘I’m not’

Posted in Book Reviews
by Lorain County Moms

McClatchy-Tribune

“Dear Tabby”
By Carolyn Crimi, illustrations by David Roberts
HarperCollins Children’s Books, $16.99
Ages 4-8

At first glance, this book is nothing more than a cutesy idea. However, “Dear Tabby” moves beyond its premise: An alley cat gives advice to pets seeking help with their owners, friends, siblings, and in matters of love. Tabby even tackles the big one: What’s the key to happiness?

The author, Carolyn Crimi, creates a running storyline throughout by making one of the letter writers an unhappy house cat who continues to write back with questions for Tabby. The charming illustrations by David Roberts also add to the story while Tabby is pondering a letter, we see the sullen letter-writer, their stationery, and the source of their quandary. When the feathered or furred pet gets a response from Tabby, we get to see how they took the advice and solved their problem — often through newspapers stories, ads and photos. It’s a very creative and quirky addition to the story.

The illustrations themselves are full of adorable little details, but the book isn’t mind-numbingly busy, like many kids’ books now are. This one is a lovely addition to your child’s library. Chances are they won’t even notice they are being given a gentle lesson in how to find their place in the world — but they surely will absorb it.

“I’m Not”
By Pam Smallcomb, illustrations by Robert Weinstock
Random House Children’s Books, $17.99
Ages 4-8

An adorable little brown alligator with a pink bow compares herself unfavorably with her wild friend Evelyn, and always finds herself lacking. How could you not feel like that, with a friend who, if she was a book, “you’d read her all night under the covers to see what happened next.”

But then, when Evelyn says, “I’m stinky at spelling,” the girl finds something she’s better at. That one thing becomes two, and then a whole bunch of things that she is talented at, including being a great friend.

The heart-warming story by Pam Smallcomb is paired with really sweet illustrations by Robert Weinstock. The style is sort of Lyle the crocodile meets Babar the elephant.

If your little girl is having trouble seeing the good in herself, this book might be the thing she needs to lift her spirits.