Review: Wonderful colors, delightfully silly story, PERFECT for kids!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 02 21, 2013
This book is a winner.  Even as a mom, it made me laugh out loud.  It's wonderfully silly!That's saying a lot.  I'm a tough audience when it comes to children's books.  I was a children's librarian for four years, so I've seen the best (and a few worst) picture books.Today, as an artist, I'm even more picky about picture books.  If the illustrations aren't right -- and whimsical enough for little kids -- I figure the author (or illustrator) missed the point.  Kids want pictures that make them smile at first glance.  They want pictures that give them a story without too much structure... something that sparks their imagination, and keeps them thinking happy thoughts, long after they close the book cover.And, they want a book that they can read, over and over again. It's always a fresh journey into a happy, slightly ridiculous world of wonder.This book delivers that on all points.It's a true picture book, not a beginning reader.  Some words will need to be "sounded out" by an adult for early readers to understand them.  So, at least on the first read-through, a parent may need to be part of the reading adventure.  (Don't worry, you'll love every minute of it.)However, for really little guys who don't care what the words are, or early readers who don't mind skipping a couple of words, this book is pretty much perfect.What impressed me the most -- among many things -- was the mix of sweet and whimsical illustrations... and then a story line that works equally well for boys and girls.  In other words, don't let the "pretty" colors put you off.  This isn't just a girls' book.As a parent, you'll like the way that each page can be a story in itself.  You could read just one page with your child and then say, "What do you suppose happened next?"  Then, the two of you can make up your own tale.The next night, you can do the same with the next page, and so on.Though it's not the same style of book, this reminded me ofHigglety Pigglety Pop!: Or There Must Be More to Life.  Different kind of story, different kinds of illustrations... but that same nonsensical, zany kind of story that doesn't follow a predictable path.  That's what little kids -- especially preschoolers -- absolutely love.  They're not hemmed in by a pre-fab tale that they've read before, with only minor variations.  This one takes them straight into the creative realm they love the most.  No limits. Lots of fun!Parents may scratch their heads when I say this has all the earmarks of an instant classic.  Kids, teachers, and children's librarians will know exactly what I'm talking about, because this is the kind of book kids can't get enough of.I absolutely love this book, and recommend it highly.  Its story and pictures will help children fall in love with books, too."Seven Crazy Cupcakes" is silly, nonsensical, colorful and -- above all -- happy!  I want more books like this!  This is an author who really gets the way kids think and what will stimulate their imaginations and encourage them to read.Even as an adult, this is the kind of book I want more of.  Kids will, too.Ms. Johanasen, please write more of these!