Bugs in My Hair! by David Shannon (New York, Blue Sky Press) $19.99
Are you having the Itchy and Scratchy show at your house? Lice have long been an issue in schools and other public places and the little critters pay no attention to income level or social status. David Shannon's picture book Bugs in My Hair! comes with a warning on the back cover: "This book will make you itchy!" and sure enough I found myself furtively giving my head a little scratch after reading it.
Shannon has published numerous best-selling picture books, including the No, David! series, and this one exhibits his trademark humour with its amusing text and largerthan-life repulsive insects. On the title page a cheerful louse holding his luggage prepares for the move onto the head of a hapless schoolboy. When mom realizes there has been an invasion she goes crazy and prepares to wage war. After the boy wonders what the lice are doing in his hair we are treated to an extreme close-up of a vampire louse and told it is feasting on his blood. Interesting facts about lice habits and suggested treatments are included. Kids will get a big laugh at the proposed cures, the scenes of jolly bug mayhem and the final plot twist.
Good reading for the picture book crowd, but expect some headscratching from the audience.
How Do Dinosaurs Say I'm Mad? by Jane Yolen and Mark Teague (New York, Blue Sky Press) $18.99
This is the latest picture book in a big series about dinosaur behaviour and kids will relate to the cranky actions of grumpy or enraged dinosaurs who act out inappropriately in response to parental dictates.
A variety of dinosaurs (all identified by name) slam doors, grumble, pout and chuck their toys around after being told to go to bed, settle down or refrain from some activity.
The adults, who are tiny in comparison, are not happy and give reproving stares which are ignored until the tantrums end. When the dinosaurs take a deep breath and sort themselves out mom is there to give a big loving hug.
Reassuring fare for kids who can't always control their feelings.
Some other books that deal with childhood issues and challenges are:
Alexander and the Windup Mouse by Leo Lionni (loneliness)
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst
The Blushful Hippopotamus by Chris Raschka (teasing)
Brave Irene by William Steig
Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes (anger)
Llama Llama Mad at Mama by Anna Dewdney (anger)
My Friend Bear by Jez Alborough (loneliness)
Night Noises by Mem Fox (fear)
There's a Nightmare in my Closet by Mercer Mayer (fear)
Two Terrible Frights by Jim Aylesworth (fear)
Fran Ashdown was the head of the Children's Department at the Capilano Branch of the North Vancouver District Library. She would rather have a spider on the floor than a bug in her hair! For more information check your local libraries.
