Reading Rainbow theme song.

Niagra Falls or Does it?

Lin Oliver and Henry Winkler have teamed up to create this series of funny chapter books for young readers. Lin is an author and co-founder of The Society of Children's Books Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), a resource for writers and artists all over the world. Henry Winkler, also known as the Fonz, has topped his cool guy persona from the show "Happy Days" by co-writing this wonderful series. The main character is Hank Zipzer, a 4th grade goofball and underachiever, who tries to wow everyone around him with his creative genius. Unfortunately, not everyone understands Hank and he gets in trouble a lot.

With a brilliant title like "Niagra Falls, or Does it?" the first book in the series begged me to read it. As a childless young woman who writes and recommends children's books just for fun, I don't know if I'll race to finish the other books in the series, but I just might. The first book has great humor, wonderful characters, and a valuable lesson about different learning styles and turning flaws into assets.

I think this book will resonate with boys. With so few male elementary school teachers, boys need more advocates, more characters they can relate to. Recently I was talking to a woman who found out she was pregnant and she told me "I hope it's not a boy." When I asked her why, she said, "Because, I don't understand boys." She apparently is in the majority, which is precisely why books about misunderstood but ultimately lovable characters like Hank Zipzer are so important.

Hey, Rabbit!

What I love about "Hey, Rabbit!" is Sergio Ruzzier's unusual, unique drawing style and attention to detail. This book is perfect for young children because it teaches the importance of friendship, generosity and imagination. The illustrations tell the story and the simple text gives fun repetitive questions that kids will be able to memorize and help ease them into reading on their own.

“Hey, Rabbit!” is a fun, confidence-boosting carousel ride of a book. I am going to give my copy to the kindergarteners I work with at an orphanage. I know they will absolutely love it.

Now for a closer look at the illustrations. The anthropomorphic animals in this book all look related, even though they are a rabbit, a dog, a bird, a bear, a cat, a mouse and a crab. They all have softness about them, even the crab. Ruzzier’s signature style can be recognized in his other picture books. That style, I’m sure, has built loyalty among fans, both young and old.

As an aspiring illustrator, I paid attention to what I first noticed when I turned each page. The bear is highlighted by a green blanket with bees on it, the cat’s calico pattern stands out against a geometrical carpet, and a missing wedge in a cheese wheel serves as an arrow pointing at the mouse. Ruzzier’s skilled use of color, patterns and shapes is something I will continue to study.

Here is a great video I found of Sergio Ruzzier reading "Hey, Rabbit!" to children. It’s the cutest thing ever. Enjoy.