Monday, March 25, 2024

No Cats in the Library review

 No Cats in the Library by Lauren Emmons

A stray cat follows her love of books all the way to a new library home in this charming debut picture book.(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

 

Clarisse the Cat doesn't understand the words but she really loves looking at the pictures in books.  One day, she notices people walking into a big building and coming out with an armful of books!  This was exciting and she knew she had to somehow get inside. But each time she tried to sneak in, the librarian caught her and told her no cats are allowed in the library. 
 
We always enjoyed the Reading to Dogs program at our local library when my kids were younger and this story is a cute spin on this.  Beginning readers will connect with Clarisse's feelings of viewing words as squiggly lines that make no sense. When she finds a little girl wanting to read aloud to her, she realizes how the words and pictures together make a story.  The story is simple and the illustrations are full of happiness, charming character expressions and good library vibes.  Everyone benefits from having a read aloud to a cat program after the librarian welcomes Clarisse to stay.  Even Clarisse gets a new home!  It is important for kids to practice reading to learn new words and become fluent.  Reluctant readers may find themselves more interested in books and less of a chore if they practice read to an animal.   I remember in elementary school I would panic when we would read aloud in class and freeze when my name was called for my turn.  If only I had the opportunity to read to a dog or cat I might have had more self confidence.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-6.~


Title:  No Cats in the Library
Author: Lauren Emmons
Pub. date: March 2024, Simon & Schuster
Genre: picture book
Hardcover, 32 pgs.
 

 

 

Friday, March 22, 2024

The Wrong Book review

 The Wrong Book by Drew Daywalt

This hilarious book from the author of The Day the Crayons Quit will have you correcting what you're reading—and laughing!(goodreads summary)

 

 
 
 
 
This a fun and silly book that will have everyone entertained and definitely laughing.  From the sounds animals make to different kinds of objects, the narrator of this story has things mixed up.   Do flowers go Chugga, Chugga, Choo-Choo?  Do Lions live on farms and say moo?  Luckily, there is a bookmark (this is my interpretation of what it is) to the rescue to straighten things out for us.  There are bold, vibrant illustrations and easy text for reading out loud to preschooler and kindergarten ages.  Kids will giggle and interact during reading when they figure out how silly the story is.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-6.~
 
Title: The Wrong Book
Author: Drew Daywalt
Pub. date: February 2024, Philomel Books
Genre: picture book
Hardcover, 40 pgs.

 

 

Friday, March 15, 2024

How to Babysit your Grown-up review

 How to Babysit Your Grown-Up by Jean Reagan

It's time to have some fun with your grownup! All you need are basic materials and some imagination. (goodreads summary)
 


 

 

 

 

Keeping the kids busy during spring break can be a challenge. Here is a fun-filled activity book the whole family will enjoy. 

It is divided into seven categories listed as "fun...with" and there are step-by-step instructions for over 40 different activities you can try.  For example; having fun with fresh air you can make an easy-peasy kite or having fun with crafts you can paint a rock. You could also have fun with imagination and make race cars out of cardboard boxes.  By just using simple materials, easy-to-follow instructions and a little imagination, this book will keep everyone entertained for an afternoon.  You could even take the ideas and expand on ones yourself.   It also does not limit adults to just parents but includes extended family members such as grandparents as well. This book will create wonderful moments of bonding time together for young and old. The illustrations are bright and colorful.  Seeing the characters having fun will inspire everyone to use the check list in the back of the book to see how many activities they can do.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-8.~

Title:  How to Babysit your Grown-up
Author: Jean Reagan w/Janay Brown-Wood
Illustrated by: Lee Wildish
Pub. date: June 2023, Alfred A. Knopf
Genre: non fiction
Hardcover, 96 pgs.
 
 
 

Tuesday, March 12, 2024

I Spy with my Little Eye Easter Hop & Find

 

Follow along with the Easter Bunny and his helper, Chick, as they deliver treats on Easter morning!(book cover)
 

 

 

 

 

 

Easter is right around the corner and this book would be a fun addition to the kids baskets.  Readers will search and find items while the Easter Bunny travels around town delivering special treats. Kids will count, learn shapes, match objects and find various items throughout the story.  The text is rhyming and the illustrations are in bold Easter colors.  Older kids would be able to do this book on their own but younger ones may need help as the pages do seem a little busy with a lot to look at.  Some of the items were a bit tricky to find, so kids will need their thinking caps on for a few of them.  All-in-all, it is a fun holiday interactive book which also sneaks in some educational opportunity without them realizing.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 4-7.~

Title:  I Spy with My Little Eye Easter Hop & Find
Author: Rubie Crowe, illustrated by Melanie Demmer
Pub. date: November 2023, Cottage Door Press
Genre: picture book
Hardcover, 32 pgs.

Friday, March 8, 2024

Bear Finds Eggs review

Bear Finds Eggs by Karma Wilson

 

Bear and his friends hunt for missing eggs in this new picture book adventure.(goodreads summary)

 

 
 
 
 

 

 Bear and his friends are out in the forest spotting different types of eggs in their nests.  Suddenly, they hear Mama Meadowlark calling out and in need of help to find her missing eggs.  Bear and his friends search high and low in hopes of finding them.  When each egg is found, they decide to paint it so they will not get lost again.  But after the last two are found, Bear hears a cracking sound and to his surprise new baby chicks arrive. 

 Here is delightful springtime story to add to the Bear and friends collection.  The bright bold colors and simple rhyming text makes for a good read aloud.  The story is about friendship and working together to help others.  I love the wonderment in the eyes of the forest animals when they found eggs in various nests.  It offers an opportunity to teach young readers how we should touch with only our eyes when we do see birds nests in nature.   It has a sweet ending as Bears friendship circle keeps growing and he is ever so welcoming.  This story would go perfect as a science or crafting project, making your own bird nests and learning about the different types of eggs.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-7.~

Title: Bear Finds Eggs
Author: Jane Chapman
Pub. date: January 2024, Margaret K McElderry Books
Genre: picture book
Hardcover, 40 pgs.

Friday, March 1, 2024

Angela's Glacier review

 Angela's Glacier by Jordan   Scott

Award-winning author Jordan Scott’s luminously-illustrated love story of a girl growing up in the shadow of a glacier that’s always there to listen.(goodreads summary)
 
 
 
 
 
 
On the day of Angela's birth, her father introduces her to the magnificent glacier Snaefellsjokull (a glacier found in Iceland).  As he carries her on his back she listens to the sounds.  As time goes by, she visits it on her own and learns how to become one with the glacier. She teaches herself how to listen and feel nature around her. Angela whispers her own thoughts and feelings about life to it. But as she grows older, her life becomes busier with school, friends, music and sports.  One night she notices her heart is feeling strange. Her father reminds her that it has been a while since she visited the glacier and is missing its' sound.  
 
This beautiful and moving story was inspired by the author's friend, Angela Rawlings.  She taught him how to be still and listen with his body while in nature.  The words are very descriptive and along with the stunning illustrations, I could feel myself climbing a glacier in Iceland wanting to hear the sounds for myself.   In a busy world of demands and structure, nature will allow us to find peace and calm.  This story is a reminder of the importance of connecting with our natural world and all that it has to offer; if we just take a moment to be still and listen.  What a wonderful experience to share with children at a young age.  They will grow up to respect nature and help preserve it for generations to come.  There is also an  afterword at the end of the book from the author and Angela Rawlings that is worth the reading.  We are in danger of loosing so much from global warming and her words are inspirational.  I think this is a "just right book" for family time together and ages 3-7.~ 
 
Title: Angela's Glacier
Author: Jordan Scott, illustrated by Diana Sudyka
Pub. date: January 2024, Neal Porter Books
Genre: picture book
Hardcover, 32 pgs.

Tuesday, February 13, 2024

Love is in The Little Things review

 Love is in the Little Things by Stella J. Jones

This sweet story of the friendship between a child and a bear is a celebration of all the ways we show our love to the important people in our lives.(goodreads summary)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In this sweet story about friendship, a young child and bear show that everyday small things can have a meaningful impact.  Love is in the little things such as; a heartfelt hug, playing games together to cheery songs or even helping to chase a dream.  So many examples of more than just friendship but what makes someone feel loved.  The text is simple and flows in a soft rhythmic way.  The illustrations are in watercolor and the characters kindness adds to the gentle feeling to each page. It is a wonderful way to experience love with your little ones cuddling up and reading this book together. A great bedtime read to help wind down everyone after celebrating Valentine's Day.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 2-6.~
 
Title:  Love is in the Little Things
Author:  Stella J. Jones, illustrated by Jane Massey
Pub. date: November 2023, Tiger Tales
Genre: picture book
Hardcover, 32 pgs.

Friday, December 1, 2023

Winter: A Solstice Story

 Winter by Kelsey E. Gross

From debut author Kelsey Gross and New York Times bestselling artist Renata Liwska comes a gentle and lulling picture book celebrating the magic of the Winter Solstice with a group of animal friends in a quiet forest.(goodreads summary)

 

 


The longest night of the year means the Winter Solstice has arrived.  Here is a beautiful story welcoming the Solstice and is also illustrated by one of my very favorite illustrators, Renata Liwska.
 
Owl calls out to the forest animals to help shine the light and share a gift of hope.  As each animal brings an item to give, they create something beautiful that brings the light and hope to celebrate winters arrival.  The beautiful words are full of meaning and are complemented by the soft and gentle winter wonderland pictures.  Each animal is so cute and full of expression which is typical for books illustrated by Renata Liwska.  The animals show sharing and welcoming which is a great theme for anytime of the year.  A surprise visitor arrives adding to the welcome. As the winter season approaches, this would make a great bedtime or quiet time read with its' calm and soothing nature.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-7.~  
 
Title: Winter: A Solstice Story
Author: Kelsey E. Gross, illustrated by Renata Liwska 
Pub. date: October 2023, Simon & Schuster
Genre: picture book
Hardcover, 32 pgs.
 
 

Tuesday, November 28, 2023

I'm Going to Build a Snowman review

I'm Going to Build a Snowman by Jashar Awan

In this sparkling picture book celebration of winter and creativity, a boy’s snow day efforts show that perfection is relative and what’s important is taking pride in what you do!(goodreads summary)
 
 

 

Nothing is better than waking up to a newly, fresh fallen snow.  This means it is the right time for building the best snowman ever!  The boy in this story makes plans to build the perfect snowman. He rolls up snowballs until they become perfect circles and then it is time to decorate it!   Unfortunately, when he is done he finds the snowman is not like the one he pictured in his mind.  This is a simple story with a deeper meaning for the word perfect.  The text is easy-to-read and the pictures reminded me of Dream Snow by Eric Carle.  In the end, the little boy is proud of his snowman by finding perfection in its' imperfection.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-7.~

Title: I'm Going to Build a Snowman
Author: Jashar Awan
Pub. date: September 2023, Simon Schuster for Young Readers
Genre: picture book
Hardcover, 48 pgs.

Thursday, November 9, 2023

Mr. Whiskers and the Shenanigan Sisters review

 Mr. Whiskers and the Shenanigan Sisters by Wendelin Van Draanen

Mr. Whiskers is a paw-some new dog detective from an Edgar Award winning author. He's on the trail of a kidnapped dad, pirate treasure, and a place to call home..(goodreads summary).
 
 

 

 

 

 

A street smart stray dog named Mr. Whiskers teams up with Misty and Zelda Nanigan to help solve a big mystery.  The girls dad goes missing after he is questioned by an FBI Agent who then unexpectedly takes him away.  As clues unravel, they think he was actually kidnapped.  But Mr. Whiskers and the sisters are hot on the trail as they piece together the mystery in order to save him.

This is a fun and fast paced story for the middle grade reader who likes mystery and adventure. Told from Mr. Whisker's point-of-view, there are many dog puns and funny moments.  There are riddles, suspicious FBI agents, secret rooms and passageways, possible pirate treasure and problem solving.  Scattered throughout the book were several illustrations that added good visualization to the many characters and adventures they encounter.  Mr. Whiskers is quite the charismatic character and Misty and Zelda are very resourceful making them a likeable sleuthing team.  The story is a page turner and full of suspense but is also heartwarming.  It has a good family feel to it as well and I hope there will be many more Mr. Whisker stories to follow.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 8-11.~

Title: Mr. Whiskers and the Shenanigan Sisters
Author: Wendelin VanDraanen
Pub. date: October 2023, Alfred A. Knopf
Genre: middle grade, mystery
Hardcover, 196 pgs.

Saturday, October 21, 2023

Flat Cat review

 Flat Cat by Tara Lazar

From acclaimed author Tara Lazar and brought to life by New York Times bestselling illustrator Pete Oswald, this is a hilariously quirky and irreverent story that is sure to appeal to fans of Pete the Cat!(goodreads summary)
 

 

 

 

 

A simple story about a cat who is happy being flat.  He can go anywhere or do anything he pleases and likes it this way.  But when he falls into the washer and dryer by accident, he comes out all big, cute and fluffy.  Everyone takes notice (just what he doesn't like) and gives him hugs, squeezes and squishes.  He eventually turns back to a flat cat but realizes that he might be missing all the extra attention he was getting.

Flat Cat has learned that he likes the best of both worlds in this silly and funny story.  The sentences are short and flow nicely for a fun read-aloud. The whimsical illustrations are large and in eye pleasing colors of purple, pink and teals. Flat cat has many different expressions throughout that are cute and amusing. I noticed the author has put a note on the first page about not harming cats and they don't belong in laundry machines. A good discussion point for a younger audience.  All-in-all, it is a silly and humorous book to break up the day.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 5-7.~

Title: Flat Cat
Author: Tara Lazar, illustrated by Pete Oswald
Pub. date: September 2023, Flamingo Books
Genre: picture book
Hardcover, 40 pgs

Friday, October 20, 2023

Porcupine's Pie review

 Porcupine's Pie by Laura Renauld

Winner of the Beaming Books Picture Book Writing Contest(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 
 
It is Fall Feast Day and Porcupine is looking forward to making her famous Cranberry Pie.  On her way to wash the cranberries, she meets several woodland friends who are each out of a main ingredient that keeps them from making their own special recipes.  She happily offers her extra items to them from her pantry so they can finish their treats. But after arriving at the river, she finds her bucket is empty of her delicious pie cranberries.  How will she make her special Fall Feast Day Pie without them?

This a a sweet story about generosity and friendship. Porcupine is very giving and when she is in need herself, the woodland animals all pitch in to give back. A wonderful way for kids to learn about kindness and community from the simple gestures in this story. The illustrations are so cute and are in fall-themed colors. There is a ladybug that shows up on all the pages and kids will delight in finding it.  Porcupine's cranberries also fall out little-by-little and kids may or may not notice. I didn't at first and had a surprise when she got to the river too.  There is a recipe at the end for baking your own Friendship Pie.  It has a little bit of everything in it for kids and adults to make and share with friends. I think this is perfect for the fall harvest season and is a "just right book" for ages 3-7.~
 
Title:  Porcupine's Pie
Author: Laura Renauld, illustrated by Jennie Poh
Pub. date:  October 2018, Beaming Books
Genre: picture book
Hardcover, 32 pgs.