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It’s a somber day, but so important we never forget. And not only about those we lost, but those who stepped up to help. This picture book does just that:
On September 11, 2001, terrorists hijacked four planes and attacked the World Trade Centers in New York City and the Pentagon in Washington D.C. In order to prevent further attacks, all air travel was grounded in the U.S. But what about the planes already in the sky? Thirty-eight of those planes landed in the Newfoundland town of Gander. The 6,000 passengers may have been stranded in Canada, but they weren’t abandoned. The townspeople gave them shelter, food, and companionship. Nikki Bergstresser’s poignant story is told in a heartfelt but hopeful way that is appropriate for young readers and Reilly Fitzgerald’s acrylic illustrations beautifully depict the kind-hearted community that came together to help those in need. This was a very moving read, especially for someone who remembers 9/11 so clearly, but the general themes of kindness, compassion, and hope will resonate with young readers now and for years to come.
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While this day commemorates the ratification of the 19th Amendment, securing women’s right to vote in the U.S., lets celebrate by reading a picture book about a child who does his best to make sure everything is “even.”
Steven likes to make everything EVEN which often means splitting something in half. That seems fair, right? But if Steven has one book, is it best to cut the book in half? Oh, Steven! Not all things that are even are fair and not all things that are fair are even, and Steven and his friends illustrate in a fun, light-hearted way the concepts of fairness and sharing. Finison’s punchy narration and speech-bubble dialogue combined with Wiseman’s cheerful, expressive illustrations make this book a great addition to your SEL-themed books.
Read this review on Goodreads and Amazon. Did you read and like this book? One of the best ways to support authors and illustrators is to post reviews for their books. Support an author/illustrator today by leaving a review on Goodreads or Amazon! This holiday is all about staying true to yourself, and this book shares that message with young readers:
Look at that cover! Isn’t Bartleby adorable? If that doesn’t grab you, the story sure will. Bartleby is a bear of few words, and the few words he does speak are, “I prefer not to.” He prefers not to share during sharing time, not to play the xylophone in music class, and to not sing a silly song. Even though Bartleby prefers not to do a lot of things, he still wants to be part of his class community, but in his own way and in his own time. This book has everything I love: an endearing main character, adorable illustrations, secret “undies” (different cover under the dust jacket), and a heartfelt message. I prefer to love Bartleby!
Read this review on Goodreads and Amazon. Did you read and like this book? One of the best ways to support authors and illustrators is to post reviews for their books. Support an author/illustrator today by leaving a review on Goodreads or Amazon! My book recommendation today is about, let’s just say, an unlikely friendship:
This sweet picture book is about a friendship between a dog and a statue of a girl. Their relationship starts off a bit rocky, but eventually the dog comes to appreciate what his new friend has to offer. Troy Wilson’s charming text includes subtle humor and wordplay while Mike Deas’ cheerful illustrations are engaging from cover to interior spreads to end papers. This is a beautiful example of how text and art work together to weave a heartfelt tale that will surely resonate with young readers. Love it!
Read this review on Goodreads and Amazon. Did you read and like this book? One of the best ways to support authors and illustrators is to post reviews for their books. Support an author/illustrator today by leaving a review on Goodreads or Amazon! Beatrix Potter was born on July 28, 1866, so let’s honor this amazing children’s author-illustrator by reading a picture book all about her.
If you’re a fan of biographies, nature, animals, children’s books, art, or Beatrix Potter, this book is for you. This lovely story highlights the life of Beatrix Potter and how her love of nature and animals grew into a desire to write and illustrating books for children. I gushed over the gorgeous illustrations (including adorably illustrated endpapers!) that are reflective of Potter’s famous book characters but are done in Lambelet’s iconic style. I love this book from cover to cover!
Read this review on Goodreads and Amazon. Did you read and like this book? One of the best ways to support authors and illustrators is to post reviews for their books. Support an author/illustrator today by leaving a review on Goodreads or Amazon! To celebrate this holiday, take a dip in the pool and then read this fun, rhyming picture book (careful not to get the book wet!).
This book perfectly captures a summertime-fun vibe that kids will love. From pool toys and floaties to relay races and cannon balls, readers will relate to the joy that a day at the pool brings. The cautionary refrain, “Don’t splash Grandpa!” will have kids turning the pages to find out if Grandpa is safe from getting drenched or what will happen if he does get splashed. Julie Gonzalez’s spot-on rhyming text combined with Srinidhi Srinivasan’s bright, expressive illustrations make this a splashy read aloud for one or a crowd. All around good summertime (or anytime) fun!
Read this review on Goodreads and Amazon. Did you read and like this book? One of the best ways to support authors and illustrators is to post reviews for their books. Support an author/illustrator today by leaving a review on Goodreads or Amazon! How about celebrating with double the fudge? Choose a piece (or two) of your favorite flavor fudge to eat while you read a picture book about the creator of the Fudge (and other) books, Judy Blume, in:
Most of the books I read as a tween were authored by Judy Blume, so I had to check out this biography-in-verse when it released. It didn’t disappoint. Each poem serves as a snapshot of different stages and events in Judy Blume’s childhood so the reader can learn how these events shaped her to become a hugely successful author of beloved books for children, teens, and adults. The lyrical text accompanying art (including my favorites – illustrated end papers and surprise “undies”) is captivating and full of nods to Judy Blume’s books. If you’re a fan of Judy Blume, biographies, books-in-verse, or picture books in general, you’re going to love this one!
Read this review on Goodreads and Amazon. Did you read and like this book? One of the best ways to support authors and illustrators is to post reviews for their books. Support an author/illustrator today by leaving a review on Goodreads or Amazon! Barbeques mean fire and the girl in this book is all about fire – she breathes it! Imagine the barbeque parties she could throw!  TITLE: IGGY WHO BREATHES FIRE AUTHOR: Carrie Kruck ILLUSTRATOR: Erika Meza PUBLISHER: Disney Hyperion, 2024 OPENING LINES: Iggy was born with a spark. Iggy turned three with a glow. And when Iggy was six… she breathed FIRE! This book is pure fun! Iggy is born literally being able to breath fire. Some around her think she’s a bit much, but Iggy thinks…maybe not. After all, her fire breathing talents come in handy, even if she goes a little too far sometimes. In the end, her parents trust her to know herself and how best to share her talents with the world. Carrie Kruck’s engaging, entertaining text that shares the message that girls don’t need to be silenced, but celebrated, combined with Erika Meza’s vibrant, expressive illustrations will have young readers cheering for Iggy from beginning to end.
Read this review on Goodreads and Amazon. Did you read and like this book? One of the best ways to support authors and illustrators is to post reviews for their books. Support an author/illustrator today by leaving a review on Goodreads or Amazon! What better way to celebrate than read a children’s book? Here’s a great one!
This poetic, lyrical picture book features a child who embraces alone time yet can also find the beauty of connecting with others. Alone. Pat Zietlow Miller’s spare text is and ode; a soothing poem about the many things one can be. Paired with Annie Cron’s pastel illustrations in shades of pink, lavender, and green, the book tells a more structured story of a girl who appreciates and enjoys alone time, but then joins her community to learn, teach, share, connect, and come together to build something they can all enjoy. This beautiful book is on the quieter side, making it perfect for a bedtime story or a sweet lap-time read snuggled with your little one.
Read this review on Goodreads and Amazon. Did you read and like this book? One of the best ways to support authors and illustrators is to post reviews for their books. Support an author/illustrator today by leaving a review on Goodreads or Amazon! Here’s a picture book about a little guy who really appreciates the bus!
Who can’t relate to Gus? He’s excited to do something for the very first time and when he does, he discovers he loves everything about it. The way it sounds, the way it feels – Gus hearts the bus! This adorable picture book is about a child who follows his passion and shares his enthusiasm for city busses with everyone around him. Lindsay Leslie’s engaging text invites the reader to participate in Gus’s world and cheer him on when his family becomes lost in the city. Greeta Ladi’s cheerful, expressive illustrations will keep readers entertained from start to finish. Perfect for kids who develop a passion for a particular subject, for bus (or vehicle) lovers, or for anyone looking for a fun read!
Read this review on Goodreads and Amazon. Did you read and like this book? One of the best ways to support authors and illustrators is to post reviews for their books. Support an author/illustrator today by leaving a review on Goodreads or Amazon! |
About HeatherHeather is a busy wife and mom of five rambunctious children and one lovable pup They all provide lots of distractions, but oodles of inspiration. Sometimes the pictures and ideas in her head turn into her own children's stories, but she always makes time to read other people's books. Sometimes she reviews them here. Archives
August 2026
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