This holiday honors fire department dogs. What do dogs and fire departments have in common? Fire hydrants! That’s why today’s book review is on:
Lou thinks he’s a toilet because all day, every day, dogs use him to…well, you know. He knows he’s useful, but deep down he feels like he has something more inside him. Spoiler alert—Lou does figure out his true purpose as a fire hydrant, but you’ll have to read (and look at the illustrations) to find out how. Breanna Carzoo cleverly and humorously uses a fire hydrant to tell a story about self-worth, living up to your potential, and finding your true purpose. Her bold, colorful illustrations are expressive, cheerful, and essential to telling the story that is not shown in the text. She depicts a diverse cast of humans and canines, as well as a rascal cat (be sure to look carefully to see the cat’s crucial role in the story). Really fun read!
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When you start school, it’s important to be prepared: Pencils, pens, notebooks, calculators, and something to put it all in—a backpack! Did you know that today’s holiday strives to make sure students wear their backpacks safely? I’m sure Milly, the star of the following picture book, wears her backpack proudly for her…
Milly is so excited to finally be accepted to Unicorn School! There’s only one problem. She’s NOT a unicorn. That won’t stop Milly. She puts on a disguise that she’s sure will fool everyone. But will it? This book is adorable and perfect for unicorn lovers, back-to-school jitters, and those who just want to be accepted. Fun concept, engaging writing, colorful illustrations, and unicorns (or not)!
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 For this day, I hope you buy any book that you connect with, but if you need a recommendation, I have one. It’s unfortunate, but I think this story is needed in U.S. classrooms, libraries, and homes. School lock-down drills are a serious topic that could be tricky to approach in a picture book, but the author-illustrator does a beautiful job in:
ONE THURSDAY AFTERNOON tells the story of Ava who, while with her Granddad in the park, shares how scared she was during a lockdown drill at school. Granddad patiently waits until Ava is ready to talk. When she is, he listens and acknowledges Ava’s feelings, and encourages her to spend time in nature and to paint using all her senses. What I liked about this book is how it tackles a heavy subject (that is, unfortunately, all too relevant today) in a direct manner. The grownup doesn’t solve the child’s problem or tell her that everything is okay. Instead, he provides a safe space for the child to sit in silence and then listens when the child is ready to share. He validates her feelings, offers comfort and support, and suggests a creative outlet. The story’s gentle arc resolves in a heartfelt, hopeful ending, followed by an author’s note that includes the inspiration behind the story and suggestions of what readers can do when fear creeps in our lives. What I love even more about the book is the art. Barbara DiLorenzo’s watercolor illustrations are dreamy. The soft color palette of golds, oranges, greens, and blues capture the calmness of a fall day in the park and match the serious nature of the text without being drab or depressing. I think this book is a must for classrooms, libraries, and homes, especially in today’s climate.
Thank you to Flyaway Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review (which was voluntary)! 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! Additional Resource: I think ONE THURSDAY AFTERNOON could be a great resource to support both children and grownups when dealing with the scary topic of school lockdowns. If you’re interested in an additional resource for an older child (preteen/teen), Worth Noting – A Kids Podcast About Current Events recently produced the episode “On the Topic of Mass Shootings.” The kid-appropriate episode shares information about the topic and how, “no matter how sad and scary they are to talk about, these mass shootings are Worth Noting.” Here is the link if you’d like to take a listen: https://worth-noting.simplecast.com/episodes/on-the-topic-of-mass-shooting I have fond memories of the senor citizens in my family who taught me to bake, knit, and crochet; make horseshoes, pottery, and fudge; and shell lima beans and drive a tractor, among other things. Today’s picture book shows how one little girl creates a bond with the senior citizens she befriends in her life:
Marjorie misses her Granny dearly. Neighborhood kids are great, but Marjorie longs for a companion who appreciates baking, yarn, and yardwork. Lucky for her, she finds a “Senior Citizen Friends Group” at the local Community Center. Marjorie creates a disguise and fits right in…until her cover is blown! Margaret Aitken’s darling tale of intergenerational friendship accompanied by Lenny Wen’s bright illustrations can be appreciated by readers of all ages. The text expertly combines humor and heart to tell a touching story of young and old and loss and found friends. I think OLD FRIENDS is destined to be an old favorite!
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! Afternoon Tea Week occurs the second full week of August. So at least one day this week, how about you pour yourself a cuppa tea and sit back and read this adorable picture book:
Luli is a child who attends childcare while her parent attends English as a second language classes. Because all the other children in childcare speak different languages, they play alone. But Luli has a plan to bring the children together using the language of tea. From cover to cover, I love this book! Andrea Wang’s touching text shows how one child finds a way to make new friends and bring a community together. Hyewon Yum’s color pencil illustrations of children from different backgrounds are gentle, yet expressive. The story is complete with endpaper illustrations of cups of tea from different countries, a note from the author, and tea-fact-backmatter. I love LULI AND THE LANGUAGE OF TEA!
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 Cue the music: For every bear that ever there was Will gather there for certain because Today’s the day the teddy bears have their picnic. That song brings back memories of my mom or aunt who used to sing it. So, I’m sure they’d agree that today’s book is the perfect one to read on this holiday:
This story opens by introducing Freddy, Jonah’s favorite toy. No one knows quite what Freddy is, but what he isn’t is a teddy bear. So, when Jonah’s teacher announces the class is having a Teddy Bear Picnic, Jonah struggles with what to do. Disguise Freddy? Hide Freddy? Bring a teddy? Young readers will relate to Jonah’s love for his stuffy, his desire for inclusion, and his struggle to find a way to fit in. They’ll also delight in how Jonah stands up for himself and Freddy, and how he finds his way to a heartwarming resolution. Kristen Schroeder’s gentle story of empathy, acceptance, and appreciation for others is perfectly paired with Hilary Jean Tapper’s soft color palette illustrations. Lots of love and a heartfelt recommendation goes out to FREDDY THE NOT-TEDDY!
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 Now THIS is a month to celebrate! I love ice cream, so I’m all for celebrating this holiday by eating a lot of it. And what goes better with ice cream than a picture book about two very famous people in the world of ice cream:
Mmmm—ice cream! What a brilliant topic for a picture book! I can’t think of a much better one. This is a fun, informative, nonfiction book about the famous creators of the wacky-flavor ice cream empire known as Ben & Jerry’s. Readers will love learning how Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield came together to create a legendary and delicious empire, and they’ll appreciate how the founders of Ben & Jerry’s used teamwork, determination, and learned from their failures to become a success. Stacy Innerst’s bright, whimsical illustrations pair with Lisa Robinson’s fun and informative text as perfectly as chocolate chips pair with cookie dough. I hope you love THE SWEETEST SCOOP as much as a scoop of Half Baked or Cherry Garcia!
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 In appreciation of this holiday, I recommend the following middle grade book written by a bird lover about a bird lover (but it’s about so much more than that!):
This middle grade novel is about a bird-loving boy named Axel, who, when a tornado damages his home and the eagles' nest he had been observing, must adjust to a lot of change. He his school is temporarily closed, he must move out of his house while his (normally) absent father completes repairs, and one of the eaglets has been injured and separated from his family. Told from Axel's perspective, Alison Green Myers, goes deep into the main character's mind as he tries to make sense of his world as he meets the challenges he faces. This heartwarming story is about birds, family, friends, change, secrets, understanding, and love. I highly recommend this book!
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 Celebrate this holiday by reading a picture book about the daring journey of a hatchling loggerhead turtle from sand to sea:
This fictional tale, told in lyrical rhyme, tells the story of hatchling loggerhead turtles’ journey from sand to sea. They follow the light of the moon, dodging hungry predators along the way. Kelly Jordan’s gentle text and Sally Walker’s gorgeous illustrations capture all the emotions of the sea turtles’ journey. The book concludes with some nonfiction back matter, including informing readers how to be a “hatchling helper.” Lovely, lovely book!
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 We humans use A LOT of plastic, and, unfortunately, much of that plastic ends up in our oceans. Artist Angela Haseltine Pozzi decided to do something about it. She formed the organization Washed Ashore and began creating wildlife sculptures out of the trash that washed up on beaches. This picture book highlights her art as well as educates the reader about how plastic harms wildlife creatures:
This picture book is chock-full!
First, the art—beautiful photographs by Kelly Crull of amazing sculptures by Angela Haseltine Pozzi. And no ordinary sculptures, but ones made of plastic trash that are full of life and color and personality. Second, the story-behind-the-story—learn how Pozzi became inspired to create her sculptures and create an organization to spread the word about water pollution and what we can do to make a change. Third, animal facts—Crull showcases 14 sculptures of different ocean animals and shares fascinating facts about each (Did you know that tufted puffins can hold ten or more fish in their mouths at once?) and how ocean trash is endangering their lives and homes (sea turtles and other animals often eat plastic bags because they mistake them for sea jellies. So sad). Fourth, environmental-friendly tips—each spread includes a tip on how humans can reduce plastic use (my favorite was to choose an ice cream cone instead of in a plastic cup with a plastic spoon. Any tip that involves ice cream is okay in my book!). Last, but not least, seek-and-find—each spread challenges the reader to look for objects hidden in each sculpture. Bonus—if you buy a copy of this book, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Washed Ashore. How cool is that? I told you, chock full! If you love art, sea creatures, ocean life, and want to protect earth’s oceans, then this book is for you! 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
May 2024
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