Today, we pause to honor the brave men and women who wear the uniform of the United States Armed Forces. Their courage, commitment, and sacrifice uphold the freedoms we often take for granted.
Whether serving at home or abroad, in times of peace or conflict, their dedication to duty reminds us that freedom is never free; it is guarded daily by those who stand watch.
🪖 Happy Armed Forces Day!
Settings:
Various branches and roles of the U.S. Armed Forces are covered, with references to military bases, boot camps, and family homes across the country.
Genre/Theme/Style:
Nonfiction, Patriotic Alphabet Book, Military Life, Family, Educational.
I Gave This Book 5 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁
Why 5 Roars?
This book not only honors the sacrifice and courage of service members, it also explains military life in a way that’s accessible to kids. It’s respectful, factual, and uplifting, while the poetic format and engaging illustrations make it fun to read aloud.
Critical Analysis: The book uses rhymed couplets and clear language to present potentially complex ideas in age-appropriate ways. The illustrations strike a wonderful balance between playful and realistic, helping kids visualize everything from dog tags to drill sergeants. The book also includes informative sidebars, making it suitable for younger and older elementary readers alike.
Connections: Perfect for military families, school discussions about service and sacrifice, or patriotic holidays like Armed Forces Day, Veterans Day, and Memorial Day. Teachers can easily pair this with lessons on community helpers, government roles, or American symbols.
Author: Sally Hopgood
Illustrator: Emma Levey
Publisher: Sky Pony Press
ISBN: 9781510704216
Reading Level: Ages 3–7
Main Character: Laura Ingalls
Plot: Set in 1871 in the dense Big Woods of Wisconsin, this is the story of four-year-old Laura and her pioneer family: Pa, Ma, sisters Mary and Carrie, and their loyal dog, Jack. Told through Laura’s eyes, the book chronicles a year in their self-sufficient life. With hunting and preserving food, celebrating holidays with handmade gifts, and taking a rare trip into town as part of the story. Life is tough, but also rich with tradition, family, and fiddle music.
Settings: The Big Woods of Wisconsin, an isolated log cabin surrounded by forests, seasons, and the rhythms of pioneer life.
Genre/Theme/Style: Historical fiction, family, hard work, seasons, gratitude, self-reliance, and pioneer values.
5 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁
Why 5 Roars? This classic is a timeless portal into the past. Laura’s vivid memories and detailed narration bring history to life. It is gentle, reflective, and explores nature and family love. The Audible version, narrated by Cherry Jones with Paul Woodiel on fiddle, adds a cozy warmth that enhances the experience beautifully. I actually loved the additional touch of the fiddle! (The audiobook would be great for family car trips.)
Critical Analysis: Wilder masterfully balances storytelling with historical detail, showing how each season shaped daily life. The story lacks a single driving plot, yet the episodic structure fits Laura’s young perspective. Pa’s fiddle tunes and Ma’s steady work anchor their lives. (This first installment focuses mainly on family and survival.)
Connections: Perfect for studies of American history, pioneer life, and seasonal living. It pairs well with crafts (like making corn husk dolls), cooking (homemade butter, anyone?), planting, or lessons on gratitude.
Main Character: Lily Bluestein a fearless skateboarding girl.
Plot: Lily sets out to deliver hamantaschen to her Granny’s condo in Florida for a
Purim celebration. Along the way, she encounters Thaddeus T. Wolfe, a trickster
with his eyes on her treats. Using quick thinking and courage—just like Queen
Esther—Lily outsmarts the sly Wolfe, ensuring she and her Granny can enjoy the
festive holiday together.
Settings: A contemporary world where Lily rides through urban and suburban streets,
adding a modern feel to a classic fairy tale. The story also brings Purim
traditions to life, immersing young readers in a vibrant holiday atmosphere.
Genre/Theme/Style: Children’s Picture Book, Jewish Holiday Fiction, Bravery, Purim, Family.
4 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁
Why 4 Roars? This book is a fun blend of cultural education and adventure. It
presents Purim traditions in a way that feels entertaining for
children. Lily’s strong, clever character makes for a great role model. The only reason it does not get five roars is that the story, while fun, may feel slightly
predictable for older children.
Critical Analysis: The storytelling combines classic fairy tale elements with Jewish culture in an engaging way. The wordplay and rhythm make it an enjoyable read-aloud, and the illustrations add charm, movement, and humor.
Connections: Find out more about Purim.
Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
A book is a friend,
And so are you!
Stories to share,
Adventures so bright,
Reading together
Feels just right!
So here’s a big hug,
And a book just for fun—
Happy Valentine’s Day!
To you, little one! 📖💖
Check out these great reads!
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