Merry Christmas! Feliz Navidad! Happy Holidays!

Merry Christmas!

Feliz Navidad!

Happy Holidays!

Book Review #64

Latkes for Santa Claus

Author: Janie Emaus
Illustrator: Bryan Langdo
Publisher:‎ Sky Pony, 2020

ISBN: 978-1510759886
Reading Level: 3 to 6 years

Main Characters: Anna, Michael, & Santa Claus

Plot: Anna's new stepbrother Michael leaves sugar cookies for Santa each year. Anna looks for something she can leave for Santa. She decides that latkes are just the thing. Santa enjoys them so much, he asks Anna for her latke recipe.

Settings: A blended family home.

Genre/Theme/Style: Holidays, Children's Jewish Holiday Books, Children's Stepfamilies Books, Children's Christmas Books, Blended families.

I Gave This Book 5 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁

Why 5 Roars? This is a great book for children in blended families that celebrate both Hanukkah and Christmas.

Critical Analysis: The book is respectful to both holidays and offers a way to celebrate cultural differences through the love of food and family.

“Sometimes me think, ‘What is Friend?’ and then me say, ‘Friend is someone to share the last cookie with.’” ~~Cookie Monster

"Ideal for blended families, but definitely delightful for anyone to read, Latkes for Santa Claus is a clever Hanukkah meets Christmas spin on leaving cookies out for Santa on Christmas Eve. Even if it’s not Chrismukkah (when Christmas and Hanukkah overlap), this picture book still shows a way for Jewish children living with a non-Jewish stepsibling and/or step-parent how fun it is to share a bit of their Jewish holiday traditions during Christmas time. . . . I enjoyed every page of this charming new picture book because it showed how there is not only room for compromise in every family, but how easily a new tradition can be created bringing everyone closer."~~Good Reads with Ronna

"If you really want to make a friend, go to someone's house and eat with him - the people who give you their food give you their heart." ~~Cesar Chavez

Connections: Latkes for Santa Clause Read-A-Loud

Happy Hanukkah!

 

Happy Hanukkah!

Book Review #63

 When Santa Was A Baby

Author: Linda Bailey

Illustrator: Geneviève Godbout

Publisher: Tundra Books, 2015

ISBN:978-1770495562

Reading Level: 3 - 7 years

Main Characters: New baby Santa and his family. 

Plot: This book is about Santa as a baby and his supportive parents. There is nothing accurate about Saint Nicholas in this children’s story, it is centered around the unusual quirks that have made Santa into the fictitious character we know today. 

Settings: Santa's childhood environment. 

Genre/Theme/Style: Children's Humor, Holidays, Christmas books.

I Gave This Book 5 Roars! 

Why 5 Roars?

This is a cute book that pokes fun at the oddities of Santa and what his upbringing might have been like. 

Critical Analysis:
This fun, holiday, book reassures children that even unusual children have a special place in life. While finding your place in the world might not be easy, it is certainly worth it in the end. This book is an easy read and the illustrations are full of holiday spirit. 

"A fond, reassuring look at the eccentric childhood of a much-beloved holiday figure." ~~ School Library Journal

"He’s an unusual baby: a booming voice, an interest in chimneys, a penchant for standing naked in front of the open refrigerator, enjoying the chill. Later, on Christmas, he rewraps his gifts and gives them to other children. His puzzled but besotted parents shower him with praise and predictions of future greatness. With retro-esque art featuring people whose giant black eyes look ever so slightly crazed, it’s a sweet, gently satirical answer to the eternal question, How did Santa become Santa?" 

~~ New York Times Book Review

"[A] clever take on the Santa myth that develops him as a character with his own thoughts and motivations. . . . Godbout’s cozy artwork gives the book the feel of a classic while also offering some cheeky moments – as when a young Santa stands naked in front of an open fridge, trying to cool down." 

~~Starred Review, Publishers Weekly

Connections: Santa Craft for Kids

Happy Thanksgiving!

 Happy Thanksgiving!

Book Review #62

 Norman Didn't Do It!

(Yes, he did.)

Author: Ryan T. Higgins

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion, 2021

ISBN:‎ 978-1368026239

Reading Level: 3 to 5 years

Main Characters: Norman, Mildred, and the other tree.

Plot: Norman, a porcupine, and Mildred, a tree, are best friends until one day the other tree shows up. This upsets Norman. Norman digs up the other tree and takes it far away. This leads Norman to feel guilty and concerned. Eventually, Norman has the character to fix his mistake. Norman realizes that having another tree around is not so bad.   

Settings: Somewhere outside.

Genre/Theme/Style: Picture Book, Children's Humor, Children’s Friendship, and Children’s Animal Books.

I Gave This Book 5 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁

Why 5 Roars? This is a cute book for kids about being overwhelmed, doing something you regret, and then having the strength of character to fix it. 

Critical Analysis: Norman becomes overwhelmed, does something he regrets, and then has the courage to fix it. The humor is on target for the age group and Norman is very likable. 

"...astute and endearing story of displacement anxiety... Higgins knows exactly when to go in for a close-up and focus on Norman's comic sturm und drang. The porcupine is a protagonist that readers should find deeply relatable: reveling in unconditional love, prone to impulsiveness and rumination, and absolutely capable of self-redemption." 

~~ Publishers Weekly

Illustrations: The illustrations are great and kids will see themselves in Norman's reactions.  

Connections: Norman Didn't Do It! Read-A-Loud. 

Happy Halloween!

Book Review #61

 Creepy Pair of Underwear! 

Author: Aaron Reynolds 

Illustrator: Peter Brown 
Publisher: Simon & Schuster, 2017
ISBN:978-1442402980 
Reading Level: 4- 8 years

Main Characters: Jasper Rabbit & his underwear.

Plot: Jasper wants to be a big bunny and wear big bunny underwear.  His underwear is a little creepy and causes Jasper problems. He tries to get rid of them, but they come back again and again. 

Settings: Shopping with Mom, Jasper's room, and other various places. 

Genre/Theme/Style: Underwear, & Halloween.

I Gave This Book 5 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁

Why 5 Roars? I love this book! It is the perfect combination of spooky and funny. Great for a Halloween Storytime. Underwear always get a laugh, and creepy underwear gets an even bigger laugh. 

Critical Analysis: A great way to entertain young readers. 

"Balances a really spooky premise with the hilarity that accompanies any mention of underwear....Perfect for those looking for a scary Halloween tale that won't leave them with more fears than they started with." 

~~ Kirkus Reviews

Illustrations: The illustrations are primarily black and white but have a mysterious Halloween green glow. 

Connections: Helping young readers make a pair of their own creepy underwear is a great project for kids. 

Book Review #60

Little Witch Hazel: A Year in the Forest

Author: Phoebe Wahl
Publisher: September, 2021  
ISBN: 978-0735264892

Reading Level: 4-8 years

Main Characters: Little Witch Hazel and the creatures in the forest. 

Plot: A tiny witch that lives in the forest helps the forest creatures. 

Settings: The Mosswood Forest. 

Genre/Theme/Style: Children's Books, Children's Folk Tales, and Myths. 

I Gave This Book 5 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁

Why 5 Roars? This is a sweet book that helps children discover nature and teaches nurturing and kindness for all. The illustrations are lovely and children will enjoy reading it over and over.

Critical Analysis: The book covers the four seasons with the Orphaned Egg, The Lazy Day, The Haunted Stump, and The Blizzard. The stories connect the reader to each season of the year and bring nature into focus.  

"A thread of loving and nurturing emerges through this treasury of quiet adventures . . . and readers will find satisfaction in seeing the way [Little Witch Hazel's] sturdy care succors her community and results in gentle reciprocation."  

~~ Publishers Weekly

 "These sweet stories are an ode to the calm and peaceful magic of nature. Little Witch Hazel will make you feel as if you have journeyed deep into Mosswood Forest alongside Hazel and her friends." 

~~ BookPage

Connections: Seasons for kids

Book Review #59

Ten Timid Ghosts

Author: Jennifer O'Connell
Publisher: Cartwheel, 2000
ISBN:978-0439158046
Reading Level: 4 to 8 years

Main Characters: Ten ghosts and a witch

Plot: This is a simple rhyming book that counts backwards as the ghosts leave the house. The witch moves in and wants the ghosts to leave. It does not take much to scare the timid ghosts out of the house. One ghost figures out that it is the witch frightening the ghosts away and teams up with the other ghosts to get rid of the witch.

Settings: A haunted house

Genre/Theme/Style: Children's Picture Book, Rhyming Book, Halloween, Beginning Reader.  

I Gave This Book 4 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁

Why 4 Roars? This is a simple book for younger readers that they can easily understand. It was cute, but I have seen so many counting backwards books for young readers that this one became lost in a sea of plenty. 

Critical Analysis: The illustrations are classic depictions of easily recognizable Halloween images. I like the illustrations but the book lacked anything interesting or unique. 

Connections: Ten Timid Ghosts Read-A-Loud 

Book Review #58

Patrick Picklebottom and the 

Penny Book

Author: Mr. Jay
Illustrator: Gary Wilkinson
Publisher: ‎New Paige Press, 2021
ISBN: 978-1734598049

Reading Level: 3 and up

Main Characters: Patrick Picklebottom and an elderly shop owner.

Plot: A kind shop owner sells Patrick Picklebottom a book for one penny. The book takes him on adventures and helps him find joy in his own imagination. Other friends try to convince Patrick that hi-tech is the way to go, but Patrick finds his own way and experiences the love of physical books.  

Settings: Patrick moves through his neighborhood and ends up in his own bed reading. 

Genre/Theme/Style: Children's Books, Stories in Verse.

I Gave This Book 5 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁

Why 5 Roars? I loved this book! It is a great reminder of how children need to use their imaginations more in life. Children need to be submerged in the total reading experience that printed books offer. 

This book should be in every school library and parents should add it to their young reader's collection! 

“'Would you like to buy this?' asked an elderly man.  'I'd like to,' said Patrick,'but I don't think I can.  I've only one penny, and not one penny more, then he hung his head low, and he turned toward the door.  'As it happens,' replied the kind-hearted gent, 'This book only costs a single red cent.'”
~~ Patrick Picklebottom and the Penny Book

What a great mental image the author created with the above verse. The vivid idea of the older generation helping the younger generation, and one book lover passing the torch to the next book lover. It is a powerful vision we can all embrace.

Patrick Picklebottom is a Bookworm in the making! You go Patrick Picklebottom!

Critical Analysis: The topic of physical children's books verses ebooks or hi-tech children's entertainment is a difficult one. While, I believe they both have a place in children's lives, I do not think one can replace the other. There is simply no substitute for physical books in children's lives.    

“People prefer to read physical books because they offer something more tangible and grounded. There’s something that can feel more 'permanent' about real books over digital formats.” ~~Dr. Elena Touroni. 

I would also add that in a world full of passing novelties, the physical book not only grounds us, but makes us feel safe and offers a touch of stability in difficult times.

The author tackles this subject with grace and ease. He gives us a book that is a great way to encourage the love of reading for both young and old. 

Connections: Children's ebooks vs print.

Book Review #57

 The Little Mushroom

Author: Alexandra Arola
Publisher: Alexandra Arola, 2020
ISBN: ‎978-1735691107

Reading Level: 3-7 years

Main Characters: The Little Mushroom

Plot: The Little Mushroom tries to make friends with the forest animals.

Settings: A forest by a lake.

Genre/Theme/Style: Children's Books, Woodland Animals, Mushrooms, Fungi. 

I Gave This Book 4 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁

Why 4 Roars? The story is simple but a great way for kids to connect to nature. The question that came to mind was, Why is the mushroom trying to make friends with the animals instead of other mushrooms?   

Critical Analysis: The book is full of great illustrations. The illustrations portray a beautiful Fall afternoon by a lake. The art work is lovely and who doesn't love a little mushroom? 

There is also a Finnish edition of the book titled, Pieni Sieni. 

Connections: Fungi for Kids

Book Review #56

 The Good, The Bad, and The Spooky!

Author: Jory John
Illustrator: Pete Oswald
Publisher: HarperCollins, 2021
ISBN: 978-0062954541
Reading Level: 4-8 years

Main Characters: The Bad Seed

Plot: A sunflower seed in a bad mood cannot find a Halloween costume that he likes. He tries to convince everyone that Halloween has to be delayed.  

Settings: Halloween in Bad Seed's neighborhood 

Genre/Theme/Style: Children's Humor, Halloween, Costumes, Trick-or-Treating  

I Gave This Book 4 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁

Why 4 Roars? The book is fun and silly and kids will want to read it, but I thought it was a little too long for younger readers. 

Critical Analysis: Readers will enjoy the positive messages of not stressing over things that should be fun. It's not your costume that counts, but how much you enjoy the holiday. 

Kids will relate to the idea of not having to compete with other people to enjoy themselves and the whimsical humor makes it appealing.

 

"The text cultivates emotion in the botanical protagonist, while the digital illustrations are seeded with funny facial expressions—now with bonus jack-o’-lanterns 

and silly costumes." 

~~ Horn Book Magazine

Connections: Easy Halloween Costume Ideas from Michaels

Meet Me at the Library!

Book Review #55

 Ruby Red 

Author: Kerstin Gier
Publisher: Macmillan Audio, 2011 (Audiobook)
ASIN: B0062QRSL0
Narrator: Marisa Calin

Reading Level: 12 to 18 years

Main Characters: Gwyneth Shepherd, her cousin Charlotte, fellow time traveler Gideon, Leslie, Gwyneth’s best friend, and Gwyneth’s Mother.

Plot: Gwyneth unexpectedly inherits the time travel gene instead of her cousin Charlotte. Gwyneth was not prepared for the job. She finds herself unsure of who she can trust in the mist of conspiracy theories, and secret societies.

Settings: London, but the settings change as they move through time.

Genre/Theme/Style: Time Travel, Historical Fiction, Young Adult Fantasy 

I Gave This Book 4 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁

Why 4 Roars? I gave this book 4 roars only because it is not really a stand alone book. It does not have much of an ending. The reader will need to read the other books in the trilogy. However, the entire trilogy is worth reading. If you read it as a stand alone, it will be disappointing.

Critical Analysis: It was great as an audio book series. I liked the English accent of the narrator and moved through it quickly. 

I enjoyed the characters and became attached to them. Murder, mystery, secret societies, and well developed relationships make trilogy a worth while selection. 

   

“As she narrates this fast-paced puzzler, Gwen convincingly conveys the bewilderment, fear and excitement of a teen rooted in the present but catapulted from her school-girl routine into the past. Bell's deft translation captures an engaging heroine with a cell phone and a sense of humor, an emerging romance and a complex, unresolved time-travel mystery spanning four centuries.” 

~~Kirkus Reviews

The book was originally translated from German. I like the idea of reading books by authors from all over the world. It gives the read a wider scope and perspective.    

“Exciting fantasy with lots of wordplay and a pinch of romance. Now the impatient waiting for Volume Two will start.”

~~Westfälische Nachrichten

Connections: The other books in this trilogy are Sapphire Blue (The Ruby Red Trilogy, 2) and Emerald Green (The Ruby Red Trilogy, 3).

Book Review #54

The Pigeon Has to Go to School!

Author: Mo Williams
Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children, 2019

ISBN: 978-1368046459
Reading Level: 3 to 5 years
Main Characters: Pigeon 

Plot: Pigeon is back and has to go to school. In typical Pigeon fashion, he is concerned that his head will pop off if he learns too much. Besides, Pigeon already knows everything! And "reading can be hard with one big eye."

Settings: Bright colored, mostly bare, pages that focus the attention on Pigeon.

Genre/Theme/Style: Children's Humor, Picture Books. 
 
I Gave This Book 5 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁

Why 5 Roars? Because who doesn't love Pigeon? And his enthusiasm about school buses cracks me up. It is hard not to see a little bit of Pigeon in all of us from time to time. 

Critical Analysis: The book is lighthearted and fun. Kids can related to Pigeon's fears and anxieties about going to school. 

“Yes, the Pigeon has to go to school, and so do readers, and this book will surely 

ease the way."

~~ Kirkus Reviews

Illustrations: Williams uses subtle cues in his illustrations to add to the story. Pigeon becomes smaller in size when he admits that he is scared. These types of additions to the illustrations keep the momentum of the story in line with classical Mo Williams storytelling style. 

Connections: Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus. by Mo Williams

This book is great for all those little lion cubs starting school! 

Have fun and stay safe!

Book Review #53

 The Okay Witch  

Author: Emma Steinkellner 

Publisher: Aladdin, 2019

ISBN: 978-1534431454 

Reading Level: 8 to 12 years 

Setting: Founder’s Bluff, Massachusetts

Genre/Theme/Style: Graphic Novel, Children's Fantasy

I Gave This Book 3 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁

Why 3 Roars? I wanted to love this book. I thought this graphic novel would be a great selection for young fantasy readers. 

Unfortunally, it was just way too predictable. There was nothing new or interesting to be found. I lost interest quickly and thought it piggybacked off of significantly better stories.

I went back and looked at books like Little Witch by Anna Elizabeth Bennett, Kiki's Delivery Service by Eiko Kadono, and Dorrie & the Weather-Box by Patricia Coombs, all offering something considerably more original, in my opinion.

“Moth befriends a sassy talking cat, a magical diary transports her to another dimension and she takes the awkward first steps toward learning to fly. Steinkellner 

hits all the checkpoints of

witchcraft-as-coming-of-age-metaphor.”

~~ Jen Wang

Critical Analysis: The story subtly implies that witch hunts were carried out, because witches were not of European decent. The settlers of Founder’s Bluff are represented as white European colonists, but the witches appear to be from many different backgrounds.

This is misleading for young readers and not an accurate portrayal of the history of witch hunts in America. A young reader could be easily mislead into believing that American witch hunts were directed at persons of color. However, it was more correctly considered to be the struggle of the Catholic and Protestant churches, attempting to cleanse their own flock of heresy.

Illustrations: The illustrations are lovely but tell an underlying story that is misleading for young readers with no understanding of American history, which sadly is not "Ok." 

Connections:

“The Salem witch trials and executions came about as the result of a combination of church politics, family feuds, and hysterical children, all of which unfolded in a vacuum of political authority (Wallenfeldt, 2021).”

Work Cited:
Wallenfeldt, J. (2021). Salem witch trials. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/event/Salem-witch-trials. 

Book Review # 52

 Carol and the Pickle Toad

Author: Esmé Shapiro

Publisher: Tundra Books, 2021

ISBN: 978-0735263987
Reading Level: 5 and up

Main Characters: Carol and her bossy, Toad Hat.

Plot: Carol has an unusual, bossy, Toad Hat that tells her what to do. When the Toad Hat is carried off by a pigeon, she replaces it with a pickle- toad hat. That is also carried off by a pigeon. With no hat, she eats what she likes, draws what she likes, and finds her inner voice. 

Settings: A city of unique characters.

Genre/Theme/Style: Children's Picture Books, Humor, Self-esteem, Inner Voice, Freedom of Choice, Individuality.

I Gave This Book 5 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁

Why 5 Roars? Carol finds her unique inner voice and the freedom to choose what she likes. This is a great self-discovery books for young readers. Learning to value your own ideas and talents is a great step in growing wiser. 

Critical Analysis:

It is a quirky little story that keeps kids interested and teaches at the same time. Entertainment and education in a funny way is always a great addition to any library.

“This luxuriant, chapeau-centric appreciation of city living exudes a free-wheeling

spirit of its own.”

~~ Kirkus Reviews

“Alternately funny and sweetly edifying. . . . [C]onveys a meaningful message of quieting inner critics and approaching the world, and oneself, with kindness.”

~~ Booklist

Illustrations:

The illustrations are one of the main attractions of the book. They are light hearted, fun, and create plenty of diversity throughout the city background.   

“With visual abundance and plenty of silliness, Shapiro’s gentle tale compassionately follows Carol as she learns that she can eat what she wishes, make art, and speak courageously, all on her own.”

~~ Publishers Weekly

Connections:

Carol and the Pickle Toad

Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July

 

Book Review #51

 Made For Me

Author: Zach Bush
Illustrator: Gregorio De Lauretis

Publisher: Familius, 2019

ISBN:‎ 978-1641702003

Reading Level: 3 to 5 Years

Main Characters: A father and his child

Plot: A father explains why is child is special. 

Settings: The home of the father and child. 

Genre/Theme/Style: Fatherhood, Father's Day, Parenting, New Father, Board Book

I Gave This Book 5 Roars!🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁

Why 5 Roars? This is such a sweet book! It teaches about the love of a father for his child. The father in the illustrations is shown as a big guy and the baby is so tiny. Even so, the father is completely enthralled with his new baby.   

Critical Analysis:

The book is a great example of how love knows no boundaries. A very manly, man is depicted as being overjoyed with his child. His concern for his child is all that seems to matter to this father. There is also a version of this book in Spanish. 

"A giant hulk of a man describes his emotions as his child captures his heart. "On the day you were born, I beamed with pride. / My eyes filled with tears. I joyfully cried. / From the moment I saw you and called out your name, / the world as I knew it was never the same." The rest of the book proceeds to demonstrate just how thoroughly this tot has their father wrapped around their finger and shows the dad lovingly caring for his growing child's every need: bottles, diapers, soothing, tickling, feeding, bathing, playing, reading, and exploring the world. While the rhyme and rhythm aren't always spot-on and one illustration depicts a crib instead of the cradle referred to in the text, there is no denying the appeal of this father-child pair, as their bond is more than apparent. The dichotomy between the tiny redheaded tot and the giant lumberjack-look-alike dad—red plaid shirt, blue jeans, full red beard and mustache, and tiny head perched atop a round body with tree-trunk forearms—both white, adds to the sweet sentimentality (sometimes slipping into saccharine) of this book. While young children may relish the opportunity to use this as a springboard for hearing about their own babyhoods with their dads, new fathers are just as likely an audience, the sweet refrain—"Of all the children that ever could be, / you are the one made just for me"—tugging at heartstrings. 

New dads will eat this up.

~~ Kirkus Reviews

Illustrations: The illustrations are a big part of what makes this book so interesting.

 

 "This tremendously sweet book will fill every empty space it finds. Love and a sense of belonging flow on every rhythmic word like a cool brook satisfies on a warm summer day. Illustrations by De Lauretis bring this loving father's heart into full vivid view. It's simply delightful. The stamp on the inside cover is a very special touch."

~~ Midwest Book Review

Connections:

Father's Day Ideas to Make

Happy Father's Day!

Book Review #50

"Britannica All New Kids' Encyclopedia: What We Know & What We Don't" 

Author: Christopher Lloyd
ISBN: 978-1912920488

Reading Level: 8 to 12 years

Publisher: Britannica Books, 2020

Genre/Theme/Style: Children’s Non-fiction, Kid's Encyclopedia 

Topic: Reference Information for Children

I Gave This Book 4 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁

Why 4 Roars? The book has a lot of pictures and interesting information for children that appreciate non-fiction. I realize that many kids might not enjoy an encyclopedia format.  However, the reader might not notice, because in this case, it reads as a picture book with facts. 

Critical Analysis: I do not typically consider encyclopedias for review, but this one struck me as something a kid might really enjoy and not recognize as an encyclopedia.   

Accuracy: The information is up-to-date and accurate. It was edited by over 70 world experts. 

"Well-illustrated and info-packed, this is a wonderful encyclopedia for the curious kids in all our lives." ~ Mary Pope Osborne

Organization: It is a single-volume encyclopedia that is arranged from the beginning of time to present day. Which is another reason it does not feel like an A-Z traditional encyclopedia. 

"This exciting single-volume compendium ranges across time and space, and it's packed with pictures." ~ Meghan Cox Gurdon, The Wall Street Journal

Design: The design is non-traditional. It uses photography, text, illustrations, and infographics to help children learn.  

"A refreshing transparency distinguishes Britannica’s All New Kids’ Encyclopedia, from the ultrasmart subtitle to the mini profiles of its experts. Visually driven, with factoids, lists, infographics, even quizzes." - The New York Times, Holiday Gift Guide 2020

Connections: Video by Britannica 

Book Review #49

 How To Train Your Turkey! 

Author: V. Moua
Publisher: Independently published, 2021
ISBN: 13 : 979-8716944688

Reading Ages: Beginning Readers

Genre/Theme/Style: Children's Picture Books, Beginning Reader, Pets, Humor

Main Characters: Sammy, the little red bird, and Turkey

Plot: Sammy is excited to teach Turkey Training 101. Sammy is working on training his turkey who happens to be named, you guessed it...Turkey! He is still working with Turkey on basics like sitting, shaking wings, and fetching. 

Settings: A classroom and a backyard with Turkey's house that resembles an ordinary dog house.

I Gave This Book 5 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁

Critical Analysis: The story is fun and simple for young readers to understand and enjoy. Finding beginning readers can be difficult and this story is humorous and a great way to introduce the love of reading to little ones. It should be in more children's libraries. 

Why 5 Roars? This is a quirky little independently published story for young readers. Supporting independent publishers and authors is an important part of recognizing new and talented authors. 

The real question is, why aren't more publishers considering new authors?   

Connections: This story is part of the Sammy Bird Series for young readers. 

You can find more books like this one at https://vmoua.com/books/ along with free coloring sheets featuring Sammy Bird. 

Poetry Friday!

Check Out:

Irene at Live Your Poem

Poetry Friday!

Check Out:  

Bridget at wee words for wee ones

and her Storytime Audio – Career Day!

Book Review #48

 What Not To Give Your Mom On Mother's Day

Author: Martha Simpson
Illustrator: Jana Christy
Publisher: Two Lions, 2013
ISBN: 978-1477816479
Reading Level: 3 to 6 years 

Main Characters: A little boy and his Mother

Plot: A little boy discusses what NOT to give your mother for Mother's Day. 

Genre/Theme/Style: Children's Picture Book

I Gave This Book 5 Roars!🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁

Why 5 Roars? This is such a sweet book! The little boy in the story is helping the reader out by making sure you know what not to give your Mother for Mother's Day. 

Critical Analysis: The little boy gives the reader great advice on what not to give your Mom for presents on her special day. No mud puddles, sticks, worms, or rotting logs! He finds the perfect gift for her, "a big hug and a kiss." It is funny and very touching story for Moms with young sons. 

Illustrations: The illustrations are bright an colorful. 

Connections: This would make the perfect gift for Mother's Day for those Moms with young sons. 

Happy Mother's Day!