Book Review #127

 Moondog

Author: Alice Hoffman
Illustrator: Yumi Heo

Publisher: Scholastic Press
ISBN: 978-0439598545
Reading Level: Early Elementary

Main Character: Angel (the “were-puppy”), along with Michael and Hazel

Plot: Michael and Hazel find a puppy left on their porch and decide to keep him, naming him Angel. At first, everything feels normal until the moon comes out. 

Settings: A cozy home and neighborhood.

Genre/Theme/Style: Children’s picture book, light fantasy, responsibility, and the unexpected.

I Gave This Book 4 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁

Why 4 Roars? This book leans into that slightly strange, slightly fun feeling kids get around Halloween. It doesn’t try to be scary; it plays right on the edge of it. 

The illustrations carry a lot of the mood. They make the nighttime scenes feel active but not overwhelming. Kids who like animals and a little bit of mystery will stick with it.

It’s not a loud, high-energy story. It’s quieter and a bit odd in a good way, but that also means it won’t land the same for every reader.

Critical Analysis: It starts off typical, just kids and a puppy, then slowly introduces something unusual. That transition is handled without a big explanation, which fits the tone.

The story doesn’t spell everything out. Instead of explaining the rules, it lets the situation sit there. That can be a strength because it leaves room for imagination, but it can also leave some kids with questions.

It’s less about the creature itself and more about how the kids respond to it. 

Connections: Even though Moondog is a children’s book, it fits into the same kind of storytelling world that Practical Magic 2 is part of. The new movie is expected in theaters September 18, 2026.

In Practical Magic 2, it’s a family dealing with a long-standing curse and hidden powers.
In Moondog, it’s a puppy that changes under the moon.

With Hoffman’s style, kids get the lighter version: a strange situation that doesn’t turn dark, just different. 

So if the movie brings attention back to her works, this book fits right in, just in a simpler form. 

"Tooth of wolf and morning dew/something old and something new."

Book Review #126

Tap Tap Boom Boom (A Rhyming Rainy Day Read-Aloud for Toddlers and Preschoolers) 

Author: Elizabeth Bluemle

Illustrator: G. Brian Karas

Publisher: Candlewick Press
ISBN: 978-0763681357
Reading Level: Toddler/Preschool

Main Character:

A group of city people caught in a storm.

Plot:
A storm starts to roll into a busy city; it goes tap, tap, then boom, boom. As the rain picks up, people rush to get out of it. Strangers end up packed together inside a small diner, shoulder to shoulder. People begin to relax, notice each other, and share the space. 

Settings:
A city street during a thunderstorm, then a cozy diner filled with people waiting out the rain.

Genre/Theme/Style:
Children’s picture book, rhythmic, chant-style rhyme, community, shared experience, and unexpected situations.

I Gave This Book 5 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁

Why 5 Roars? I think this one stands out because of how it sounds when you read it out loud. It drives the whole story. 

The setting does a lot of the work. A bunch of strangers squeezed into one place could feel strange and uncomfortable, but here it turns warm and even a little funny. 

Younger kids will enjoy the sounds and movement, while adults will notice the way it quietly shows people coming together.

My one real critique is you don't need to put everything in the name of a book. (A Rhyming Rainy Day Read-Aloud for Toddlers and Preschoolers) This part of the name is unnecessary. We get it! LOL 😒

Critical Analysis: The book leans heavily on rhythm and repetition. It gives the story a steady pace and makes it easy for kids to anticipate what’s coming next.

What really works is the change in mood. The storm brings people together instead of staying tense. There’s no big speech about kindness, just small interactions that show it.

It doesn’t explain much about storms or weather, so it’s not trying to teach in a direct way. Its focus is more on experience than information. It is a nice way to spend a rainy day. 

Connections: This book pairs well with lessons about weather, but it fits even better with conversations about community and shared spaces. It shows how people react when plans change.

It really works well as a read-aloud during rainy days. It matches the mood without making it gloomy and is uplifting in a strange way. 

Book Review #125

The Wonder of Thunder 

Author: Sharon Purtill
Illustrator: Tamara Piper
Publisher: Self-published
ISBN: 979-8489566070 (paperback)
Reading Level: Preschool

Main Character: Sally Storm

Plot: The story follows Sally Storm, a cheerful and energetic storm, who floats across the sky explaining what she does and why she is not something to worry about. 

Settings: The sky during a thunderstorm.

Genre/Theme/Style: Children’s picture book, rhyming text, educational fiction, overcoming fear, understanding nature, and curiosity about weather

I Gave This Book 4 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁

Why 4 Roars? This book does something very practical; it takes a real childhood fear and softens it without dismissing it. Sally Storm is written in a way that feels friendly rather than overwhelming. It works especially well for younger children who need reassurance.

The concept carries the book more than the depth. It stays simple, which is appropriate for the age, but older kids may move through it quickly without much challenge. It is a great read for rainy seasons. 

Critical Analysis: Instead of saying “don’t be afraid,” it replaces fear with an attempt at understanding. Children are not told their fear is wrong; they are given a new way to interpret what they experience.

The use of personification (turning the storm into Sally) is effective. The added facts at the end extend learning beyond the story, which makes it useful in both home and classroom settings.

One limitation is that the science remains very simple. It opens the door, but it does not go far into explanation, which means it works best as a starting point, not a complete lesson.

Connections: This book connects to early science learning, especially basic weather units. It also ties into helping children process fear through storytelling. Teachers could easily pair it with simple experiments about rain or discussions about what causes thunder. 

National Certified Nurses Day

Celebrating Nurses  🩺

On March 19th, we are celebrating National Certified Nurses Day. This special day honors nurses who work hard every day to help people stay healthy and feel better when they are sick.

Nurses are helpers, problem-solvers, and caregivers. They work in hospitals, schools, clinics, and many other places. Nurses use their knowledge, compassion, and courage to take care of patients and support families during difficult times.

Just like readers learn new things from books, nurses are always learning too. They study, practice important skills, and continue reading and training throughout their careers so they can provide the best care possible.

Books about nurses can help young readers discover how important this career is and how helping others can make a big difference in the world.

So from Read’em & Roar!, we say thank you to all the certified nurses who care for other people.

And remember, reading today might inspire the nurse of tomorrow! 🦁

Book Review # 124

The Ultimate Nursing Handbook for Kids

Author: Melanie Keepers
Publisher: Independently Published
ISBN: 979-8316971305 
Reading Level: Ages 8–12

The book introduces young readers to the world of nursing. It explains what nurses do each day, the different kinds of nurses, and the important skills needed to care for patients. 

Settings: Hospitals, clinics, healthcare centers, and other places where nurses care for patients.

Genre/Theme/Style: Nonfiction, educational, careers, community helpers, healthcare.

I Gave This Book 3 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁

Why 3 Roars? This book is engaging for older readers who want to learn how nurses help people every day. Unfortunately, it does not have pictures. It is written for pre-teen readers, but I would have liked to see some type of artwork. 

Critical Analysis: The book introduces healthcare careers to young readers. It highlights the knowledge, compassion, and dedication required to work in nursing while making the subject approachable for children. 

Connections: National Certified Nurses Day reminds us to appreciate the nurses who dedicate their lives to caring for others. 

🎉 National Bubble Wrap Day!

Let's Pop!

Yes, this is a real day, and yes, it absolutely deserves celebrating! I mean, why not?! 

(The kids will thank you.)

National Bubble Wrap Day is a joyful reminder that sometimes the simplest things bring the biggest smiles. That soft crackle-pop sound? It’s practically universal. Kids love it. Adults secretly love it. Scientists even agree it can reduce stress and engage the senses in calming ways.

Why Bubble Wrap Is a Big Deal (Especially for Kids)

Bubble wrap isn’t just packaging... it’s a sensory experience.

• Touch: The raised bubbles invite squeezing, pressing, and popping

• Sound: Each pop delivers instant cause-and-effect feedback

• Focus: Repetitive popping can help kids regulate energy and attention

• Fine motor skills: Pinching and pressing strengthen small muscles

A Cold-Weather Connection ❄️

Bubble wrap also pairs beautifully with winter and weather learning:

• Talk about how air gets trapped inside bubbles (hello, insulation!)

• Compare bubble wrap to winter coats or animal fur that trap warm air

• Use it during cold-weather units as a tactile way to explain heat retention

Easy Bubble Wrap Activities 

• Bubble Wrap Painting: Paint + popping = art therapy

• Freeze the Wrap: Put bubble wrap outside or in the freezer and compare textures

• Pop Patterns: Can you pop every other bubble? What shape appears?

• Quiet Challenge: Can you not pop it? (Harder than it sounds.)

Why We Love This Day

National Bubble Wrap Day gives us permission to:

• Celebrate play

• Embrace sensory learning

• Laugh at something delightfully ordinary

And honestly? In a world that can feel heavy, popping a few bubbles feels like a small, satisfying win.  So go ahead, Let's pop! 

🫧 Pop Till You Drop

Pop goes the bubble—

soft, then loud,

a tiny thunder

wrapped in cloud.

Press with a finger,

press with a thumb,

here comes a pop—

then another one.

Air trapped inside,

then—pow!—it’s gone,

science and silliness

rolling as one.

So pop till you giggle,

pop till you plop,

pop every bubble—

then…

pop till you drop!

Book Review #123

 Wolf In The Snow

Author: Matthew Cordell
Illustrator: Matthew Cordell
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
ISBN: 978-1250115572
Reading Level: Grades K–3 (visual literacy)

Main Character:
A young child and a lost wolf pup, neither named, whose parallel journeys unfold during a winter snowstorm.

Plot: Wolf in the Snow is a wordless picture book. It tells a clear and powerful story about survival in cold weather. A child becomes separated from her family during a snowstorm, while a wolf pup is separated from its pack. As the storm intensifies, the child helps the pup find its family, only to be rescued moments later by the wolf pack when the child collapses from cold and exhaustion. The story ends with both reunited with their families.

Settings: The entire book takes place in a snow-covered forest during an active winter storm. The environment itself functions as a force in the story, shaping movement, visibility, temperature, and survival.

Genre/Theme/Style: Wordless Picture Book, Weather & Environmental Science & Winter Survival.

The illustration style uses stark contrasts, limited color, and motion lines to communicate snowfall, wind, cold, and urgency. Scientific ideas are conveyed visually rather than verbally.

I Gave This Book 5 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁

Why 5 Roars?  This book teaches cold-weather science without ever explaining it outright. Children see how snow reduces visibility, how cold exhausts the body, and how animals are adapted to survive winter conditions. The lack of text invites observation, inference, and discussion. (Caldecott Medal Winner)  

Critical Analysis:
Wolf in the Snow is an outstanding example of visual science literacy. It illustrates real winter weather conditions, snow accumulation, wind chill, isolation, and exposure through cause-and-effect visual storytelling.  The contrast between the child’s vulnerability and the wolves’ adaptation subtly introduces biological and environmental concepts.

Because the book is wordless, readers must actively interpret what is happening, making it especially effective for developing scientific thinking and observation skills.  The illustration style uses stark contrasts, limited color, and motion lines to communicate snowfall, wind, cold, and urgency. Scientific ideas are conveyed visually rather than verbally.

Connections: Great for lessons on winter weather, animal adaptations, and survival in cold environments. It works well alongside nonfiction titles about snowstorms, hibernation, or Arctic animals. It is also ideal for library programming, guided discussions, and inquiry-based learning, where students are asked to explain what the weather is doing and how it affects living things. 

Book Review #122

 

The Story of Snow: The Science of Winter's Wonder ❄️

Author: Mark Cassino
Illustrator: Jon Nelson
Publisher: Chronicle Books
ISBN: 978-0811859719
Reading Level: Grades K–4 (accessible for younger readers; interesting enough for upper elementary)

Main Character: Nonfiction book. Instead, snow itself takes center stage as the subject of exploration.

Plot: The Story of Snow explains how snow forms, why snowflakes are unique, and what makes winter weather cold. The book walks readers through the science of snow in clear, child-friendly language, beginning with clouds and water vapor and moving all the way to individual snowflakes landing on the ground. Real snowflake photographs taken through a microscope help children see details they might never notice on their own.

Settings: The setting shifts between the atmosphere, winter landscapes, and close-up microscopic views of snowflakes, helping readers understand cold weather on both a large and tiny scale.

Genre/Theme/Style: Nonfiction, weather & Earth science, & winter. 

I Gave This Book 5 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁

Why 5 Roars?  This book excels at making cold-weather science understandable and fascinating for children. The real snowflake photography sets it apart from many weather books and reinforces the idea that science involves observation, patience, and curiosity. 

It invites kids to look more closely at the natural world instead of just reading about it.  The style blends factual explanation with wonder. Scientific vocabulary is introduced, supported by photographs and diagrams rather than overwhelming text.

Critical Analysis: The Story of Snow is an excellent example of high-quality children’s nonfiction. It helps young readers by presenting accurate science. The pacing allows children to absorb information in small sections, and the visuals do important instructional work rather than serving as decoration. This book is especially effective for introducing basic meteorology concepts such as precipitation, freezing temperatures, and crystal formation.

Connections: This book is great for classroom weather units, winter science lessons, or library programming focused on cold weather. It also connects naturally to hands-on activities such as observing snowflakes, tracking winter temperatures, or discussing how weather changes across seasons.

A New Year, A New Story!

OpenAI. (2025). AI-generated illustration reading in winter [Digital illustration]. DALL·E.

As the new year begins, libraries are full of quiet excitement and new possibilities. Shelves are ready with fresh stories, cozy corners invite curious readers, and every book is waiting to be opened for the first time this year.

Reading in the new year is like setting out on an adventure. One book can take you to a snowy mountain, another to outer space, and another to a place that feels a lot like home. Libraries make it easy to explore all of it. You do not have to know exactly what you are looking for. You just have to start and see where it leads.

The new year is a great time to try something new as a reader. You might choose a longer book, discover a new author, or pick a story about a topic you have never explored before. Libraries are safe places to experiment, wonder, and grow. Every visit is a chance to find a story that surprises you.

Libraries are also places where reading becomes a habit, not a chore. You can set a simple goal for the year, like reading a little each day or finishing one book each week. There is no rush and no pressure. Reading is not about speed. It is about enjoyment, imagination, and learning something new along the way.

As the year unfolds, the library is always there. On quiet days. On curious days. On days when you need a good laugh or a gentle story before bedtime. A new year brings new pages, and the library is the perfect place to begin turning them.

Find out what's new at your 

local library!

Book Review #121

Shanté Keys and the New Year’s Peas

Author: Gail Piernas-Davenport
Illustrator: Marjorie Priceman
Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company
ISBN: 9780807509282

Genre: Fiction / Cultural Picture Book

Topic: New Year traditions, family, hope, and cultural heritage through the story of a girl learning about good luck foods for the new year.

Main Character: Shanté is a curious, thoughtful young girl who loves learning about her family and the traditions that matter to them. As New Year’s Day approaches, she wants to understand why her family eats black-eyed peas and what the tradition means.

Plot: As she watches the traditions unfold, Shanté becomes curious about why her family eats black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day. Her questions lead to conversations with family members who explain the meaning behind the custom and the hope it represents for the year ahead.

Settings: The story is set primarily in Shanté’s home during the days surrounding New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

I Gave This Book 4 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁

Why 4 Roars? This book captures the feeling of standing on the edge of a new year with curiosity and hope. It introduces children to a meaningful cultural tradition while keeping the story warm, accessible, and relatable. Kids see themselves in Shanté’s excitement, questions, and desire for good things to come. However, be prepared for some children to dislike peas! 

Critical Analysis: Gail Piernas-Davenport weaves cultural learning into an engaging narrative rather than presenting it as a lesson. Shanté’s journey to understand why her family eats black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day unfolds naturally through conversation, family interaction, and anticipation. The style is warm, conversational, and joyful. The language is accessible for young readers while still rich enough to support read-aloud sessions and classroom discussion.

Marjorie Priceman’s illustrations are energetic and expressive, filled with motion, color, and emotion. The artwork reflects the excitement of New Year’s Eve and the warmth of family traditions, helping young readers feel the celebration rather than simply observe it.

Accuracy: The book accurately reflects the Southern tradition of eating black-eyed peas for good luck in the new year. Cultural elements are presented respectfully and clearly. The story follows a clear, linear progression from curiosity to understanding. Shanté’s questions guide the narrative, making it easy for young readers to follow along while building anticipation for New Year’s Day.

Connections: This book works especially well for January story times and early-year classroom themes such as new beginnings and family traditions.

Possible activities include:
• sharing family New Year traditions
• creating a “hope for the new year” drawing
• exploring foods associated with celebrations
• discussing how different cultures welcome a new year

Happy New Year!

OpenAI. (2025). AI-generated illustration,  New Year [Image]. DALL·E.

Book Review #120

 Balloons Over Broadway: The Inspiring True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Author: Melissa Sweet

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children

ISBN: 9780547199450

Genre:

Biography / Informational Non-Fiction

Topic:

The life and inventive work of Tony Sarg, the puppeteer who created the giant Macy’s parade balloons.

I Gave This Book 5 Roars!🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁 

Why 5 Roars?

It brings history to life with joy, color, and creativity. Kids not only learn about the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, but they also get to see how one person’s imagination and persistence can spark a beloved American tradition. The artwork is dynamic, detailed, and fun to explore.

Critical Analysis:

Melissa Sweet blends biography with art in a way that feels fresh and inviting. Her mixed-media illustrations, collages, watercolors, sketches, and newspaper clippings mirror Tony Sarg’s inventive spirit. 

Each page introduces a small step in Sarg’s journey, from his childhood curiosity about how things work to his later experiments with marionettes and float designs. 

Accuracy:

The book is well-researched and grounded in factual historical content about Tony Sarg, Macy’s, parade development, and early balloon engineering. Sweet includes archival materials and author notes that clarify sources and confirm the accuracy of events and design details.

Organization:

The story unfolds chronologically, following Sarg from curious child to accomplished puppeteer. The clean structure helps young readers understand how his ideas grew over time. Bonus endnotes and visual extras extend learning without overwhelming the main narrative.

Design:

The layout is lively and engaging. Sweet uses layered images, colorful typography, and interactive elements that draw the eye across the page. The artistic choices echo Sarg’s own playful style, making the book feel like a visual celebration.

Style:

Friendly, upbeat, and imaginative. Sweet writes with a tone that invites curiosity and wonder, balancing information with charm.

Awards:

• Sibert Medal Winner

• Orbis Pictus Honor Book

• NCTE Notable Children’s Book

• Multiple starred reviews

Connections:

This book pairs beautifully with November lessons on Thanksgiving, parades, American traditions, invention, and STEAM concepts. 

It can lead to classroom or library activities such as:

• designing your own parade balloon

• exploring simple puppetry

• learning about engineering challenges

• discussing how traditions evolve over time

Book Review #119

Thank You, Omu!

Author: Oge Mora
Illustrator: Oge Mora
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
ISBN: 9780316431248
Reading Level: Ages 4–8

Main Character:
Omu, a kind woman whose delicious stew draws her neighbors to her door.

Plot:
Omu makes a pot of thick stew. The smell drifts through her community, and one by one, neighbors come knocking. She generously shares a portion with each visitor until the pot is empty. When dinner time arrives and Omu has nothing left for herself, the neighbors return, this time bringing food for her.

Settings:
A lively urban neighborhood filled with people who look out for one another.

Genre/Theme/Style:
Realistic fiction celebrating gratitude, generosity, community, and the joy of giving.

I Gave This Book 4 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁

Why 4 Roars?
It is a great November story. Kids see kindness in action, feel the warmth of community sharing, and learn that giving often circles back in unexpected ways. The collage-style artwork brings the scenes to life with texture and color that feels comforting and rich.

Critical Analysis:
Mora’s storytelling is gentle and rhythmic, making it easy for young readers to follow. The repetition of neighbors arriving at the door builds anticipation, while the final act of gratitude teaches kindness. Her collage illustrations, layered paper, paint, and patterns to create a vibrant visual world that mirrors the book’s theme of gathering and togetherness.

Connections:
This book pairs well with November lessons on gratitude and thankfulness. It can lead to classroom or library discussions about helping others, sharing what we have, and noticing the kindness in our own communities. Children can create their own “acts of kindness” lists, write thank-you notes, or even design collages inspired by the artwork.

Halloween Poem

🎃 A Halloween Reading Poem

In a pumpkin patch of stories,

Where the moon glows soft and bright,

Books turn into broomsticks

And words lift off in flight.

Witches read their black cookbooks.

Ghosts whisper tales of fun,

Cats curl up with chapter books

Till the night is almost done.

So grab a book this Halloween—

Let your imagination zoom!

Because the best kind of magic

Always starts inside a reading room. ✨

Book Review #118

 The Little Broomstick

Author: Mary Stewart
Publisher: Hodder Children’s Books
Publication Date: April 5, 2018
ISBN-13: 978-1444940190
Reading Level: Middle Grade (approx. ages 8–12)

Main Character: Mary Smith, a lonely girl who discovers a magical flower and a broomstick with a mind of its own.

Plot: Mary Smith, bored in the countryside, stumbles across a strange glowing flower called “fly-by-night.” Soon afterward, she finds an old broomstick that magically awakens and sweeps her into the sky. It takes her to Endor College, a school for witches where spells, animals, and strange experiments take place. But the magic is not as charming as it first appears, and Mary must use her courage and her newly found powers to set things right.

Settings: Shady countryside house and garden, Enchanted forest, Endor College for witches (floating, mysterious, and slightly eerie)

Genre/Theme/Style: Fantasy, Magic, Adventure, Courage, Classic British Children’s Literature.

I Gave This Book 4 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁 

Why 4 Roars? 

A magical, broomstick-fueled adventure that feels like an early bridge between The Worst Witch and Harry Potter. Perfect for kids who enjoy longer chapter books, cozy fantasy worlds, and brave young heroes. Not a picture book. It would be best for confident readers who want depth and mystery. (Might be difficult for some readers—slow read.)

Critical Analysis: Mary Stewart blends atmospheric writing with old-school fantasy charm. The story is slower than modern children’s fantasy, but it rewards patient readers with vivid description, strong worldbuilding, and a heroine who grows braver with every chapter. The witches are more unsettling than silly, so this book works well for children who like a little suspense but not horror.

Connections: Pairs well with The Worst Witch (younger readers) or Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (older readers)
Can be used in a Halloween reading unit focused on witches and magic without being too scary.

Tie-in option: the 2017 Studio Ponoc animated film Mary and the Witch’s Flower is based on this book.

Happy Halloween!

Book Review #117

 Essential Succulents: The Beginner's Guide

Note: This is a nonfiction companion pick to go along with Sutton the Succulent Finds a Home, a way for kids and families to take the story one step further by learning to actually grow succulents themselves.

Author: Ken Shelf
Photographer: Rachel Weill
Publisher: Ten Speed Press
Publication Date: November 13, 2018
ISBN: 978-1984856562
Genre: Nonfiction
Topic: Succulent care and design

I Gave This Book 5 Roars!🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁 

Why 5 Roars?

This guide makes succulents simple and approachable for beginners, including older children who are inspired by Sutton’s story and want to try growing their own. The photography is inviting, the instructions are clear, and the projects range from very easy to creative challenges.

Critical Analysis:
Shelf’s writing is straightforward, encouraging even the most hesitant beginner to get started. The strength of this book is how it balances plant care basics (light, soil, irrigation) with creative design projects (terrariums, outdoor water-saving gardens, wreaths). The photography by Rachel Weill adds visual appeal, which makes it easier to follow instructions while also sparking inspiration.

Accuracy:
The book provides practical advice for growing succulents indoors and outdoors, from watering techniques to container tips.

Organization:
The layout is clean and logical: plant-by-plant guides, followed by DIY projects that grow in difficulty.

Design:
Bright photographs and step-by-step layouts make this a hands-on guide rather than just a reference book.

Style:
Accessible, upbeat, and beginner-friendly, perfect for families, classrooms, and anyone who wants to bring a little greenery indoors.

Connections:

• Ideal to pair with Sutton the Succulent Finds a Home in a Classroom Unit: read Sutton’s story, then try growing a real succulent.

• Can be used in science lessons (plant biology, water conservation, adaptation).

• Encourages responsibility and patience in children caring for plants at home.

Reminder for Readers: While Essential Succulents is not written for children, it is best suited for adults ages 18 and up who want to support children in learning about succulents. Parents, grandparents, teachers, and caregivers can use this guide to confidently introduce kids to plant care, creating a hands-on extension of Sutton the Succulent Finds a Home.

Book Review #116

 

Sutton the Succulent Finds a Home

Author: Madison Alexander
Illustrator: Victoria Mikki
Publisher: Little Succulent Press
Publication Date: September 9, 2025
ISBN-13: 979-8218802936
Reading Level: Ages 4–8

Main Character: Sutton, a little succulent with a big heart.

Plot: Sutton longs to find where she belongs. Along her journey, she discovers that being different doesn’t mean she doesn’t fit in; it means she has her own special place to grow.

Settings: The different places Sutton tries to grow before discovering the perfect home.

Genre/Theme/Style: Picture book / Themes of resilience, confidence, patience, and self-acceptance.

I Gave This Book 5 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁

Why 5 Roars?
The message is timeless yet especially fitting for September, when children are navigating new classrooms and friendships. Sutton’s story provides comfort and courage, reminding readers that their uniqueness is their strength. It also speaks to us about learning to grow wherever you are at in life.

Critical Analysis:
Alexander’s narrative gently affirms the struggles kids feel when they don’t quite fit in. Using a succulent as the central figure is a brilliant metaphor: a plant known for resilience and thriving in surprising conditions. Victoria Mikki’s art enriches the text with expressive illustrations that make Sutton feel alive, tender, and hopeful. The balance of text and imagery ensures accessibility for read-alouds or independent reading.

Excerpt:
"On a warm, golden morning, the wind whisked a lonely leaf through the air and dropped it right into Ruth, the gardener’s blooming flower bed. The leaf wasn’t just any leaf. It was thick and smooth, with a dewy green surface that glistened in the sunlight."

Connections:

• Perfect back-to-school read to foster discussions about differences and belonging.

• Can tie into science lessons about plant diversity and adaptation.

• Pairs well with other picture books on self-acceptance, such as The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson or Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell.