Book Review # 109

 Little House in the Big Woods

Author: Laura Ingalls Wilder
Illustrator: (Original editions were illustrated by Helen Sewell; later editions by Garth Williams)
Publisher: HarperAudio (for Audible); originally Harper & Brothers (1932 print edition)
ISBN: 9780060581800 (print edition); Audible ASIN: B01MT9HFFX 

Reading Level: Ages 8–12

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. 

Season's Readings!

 

A Festive Celebration of Books for Young Readers

The holiday season is upon us, and there’s no better time to curl up with a good book! Whether you're nestled by the fire or enjoying the twinkling lights of a Christmas tree, reading can be the perfect way to add magic to this special time of year. Let’s dive into a world of adventure, joy, and imagination with some fantastic books that kids will love to read this season!

1. Classic Winter Wonders

When the snow starts to fall, what better way to warm up than with a classic winter tale? Books like The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats and Bear Stays Up for Christmas by Karma Wilson are full of cozy moments and snowy adventures. These timeless stories make the season feel extra special, with their heartwarming tales of friendship and festive fun.

2. Laugh-Out-Loud Reads

Laughter is a must during the holiday season, and there are plenty of books that will have kids giggling from start to finish! Try Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Meltdown by Jeff Kinney or The Bad Guys series by Aaron Blabey. These hilarious books feature quirky characters and exciting plots that will keep kids entertained all season long.

3. Festive Picture Books

For younger readers, festive picture books can bring the magic of the season to life with beautiful illustrations and delightful stories. How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss never gets old, and The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg is a perfect pick for getting in the holiday spirit. These stories are not only fun to read, but they also teach valuable lessons about kindness, giving, and the true meaning of the season. 

5. The Spirit of Christmas 
Find the Spirit of Christmas with this great read. Check out The Christmas Blessing by Erin Guendelsberger.

6. Kid-Approved Gifts!

Looking for the perfect gift for a young reader? Books that have the Re-Read Roar Award, Adventure Roar Award, or our 5 Roars Award badges are sure to make any child’s holiday season even brighter. Look for our badges to help find their next favorite book, ensuring hours of reading fun!

Happy reading, and may your holiday season be filled with lots of joy, laughter, and of course, great books!

Book Review #100

 The Wonder of Creation: 100 More Devotions About God and Science

Author: Louie Giglio with Tama Fortner
Illustrator: Nicola Anderson
Publisher: Tommy Nelson
ISBN: 978-1400230464
Reading Level: 3rd-5th Grade

The Wonder of Creation is a collection of 100 devotions about the marvels of God's creation. Each devotion combines scripture, scientific facts, and reflections to help kids see the connection between faith and the natural world.

Genre/Theme/Style:
Non-fiction genre, devotional literature, religion, intersection of faith and science, and creation.

I Gave This Book 5 Roars:🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁

Why 5 Roars?
This book combines faith and science in a way that is both educational and inspiring. The devotions are short and engaging, perfect for young readers, and the illustrations are colorful and captivating. It's a wonderful resource for kids to learn about the natural world.

Critical Analysis:
The Wonder of Creation is great at making complex scientific concepts easier for children while also providing spiritual insights. Some scientific explanations may still require adult assistance for younger readers to fully grasp. The bright illustrations bring these settings to life, helping readers visualize what is being described.

Connections:
This book is a great book to use alongside science and religious education in the classroom or at home. Activities such as nature walks, science experiments, and scripture memorization can enhance the learning experience.

Book Review #99

 

Who Sang the First Song?

Author: Ellie Holcomb

Illustrator: Kayla Harren
Publisher: B&H Kids, 2018
ISBN: ‎978-1462794454
Reading Level: 1-4 years

Genre/Theme/Style: Children's Literature, Non-Fiction, Exploration, Creativity, Origin of Music, Christian Values, and Board Book.

"Did the sun sing a song as it colored the sky?"

~~Who Sang the First Song?

I Gave This Book 5 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁

Why 5 Roars? Who Sang the First Song fascinates young readers with its exploration of inspiration and the origins of music. The poetic narrative and imaginative storytelling earn it five enthusiastic roars. 

It has a style that I really enjoyed, and kids are fascinated with the question the book is asking. Young readers might ask another hundred and one questions after you read it, be prepared!

Critical Analysis: This book is great for young readers that love music. The author's poetic prose and the illustrator’s vivid illustrations create a joyful mood, making it an engaging read for children. The narrative not only entertains but also subtly imparts valuable lessons about the beauty of creativity, self-expression, and answers the question for Christian readers, “Who sang the first song?”

Appeal: This book's appeal lies in its ability to easily blend storytelling with an exploration of music's origins. The language and beautiful illustrations really make it appropriate for a wide age range of ages, in my opinion. Parents, grandparents, and educators will appreciate its musical value and the positive messages it conveys. 

Connections: Who Sang the First Song? Read Along 

Book Review #94

 I Want To Be Spaghetti!

 

Author: Kiera Wright-Ruiz

Illustrator: Claudia Lam

Publisher:‎ Kokila, 2023

ISBN: 978-0593529874

Reading Level: 4 to 8 years

Main Character: A package of Ramin noodles.

Plot: Ramin wants to be Spaghetti. Why does Ramin want to be like Spaghetti? Because Spaghetti is everywhere.

Genre/Theme/Style: Picture Book, Children’s Books, Self-Esteem, Cooking.

I Gave This Book 5 Roars!🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁 

Why 5 Roars? My Ramin wants to be spaghetti?! NO WAY, I say! I love my Ramin! 

A great, subtle message for kids about self-esteem. Kids love it, and it goes great with a big bowl of...you guessed it - Ramin!

Critical Analysis: The ideas are clever and the story has a great message for kids about learning to be yourself. The story revolves around Ramin, who aspires to be Spaghetti, an unconventional desire that sparks kid's curiosity. 

The illustrations are a nice touch. They add to the charm of this book. They enhance its uniqueness and appeal, adding an extra layer of visual engagement that complements the written content.

Connections: This is a great story to read on a Ramin night! Making Ramin with the kids after reading this cute book, makes eating Ramin so much more fun! Making Ramin noodles with kids.

Book Review #91

Coat Of Many Colors

Author: Dolly Parton
Illustrator: Brooke Boynton Hughes
Publisher: Grosset & Dunlap, 2016
ISBN: 978-0451532374
Reading Level: Ages 4-8

Main Character: Dolly - (A young girl inspired by Dolly Parton's own childhood experiences.)

Plot: This is the story of Dolly, a girl growing up in a rural setting. The plot revolves around the special gift her mother creates for her—a coat made from rags of different colors. 

Settings: The story takes place in a small rural community where Dolly and her family reside. This includes the family's home, and Dolly's school.

 

Genre/Theme/Style: Children's Literature, Love, Family, Self-acceptance, Resilience, and Biblical Learning.

I Gave This Book 5 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁

Why 5 Roars? Dolly Parton is such an inspiration! I first loved the song this book was based on and now the children's book. It is a beautiful book that relates to the Biblical story of Joseph and his coat of many colors. 

"Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colors."

~ Genesis 37:3 KJV

Critical Analysis:

Dolly Parton's Coat of Many Colors would be a great addition to any library, as it speaks to multiple generations. It conveys a meaningful message about love, acceptance, and the strength to be oneself.

"Country singer/songwriter Parton has,

 with illustrator Boynton-Hughes, turned her famous song "Coat of Many Colors" into a delightful and evocative picture book. Dolly grew up in rural Tennessee, where love was plentiful but money was scarce. Her mother was given a box of fabric scraps, but with winter coming, Dolly needed a coat. So as the song relates, Dolly's mother pieced together the scraps and made her daughter a "coat of many colors." As she sewed, she told Dolly the Bible story of Joseph's coat of many colors. Of course, Dolly's schoolmates didn't see her coat as special, and they laughed and made fun of her. Parton tells readers that the hurt did not go away until, as an adult, she sat down and wrote this song. This title reminds children that bullying hurts and doesn't help anyone. Boynton-Hughes presents Dolly as a blonde, curly-haired moppet, so happy to be wearing her multihued coat. The bright fall colors give the book vibrancy. The illustrations also depict the love that was abundant in the Parton family." 

 ~Elaine Lesh Morgan, 

School Library Journal

Connections: Dolly Parton's 

Imagination Library

Book Review #89

Bible Verses for Toddlers from 

2-6 years old

Author: Boyana Atwood

Publisher: Highbridge Stories, 2022

ISBN: 979-8885870122

Reading Level: 2-6 years

Genre/Theme/Style: Christian Picture Books, Religious, Bible, God

I Gave This Book 5 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁

Why 5 Roars? This is a great way for little ones to learn scripture.The drawings are meant to spark discussion and boys and girls will easily identify with it.

Critical Analysis: The book is written for parents or grandparents who desire to instill a strong foundation of Biblical knowledge in their young children and introduce them to the Christian religion. 

The book's verses were chosen with young children in mind and touch on a variety of significant subjects, such as love, generosity, forgiveness, and thankfulness.

This book's emphasis on encouraging participatory reading of the poems/verses is one of its highlights. The book includes questions and suggestions that are meant to encourage kids to reflect more thoroughly on the verses' meaning and apply it to their own lives.

Connections: Bible Verse Flash Cards