Book Review #110

 See You Later Alligator

Author: Sally Hopgood
Illustrator: Emma Levey
Publisher: Sky Pony Press
ISBN: 9781510704216
Reading Level: Ages 3–7

Main Character: Tortoise is a slow, thoughtful friend who’s finally ready to take a trip around the world. Sort of!

Plot: Tortoise decides it’s time for an adventure, but as he bids goodbye to his friends, each animal finds a clever or comical way to delay his departure. Just when Tortoise is about to give up on his journey, there's a final surprise that changes everything.

Settings: The story begins in a cozy animal neighborhood and travels whimsically through the imagined locales of each animal farewell.

Genre/Theme/Style: Picture Book, Friendship, Patience, and Humor. 

I Gave This Book 4 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁

Why 4 Roars?
The book is bright, cheerful, and loads of fun to read aloud. Kids love guessing which animal will show up next. Though the structure might feel a tad bit repetitive for older readers.

Critical Analysis: A simple premise of animal goodbyes creates a story that entertains. The watercolor illustrations add charm and movement, capturing each animal's personality. 

While the repetition supports early literacy, some pages may feel formulaic after a few reads. Still, it’s perfect for engaging young children and building anticipation. 
Written with playful rhymes and a rolling pace perfect for read-alouds. 

"See you later, alligator!"

Connections: It’s a great springboard for preschoolers to practice sequencing events or predicting what comes next. It could be tied into a classroom farewell party, travel theme, or friendship unit.

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 #106

 The Day the Crayons Quit

Author: Drew Daywalt
Illustrator: Oliver Jeffers
Publisher: Philomel Books
ISBN: 978-0399255373
Reading Level: Ages 3–8

Main Characters: Duncan and his pack of colorful, quirky crayons.

Plot: Duncan’s crayons are fed up! Each crayon writes him a letter detailing their woes: overuse, neglect, or even unfair assignments. It’s up to Duncan to find a creative solution to make them all happy.

Settings: Duncan’s house and the colorful world of his imagination

Genre/Theme/Style: Children's Book, Humor, Empathy, and Creativity.

Five Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁

Why Five Roars? This book is great fun for kids and adults alike. The witty letters bring the crayons to life, and Oliver Jeffers’ illustrations make each page a playful experience. Each crayon has its own quirky personality and voice. For example, Blue is exhausted from coloring too many skies, while Peach feels vulnerable because its wrapper was peeled off. A great time to ask the kids in your life what their crayons might say!

I love the idea of adding this book to a family trip or adventure!!! Have your kids document the trip through their crayons’ eyes. For example, Blue might write about the ocean instead of the sky this time. They can draw pictures and write funny notes from their crayons about what they liked or didn’t like about the trip.

Secret Adventure Crayon Journal! Help your kids help the crayons keep a Secret Adventure Crayon Journal. This might include how the crayons secretly feel about the trip or adventure! Too much fun! 

This would be great for any type of trip where kids have periods of wait time. Whether in a car, at the airport, or a restaurant, kids can focus on writing or drawing in the journal rather than feeling bored. It keeps hands and minds busy in a productive way. 

The secret journal also offers a safe way for kids to express their thoughts and feelings through their crayons' voices, exploring self-reflection.

Once home, create a mini art gallery (on the fridge) or scrapbook of the crayon adventures, complete with drawings, photos, and letters written by the crayons about the trip and their confidential thoughts about it. Parents/grandparents can keep it as a creative souvenir, capturing the child's unique perspective on the trip. Years later it will be fun that keeps on giving.

Critical Analysis: The Day the Crayons Quit is more than just a cute story—it’s a lesson in empathy and perspective. Each crayon’s complaint is an important reminder of balance and fairness for children. The book creates opportunities for discussions about emotions, teamwork, and creativity.

Connections: Add this story to a DIY crayon craft or an art project where kids reimagine their own crayons’ personalities and what their crayons might say. It’s also a great pick for a classroom read-aloud, sparking conversation about fairness and problem-solving.

This book earns the Re-Read Roar Award! Kids will want to revisit it again and again.

This book earns the Adventure Award! 

Book Review #101

Circus Girl 

Author: Jack Sendak

Illustrator: Maurice Sendak

Publisher: HarperCollins, Reprint Ed. 2002. 

ISBN: 978-0060287832

Reading Level: Ages 4-8

Main Character: Flora

Plot: In "Circus Girl," readers follow the adventures of a young girl named Flora. She is part of the magical world of the circus. Flora is curious about how non-circus people live. She sets off on an adventure to find out. The non-circus people are not as scary as Flora through after getting to know them.

Setting: The story takes place within the lively setting of a circus.

Genre/Theme/Style: Children's Book, Stories in Verse, and Children’s Short Story Collection.

I Gave This Book 4 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁

Why 4 Roars? "Circus Girl" earns 4 roars for its depiction of circus life and its ability to captivate young readers with its unusual storyline. It is a memorable reading experience that is a little strange and something of an oddity. So, grab a seat under the big tent and let's read about the circus!

Critical Analysis: Jack Sendak's "Circus Girl" celebrates the timeless allure of the circus as a symbol of joy, creativity, and the thrill of performance. Readers are not only entertained by the colorful characters and lively scenes but also encouraged to explore idea of how people at a deeper level have many commonalities.  

Connections: The Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey. Greenville, South Carolina

Book Review #90

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe Board Book (Chronicles of Narnia)

 

Author: C.S. Lewis (Re-telling)

Illustrator: Joey Chou 

Publisher: HarperFestival, 2021
ISBN: 978-0062988775
Reading Level: 1-4 years

 

Genre/Theme/Style: Children's Fantasy & Magic Books, Children's Action & Adventure Books, Board book 

 

Main Characters: Lucy, Edmund, Peter, and Susan Pevensie (siblings), Aslan (lion), and The White Witch.

 

Setting: The magical land of Narnia

 

Plot: The plot is a very simplified version of the story.

 

I Gave This Book 4 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁

Why 4 Roars? It is a very sweet and simple version of the classic. This board book edition is perfect for young children who are just beginning to explore the magical world of Narnia. The only issue I found was that it might be a tad bit too simple.

Critical Analysis: This board book depicts the surroundings and characters, bringing them to life for younger readers. It's perfect for small hands that can be prone to tearing or ruining typical paper pages.

The narrative of the book centers on the adventures of four siblings who accidentally enter the magical land of Narnia through a magical wardrobe. They come across mythological creatures, talking animals, and an evil witch who has cursed the region with eternal winter. The children set out on an adventure to destroy the witch and put Narnia back in order with the lion Aslan's assistance.

Connections: BBC's "The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe" 1988