Book Review #108

 Lily Blue Riding Hood: A Purim Story

Author: Sandy Lanton
Illustrator: Kim Barnes
Publisher: Intergalactic Afikoman
ISBN: 978-1-951365-10-3
Reading Level: Ages 4-8

The Tradition of Hamantaschen: Hamantaschen (המן־טאַשן in Yiddish, אוזני המן in Hebrew) are triangular-shaped cookies traditionally eaten during Purim. Purim, a Jewish holiday celebrating the story of Queen Esther. The name "Hamantaschen" means "Haman's pockets" in Yiddish, referring to Haman, the villain in the Purim story. In Hebrew, they are called "Oznei Haman," meaning Haman's ears. Hamantaschen are usually made with buttery, slightly sweet dough and filled with various sweet fillings.

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.

Valentine's Day

 💗💗💗💗💗

Show your local library some 

love💖 on 

Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Book Friend Poem

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!

💜💜💜💜💜

💚💚💚💚💚

🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷

Happy Hanukkah!

 

Merry Christmas!

Happy Holidays! 

From Read'em & Roar

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!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Blessings! 

Book Review #105

 I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed 

a Pie

Author: Alison Jackson
Illustrator: Judy Schachner
Publisher: Puffin Books
ISBN: 978-0140565959
Reading Level: Ages 4-6

Main Character: The old lady, whose bottomless appetite leads her on an absurd journey of swallowing Thanksgiving foods.

Plot: This cumulative story that follows an old lady who swallows a pie and then swallows larger and more outrageous items, including an entire turkey. The story builds as her actions grow more exaggerated. The story ends with a playful twist.

Settings: Thanksgiving celebration, a holiday occasion. 

Genre/Theme/Style: Children's Picture Book, Humor, and Holidays.

I Gave This Book 4 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁 

Why 4 Roars?
The story’s playful rhyme and crazy antics are great for children. It is an excellent read-aloud for the Holidays. However, its humor may not work well with all readers, and some older kids might find the exaggerated idea a little too silly.

Critical Analysis: Jackson's clever adaptation of a classic rhyme is full of silliness, and Schachners make a great combination. (Great for participation and predictions.)

Connections: This book pairs well with other stories such as I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly or There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Bat. It’s a great addition to Thanksgiving-themed Storytime or discussions about traditions and family gatherings.

Book Review #104

The Little Old Lady Who Was Not 

Afraid of Anything.

Author: Linda Williams
Illustrator: Megan Lloyd
Publisher: HarperCollins
ISBN: 978-0064431835
Reading Level: Ages 4-8

Main Character: The Little Old Lady (who was not afraid of anything). She shows bravery on a spooky evening walk.

Plot: The story follows a little old lady who ventures into the forest. Along the way, she encounters various objects—two shoes, a pair of pants, a shirt, and more—that begin to follow her. She refuses to be afraid. She comes up with a smart way to use these strange objects. 

Setting: A quiet forest during autumn, creating a slightly spooky atmosphere.

Genre/Theme/Style: Picture book, bravery, repetitive text, and interactive read-aloud.

I Gave This Book 4 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁 

Why 4 Roars? This book balances a spooky feeling with a comforting ending. Kids love the buildup of suspense. The repetitive text and possible sound effects make it perfect for an interactive read-aloud. It’s ideal for October. 

Critical Analysis: The repetition and sound effects (Clomp clomp, Wiggle wiggle) invite participation, making it a fun read-aloud book. The illustrations are lively, bringing just a touch of spookiness to set the tone. The story cleverly teaches children how to face fears with creativity and clever thinking.

Connections: This book is great for Fall activities, such as making scarecrows or acting out the story’s sounds and motions. It can also spark discussions about bravery and dealing with unexpected situations. Making scarecrows with kids. 

Happy 4th of July!

 

Independence Day

Happy Father's Day!

     Celebrating Fathers 

"DAD: Tiny little word. Great big difference." ~ Keely Chace

Happy Mother's Day!

Celebrating Moms Everywhere! 

Honoring mothers for everything they do, providing love, support, and guidance, every step of the way. Thank you! 

Pesach

Fun Things:

Happy Passover!

Chag Sameach! 

Great Reads for Easter!

Happy Easter!

Easter Blessings!

 

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

 

 Embrace the spirit of the day by learning about its history and traditions with engaging books. Whether you're sharing laughter with family and friends or exploring Irish folklore and history, St. Patrick's Day is a time for celebration and togetherness!

Happy Valentine's Day!

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Merry Christmas!

Happy Holidays! 

Happy Holidays!

 Merry Christmas!

&

Happy New Year!

Snuggle up with these heartwarming reads.

Peace, 

Love, 

Joy 

&

Season's Readings!