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 #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 #103

The Busy Little Squirrel

Book Review Video

Book Review #102

The Pigeon HAS to Go to School!

Author: Mo Willems
Illustrator: Mo Willems
Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children
ISBN: 978-1368046459 

Reading Level: 3-6 years old & up
 
Main Character: The Pigeon

Plot: The Pigeon is nervous about going to school and tries to convince the reader that he doesn’t need to go. He presents various excuses and displays his apprehension through humorous and exaggerated arguments        

Settings: The story primarily takes place in a variety of settings including the Pigeon's home and the imagined school environment.

Genre/Theme/Style: Children’s Picture Book / Humor / Real-Life Situations/ Back to School/Anxiety

I Gave This Book 4 Roars!  🦁🦁🦁🦁

Why 4 Roars? Mo Willems' book is engaging and funny, capturing the anxieties and excitement of starting school. The humor and relatable situation make it enjoyable for both children and adults. I love the illustrations. They are part of the humor. It's hard not to laugh at Pigeon! (But seriously, don't let the Pigeon drive the school bus!)

Critical Analysis: Mo Willems' creative illustrations and engaging dialogue provide a relatable and much needed entertaining experience for young readers headed back to school. A great opportunity to talk about the fear of the upcoming school year with kids. 

The Pigeon’s humorous objections and eventual acceptance offer a gentle introduction to the concept of school, helping to ease the dread of children about starting school.

Willems’ ability to personify the Pigeon with a childlike range of emotions and exaggerated reactions makes the book both fun and educational.

Connections: This book connects well with children who are facing starting school or any new experience. 

It can be used as a tool for parents and educators to discuss the feelings and anxieties associated with new situations. Additionally, it ties into broader themes of change and adaptation, making it a useful resource for addressing transitions in a child's life.

Be Safe! 

Happy Learning!

Book Review #98

Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins  

Author: Eric Kimmel

Illustrator: Trina Schart Hyman

Publisher: Holiday House, 2022

ISBN: 978-0823411310

Reading Level: Ages 4-8

Main Character: Hershel of Ostropol

Plot: Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins revolves around Hershel, a quick-witted and resourceful Jewish man, who arrives in a town plagued by mischievous goblins interrupting Hanukkah celebrations. The plot unfolds as Hershel faces nightly challenges set by the goblins and uses his intelligence to outsmart them, in the end restoring the celebration of Hanukkah.

Settings: The story is set in a small village during the Hanukkah season.

Genre/Theme/Style: Children's Fiction, Hanukkah, Jewish Folklore, Courage, Cleverness

I Gave This Book 4 Roars 🦁🦁🦁🦁

Why 4 Roars? I gave it four roars for its interesting storytelling and illustrations. It is both entertaining and suspenseful. Hershel's character is endearing, and the story effectively emphasizes the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges. It has become a Hanukkah holiday classic.

Critical Analysis: Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins combine folklore with the festive spirit of Hanukkah. The author weaves a tale that captures the imagination of readers while providing cultural and historical significance. The illustrations complement the narrative, adding visual appeal.

Connections: This book provides an excellent opportunity for readers to explore Jewish traditions and folklore, fostering cultural understanding and appreciation. It also serves as a valuable resource for discussions about courage, clever problem-solving, and the importance of cultural celebrations.

 

Hanukkah Haiku

 Candles softly glow, 

Eight nights of hope and wonder,

 Hanukkah's embrace.

FS