Happy International Day of Awesomeness!

International Day of Awesomeness

March 10, 2022

The International Day of Awesomeness was first observed in 2008 by Kevin Lawver, the day’s creator. Because everyone needs an excuse to be awesome and because no one’s perfect, but everyone can be awesome.

It celebrates the awesomeness in all of us! 

Let's Roar for Awesomeness!

Book Review #70

 Talia and the Haman-tushies

Author: Linda Elovitz Marshall
Illustrator: Francesca Assirelli
Publisher: Kar-Ben Publishing, 2019
ISBN: ‎ 978-1512408263
Reading Level: 4 - 8 years

Main Characters: Talia and Grandma

Plot: The story of how Queen Esther saved the Jewish people as told to Talia by Grandma. Jewish people celebrate Purim. Purim is the holiday that remembers the salvation of the Jewish people from Haman, who was the Prime Minister of the Persian Empire. Talia confuses the name of the pastries they are making with Haman-tushies, instead of Hamantaschen. (The Yiddish word “tash” means pocket.) 

Settings: Grandma’s farm in Springtime.

Genre/Theme/Style: Children’s Picture Books, Children’s Holiday Books, Purim.

I Gave This Book 5 Roars!🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁

Why 5 Roars? This is such a cute way of explaining Purim and the book of Esther to children. Purim is celebrated once a year on the fourteenth day of the Hebrew month of Adar (in late winter/early spring). On Purim, Jews often celebrate by reading the book of Esther, giving gifts to the poor, making Hamantaschen, and dressing up in costumes. This children’s book also has a recipe for Talia’s Haman-Tushies in the back for families, if they want to try making this pastry.

I picked up this book after purchasing Talia and the Rude Vegetables and Talia and the Very YUM Kippur. I was not disappointed with any of the books in this series.

Critical Analysis: Talia’s misunderstanding of the word Hamantaschen leads to a fun way to discuss the Jewish holiday Purim.

“Talia mishears her [Grandma] and thinks edible posteriors are on the menu – yuck! (Parents, be prepared to translate the joke.) As they cook, Grandma tells the Purim story, which is folded into the baking activities as smoothly as sugar into margarine. Francesca Assirelli’s illustrations are a joy, especially Grandma, beaming so roundly that the bridge of her specs is stretched to a foot long. Luckily, the tushie misunderstanding is cleared up in time for Talia to taste the hamantaschen. Giggles guaranteed for ages three to five." 

~~The Jewish Chronicle

Illustrations: The illustrations are a great fit with the story and add a touch of childish humor.

“The illustrations, which appear to have been made from paintings, are clear with a cheerful palette and make the story easy to follow for young children. There is also a recipe for Hamantaschen at the end, which would be a great follow-through activity for young readers and their adult companions."

~~Jewish Book Council

Connections: The book offers a recipe for Talia’s Haman-Tushies that would be a nice way to celebrate Purim or experiment with baking something new.

Book Review #69

 You're My Little Bookworm

Author: Nicola Edwards  
Illustrator: Natalie Marshall
Publisher: Silver Dolphin Books, 2021

ISBN: 978-1645176787

Reading Level: 3 months - 2 years

Genre/Theme/Style: Children's Picture Books, Holidays, Reading, Nursery Rhymes, Libraries, and Board Books. 

I Gave This Book 5 Roars!🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁

Why 5 Roars? This is a cute little Storytime or bedtime book for babies and younger readers. It would make a nice addition to a library and it would be great for educators teaching rhyming and rhythms. This board book also encourages parents to read to their baby bookworms. 

Critical Analysis: This book is part of the You’re My Little series and is perfect for young readers. There are eight additional books in this series to explore. Simple rhymes and cheerful illustrations are wonderful for entertaining little ones.  The sturdy die-cuts are a nice tactile touch to help engage babies.

   “Come here, my little bookworm,

Let’s snuggle up and read.

Adventures bold, new worlds unfold,

Just us, that’s all we need.”

Connections: You're My Little Honey Bunny, You're My Little Pumpkin Pie, and You're My Little Cuddle Bug are part of this fun series.

Happy Valentine's Day!

 

Book Review #68

 Happy Valentine's Day Mouse! 

Author: Laura Numeroff  
Illustrator: Felicia Bond 
Publisher: Balzer + Bray, 2019

ISBN: 978-0061804328

Reading Level: Younger Readers

Main Characters: Mouse

Plot: Mouse is making Valentines for all of his friends. He considers what each of his friends are good at and what they enjoy. He then creates his Valentines for each friend with this special consideration in mind. Knowing his friends helps him to connect with them and make them feel special. They in turn show up at his house to help make him feel special on Valentine’s Day.

Settings: Mouse is at home making Valentines for his friends.
 
Genre/Theme/Style: Children's Books, Holidays, Friends, Valentine's Day.

I Gave This Book 5 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁

Why 5 Roars? When my son was small, he loved the "Mouse" books.  I bought this book for my grandchildren to read for Valentine’s Day. It is a simple and sweet way to teach younger children about how each of us are special.  

Critical Analysis: We are all special and have our own strengths and talents. Mouse helps to remind young readers of this idea.  The board book is great for little hands and the illustrations are straightforward and colorful.

"This title follows Mouse as he makes valentines for all of his friends," ~~ School Library Journal.

Connections: Happy Valentine's Day Mouse! Read Aloud

Book Review #67

 My Little Golden Book About 

Betty White

Author: Deborah Hopkinson
Illustrator: Margeaux Lucas 
Publisher: Golden Books, 2021

ISBN: 978-0593433522

Reading Level: 4 to 8 years

Topic: Betty White (Betty Marion White Ludden)

Genre/Theme/Style: Biography about Betty White, Children's Non-fiction, Animal Activists.

I Gave This Book 5  Roars!🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁

Why 5 Roars? Betty White was an inspiration and a joy to watch on television. Her real life was equally a joy to read about and she will be missed by many. 

Critical Analysis: This is a great way to introduce children to Betty White's legacy. 

“Animals don’t lie. Animals don’t criticize. If animals have moody days, they handle them better than humans do.”

~~ Betty White, If You Ask Me

Accuracy: The information is a simplified version of Betty White's life and career. Deborah Hopkins is the author of more than fifty young reader books.

Organization: The book is organized from Betty's youth to her rise in early television, and her later years as a major American actress and comedian.  

Design: The design is consistent with other My Little Golden Book Biographies. 

Connections: Harry the Dirty Dog Read by Betty White. 

Book Review #66

 Bigfoot Baby!

Author:Elias Barks
Illustrator:Meg Hunt
Publisher:Hazy Dell Press, 2020
ISBN:978-1948931083
Reading Level: 2 years and up

Main Characters: Bigfoot Baby

Plot: Bigfoot Baby is surrounded by nature and enjoying his forest home and it's inhabitants.

Settings: Pacific Northwest Forest.

Genre/Theme/Style: Board Book with flaps, Nature, Forests, and Camping.

I Gave This Book 5 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁

Why 5 Roars? I absolutely loved this little gem. It has mushroom homes, tree fairies, forest gnomes, camping, treehouses, and fireflies. Bigfoot Baby is adorable and kids of all ages will want to lift the flaps to see what is hidden in the forest.

Critical Analysis: This is a cute little forest fantasy that budding Cryptozoologist will love! It sparks the imagination and makes children wonder what is under that fallen log, or what is hiding on the next page. Are their unseen fairies and Bigfoot babies waiting to be discovered? In this book, they are hidden under the flap, waiting to be revealed. 

“Earthbound and charming.” 

~~ Kirkus Reviews

“Perfect for saying ‘good night’ to 

your little one.”

~~ The Oregonian

Connections: What is Cryptozology?