Book Review #87

 Archibald Finch and the Lost Witches

Author: Michel Guyon
Illustrator: Zina Kostich
Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing, 2021
ISBN:978-1524867720

Reading Level: 9 to 12 years

Main Characters: Archibald and Hailee Finch (brother and sister).

Plot: The plot centers around magic, myths, a haunted mansion, time travel, the Middle Ages, monsters, an army of witches, and a lot of adventure.  

Settings: Contemporary London and fictional Lemurea.

Genre/Theme/Style: Children's Medieval Fiction Books, Children's Time Travel Fiction, Children's Fantasy & Magic Books.

I Gave This Book 4 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁

Why 4 Roars? I appreciated the humor and found a lot of things to like about the story. However, to be honest, it was the illustrations that drew me into the book.  

Critical Analysis: This story is very much like the Harry Potter Series. It has a lot going on and just a touch of the dark side. It was a little slow at first, but it did pick up speed. Archibald came across as a little over the top, but the writing kept my interest. Harry Potter fans will enjoy reading this one.

It is not a standalone book but the first in the series.  

Connections: Archibald Finch 

Book Review #86

The Lights That Dance 

In The Night

Author: Yuval Zommer
Publisher: Doubleday Books for Young Readers, 2022

ISBN: 978-093563137‎

Reading Age: ‎3 to 7 years

Genre/Theme/Style: Children’s Books, Picture Books, Seasons, Environment, Green Living, Recycling. 

I Gave This Book 5 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁

Why 5 Roars? This is a beautifully illustrated book that young readers will enjoy.

Critical Analysis: This is done in a rhyming story style. It is very poetic in its descriptions and brings nature into the spotlight in all its wintery wonder. 

"An easy and enchanting read-aloud that is perfect for one-on-one sharing and groups alike. . . . Engaging rhyming cadence and  adorable artwork."

~School Library Journal

Appeal: Children will encounter the natural world in Wintertime through imaginative rhyme and lovely pictures.

"A glowing tribute to a remarkable natural wonder."~Kirkus

Connection: The Lights That Danced In The Night Read A Loud 

Happy Hanukkah!

Happy Hanukkah!

Merry Christmas!

 Merry Christmas! 

Book Review #85

 Sounding Joy

Author: Ellie Holcomb
Illustrator: Laura Ramos
Publisher: B&H Kids, 2022
ISBN‏: ‎978-1087747828
Reading Age: ‎2 - 6 years

Genre/Theme/Style: Children’s Christian Books, Children’s Christmas Books, & Children’s Music.

I Gave This Book 5 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁

Why 5 Roars? I love the song! It's a great addition to the holiday classics that children can easily learn and follow. The book is an illustrated version of the song.  

Critical Analysis: The book is based on the song written by Ellie Holcomb. It is about the joy at Christmas time that everyone can find. Everyone, from the youngest to the oldest member of the household, is invited to lift up their voice and sing along. 

Appeal: A modern, snowy hillside, a Bethlehem manger, and shepherds in the fields are all found in the joyful illustrations.

Children can easily learn the words and enjoy the music as they read the book. This would be a great song for a Christmas children's choir to sing or a nice addition to a family sing-along.

Connections: "Sounding Joy" by Ellie Holcomb

Book Review #84

The First Notes: The Story of

Do, Re, Mi

Authors: Julie Andrews & 

                   Emma Walton Hamilton

Illustrator: Chiara Fedele

Publisher: Brown Books for Young 

                       Readers, 2022
ISBN: 978-0316265904

Reading Level: 6 to 12 Years

Genre/Theme/Style: Picture Book, Biographies, Performing Arts, Music.

I Gave This Book 5 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁

 

Why 5 Roars? This is a great book for both fans of Julie Andrews and music lovers. The artwork is perfectly appropriate for the book, and it encapsulates the feeling of a monk’s life in an uplifting style.

Critical Analysis: This is the story of Guido d’Arezzo’s development of musical notation. A monk of the Benedictine order from the Italian city-state of Arezzo, he was known for introducing a system that was easier to understand.

Appeal: This book will appeal to both younger readers and older readers that enjoy the study of music. Even younger children can learn to sing Do Re Mi Fa So La Ti Do along with the book.

"A charming collaboration that strikes just the right notes."―Kirkus Reviews

Connections: "Do-Re-Mi" - The Sound Of Music (1965).

Book Review #83

 The Giving Snowman

Author: Julia Zheng

 

Illustrator: Graziella Miligi

Publisher: Qinghong Zheng, 2021

ISBN: 978-1737514695

Reading Level: 2 to 6 Years

Main Characters: Snowman and his new friends.

 

Plot: Snowman offers his help to his new friends when they need it. Snowman melts, but his new friends help rebuild him. 

Settings: Outside 

 

Genre/Theme/Style: Winter, Winter Sports, Giving Thanks, Kindness, Weather, Snow.

I Gave This Book 4 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁

 

Why 4 Roars? This is a cute book that teaches children the meaning of sharing and taking care of one another. 

 

Critical Analysis: The book is simple and easy for young readers to follow along. It would be a great read during the busy holidays that emphasizes the need to take care of others.

Connections: The Giving Snowman Read-A-Loud.