Happy Valentine's Day!

 Celebrate Valentine's Day 

with a few sweet treats!

Enjoy!

Book Review #88

Your Brave Song

Author: Ann Voskamp
Illustrator: Amy Grimes
Publisher: Tyndale Kids, 2023
ISBN: 978-1496446541
Reading Level: 9 to 12 years

Main Characters: Una Rayne

Plot: Una sets off in the fog, and Mother helps her feel brave with a simple song. She finds new friends during her day, and the fog lifts.     

Settings: Una's home and school.

Genre/Theme/Style: Children's Books, Anxiety, Christian Picture Books, Family, Emotions & Feelings

I Gave This Book 5 Roars!🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁

Why 4 Roars? This is a great find for children experiencing anxiety. This book emphasizes that you are loved, and you belong. I loved the beautiful illustrations that blend perfectly with the story. 

Critical Analysis: This is a sweet story that children will enjoy. The simple song is something they can easily remember that will help them feel loved and give them a sense of belonging.  

There is a special page at the end of the book where parents can add their child's photo.  Again, highlighting that everyone is special and belongs to Jesus. 

"The start to Una Rayne’s day is a metaphor for her feelings; the thick fog keeps her from seeing the way forward. But before Una Rayne can express her fear, her mother is there saying that in the child’s heart 'lives the biggest and greatest song. The one that makes you brave.' And as Una Rayne dons her backpack and sets off, her mama sings it to her: 'Jesus loves you, / Makes you strong. / In Him you’re brave / And you belong.'

As the song reverberates, the fog disappears. When Una Rayne can’t find a place to belong at lunchtime, her song leads her to make her own space, and she attracts new friends to her, to whom she teaches her song. Toward the end, the book turns toward overt religious teaching, though the messages are welcome and needed: 'Jesus . . . is Love Himself. And His whisper beats inside our hearts.'

A final scriptural quote from Zephaniah ends the book on a page with space for a child’s photo. Grimes’ illustrations are full of marvelous textures and patterns, especially in the leafy green trees, and facial expressions and gestures do a lot of the heavy emotional lifting. Una Rayne presents Asian; her mother has light skin and straight, light-brown hair. Background characters are diverse"

 ~~ Kirkus Reviews

Connections: Books by Ann Voskamp

National Hot Chocolate Day!

 Happy Hot Chocolate Day! 

January 31st

Snuggle up with a Sweet Treat!

Stay Warm!

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!