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! 

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.

October Finds!

Image:AI Generated

 Opportunities for young readers to connect with the season of Autumn.

October, October by Katya Balen

Summary: This story follows October, a girl who lives a wild and free life in the woods with her father. She has to navigate big changes, including her father's injury and the unexpected return of her estranged mother, all while trying to stay connected to the wilderness she loves. It's a coming-of-age tale with themes of family. 

Vampenguin by Lucy Ruth Cummins

Summary: This humorous picture book tells the story of a baby vampire who swaps places with a baby penguin during a family trip to the zoo. With fun illustrations and a lighthearted story, Vampenguin delivers a cute tale of mistaken identity, perfect for young readers during the Halloween season. 

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. 

Book Review #103

The Busy Little Squirrel

Book Review Video

The Sugar Shack - Bastrop

 Looking for an outing with the family? 

 If you are ever near or around the 

Bastrop area, this might be something sweet for the whole family.

It's a small place, but kids will remember it! 

Yep! 

You can't miss the giant flag on the roof!

 The kids can explore new and unusual flavors, and maybe even find a new favorite. 

The Sugar Shack also has a decent selection of ice cream, that caters to kid's taste. Just remember to bring your wallet! 

So, if you're looking for an adventure with the family, the Sugar Shack works well for a little excursion. It's fun and good spot for creating some family memories together. 

You can find them online:

Bulk Candy in Austin, Premier Confectionery, Ice Cream & Gift Shop | Sugar Shack Bastrop