Book Review #111

H is for Honor

Author: Devin Scillian

Illustrator: Victor Juhasz
Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press
ISBN: 9781585361434
Reading Level: Ages 6–10

Topic: Nonfiction alphabet book.  Each letter of the alphabet introduces a different aspect of military life, from A for Academy to Z for Zzzzzs, the precious sleep soldiers rarely get. Along the way, readers learn about uniforms, duty stations, deployments, and even traditions like salutes and the bugle’s call.

Settings:
Various branches and roles of the U.S. Armed Forces are covered, with references to military bases, boot camps, and family homes across the country.

Genre/Theme/Style:
Nonfiction, Patriotic Alphabet Book, Military Life, Family, Educational. 

I Gave This Book 5 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁

Why 5 Roars?

This book not only honors the sacrifice and courage of service members, it also explains military life in a way that’s accessible to kids. It’s respectful, factual, and uplifting, while the poetic format and engaging illustrations make it fun to read aloud.

Critical Analysis: The book uses rhymed couplets and clear language to present potentially complex ideas in age-appropriate ways. The illustrations strike a wonderful balance between playful and realistic, helping kids visualize everything from dog tags to drill sergeants. The book also includes informative sidebars, making it suitable for younger and older elementary readers alike.

Connections: Perfect for military families, school discussions about service and sacrifice, or patriotic holidays like Armed Forces Day, Veterans Day, and Memorial Day. Teachers can easily pair this with lessons on community helpers, government roles, or American symbols.

Book Review #110

 See You Later Alligator

Author: Sally Hopgood
Illustrator: Emma Levey
Publisher: Sky Pony Press
ISBN: 9781510704216
Reading Level: Ages 3–7

Main Character: Tortoise is a slow, thoughtful friend who’s finally ready to take a trip around the world. Sort of!

Plot: Tortoise decides it’s time for an adventure, but as he bids goodbye to his friends, each animal finds a clever or comical way to delay his departure. Just when Tortoise is about to give up on his journey, there's a final surprise that changes everything.

Settings: The story begins in a cozy animal neighborhood and travels whimsically through the imagined locales of each animal farewell.

Genre/Theme/Style: Picture Book, Friendship, Patience, and Humor. 

I Gave This Book 4 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁

Why 4 Roars?
The book is bright, cheerful, and loads of fun to read aloud. Kids love guessing which animal will show up next. Though the structure might feel a tad bit repetitive for older readers.

Critical Analysis: A simple premise of animal goodbyes creates a story that entertains. The watercolor illustrations add charm and movement, capturing each animal's personality. 

While the repetition supports early literacy, some pages may feel formulaic after a few reads. Still, it’s perfect for engaging young children and building anticipation. 
Written with playful rhymes and a rolling pace perfect for read-alouds. 

"See you later, alligator!"

Connections: It’s a great springboard for preschoolers to practice sequencing events or predicting what comes next. It could be tied into a classroom farewell party, travel theme, or friendship unit.

Book Review # 109

 Little House in the Big Woods

Author: Laura Ingalls Wilder
Illustrator: (Original editions were illustrated by Helen Sewell; later editions by Garth Williams)
Publisher: HarperAudio (for Audible); originally Harper & Brothers (1932 print edition)
ISBN: 9780060581800 (print edition); Audible ASIN: B01MT9HFFX 

Reading Level: Ages 8–12

Main Character: Laura Ingalls

Plot: Set in 1871 in the dense Big Woods of Wisconsin, this is the story of four-year-old Laura and her pioneer family: Pa, Ma, sisters Mary and Carrie, and their loyal dog, Jack. Told through Laura’s eyes, the book chronicles a year in their self-sufficient life. With hunting and preserving food, celebrating holidays with handmade gifts, and taking a rare trip into town as part of the story. Life is tough, but also rich with tradition, family, and fiddle music.

Settings: The Big Woods of Wisconsin, an isolated log cabin surrounded by forests, seasons, and the rhythms of pioneer life.

Genre/Theme/Style: Historical fiction, family, hard work, seasons, gratitude, self-reliance, and pioneer values. 

 5 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁

Why 5 Roars?  This classic is a timeless portal into the past. Laura’s vivid memories and detailed narration bring history to life. It is gentle, reflective, and explores nature and family love. The Audible version, narrated by Cherry Jones with Paul Woodiel on fiddle, adds a cozy warmth that enhances the experience beautifully. I actually loved the additional touch of the fiddle! (The audiobook would be great for family car trips.)

Critical Analysis: Wilder masterfully balances storytelling with historical detail, showing how each season shaped daily life. The story lacks a single driving plot, yet the episodic structure fits Laura’s young perspective. Pa’s fiddle tunes and Ma’s steady work anchor their lives. (This first installment focuses mainly on family and survival.)

Connections: Perfect for studies of American history, pioneer life, and seasonal living. It pairs well with crafts (like making corn husk dolls), cooking (homemade butter, anyone?), planting, or lessons on gratitude. 

Book Review #108

 Lily Blue Riding Hood: A Purim Story

Author: Sandy Lanton
Illustrator: Kim Barnes
Publisher: Intergalactic Afikoman
ISBN: 978-1-951365-10-3
Reading Level: Ages 4-8

The Tradition of Hamantaschen: Hamantaschen (המן־טאַשן in Yiddish, אוזני המן in Hebrew) are triangular-shaped cookies traditionally eaten during Purim. Purim, a Jewish holiday celebrating the story of Queen Esther. The name "Hamantaschen" means "Haman's pockets" in Yiddish, referring to Haman, the villain in the Purim story. In Hebrew, they are called "Oznei Haman," meaning Haman's ears. Hamantaschen are usually made with buttery, slightly sweet dough and filled with various sweet fillings.

Main Character: Lily Bluestein a fearless skateboarding girl.

Plot: Lily sets out to deliver hamantaschen to her Granny’s condo in Florida for a Purim celebration. Along the way, she encounters Thaddeus T. Wolfe, a trickster with his eyes on her treats. Using quick thinking and courage—just like Queen Esther—Lily outsmarts the sly Wolfe, ensuring she and her Granny can enjoy the festive holiday together.

Settings: A contemporary world where Lily rides through urban and suburban streets, adding a modern feel to a classic fairy tale. The story also brings Purim traditions to life, immersing young readers in a vibrant holiday atmosphere.

Genre/Theme/Style: Children’s Picture Book, Jewish Holiday Fiction, Bravery, Purim, Family.

 4 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁 

Why 4 Roars?  This book is a fun blend of cultural education and adventure. It presents Purim traditions in a way that feels entertaining for children. Lily’s strong, clever character makes for a great role model. The only reason it does not get five roars is that the story, while fun, may feel slightly predictable for older children.

Critical Analysis: The storytelling combines classic fairy tale elements with Jewish culture in an engaging way. The wordplay and rhythm make it an enjoyable read-aloud, and the illustrations add charm, movement, and humor. 

Connections: Find out more about Purim.

Valentine's Day

 💗💗💗💗💗

Show your local library some 

love💖 on 

Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Book Friend Poem

Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
A book is a friend,
And so are you!

Stories to share,
Adventures so bright,
Reading together
Feels just right!

So here’s a big hug,
And a book just for fun—
Happy Valentine’s Day!
To you, little one! 📖💖

Check out these great reads!

💜💜💜💜💜

💚💚💚💚💚

🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷

Library Shelfie Day - Fourth Wednesday in January

 

Inage:OpenAI, 2025

Library Shelfie Day

January 22, 2025 🦁

“This is a day when book lovers share special selfies—aka ‘shelfies’—in front of their bookshelves, in their home reading spaces, at their local library or anywhere they love to read,” shares Cindy Hohl, president of the American Library Association. 

Every year, bibliophiles and library enthusiasts alike come together to celebrate Library Shelfie Day—a special day dedicated to showcasing the joy of reading and the spaces where we indulge in our literary escapes. Held on the fourth Wednesday in January, this unofficial holiday is the perfect opportunity to combine a love of books with 

the fun of social sharing.

How to Celebrate Library Shelfie Day

1. Take a Shelfie!
   Snap a selfie in front of your bookshelf or favorite reading nook. Whether it’s a cozy corner at home, a treasured spot in your local library, or a bookshop that sparks joy, your shelfie is a reflection of your personal literary world.

2. Highlight Your Favorite Books
   Use the day as a chance to showcase books that have left a mark on you. You could organize your shelf by genre, color, or even your top five must-reads.

3. Visit Your Local Library
   Celebrate the heart of your community by stopping by your local library. Share a shelfie in front of your favorite section, and don’t forget to check out a new book to add to your collection.

4. Engage on Social Media
   Post your shelfie on social media with the hashtag #LibraryShelfieDay. It’s a great way to connect with other book lovers, discover new reads, and share the literary love.