Children's Book Reviews

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Sunday, January 19, 2025

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.



Book Review #107

 

What Am I?

Author: Shana Gorian
Publisher: Independently published
ISBN: 979-8870615943
Genre: Non-Fiction, Interactive Picture Book, Nature

Topic: Winter-Themed Rhyming Riddles

 4 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁

Why 4 Roars? I really like the way this book combines educational elements with fun riddles and lovely illustrations. Its interactive format encourages children to think critically and enhances their deductive reasoning skills while enjoying the winter theme. 

Critical Analysis: The riddles are cleverly crafted to appeal to young readers, blending playful rhymes with hints that challenge their problem-solving abilities. The riddles range in complexity, ensuring that both younger and older children find it enjoyable. The visually striking illustrations bring each answer to life, enhancing the interactive experience.

Organization: The book is well structured, with each riddle followed by an illustrated answer. This predictable format is ideal for read-aloud sessions and a guessing game style of engagement.

Style: The rhyming text flows smoothly, making it a delightful read for both children and adults. The style is lighthearted yet thoughtful, blending fun with learning.

Connections: Perfect for seasonal classroom activities or storytime.  Encourages family interaction, making it a fun guessing game for gatherings.

This fun book is a must-have for winter-themed collections.

Tuesday, December 24, 2024

Merry Christmas!

Happy Holidays! 
From Read'em & Roar

Season's Readings!

 


A Festive Celebration of Books for Young Readers

The holiday season is upon us, and there’s no better time to curl up with a good book! Whether you're nestled by the fire or enjoying the twinkling lights of a Christmas tree, reading can be the perfect way to add magic to this special time of year. Let’s dive into a world of adventure, joy, and imagination with some fantastic books that kids will love to read this season!

1. Classic Winter Wonders

When the snow starts to fall, what better way to warm up than with a classic winter tale? Books like The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats and Bear Stays Up for Christmas by Karma Wilson are full of cozy moments and snowy adventures. These timeless stories make the season feel extra special, with their heartwarming tales of friendship and festive fun.


2. Laugh-Out-Loud Reads

Laughter is a must during the holiday season, and there are plenty of books that will have kids giggling from start to finish! Try Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Meltdown by Jeff Kinney or The Bad Guys series by Aaron Blabey. These hilarious books feature quirky characters and exciting plots that will keep kids entertained all season long.

3. Festive Picture Books

For younger readers, festive picture books can bring the magic of the season to life with beautiful illustrations and delightful stories. How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss never gets old, and The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg is a perfect pick for getting in the holiday spirit. These stories are not only fun to read, but they also teach valuable lessons about kindness, giving, and the true meaning of the season. 


5. The Spirit of Christmas 
Find the Spirit of Christmas with this great read. Check out The Christmas Blessing by Erin Guendelsberger.

6. Kid-Approved Gifts!

Looking for the perfect gift for a young reader? Books that have the Re-Read Roar Award, Adventure Roar Award, or our 5 Roars Award badges are sure to make any child’s holiday season even brighter. Look for our badges to help find their next favorite book, ensuring hours of reading fun!




Happy reading, and may your holiday season be filled with lots of joy, laughter, and of course, great books!

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!