Book Review #112

 The Storm Whale

Author & Illustrator: Benji Davies

Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)

ISBN: 9780805099676

Reading Level: Ages 4–8

Main Character: Noi, a quiet little boy who lives with his fisherman father by the sea.

Plot: When a storm comes into Noi’s coastal home area, it leaves behind a small whale washed up on the shore. With his dad away fishing, Noi takes the whale home to care for it in secret. What follows is a story of connection, responsibility, and the quiet love between a child and his parent.

Settings: The beach after a storm and Noi’s home.

Genre/Theme/Style: Fiction, empathy, solitude, caregiving, water, ocean, or animal care.

I Gave This Book 5 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁

Why 5 Roars?

This book is a sea-swept treasure. The art alone could tell the story, but the quiet emotion in the words adds warmth and depth. Ideal for cuddling up with after a day on the water or after a storm.

Critical Analysis: The Storm Whale handles complex emotions, loneliness, nurturing, and letting go with simplicity and grace. Noi’s independence is portrayed with respect, while the father-son relationship unfolds through action rather than words. It’s a tool for gently exploring feelings of care and separation.

Connections: Great for readers who love The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats or The Lion and the Bird by Marianne Dubuc. Perfect tie-in for a summer cruise or lake trip, especially when paired with a kindness to animals conversation or a family journaling activity.

Happy Armed Forces Day!

Today, we pause to honor the brave men and women who wear the uniform of the United States Armed Forces. Their courage, commitment, and sacrifice uphold the freedoms we often take for granted.

Whether serving at home or abroad, in times of peace or conflict, their dedication to duty reminds us that freedom is never free; it is guarded daily by those who stand watch.

To all who serve or have served, we thank you.

We salute you.

We remember you.

We honor you.

🪖 Happy Armed Forces Day!

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, but 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. 

I Gave This book 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.

I Gave This Book 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

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Valentine's Day!