Otto and Pio Book Review

Otto and Pio

Marianne Dubuc

(Author & Illustrator)

Princeton Architectural Press

Children’s Fiction, Picture Book, Friendship 

Publication Date: March 19, 2019

Otto the squirrel is quite happy with his life, but one day an odd, green ball is outside his door. The green, spiny ball soon hatches and out pops a small, round, furry creature looking for his mother. With no mother in sight, Otto eventually brings the creature into his house. Each night the creature, Pio, grows larger, and each day Otto looks for Pio’s mother.

Pio grows into a gentle, but clumsy giant and with no sign of Pio’s mother, Otto has enough. He is beyond frustrated that his peaceful life has been intruded upon. As he storms out of his house and onto a branch, an eagle swoops down to catch him. But just as Otto realizes that he cares for Pio and that he maybe just needs a bigger house, the eagle’s talons come near, and Pio rushes to the rescue, scaring the bird away. While they never do find Pio’s mother, Otto and Pio are quite happy together.

If you’re interested in reading Otto and Pio, you can purchase a copy here on Amazon.

*A copy of this book was provided free of charge for an honest review.

Your Mind is Like the Sky A First Book of Mindfullness Book Review

Your Mind is Like the Sky

A First Book of Mindfullness

Bronwen Ballard (Author)

Laura Carlin (Illustrator)

Frances Lincoln Children's Books

Children’s Fiction, Picture Book, Mindfulness

Publication Date: February 5, 2019

Children can struggle with understanding negative thoughts, but Your Mind Is Like the Sky offers kids a concrete connection for them to understand how our thoughts ebb and flow and what we can do about them. Comparing our thoughts to clouds, the book shows how some thoughts are light, fluffy, and nice, but some thoughts are dark, mean raincloud thoughts. It goes on to show ways people deal with those raincloud thoughts and offers a trick: see the whole sky, not just the raincloud. It also reminds us that we can choose which thoughts we pay attention to.

Though categorized as a children's book, the message of the text and the calm illustrations would be relevant for many adults as well. This book can help open up conversations for children about negative thoughts, worries, and anxiety while also providing realistic and useful ways to deal with those ideas.

If you’re interested in reading Your Mind is Like the Sky, you can purchase a copy here on Amazon.

*A copy of this book was provided free of charge for an honest review.

Bruno's Hat Book Review

Bruno's Hat

Canizales

(Author & Illustrator)

Flyaway Books

Children’s Fiction, Picture Book, Social Story

Publication Date: January 22, 2019

Bruno wears a weird hat, and when Sergio makes fun of him, his best friend Peter stands up for Bruno. But then Sergio calls Peter a weirdo too. Avoiding conflict and trying to fit in, Peter decides to be friends with Sergio even though Sergio continues to be mean to Bruno. Peter misses his friendship with Bruno and finally realizes that his friendship with Bruno is more important.

Told from Peter’s perspective, Bruno’s Hat offers kids a realistic view of how friends act when someone is being teased. Friends don’t always make the best choices. Friends can sometimes hurt someone’s feelings too. But friends can apologize and make the situation better.

Children can relate to Peter’s struggle to be a good friend and learn that even if they’ve made mistakes in the past, you can always make better choices and repair broken friendships now.

If you’re interested in reading Bruno's Hat, you can purchase a copy here on Amazon.

*A copy of this book was provided free of charge for an honest review.

Who Is My Neighbor? Book Review

Who Is My Neighbor?

Amy-Jill Levine (Author)

Sandy Eisenberg Sasso (Author)

Denise Turu (Illustrator)

Children’s Fiction, Picture Book

Flyaway Books

Publication Date: January 22, 2019

Blues know there is no such thing as a good Yellow, and Yellows know there is no such thing as a good Blue. They are just too different!

When Midnight Blue takes a tumble on his bike, he’s sure another blue will help him. After Navy and Powder Blue pass by like they don’t even see him, Midnight is shocked. But Midnight is more shocked when lemon--a yellow-- does stop. Through Lemon’s kind act, Midnight and Yellow come to realize that even though Blues and Yellows are different, that doesn’t mean they can’t be friends. They spread their message of acceptance to others, and Blues and Yellows find that they can make new friends and help one another.

Who Is My Neighbor? is a child-accessible retelling of the “Good Samaritan” parable. Kids will quickly pick up on the main messages of the book about helping those in need and accepting others even if they are different than you.

If you’re interested in reading Who Is My Neighbor?, you can purchase a copy here on Amazon.

*A copy of this book was provided free of charge for an honest review.

The Not-So-Brave Penguin Book Review

The Not-So-Brave Penguin

Steve Smallman

(author & illustrator)

QEB Publishing

Children’s Fiction, Picture Book

Publication Date: November 13, 2018

Percy the penguin isn’t scared of anything. He’ll slide down slopes on his belly, and he’ll jump from great heights and splash into the water. Posy, on the other hand, is scared of many things: snowstorms, heights, loud noises, the dark.

When a huge iceberg floats near their island, Percy goes to explore, but Posy stays back. When Percy doesn’t return, Posy springs into action. Even though Posy is scared, she goes to save her friend.

The Not-So-Brave Penguin has a message that kids can relate to. Being brave doesn’t mean not being scared. Being brave means acting even when you are scared.

If you’re interested in reading The Not-So-Brave Penguin, you can purchase a copy here on Amazon.

*A copy of this book was provided free of charge for an honest review.

The Cave Book Review

The Cave

 

Rob Hodgson

(Author & Illustrator)

Lincoln Children's Books

Children's Fiction, Picture Book

Publication Date: May 18, 2017

A hungry wolf stands guard by a cave trying to lure a little creature out. Day after day the wolf attempts to persuade the little creature to leave, but the little creature stays put. In a twist that adults may see coming (but the kids who I read it to didn’t), the wolf is finally successful, much to his surprise.

When I read The Cave by myself, I enjoyed it but thought the twist was obvious. I’m so glad I also read it with kids, because they were literally on the edge of their seat, worried about the little creature and then laughing with delight at the wolf’s surprise ending. Even after knowing how the book ends, kids request it again and again. It’s a fun read!

If you’re interested in reading The Cave, you can purchase a copy here on Amazon.

*A copy of this book was provided free of charge for an honest review.

Just Like You Book Review

Just Like You

 

Sarah J. Dodd (Author)

Giusi Capizzi (Illustrator)

Lion Hudson

Children’s Fiction, Picture Book

Publication Date: March 23, 2018

Miki the meerkat is happy to hear a new family is moving in next door at the zoo and he will soon have a new friend named Raffa that is just like him! Only, Raffa isn’t like him at all. Raffa is a tall giraffe and she and Miki find it hard to see any similarities. They are both just so different.

When Miki can’t get to sleep, he waits for his mom to doze off before climbing out of his burrow to look at the moon. As he climbs out, Miki sees that Raffa is already out there. Raffa also can’t sleep and also enjoys looking at the moon. Some of Miki and Raffa’s similarities quickly become apparent as lightning flashes, thunder booms, and they are both scared. Both come away from the experience realizing that they do have a lot in common.

Just Like You is a cute picture book with an important message given in a friendly way: while we all have differences (and some can be very apparent like our height), we also have many similarities. We don’t have to be exactly the same to be friends, and sometimes our differences help our friends experiences things in a new way.

If you’re interested in reading Just Like You, you can purchase a copy here on Amazon. 

*A copy of this book was provided free of charge for an honest review.

Sugar and Snails Book Review

Sugar and Snails

Sarah Tsiang (author)

Sonja Wimmer (illustrator)

Annick Press

Children's Fiction, Picture Book

*2019 Amelia Bloomer Top Ten List* 

Publication Date: March 13, 2018

If boys aren’t made of frogs and snails and puppy dog tails and girls aren’t made of sugar and spice and everything nice, then what are they made of? A grandfather’s ponderings about what his grandchildren are made of are paired with fun illustrations to create a playful take on an old saying.

Sugar and Snails hits the theme of individuality and not being forced into a box. Why be made of sugar and spice and everything nice when you could be made of monkeys and dirt and lemon dessert?

If you’re interested in reading Sugar and Snails, you can check it out at Annick Press or purchase a copy here on Amazon.

*A copy of this book was provided free of charge for an honest review.

Joseph's Big Ride Book Review

Joseph's Big Ride

 

Terry Farish

Ken Daley

Annick Press

Children's Fiction, Picture Book

Publication Date: September 12, 2017

While growing up in a refugee camp, Joseph only wants one thing: to ride a bike. He’s just not big enough to reach the pedals. He helps fix bikes while waiting for his legs to grow long enough to finally ride one day.

Joseph doesn’t fully understand why, but he and his mother move to America where life is different from the camp. One thing is the same though: Joseph’s wish to ride a bike. When Joseph sees a neighbor girl has a bike, he tries everything he can to get to ride on it. After putting his bike repair skills to good use and helping his neighbor, his chance finally comes. Joseph gets to ride a bike!

Lively, energetic illustrations pair well with the sweet story that captures a boy’s dream come true.

If you’re interested in reading Joseph's Big Ride, you can check it out at Annick Press or purchase a copy here on Amazon.

*A copy of this book was provided free of charge for an honest review.

The Man with the Violin Book Review

The Man with the Violin

Kathy Stinson (author)

Dušan Petričić (illustrator)

Annick Press

Children's Fiction, Picture Book

Publication Date: March 22, 2016

A boy walking through the subway with his mom hears music and wants to stop to listen. The music soars and swoops, and the man playing the violin sways as his fingers move and his bow dances. The boy wants to listen and enjoy the music, but his mother pulls him along into the hustle and bustle of the station and their day. Later at home, the boy hears the same beautiful sounds coming from the radio and his mother realizes they should stop and enjoy the moment together.

Based on the true story of Grammy winning musician Joshua Bell playing a priceless Stradivarius in the subway in Washington D.C., The Man with the Violin sends and important reminder to not be so busy and caught up in the frantic pace of life that we forget to stop and enjoy the moment.

If you’re interested in reading The Man with the Violin, you can check it out at Annick Press or purchase a copy here on Amazon.

*A copy of this book was provided free of charge for an honest review.

The Dog Who Wanted to Fly Book Review

The Dog Who Wanted to Fly

Kathy Stinson (author)

Brandon James Scott (illustrator)

Annick Press

Children's Fiction, Picture Book

Publication Date: March 12, 2019

Zora wants to fly. She needs to fly. She wants to prove Tully the cat wrong and get to that chittering squirrel on the fence. Despite Zora’s best efforts, she just can’t figure it out. Flapping her ears and wagging her tail? Launching off a teeter-totter? Nothing seems to work… until Tully needs help and Zora springs into action – and flight.

The expressive illustrations often say as much as the text. Kids will laugh out loud at the humorous story and lively pictures. I know it’s only February, but The Dog Who Wanted to Fly may be the best children’s book of 2019! This is one of the best picture books! I highly recommend it!

If you’re interested in reading The Dog Who Wanted to Fly, you can check it out at Annick Press or purchase a copy here on Amazon.

*A copy of this book was provided free of charge for an honest review.

Blended Book Review

Blended

 

Sharon M. Draper (Author)

Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books

Middle Grade, Fiction

Publication Date: October, 30, 2018

Isabella switches lives every week. One week she lives with her dad, his girlfriend, and her son in a very fancy house, and the next week she lives with her mom and John-Mark in a comfortable house.

She's eleven years old and stuck between two parents who argue all the time about her, and she's stuck in two different worlds. Switching houses every week is more than just switching clothes and names (Izzy with her mom, Isabella with her dad). It's also switching identities.

Isabella is the same person, but her life experiences with her black dad and her white mom are very different.  Isabella and Darren (her dad's girlfriend's son) are stopped by police, and things escalate quickly when a cell phone is mistaken for a gun. 

Blended packs a lot into a middle grade novel, but kids deal with these situations everyday: blended families (in race), blended families (in living situation), questions about who you are, where you belong, and how others and society perceive you. Blended will hit home for many while offering insight for those who haven’t experienced these things.  It’s a thought-provoking read that middle grade students will enjoy.

If you’re interested in reading Blended, you can purchase a copy here on Amazon. 

*A copy of this book was provided free of charge for an honest review.

Emotional Explorers A Creative Approach to Managing Emotions Book Review

Emotional Explorers

A Creative Approach to Managing Emotions

Maria Mercè Conangla (Author)

Jaume Soler (Author)

Schiffer Kids

Children’s Books, Middle Grades, Self-Help

Publication Date: October 28, 2018

Emotional Explorers aims to help children between the ages of seven to “work in a responsible and decisive way to become more attuned to their emotional lives, leave a better world for those following them, and help those around them to grow.” Children will need help and guidance navigating the activities in the book which will create a great line of communication between child and adult.

Emotional Explorers is a much needed book that helps kids build deeper connections within themselves as well as the world around them. Following the activities in this book will help kids feel more anchored to their world and kids will walk away with a much fuller and richer understanding of themselves. I highly recommend it!

If you’re interested in reading Emotional Explorers, you can purchase a copy here on Amazon. 

*A copy of this book was provided free of charge for an honest review.

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The Cow Said Neigh! A Farm Story Book Review

The Cow Said Neigh!

A Farm Story

Rory Feek (Author)

Bruno Robert (Illustrator)

Thomas Nelson

Children’s Fiction, Picture Book

Publication Date: October 2, 2018

When a cow sees a horse running wild and free it lets out an envious “neigh.” That horse sees a duck. No one rides on a duck’s back, so the horse gives out an envious “quack.” On it goes through the farm with animals envying something about another until even the farmer gets involved.

Wonderfully illustrated and humorous and with rhythm, rhyme, and animal sounds, this book is sure to be a crowd pleaser!

If you’re interested in reading The Cow Said Neigh!, you can purchase a copy here on Amazon. 

*A copy of this book was provided free of charge for an honest review.

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Sleep, Sheep! Book Review

Sleep, Sheep!

Kerry Sparrow (Author)

Guillaume Perreault (Illustrator)

Kids Can Press

Children’s Fiction, Picture Book

Publication Date: October 2, 2018

Duncan loves pretty much everything about bedtime except for actually going to sleep. While he has many, many strategies to avoid the sleeping aspect of bedtime, his mom has a few tricks up her sleeve too. When Duncan can’t think of another excuse, he decides to start counting sheep. In a clever twist, Sheep #68 has a lot of reasons why just can’t jump over the bed yet, and Duncan gets a taste of his own medicine.

Humorous, and very relatable. Kids will enjoy Duncan’s predicament while parents will delight in the irony.

If you’re interested in reading Sleep, Sheep!, you can purchase a copy here on Amazon. 

*A copy of this book was provided free of charge for an honest review.

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Edison The Mystery of the Missing Mouse Treasure Book Review

Edison

The Mystery of the Missing Mouse Treasure

Torben Kuhlmann

(Author, Illustrator)

North South Books Inc.

Children’s Fiction, Picture Book

Publication Date: October 2, 2018

If you like Lindbergh or Armstrong, then you’ll appreciate Kuhlmann’s latest mouse edition: Edison. 

Pete the mouse is on a quest to find more information about a mouse ancestor and possible missing treasure. An adventurous story and Kuhlmann’s intricate illustrations are sure to please!

If you’re interested in reading Edison, you can purchase a copy here on Amazon. 

*A copy of this book was provided free of charge for an honest review.

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Don't Let the Penguin Drive the Batmobile Book Review

Don't Let the Penguin Drive the Batmobile

Jacob Lambert (author)

Tom Richmond (Illustrator) 

MAD

Children’s Fiction, Picture Book, Parody

Publication Date: October 16, 2018

As a huge Mo Willems fan, I really didn’t want to like this parody, but I couldn’t help myself. It’s a fantastic mash-up of classic Batman tropes paired with Willem’s style in illustration, text, and voice.

It was a great shared reading experience for my son (who loves Batman) and myself (who loves Willems).

If you’re interested in reading Don't Let the Penguin Drive the Batmobile, you can purchase a copy here on Amazon. 

*A copy of this book was provided free of charge for an honest review.

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Otherwood Book Review

Otherwood

Pete Hautman

Candlewick

Fiction, Middle Grades

Publication Date: September 11, 2018

Stuey and his friend Elly Rose often play in a deadfall in the middle of an overgrown golf course that stretches between their two houses. One day when they play, reality splits. Grandpa Zach’s stories of lies, hatred, and people disappearing begin to make more sense. With a massive chasm between them, Stuey and Elly Rose need to repair what’s been broken.

Otherwood is a fascinating story that ignites wonder and awe with the world and stays with you long after you’re done reading.

If you’re interested in reading Otherwood, you can purchase a copy here on Amazon. 

*A copy of this book was provided free of charge for an honest review.

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If You Give the Puffin a Muffin Book Review

If You Give the Puffin a Muffin

Timothy Young

(Author & Illustrator)

Schiffer Kids

Children’s Fiction, Picture Book

Publication Date: September 28, 2018

In a follow-up to The Angry Little Puffin the Puffin is back and he still isn’t happy. When the narrator offers the Puffin a muffin, he kindly says, “No thank you,” and explains that puffins do not eat muffins. However, the narrator keeps pressing and Puffin’s responses go from polite to annoyed. And when Puffin realizes he is in another book without his permission just because puffin and muffin rhyme, he gets angry! He schemes and calls upon friends to get him out of the book. When those attempts don’t work, he confronts the author directly to let him know what he thinks of this story he is in.

With it’s fantastic illustrations and a main character full of personality and opinions, kids will love If You Give the Puffin a Muffin. It is sure to be a new favorite!

If you’re interested in reading If You Give the Puffin a Muffin, you can purchase a copy here on Amazon. 

*A copy of this book was provided free of charge for an honest review.

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Do Frogs Drink Hot Chocolate? How Animals Keep Warm Book Review

Do Frogs Drink Hot Chocolate? 

How Animals Keep Warm

 

Etta Kaner (Author)

John Martz (Illustrator)

Owlkids

Children’s Nonfiction, Picture Book

Publication Date: September 14, 2018

Animals that live in cold environments need to stay warm, but how? Author Etta Kaner poses humorous (and sometimes true) questions about how animals stay warm like “Do penguins snuggle with a friend,” and then reveals interesting tidbits how these animals actually survive during winter.

Great illustrations paired with amusing yet informative text makes Do Frogs Drink Hot Chocolate? a fun, fact-filled read kids will love!

If you’re interested in reading Do Frogs Drink Hot Chocolate? How Animals Keep Warm, you can purchase a copy here onAmazon. 

*A copy of this book was provided free of charge for an honest review.

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