David Atherton's Christmas Cookbook for Kids review

 

Grab your aprons and get into the holiday spirit with Great British Baking Show winner and star chef David Atherton.(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here is a festive cookbook for the family that will give everyone some holiday fun in the kitchen!  It features a yummy variety of sweets, party foods, cakes and cookies. The ingredient lists are relatively simple to a little more complex if you want to make some show stoppers. The recipes are easy-to-follow and among them you will find tips and tricks throughout.   There are detailed illustrations (not photos) that go along with the recipes as well.  A few examples you can try are reindeer bark, sweet and spicy popcorn, snowy owl cupcakes or coconut snowballs.  There is even a section on making gift boxes to give your homemade treats to someone special.  The holidays are a wonderful time to make memories with the family and I think this is a "just right book" for ages 4-12.~

 

Title:  David Atherton's Christmas Cookbook for Kids

Author: David Atherton, illustrated by Katie Cottle

Pub. date: September 2024, Candlewick Press

Genre: nonfiction

Hardcover, 72 pgs.

 

 

The Littlest Christmas Tree review

A beautifully illustrated tale about celebrating the joy of Christmas, and the little things in life. (goodreads summary) 

 

 

 

 

Daddy Bear and Cubby Bear are in search of the perfect Christmas tree.  Cubby loves the tree that chooses him this year and gives it the best spot in his home.  But as the holidays come to a close, Cubby is sad to see it happen and that little tree will be leaving soon.  But Daddy Bear has an idea that will keep little tree around a little bit longer.

 

A sweet story perfect for this time of year when you are getting ready and looking for your own special tree!  The illustrations are lively detailing the forest, animals and the holiday season wonderfully.  It is a celebration of the joys of Christmas and all the hard work put into decorating.  I loved how relatable Daddy Bear is to us grown ups as he pulls the sleigh with trees (and friends), untangling lights and struggling with some bows.  We always feel sad, just like Cubby, when the time comes to take down our tree too.  But each year we hang onto it a little bit longer and place it out in our backyard for the birds during the winter months.  This is a heartwarming read for families that love Christmas trees and  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 4-7.~

 

Title:  The Littlest Christmas Tree

Author: Jane Chapman

Pub. date: September 2024, Tiger Tales

Genre: picture book

Hardcover, 32 pgs.

Tricky Chopsticks review

 

In this story loosely inspired by Chen's childhood, a girl determined to hold her own in her family's annual chopsticks challenge creates a solution.(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

Jenny Chow's family are all expert chopstick users but Jenny always finds it to be a struggle. No matter how hard she tries they are just to tricky.  When her cousin Victor's birthday party invitation arrives, she worries about the annual family chopstick challenge.  How will she master the chopsticks in time?

 

Jenny is determined to master those chopsticks and with perseverance discovers her own creative way to use them.  It shows problem solving skills and encourages not giving up on something just because it is hard to do.  Kids will find this story relatable because we have all had the same feeling of not being able to do something others could do. It is just a matter of coming up with a way that works best for you and this story is a wonderful example of finding it.  The illustrations are fun and full of expression as Jenny's family cheer her on at the birthday party when they see how she eventually masters her chopsticks in time for the chopstick challenge.  The last page gives instructions on how to make DIY Chopstick Tongs just like Jenny. I think this is a "just right book" for ages 4-7.~

 

Title:  Tricky Chopsticks

Author: Sylvia Chen, illustrated by Fanny Liem

Pub. date: March 2024, Anthem Books for Young Readers

Genre: picture book

Hardcover, 40 pgs.

Harold Hates to Hibernate review

Little bear Harold is NOT ready to to go to sleep—and, just like kids everywhere, he makes every attempt to stay awake.(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

 

Harold loves everything about Fall.  He loves eating from the apple trees and tasting a bit of honey from the bees.  But what he loves the most is spending time with his friends the crows.  As the days grow shorter and winter is on the way, the other bears are getting ready to hibernate. Harold worries that if he hibernates too his friends will forget him.  So he is determined to do everything he can to stay awake a little while longer.

 

This is a charming follow-up to the picture book Harold Loves His Wolly Hat.  It is a great story about transitioning from Autumn into the Winter Season and Harold's determination to avoid his long winter nap.  It is reminiscent of kids refusing to go to sleep themselves and use stall tactics to stay up longer.  The illustrations move from yellows and reds to various shades of grey, black and blue representing winters arrival.  Text is easy for reading aloud and together with the illustrations would make a wonderful bedtime story.  The ending is cute when he eventually gives in and the crows bring him a special gift. It is a gentle and soothing read perfect for cuddling up to on a cold winter evening.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-6.~

 

Title: Harold Hates to Hibernate

Author: Vern Kousky

Pub. date: October 2024, Random House

Genre; picture book

Hardcover, 40 pgs.

Umami review

 

Umami, sick of cold fish, travels the world trying different and delicious food to bring back home for the other penguins to try.(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

 

Umami the penguin is tired of eating fish all the time.  The other penguins don't seem to mind the same thing everyday but she wants a more exciting variety.  She just knows better things are out there and is determined to find it!  So she decides to set off to a different land where she finds amazing new smells and tastes.  Wanting to share the new foods with her penguin colony, she packs up her boat with yummy new foods and returns home.  But will the penguins accept or reject the wonderful feast?

 

Trying new foods can be a struggle and this charming story may help encourage picky eaters to give it a chance. Umami tries several new foods with enthusiasm and learns there are different tastes such as; salty and bitter, sour and sweet, or spicy.  Seeing Umami trying all the different flavors might spark interest for kids to talk about what each one tastes like if they don't know.  When she brings back a wonderful selection to her colony, the others approach with curiosity. It is cute to see each ones reaction to the different flavors and finally finding delight in the delicious new tidbits. There is a positive message of individuality, leadership, community sharing and trying new things can be an adventure.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-7.~ 

Title: Umami

Author: Jacob Grant

Pub. Date:October 2024, Viking Books for Young Readers

Genre: picture book

Hardcover, 40 pgs.

Thankful review

 

When the first snow falls, a little girl writes down the things she’s thankful for on strips of paper and links them together. As one idea leads to another, her chain grows longer. There’s so much good in her life.(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

This story reminds readers the importance of being thankful and how making a thankful chain is a wonderful way to just pause and think about how grateful we are for all that we have around us.  As her thoughts begin to flow, it is the everyday simple things that makes the little girls chain grow longer and longer.    

It is so beautifully written and illustrated and could be read anytime throughout the year.  The illustrations are done in a 3-D diorama set photographed with a digital camera making the pages so unique and interesting to look at.  How creative this was to see all the paper detail and the mix of realistic items together .  The color palette also has a quiet, gentle feel to it and would be a perfect book to cozy up with just before bedtime.  What a wonderful family tradition this would be for any age to do anytime of the year.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3 - 10.~

Title:  Thankful

Author:  Elaine Vickers, illustrated by Samantha Cotterill

Pub. date: September 2021

Genre: picture book

Hardcover, 48 pgs.  

 

 

 

 

 

Thankful review

Like the gardener thankful for every green sprout, and the fireman, for putting the fire out, readers are encouraged to be thankful for the many blessings they find in their lives. (goodreads summary)






Not only is this a heart-warming book but it sends a positive message about being thankful for those little things we do not always think about. From the waitress being thankful for comfortable shoes, to the crafter being thankful for glitter and glue, it offers children (and even the adults) the opportunity for some creative thinking.  With delightfully subtle illustrations and simple rhyming text, it gently reminds us that the ordinary things we come across in our daily lives can be a blessing as well. With short and simple poetic words, this makes a quick and easy read aloud before that delicious Thanksgiving feast.  It would be a great conversation starter about various things we encounter in our everyday world that make us thankful.  I know I am thankful for the many wonderfully talented authors and books I find everyday that can be shared with our children.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-99.~

* This book is published by Zonderkidz, a Christian children's communication company.


Title:  Thankful
Author: Eileen Spinelli
Pub. Date:  September 2015, Zonderkidz
Genre: picture book
Hardcover, 32 pgs.

Anonymoose review

 

A humorous, heartfelt story about shyness, blending in, and the courage it takes to step out and speak up when it matters most.(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

Instead of interacting with her classmates, Ana Moose prefers hiding and blending in.  If she climbs up high she doesn't have to talk.  She won't have to participate in tug-of-war games if she crouches out of site.  Ana finds it very easy to be Anonymoose!  But when she finds interest in Peter's fort building, she wants to offer some of her fabulous ideas but struggles finding a way tell him. 

 

This is a sweet book about social anxiety and encouraging shy kids to find courage to break free.  Kids will enjoy the illustrations of Ana's clever hiding spots as she stays out of sight from others.  It was too scary to share her ideas when she saw Peter building a fort, so Ana comes up with a clever solution to pass notes.  Ana does eventually find a way to be brave and come out from hiding when his fort accidentally falls down.  Even though it is hard to do sometimes, this story gently helps kids step out of the shadows just like Ana does. She builds up the courage to make a new best friend and finds that it isn't so bad after all. It was cute to see Peter in the background of the pages showing that he too is a bit of an introvert.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 4-7.~

 

Title: Anonymoose

Author: Shawna J.C. Tenney

Pub. date: August 2024, Beaming Books

Genre: picture book

Hardcover, 32 pgs.

Just Like Millie review

A shy young girl finds exploring her new city and making friends overwhelming—until a rescue dog helps her uncover the bravery that was always in her. (goodreads summary)

 

 

 

A beautiful story about a little girl and her mom who moves to a new city.  The girl loves being in her new home but is rather shy when it comes time to meet new people in their neighborhood.  Her mom tries scheduling play dates and attending local reading programs but she just wants to stay at home.  When Millie the friendly rescue dog moves in with them, it just might be what the girl needs to help her be brave enough to make new friends.  

This is a sweet book perfect for shy kids that are reluctant when it comes to meeting others.  Children will find the gentle tone and soft illustrations comforting while reading aloud. Many will connect to the feelings the little girl expresses and know they are not alone.  This is a wonderful book for families to open up discussion that are in the moving and adjustment process. Both Millie the rescue and the little girl benefit from Millie joining the family. Millie has a loving new home and the little girl learns to be hopeful when it comes time to meet others.  It may even spark talk about rescue animals and adopting??   Another one of my favorite parts of this story are the end pages showing them moving into their new home and the back page shows them walking the neighborhood with Millie and new friends.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-6.~

 

Title:  Just Like Millie

Author: Lauren Castillo

Pub. date: March 2024, Candlewick Press

Genre: picture book

Hardcover, 40 pgs.

The Misadventure of Bob the Book review

 

Meet Bob. He's the all-time favorite library book at Wisdom Hill Elementary. But Sebastian is nothing like Bob’s previous enthusiastic borrowers. In fact, Sebastian completely forgets about Bob!(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

At Wisdom Hill Elementary School, Bob the Book considers himself a superstar!  Children rush to his shelf to check him out.  He has traveled by backpack, will always keep kids entertained on long car rides and is there on a sick day if needed.  He usually enjoys being out and about until one day Sebastian takes him to his house.  Once there, Bob has a distressing time and can't wait to return to the library.  Unfortunately, he is soon forgotten and ends up lost the entire school year.

 

This is a cute story that teaches children the importance of looking after borrowed books. It would be a great read for School Librarians to help teach the younger ones who are checking out books for the first time on their own.  Told from Bob's point-of-view, it is a gentle reminder to treat library books with care and take responsibility for them without being preachy.  During the last week of school, Sebastian's dad finds a note asking for the return of the overdue book. The hunt begins and after Sebastian finds Bob again, he realizes how much he loves reading it over and over.  The length of the text makes for a easy read aloud and the illustrations are colorful and engaging. Kids will gasp at Bob's adventures and cheer when he is finally found.  The last page has Bob offering book care tips making this story a wonderful teaching tool.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-6.~

 

Title: The Misadventure of Bob the Book

Author: Gloria Koster, illustrated by Pawel Gierlinski

Pub. date: August 2024,  Capstone Editions

Genre: picture book

Hardcover, 32 pgs.

 

 

 

Look review

 

This lyrical, timely picture book with beautiful diorama illustrations shows that if you really look, you never know what the world might give you to see.(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

 

Our world is full of many colors, shapes and sizes.  But if you stop and take a look around what other things can you see?  

 

This unique book guides readers to take a closer look and observe their surroundings for patterns.  You can find stripes on a chair or a cat's tail walking on a picket fence.  How about an alternating pattern of big and small rocks or new patterns such as zigzags.  Some are easy and some are hard but if you stop and look there are so many things to find.   The best part of this book are the illustrations done in vibrant bold colors and paper cut outs. It is a unique concept that kids will want to keep looking at the details.   Information can be found at the back of the book on pattern types and some recommended activities to try. It works wonderful for classroom learning as well.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 4-8.  

Title:  Look

Author: Gabi Snyder, illustrated by Samantha Cotterill

Pub. date: April 2024,  Simon & Schuster

Genre" picture book

Hardcover, 48 pgs.

 

 

The Reindeer Remainders review

 

A perfect picture book for back-to-school or any time of year, this clever, rhyming story shows how working together and including others are important parts of friendship.(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

Twelve reindeer are excited for the big showcase night and rush to class to finish things up.  But when a new student joins, this now makes them thirteen making the class an uneven number.  Whenever they pair or group up, there is always a "remain-deer-one".  No matter how they divide into groups one reindeer is always alone making everyone worried and unsure what to do. They do not want to leave anyone out for the big event. 

Learning math can be so complicated but having fun books such as this is always a help! A picture book story about math concepts such as prime numbers and remainders engages kids to understand them better.  The illustrations are charming and it cleverly rhymes making this easy for reading aloud.  I loved the reindeer's worried expressions for their friends and even though they all looked alike, they each had their own colored bandana giving them personality.  In the end, the deer problem solved their showcase dilemmas happily.  On the back pages the author talks more about remainders and prime numbers. Also included is another page dedicated to feelings when someone is left out and how to make sure all in a group feel included.  Another wonderful concept of this terrific story.  It is written easily for young readers to understand and enjoy as well.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 5-8.~

 

Title: The Reindeer Remainders

Author: Katey Howes, illustrated by Marie Hermansson

Pub. date: July 2024, Sourcebooks Explore

Genre: picture book

Hardcover, 40 pgs.