Happy Mother's Day from the Crayons review

 

In a wonderful celebration of Mother's Day, the hilarious crayons from the #1 New York Times bestselling The Day The Crayons Quit love their moms--and mother figures in their lives--so much, they wrote a book about it!(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

 

If you are a fan of The Crayon's series, here is a fun addition in time for the Mother's Day weekend. It is a sweet and simple celebration of moms but also includes grandmothers, stepmoms, two moms and even a single dad.  It honors different family make ups which makes this inclusive for many families.  Each crayon makes note as to why their special person is so important to them in their lives.  There are a couple It is a short and quick book but meaningful.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-6.~

 

Title:  Happy Mother's Day from the Crayons

Author: Drew Daywalt, illustrated by Oliver Jeffers

Pub. Date: February 2025, Philomel Books

Genre: picture book

Hardcover, 32 pgs.

 

 

 

 

If you Find a Fawn review

 

When you wander in the wild, you might find . . . a baby animal. Would you know what to do?(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

While a child wanders through the wilderness, she sees various baby animals that seem to be alone.  She watches quietly from a distance and learns why giving them space is important.  Spring is the time for all the new babies to come out into the open but would you know what to do if you see one? 

This is a wonderful book that teaches how to have respect for wildlife and what you should do if you come across a baby animal in nature.  The illustrations are rich in color giving the impression of going from an early morning to an evening walk in the wilderness.  The text is gentle and simple but informative on the various baby animals she finds.  It glides easily making for a nice read aloud for either a small or large group.   The end pages give many extra ways we can help wildlife and their babies whether at home, in your community and beyond.  A follow-up discussion will ensure children that they understand the importance and the right way to interact without disturbing the animals and their habitats.  It is never to early to pass on the love of nature to the little ones for our future and the survival of wildlife.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-7.~

 

Title: If you find a Fawn

Author:  Kellie DuBay Gillis, illustrated by Wazza Pink

Pub. date: February 2025, Disney Planet Possible Books

Genre: non fiction, nature

Hardcover, 40 pgs.

 

 

 

 

Bird Nerd review

 

Thoughtful, nerdy fifth-grader Nyla sets out to win her school's bird watching competition, while balancing old friends with new in this heartfelt debut.(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

 

Fifth Grader Nyla Braun knows everything about birds and what better way to prove to her classmates that she is more than just a bird nerd than by winning the Spring Birding Tournament. It is a friendly competition arranged by her teacher between her school in Philadelphia (the City Birders) and another school in the suburbs (the Burb Birders).  She makes a bird feeding station, visits local parks and visits with her fellow bird watching grandfather for tips.  But Nyla finds it may not be as easy as she thinks to be the big winner. 

 

The first thing that captured my heart was Nyla's gaze of wonderment on the beautiful front cover.  But this heart-warming debut novel is more than just about bird watching.  It is about family and friendships, perseverance, belonging and self-discovery.   Middle grade readers will find Nyla and her classmates relatable as she tries to navigate friendships, the desire to be popular and being true to herself.  Her family is very supportive of her birding passion and it was wonderful how encouraging they were.  Her relationship with her best friend Tasha changes as the competition gets underway and there are many ups and downs of balancing new friends with old.  There are many bird facts included in the story that offers a wonderful learning opportunity for kids and maybe even spark a new hobby of bird watching.  There are detailed descriptions of various birds and behaviors that kids will recognize from their backyard and may just want to stop and watch for themselves after reading about Nyla's experience. I loved how she journaled and recorded her findings and sharing her passion with readers.   This is a quiet, gentle book that I found to be a fast-paced read.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 9-11.~

 

Title: Bird Nerd

Author: Jennifer Ann Richter

Pub. date: October 2024, Holiday House

Genre: middle grade fiction

Hardcover, 240 pgs.

 

 

 

 

Dear Bookstore review

 

 A picture-book love letter to bookstores, inspired by a song from award-winning children’s songwriter, ukulele player, and debut author Emily Arrow.(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

 

Finding the local bookstore is only the beginning for one little girl towards an exciting adventure.  She finds it has many things to offer through the numerous variety of books, learning opportunities and watching other inspired readers.  It is a place that is always welcoming and waiting for her where she feels comfortable and is a perfect fit.  As she grows to be an adult, she is so very thankful that it remains in a changing world.

 

This is a beautiful ode to the neighborhood bookstore and all they have to offer readers young and old.   The text is simple and the colored pencil illustrations are in beautiful pastel colors making this story dreamy.  I liked how the bright yellow color is used on the pages to emphasize imagination and the magic a book can give us throughout.  Overtime, the girl grows to be a woman who still has an appreciation for the bookstore where she can always count on for a sense of place.  This story is heartwarming and has a gentle message about the importance of supporting your local independent bookseller.  This is also based off of the author's song she wrote called "Dear Bookstore" as a thank-you to bookstores that she has grown to love. It is a wonderful short story to read to young children and afterwards, set out exploring a favorite bookstore in your neighborhood.  I guarantee everyone will fall in love too!   I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-7.~

 

Title: Dear Bookstore

Author: Emily Arrow, illustrated by Genevieve Godbout

Pub. date: March 2025, Candlewick Press

Genre: picture book

Hardcover, 32 pgs.

Heartfelt review

 

From the creators of the “wonderfully evocative” (BookPage) Thankful comes a cozy picture book about a child who finds that small acts of kindness can change the world.(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

Love and kindness can be shared in many ways.  In this sweet picture book, a little girl spreads kindness and love to her family, friends and community in a special way. She makes paper hearts to give to others and learns what it means to spread joy and love but that it can help you feel love yourself.

 

While this story could work for Valentine's Day, it is also perfect for a year round read as well.  Showing and sharing love is a simple thing that anyone can experience. This book was unique though by showing us what it means to be part of a family, good friendship and community involvement by sharing kindness, encouraging words or helping others.  Not only do you help others feel good but you feel good inside as well.  The diorama style illustrations are bright and cheery just like in the author's other picture book Thankful which I enjoyed too.  This would make a wonderful story and project for at home or in the classroom teaching children what it means to spread kindness and how it can come back to you.  There is a great note from the author at the back page about a Secret Service activity which I found to be a wonderful idea to try with kids!  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 4-7.  

 

Title: Heartfelt

Author: Elaine Vickers, illustrated by Samantha Cotterill

Pub. date: January 2025, Simon & Schuster

Genre: picture book

Hardcover,

 

Feeding Littles Lunches review

 

75+ simple and delicious ideas for packed school lunches and snacks for kids of all ages.(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Are you looking for some variety and inspiration for your kiddos lunches?  To mix things up from the same-old-same-old, this book may help you find new ideas to try.   It could be a fun book to sit down with the kids and look at the yummy photographs of the lunch box ideas so they could pick out things they may like.  I love the boxes and various compartment containers showing the different types of foods you can use to make it not only look appealing but healthy as well.  It offers many ideas switching from regular bread to tortillas or crackers, many veggies, fruit, meat and cheese combos or just may give you your own ideas depending on what your child likes.  There are even ideas that grown ups who take lunches to work or school could use too.  Throughout the lunch box photo pages are prep, allergy, vegetarian, toddler and picky eater tips. Plus the first 70 pages offers useful reading on nutrition, food safety, lunch box creativity and fun.   You will be able to put together delicious and simple lunches the kids will enjoy.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-99.~

 

Title:  Feeding Littles Lunches

Author: Megan McNamee MPH, RDH and Judy Delaware, OTR/L,CLC

Pub. date: August 2024, Rodale Books

Genre: non fiction

Paperback, 237 pgs. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I Definitely Don't Like Winter review

 

A brilliantly funny picture book about two best friends who just can't agree!(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hank and Hoog are two best friends that love to do just about everything together.  The only thing that do not agree on though is the arrival of winter.  Hoog loves winter but Hank definitely does not.  Can the two friends find something to agree on during the long and cold winter months ahead?

 

This is a sweet and charming story for the winter season that will warm your heart.  Best friends Hank and Hoog are opposite when it comes to the cold and snow.  Hoog loves spending time sledding, reading by a quiet fire or going for outdoor walks.  Hank on the other hand seems to get the winter blues and dreads everything about the cold weather.  It is a short and simple story with easy text for a quick read aloud.  The brightly colored illustrations are large and both squirrels are cute and expressive. It has a sweet message of recognizing someone else's difference in opinion and meeting in the middle.  This is a great friendship book showing how to support one another when they are down and getting through by being together.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-6.~ 

Title: I Definietly Don't Like Winter

Author:  Fiona Barker, Illustrated by Christine Pym

Genre: picture book, winter season

Pub. date: October 2022, Scholastic Children's Books

Hardcover, 36 pgs.

 

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.