The Little Snowplow Wishes for Snow review

The plucky little hero of the #1 New York Times bestseller The Little Snowplow returns in a story about wishing, waiting, and the magic of a first snowfall.(goodreads summary)




The Little Snowplow loves helping his fellow road crew team on the Mighty Mountain.  He digs, pulls and lifts all year but what he really loves is plowing snow.  As each season arrives, he makes a wish for an upcoming snow filled winter.   The Little Snowplow is concerned though that as winter passes there might not be any snow this year for him to plow.  

I don't think we wished for snow here already in Wisconsin but we sure have had our early share these past three weeks!  Anyway, this is a nice book for kids that love stories about machinery and construction trucks.  It is a predictable story but kids will see humor in how The Little Snowplow and his friends come up with a creative and fun way to welcome winter.  As the months go by with no snow in sight, Little Snowplow does a nice job waiting patiently for snow to arrive by keeping himself busy.  Planning a snow birthday party is a great way to make up for the lack of snowy weather showing kids how to compromise.  The illustrations are large and each truck is given a personality with happy faces.  This is a cute and fun read for young kids who are definitely in a construction phase or love trucks.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-6.~

Title:  The Little Snowplow Wishes for Snow
Author:  Lora Koehler
Pub. date:  October 2019, Candlewick Press
Genre:  picture book
Hardcover, 40 pages

The Complete Baking Book for Young Chefs review

From the creators of the #1  New York Times bestselling cookbook for kids comes the ultimate baking book. (goodreads summary) 








On late Saturday afternoons, I always try  to catch an episode of America's Test Kitchen on our local PBS station.  So I was thrilled to see this wonderful cookbook available last month made for kids who would like to learn how to bake.  

 This beginners cookbook is a step-by-step illustrated guide for any aged kid that might want to try their hand at baking or who just enjoys doing it.   The introduction is dedicated to the baking basics,  techniques, preparation and specific terms as well as important tools needed in the kitchen.   Following are six chapters of recipes that range from the beginner to the advanced baker along with symbols to show the level of skill needed and what type of cooking is required.  Some recipes will use the oven, stovetop, microwave or no bake method which offers a nice variety of selections.  There are great step-by-step instructions and colorful photos with each recipe.  The kids can choose from muffins to breads, pizza rolls or empanadas, cookies or different types of cakes, cupcakes or fruit and pie desserts to list a few examples.  On several pages there are extra tips and facts to help that inspiring baker learn more.  Some ingredients are pretty simple and can be found in your pantry for a spur of the moment baking session, while others may need an extra trip to the grocery store.  Kids will feel pretty proud of themselves when they make any of these delectable treats to share with the family.  I like that it is a nice sized book for young hands and not overly bulky to hold.  It encourages kids to learn a new skill and just may spark a passion for baking in the future.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 8 and up.~

Title:  The Complete Baking Book for Young Chefs
Author:  America's Test Kitchen
Pub. date:  October 2019, Sourcebooks Explore
Genre:  nonfiction
Hardcover, 224 pages


You might also like:

Mom and Me Cookbook by Annabel Karmel

Rocket's Very Fine Day review

It's a beautiful sunny day and Rocket and Bella have big plans for fun in the sun. That is until a drop of rain falls and the clouds roll in.(goodreads summary)








Rocket books are one of my favorites and always a great start for the beginning reader.  Bella the Squirrel is introduced as Rocket's newest friend and the two are spending the day together.  Kids will have fun learning to read from the large text, bold bright colors and the cutest of characters.  Using picture clues they will be able to figure out the story or a challenging word.  The characters expressions are sweet and you can sense the friendship between the two while they have fun together .  I think Rocket is a very likable character for the early reader to start out with.  The two look forward to spending a sunny day together but when the raindrops move in they end up making the best of a rainy situation.  I guess it is also teaching young kids that if Plan A doesn't work out you can make a Plan B.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 5-6.~

Title: Rocket's Very Fine Day
Author:  Tad Hills
Pub. date:  July 2019,  Random House
Genre: picture book
Hardcover, 32 pgs


Other Rocket Books you will enjoy:


How Rocket Learned to Read by Tad Hills

Rocket Writes a Story by Tad Hills



  

Running Wild review

Twelve-year-old Willa and her twin brothers have survived with their father in the Alaskan wilderness for five years. But Willa knows this can't go on--they must escape.(goodreads summary)






For the past five years, twelve year old Willa lives with her dad and ten year old twin brothers in the heart of the Alaskan wilderness.  Choosing to live life off the grid, her dad moved the family there after the death of her mother.  At first, it seemed like happy times as they built their homestead with a flourishing garden and learned various survival skills.  But as the years pass, life is becoming harder and Willa's dad more withdrawn. The thoughts of survival are a continuous worry for her.  She misses her old life of fruits and vegetables from the local market, attending school and having a normal life of a twelve year old girl.  Hunting has been unsuccessful and food is becoming more scarce. Willa is concerned there is not enough rations to last the upcoming harsh winter.  When her dad travels to town for supplies he tends to be gone for longer amounts of time bringing back alcohol upon his return. He seems to be drinking more which is making him distant and at times violent towards her brothers.  Longing for a better life and having fears of not making it through the upcoming winter gives Willa the courage and strength to escape with her brothers to Fort Yukon for help.

Winter is right around the corner and there is no better time for an Alaskan adventure and survival story.  It is told from Willa's viewpoint and she makes for a believable character.  There were times I felt she seemed older and to mature for a 12 year old girl living in the middle of nowhere but I guess under the circumstances why would she not be. She is also unaware of the changes happening to her body for a girl her age which are mentioned various times in detail throughout the story which cause her concern.  After her dad goes on a hunting trip, she decides it is a good time to embark on a risky and dangerous journey to Fort Yukon.  Along the way they encounter loosing supplies, tangling with a bear and the risk of frigid temperatures and storms. The kids were taught many survival skills from their dad that came in useful on their trip. Planning their escape was a huge undertaking but Willa was aware of the many dangers they could face. Especially traveling down the river on a makeshift raft with two ten year olds and a wolf pup who did come to their rescue when needed. She strongly felt they would not survive through the winter and feared for her brothers lives if she had not taken the chance.  There were a couple of times the children second guessed their adventure due to the fear and devotion to their father.  But Willa's courage and strength kept her strong knowing that a different outcome awaits if they did not go to the nearest town for help as soon as possible.   She was a level headed character, caring, ambitious and saw things a lot more realistically than her dad who was suffering from grief and depression.  She also knew her dad needed help too.  The writing depicted the Alaskan wilderness and cold well enough to visualize the extreme and harsh environment the kids lived in and faced. The siblings determination for survival keeps them going in search of a new life.  The story moves along nicely with a few thrilling action parts making it an anticipating page turner.   It was a short and easy read (under 200 pages) making this a good choice for reluctant female readers when it comes to adventure or survival stories.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 11 and up.~

Title:  Running Wild
Author:  Lucy Jane Bledsoe
Pub. date:  September 2019, Margaret Ferguson Books
Genre: realistic fiction
Hardcover,  195 pgs.

   

Calm with the Very Hungry Caterpillar review

This beautiful little gift book features a simple, easy-to-follow journey to relaxation, perfect for children and adults of all ages.(goodreads summary)






Everyone is familiar with The Very Hungry Caterpillar story but this book is a little different.  It gently guides young children through simple relaxation techniques to help calm the mind.  The words are very simple and soothing by offering ways to relax and reduce stress when they are feeling out of sorts.  It would be an easy wind down time story in a preschool setting or at bedtime. I also see this fitting for Special Education students in need of a break from daily overloads.   In addition, it is just the right size for little hands to hold.  I read it twice in a row and after the second time I did feel a bit more relaxed myself.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-6.~

Title:  Calm with The Hungry Caterpillar
Author:  Eric Carle
Pub. date:  June 2016, Puffin
Genre:  picture book
Hardcover, 24 pgs.  

How to Scare a Ghost review

Who says ghosts get to have all the fun on Halloween?  But in order to scare a ghost, you might have to find one first. (goodreads summary)








There are many things you can do if you want to scare a ghost but first you need to find one.  Once you found your ghost you have to make sure it is a real ghost.   This cute and simple how-to book will be a fun read at those upcoming Halloween gatherings and help get kids into the holiday spirit.  The illustrations are large and colorful with many things to look at on each page. It will keep kids engaged as they have fun pointing out and talking about the various things they see.  It is a whimsical read aloud or read alone book with happy smiling characters throughout.   Eventually, instead of scaring the ghost the two friends make friends with it and teach it about getting ready for a special event.  In the end it lets the reader know that they should say trick-or-treat and thank you which I liked.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-7.~

Title:  How to Scare a Ghost
Author: Jean Reagan, illustrated by Lee Wildish
Pub. date:  August 2018, Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
genre: picture book
hardcover, 32 pgs

Froggy Picks a Pumpkin review

Froggy and friends enjoy a back-to-school ritual: a trip to the pumpkin patch. (goodreads summary)







Today is the day Froggy and his classmates take a trip to the pumpkin farm.  Everyone is looking forward to the pumpkin picking contest for the biggest, smallest, prettiest, ugliest and best all-around pumpkin they can find.  Of course, Froggy just knows he will find the best one! 

You can never go wrong with a Froggy book.   His boundless energy and enthusiasm is always relatable to children in each one they read.   This story is just simple and fun about Froggy and his class going to the pumpkin farm on a field trip.  It is pretty basic but kids will still feel Froggy's energy and it is always good for a few giggles.  Sometimes it is nice to have a quick and  easy story line for a change.  Everyone loves going to the pumpkin farm and picking out the best one you can find.  Actually, when I was a kid I always found it difficult deciding on which pumpkin to choose because there were so many to pick from.  But nonetheless, field trips to the farm were always fun and exciting.  This would be a good book to read before heading out to the pumpkin patch and getting everyone into the fall season spirit.   I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-6.~  

Title:  Froggy Picks a Pumpkin
Author: Jonathan London
Pub. date:  August 2019, Viking Books for Young Readers
Genre:  picture book
Hardcover, 32 pgs

Hello Autumn! review

"Green leaves are turning colors. . . . Maple seeds twirl to the ground. . . . Animals get ready for the cold days ahead." (goodreads summary)





I could definitely feel the change of season this morning when I got up.  The bird feeder in my backyard is very busy and the chipmunks are packing their cheeks full of any extra seed they could find on the cold ground.  The air has a slight crispness but the breeze is what mostly adds a chill. Everything about it today tells me that Fall is arriving sooner than later.

If you are looking for a book for an Autumn unit, this would be the perfect read aloud for a preschool or kindergarten/1st grade classroom.   It begins with Summer slowly fading and how plants, people and animals prepare for the change of seasons.  As Autumn arrives, it shows leaves turning and falling to the ground, how animals ready themselves for the cold and the fall harvest brings us a bounty of food for the Winter. The text is easy to read and informative but what makes this book truly special are the beautiful and vivid photographs that go along inside.  All the oranges, reds and yellows, the up close animal photos and the many smiles of the children outdoors offers a warm and cozy feel of what Autumn brings us.  There is so much to see and learn about in this book that kids will be full of questions opening up for excellent discussion.  After reading, I can't wait for Autumn to arrive so I can go on a Fall nature hike or to the pumpkin farm next month!  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-7.~


Title:  Hello Autumn!
Author:  Shelly Rotner
Pub. date:  September 2017, Holiday House
Genre:  non-fiction
 Hardcover, 32 pgs


The author has other seasonal books you may want to check out as well -


     

    

 










 

Forever review

A little polar bear discovers that through life's ups and downs, a parent's love lasts forever.








Just because it has cute polar bears on the cover doesn't mean it needs to be winter to enjoy it!  This sweet story is about love a parent holds for their child and would be perfect for cuddling at bedtime.  The gentle hues of pinks, blues and grays on each page adds to the calming feeling as you read the simple rhyming text.  It is short but the words are meaningful.  Mama Bear expresses her love for little cub with her caring words and cuddles throughout the story offering a safe feeling for your little ones to pick up on.  This would also make a great gift for the new parent as a baby shower gift.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 0-4.~

Title:  Forever
Author:  Emma Dodd
Pub date: October 2013, Templar
Genre: picture book
Hardcover, 24 pgs.

   

Say Something review

In this empowering new picture book, beloved author Peter H. Reynolds explores the many ways that a single voice can make a difference. (goodreads summary)





This caught my eye the other day while visiting my local library and I couldn't wait to share it.  We are so fortunate that we live in a country where we have the freedom to be able to express ourselves. Whether it be with words, an action or creativity, this book encourages young readers that everyone has a voice and how they use it can make a difference for someone or something. The empowering messages to speak up, step up, share your ideas or inspire peace with others around you is just what we need in today's world for our children.  Through examples of art or planting a garden, it is a reminder that their voice is needed and expressing yourself in a good way can change the world. Each page is colorful with bold text bubbles for easy viewing and reading.  I am so glad I stopped for that moment to see what was on the inside and found an amazing must read book that will leave a big impact and inspire any reader young or old. I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-10.~

Title:  Say Something!
Author: Peter H. Reynolds
Pub Date: February 2019, Orchard Books
Genre: picture book
Hardcover,  40 pgs

With your Paw in Mine review

Miki, an otter pup, loves to snuggle on her mama's tummy. And Mama holds Miki's paws while she teaches her how to swim.  While Mama is out gathering food, Miki meets another otter pup and the two become best friends. Then one day, a terrible storm rages in the ocean, and Miki and Amak hold each other's paws tightly. Will it be enough to keep them safe? (goodreads summary)



 While Mama Otter goes hunting little pup Miki waits patiently at the top of the ocean wrapped securely in seaweed.  She finds a new friend and the two enjoy each others company while both their mama's are out for their daily hunt.   When a storm suddenly hits, Miki and Amak are alone and scared. Fortunately,  they do have each others friendship to help make it through the unpredictable weather until they can reunite with their Mama Otters again. 


The illustrations in this book are so sweet and cute that this story warms the heart.  It was filled with  love, friendship and working together when facing challenges.  I could feel the affection between mom and baby otter as Mama fluffed Miki up and taught her to swim holding onto her paw.  Miki was a little scared while Mama hunted but after meeting her friend Amak who was also scared while his mama was away, she shared paw holding with him to feel safe.  They worked out a way to help  each other when the storm came to stay together until they could be reunited with the  otter group.  What a relief when she heard her mama's voice!  Along with the illustrations the text is soft, gentle and soothing.  This would be a wonderful bedtime story to cuddle up with and read aloud to the younger ones.  I think this is a  "just right book" for ages 3-6.~