Leif and the Fall review

Leif is a leaf. A worried leaf. It is autumn, and Leif is afraid to fall. "All leaves fall in the fall," say the other leaves. But Leif is determined to find a different way down, and with his friend Laurel, he uses the resources around him to create a net, a kite, a parachute in hopes of softening his landing.(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 Leif knows that in Autumn leaves will eventually fall from the trees.  He is so afraid of falling and possibly hurting himself that this fear makes him worry even more.  It doesn't help when the other leaves are always telling him "all leaves fall in the fall".  With the help of his kind friend Laurel, he comes up with several ideas that might help catch his fall when his time comes.  But each one just doesn't seem to be the right answer to his problem.   After a few failed attempts, his collection of discarded ideas give him an unexpected surprise landing.  

Finding creative solutions and having persistence to help solve a problem is the theme of this Autumn tale.  Having a friend like Laurel showing kindness and offering encouragement is also an important part of Leif's story.  While the other leaves taunt him, Laurel's reassuring calmness was a plus for Leif's worries.  When the wind becomes stronger and Leif shivers, I liked how Laurel gave him a squeeze showing empathy for him.  The illustrations show expression and emotions and are in soft greens and browns, then gently turn to golds as Leif gets ready for his fall.  This is a good read for a fall and windy day about determination, thinking creatively and never giving up on your ideas.  It also has a subtle message of kindness, empathy and being a good friend when needed.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 5-9.~

 

Title:  Leif and the Fall

Author:  Allison Sweet Grant & Adam Grant, illustrations by Merrilee Liddiard

Pub date:  September 2020

genre: picture book

Hardcover, 32 pgs.

Nixie Ness Cooking Star review

 

Best friends Nixie and Grace spend every afternoon together . . . until Nixie's mom gets a new job and Nixie must attend the after-school program, without Grace.(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

 

Third grade best friends Nixie and Grace spend every afternoon together after school at Nixie's house.  Nixie's mom tells the girls she has taken a new job and she will have to attend the after school cooking camp program while Grace will be staying with another classmate, Elyse.  Nixie dreads going to the cooking camp without Grace and begins to worry that she is loosing her best friend to someone else.  While tying to come up with plan after plan to win her over, each one fails and Nixie ends up turning things into a big mess!  She may even loose Grace's friendship forever. 

This is a wonderful chapter book for elementary aged kids about friendships, feelings and everyday school life. They will find the story relatable to their own daily situations as the author does a nice job writing from a young child's perspective.  Nixie is so fixated on Grace and Elyse's bonding that she ignores any opportunity of new friendships for herself with her cooking camp group.  There are several new and nice classmates but she is so jealous of Grace and Elyse that she cannot enjoy the camp for all it has to offer her.  She is having a difficult time with the sudden changes coming all at once which kids can struggle with at this age group. With her "Get Your Best Friend Back" plan, each one backfires on Nixie making her feel sadder and alone.  Nixie even ends up saying something very mean to Grace that may end their friendship but learns the meaning of  giving a sincere apology.  There are illustrations throughout the chapters giving visuals of the cooking camp, Nixie's feelings and of the many diverse characters which adds nicely to the story.   Included at the end is a recipe of Nixie's favorite Morning Glory Muffins that kids might be inspired to bake after reading how much fun cooking can be.  This is the first in the After-School Superstars series with other characters from this story branching out having books about their own after school activity experiences.  There are a total of four books so far and I hope more characters will follow. These stories can also teach younger readers about new ideas, social mistakes, consequences, empathy and problem solving.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 7-9.~

Title:  Nixie Ness Cooking Star

Author: Claudia Mills, illustrated by Grace Zong

Publisher date: June 2019, Margaret Ferguson Books

Genre: chapter book

Hardcover, 118 pgs.

 

 

 

 

Big Shark, Little Shark and the Spooky Cave review

 

Just in time for Halloween comes a spooky, funny early reader starring Big Shark and Little Shark!(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

 

Big Shark is scared by the spooky cave but not Little Shark.  When brave Little Shark enters the cave, Big Shark decides to follow.  The pair find a few exciting things in there with a fun twist at the end.   With large print and easy words, early readers will find this a fun book to read on their own.  With picture clues and rhyming text children will be able to figure out what comes next.  Big Shark realizes that the spooky cave is not as spooky as he thought.  It has a surprise for him at the end making this a fun Halloween read! Be sure to try the other Big Shark, Little Shark Step into Reading books too.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 4-6.~

Title:  Big Shark, Little Shark and the Spooky Cave

Author:  Anna Membrino

Pub date: July 2021, Random House Books for Young Readers

Genre:  early reader

Hardcover, 32 pgs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Little Ghost who was a Quilt review

 

 When you're a quilt instead of a sheet, being a ghost is hard!(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Being a quilt ghost has its challenges and in this story our sweet character learns that it is ok to be different and it might give you a special outcome you didn't expect.  He doesn't know why he is a quilt ghost since his family and friends are sheet ghosts.  It is hard for him to fly around because he is too heavy to lift off.  The little quilt ghost feels sad and doesn't like being different.  When his favorite holiday Halloween arrives, he plans on draping himself over a chair on a porch putting him right in the center of the action during trick-or-treat.  But something unexpected happens that helps him embrace who he is .  

This was a sweet story about the importance of being yourself and finding a place where you fit.  The pencil illustrations are drawn in black and white but there were touches of color such as the blue hues of the patchwork quilt or bits of orange scattered on various pages adding subtle color.  It is a cute read for the Halloween season.  The story could also prompt discussion about feeling different and how to overcome  such feelings.  It offers a nice message about accepting who you are and that each one of us has a unique purpose.  We just need to have the strength to find it and believe in it.  

 

Title:  The Little Ghost who was a Quilt

Author:  Riel Nason, illustrated by Byron Eggenschwiler

Pub. date:  September 2020, Tundra Books

Genre: picture book

Hardcover, 32 pgs.  

Rocket's Leaf Pile review

Rocket, Bella, and Owl are busy gathering colorful fall leaves until a strong breeze blows the leaves away!(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

 

A nice story for fall about Rocket and his friends in search of colorful leaves. As the leaves fall from the trees, Rocket and Bella the squirrel make a beautiful collection.  Owl adds a few yellow leaves to the pile but a strong wind blows them away.   They decide it will be fun to find more leaves and as they do admire the shapes, various sizes and differences in each one.  Soon more friends arrive to add to the pile.  Colors are vibrant throughout the story and the many friends are shown working together to make a beautiful leaf pile for Rocket.  The illustrated animals are always sweet and cute just like in the many other Rocket  stories.  This is a short but fun board book getting ready for the autumn season.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-5.~

 

Title: Rocket's Leaf Pile

Author: Tad Hills

 Pub. date:  July 2021,  Random House for Young Readers

Genre:  board book

Hardcover,  22 pgs.

 

 

 

 

 

Rocket has a Sleepover review

 

Rocket is having fun at a sleepover! But when Owl, Bella, and Fred get ready to catch some Z's, Rocket refuses to go to bed. Can a bedtime story soothe Rocket and help him fall asleep? (goodreads summary) 

 

 

 

 

Rocket stories are always fun to read.  Especially when they are a Step into Reading Book for the beginning reader.  Rocket is happy that his friends are coming over for his sleepover.  They play games and have snacks but when it is time to say goodnight Rocket is not tired.  His friends think a story might help but each one falls fast asleep before the story is complete.  Easy to read large text and short sentences help encourage kids to read on their own.  The illustrations are bold, colorful and appealing. In addition, being able to read these type of books alone builds great confidence for the young reader.  Especially when they have cute characters involved.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 5-6.~

Title:  Rocket has a Sleepover

Author: Tad Hills

Pub. date:  July 2021, Random House for Young Readers

Genre: early reader, picture book

Softcover, 32 pgs.

 

 

A Story for Small Bear review

 

In this sweet, lyrical picture book, perfect for bedtime, a playful cub prepares for hibernation, saving just enough time for Mama to share a story before they must settle down.(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

After reading this sweet story about a small bear getting ready for winter, I realized that in no time we will be getting ourselves ready for the change of season as well  Small bear is eager for his mama to tell him a story before they turn in for their long winters nap. But before she can do that, he has certain things he needs to do first to get ready.  "No dilly dally", says mama.  The text and illustrations are soothing and gentle making this a great story to cuddle up with before bedtime.  Soft muted colors also add to the very calming read.  It is sweet how small bear keeps mama's words in mind to help him stay focused and on task with his chores so he can hear a story in the end.  It could begin a conversation about bears and hibernation or even things we do to prepare for winter.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 4-7.~

Title:  A Story for Small Bear

Author: Alice B. McGinty & Richard Jones

Pub. date:  October 2020, Schwartz & Wade Books

Genre: picture book

Hardcover, 32 pgs.

How to be Kind in Kindergarten review

 Now the best-selling author of Kindergarten, Here I Come! has written a companion book of poems to guide kids to be their very best self. (book jacket)

 

 

 

 A new school year is upon us and here is a book that parents may want to read aloud to their child  helping them with the transition into kindergarten about kindness.  Not only will it teach them to be kind but it could also help your child teach others in their classroom to be kind as well.  It does not take a lot to be kind.... Anyone who needs a helping hand, a friend looking sad, including shy children in games, being from a different culture or just how to share your toys are just a few of the examples talked about in the story.  It is a pocket size book perfect for little hands to hold and follow along turning the pages while you read.  Teaching our children kindness helps make the world a better place and it is never to soon to start.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 5-6.~

 

Title:  How to be Kind in Kindergarten

Author: D.J. Steinberg, illustrated by Ruth Hammond

Pub. date:  June 2021, Grosset & Dunlap

Genre:  picture book

Hardcover, 32 pgs.

 

How to Get Your Teacher Ready review

Written in tongue-in-cheek instructional style, a class of adorable students gives tips and tricks for getting a teacher ready for the first day of school, and all the events and milestones that will follow. (goodreads summary) 

 

 

 

  

This cute and simple how-to book is a great way to help kids get off on the right foot when starting out a new school year.   The children are the experts in this story by giving their teacher wonderful advice that starts with the transition of the first few days. It then prepares the class for several other special events to expect throughout the upcoming year such as; picture day, holiday concerts, the 100th day of school celebration and many other amazing things the class will encounter.  The text is simple with large and colorful illustrations making this a nice circle time read aloud for the younger grades.  This is a fun role reversal book showing how students are getting their teacher ready for a new school year instead of the teacher getting her students ready.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 4-7.~

Title:  How to Get your Teacher Ready

Author:  Jean Reagan, illustrated by Lee Wildish

Pub. date:  July 2017, Alfred A. Knopf 

Genre: picture book

Hardcover,  32 pgs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finding Spring review

A baby bear cub named Maurice is curious about spring--and he's upset when Mama tells him that before he can experience his first spring, he has to hibernate through his first winter! Mischievous Maurice decides to leave their warm den and go find spring for himself. He asks all his friends for help . . . and finally finds something beautiful and full of magic and light. Spring!(goodreads summary)


Little Maurice is so impatient waiting for his first Spring that he does not want to hibernate as Mama Bear suggests. So while she is taking a winter nap, he sets out on his own to look for it. Along the way, he runs into his friends who seem to be too busy to think about Spring. He eventually finds what he thinks is Spring and wrapping it up, takes it back to his den . After he awakens, he is excited to show everyone that he finally found Spring but when he opens his scarf it is gone!  When he returns to the spot where he found it, there is a beautiful surprise waiting for him that is even better. 

This was a nice story about waiting and having patience. The illustrations were made from hand-cut paper and are definitely intricate with plenty of detail.  Looking at all the different pieces of paper added a fun element to the story. It was quite creative turning the forest and its creatures into original cut-out artwork making it visually appealing. The story was a little predictable but with the illustrations they make it worthy of a quick read-a-loud. It would be fun for kids to write their own Springtime storybook and make paper collage illustrations to go along with it. I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-7.~ 

Title:  Finding Spring
Author:  Carin Berger
Pub. date:  January 2015, Greenwillow Books
Genre:  picture book
Hardcover, 40 pgs. 

Red Knit Cap Girl and the Reading Tree review

One day Red Knit Cap Girl and her friends discover a hollow tree in the middle of the forest. What can be done with one ordinary tree? "I will keep my book in this nook so everyone can read it," Red Knit Cap Girl says. But the tree isn't only for books. Little by little, one by one, the animals share their unique gifts and turn the ordinary tree into a special spot for everyone to enjoy!(goodreads)


All you need is a little hideaway to transform into a quaint book nook and share among your friends. A little girl does just that when squirrel discovers a special spot in a big oak tree. This charming story is a take on the Little Free Libraries that seem to be popping up in many communities. Each woodland friend brings something they want to share with the others.  Even Owl and Moon make a special sign that gives the little reading nook that extra touch. This was a cute story about sharing and finding that special place to sit and read with friends. The serene color pallet adds to the illustrations softness and warmth while reading.  It is a nice story about the value of books and sharing what you read with others. I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-7.~

Title: Red Knit Cap Girl and the Reading Tree
Author: Naoko Stoop
Pub. Date:  September 2014, Little, Brown & Co.
Genre: picture Book
Hardcover, 40 pgs.

A Flower in the Snow review

Luna and her polar bear friend (Bear) discover a beautiful gold flower growing in the snow. But when the flower fades, Bear goes on a search around the world for another to bring to Luna. It's only when he returns home that the true strength of their friendship is revealed.(goodreads summary)




Luna and her best friend Bear do everything together. When Bear shares a beautiful golden flower with Luna that he finds in the snow, she calls it her sunshine flower and wants to treasure it forever. Unfortunately, her special flower begins to wilt causing Luna's smile to fade as well. Bear tries everything to bring back her smile but with no prevail, he decides that he must set out to find her another one. 

One look at the beautiful cover and I knew I was going to like this one. This simple story about friendship is not only sweet and cute but the illustrations added a special warm feeling to it. The spirit of their friendship is felt by its' gentle characters and soft warm colors on each page. I liked the expression Bear had while trying to get Luna to cheer up, either by being roly-poly in the snow or making a silly face. Bears determination to make Luna smile again reinforced how far friends go for each other when in need. When Bear returns with nothing, Luna has a special surprise of her own for him and that just being best friends is more important than anything else. A great story filled with true friendship and love for a cold winters day. I think this is a "just right book for ages 3-6.~

Title: A Flower in the Snow
Author: Tracey Corderoy, illustrated by Sophie Allsopp
Pub. Date: December 2012, Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
Genre: picture book
Hardcover, 32 pgs.
 

The Reader review

In this timeless picture book, a new reader trudges through deep snow with a mysterious suitcase in tow. He has something important to share with his faithful companion, who bolts ahead to wait at the top of a tall hill. Our small hero climbs higher and higher, until finally, he is there, too. Then he opens his suitcase ? click, click ? and soon the only sound in the world is the sound of him reading their very favorite book to the very last page?the very last word. (goodreads summary)




One snowy day, a boy and his dog are determined to reach the top of a very tall hill. He has his red sled, warm drinks, a crunchy snack and something very special waiting inside his suitcase for the two to share. When he makes it to the top, they play in the snow making snowballs, angels and a snow dog. The time finally arrives for him to open the case and inside is the best book waiting to read out loud to his faithful furry friend!

A nice story about a boy and his dog spending time together on a cold snowy day finding the perfect place to read a special book.  The subtle watercolor illustrations stand out against the backdrop of a blanket of white snow, giving me a chill when I think about how cold and snowy it could be.  The text is quite simple but sweet as the two share an adventure filled snow day enjoying the wonderful outdoors and special time together reading a book. Afterwards, the two embark on a downhill adventure home on their red sled making it a truly great day. I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-6.~

Title: The Reader
Author: Amy Hest, illustrated by Lauren Castillo
picture book
Pub. date: October 2012, Amazon Children's Publishing
Hardcover, 32 pgs.