I am a Meadow Mermaid review

 

A farm girl with a big imagination turns her landlocked home into an ocean playground in this dreamy picture book for little mermaids everywhere.(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

A short but beautiful picture book about a farm girl who dreams of being a mermaid. By using her imagination, it takes her on a mermaid adventure for a day even though she lives on a farm.  She hears the sea in the wind, blowing wheat becomes waves and notices seahorses in the distance.  When she stumbles upon another girl who has fallen on her bike, she makes a new friend who likes to play make believe just as much as she does.  The text is poetic and simple while the illustrations are even more dreamy.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 4-6.~

Title:  I am a Meadow Mermaid

Author:  Kallie Goerge, illustrated by: Elly MacKay

Pub. date: June 2023, Tundra Books

Genre: picture book

Hardcover, 32 pgs.

Over and Under the Waves review

 

Explore the wonders and beauties of the ocean's kelp forests in this latest addition to the acclaimed Over and Under series.(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A family paddle their kayaks over the waves to explore the ocean as we learn about another one of our most diverse ecosystems.  This beautifully written story takes you along on the journey as they glide silently, discovering the ocean above and the hidden forest below them.  Over the waves they paddle through the wind, view pelicans soaring, hear the sea lions bark and watch an otter mom and her pup cuddle.  But under the waves, there are just as many diverse things.  It is a hidden home with sea kelp, various fish, squid, sea anemones and whales.  

 

I always love how each Over and Under series books express a feeling of calmness during reading.  The illustrations are peaceful and the text is gentle, flows easily and is always informative.  I found myself wanting to paddle along in the ocean or go exploring on the beach throughout.  Included at the end is a wonderful author's note about her kayaking trip in Monterey Bay and that experience led her to writing this book. There are also details about the animals you will find over and under the waves that just might open up more questions from little ones.  Sharing books like these with our children help teach about the importance and preservation of these amazing ecosystems for not only themselves but future generations as well.   I think this is a "just right book" for ages 4 and up.~ 

 

Title: Over and Under the Waves

Author: Kate Messner

Pub. date: September 2022, Chronicle Books

Genre: picture book

Hardcover, 56 pgs.
 

A Pigeon in Paris review

 

When mother pigeon arrives in Paris she knows it's the perfect place to call home--for a while. She makes her nest and lays her eggs and, when her babies hatch, nurtures them until they're strong enough to take flight. But as little Petite watches her brother and sister take off, she determines she is too scared and simply will not fly.(goodreads summary)

 

 

I saw this lovely book cover and knew it was going to be a story I would like.  It is a sweet and gentle read for little ones offering encouragement for those fearful times.   Little Petite and her siblings, Bisou and Cherie, are adorable characters to fall in love with.  Petite is so scared to take her first flight that she tells herself  she will never fly and will never leave her nest.  Although, she needs to learn to fly on her own if she wants to fill her hungry tummy.  With the help and encouragement of her family, she finally leaps off and flies on her own.  Seeing Petite go from "I can't and I won't" to finally spreading her wings and soar shows bravery and if you try, you just might surprise yourself.  Even after she panics and falls, she gets herself back up again with determination, facing her fear. The soft colors of the illustrations add to the story giving the pages a beautiful Parisian feel.  This will be a great story for those who struggle with fears and know they can overcome them.  I hope there are more Petite stories to come. She makes a wonderful character kids can relate to! I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-6.~

Title:  A Pigeon in Paris - Petite Takes Flight

Author: Paige Howard, illustrated by Joanie Stone

Pub. date: April 2023 Sleeping Bear Press

Genre: picture book

Hardcover, 32 pgs.