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.