Owl Diaries - Trip to the Pumpkin Farm review

 

 Eva and her friends are taking a field trip to the farm!(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eva and her class are taking a school field trip to the pumpkin farm. They spend three days learning and helping out around the farm to prepare for the Falling Leaves Day Party. But when the giant Thank-you Pumpkin goes missing, Eva and her friends become farm detectives to help solve the mystery before the parties can begin.  

 

If your child likes the Owl Diary Series, here is a fun early chapter book to add to the fall reading list.  The story has colorful illustrations with fairly easy to read text perfect for the newly independent reader.  Eva and her friends showed teamwork, perseverance, kindness, sharing and a sense of community.  So many good things kids will learn but in a subtle way.  It is a fun story with a bit of adventure and mystery with a happy outcome.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 6-7.~

Title:  Owl Diaries - Trip to the Pumpkin Farm

Author: Rebecca Elliot

Pub. date:  July 2019, Scholastic

Genre: early chapter book

Paperback, 80 pgs.

 

 

 

Hopefully the Scarecrow review

A poignant picture book about a scarecrow who befriends the young girl who reads to him day after day until one day he's left wondering where she is.(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

 

Today is the first day of Fall and here is a beautifully illustrated story of friendship to start off the season.  Hopefully looks forward to the little girl reading stories to him while he watches over the garden. Year-after-year through her favorite books, she takes him on various journeys and adventures. One Spring, someone new places him in the garden and he waits patiently for his little girl to come read to him. He does not give up hope as time goes by and she hasn't returned with an armful of new stories.  When she finally returns,  instead of reading to him, she takes Hopefully from the garden to a new and unusual place.  A place that they both know he will love!  This book is perfect for an Autumn season read aloud. After reading this charming book, kids could make their own scarecrow and read stories to it too.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 5-6.~

 

Title:  Hopefully the Scarecrow

Author:  Michelle Houts, illustrated by Sara Palacios

Pub. date: August 2023, Flamingo Books

Genre: picture book, fall season

Hardcover, 40 pgs.

 

Shy Robin and the First Day of School review

 

A little hippo finds that looking out for a new friend can turn shyness into bravery in Jaime Kim’s sweetly illustrated story about the first day of school.(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

At home Robin Hippo is full of energy and confidence.  Going to different places though she is extremely shy and feels like hiding.  To help with the worries about the first day of school, Robin's mom gives her a purple headband to help her feel brave.  In her new classroom, she meets Marco Otter who is also having a tough time with his shyness.  Together the two overcome their own fears in order to help each other problem solve and also learn that others can have the same things in common. 

Here is a sweet and gentle story that may help kids break out of their shell on those first few days back to school.  Whether they are a first time or returning student, everyone feels shy about a new classroom, new teacher and making friends.  The text is easy to read aloud and the illustrations are in bold colors with wonderful expression of feelings.  Together Robin and Marco find friendship helping each other through a tough day by turning their shyness into bravery.  This story would make for a good discussion about feelings and how others feel.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-6.~

Title:  Shy Robin and the First Day of School

Author: Jaime Kim

Pub. date: June 2023, Candlewick Press

Genre: picture book

Hardcover, 40 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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dog Days of School review

 

Charlie thinks his dog, Norman, has got it good: he gets to spend his days lounging on the couch or playing fetch, and he never has to do any homework. But when Charlie makes a wish to be a dog instead of a boy, things get a little topsy-turvy!  (goodreads summary)

This is one of my favorite back-to-school reads and I bet many of our children could relate to this funny story about Charlie. He does not like going to school and is tired of practicing his letters and drawing pictures. Most of all he seems anxious on Sunday nights and has trouble falling asleep. That night, he makes a wish that he could be like his dog Norman, whose life seems pretty grand at the moment. He wakes up the next morning and finds that he has switched bodies with Norman the dog! This funny story shows kids that the grass may not always be greener on the other side. Illustrations are large and bold making it a visually great read-aloud for the younger ones. They will giggle seeing Charlie doing the things his dog really does during the day while Norman goes to school supposedly like a real boy.  Well, I guess be careful what you wish for!  I have enjoyed many books by this author and again this one definitely will be added to my list. I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-7.~

Title: Dog Days of School
Author: Kelly DiPucchio, illustrated by Brian Biggs
Pub. Date:  June 2014, Disney-Hyperion
Genre: picture book
Hardcover, 40 pgs.

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. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One Wrong Step review

 

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer A. Nielsen comes a brand-new, spine-tingling adventure about two kids and their fight for survival on the unforgiving trails of Mount Everest.(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

After the death of his mother, Atlas Wade tries to deal with his heartache by climbing mountains with his dad.  When his dad joins on with an expedition, hoping to be the first team to summit Mount Everest, Atlas wants to prove to his dad that he is ready for the extensive climb.  But his dad feels it is best for him to stay behind and wait while the team goes on without him.  As the group ascends towards the summit there is a sudden avalanche. When Atlas hears no word from anyone in the group, he makes the decision to head up the mountain determined to find survivors.

 

Set in 1939, with the threat of World War II approaching, this story is an action-packed historical fiction perfect for the middle grade reader who has an interest for adventures on Mount Everest.   The story not only is about climbing but is also about dealing with grief, trust, learning from past and present mistakes and the importance of teamwork.  At the start of each chapter, I loved that the book offers so many different educational facts about the mountain, climbing terms, weather or medical issues the group encounters.  It also includes a summit map of Everest and where Atlas's location is as he moves up the mountain in search of the missing team.  It was not an easy feat for Atlas and Maddie as they faced a severe snowstorm, altitude sickness and the fear of a possible Nazi Spy following them. But as expected with a lot of problem solving and determination, this is what kept them moving onward with the hopes of finding their fathers alive.  There are chapters that are slow but then the story will ramp up in excitement and I found myself wanting to keep turning pages to see what happens.  Then, it comes down again until the next climatic moment of their dangerous journey.  Maddie's character helped open up Atlas to things in his past that helped him understand his feelings better by letting go the anger and sadness of loosing his mom.  The writing is so detailed that I felt like I was on a climb of Mount Everest myself feeling every cold blast of wind and blowing snow.  The title is perfect for this book because one wrong step could change Atlas and Maddie's lives instantly and I found myself on the edge of my seat a couple of times holding my breath for these kids.  The ending did wrap up fast and was predictable but all in all it will be a good read on a hot summer day to get in those reading minutes.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 10-13.~

 

Title: One Wrong Step

Author: Jennifer A. Nielsen

Pub. date: March 2024, Scholastic Press

Genre: historical fiction

Hardcover, 336 pgs. 

 

Don't Trust Fish review

 

An absurdly laugh-out-loud funny picture book about the villainy of fish.(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

 

At first, you might think this will be an informative and educational animal book.  But after the third page, this is where you find that it turns out to be a very funny take on the suspicious nature of fish.  Do they have something we should be worried about?  Well, according to the narrator, they are rebels and outlaws, spend time underwater so we can't see them, possibly plotting secrets of doom, sneaky, tricky and giving the reader many reasons why we should not trust fish.  The large, colorful illustrations and text makes for a great read aloud.  Kids will giggle at the silliness of what the fish are up to while the narrator keeps warning us.  The ending has a funny twist when we find out who the narrator turns out to be.  All-in-all this is a cute story with plenty of humor for a little fun downtime during the day.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 4-8.~

 

Title:  Don't Trust Fish

Author:  Neil Sharpson, illustrated by Dan Santat

Pub. date: April 2025, Dial Books

Genre: picture book

Hardcover, 40 pgs.

To See an Owl review

 

This gorgeous picture book that encourages patience and perseverance will resonate with readers of all ages who have longed to see one of these elusive creatures in the natural world.(goodreads summary)

 

 

Janie has always dreamed of seeing an owl in the wild.  But being creatures of the night they are very difficult to find.  She looks everywhere for signs of an owl but as the days and months go by she doesn't see any.  She becomes discouraged until her teacher Mr. Koji, a fellow birder himself, tells her to give it one more try. 

 

I loved this beautiful story and the patience and persistence Janie had wanting to see an owl in the wild.  The ink-and-pen watercolor illustrations are very detailed and adds to the peaceful tone of the story. There is so much to look at when you journey along with Janie in her search.  Either out in nature or in her classroom, you are always learning about the different types of owl's, their behavior and how they live in the wild. It also teaches having respect and how being quiet and still in nature can give you the magical moments you are looking for.  Janie is so dedicated and determined that readers will be excited when she finally spots one or maybe two.  You do not need to be a nature lover to enjoy this story.  

 

I have special connections to this book because there is an owl in my backyard woods that stops by from time-to-time.  I have never seen him but I hear him hooting during the late night letting me know he's there.  I was also lucky a few years ago to see one during the day. I was driving and I could see a great horned owl sitting on a branch as I passed by.  He was very large and it was definitely a sight to see!  Maybe this is why I loved this story as I do and hope it inspires new birders. I think this is a "just right book" for ages 4-10.~

 

Title: To See an Owl

Author: Matthew Cordell

Pub. date: January 2025, Random House

Genre: picture book

Hardcover, 40 pgs.

 

 

 

 

 

Nellie's Big Splash review

 

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Rabbit Listened, an unforgettable story of being brave and jumping into new experiences ( goodreads sumary)

 

 

 

 

Nellie, the baby sea turtle, faces a big challenge and tries to tackle her fear of jumping into the ocean for the first time.  Each time she tries, the waves are just too scary for her and she finds herself running back to the safety of the sand. 

 

This is a sweet story about being brave and learning to take those first steps trying something new.  Nellie is such a cute character and seeing her build up courage to take on the giant waves will inspire kids if they too have something difficult to face.  The illustrations are calm and gentle with soothing colors and the text is simple and easy to read.  Little ones will want to cheer for Nellie when she finally finds the courage to overcome her fear.  Nellie learned there are beautiful things and adventures waiting for her in the big unknown.  It is a tender story that offers encouragement to those who are afraid to try new things and taking that first step towards something new.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-6.~

 

Title:  Nellie's Big Splash

Author: Cori Doerrfeld

Pub. date: March 2025, Dial Books

Genre: picture book

Hardcover, 40 pgs.

 

 

 

 

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,

 

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.