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.