Claude: A wordless Picture Book review

 

Inspired by a beautiful Claude Monet painting, a little artist decides to create her own masterpiece, but her puppy has other ideas. (goodreads summary) 

 

 

 

 

A young artist, who is inspired by the painter Claude Monet, decides she wants to paint her own masterpiece.  But her charming little dog Claude has other ideas and tries everything to take her attention away from her artwork.

 

This picture book is one that I will definitely remember because it has two things that I love.  First, it is based off of my favorite inspiring painter who is Claude Monet.  Secondly, it is a wordless picture book that tells a sweet and cute story by its simple but beautifully done illustrations.  This delightful book is easy to follow as the little girl visualizes what her painting will turn out to be but her dog adds a bit of mayhem instead.  It is a very short read but the black and white illustrations with pops of primary colors are very expressive and cute.  I could feel Claude's disappointment when he couldn't go for a walk by the way his head hung. I also noticed how hard the little girl was thinking and focusing wanting her painting to be a certain way.  But as the story shows us, sometimes things don't always go as planned but can turn out wonderful anyway.  I feel this would make a great addition for learning about impressionism where young kids could make their own artwork after reading this charming book.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 5-7.~  

 

Title: Claude

Author: Phyllis Harris

Pub. date: May 2026, Familius

Genre: wordless picture book

Hardcover, 32 pgs. 

Peanut, Butter & Crackers - Puppy Problems review

 

A new puppy disrupts life for a dog and cat.(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

 

 

When a puppy arrives at the home of Butter and Crackers, the cat and dog duo must learn how to adjust to the family's new addition.  While the new puppy learns about life in a forever family, Butter and Crackers find it hard to accept this disruptive change to their seemingly normal household. 

 

Young early readers will find this junior graphic novel easy to read with its bright colors, simple sentence structure and a storyboard layout that is easy to follow along.  Butter and Crackers have humorous personalities that dog and cat owners can relate to.  Their hilarious interactions show how dogs and cats have very different brains and lives. But bothered by Peanut's neediness, messes and intrusion, Butter "accidentally" leaves the gate open and Peanut disappears.  When Peanut goes missing at night, Butter and Crackers realize that he is truly family and set out to bring him home.  This is the beginning story in the series and is perfect for readers who want to and are ready to read on their own.  I feel this will be a cute series kids will enjoy following and I think this is a "just right book" for ages 6-8.~

 

Title: Peanut, Butter & Crackers Puppy Problems

Author: Paige Braddock

Pub. date: September 2020,   Viking Books for Young Readers

Genre: jr graphic novel

Paperback, 92 pgs. 

 

 

Owl By Myself review

 

From the New York Times-bestselling illustrator of Sleepy Sheepy and The Good Egg comes an irresistible new character who insists on doing everything owl by himself today.(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

When Owl wakes up one morning, he decides he wants do everything by himself! He starts by cleaning his room (almost perfect), then gets dressed in his favorite pants, (even though they are a little wrinkled) and ties his shoes only to get himself tied up instead.  As his day goes along, he tries his best to do everything by himself but finds there are still a few things he may still need a little help with. 

 

In this short and simple book, the main focus of child independence is depicted in a cute and funny way.  As Owl attempts his many tasks during the day, readers share in his successes even as things go awry at times.  He might not be good at everything but his self-confidence is infectious. Kids will pick up on the repeated refrain "Owl By Myself" and will enjoy saying it out loud during reading.   The text is simple and the charming illustrations have humor that will give a few giggles. Throughout the story, Owl learns that there are many things he is capable of doing by himself but in the end he still needs others for some.  This makes for a nice bedtime story and the next day can be declared it will be an owl by myself day! I think this is a "just right book" for ages 2-5.~  

 

Title:  Owl By Myself

Author: Pete Oswald

Pub. date: August 2026, Random House

Genre: picture book

Hardcover, 40 pgs. 

  

A Not So Perfect Start review

 

Welcome to The Caring Classroom! A new series that gives kids the building blocks they need to be a kind and caring person in the classroom and beyond.(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

 

Thea wants everything to be perfect during her first week of school! Nothing can go wrong as she is filled with excitement, hope and worries.  But when a mishap during art time occurs, Thea shares an idea bringing the caring classroom together.

 

The first week of school can become frustrating for a child who is a perfectionist such as Thea.  This is a gentle, encouraging read-aloud that would work well for classroom story time or a parent of a child with the expectations of making everything perfect the first few days of a new school year.  The book sends a positive message that making mistakes is okay and shows that you don't have to be perfect at everything.  When things happen beyond your control it can turn into something wonderful when you stop and adjust your thinking.  The illustrations are fun, bold and the characters have cute expressions as they go through their school days of ups and downs.  The text flows nicely for reading aloud and the story may relieve some anxiety and jitters kids are facing.  In the beginning, Thea makes a list of all the things she needs to make her first day perfect.  In the end, her list changes to a helpful tips for a perfectly imperfect you list teaching us some valuable points. This is the first book in "The Caring Classroom" series and I could see many more in the future about Thea and her classmates. I think this is a "just right book" for ages 4-7.~

 

Title: A Not So Perfect Start

Author: Trudy Ludwig, illustrated by Maribel Lechuga

Pub. date: June 2026, Knopf Books for Young Readers

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.

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) 

 

 

 

  

 One of my favorites of the back-to-school books!

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yeti is Not Ready for School review

First day of school jitters? Yeti knows all about that! She's not ready for her first day of school either in this colorful picture book that is a gentle reminder that's it OK to be scared to start something new.(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

Yeti has everything ready for her first day of school. She has been practicing her stomping, mastering her growl and even filed her fangs. But her tummy still has the fire-breathing moths fluttering around.  Tomorrow is the big day but can Yeti think of a good excuse to stay home instead?

 

It is that time already for the new school year to begin and many kids are feeling butterflies in their stomach. This is a fun back to school story for those first day jitters to let kids know that it is okay to feel nervous.  Kids will relate to Yeti's worries when they see how she feels about her upcoming first day meeting new classmates or doing something embarrassing in front of others.  The illustrations are bold and bright and the text can be easily read to one child or to a large group.  It may open up conversation to help kids ease into a new school year knowing that others share the same feelings when starting something new.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-6.~

 

Title: Yeti is Not Ready for School

Author: Leigh Ann Carter

Pub. date: July 2025, Random House for Young Readers

Genre: picture book

Hardcover, 32 pgs. 

 

 

Crouton review

 

Join Crouton, a lovable shelter cat, as she searches for her perfect person—because not everyone would be the right fit.(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

 

Crouton is a shelter cat who is looking for just the right person to take home. Not everyone will be perfect but she knows when she finds that special one!  Just as she starts to give up hope, an adorable little girl walks in and Crouton decides she better get her attention so nobody else will adopt her before she can!

 

This is a sweet and really cute story told from a shelter cat's point-of-view about waiting and finding that one special person to share your life with. It is a reversal on how we adopt pets from shelters and would be a wonderful conversation starter if you are thinking about a pet adoption.  As cute as animals can be, it comes with a lot of responsibility and hearing it from Crouton shows us just that.  We also feel the happiness and love that can be shared between a pet and human. The text is simple but the illustrations on each page are in eye pleasing black, white and pink tones and the characters are expressive and cute.  The book is based on the authors own experience of adopting a shelter cat and I am glad she shared her personal story so others can think about the process for themselves.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-7.~

 

Title: Crouton

Author: Kristine A. Lombardi

Pub. date: January 2026, Random House

Genre: picture book

Hardcover, 40 pgs. 

 

Lydia Loves Bugs review

 

Discover the wonderful world of insects as Lydia collects bugs for show-and-tell in this picture book perfect for little entomologists (goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

Lydia is a lover of bugs! She loves big bugs and little bugs, bouncy bugs and even stinky ones.  She is lucky because her mom is an Entomologist, a person who studies bugs for a living.  Together they collect various insects for a special show-and-tell day at school and Lydia cannot wait to share with her classmates what they find.  

 

There is still time before school starts to get outside and explore nature.  If you know a child that loves bugs, this will be the perfect book for them.  The text is simple and short but the illustrations are large, bold and colorful making this a great read aloud to a large or small group.  There are so many different insects throughout the story that kids will either recognize a few or learn about a new one. All the bugs shown in the story are real and the author has added a wonderful back page description to help understand them more. After reading about Lydia's love and seeing her enthusiasm, it may spark interest in having their own bug hunt at a nature area or their own backyard. Collecting and observing bugs is a fun activity that will keep kids occupied for hours.  Another part of learning is to make sure they release them back to nature when they are done.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-7.~

 

Title: Lydia Loves Bugs

Author: Heidi E.Y. Stemple & Yuliya Pankratova

Pub. date: May 2026, Familius

Genre: picture book

Hardcover, 32 pgs. 

Sunday Fun Day review

 

Make every Sunday a fun day with an amazing activity for every weekend of the year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

No matter the season or the weather, this fabulous activity book will have something for the whole family.  Filled with 52 creative and fun things to do, there is an activity to choose from for each weekend of the year.  It has a wide variety of ideas on crafting, cooking, gardening or easy games which can all be done either indoors or outdoors.  Most activities are nature based and connected to the four seasons of Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter.  

 

Starting with Spring you could make a collage from leaves, twigs, flowers or shells or put on a noisy nature concert using rocks, empty bottles or sticks.  In Summer you can inspect insects, paint a pet rock or make leaf boats that float.  Autumn has many ideas such as fairy homes, outdoor obstacle courses and a pine cone bird feeder. Winter suggests stamping fruity wrapping paper, making a wildlife tree or a pretty colored tree sweater.  Several recipes are included for cooking in the kitchen and making some yummy meals.  There is carrot cake, cheesy pasta or soothing soup.  These are just a sample of all the wonderful things your family can do over the year.  Best of all, it brings everyone together and enjoying the beauty of nature and each other.  The activities seem simple and at the end of the book there is a tools and materials needed list to help.  This is a wonderful concept with so many fun ideas to try!  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3 and up.~

 

Title:  Sunday Fun Day

Author:  Katherine Halligan illustrated by Jesus Verona

Pub. date:  October 2021, Nosy Crow

Genre: non fiction picture book

Hardcover, 104 pgs.

  

Little Ghost's Summerween review

 

Little Ghost loves parties, but he’s only ever had the Halloween kind! After attending his first ever birthday party, Little Ghost decides to throw one of his own.(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

Little Ghost has only had one Halloween party.  When he receives an invitation to a friends outdoor camp birthday party, he tries his best to be brave.  On his way home, he thinks what it would be like having his own birthday party.  His friend Anya tells him that the party should celebrate him and what he likes just like Elias did.  Little Ghost decides to make his own birthday party unique to him but struggles with ideas that fit.  Unfortunately, all the things he likes are for Halloween and just doesn't seem right for a summertime party.  

 

We are right in the middle of summer and this is a really cute story for our hot weather months.  It has a really nice and simple message about finding out who you are as an individual and sharing it with others.  Little Ghost and Anya have a special friendship based on encouragement and thinking outside of the box.  The illustrations are colorful, cute and full of expression.  It has many funny moments but also reminds us the importance of celebrating who we truly are as individuals.  I think anyone would love to go to Little Ghosts Halloween themed summer party knowing how much effort he put into it to make it spooktacular! If you liked the authors first book "Little Ghost Makes a Friend" then you will surely enjoy this addition for a wonderful summertime read.  Kids may even come up with their own fun themed summer party after reading this sweet story.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-7.~ 

 

Title:  Little Ghost's Summerween

Author: Maggie Edkins Willis

Pub. date: April 2026, Beach Lane Books

Genre: picture book

Hardcover, 40 pgs. 

 

Navigating Early review

At the end of World War II, Jack Baker, a landlocked Kansas boy, is suddenly uprooted after his mother’s death and placed in a boy’s boarding school in Maine. There, Jack encounters Early Auden, the strangest of boys, who reads the number pi as a story and collects clippings about the sightings of a great black bear in the nearby mountains. Newcomer Jack feels lost yet can’t help being drawn to Early, who won’t believe what everyone accepts to be the truth about the Great Appalachian Bear, Timber Rattlesnakes, and the legendary school hero known as The Fish, who never returned from the war. They embark on a quest on the Appalachian Trail in search of the great black bear. But what they are searching for is sometimes different from what they find. (goodreads summary)

After the passing of his mother, thirteen year old Jack Baker relocates to Morton Hill Academy in Cape Felty, Maine. His father decides to move him closer to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard where he is stationed in the Navy. Jack finds himself trying to adjust to a new life ahead at the boarding school while trying to come to terms with his mother's sudden death. Soon after his arrival, he notices an unusual boy named Early Auden.  Jack learns things about Early that he finds intriguing such as; he sometimes shows up for class and then disappears, has his own workshop in the school's custodial room and clearly has a knack for numbers. To Early, the number pi is an adventurous story that he sees in shapes, color and texture. He can perform amazing calculations in his head and calms himself by sorting jellybeans by number and color when he becomes upset.  Early's Pi stories are very real to him and he feels a need to help save him after a professor announces that the number eventually comes to an end. When the boys find themselves alone at school during fall break, they decide to take a trip down the Kennebec River in search of the mythical Great Appalachian Bear and help Pi return from the dangers of being lost.  Along the way, they meet several characters who have a strange similarity to Early's Pi stories that help create an adventuresome journey for the two themselves. Most importantly though on their quest, the boys learn that sometimes what you end up finding is not necessarily what you've set out looking for.

This story was filled with adventure, imagination and so beautifully written that it definitely pulls in the reader. Even though Early's story of Pi is fictional, it is so believable that it is a story within a story itself.  There is depth to the characters and tale that makes this not just a typical adventure story either. It is more of a read between the lines story and its reader will find true friendship, self discovery, meaning of hope and character development. I imagined Early, that despite his differences, a character truly exceptional and gifted telling that magical tale from what he sees in his mind from a set of numbers. I envisioned Jack feeling lost and unsure of his place in a complicated world searching for answers to his own questions.  It had a detailed 1945 setting including the woodlands of Maine that had me traveling easily through that era. The journey turns to many dangers along the way when they encounter a band of thieves, the thought of what is behind the giant bear prints, and making it back to the academy alive just to name a few. They also meet other characters that offer help and hope and continue on their epic journey to save Pi, even though Jack questions what is reality or insanity as their adventure seems to run parallel to Early's Pi story. It eventually sorts out and explains many things for each boy in more ways than one. Jack and his father both had good character development. I always like books where not only children are shown to grow, but adults do as well. It had some drawn out parts but just as many thrilling and exciting ones to keep you page turning. There are also great new vocabulary words and descriptive word choices that kids will find. This is a book for thinkers and good choice for either boys or girls. At the end of the book, the author also discusses the concept of Early's character and the number pi in her author's note. I usually read a book during summer vacation to my kids. I know this will be a great pick and look forward to sharing this one with them in the upcoming months. I think this is a "just right book" for ages 10-13.~

Title: Navigating Early
Author: Clare Vanderpool
Pub. Date: January 2013, Delacorte Press
Genre: adventure, middle grade
Hardover, 306 pgs.

The Last Day of Kindergarten review

A little girl is sad that kindergarten is coming to an end. She wishes it were the first day again, when everything was exciting and new and there was such a fun year ahead. But then she realizes that graduating is exciting, too and maybe first grade won't be so bad after all! (jacket description)

 

The end of another school year is fast approaching... There are so many books about the start of school, how about a book about the end of school?  This is one of my favorite books from a few years ago that will get kids ready for summer.

A little girl reflects back on her first year in kindergarten and all the wonderful things that made it so fun and special.  Leaving a favorite teacher and friends behind can give children mixed emotions and this story helps by remembering good times and preparing for the transition to the next grade. It would spark wonderful discussion on what they themselves would be looking forward to when starting a new grade.  This would be a fun last day of school read before that final goodbye. I think this is a "just right book" for ages 5-6 and perfect for kindergarten classrooms.~

Title: The Last Day of Kindergarten
Author: Nancy Loewen
Genre: Picture Book
Pub. Date: February 2011, Marshall Cavendish Children
Hardcover, 32 pgs.

Kindergarten Graduation review

 

The perfect Little Golden Book to celebrate finishing kindergarten!(goodreads summary)
 

 

 

 

 

 

It is the final days of kindergarten and the class is getting ready for the big graduation celebration!  Each student reflects on their favorite thing about kindergarten by making a drawing for a special keepsake booklet.  

 

This is the perfect story to wrap up the last days of the kindergarten school year.  Reflecting back on all that they learned, along with some fun times throughout the year, will help kids get ready to take the next step into first grade.  Making a memory book to look back on is an extra special thing too for parents and children to share with each other.  It is a joyful book celebrating all the experiences of a great year and getting ready for what comes next.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 5-6.~

 

Title:  Kindergarten Graduation

Author: Jennifer Liberts, illustrated by Courtney Dawson

Pub. date: March 2024, Golden Books

Genre: picture book

Hardcover, 24 pgs.

 

The House with the Little Red Door review

 

If you knocked on the house with the little red door three times you would find...(book jacket)

 

 

 

 

 

If you knocked on the house with the little red door you would meet Olivia.  Olivia is a young girl who feels lonely and that something is missing at her home.  Inside the big oak tree in the yard, there is a mouse, who wishes he had someone to talk to.  When it begins to snow, the two come together and discover the beauty of the outdoors.  But when mouse's tree falls from the snowstorm, can Olivia help find a new home for him? 

 

This is such a sweet and heartwarming story about finding friendship.  The beautiful cover was the first thing that caught my eye and once inside, you will find the perfect book to read on a snowy day or at bedtime. The illustrations are in cozy winter hues and kids will enjoy the detailed illustrations. Throughout the pages there are lift-the-flaps which adds many extra interesting finds to discover.  The story is about kindness and filling the empty feelings we sometimes have by finding companionship.  It is a simple story but with a tender message.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-7.~

 

Title: The House with the Little Red Door

Author: Grace Easton

Pub. date: September 2025, Thames & Hudson

Genre: picture book

Hardcover, 32 pgs. 

 

 

 

As the World Goes By review

 

When Buttons the dog sees a beautiful blue butterfly, he is sure everyone will want to see it, too.(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Buttons the dog casually spots a beautiful blue butterfly and thinks everyone will want to see it too.  But when he follows it through the hustle and bustle of town, nobody pays any attention to it as it floats on by.  Buttons is determined to find a way to get people to see what he sees.

 

We definitely need a book like this to remind us of the beauty nature has to offer and how it can calm us from the busy world.   Constantly rushing here and there, this book will bring you back to slowing down and taking time to enjoy the little things in life.  It is a sweet, simple story with a cute dog character, as cute as a button if I may say, that is impactful and meaningful and would be wonderful to share as a family. The illustrations are in subtle hues and it could also be a peaceful bedtime read to help wind down from a busy day.   Nature can center us when we need a break and this gentle story will inspire you to stop and smell the roses, if only for a moment. Within our hectic lives there is beauty waiting to help ground us.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-8.  

 

Title: As the World Goes By

Author: Jonny Lambert

Pub. date: June 2025, Tiger Tales

Genre: picture book

Hardcover, 32 pgs. 

 

Pizzasaurus review

 

 Pizzasaurus cares about one thing and one thing PIZZA!(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

 

Everyone has heard of the mighty T-Rex or the giant horned Triceratops.  But did you know they are not the only superstars of the dinosaur world?

In this cute and hilarious book, we meet Pizzasaurus, a dinosaur who has a love and a huge appetite for Pizza.  He sings about pizza, he dreams about pizza and he only eats pizza!  The text flows nicely for reading out loud to a group and the dinosaurs add to the humor of the story with their word bubbles. The bold illustrations have many details and will have kids finding new things at the turn of each page. There is so much humor it will have the younger kids laughing out loud.  Just as the dinosaurs get used to having Pizzasaurus as part of the group, there is another surprise that adds a bit of sparkle to the end.  This would be a fun book to read for a pizza party and I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-7.~

 Title:  Pizzasaurus

Author: Tammi Sauer, illustrated by Kyle Beckett

Pub. date: March 3, 2026 Doubleday Books for Young Readers

Genre: picture books

Hardcover, 32 pgs. 

 

Tractors in Space review

 

Come along on a side-splittingly funny adventure and meet the tractors with a big secret ... they're going to space!(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

Toby has dreamed of going up into space to see the moon!  He decides to make his wish come true by blasting off as high as he can and his amazing journey begins. While up in space, he meets several other tractors.  They show him around the universe and eventually he happily finds the moon.  When he realizes though that he doesn't have enough fuel to get back home, the other tractors pull together to help him return safely to the farm.

 

This is a cute book for kids who have an interest in either tractors or space and putting the two together makes for a fun story.  The illustrations are in bright, bold colors and the characters are full of smiles.  The text flows easily which is perfect for a quick read aloud. There are great descriptive words that will help kids learn some new vocabulary such as; wispy, twirly, whirly galaxy, whizzed through space or the shimmering moon.  It is great on imagination and includes problem solving when they have to get Toby back home with a creative way that will make kids giggle in the end.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-6.~

 

Title: Tractors in Space

Author: Ross Mackay, illustrated by Alex Willmore

Pub date: January 2026, Dorling Kindersley

Genre: picture book

Hardcover, 32 pgs. 

 

 

Book Blogger Hop - March 6

Book Blogger Hop

Thanks must go out to Billy at The Coffee Addicted Writer for hosting this weekly book blogger hop. It is a fun and great way to meet other bloggers and share our thoughts. 

This week's question is:

"If you had to, would you pass your book collection on to someone special? If not, what would you prefer your family or friends do with your books after you’re gone?"      

                                                          (submitted by Billy @ Coffee-Addicted Writer)

My Answer:  

Wow! What a deep thought -

I don't think my family would want any of my book shelf reads since they have their own genres that they like to read.  Maybe my daughter would want some of my favorites that she knows are special to me but I would hope they donate things to our local libraries.  But I plan on being around for a while yet, so it would be a good question to throw out to them and think about. 

 

I am looking forward to reading what others have said and maybe I will clean up the book shelves this weekend too!  Have a great hop weekend everyone!! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Book Blogger Hop - February 27

 

Book Blogger Hop

Thanks must go out to Billy at The Coffee Addicted Writer for hosting this weekly book blogger hop. It is a fun and great way to meet other bloggers and share our thoughts. 

This week's question is:

"When you spot giveaways, do you enter just for fun—even if you’re unsure you’ll read the book—or only when you truly want the title?"    

                                               (submitted by Elizabeth @ Silver's Reviews)

 

My Answer:  

 

Love today's question from Elizabeth! 

 

I usually enter giveaways if the book sounds interesting or if I have seen good reviews on it.  In the past years, I have entered many, many giveaways but only won 2 books from goodreads.  I guess I am not a lucky enough person!! 

 

 

I am looking forward to reading what others have said and will catch a few new blogs along the way. Have a great hop weekend everyone!!  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Book Blogger Hop - February 20

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks must go out to Billy at The Coffee Addicted Writer for hosting this weekly book blogger hop. It is a fun and great way to meet other bloggers and share our thoughts. 

This week's question is:

“ When writing reviews, do you align your text to the left, center, right, or justify it? ”

My Answer:  I am still writing my reviews aligned to the left. I guess I am old school and like to stick with what I know.

 

 

I am looking forward to reading what others have said and will catch a few new profiles along the way. Have a great hop weekend everyone!! 

 

Book Blogger Hop

The Trouble with Giraffes review

 

A girl and her pet giraffe are friends despite their difference in size(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

 

Having a giraffe for a pet can be tricky at times. Giraffes have different food choices and the height difference makes walking together difficult.  But the girl loves spending time together even though she feels the two are more different than alike.  But a big part of being friends that are different; is that they always find a way to meet in the middle.  One day at the clubhouse, while trying to shield the giraffe from the rain, an accident lands the girl in a cast. When she is feeling better and ready to rejoin pet club, her friends give her a welcome back party.  But after finding it a problem to climb up to the clubhouse, the friends find a solution to make it welcoming for everyone again.

 

Here is a sweet book that gives warmth and has a positive message about friendship. It is a wonderful concept of "having to meet in the middle" and showing kids how to work out problems to include others in things that they may not be able to participate in due to certain limitations.  The text flows nicely and the illustrations are cute in eye pleasing colors.  Friendship is abundant and the gentle message on inclusion makes for a good conversation after reading in a large or small group setting.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-7.~

 

Title: The Trouble with Giraffes

Author: Lisa Mantchev, illsutrated by Taeeun Yoo

Pub. date: September 2025, Simon & Schuster for Young Readers

Genre: picture book

Hardcover, 32 pgs. 

It's Winter review

 

Flurries flutter, soft and light. It’s winter, and our world is bright!(bookjacket)

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is a wonderful story that shows us all the ways we can enjoy snow and the various events that come with the winter season. Bundle up in mittens and puffy suits, go sledding on hills of snow, build the roundest snowman ever or have a snowball fight. These are only a few things we can look forward to in the winter months.  There are also many celebrations during this time as well.  For example, the book illustrates pages on Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Chinese New Year and Valentine's Day. The text is rhyming and the bold, colorful illustrations definitely will have you feeling winter.  There are so many fun things to do during this time of year and reading this story with a hot cocoa will give you many ideas.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-7.~ 

Title: It's Winter

Author: Renee Kurilla

Pub. date: October 2024, Little Brown Books for Young Readers

Genre: picture book

Hardcover, 40n pgs. 

 

 

 

 

The Heart of Winter review

 

A heartwarming winter story that reminds us of the comforting power of friendship and the joy of helping others.(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

 

A snowstorm moves in and a sudden gust of wind separates Chip the robin from the rest of his family.  When he begins to look for them, he meets Lula the red fox, who offers her warm home to escape from the weather.  Lula lives alone and is happy to have the company and the two enjoy spending the afternoon together.   They watch snowflakes fall, build a snow fox and snow bird and played outside until sundown.  But when Chip's family finds him and he flies back home, Lula misses her new friend.

 

By the front cover, this looked like a story about winter and I didn't realize it was for the Christmas season until I read it today.  It is a cute book about kindness and friendship which is always perfect for the holidays. Chip and Lula are sweet characters among the bluish/black and white illustrations with pops of red which gives a chilly winter day feel.  Lula is lonely after Chip leaves but a knock on her door reveals a family surprise waiting behind it for her. It is a quick read about opening your doors with kindness to others in need and making new friends. It also conveys the message of how your friends are your family too.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 4-7.~

 

Title:  The Heart of Winter

Author: Alessandro Montagnana

Pub. date: August 2025, NubeOcho

Genre: picture book

Hardcover, 36 pgs. 

 

 

 

 

A Field Guide to Winter review

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This kid friendly Field Guide to Winter shows us the wonder of the outdoors and all that it has to offer during the cold, snowy months.  By using your senses, scientific explanations of nature, writing poems and stories, making crafts or animal hibernation, this book has everything needed for a fun way to learn about our winter season.  It suggests how kids can help birds with food and water, star gaze in the clear night skies or even start a nature journal to log observations of animal tracks and findings.  Geared towards the lower elementary kids, it would work for a science unit in the classroom or a family day out together exploring if you are looking for something fun to do on a weekend.   The illustrations are in pretty winter colors and the snowy pages add to the feeling of being outdoors.  The book cover is eye-pleasing as well.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 4-8.~

Title:  A Field Guide to Winter

Author: Gabby Dawnay, illustrated by Dorien Brouwers

Pub date: October 2025, Thames & Hudson

Genre: non fiction

Hardcover, 64 pgs. 

  

 Other books in series to check out:

          

 

 

 

 

Candle Island review

 

A moving portrait of loss and the restorative power of art.(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After the accidental death of her father, twelve year old Lucretia Sanderson and her mother, relocate to Candle Island, Maine to rebuild and deal with their grief.  Her mom, a famous artist in Vermont, is also trying to avoid the nonstop hounding of journalists looking for interviews. Hoping to start a new life there, Lucretia finds it difficult to fit in with the local islanders and the touristy summer kids. When they move into their home, she learns the history behind the house belonging to the family of a girl named Murdock.  From the beginning, she has not been able to make friends with her and learns her story slowly as to why.  But as the summer goes on, there are many secrets among the island including one that Lucretia and her mom keep close to themselves. 

 

This is a heartfelt story for upper middle grade readers about grief, self-discovery, friendships and trying to navigate this big world as a gifted twelve year old.  The beautiful writing gave me a lot of visualization for the various characters, island life and the beauty of the New England Coast.  Lucretia is very mature for her age and at times I felt she should have been older than twelve.  But I did understand why her character was written in this way after learning she is a prodigy.  It was hard for her to fit in with the Islanders and the summer kids definitely did not make it any easier with their bullying.  The spoiled and wealthy summer kids cause much havoc for Lucretia and the Islanders but eventually had to take accountability for their actions.  The group of three were quite mean and I was glad how they had to answer for it in the story line.  The book is not only about Lucretia's grief and rebuilding. There are secrets about a hidden room, a found poetry writing, a mysterious boy with a magical singing voice, an orphaned osprey chick rescue and the role art plays in our healing.  There is a wonderful sense of family between adults and kids while also showing empathy for others and animals.  The state of Maine is the perfect setting for the appreciation and the beauty of art and nature which plays a strong role in the story as well.  Although it is not a fast-paced read, it does depict a slow island life I'd long for.  There are good character developments among the many throughout.  It is a wonderful book for summer reading but could also work for anytime of the year with the many twists and themes.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 11-13.~

 

Title: Candle Island

Author: Lauren Wolk

Pub. date: April 2025, Dutton Books for Young Readers

Genre: middle grade realistic fiction

Hardcover, 352 pgs.