Witch Cat review

 

With illustrations by the award-winning Laura Hughes, this charming, delightfully rhyming story about finding where you belong is perfect for Halloween!(goodreads summary)

 

 

  

Pippin has always wondered if there was more to life than being a witch's cat.  Could he be a pirate's cat?  Maybe he could try being a pet cat?  But when Pippin decides to set off to find answers to his questions, he learns that something is missing and just doesn't feel quite right. 

 

Get ready for Halloween with this fun and delightful story about a cat looking for something different to do with his life other than being a witch's cat.  It is a sweet and simple story about finding where you belong.  The rhyming text flows nicely and the bold illustrations makes this a great read aloud. Kids will have fun seeing the various adventures Pippin goes on while trying to determine which life suits him best.  There is plenty of humor to make the little ones giggle as well.  Nothing seems right for Pippin until he sees something that reminds him of home. It is then that he realizes where he truly is meant to be.  This is the perfect story for the Halloween season and will be a favorite for all.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-6.~

 

Title:  Witch's Cat

Author: Lucy Rowland, illustrated by Laura Hughes

Pub. date:  July 2025, Bloomsbury

Genre: picture book

Hardcover, 32 pgs. 

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.