Thankful review

 

When the first snow falls, a little girl writes down the things she’s thankful for on strips of paper and links them together. As one idea leads to another, her chain grows longer. There’s so much good in her life.(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

This story reminds readers the importance of being thankful and how making a thankful chain is a wonderful way to just pause and think about how grateful we are for all that we have around us.  As her thoughts begin to flow, it is the everyday simple things that makes the little girls chain grow longer and longer.    

It is so beautifully written and illustrated and could be read anytime throughout the year.  The illustrations are done in a 3-D diorama set photographed with a digital camera making the pages so unique and interesting to look at.  How creative this was to see all the paper detail and the mix of realistic items together .  The color palette also has a quiet, gentle feel to it and would be a perfect book to cozy up with just before bedtime.  What a wonderful family tradition this would be for any age to do anytime of the year.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3 - 10.~

Title:  Thankful

Author:  Elaine Vickers, illustrated by Samantha Cotterill

Pub. date: September 2021

Genre: picture book

Hardcover, 48 pgs.  

 

 

 

 

 

A Mischief of Mice review

Join the animals and follow the clues in this rollicking, rhyming, nature-inspired whodunit story full of fun collective nouns!(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

A scurry of squirrels worry that a mischief of mice who used to play in the woods have suddenly disappeared.  They wonder if other animals in the forest had something to do about this mystery.  Could it have been the skulk of foxes or an unkindness of ravens lurking in a tree? Maybe the gaze of raccoons or the band of howling coyotes knew who took them?  As the squirrels keep looking no one knows where to find them.  Until they run into a sleuth a bears suggesting they follow the tracks in the freshly fallen snow. 

 

This is a creative book that works well for the transition of autumn into winter.  It is told with collective nouns teaching readers how different groups of animals are called different things.  The rhyming text is large making it a good choice for reading aloud. The night time illustrations are in warm, soft colors with pops of fall colored leaves throughout the woods showing the different seasonal changes nicely.  Kids will follow along with the cute little mouse tracks to see where they are found in the end.  There is a glossary in the back describing the collective nouns used for each animal group.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 4-7.~

 

Title:  A Mischief of Mice

Author: Christie Matheson

Pub. date: August 2024, Sourcebooks Jabberwocky

Genre: picture book

Hardcover, 40 pgs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Feeling Boo review

 

Feeling Boo, a charming and supportive picture book that reminds readers it’s ok to feel a little boo.(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ollie and Ellie have been best friends for hundreds of years. They love to float at midnight together and even play in a band.  But one night when Ollie wakes up feeling blue, Ellie tries everything to help him feel better by doing all his favorite things.  But nothing seems to cheer him up and Ellie doesn't know what else to do.

We have all had days like this. Waking up and feeling out of sorts and down just like Ollie. This book shows that it is okay to have those feelings and sometimes the best thing to do for someone else is to just sit quietly and be with them.  There are good days and there are bad days but having someone by your side can be comforting.  Older kids will find humor in the many puns and the illustrations are in Halloween colors with plenty to look at.  To help kids understand their own feelings or the feelings of someone else, this is a gentle story about having empathy and friendship.  Being still for a while just might be what you need to make those blues go away.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 5-7.~

Title:  Feeling Boo

Author: Alex Boniello & April Lavalle

Illustrated by: Olivia Chin Mueller

Pub. date: August 2024, Harry N. Abrams

Genre: picture book

Hardcover, 40 pgs.

Boo the Library Ghost review

 

Boo the ghost spends his days haunting the local library and scaring everyone away. But little Poppy thinks she may know why Boo is acting so scary, and she knows just how to fix it!(goodreads summary)

 

 

Here is a cute story about a ghost who haunts a library and loves to scare all the children away!  Except a girl named Poppy who loves reading so much that she refuses to leave.  Boo tries harder to scare her away by pushing over chairs and knocking over books.  But Poppy is not intimidated and realizes that Boo might not know how to read.  At first, Boo resists when Poppy wants to teach him but soon realizes how much fun a new friend and reading can be.  The rhythmic text flows nicely for reading aloud to a large or small group.  Illustrations are colorful and watching Boo go from naughty to sweet and helpful in the end makes him more likable.  It is a fun story for the Halloween season or anytime of the year showing the love of reading and libraries.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 4-7.~

Title:  Boo the Library Ghost

Author: Becky Paige

Pub. date: July 2024, Silver Dolphin Books

Genre: picture book

Hardcover, 32 pgs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Porcupine's Pie review

 

Winner of the Beaming Books Picture Book Writing Contest(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

 

It is Fall Feast Day and Porcupine is looking forward to making her famous Cranberry Pie.  On her way to wash the cranberries, she meets several woodland friends who are each out of a main ingredient that keeps them from making their own special recipes.  She happily offers her extra items to them from her pantry so they can finish their treats. But after arriving at the river, she finds her bucket is empty of her delicious pie cranberries.  How will she make her special Fall Feast Day Pie without them?

This a a sweet story about generosity and friendship. Porcupine is very giving and when she is in need herself, the woodland animals all pitch in to give back. A wonderful way for kids to learn about kindness and community from the simple gestures in this story. The illustrations are so cute and are in fall-themed colors. There is a ladybug that shows up on all the pages and kids will delight in finding it.  Porcupine's cranberries also fall out little-by-little and kids may or may not notice. I didn't at first and had a surprise when she got to the river too.  There is a recipe at the end for baking your own Friendship Pie.  It has a little bit of everything in it for kids and adults to make and share with friends. I think this is perfect for the fall harvest season and is a "just right book" for ages 3-7.~

 

Title:  Porcupine's Pie

Author: Laura Renauld, illustrated by Jennie Poh

Pub. date:  October 2018, Beaming Books

Genre: picture book

Hardcover, 32 pgs. 

Autumn Leaves Fall review

 

Take babies and toddlers on an active, rhyming jaunt through changing seasons and falling leaves in this sweet board book.(goodreads summary)
 

 

 

 

Bring in the fall season with this sweet board book made especially for babies and young toddlers.  This simple story takes us through the summer green trees to the changing of their autumn leaves.  The rhythmic text is short and the illustrations are charming with bright colors of yellow, orange and red. The forest animals are full of cute expressions adding to the charm.  A quick and easy read aloud for some cozy quiet together time.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 1-2.~

 

Title:  Autumn Leaves Fall

Author: Amber Hendricks, illustrated by Gavin Scott

Pub. date: July 2022, Amicus Ink

Genre: board book

Hardcover, 20 pgs.

Hello, Fall!! review

A grandfather and his granddaughter welcome fall in this sweet, whimsical story about finding beauty and wonder in every moment.(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

As the first leaves begin to turn in color, this book will remind us of the special moments we may encounter during the fall season change.  A grandfather and granddaughter are taking a walk together and sharing memories of a previous fall outing.  As they take a stroll through the beauty of the countryside, they recall the sights, sounds, smells and tastes they experienced.  The touching words along with the sweet and vivid illustrations capture the spirit of welcoming Autumn.  This would be a nice book to read just before an outdoor fall family activity or hike. Taking the time to explore the beauty of nature offers us wonderful memories for the young and old.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-7.~

Title:Hello, Fall!

Author: Deborah Diesen, illustrated by Lucy Fleming

Pub. date: July 2018, Farrar Straus Firoux Books

Genre: picture book, fall season

Hardcover, 32 pgs.

Bisquit and the Great Fall Day review

 

Join the beloved and bestselling little yellow puppy, Biscuit, on a great fall day.(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Biscuit has been around for a very long time. Here is a cute story to help get your early reader ready for the fall season.  Biscuit books have easy sentences with word repetition which helps the little ones learn to read on their own.  As always, the illustrations are so sweet and adds a wonderful visual to the story during reading. This one is perfect for the Autumn season with its' beautiful fall color palette and apple picking theme.   Kids will fall in love with the ever so cute Biscuit as he always manages to find some sort of mischief.  My kids grew up on the many Biscuit books and I always enjoyed hearing them read aloud.  Finding this story at the library will get kids excited about reading and getting ready for the Autumn season.  You cannot go wrong with any book in the Biscuit series and I think this is a "just right book" for ages 4-6.~

 

Title:  Biscuit and the Great Fall Day

Author:  Alyssa Satin Capucilli

Pub. date: August 2022, Harper Collins

Genre: early reader

paperback, 32 pgs.

Pumpkin Day at the Zoo review

 

When farmers and pumpkin patch owners donate their pumpkins to the zoo, the animals chomp, chew, play, and give hearty hoorays for their favorite squishy squash!(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Not only do we celebrate the fall season but these Zoo animals are enjoying a fall harvest feast as well.  Farmers and families donate their pumpkins to the local Zoo on a Saturday morning giving the animals a special treat.  They fill their tummies and play happily making Pumpkin Day an exciting event.  The illustrations are bold, colorful and lively with lot's of new vocabulary words highlighted for readers to learn.  On the last page it recommends finding out if your local Zoo accepts donations of pumpkins. I never thought about this before but it is a great way to help feed the numerous animals by reusing our pumpkins after Halloween.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-6.

Title: Pumpkin Day at the Zoo

Author: Susan Meissner, illustrated by Pablo Pino

Pub. date: July 2023, Tommy Nelson

Genre: picture book

Hardcover, 32 pgs.

 

 

It's Fall review

 

 Colors bursting, shadows tall. There's lots to celebrate-it's fall!(book jacket)

 

 

 

There are so many fabulous things about Autumn!  This is a great new book to start off the fall season with by remembering all the things we love.  Beginning with the many beautiful colors and warm cozy clothes to scarecrows and corn mazes, this story takes you on a fall journey of your senses.  Not only do you see the beautiful and colorful pages, but during reading I could feel, taste, hear, smell and touch everything the author celebrates about fall. What a wonderful way to show children how to take in the season by using all of their senses.  The easy and rhyming text flows nicely for a read aloud to a group or alone as a family.  It starts with early fall and goes to Thanksgiving. On the last page, it asks the reader what things do you love about fall?  It would make a wonderful theme unit book for the classroom.  The end pages are so cute and I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-7.~

 

Title:  It's Fall!

Author: Renee Kurilla

Pub. date: September 2023, Little, Brown and Company

Genre: picture book

Hardcover, 32 pgs. 

The Scarecrow review

All the animals know not to mess with old Scarecrow. But when a small, scared crow falls from midair, Scarecrow does the strangest thing. . . .(goodreads summary)




All year long a Scarecrow stands and guards his field of hay. The animals know not to go near the fields leaving the Scarecrow feeling a bit lonely.  Then one spring day a baby crow falls from a nearby tree and he bends down to save the little bird.  The two bond and form an unusual friendship as the Scarecrow watches over the baby as he grows.  Scarecrow also knows that one day the crow will soon spread its wings to fly leaving him to watch over his fields alone again.   

This is a heartwarming tale about a lonely Scarecrow who shares his heart with a baby crow.  An unlikely combination but that is what makes this a wonderful friendship story between the two.   The simple rhyming text flows calmly and is short enough for an easy read aloud.  Even more so were the beautiful illustrations that are done in pencil and ballpoint showing intricate detail when you look closely at the pages. As the seasons pass, the muted Autumn colors change giving me a feeling of chilly Autumn days to very cold Winter months until the warmth of Spring arrives.   It is a gentle and quiet read with messages about loneliness, compassion and good friendship.  I agree some of the text and pages seemed a little sad during reading but it does have a happy outcome for the Scarecrow.  I think this is a "just right book" for the older ages 5-7.~

Title:  The Scarecrow
Author: Beth Ferry, illustrated by Eric & Terry Fan
Pub. date:  September 2019, Harper Collins
Genre: picture book
Hardcover, 32 pgs.

How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin review

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"How many seeds are in a pumpkin?" Mr. Tiffin asks his class as they gather around the big, medium, and small pumpkins on his desk. Robert, the biggest kid, guesses that the largest one has a million seeds; Elinor, sounding like she knows what she's talking about, guesses the medium one has 500 seeds; and Anna, who likes even numbers better than odd ones, guesses that the little one has 22. Charlie, the smallest boy in the class, doesn't have a guess. (goodreads summary)


This will make a wonderful addition to the Fall Harvest parties this upcoming week. It is just the kind of book that is great for the math or science unit!  Mr. Tifflin has three different sized pumpkins and asks his class to guess "how many seeds are in a pumpkin?" Naturally, the kids think the biggest one will have the most. When they open each one and count the seeds, they discover a scientific surprise!

This book will reinforce concepts on size and prediction, as well as estimating and counting in various ways such as by 2's, 5's and 10's.  To add further to the teaching moment, the kids could weigh and measure their pumpkins as well.  Pumpkins also offer a great opportunity for sensory input with their funny shaped exterior, unusual smell and mushy insides. There is even a nice lesson for Charlie, the smallest boy in the class, who learns that it is not so bad being small. The story does read aloud easily with colorful and bold pictures that add to the fun. With the interesting facts included at the back, I managed to learn several things from this educational book that I didn't know.  Hope the kids have some fun this fall experimenting with pumpkins! I think this is a "just right book" for ages 4-7.~

Title: How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin
Author:  Margaret McNamara
Pub. Date: July 2007, Schwartz & Wade Books
genre: picture book
Hardcover, 40 pgs.

If you Find a Leaf review

An exquisite picture book that celebrates the fall season and encourages children to see the colorful leaves around them in an entirely new way. The artist uses real leaves of vibrant hues to make her oh-so-charming illustrations.(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

 

Autumn is right around the corner and here is a beautiful inspiring book that would be perfect for the upcoming season. 

 

 A young girl discovers the wonder of a leaf and all the different things it could be just by using a little imagination.   It could be a hat on a chilly day or a hammock that sways in the gentle breeze.  The simple poetic sentences flow nicely for an easy read aloud to the younger ones. What makes this story even more special are the beautiful illustrations.  The mix of watercolors, charcoal, photography and collage that the author uses creates a uniqueness to the ideas of what a leaf could be.  Soft and gentle artwork adds a sense of calmness to each page.  At the end of the book there is a suggested activity and several leaf identifications.  You could easily go on a leaf hunt after reading this story and use your imagination to do your own art or writing project.  After reading this, I found myself missing those days when my kids were little. We would always go on fall nature hikes and pick up several leaves so we could make fun projects.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-6.~

 

Title:  If you Find a Leaf

Author:  Amiee Sicuro

Pub. Date:  July 2022, Random House

Genre: picture book

Hardcover, 40 pgs. 

 

 

Leif and the Fall review

Leif is a leaf. A worried leaf. It is autumn, and Leif is afraid to fall. "All leaves fall in the fall," say the other leaves. But Leif is determined to find a different way down, and with his friend Laurel, he uses the resources around him to create a net, a kite, a parachute in hopes of softening his landing.(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 Leif knows that in Autumn leaves will eventually fall from the trees.  He is so afraid of falling and possibly hurting himself that this fear makes him worry even more.  It doesn't help when the other leaves are always telling him "all leaves fall in the fall".  With the help of his kind friend Laurel, he comes up with several ideas that might help catch his fall when his time comes.  But each one just doesn't seem to be the right answer to his problem.   After a few failed attempts, his collection of discarded ideas give him an unexpected surprise landing.  

Finding creative solutions and having persistence to help solve a problem is the theme of this Autumn tale.  Having a friend like Laurel showing kindness and offering encouragement is also an important part of Leif's story.  While the other leaves taunt him, Laurel's reassuring calmness was a plus for Leif's worries.  When the wind becomes stronger and Leif shivers, I liked how Laurel gave him a squeeze showing empathy for him.  The illustrations show expression and emotions and are in soft greens and browns, then gently turn to golds as Leif gets ready for his fall.  This is a good read for a fall and windy day about determination, thinking creatively and never giving up on your ideas.  It also has a subtle message of kindness, empathy and being a good friend when needed.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 5-9.~

 

Title:  Leif and the Fall

Author:  Allison Sweet Grant & Adam Grant, illustrations by Merrilee Liddiard

Pub date:  September 2020

genre: picture book

Hardcover, 32 pgs.

Rocket's Leaf Pile review

Rocket, Bella, and Owl are busy gathering colorful fall leaves until a strong breeze blows the leaves away!(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

 

A nice story for fall about Rocket and his friends in search of colorful leaves. As the leaves fall from the trees, Rocket and Bella the squirrel make a beautiful collection.  Owl adds a few yellow leaves to the pile but a strong wind blows them away.   They decide it will be fun to find more leaves and as they do admire the shapes, various sizes and differences in each one.  Soon more friends arrive to add to the pile.  Colors are vibrant throughout the story and the many friends are shown working together to make a beautiful leaf pile for Rocket.  The illustrated animals are always sweet and cute just like in the many other Rocket  stories.  This is a short but fun board book getting ready for the autumn season.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-5.~

 

Title: Rocket's Leaf Pile

Author: Tad Hills

 Pub. date:  July 2021,  Random House for Young Readers

Genre:  board book

Hardcover,  22 pgs.

 

 

 

 

 

A Story for Small Bear review

 

In this sweet, lyrical picture book, perfect for bedtime, a playful cub prepares for hibernation, saving just enough time for Mama to share a story before they must settle down.(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

After reading this sweet story about a small bear getting ready for winter, I realized that in no time we will be getting ourselves ready for the change of season as well  Small bear is eager for his mama to tell him a story before they turn in for their long winters nap. But before she can do that, he has certain things he needs to do first to get ready.  "No dilly dally", says mama.  The text and illustrations are soothing and gentle making this a great story to cuddle up with before bedtime.  Soft muted colors also add to the very calming read.  It is sweet how small bear keeps mama's words in mind to help him stay focused and on task with his chores so he can hear a story in the end.  It could begin a conversation about bears and hibernation or even things we do to prepare for winter.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 4-7.~

Title:  A Story for Small Bear

Author: Alice B. McGinty & Richard Jones

Pub. date:  October 2020, Schwartz & Wade Books

Genre: picture book

Hardcover, 32 pgs.

Bear Can't Sleep review

It's winter, and all the animals in the forest are getting ready for the cold weather.  Fox is gathering wood for fires, and Owl  & Squirrel are making jam. But Bear is having trouble falling asleep. He howls & growls & scares the other animals. Patch the Hare isn't scared; he thinks Bear might be hungry & decides to offer him some food. But then Patch learns what the real problem is & he comes up with a clever way to help Bear get some much-needed rest!


The forest animals are hard at work preparing themselves for winter's arrival. They suddenly hear a very tired, grumpy old Bear who is having trouble falling asleep. With his howls and growls, he lets them know he wants to be left alone. All the animals are scared of him except Patch the Rabbit! He thinks Bear is just hungry and bravely takes him some food. When Patch realizes it is not hunger that is keeping him awake, the good friend in him helps save the day by giving him something special that will help him settle in for a long winter nap.

The sweetest character in this story was Patch, who not only shows his bravery but also expresses a genuine concern for Bears well-being. While the other animals were scared of him, Patch was determined there was something he could do to help. When he discovers the main reason Bear cannot fall asleep, Patch's heartfelt gift turned a grumpy bear into a teddy bear.  The story will also teach kids about being kind and thoughtful to others when his persistence pays off in the end.  The large pictures are bold with eye pleasing fall colors making this another cute story to add to the autumn reading collection. I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-7.~ 

Title: Bear Can't Sleep!
Author: Marni McGee, illustrated by Sean Julian
Pub. date:  September 2015, Tiger Tales
Genre: picture book, fall season
Hardcover, 24 pgs.

Fall is Not Easy review

Fall is a tough time of year for a lot of us. Kids have to go back to school, teachers and football players have to go back to work, and parents have to look for new places to hide holiday presents. But perhaps fall is hardest of all on trees. After all, they have to change their entire appearance every year! (goodreads summary)




One tree is having a difficult time adjusting to the changes that fall can bring. Winter, Spring and Summer are easy but when Fall arrives something is just not right! He tries hard to make his leaves turn brilliant and bright but strange things keep happening instead. No matter how hard he tries, his colors are not what they are suppose to be.

This was a fun rhyming story that offers a wonderful introduction and discussion about the change of seasons for young children. There will be plenty of silly laughter when kids see the leaves are turning crazy colors and shapes.  For example, a tree with polka dots or stripes?  The text is short, simple and easy for a quick read-aloud. Giving kids a blank tree worksheet afterwards would allow them the opportunity to express their own individual creativity with colors and shapes, instead of the usual fall colored trees they tend to make now.  It is definitely a good choice for those fall-themed and seasonal change centers or crafting story hour. It is a cute story with surprise pages and I think this is a "just right book" for ages 4-6.~

Title:  Fall is Not Easy
Author:  Marty Kelley
Pub. date: September 1998, Zino Press
Genre: picture book
Hardcover, 30 pgs.

My Leaf Book review

When the seasons change, a young girl visits the arboretum to collect fallen leaves and make a book with them. (goodreads summary)






Here is one more fun book for the Autumn season before that last final leaf falls to the ground.  A cheerful little girl goes exploring at an Arboretum and finds many leaves of colors, shapes and sizes to place in her leaf book. She uses a tree guide as a reference to match them up before gluing and describing each one on her page. 

Young readers will enjoy learning about the many different types of trees and leaves after reading this charming and informative book.  Kids are familiar with the usual oak and maple leaf but what I liked was that it mentioned other different types of tree leaves such as the ginkgo, sweet gum and sassafras. If these are not in your specific area, here is an opportunity for learning where these trees are located.  The short and simple text is a quick and easy read aloud for little ones. The pages also stand out with bright and bold Autumn colors. Side notes on the opposite pages give added facts about leaves as well.  This is the perfect book for fall story time and a great companion before a nature walk, picking up leaves along the way and doing many fun projects afterwards. You don't just have to be limited to a leaf book. The back of the book suggests leaf crayon rubbings and prints. When my kids were little, we would make colorful wreaths by gluing leaves and acorns on paper plates.   They sure grew up fast on me!  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-6.~

Title:  My Leaf Book
Author: Monica Wellington
Pub. Date: September 2015, Dial Books
Genre: picture book
Hardcover, 32 pgs.

How to Scare a Ghost review

Who says ghosts get to have all the fun on Halloween?  But in order to scare a ghost, you might have to find one first. (goodreads summary)








There are many things you can do if you want to scare a ghost but first you need to find one.  Once you found your ghost you have to make sure it is a real ghost.   This cute and simple how-to book will be a fun read at those upcoming Halloween gatherings and help get kids into the holiday spirit.  The illustrations are large and colorful with many things to look at on each page. It will keep kids engaged as they have fun pointing out and talking about the various things they see.  It is a whimsical read aloud or read alone book with happy smiling characters throughout.   Eventually, instead of scaring the ghost the two friends make friends with it and teach it about getting ready for a special event.  In the end it lets the reader know that they should say trick-or-treat and thank you which I liked.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-7.~

Title:  How to Scare a Ghost
Author: Jean Reagan, illustrated by Lee Wildish
Pub. date:  August 2018, Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
genre: picture book
hardcover, 32 pgs