VIvi Loves Science - Wind and Water review

 

Vivi loves science! In this STEM-themed Level 3 I Can Read! title, Vivi helps her community clean up the beach after a storm and learns about how wind and water shape the landscape.(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

This is the third book in the science series but this time Vivi learns about the forces of wind and water.  One night a storm moves through and Vivi, with the help of her friend Graeme, volunteer to clean up the beach debris.  But they notice that the tide pools and sand dunes have changed?  This question opens up another great opportunity for a chance to learn about natural forces and the impact it can have.

 

This story will introduce readers to wind and water and how the two can cause erosion which changes the shape of the land. There are many familiar faces like Ranger Earle and Ms. Cousteau answering Vivi's questions in detail.  What I really like about this series is that it is simple for kids to understand but yet very informative that they will learn so much. Vivi and Graeme helping to clean up the beach is a great way to show kids the importance of taking care of our environment. The end has a wonderful hands on erosion experiment for kids to perform in the classroom or on their own.  This is a great book for the independent reader who loves science.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 7-10.~

Title:  Vivi Loves Science - Wind and Water

Author: Kimberly Derting

Pub. date: January 2023, Greenwillow Books

Genre: picture book

Hardcover, 40 pgs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fae and the Moon review

 

Filled with fearsome monsters, fascinating lore, and vibrant illustrations, Fae and the Moon is a much-needed adventure story about overcoming despair through the powers of love and hope.(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

 

Night after night Fae sits beneath the moon longing for her Mother.  She has been missing for a while but Fae can feel her presence through it.  Then one night, she decides to take the moon from the sky hoping her Mother will take notice and return to her.  Little does she know taking it has awakened ancient creatures that also want the moon for themselves.  After Fae looses it unexpectedly, she must find all her strength and own powers to regain it back from the monsters and return the world back to normal and save them from the evil forces she has unleashed.  

This is actually the first graphic novel I found that kept my interest throughout the entire story.  It has a good moral about actions, consequences and making right again.  The illustrations are vibrant and have bold colors that matched the fantasy theme of the story.  It has dragons and rats with many twists and turns throughout. Sometimes, I was a bit confused and found myself having to reread sections though.  After reuniting with her mother, the end of the story was left open assuming there will be another book to answer more questions about family.   Middle grade readers who are fans of graphic novels and the fantasy genre will find this fast paced adventure story worth trying.   

Title: Fae and the Moon

Author: Franco Auerliani

Pub. date: February 2023, Yellow Jacket

Genre: graphic novel

Hardcover, 144 pgs.

 

 

 

 

Beneath review

 

In this stunning story from New York Times bestselling creator Cori Doerrfeld, a child and their grandfather take a walk in the woods and discover more about themselves.(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finn is in a horrible mood and Grandpa asks if he would like to talk about it. But Finn thinks he just would not understand.  Grandpa then suggests taking a walk to remember, what's beneath.  On a nature hike together, he points out there is much more to the things beneath the ground, water and even people than meets the eye.

This sweet and touching story is about feelings and understanding that even if you think you are alone you are not.  It conveys compassion and empathy, not only about how others feel but how a child may be feeling mixed emotions inside themselves too.   Grandpa gently points out many things that are beneath in nature and people that we don't see or exactly know is there.  For example, he relates a boat sitting out on the water sitting perfectly still but beneath, so much can be swirling around. This was a simple but wonderful reference for having anxious feelings.  There are many more connections during their walk in nature to help recognize and share feelings. It is a quiet read that I found uplifting.  In the end, Finn learns that someone who seems like they may not understand is someone who knows exactly how he feels because they feel the same way.   If you take a look under the jacket, the book cover is different and could explain the feelings they both share.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-7.~

 

Title:  Beneath

Author: Cori Doerrfeld

Pub. date: January 2023, Little Brown Books

Genre: picture book

Hardcover, 40 pgs. 

How to Talk like a Bear review

 

Want to learn how to speak Bear? Well, you came to the right place. It's far more than just growling and roaring (a common misconception). There's a lot more to it.(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

 

Here is a new fun and silly book that would be great for the younger ages.  Roaring like a bear can mean many different things and the bear in this story will teach us exactly how to do it.  It encourages readers to interact back and forth with Bear as he instructs the proper way of roaring to get what you want.  For example, ROAR says "Give me your ice cream sundaes, human" but if you roar the wrong way it could mean "Go get a haircut".  Text flows easily and the illustrations are colorful, large and full of humor, making it good for a read aloud to either a large or small group.   Kids will giggle when they practice their roaring skills during reading. Be prepared for some loud roars and laughs!  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-5.~

Title:  How to Talk Like a Bear

Author:  Charlie Grandy, illustrated by Alex G. Griffiths

Pub. date:  March 2023, Flamingo Books

Genre:  picture book

Hardcover, 32 pgs.

The Winter Bird review

 

Forest animals help an injured nightingale survive the winter in a comforting story of friendship and resilience, lyrically told and gorgeously illustrated.(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

When a nightingale is unable to fly south for the winter because of her injured wing, the other forest animals help her prepare for the cold weather.  The rabbits showed her how to make a warm bed from leaves and twigs.  A little grey squirrel shares its stores while the woodpeckers showed the song bird how to watch for the children to fill up the feeders.  Even though it was a scary time for the bird, she found there can be beauty in the harsh winter. 

 

This is a wonderful story that transitions between seasons.   The digital illustrations of the autumn evenings moving into a snow covered countryside onto an emerging spring are beautiful.  Many caring forest animals come to nightingale's aid showing her how to survive and become a winter bird.  I loved how rabbit and squirrel stuffed a nutshell with rabbit fur to keep bird's feet warm when the blizzard came.  The story is about compassion, caring and overcoming hardships with a little help from others.  It also shows readers how animals prepare and survive through harsh elements adapting until spring arrives.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-7.~

 

Title:  The Winter Bird

Author:   Kate Banks illustrated by Suzie Mason

Pub date:  October 2022, Candlewick Press

Genre: picture book

Hardcover, 32 pgs.

 

Too Many Carrots review

 

Rabbit has too many carrots, which overtake his house. When he tries to move in with friends, more chaos ensues. Will Rabbit learn to change his selfish ways?(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

This is a charming story with brightly colored illustrations and important messages about friendship and sharing.  Rabbit loves carrots but when he has too many in his house, he has nowhere to sleep.  So his friends offer their homes to share but they just don't have enough room to squeeze in Rabbit and his many carrots.  After each of their homes falls apart, Rabbit realizes what he needs to do. All the characters are so cute even when they are a bit angry with Rabbit and his hoard of carrots.  The story is gentle, shows kindness and sharing among the friends.  After a little problem solving, Rabbit comes up with the perfect solution to everyone's dilemma.  I think this is a fun story for the little ones and a "just right book" for ages 3-6.~

 

Title:  Too Many Carrots

Author:  Katy Hudson

Pub. date:  February 2016,  Picture Window Books

Genre:  picture book

Hardcover, 40 pgs.

 

 

 

 

 

Pick a Perfect Egg review

 

The creators of Pick a Pine Tree and Pick a Pumpkin return with another seasonal celebration, one that deserves a spot in every Easter basket.(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

Taking a trip to a chicken farm and picking out the perfect eggs are just the first step to dyeing Easter eggs.  After getting them home safely, it is time to cook and color your eggs in various shades.  When Easter Day finally arrives, brightly colored plastic eggs filled with treats are hidden all around.  Everyone gathers together and let the Easter Egg hunt begin!

Here is a nice Easter read-aloud for the upcoming holiday. Kids will follow along with each detailed step learning the process of how to dye their own eggs.  The text is rhythmic and the illustrations are in bright springtime colors.  This story captures all the excitement leading up to a fun Easter Day egg hunt whether in your community or a special time with the family.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-6.~

Title:  Pick a Perfect Egg

Author:  Patricia Toht, illustrated by Jarvis

Pub. date:  February 2023, Candlewick Press

Genre: holiday picture book

Hardcover, 40 pgs

 

 

The Enchanted Life of Valentina Mejia review

 

To save their father’s life, a brother and sister must journey across a land full of mythical creatures and find the most powerful and dangerous of them all: the madremonte.(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Along with their father, Valentia and her brother Julian search the Andes Mountains for one of Columbia's legendary creatures, the Patasola. Their father has spent his entire life studying and writing about mythical creatures and Colombian legends.  When an unexpected earthquake hits,  Valentina and Julian fall down through the earth into an alternate world, where they find many of the magical beings they hear about actually do exist.  In order to return back to their world, they must find a portal guarded by the Madremonte.  She is the mother and protector of the earth but she despises all humans. Finding their way to her through the perilous jungle is the only way Valentina and Julian will be able to return back home to their father. 

From the first page to the last, this fast-paced middle grade fantasy will have readers on the edge of their seats.   The story follows twelve-year old Valentina and young Julian through the jungles of an alternate Columbia, where legendary creatures have been closed off from the human world by the Queen Madremonte.  Her son was taken from her by humans and she despises them, seeking revenge on any who tries to enter their realm.  But as the kids are stranded there, they must find their way to the Queen's castle to ask for help getting back to their home. But in order to get there, they face many mythical beings and obstacles in the jungle along the way.  Some that help, which is forbidden by the Queen and others that stand in their way.  The wonderful writing of the Colombian landscape and folklore will keep kids engaged.  I found myself wanting to keep reading through the many heart pounding chapters to the next. There was an unexpected twist that turns up at the end of the book that changes everything for Valentina and Julian.  For kids who enjoy Narnia, they will find this one likeable.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 9-11.~

 

Title:  The Enchanted Life of Valentina Mejia

Author:  Alexandra Alessandri

Pub. date:  February 2023, Antheneum Books for Young Readers

Genre: fantasy

Hardcover, 213 pgs.

 

 

 

 

How to Build a Leprechaun Trap review

 

Catching leprechauns is no easy task-you need more than dandelion tea and four-leaf clovers! You'll need the perfect trap(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

St. Patrick's Day is right around the corner and here is a fun step-by-step book that will help kids catch that tricky little Leprechaun.  It gives you all the details you need to build 15 different types of traps using items found around the house or craft stores such as; a shoe box, paper plates, acrylic paint, cotton balls, construction paper, popsicle sticks or paper cups for example. Kids will use STEM to create easy and fun traps for the holiday celebration.  Materials and complete instructions are included on every page but you can interchange items if something is not available.  Creativity and imagination is the key.  There is a guide for difficulty ranging from 1-5 clovers for each build and even a few recipes to make with adult help.  Best of all, it will have the kids thinking and working on some clever, constructive ideas while having  plenty of fun!  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 4-7.~

 

Title:  How to Build a Leprechaun Trap

Author: Larissa Juliano 

 Pub. date: March 2018, Sourcebooks Wonderland 

Genre: non fiction 

Hardcover, 96 pgs. 

 

The Indestructible Tom Crean review

At the turn of the twentieth century, Antarctica is the last unexplored continent. The ice is unforgiving. It can break the human spirit. It takes many men willing to face hardship, danger, and years away from home to journey to this uncharted end of the earth. This is the story of one. His name is Tom Crean.

 

 

 

 Born on the West Coast of Ireland,  Tom Crean grew up on a large family farm.  But, as others have done from his countryside before him, he joined the British Navy at 16 and took to the seas. After ten years of working his way up the ranks, the ship Discovery is ready to leave for Antarctica and Tom is ready to step up for the adventure.  Soon to follow are two more harrowing explorations, one on the Terra Nova and the second on the Endurance, putting Tom's courage and strength to the test.

 

I love when I find new historical figures to share that I myself never knew about. This is a fascinating book about the early explorations of the Antarctic and one incredible hero, Tom Crean.  The expeditions take place from 1901- 1917 and details the crews perilous journeys through the unforgiving snow and ice.  What these men endured in the name of discovery and science is unbelievable.  I cannot imagine how anyone could survive the harsh environment but Tom is one of those heroes who persevered to save others.  Filled with many facts and details, it would make a wonderful addition to an explorers unit for the classroom or a project for grades 4-5.  The illustrations are done in soft water colors and pencil with plenty of detail and maps of the explored areas.  This book is Tom's story that needed to be told.   I  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 6-9.~  

 

Title: The Indestructible Tom Crean

Author:  Jennifer Thermes

Pub. date:  Januray 2023, Viking Books

Genre: nonfiction

Hardcover, 52 pgs.  

 

 

Sleepy Sheepy review

Despite his name, Sleepy Sheepy is NOT sleepy. He'd much rather build with blocks or knit socks than go to sleep. Will Ma and Pa Sheepy ever get their sheepy to go to sleepy?(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

This book about a sheep that doesn't want to go to sleep is the perfect bedtime story for the little ones.  The story has humor as Sheepy uses many stall tactics to keep from going to bed.  Something parents will relate to when trying to get their own children to bed on time. Well, except the humorous part of it of course.  Besides Sheepy, Ma and Pa sheep have twin babies and the two look so very tired.  The text is rhyming and short for an easy and quick read.  Soft colored illustrations are large and kids will giggle when they see Sheepy trying all the things he can to stay up.  This is a cute book to end the day with just before saying goodnight.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-6.~

Title:  Sleepy Sheepy

Author:  Lucy Ruth Cummins, illustrated by Pete Oswald

Pub. date:  January 2023,  Flamingo Books

Genre:  picture book

Hardcover, 40 pgs.

 

 

 

Knitting for dogs review

 

A funny and creative look at how to turn a problem into a solution.(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It has always been easy for Izzy to make things.  She can build birdhouses, bee homes, wooden swings and a tent for two.  So, taking up knitting should be simple for her as well. She is able to make scarves and hats but things turn frustrating when she has trouble making a sweater.  No matter how many times she tries, each sweater turns out worse than the one before.  But when an idea suddenly comes to her, it turns her failures into a great success.

Winter is nowhere from being over just yet, so I was happy to find this cute and adorable book.  This story has perseverance, problem solving and encourages thinking outside the box.  Izzy took her failures as a challenge and made them into something creative that benefits her dog Max.  The soft-colored illustrations gives a warm, cozy feel and shows the many different emotions Izzy is feeling.  You can sense the bond between Izzy and her dog Max by the sweet expressions. The pictures add so much to the story as you read along.  When Izzy takes Max to the dog park, there is an unexpected outcome when the other dog owners see the wonderful knitted dog sweater Max is sporting.  With her amazing ideas and talents, she could be on her way to being a successful entrepreneur. I think this is a "just right" book for ages  3-7.~

Title:  Knitting for Dogs

Author:  Laurel Monk

Pub. date: November 2022, Random House

Genre: picture book

Hardcover, 40 pgs.