Winter: A Solstice Story

 

From debut author Kelsey Gross and New York Times bestselling artist Renata Liwska comes a gentle and lulling picture book celebrating the magic of the Winter Solstice with a group of animal friends in a quiet forest.(goodreads summary)

 

 

The longest night of the year means the Winter Solstice has arrived.  Here is a beautiful story welcoming the Solstice and is also illustrated by one of my very favorite illustrators, Renata Liwska.

 

Owl calls out to the forest animals to help shine the light and share a gift of hope.  As each animal brings an item to give, they create something beautiful that brings the light and hope to celebrate winters arrival.  The beautiful words are full of meaning and are complemented by the soft and gentle winter wonderland pictures.  Each animal is so cute and full of expression which is typical for books illustrated by Renata Liwska.  The animals show sharing and welcoming which is a great theme for anytime of the year.  A surprise visitor arrives adding to the welcome. As the winter season approaches, this would make a great bedtime or quiet time read with its' calm and soothing nature.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-7.~  

 

Title: Winter: A Solstice Story

Author: Kelsey E. Gross, illustrated by Renata Liwska 

Pub. date: October 2023, Simon & Schuster

Genre: picture book

Hardcover, 32 pgs.

 

 

I'm Going to Build a Snowman review

In this sparkling picture book celebration of winter and creativity, a boy’s snow day efforts show that perfection is relative and what’s important is taking pride in what you do!(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

Nothing is better than waking up to a newly, fresh fallen snow.  This means it is the right time for building the best snowman ever!  The boy in this story makes plans to build the perfect snowman. He rolls up snowballs until they become perfect circles and then it is time to decorate it!   Unfortunately, when he is done he finds the snowman is not like the one he pictured in his mind.  This is a simple story with a deeper meaning for the word perfect.  The text is easy-to-read and the pictures reminded me of Dream Snow by Eric Carle.  In the end, the little boy is proud of his snowman by finding perfection in its' imperfection.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-7.~

Title: I'm Going to Build a Snowman

Author: Jashar Awan

Pub. date: September 2023, Simon Schuster for Young Readers

Genre: picture book

Hardcover, 48 pgs.

Mr. Whiskers and the Shenanigan Sisters review

 

Mr. Whiskers is a paw-some new dog detective from an Edgar Award winning author. He's on the trail of a kidnapped dad, pirate treasure, and a place to call home..(goodreads summary).

 

 

 

 

 

 

A street smart stray dog named Mr. Whiskers teams up with Misty and Zelda Nanigan to help solve a big mystery.  The girls dad goes missing after he is questioned by an FBI Agent who then unexpectedly takes him away.  As clues unravel, they think he was actually kidnapped.  But Mr. Whiskers and the sisters are hot on the trail as they piece together the mystery in order to save him.

This is a fun and fast paced story for the middle grade reader who likes mystery and adventure. Told from Mr. Whisker's point-of-view, there are many dog puns and funny moments.  There are riddles, suspicious FBI agents, secret rooms and passageways, possible pirate treasure and problem solving.  Scattered throughout the book were several illustrations that added good visualization to the many characters and adventures they encounter.  Mr. Whiskers is quite the charismatic character and Misty and Zelda are very resourceful making them a likeable sleuthing team.  The story is a page turner and full of suspense but is also heartwarming.  It has a good family feel to it as well and I hope there will be many more Mr. Whisker stories to follow.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 8-11.~

Title: Mr. Whiskers and the Shenanigan Sisters

Author: Wendelin VanDraanen

Pub. date: October 2023, Alfred A. Knopf

Genre: middle grade, mystery

Hardcover, 196 pgs.

Flat Cat review

 

From acclaimed author Tara Lazar and brought to life by New York Times bestselling illustrator Pete Oswald, this is a hilariously quirky and irreverent story that is sure to appeal to fans of Pete the Cat!(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

 

A simple story about a cat who is happy being flat.  He can go anywhere or do anything he pleases and likes it this way.  But when he falls into the washer and dryer by accident, he comes out all big, cute and fluffy.  Everyone takes notice (just what he doesn't like) and gives him hugs, squeezes and squishes.  He eventually turns back to a flat cat but realizes that he might be missing all the extra attention he was getting.

Flat Cat has learned that he likes the best of both worlds in this silly and funny story.  The sentences are short and flow nicely for a fun read-aloud. The whimsical illustrations are large and in eye pleasing colors of purple, pink and teals. Flat cat has many different expressions throughout that are cute and amusing. I noticed the author has put a note on the first page about not harming cats and they don't belong in laundry machines. A good discussion point for a younger audience.  All-in-all, it is a silly and humorous book to break up the day.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 5-7.~

Title: Flat Cat

Author: Tara Lazar, illustrated by Pete Oswald

Pub. date: September 2023, Flamingo Books

Genre: picture book

Hardcover, 40 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. 

Tig and Lily - Tiger Trouble review

Lions, Tigers, and . . . a house cat?! Oh my! Life at the zoo gets complicated when a tiger finds out she as a new roommate.(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What makes a tiger a tiger and a cat a cat?  Tig and Lily are about to find out in this cute and funny graphic chapter book.  Tig looks like a house cat and sounds like a house cat but thinks he is a tiger.  He has dreamed of living in the zoo and takes over Lily's tiger enclosure. Lily on the other hand knows she is a tiger and does not like Tig's intrusion and move in on her home.  But Tig is very insistent that he is a Tiger and even gets Lily to question her own identity about being one. The banter back and forth is comical and gave me a few chuckles.  Being the brave tiger that he is, Tig wanders off to explore his new surroundings.  But when he doesn't return, Lily becomes concerned and sets out looking for him only to find him crying.  Two tigers have upset Tig when they tell him he is not a tiger and Lily comes to his rescue to defend him in a sweet and thoughtful way.

 

This graphic-novel style is simple and great for the younger elementary grade readers. The pictures are large, colorful and the character's expressions match perfectly with the story being told.  It is easy to follow along and has plenty of humorous moments, friendship and standing up for others.  At the end of the book, there are fun facts about tigers and cats. Also included are instructions on how to draw Tig and Lily hopefully getting kids interested about the cartooning process.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 7-9.~

 

Title: Tig and Lily - Tiger Trouble

Author: Dan Thompson

Pub. date:  May 2023, Random House Graphic

Genre: junior graphic  novel

Hardcover, 96 pgs. 

The Boo Crew Needs You! review

Trouble's come to Monster Town, and emergencies abound! There's no time to wait around... get the Boo Crew!(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

Monster Town is in trouble and the Boo Crew is needed to help save the Monster Ball.  But they need extra help and are asking readers to join in on this fun interactive book for the Halloween season.  By giving action prompts such as; press, shout, push, tap, clap or turn the book, kids will delight in feeling as if they are helping the Boo Crew clean up the messy town to save the Monster Ball.  The text is simple and the busy illustrations are in bold Halloween hues.  There are many different ghosts and goblins but they are friendly and will get you into the Halloween spirit.   In the end the Monster Ball goes on as planned and kids will feel proud they helped save the day. This story makes for a quick movement activity and a little fun for the Halloween celebrations.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-5.~

Title: The Boo Crew Needs You!

Author: Vicky Fang

Pub. date: August 2023, Sourcebooks

Genre: picture book, halloween

Hardcover, 40 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.

Witch & Wombat review

 

Every witch will want a wombat after reading this humorous picture book perfect for little readers who want a new pet!(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

Wilma the Witch is finally getting a new cat.  Every Witch needs one and she is looking forward to all the things they will do together.  But when the pet store runs out of cats, Wilma ends up with a wombat instead.  She decides she will make her wombat become more cat-like.  After several mishaps, Wilma gets frustrated and wishes her wombat away.  After feeling terrible about this, she searches for him and finds that wombats have a uniqueness of their very own.  

This is a great story about accepting differences and that everyone is unique in their own way.  Kids will find humor in the story and illustrations but also learn the importance of being true to yourself.  You cannot make others be who you want them to be. Wilma realizes this when she sees how wombat was trying very hard learning to be a cat just to please her.  It is a funny book but most of all has a terrific message.  Throughout we learn facts about wombats and what a special animal they are. A great Halloween time story to add to your bookshelf that kids might pick up all year long as well.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 5-7.~

Title: Witch & Wombat

Author: Ashley Belote

Pub. date: July 2023, Random House Books for Young Readers

Genre: picture book, halloween

Hardcover, 32 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.

Best Wishes - The Sister Switch review

When different girls around the country receive a wish-granting bracelet in the mail, magical mayhem ensues.(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fifth grade Addie Asante has always felt stuck in the middle. Her older sister Sophie is bossy and little sister Camille gets what she wants.  Addie's parents find out about a failed math test from Sophie and as a result they tell her she is not allowed to participate in the school talent contest with her friends. She really wants to win the talent show because the top prize is one month of free classes at the Franklin School of the Arts.  She has always wanted to take a songwriting class there and this was her chance!  The next day, a mysterious box arrives for Addie with a bracelet inside and she places it on her wrist.  Unfortunately, she did not read the attached letter and still being mad at her sister, she makes an abrupt wish to not be in the middle of Sophie and Camille anymore.  The bracelet warms and glows but then all of a sudden, the three sisters  switch places!  What has Addie done and will things ever turn back to normal again?

This is the second book in the Best Wishes series and kids will relate to Addie's feelings of being the middle child.  Addie learns about the mysterious bracelet from Becca, the girl from the first story, after she reads her letter about the magic wishes the bracelet holds.  Switching places among the sisters has its ups and downs for all three girls.  Sophie, who is transported into youngest Camille's body, has many challenges going back to kindergarten.  Addie enjoys the freedom of being in oldest sister Sophie's body and finally gets her own room.  Camille as Addie, loves that she is taller.  But as the days go on things become very tricky.  The girls must learn to get along and work together in order to break the magic wish.  The sisters have good character development and they each learn important things about the other.  Becca also warns Addie about the mysterious blond lady who makes an appearance again and tries to take the bracelet from her.  But we still do not know who she is and the reason why she is after it.  The book is fast paced and has a few illustrations throughout.  Addie's story will lead into the third book, Time After Time, which is due out this November.  This a nice series for the upper elementary reader that is full of magic, family, friends and conflict resolution.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 8-10.~

Title:  The Sister Switch

Author:  Sarah Mlynowski & Debbie Rigaud

Pub. date:  April 2023, Scholastic Press

Genre: middle grade fantasy

Hardcover, 192 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.