Category: children’s

— book review, children's —

Hair Twins by Raakhee Mirchandani & Holly Hatam (Review)

May 26, 2021

A Sikh father and daughter with a special hair bond proudly celebrate and share a family tradition in this charming story perfect for fans of Hair Love and I Love My Hair! Every morning Papa combs through his daughter’s waves like he does his own—parting it down the middle, using coconut oil to get all the tangles out. Some days he braids her hair in two twists down the side of her face. Other days he weaves it into one long braid hanging down her back, just like a unicorn tail. But her favorite style is when he combs her hair in a tight bun on the top of her head, just like the joora he wears every day under his turban. They call this their hair twin look!… Read More Hair Twins by Raakhee Mirchandani & Holly Hatam (Review)

— book review, children's —

Watch Me by Doyin Richards and Joe Cepeda (Review)

February 4, 2021

A picture book about immigration, Watch Me is based on the author’s father’s own story. Joe came to America from Africa when he was young. He worked hard in school, made friends, and embraced his new home. Like so many immigrants before and after him, Joe succeeded when many thought he would fail. In telling the story of how his father came to America, Doyin Richards tells the story of many immigrants, and opens the experience up to readers of all backgrounds. Here is a moving and empowering story of how many different people, from different places, make us great. Acclaimed artist Joe Cepeda brings the story to life with beautiful paintings, full of heart.… Read More Watch Me by Doyin Richards and Joe Cepeda (Review)

— book review, children's —

A Story for Small Bear by Alice B. McGinty and Richard Jones (Review)

February 3, 2021

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. Autumn is ending and a chilly breeze is drifting in, which can mean only one thing– it’s time to hibernate over the long winter. But before Small Bear does, she’d like for Mama to tell her some stories. Mama agrees, with one condition: all the preparation must get done– no dilly, no dally. So Small Bear tries to be good, venturing off to find sprigs for her winter bed, splishing and splashing in the stream, and climbing up, up, up into the tall forest trees in search of acorns. When she finally returns home, Small Bear snuggles down with Mama in their den. Did she make it back in time? “You did,” Mama answers, and pulls her in close. And then Mama tells the most wonderful tale of a little bear–just like Small Bear–who, while enjoying the world around her, saved just enough time for stories.… Read More A Story for Small Bear by Alice B. McGinty and Richard Jones (Review)

— book review, children's —

The Princess Bride: A Counting Story by Lena Wolfe and Bill Robinson (Review)

December 22, 2020

Heroes, giants, wizards, true love. Celebrate the beloved film with this charming counting primer that fans will want to share with the youngest readers. There are 6 fingers on the Count’s right hand, 3 outlaws on a mission, 2 destined lovers, and 1 unforgettable story that brings them all together. Illustrated with vibrant art, this adorable counting book is the ultimate gift for fans of The Princess Bride to share with the toddlers in their life or give as a gift to fellow fans. It’s inconceivable that anyone wouldn’t love this charming book… Read More The Princess Bride: A Counting Story by Lena Wolfe and Bill Robinson (Review)

— book review, children's —

Sugar in Milk by Thrity Umrigar and Khoa Le (Review)

December 20, 2020

When I first came to this country, I felt so alone. A young immigrant girl joins her aunt and uncle in a new country that is unfamiliar to her. She struggles with loneliness, with a fierce longing for the culture and familiarity of home, until one day, her aunt takes her on a walk. As the duo strolls through their city park, the girl’s aunt begins to tell her an old myth, and a story within the story begins. A long time ago, a group of refugees arrived on a foreign shore. The local king met them… Read More Sugar in Milk by Thrity Umrigar and Khoa Le (Review)

— book review, children's —

The Ninja Club Sleepover by Laura Gehl and MacKenzie Haley (Review)

November 5, 2020

We are ninjas and ninjas are brave! Willa and her best friends love ninjas. They have matching ninja backpacks and ninja t-shirts, and at school they even form a ninja club. But Willa has a secret: she’s a werewolf! Worried that no one will understand, she hides the truth from her friends. Until Val has a sleepover for her birthday…and it’s on the night of the full moon. Willa is overcome with nerves. When an accident reveals that her friends were hiding secrets too, she realizes maybe it’s not so important to be a normal ninja. After all, a paranormal ninja can do so many cool things… Read More The Ninja Club Sleepover by Laura Gehl and MacKenzie Haley (Review)

— book review, children's, nonfiction —

Happy Llamakkah! by Laura Gehl and Lydia Nichols (Review)

November 5, 2020

Celebrate Hanukkah with the Llama family in this joyful, rhyming picture book. Follow along with the Llama family’s Hanukkah traditions as they light their menorah, spin the dreidel, fry latkes, and more. Laura Gehl’s lively rhyming text and Lydia Nichols’s vibrant illustrations make for a festive read. The book also features kid-friendly back matter, with expanded information on the holiday’s history and traditions… Read More Happy Llamakkah! by Laura Gehl and Lydia Nichols (Review)

— book review, children's, nonfiction —

The Maine Coon’s Haiku by Michael J. Rosen & Lee Anthony White (Review)

January 1, 2020

Some cats have names that suggest far-off lands, like the Turkish Angora and the Norwegian forest cat. Others allude to places closer to home, such as California’s ragdoll and the Maine coon. Set against Lee White’s graceful illustrations, with intriguing facts about each of twenty breeds at the end, this charming haiku collection for lovers of America’s most popular house pet provides the purr-fect book to curl up with… Read More The Maine Coon’s Haiku by Michael J. Rosen & Lee Anthony White (Review)

— book review, children's —

When Unicorns Poop by Lexie Castle & Christian Cornia (Review)

October 13, 2019

Celebrate all things sparkly, including unicorn poop, with this rainbow-filled, humorous story! Did you know that when a unicorn poops, rainbows arch across the sky? And when they toot, shiny bubbles float all around! What happens when a unicorn sneezes or spits or cries? More magical whimsy occurs when unicorns do all these things, of course. Just don’t step in their poop-eww!… Read More When Unicorns Poop by Lexie Castle & Christian Cornia (Review)