book review, children's

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

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

book review, children's

The Proudest Blue by Ibtihaj Muhammad, S.K. Ali & Hatem Aly (Review)

A powerful, vibrantly illustrated story about the first day of school–and two sisters on one’s first day of hijab–by Olympic medalist and social justice activist Ibtihaj Muhammad. With her new backpack and light-up shoes, Faizah knows the first day of school is going to be special. It’s the start of a brand new year and, best of all, it’s her older sister Asiya’s first day of hijab–a hijab of beautiful blue fabric, like the ocean waving to the sky. But not everyone sees hijab as beautiful, and in the face of hurtful, confusing words, Faizah will find new ways to be strong… Read More The Proudest Blue by Ibtihaj Muhammad, S.K. Ali & Hatem Aly (Review)

book review, children's

Ping by Ani Castillo (Review)

With the visual ingenuity of Press Here and the emotional resonance of What Do You Do with a Problem?, this wise and timely book about the fragile art of personal connection will strike a chord with children and adults alike. In the era of social media, communication feels both more anxiety-producing, and more inescapable, than ever before. This clever, comforting picture book debut explores the challenges and joys of self-expression and social connection.… Read More Ping by Ani Castillo (Review)