Children will appreciate this story that so clearly capture how hard an apology can be. In a series of draft apology letters to his classmate and withChildren will appreciate this story that so clearly capture how hard an apology can be. In a series of draft apology letters to his classmate and with the help of his teacher Jack works through his feelings until he is finally able to make things right....more
This book deftly demonstrates that it is possible to hold two conflicting emotions simultaneously. Ana's grandmother is coming to live with her and shThis book deftly demonstrates that it is possible to hold two conflicting emotions simultaneously. Ana's grandmother is coming to live with her and she is excited about it. Abuela will take care of her when mom is at work. Unfortunately that means Senora Mimi, a neighbor who normally cares for Ana after school, will no longer be doing so. Ana vows that she and her Abuela will visit Senora Mimi after school so they can all be friends. This book conveys a sense of security to children about transitions over which they have no control;. it works because Senora Mimi is a neighbor as well as Ana's babysitter....more
A story about moving that is full of excitement and joy rather than sadness. Illustrations show the movement from a crowded, blocky city depicted withA story about moving that is full of excitement and joy rather than sadness. Illustrations show the movement from a crowded, blocky city depicted with sharp lines to a home surrounded by soft green and round, smiling people. It's beautiful. ...more
In my mind this book would pair nicely with Rap-a-tap-tap by Leo & Diane Dillon. Instead of the rhythm of feet this is a rhythm of drums, bells, and sIn my mind this book would pair nicely with Rap-a-tap-tap by Leo & Diane Dillon. Instead of the rhythm of feet this is a rhythm of drums, bells, and shakers. The young narrator bemoans not having a drum but they eventually approach the circle, dancing, and realize this is how they can be part of the circle. The illustrations are lush - faces soft and round but glowing with joy, excitement, and color. The onomatopoeia flows across the page spreads, dancing beats through the air. ...more
A much needed life-inspired story of Carnival, specifically in Trinidad and Tobago. An endnote informs the reader that the author's grandfather is theA much needed life-inspired story of Carnival, specifically in Trinidad and Tobago. An endnote informs the reader that the author's grandfather is the father of soca music which plays prominently in the celebrations. A glossary at the end of the book clarifies the meaning of various terms used throughout the story. ...more
The artwork was not necessarily my style (the children's smiles were too toothy), but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Cleverly, the artist portrayed iThe artwork was not necessarily my style (the children's smiles were too toothy), but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Cleverly, the artist portrayed imaginary elements as a crayon drawing on top of the standard picture. As the older brother tries to tell a rhyming story, his sister keeps interrupting and changing the narrative. It is almost like mad libs. In the end he realizes she was speaking in her own rhyming verse the whole time and he has new found appreciation for his sister's genius. ...more
I liked this book but why have a book about the bookstore when you have the library? I mean ok all book lovers love to go to both but Maisy - save youI liked this book but why have a book about the bookstore when you have the library? I mean ok all book lovers love to go to both but Maisy - save your money!...more
Beautiful and warm this is an ode to the place that let's you be who you are or whomever you wish to be. I also love that the story is neatly bookendeBeautiful and warm this is an ode to the place that let's you be who you are or whomever you wish to be. I also love that the story is neatly bookended with doing the laundry - because you can never escape forever. ...more
Bright and colorful, this story goes over the moves involved in the popular South Asian dance known as the Bhangra. The rhyming text helps it flow andBright and colorful, this story goes over the moves involved in the popular South Asian dance known as the Bhangra. The rhyming text helps it flow and would be fun for a dance themed storytime....more
This story of a tree can be used to convey many different lessons - loving where you are, loss, rebirth, the power of love. I felt that their could haThis story of a tree can be used to convey many different lessons - loving where you are, loss, rebirth, the power of love. I felt that their could have been a line about time passing, but otherwise the boook was perfect and sweet. ...more
A story about love and the circle of life, cleverly told by mayflies (which only live 24 hours). Back matter explains the mayfly life cycle and that tA story about love and the circle of life, cleverly told by mayflies (which only live 24 hours). Back matter explains the mayfly life cycle and that the mayfly pair in the story are both male, like the authors. The digital illustrations are bright and colorful and the mayflies have adorably big eyes. ...more
This book is for mommies everywhere, although it may not be appreciated until sleep training is over. Told from the perspective of a baby, the child rThis book is for mommies everywhere, although it may not be appreciated until sleep training is over. Told from the perspective of a baby, the child recounts how mommy never seems to sleep. Adorable illustrations and rhyming text make it delightful. Older siblings who have a new baby crying through the night should appreciate it too....more
A story about Maurice, a gentle dragon who doesn't quite fit in. When he saves his brother, the other dragons finally appreciate him and they all realA story about Maurice, a gentle dragon who doesn't quite fit in. When he saves his brother, the other dragons finally appreciate him and they all realize there are many ways to be strong....more
Although some of the chunks of text were a little long for a modern picture book, this is a very worthwhile story. A child bat (?) wants everything atAlthough some of the chunks of text were a little long for a modern picture book, this is a very worthwhile story. A child bat (?) wants everything at the store and when her tantrum turns her into a floppy mess on the floor she is mistaken for a slug and carried away by a bird. Ultimately she realizes the best thing is her mother's hugs. Unfortunately after losing her the mother is willing to buy the child whatever they want somewhat muddying the message of being glad for what you have. Still I think parents and children alike will appreciate the emotions expressed in the story....more
A heart breaking exploration of grief through a child's eyes. It explores the desire to avoid the pain, to protect oneself but then also the joy that A heart breaking exploration of grief through a child's eyes. It explores the desire to avoid the pain, to protect oneself but then also the joy that can be found in the memories. ...more
This was so cute - beyond the obvious appeal of a unicorn and kitty who want to be mermaids. What makes this book special is Kitty's loyal friendship.This was so cute - beyond the obvious appeal of a unicorn and kitty who want to be mermaids. What makes this book special is Kitty's loyal friendship. Even before Unicorn determines it is Kitty that makes him feel enchanting, the reader knows how special Kitty's friendship is. The pictures are delightful showing kitty sewing mermaid tales for her and her friend, the struggle to put those mermaid tails on, and the the long trek to the beach....more
As I am always telling kids, you must read the endnotes - they can contain the past part. In this case the endnote contains a brief synopsis of the evAs I am always telling kids, you must read the endnotes - they can contain the past part. In this case the endnote contains a brief synopsis of the events depicted in pictures throughout the book. Emancipation Park was built specifically to celebrate Juneteenth when church and community leaders raised the money to buy land. It then served as the only public park available to African Americans in the Jim Crow South. As opportunities opened up after integration, wealthier community leaders left and the park languished. Work to revitalize it was complete in 2017. The illustrations show modern Americans playing in the park, then flash back to June 19 1865 - people weeping with happiness for their freedom. They show people working hard, and a 25th anniversary celebration with modest tree and grass growth. Then we see the pools, the ball park, and the cotton candy. The trees grow lush but buildings are rising in the background, taking over. People march through the park in protest but when they are gone, the park has shrunk. Modern Americans are show once again planting and cleaning - working hard. Now we sees splash pads, Miss Juneteenth, skaters of all ages once again enjoying the park. I really feel like this book took me on a journey....more
I love the concept of this book, celebrating the color brown and all the wonderful things and glorious people it can represent. However I wished it eiI love the concept of this book, celebrating the color brown and all the wonderful things and glorious people it can represent. However I wished it either spelled out that the combinations of brown were a mixing of primary and secondary colors or had the discovery be more accidental as it is for so many kids (and adults) who try to mix colors for the first time. The illustrations are gorgeous - watercolors, pencils, and ink that look precisely stamped on the page to show color variation. ...more
This was a sweet celebration of the art of tattoos and the acceptance of different types of bodies. Throughout the book the illustrations, which evokeThis was a sweet celebration of the art of tattoos and the acceptance of different types of bodies. Throughout the book the illustrations, which evoke Frida Khalo, show people of all shapes and sizes, tattooed and hot. It is a love poem to a tattooed mama....more
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