There was a bear who lived in the forest & with her, she carried a book that contained everything she needed to know. Her life was calm & settled. AftThere was a bear who lived in the forest & with her, she carried a book that contained everything she needed to know. Her life was calm & settled. After having read her book, she comes to realize that there is perhaps more for her to learn. Through her journey, she voyages through landscapes & geography that ask her to reflect; Has she reached the pinnacle of knowledge? Is there more for her to see?
Young readers will find in this book a gentle reminder that one’s place in the world can be a journey; there need not be a settled neighbourhood that shelters them unless this is where they feel most at home. Through stories, books, music, & artistic mediums, young readers may allow themselves to dream of the knowledge they have yet to acquire. These messages are valuable to all readers, particularly to those amongst us for whom the moral of the story will be warmly received.
Ultimately, young readers who are enthused about the wandering nature of life & the possibility of gathering knowledge wherever they may go will find in this little book an array of rubies & gems that they may collect in their pockets as they move through life. What the bear learns is both where she belongs & how her knowledge can grow alongside the people (animals) she meets. I find the kindly reminder of all the wonders of the world, some of which can be found in our own backyard, a tender thought; the world is big but, around every corner, there is a friend, a good story to be told, a lesson to be learned, & life to be lived.
Thank you to Edelweiss+, Jolly Fish Press, & Frances Tosdevin for the free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!...more
**spoiler alert** I am inclined to begin from a middle point. Stories that explore the beginning as though the romanticism of the start were the bloom**spoiler alert** I am inclined to begin from a middle point. Stories that explore the beginning as though the romanticism of the start were the bloom of the first petal, sometimes feel disingenuous. I do not believe that we remember well that very first moment. This being said, I am not entirely correct in feeling this way. So many times throughout life we need to remember the first time; first kisses, a first touch, the start of feeling freedom & cool breezes; the beginning is where the story is born. When Joe meets the reader he is on the cusp of a new start though, his story has long since begun.
When I listened to LeVar Burton emphasize the life of the displaced boy, Joe, I melted into the scenery. There is no way for the reader to intervene. The prize to be won in completing a journey through a story is the collection of awareness. Joe’s situation is not a one-off. He remains a member of the slew of people, children, who are displaced by conflict month after month, as the years crawl by. This might leave the reader inclined to wonder why Joe’s story matters at all. What could a child have to tell that an adult has not already heard?
Vonnegut wrote about a young Black boy living in the German countryside. I should hope that it is not inconceivable for the reader to imagine how Joe might feel as the only Black person in the village; as the only child who has no knowledge of where or who he came from. As the trolley of children wanders the small streets daily for fresh air Joe is often picked out of the group, teased & taunted, it becomes difficult for him to hold out hope that when the war is over, he will have somewhere to go.
On a walking journey like every other, Joe comes across a man who looks like he could be his own father. The reader will forgive the childlike joy at meeting an adult who looks like them, or whom the child believes could be their parents because the pull for connection overcompensates the tragic logic flaws in his eagerness. The man Joe sees is an American soldier. As it turns out, this soldier is part of a troop of many other Black soldiers, set out through the German countryside during Joe’s fateful walk.
This is not a story that shines brightly with exceedingly poignant literary prose or that brings to life the calibre of Vonnegut’s talent. Rather, readers make their way through very simple scenery—buses, trees, grimy stone paths, trenches, & decaying buildings—all to be met once more with the displaced person standing stone still in the middle of it all. Joe’s story is that of any child who might have felt disordered by life; disorganized by the stringent ardour of an adult world. Joe is just a child.
As Joe saddles up to run away with the soldiers he meets, certain that the first man he saw was indeed his very own father, one learns of the power of simplicity. The back & forth dialogue between the Americans & the German child evokes the feeling of frustration. One has a longing to see some form of movie magic brought into the scene; someone must understand more than they are letting on; someone needs to intervene so that it is made clear.
Unfortunately, with a chocolate supply nestled from guilt, sadness, & wordless despair, Joe is sent back to the orphanage where the nuns & other children wait to hear of his new treasury of sweets. After all that is said & done, the reader remains in the mud trenches with the soldiers. The adult reader may find it difficult to overcome the despair that reeks through the sweat & mud on the military uniforms of the men who watch an orphan child be, once more, left alone.
I will not lie & say that this story evoked in me emotions of overwhelming sadness or left me feeling as though I might never escape the confines of the written word. Rather, what it left me thinking about was the importance of words. Joe is able to communicate his need for a family to a complete stranger, one who speaks a different language than he. Words of hope from the stories he heard drew Joe closer to the figure of a father that he crafted in his own mind. The words of the author peeled back the layers of terror inflicted by war to allow the reader the chance to watch a young child hope, beyond hope, that love might come his way.
My experience reading this story was made greater by LeVar Burton who, since the start, has encouraged a love of words in me. His narration of this story brought forward the delicacy found in the most intimate of connections. I am grateful for the efforts he & his team put forward in bringing this story to life. The sounds of gravel under rolling tires, laughter in the background, slicing candy wrappers, the audible shrug & sigh of the shoulders; the eagerness for proximity & warmth. All this was translated through narration by a person who, one can tell, loves the story in their hands with the care of a tender, steady, worldly reader.
If you would like to listen to this story, please visit LeVar Burton Reads...more
It is important to note that most of the themes explored in this book deal with sensitive subject matters. My review, therefore, touches on these topiIt is important to note that most of the themes explored in this book deal with sensitive subject matters. My review, therefore, touches on these topics as well. Many people might find the book's subject matters & those detailed in my review overwhelming. I would suggest you steer clear of both if this is the case. Please note that from this point forward I will be writing about matters which contain reflections on mental illness, grief, suicidal ideations, the death of a loved one, suicide, & others.
Oliver’s father has died by suicide. His absence looms over the family. As Oliver grows he seeks to understand where his father went & why he isn’t with him & his mother anymore. Oliver’s father experienced such severe depressive episodes in life, he became unable to wake with the dawn & was perpetually sheltered from life; his depression cripple him. This is difficult to explain to the most learned of individuals. This book seeks to try to bridge the divide between a child’s understanding of the world & death.
This was an important book for me to read because I was a curious child with a morbid fascination with the disappeared, the unusual flow of life & the permanency of death. However, this is not a book that is well-written. The flow of the story is highly redundant with pages literally repeating the same sequence of both words & events that were showcased in the pages previously. This is not done to drive home a positive message; it would be beneficial to repeat how much Oliver’s father loved him. Rather, the redundancy bogs down the story because it repeats things that are not the core message.
Yes, it is good to know that Oliver’s father held his child but, it is just as important to take up space on the pages explaining that Oliver’s father was a human being who was suffering. What I am trying to express is that the core message of this story is lost in overt uses of the inquisitive term, without actually providing an answer. I would have wanted to see language that encourages children to ask questions & not be afraid of feeling sad or worried that their inquisitive nature might be making their parents sad. Many children withhold curiosity because they do not want to cause sadness to their parents. In this situation, it should be highlighted that the parent’s role remains one of a caretaker to the child. Oliver is not responsible for healing his mother.
The nature of the story is beneficial to explore & I should hope to see further stories broach the reality. Children deserve to know why someone who was meant to love them for all of their life, isn’t there anymore. There is language & action that can be used & done to shed light on these situations in tender & earnest ways. Ultimately, this story could be good if edited to incorporate more than the emphasis on the mother’s emotions & experiences. Oliver is a shadow character whereas his own father is the one that is gone.
Thank you to NetGalley, American Psychological Association, & Melissa Allen Heath for the free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
My reading habits have changed very little since I was a child. Though we are often encouraged to seek the story within—not to judge a book by its covMy reading habits have changed very little since I was a child. Though we are often encouraged to seek the story within—not to judge a book by its cover—I find myself engaged in the love at first sight that comes from a book’s cover art. Certainly, one has ample opportunity to read the synopsis, flip through the pages, & even read the story held inside of a book but, I prefer to let my eyes guide me. This approach has led me to discover many wonderful stories & it brought this book to me.
I am no longer in the age range of the ideal reader though, I remain a target audience for ghoulish little books that happily present the world of the forlorn. I would have been drawn to this story as a child. The imagery was captivating & dark; warm in its hues of orange & purple that flowered the landscape of an abandoned manor at the edge of town. Though this book is perhaps not as spooky or morose as it might appear, there is certainly a need to warn the sensitive reader to remember that the subject matter might be a bit discomforting.
This story follows the young protagonist, Ghoulia, as she watches out the manor windows longing for a friend. Ghoulia is a zombie, which means she is dead. Other members of her family are elderly or significantly older than her which might lead a reader to wonder why or how it is possible for Ghoulia to be a zombie if she is so young. Though the plot does not outwardly deal with the subject of death as a principal facet of life, readers might be inclined to wonder about the circumstances. Ghoulia is also accompanied by her dog, Tragedy—who is also dead.
It is not a bad thing to explore the intricacies of this story with a more tender-hearted reader. Ghoulia’s existence is not plagued by horror or despair—death is not a bad thing; it is simply a way of being. Her main desire is to make friends with the local children who aren’t aware that anyone inhabits the old manor at the edge of town. With that being said, the age range of readers who might be drawn to this book leaves me inclined to express these facts. Ghoulia is a happy little zombie & is given lots of attention & freedom to “be a kid” though her situation differs from the norm.
With that being said, this story is wonderfully creative. I adored the Halloween setting & the ways in which Ghoulia advocates for her agency all while respecting the house rules—rules that are in place to keep her safe. Ghoulia is a smart zombie who understands her circumstances enough to know that she needs to think hard about how to go about succeeding in her quest. This story advocates for unique & creative approaches to goals all the while reminding readers that their safety is important.
The illustrations in this book are a delight. I will certainly seek out the following books in this series as Ghoulia goes about exploring the modern world in new & creative ways. The format of this book is enticing & magical. It encourages readers to interact with the presented imagery while fostering a sense of normalcy. Does the reader have a pet? Does the reader like holiday celebrations?
Ultimately, this was a sweet treat of a read. I am so glad to have come upon it. I would have absolutely appreciated the awkwardness of a family of friendly antiquated zombies as a young reader, just as much as I appreciate it now. For readers who are eager to colour the world of past & present with characters of grandiose proportions, this book will offer a silly darkness the likes of which line the streets during Halloween, in a jack-o-lantern fashion....more
Sometimes, the stories we share hold the unitarian goal of keeping a memory alive. Certain stories are of knights, dragons, & stormy skies. Other storSometimes, the stories we share hold the unitarian goal of keeping a memory alive. Certain stories are of knights, dragons, & stormy skies. Other stories are of the shining star of a person that kept us warm in their embrace, with love, tenderness, & all the time they had in this life. This picture book explores the author’s short recollections of her grandmother—Nuakuluapik—in three (3) scenarios throughout their childhood.
As a reader, an individual, & a person who holds memories of adults from childhood, I hesitate to know how to form my thoughts. This is not a book I might recommend because it’s not so much a story as a quick moment wherein the author tells the reader that once upon a time, there was someone who loved them very much & now, they are gone. There isn’t so much a story in this book as there is a quick succession of moments.
At once, Nuakuluapik, is introduced, she allows the author’s childhood self, to help her with sewing, come on trips, & play with homemade toys. Then, the recollection is at a close. When I finished reading this book I felt the actual story was missing. There is no girth to this book save for the emotional ties that one assumes the author holds to the subject matter. This is a very cold way of speaking. My intention is not to be cruel. If a reader does not mind sifting through a couple of pages wherein a memory is clicked forward & then moved out of the scene, they will appreciate this.
I wanted to know more. I wanted to be immersed in the memory rather than find myself sitting on the sidelines adopting an adult stance to what I suppose are heavy memories on the author's heart. Young readers will appreciate the illustrations & might even find themselves curious about the amplitude of what is being hinted at but, they will not be given the depth of the relationship that the young girl shares with her Nuakuluapik. This book has much more room for what is hidden in the heart.
Thank you to Edelweiss+, Inhabit Education Books Inc., & Irène Jonas for the free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!...more
The delicate memories of childhood, sometimes hidden or darkened with age, have been given the opportunity to come alive on the pages of this book. I The delicate memories of childhood, sometimes hidden or darkened with age, have been given the opportunity to come alive on the pages of this book. I have found Scott to be a phenomenal storyteller since I was first exposed to his work. He wonders with his ability to alleviate the weight of memory on the soul; maneuvering it alongside art that guides the reader to sensations of nostalgia & bliss.
This particular book welcomes readers into a specific time in the life of a young child as their life begins to change. We have all had those moments, more times than we can probably count, yet it’s a complication to go so far into the past. With warm stovetops heating the house of his Baba, the young protagonist wanders under raindrops & over the wiggling bodies of worms on cement to tell us the story of how things changed.
What I find most memorable about this story is how easy it was for me to become immersed in the story while allowing the illustrations by Sydney Smith to weave me back to a time when I wandered under raindrops waiting for my warm bowls of tomato soup near the special chairs where my own grandparents sat.
It is truly a talent unmatched that upheaves the mind of the adult—one that is on guard & poised—back to a time when life was new when the weather felt large, the roadways river beasts looming as titans alongside us, all the while never alerting the reader to the journey. I appreciated that very much.
Though this is a story that young readers might appreciate, I think that veteran readers might find a tenderness waiting for them, specifically, in the gloom of the dark shades; moments they haven’t revisited in many moons, for whatever reason.
Thank you to Edelweiss+, Neal Porter Books, & Jordan Scott for the free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!...more
It is important to note that most of the themes explored in this book deal with sensitive subject matters. My review, therefore, touches on these topiIt is important to note that most of the themes explored in this book deal with sensitive subject matters. My review, therefore, touches on these topics as well. Many people might find the book's subject matters & those detailed in my review overwhelming. I would suggest you steer clear of both if this is the case. Please note that from this point forward I will be writing about matters which contain reflections on grief, the death of a loved one, & others.
Daria’s grandpa is in hospice care. Daria doesn’t understand that a hospice is a different place than a hospital. Every day that she goes to visit him, she looks out at all of the pictures she’s made for him & tells him of all of the things they will do together when he gets better. Unfortunately, Daria’s grandpa dies & she is faced with the loss of someone she loves; a new experience for her & one that is difficult to grasp.
I appreciated the value that this story sought to bring & I understand that, perhaps, it can be used as a reference for very young children. This book might be used as a conversation starter rather than as a tool to introduce death. This is a very short book that doesn’t necessarily explore death so much as it highlights that people we love can pass away.
The illustrations by Udayana Lugo gave this story the depth that it needed. The colour schemes & the complimentary aspects added on to the characters, their outfits, environments, & their world, allowed for the minimal writing to lean on the world in which Daria lives.
Although I can appreciate that this book may be used to highlight that people die; that death can bring many different emotions at different times & for different people; I did not feel as though that was brought to the forefront. Rather, the approach of this story felt like it stated a truth & relied on the reader to delve into the topic.
I am not a parent or guardian to someone who is very young or someone who has not been exposed to death yet. I would have liked to have seen a bit more conversation take place between the parents & Daria. It’s not negative to name death as she is, death is just as much a part of life as living. It’s important to not make the word taboo or to waltz around the facts; they become less ominous when included as the norm of our existence.
Thank you to NetGalley, Flyaway Books, & Laura Gehl for the free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!...more
The questions that arise in childhood are often just as poignant in our adult years. Sometimes, the answers are clear; sometimes they make sense to usThe questions that arise in childhood are often just as poignant in our adult years. Sometimes, the answers are clear; sometimes they make sense to us & we can understand our feelings. In other cases, we find ourselves worried; set against ourselves & the way our minds seem to reel against common sense. Why are we afraid of the dark? Are there monsters under the bed? What purpose does fear serve? Is it okay to be afraid?
The illustrations in this book welcome the reader into the world from a different point of view. The colour palette of deep greens & blues paints the landscape into a dream sequence brought to life. Ana Sender has an unparalleled ability to open the words of the author up into art. Her talent brings these discussions to light in ways that remind us that, no matter our age, the lessons shared within this book are of value. It is okay to be a learner at every age & it is okay to be afraid.
What I appreciate so much about Pintadera’s work is his dedication to his medium. When I first read one of his books I was blown away by how easily he was able to host answers to complicated questions & I found myself appreciative of the opportunity to have read his book. This second time around is no different. Fear is just as important an emotion as any other & yet, we are sometimes meant to feel as though it is a burden; something we should not admit to experiencing.
This book encourages readers to understand why we are afraid. Sometimes, we might think that the goons of our nightmares wander the halls at night when in reality, it’s just the house easing from all the movements it fostered throughout the day. Other times, our fears keep us safe. In either case, we do not need to feel embarrassed or shy; our feelings are powerful conductors that should be appreciated.
Young readers will find an eternal gift in Pintadera’s work. There are answers for every reader in this book & it is certainly an adventure worth taking, on a dark & stormy night, just as the uncertain little main character did when he thought to ask about fear.
Thank you to NetGalley, Kids Can Press, & Fran Pintadera for the free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!...more
It is important to note that the majority of the themes explored in this book deal with sensitive subject matters. My review, therefore, touches on thIt is important to note that the majority of the themes explored in this book deal with sensitive subject matters. My review, therefore, touches on these topics as well. Many people might find the book's subject matters & those detailed in my review overwhelming. I would suggest you steer clear of both if this is the case. Please note that from this point forward I will be writing about matters which contain reflections on mental illness, feelings of intense overwhelm, Depression, & others.
Abigail is a girl with a dark cloud; it follows her everywhere she goes. Sometimes, Abigail finds herself forgetting the blue that colours the sky. Other times, Abigail is reminded that there are colours her dark cloud prevents her from seeing. Overall, Abigail knows that she has a dark cloud & in consequence, feels very alone.
This story explores the reality of maneuvering through life with very intense emotional experiences. Abigail is a young person who doesn’t yet understand what it means to have a dark cloud, let alone know how to describe the experience. Throughout this book, the reader is allowed to be met with life under the cloud; exploring the shadows that loom over the rainbow world we live in. These books are essential for the reader as much as they are for those around; those with whom the reader might lean on to discuss the clouds that exist over many people's heads.
Mental illness is a difficult subject matter to broach. How do we begin to explain the feelings that leave us submerged an inch from the surface? How can a person truly understand how depleting it feels to live just out of reach of reprieve? Penny Neville-Lee’s illustrations grant the reader the ability to point at images that reflect invisible feelings inside themselves. I am very grateful to her for her ability to breach the divide as she has done in her work.
Throughout this story I found myself feeling rather sad. I was sad for Abigail. In my years on earth, I have not come across an accurate way to describe the array of mental illnesses that exist in our beings. The human brain is such a master at its craft, we seem to struggle to keep up. Having literature, & different mediums of art allows people like Abigail—like myself—the freedom in being seen without needing to say anything at all.
I am glad to know this book exists. I hope that every reader who needs it has the opportunity to feel seen & heard through the lovely prose & the delicate imagery that clears the clouds that shelter them from sunny days.
Thank you to NetGalley, Kids Can Press, & Anna Lazowski for the free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!...more
Lola spends a couple of weeks every summer with her Gram. This is a time that she cherishes, a time that she anticipates, & a time that she is eager tLola spends a couple of weeks every summer with her Gram. This is a time that she cherishes, a time that she anticipates, & a time that she is eager to see arrive. However, this year, Lola begins to miss the life she leaves behind during her summer visit. She reflects on her home, her friends, & the everyday occurrences that she is used to, leaving her with a new feeling: homesickness.
I appreciated the illustrations of this story. Asma Enayeh brings Lola’s world to the forefront in such warm ways; her life & adventures feel tangible & real, as though they were only a neighbourhood away. I found the cohesion between the story itself & the illustrations fantastic. Every character has a role to play & young readers are encouraged by colours & shapes to make their way through the world.
With that being said, I found the ending a bit confusing. Throughout the story we see Lola & her Gram find new ways to transform their adventures into little postcards for Lola’s parents. This combats the feeling of homesickness while giving them fun things to do, on top of the array of joy they cultivate daily. When it is time for Lola to return home, I figured she would possibly adopt the practice within her familiar environment, as a way to bring her Gram into her quotidian.
Instead, we see Lola anticipate postcards that she will send to her Gram, which have already been made. Who made these postcards? Did her parents think ahead & assume that Lola would want to have her Gram included in her everyday life, just as Lola included them in her summer adventures? I suppose we could view this transition as Lola anticipating all of the things she could transform into postcards but, with the pages flipped to cards already set to post, this did not feel like the case.
For that reason alone, I feel that the story was missing part of the message. It is lovely to have someone you love so much that you end up missing them. This feeling, as Gram taught Lola, can be fostered by including those folks in the fun you are having by proxy. No distance is too far for love; no mountains too high or oceans too wide. Therefore, it would have been nice to see Lola remember this & work towards sending her Gram reminders of love & fondness from her home.
This is just my opinion. I think that young readers won’t necessarily have a problem with this as it is easy to become swept away in the illustrations & imagery of making homemade postcards. In all, this was a very sweet story that fosters a reminder in all readers that, though we might be far apart & the moon rises at different hours, the sun shines for others when we are asleep or the weather be changed altogether; we carry the memory of those we love with us always, no matter where we are.
Thank you to Edelweiss+, Beaming Books, & Maggie Lauren Brown for the free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!...more
What a special gift it is to be able to use words so powerfully. In simple stanzas & with prose that is at once attainable yet moving, Kim has opened What a special gift it is to be able to use words so powerfully. In simple stanzas & with prose that is at once attainable yet moving, Kim has opened a space in these pages for all readers to feel seen, to be heard, & to care for.
I have been reading for as long as I can remember. I have never held prejudice against the categorizations imposed on a book. Instead, I have always felt that a good book is a good book, no matter who it is written for. This picture book is a prime example of that. Within so few pages the author has allowed readers to wander through the gentle sheets of illustrations, included lovingly by Emily Paik, to find themselves in a space where they are reminded of their value.
I am an adult now, but this book would have meant a great deal to me as a child. This book means a great deal to me now. I am so grateful for the knowledge that authors like Kim exist in the world & have found it in their hearts to share such tender reminders with us all. Within this story, the reader is met with little poems that a reader of any level will be able to consume & appreciate. Within these poems, we are met with ourselves & the parts of us that might have gotten lost along the way.
It is important to remember that we deserve kindness, patience & warmth. Readers who will have the pleasure of working through this collection of poems will be granted the opportunity to hold those lessons dear to their hearts in ways that remind them that we are all on this earth together; the responsibility of kindness extends outwardly as it does inwardly.
Thank you to Edelweiss+, Modern Marigold Books, & Kyunghee Kim for the free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!...more
This picture book is very simple in both its writing & the message it seeks to share; kindness is found when we put it out there. As the pair in this This picture book is very simple in both its writing & the message it seeks to share; kindness is found when we put it out there. As the pair in this book wanders around their city, they note all of the ways that kindness can take place & all of the ways that people can share kindness with each other. For very young readers, this picture book presents the ideal format. It is simple & stylish; encouraging the wandering eye to make connections between what is seen while the mind imagines how those in the book might feel.
I particularly appreciated Teresa Martinez’s illustrations. They shaped the words of kindness so as to demonstrate how the act, intention, & reality of being kind alters the world. When we make time & give space for actions of kindness we are allowing all the colour of the world to be brighter & for people to be able to bask in it with joy.
The book will be a wonderful addition to learning lessons between very young readers & their guardians. I am encouraged by the format of this little book & all the ways in which we might be reminded, at any age, how important it is to be kind—to ourselves & to others.
Thank you to NetGalley, American Psychological Association, Magination Press, & Amy Ludwig VanDerwater for the free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!...more
Many people might be familiar with the Chinese Zodiac—the animals that represent a year & what each of them represents characteristically. When I was Many people might be familiar with the Chinese Zodiac—the animals that represent a year & what each of them represents characteristically. When I was growing up this was as an aspect of life that I was made aware of thanks to friends for whom the practice was an intrinsic part of their lives. However, I hadn’t come upon a book such as this, that presented the belief, concept, & history in such a simple yet colourful way; I am glad to have found it now.
This book is for everyone, in the sense that it can be for those like myself who are not Chinese but for whom cultural markers & practices are important aspects of life to know; the more we learn about each other the better a person we are. On the other hand, you might simply have a young reader who appreciates the little pig wearing a cap on his way up the mountain. Perhaps, another young reader finds this book of pertinent cultural significance to them. In any & all cases, both the author & Paula Pang, the illustrator, have created a wholesome picture book that welcomes all.
What I appreciated the most about this book was that it is easy to understand. The notes at the back of the book are incredibly interesting & grant the guardian the opportunity to incorporate further knowledge & research into the reading experience. All the while, engaging young readers in reflecting on their connection with the animal which is representative of the year of their own birth. This was a beautifully colourful book filled with the dynamic landscape, fabulous colours, & animals brought to life in their journey up the mountain.
Thank you to Edelweiss+, Holiday House, & Ying Chang Compestine for the free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!...more
The moon is high in the night sky & the little baby animal who yawns & stretches needs to go to bed. One thing is missing before they can snuggle intoThe moon is high in the night sky & the little baby animal who yawns & stretches needs to go to bed. One thing is missing before they can snuggle into dreams; a goodnight kiss. We first meet a baby crocodile & then a baby tiger, both of whom are siblings in the universe of this book. The family dynamic reflects warmth & inclusion in the various forms that love takes in life.
All the animals that these baby animals meet cannot give them the kiss goodnight they need. The reader watches as these other animals provide silly excuses as to why they cannot accommodate the request, ranging from the future to present action & the silly imagining that young readers might connect to—presenting to already be asleep.
This feels like a book that will find its place in bedtime routines. It might even be a nice reminder that different animals (people) approach interactions in different ways. For example, the toucans can kiss each other but not others—what might this mean? There are ample ways of approaching this discussion. I always appreciate when little picture books welcome the narrative of reality; encouraging young readers to reflect & be pensive. This is always a wonderful thing.
Overall, this was a very sweet story. The illustrations by Polly Dunbar create a landscape of families & friends; one that exists in the world of the reader too. The colour scheme is soft & mesmerizing so that the book can be read during those weaning hours of the evening, allowing a young mind to find repose within the pages of a book.
Thank you to NetGalley, Faber & Faber, & Eoin McLaughlin for the free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!...more
Our story begins sometime in the past, though it certainly could have been the yesterday that just passed; there is no telling when this tale took plaOur story begins sometime in the past, though it certainly could have been the yesterday that just passed; there is no telling when this tale took place & that is part of its charm. Itzel lives near the jungle with her grandmother. During a dry spell, Itzel is made aware of the devastating consequences of drought. In a bid to try & see the return of rain & water, Itzel journeys through the jungle in search of the giant snake; said to be the carrier of the river—the being who sheds water across the lands.
This story is based on a folktale & for that alone, I am glad to have read it. I appreciate how vast our literary journeys might take us; across the globe while sitting at home. However, in this story, there was something missing that I might attribute to the essence of the story itself. Itzel & the other jungle animals find their way rather simply to the origins of the river, where the giant snake is meant to be. After crying, the waters flow & everyone is gifted what they needed most.
At a surface level, & should you be a guardian reading this to an audience who might not care to question the moral implications of whatever is happening within the book, this conclusion is rapid & settled. Itzel & her companions tried their best to have hope but it was dashed, regardless of their efforts. This leaves them with exactly what they were hoping to get, but, how? I think perhaps the inclusion of a bit more of the giant snake or why the snake granted them water might have been great.
After all, the giant snake was allegedly never seen because no one believed in him. The group had one, maybe two, actual believers in their company. Everyone else was simply along for the ride hoping to get water. What part of that fraction might encourage the snake to feel that he was something others had returned to in their thoughts & beliefs?
I am, perhaps, reading too much into this. The book is a retelling of an old folktale for a culture of which I am not a member. Therefore it is probable that some of this story might be better told & appreciated; the nuance clear & identifiable, by those to whom this story rings close to the heart. Therefore, I will leave off my review here by simply stating that this is a cute story, a cute book with cute illustrations & something that would be a nice added dimension to a personal library.
Thank you to Edelweiss+, Kids Can Press, & Rachel Katstaller for the free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!...more
The Little Wise Wolf lives in a home deep within the forest & he is very busy. So busy, he hardly has time to tell the other forest creatures how busyThe Little Wise Wolf lives in a home deep within the forest & he is very busy. So busy, he hardly has time to tell the other forest creatures how busy he is; so focused is he on reading big books & learning everything there is to know about the world. Unfortunately, the other forest creatures would like Little Wise Wolf’s help, they would love to be as smart as him if purely in their own way. But, he does not have time for their questions; he has no time to spare at all.
This picture book welcomes the life lesson that we all would do well to remember; we are greater, smarter, more emboldened, & better off because of the good people around us. Little Wise Wolf learns that there is always more to know & that knowledge is not a one-way street; everyone holds different knowledge that, collectively, makes the world a better place.
I very much appreciated the lesson of this story & the way it was presented reminds me that even when we have gathered all the information there is to know, there is always room to grow. This is part of the beauty of life. Hanneke Siemensma’s illustrations introduce the young reader to a delectable world of depth & plenitude. I am certain that young readers will remember the Little Wise Wolf & the ways in which he learnt to be a better version of himself through the kindness & gentle action of the good folks around him.
Thank you to Edelweiss+, Kids Can Press, & Gijs van der Hammen for the free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!...more
There was no way for me to be prepared for what I found within the pages of this book. So unprepared was I that I found myself laughing out loud at thThere was no way for me to be prepared for what I found within the pages of this book. So unprepared was I that I found myself laughing out loud at the strangeness of this book’s nature. In these moments of humour, I found myself with the comforting sentiment that young children will love this, as much as I did in adulthood.
There are no words within this picture book which makes it the ultimate story for those who may not be able to read aloud, those for whom words carry no weight, those for whom words are an unknown, or simply for those like myself who enjoy the strangeness of art. The beauty of this book is that it can be consumed by anyone for there are no linguistic barriers in imagery; everything can be just as much itself as it can be whatever you wish it to be.
I think that young readers will find an abundance to enjoy & appreciate within this book. I believe it will remain a story that bridges the transition between our introduction to books through our journey into literature. As the young character walks home from school, she passes the windows that reflect the soul of the house & all the people, things, & creatures within.
I am so glad to have gotten the opportunity to read this & I am so happy to be gifted the knowledge that readers will be able to have their first experience wandering through these deliciously detailed pages, as I have today.
Thank you to Edelweiss+, Kids Can Press, & Marion Arbona for the free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!...more
Mario and his mother are sitting on a park bench spending time, quietly, together. After some moments of silence, Mario asks his mother why we cry. ThMario and his mother are sitting on a park bench spending time, quietly, together. After some moments of silence, Mario asks his mother why we cry. The question is interesting in that it seems there is no right answer; no answer to quell the tears, no response to make the invisible seen. Yet, Mario’s mother seems to know just what to say.
This was a beautiful book. The prose of this story is incredible & I am truly grateful to have read it. Though this is a story for young readers I think it poses vital information for every human being. There is no way for me to express how useful this book would have been for me as a child without revealing things I wish to leave buried. Suffice it to say that I recognize the weight that this story carries in all its glory & genteel pages; a message of the utmost value.
Ana Sender’s illustrations blew me away. I could not have envisioned a better backdrop to the words the author shared than those brought to life by Sender. At once the imagery is untamed & monstrous but, it remains honest & revelatory; it shed light in the forest of our hearts & brings forth the unnamed in details attainable to all.
There is no limit to the positive things I have to say about this book. I am so very grateful to know that it exists & to have gotten the opportunity to read it. Stories like these are vital, they are the crux at which we find ourselves within literature when we don’t know where to look or how to ask to be found; a familiar place of adventure, fantasy & lore, there we are, our complicated feelings & all.
Thank you to Edelweiss+, Kids Can Press, & Fran Pintadera for the free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!...more
The world around us is so big & is filled to the brim with so many people, places, & things. For young children, the world is even bigger, even grandeThe world around us is so big & is filled to the brim with so many people, places, & things. For young children, the world is even bigger, even grander, & seems an impossible place to be part of. Within this picture book, the author focuses on the imagery of hearts; little beats of warmth in everything around us.
I hold high praise for Jacqueline East as she was able to welcome the story that Ghigna wanted to tell young readers all while incorporating imagery that is tender to the touch; round shapes, soft colours, & miraculous detail in simple strokes. East has provided the ideal backdrop for this poem to take shape.
This picture book is ideal for very young readers, those who will appreciate finding hearts in everything around them. From the back of a ladybug’s wings to the joined heart shape formed by the swans in the local lake. This is the style of book that will nestle snuggly in the hearts of young readers & remain with them as they grow. I should hope that everyone is given the opportunity to find books that remind us, ever so gently, of the love & beauty around us from the first moments in this life until the last.
Thank you to NetGalley, Red Comet Press, & Charles Ghigna for the free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!...more
Poems are such a gentle way of weaving stories; I appreciate them fondly when I find them in books for children. Within this picture book a mother beaPoems are such a gentle way of weaving stories; I appreciate them fondly when I find them in books for children. Within this picture book a mother bear promises to catch a star from the night sky & gift it to her child who believes that after catching a star, they will be the happiest they could ever be. Real life is seldom as we hope & the mother bear is unable to fulfill her promise—the sky is simply too high to reach.
Regardless of the disappointment at their realization, they come to the conclusion that the stars shine & guide the night in better ways than they might should they be helped in their own grasp. I cannot say if there is a particular moral to this story other than, perhaps, understanding that love & appreciation is a sentiment that resides in the heart & not the hand. The stars cannot be held back, nor can anyone we love so we must send them love through the mind & outward, just as the stars up above.
This is a lovely book whose illustrations, produced by Miren Asiain Lora, render it a perfect world to step into before bed. This is the style of story that would succeed well in a bedtime routine. The prose is gentle & soft; the imagery welcoming & warm. The world of the story resembles ours in a way as to leave the reader with tender recollections as they drift off to sleep.
Thank you to NetGalley, Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books, & Katie Cotton for the free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!...more
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