Genre ~ Children's Fiction Publication date ~ October 15, 2024 Est Page Count ~ 32
Oh my gosh, what a sad, yet comforting and heartwarming story.
...the rGenre ~ Children's Fiction Publication date ~ October 15, 2024 Est Page Count ~ 32
Oh my gosh, what a sad, yet comforting and heartwarming story.
...the rock listened and said calmly "You're safe now."
Sometimes all you need is someone, or something or somewhere in this case, to just be there for you in any capacity they can. The rock was there for the butterfly to lean on whether it was having a good day or a bad one. In turn, the butterfly was there for the rock, so it wasn't lonely. When the rock was no longer there comfort was found elsewhere.
I think this would be a great book to read to 5-8 year olds that have just lost someone close to them to show that life will eventually move on.
The illustrations by Brooke Kerrigan were simple and lovely, and give off a perfect spring vibe.
*This story was originally written after the death of illustrator Brooke Kerrigan's father, penned for her mother by the author, Kathy Stinson.*
*Thanks to the author, Orca Book Publishers and NetGalley for my copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Genre ~ Children's Fiction, Humor & Satire Publication date ~ August 13, 2024 Est Page Count ~ 32
The title grabbed me on this one and I just had to see Genre ~ Children's Fiction, Humor & Satire Publication date ~ August 13, 2024 Est Page Count ~ 32
The title grabbed me on this one and I just had to see what it was all about.
An older man tells us why this book is not for kids and who it is actually for.
"You're probably one of those whippersnappers who likes cute animals doing silly things."
Well I'm certainly not a whippersnapper, but I do love a cute dog and here we have some sort of terrier, Scottish terrier, I think, but I'm not positive.
For everything it says it doesn't have it actually does, which will probably get real whippersnappers chuckling. Overall, I say this would be cute and fun for 5-7 year olds.
The illustrations by Susanna Covelli were very fitting to the story.
Genre ~ children's non-fiction Publication date ~ September 3, 2019 Est Page Count ~ 32 Audio length ~ 5 minutes Narrator ~ Book Buddy Digital Media POV ~Genre ~ children's non-fiction Publication date ~ September 3, 2019 Est Page Count ~ 32 Audio length ~ 5 minutes Narrator ~ Book Buddy Digital Media POV ~ 2nd
A nice little non rhyming, informative book great for children aged 4-9.
I had two favorites: The ladybug ~ they fatten up, pile up, stiffen up and swarm into a ladybug pile sharing warmth together ~ then pause ~ then in the Spring they wiggle awake, feast, flit away
The arctic ground squirrel ~ they pack on fat, become as cold as the air, barely move ~ then pause ~ then every few weeks they shiver for hours to warm up ~ as days grows longer their heart quickens and they scurry around to find food
I ordered a copy from the library so that I could comment on the pictures: ~ I like that they are photos and not illustrations ~ there are some great shots that really show what is going on ~ I especially like the photo showing the tiny leaf blanket wrapped around the buds of the tree limbs ~ the sleeping mama and baby bear snuggling is super cute
In addition to the photos, I liked the section on dormancy differences, which goes into more detail on: ~ plant dormancy ~ diapause ~ insect dormancy ~ hibernation ~ during cold weather ~ torpor ~ short term hibernation ~ brumation ~ reptile and amphibian dormancy ~ estivation. ~ during hot or dry weather
Narration notes: This is the first time I've listened with a narrator like this and it sounded perfect, not robotic at all.
Genre ~ children's fiction (5-9 year olds) Series ~ Finlay the First Aid Bear, #1 Publication date ~ November 18, 2023 Est page Count ~ 36
If there's one Genre ~ children's fiction (5-9 year olds) Series ~ Finlay the First Aid Bear, #1 Publication date ~ November 18, 2023 Est page Count ~ 36
If there's one thing Finlay knows it's first aid.
What I liked the most: ~ instructions for the little ones to call for help with the different codes based on your country. ~ the map of the Windy Falls Woods where Finlay lives and loves to explore ~ the great tips on how to help with nosebleeds, a reminder to wash your hands before eating, the importance of staying hydrated, especially when you're out in the hot sun, and how to clean a cut with thorough instructions
What didn't fully work for me: ~ Finlay sneaking behind his parents back and going into the forest, and bringing his little sister along, when he knows he shouldn't ~ it ends on a cliffhanger, which I don't think works well for this story. Leaving young readers wondering if Finlay and Evee will be okay could be scary. I suppose if you have the next book on hand it might not be that big of an issue.
While there's no doubt Finlay knows what to do in an emergency I can't help but think he wouldn't have been in an emergency situation if he didn't sneak around doing something he knew he shouldn't have.
Overall, I do think it's a good book that's jammed packed with helpful resources that gives great learning opportunities, which I'm always thrilled to see in children's books. It did feel on the longer side for very young readers, so I think it's best for children a little older who might have a better attention span.
The illustrations by Dani Mathewson were perfect for the story.
*Thanks to the publisher for sending me a copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Genre ~ journal for 7 - 12 year olds Series ~ a companion to the author's Hockey Wars series Publication date ~ November 8, 2023 Page Count ~ 356
This jouGenre ~ journal for 7 - 12 year olds Series ~ a companion to the author's Hockey Wars series Publication date ~ November 8, 2023 Page Count ~ 356
This journal has 4 main sections: ~ Writing Space: Each day of the year has its own space where you can record how you are feeling, write down your thoughts and goals. It also features writing prompts to get your creativity flowing and free space for sketching and drawing.
I liked that there are variations day to day. I think that will help motivate the child and get them excited to write down their feelings and thoughts when it's not the same boring content again and again.
If you could talk to trees, what would you ask them? What is the best smell in the world?
~ Fun Activities: Daily activities such as brain teasers, puzzles, rhymes, riddles, jokes, and quotes throughout the journal to keep you entertained and your brain ticking!
What gets wet as it dries? If you don’t keep me, I’ll break. What am I?
The inspirational quotes from well known (mostly) names are a great way to encourage the reader. "Do right. Do your best. Treat others the way you want to be treated." ~ LOU HOLTZ "To be a champ you have to believe in yourself when no one else will." ~ SUGAR RAY ROBINSON "I'd rather regret the risks that didn't work out than the chances I didn't take at all."- SIMONE BILES
~ Health and Wellness: Health and exercise suggestions and ideas to keep you active both on and off the ice.
Do you know how to juggle? Here is a guide to learn how which will improve your hand eye coordination if you're interested.
Juggling is a fun and impressive skill that can be learned by anyone with a bit of practice. Here are some simple instructions that will help you get started: 1. Start with two objects: It’s best to begin with two objects, such as two balls or two oranges. Hold one in each hand, and practice tossing one ball from one hand to the other. 2. Focus on the arc: When you toss the ball, aim for a high arc in the air. This will give you more time to catch the second ball and keep the rhythm going. 3. Add the second ball: Once you feel comfortable with one ball, it’s time to add the second ball. Toss the first ball as before, and then toss the second ball as the first ball reaches its highest point. 4. Keep practicing: Juggling takes time and practice, so don’t get discouraged if you drop the balls a few times. Keep practicing, and you’ll soon be able to juggle with ease. Remember to start with two objects and focus on the arc of your tosses. With a bit of practice, you’ll soon be able to juggle like a pro!
~ Hockey: Hockey game review section where you’ll be able to record your goals for the game, what you did right and what you need to work on, what you excelled at, and the results of the game.
Although this is a hockey based book, I think it would be okay to use it for any sport that they play if they don't mind all the references and illustrations geared towards hockey.
Overall, a nice journal to get children's minds and bodies in motion.
*Thanks to the authors for sending me a copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Happy publication day! Genre ~ children's (ages 4-8 and beyond) Publication date ~ May 7, 2024 Page Count ~ 32 Audio length ~ 14 minutes Narrators ~ Orion Happy publication day! Genre ~ children's (ages 4-8 and beyond) Publication date ~ May 7, 2024 Page Count ~ 32 Audio length ~ 14 minutes Narrators ~ Orion Jean, McDonald Jean
Orion is an inspiring young philanthropist, and was recognized as Time Magazine's 2021 kid of the year ~ what an honor that must be!
A lovely little rhyming book that gives us a reminder to: K ~ keep your eyes open for deeds to be done or kind words to be spoken I ~ include others N ~ nothing is too small to make a big mark D ~ do something about it
"One small step is better than nothing at all."
Orion began spreading kindness at just 9 years old. He used prize money he won in a contest, and along with community help, was able to donate over 600 toys to a children's hospital. Then went on to provide over 100,000 meals for those in need and over 500,000 books were donated to schools and illiteracy non-profits.
"The ripple effect that comes just from the small amounts of kindness can change the world."
"Kindness is not measured by scale, one act of kindness does not out scale the other. It's not about the size of the act, but about the intent behind it."
Narration notes: I am so happy that Orion narrated his own book. He's sounds so grown up. After the story there is an about the author section and an interview with Orion.
*Thanks to the author, Zonderkidz and NetGalley for the audiobook. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Daughter had a listen with me and here's her in depth review: Inspiring and powerful. (She has a way with words just like her father.)
This would be a great birthday or Christmas gift, or a just because gift. Get it on Amazon
3⭐ Genre ~ children's fiction for ages 4-9 Setting ~ NYC Publication date ~ October 2, 2018 Est page Count ~ 32 Audio length ~ 16 minutes Narrator ~ George 3⭐ Genre ~ children's fiction for ages 4-9 Setting ~ NYC Publication date ~ October 2, 2018 Est page Count ~ 32 Audio length ~ 16 minutes Narrator ~ George Newbern
Gave Libby a peruse at 4:16 am for some Christmas audios in hopes of lulling me back to sleep. I figured I could spare 16 minutes while I stare in the dark tossing and turning with nothing better to do since I've never read it, or watched the movie for that matter, and 'tis the season.
Susan doesn't believe in Santa. She meets Kris Kringle who is adamant that he is indeed really Santa Clause. Will she and others in the city believe him?
So this was alright. Maybe I would have liked it better had I read the classic from 1945, or even watched the movie from 1947. I'm guessing this was true to the original just cut down into a children's version. Did they really take Santa to court to prove he was real? Have I missed out and really do need to watch the movie? Let me know if I need to fit it among The Polar Express, Elf and A Christmas Story this season.
Narration notes: I've listened to George many times in adult fiction and he always does a great job. This one has side effects that give the story a little extra pizzazz, which would surely be a fun listen for the kiddos, whether they believe or not.
Here's a fun fact I found on Wikipedia: The inspiration for the story, about a disillusioned woman, her skeptical daughter and a mysterious man who believes he is the real Santa Claus, came when Valentine Davies was standing in line at a big department store during the Christmas season.
4.25⭐ Genre ~ children's fiction (ages 4-7) Publication date ~ September 7, 2023 Est page Count ~25
Bruce is a friendly ghost that wishes he could play ho4.25⭐ Genre ~ children's fiction (ages 4-7) Publication date ~ September 7, 2023 Est page Count ~25
Bruce is a friendly ghost that wishes he could play hockey. Will he find a way for his wish to come true?
What I liked: ~ how Bruce didn't want to be like other ghosts. He wanted to lead his own way and not be a typical scary ghost, which runs in his family ~ how at first, even though he didn't want to, he listened to what his father told him to do and practiced his scary faces ~ how he found a clever way to make his dream come true ~ the support of his family after they saw how happy he was playing ~ the compromise his father makes with him for all future Halloween's
Random thoughts: ~ the font varies, which was a little distracting as an adult, but probably wouldn't matter to a child ~ I hope a child doesn't try to be like Bruce when "he tried holding his breath until his face reddened and his eyes bulged out" ~ good idea to keep it real "All the kids jumped on top of him, and in all the excitement, they didn’t even notice that they were all falling straight through him" ~ although I do like the message of this story, I hope the little ones don't take it to heart and think it's okay to defy their parents and do whatever they want, even if they do want it really badly
About the illustrations by Tanya Zeinalova: ~ they give off an eerie ghostly vibe perfect for the story ~ the facial expressions were top notch ~~~~ I could see it in his eyes how much he wanted to play ~~~~ in turn, I could see the hurt when his father was yelling at him and saying he needed to be more scary
Overall, a cute little story about following your dreams. Perfect to read as a bedtime story to send the little ones off to dreamland to dream up their next big adventure...with permission, of course.
*Thanks to the authors for sending me a copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Genre ~ children's fiction (ages 4-8) Publication date ~ September 10, 2023 Est page Count ~ 26
Trevor is scared of flying and tries to drum up the couraGenre ~ children's fiction (ages 4-8) Publication date ~ September 10, 2023 Est page Count ~ 26
Trevor is scared of flying and tries to drum up the courage to fly south for the winter.
What I liked the most: ~ how we start right off with Canadian goose facts ~ how Trevor tried to come up with alternative ways to achieve his end goal ~ how he tries to hype himself up positively ~ I must overcome my fear of flying and be the goose I always knew I could be. ~ his great way of thinking ~ I’ll start small and work my way up. One step at a time. ~ the illustrations by Kezzia Crossly did a nice job of showing Trevor's features going from scared and sad to happy and joyful
A fabulous little story that shows how if at first you don't succeed just keep on trying and you'll most likely achieve your goal. The writing is simple and easy to follow along with.
*Thanks to the authors for sending me a copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
*currently a goodreads giveaway going on if you fancy trying to win a print copy*
Genre ~ children's non-fiction (ages 5+) Publication date ~ January 31*currently a goodreads giveaway going on if you fancy trying to win a print copy*
Genre ~ children's non-fiction (ages 5+) Publication date ~ January 31, 2023 Est page Count ~ 48
We follow Pebbles, the butterfly, on his journey to find the biggest number. He visits the desert, the tropical rainforest, the beach, and a mountain.
What I loved the most: ~ that there is something to learn on every page that is specific to the area we're in and the animals interacted with, such as ~ did you know?, number note, science spot and fun facts ~ we are told and shown, as an example; 1 nonillion has 30 zeros. It looks like this: 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 ~ there's a glossary at the end that digs deeper into the words and numbers learned throughout the book ~ the illustrations by Laura Watson are vibrant and engaging
Unfortunately we don't see any giraffes, but since they are my favorite animal I thought I'd give you this fact I learned: While deserts get less than 10 inches (25 centimeters) of rainfall each year, tropical rainforests get up to 400 inches (1,000 centimeters). That’s enough rain to cover one giraffe standing on top of another!
This is a wonderfully informative book for little ones, and it's great for adults to brush up on their math and science knowledge as well. I can see why this has been nominated for a zillion awards...by the way apparently zillion is not a word, who knew?
*Thanks to the author for sending me a copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Genre ~ children's fiction Publication date ~ August 12, 2023 Est page Count ~ 47 Audio length ~ 7 minutes Narrator ~ Amy Weaver
A wonderful man has shareGenre ~ children's fiction Publication date ~ August 12, 2023 Est page Count ~ 47 Audio length ~ 7 minutes Narrator ~ Amy Weaver
A wonderful man has shared a gift with the town of Upton in hopes it will revamp the town and bring the community together.
What I loved: ~ how most of the town thought about what they could do with their gift to help others, not just themselves ~ the ideas they had were a great way to bring the residents together ~ the acorn phase facts accompanied by the growth chart is a great learning moment ~ how one person's kindness can be the start of something positive for so many ~ the questions the author poses at the end to get young readers thinking about what they can do to spread kindness and help others is a nice touch to promote family discussions ~ the illustrations by Rhiannon Thomas do a nice job of showing the town thriving, then decrepit and back to thriving again
I thought it was a good idea to include one 'bad seed' family to show that everything in life is not always positive, but it's what you can do on your own to try to make a difference.
A lovely little story perfect for young readers ages 3-8.
Narration notes: I did not listen to this one, but am just giving the info above for reference.
*Thanks to the author for sending me a copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
4.5⭐ Genre ~ children's fiction (4-7) Publication date ~ October 3, 2023 Page Count ~ 40
A sad situation is turned into a heartwarming and uplifting magic4.5⭐ Genre ~ children's fiction (4-7) Publication date ~ October 3, 2023 Page Count ~ 40
A sad situation is turned into a heartwarming and uplifting magical tale.
What I liked: ~ Nicky's brilliant idea to give every child in the city a toy ~ how the Uncle's didn't question Nicky's idea and just got to work ~ how the reindeer need carrots to help them see in the dark ~ perhaps a cute ploy to get children to eat carrots?
"Nicky realized that sometimes, when all hope seems lost...a friend can help you find light in the darkness..."
My thoughts on the illustrations by the author (none of which affect my review): ~ the very first page was hard to read because there is a floral wallpaper background that makes the font hard to see (I was reading on my phone, so I don't know if that makes a difference in the print form) ~ most every page seems like what you'd expect to see during Christmastime ~ snow, trees and houses decorated
Overall, a lovely book that would be a great addition to the Christmas Eve reading routine along with Twas the Night Before Christmas. It might be on the longer side for the super young ones, but it's a magical story so I hope not.
*Thanks to the author, Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
4⭐ Genre ~ middle grade Series ~ Merci Suarez #1 Others in the series ~ Merci Suárez Can't Dance #2, Merci Suárez Plays It Cool #3 Publication date ~ Sept4⭐ Genre ~ middle grade Series ~ Merci Suarez #1 Others in the series ~ Merci Suárez Can't Dance #2, Merci Suárez Plays It Cool #3 Publication date ~ September 11, 2018 Page Count ~ 366 Audio length ~ 7 hours 9 minutes Narrator ~ Frankie Corzo POV ~ single 1st
Just a quick review because I accidentally committed to reading book 3 before I knew this was part of a series, so luckily I was able to grab a copy from my library. 366 pages on a middle grade book is a bit more time than I wanted to spend, but here we are. And book 2 is 384, yikes!
11 year old, Merci, is our only narrator. We get to know her and her tight knit family.
Typical 6th grade stuff going on ~ some mean girls & boys, first crushes, trying to fit in, thinking you're so grown up and, of course, body changes and developing in the booble region.
I really enjoyed Merci's relationship with her Lolo (grandfather). It was so cute that they took bike rides together and really just enjoyed each others company. Lolo is starting to show signs of Alzheimer's, which was sad, but I found it to be written realistically.
Now I'm invested in Merci's life and can't wait to see what happens next in Merci Suárez Can't Dance.
4.5⭐ Genre ~ middle grade fiction Series ~ Softball Strikeout #1 Setting ~ Greenville (not sure where that is) Publication date ~ July 5, 2023 Est page Cou4.5⭐ Genre ~ middle grade fiction Series ~ Softball Strikeout #1 Setting ~ Greenville (not sure where that is) Publication date ~ July 5, 2023 Est page Count ~ 112 (13 chapters) POV ~ single 3rd Featuring ~ softball, friendships, supportive characters
A lovely story that follows Olivia as she navigates making new friends and joining a new softball team after her and her parents move to a new town.
It's hard to make new friends at any age. I love that Olivia put herself out there and used her love of softball as a common factor when taking a chance. There are not any mean girls in this story, and that's a breath of fresh air, especially for the ages of the characters. They are supportive and all seem pretty mature for their age, too. The added illustrations help to paint the picture of the story wonderfully.
Small side note ~ both Olivia's father and her coach are named, Frank. Seems weird to have 2 characters with the same name.
Overall, a delightful start to a new series that will follow Olivia and her family and friends, and their love of softball of course. Perfect for middle schoolers, fans of sports or anyone looking for a feel good story about friendship.
*Thanks to the author for sending me a copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
3.85⭐ Genre ~ middle grade children's fantasy Series ~ Under Central Park #1 Setting ~ New York City Publication date ~ January 10, 2022 Est page Count ~ 33.85⭐ Genre ~ middle grade children's fantasy Series ~ Under Central Park #1 Setting ~ New York City Publication date ~ January 10, 2022 Est page Count ~ 379 (26 chapters) POV ~ multiple 3rd
Matt was abandoned as an infant at a church. Now it's 12 years later and he is living in an orphanage. He tries to keep to himself because he's tired of getting picked on for his unusual eyes and stutter. He is thrilled when he finally gets adopted by a professor. But then the professor goes missing and Matt is on a search for answers.
Matt meets Cassiopeia one night and they form a wonderful friendship. These two had each others back when there was a little mischief.
I haven't read too many fantasy stories, but I enjoyed my time on this dual world adventure right along with Matt. I liked how he was eager to learn new things in his studies. He seemed like a sweet boy that was looking for answers about his current predicament and also about how he ended up in the orphanage. I felt the plots came together nicely, but this is the beginning of a trilogy, so not everything is completely wrapped up.
Overall, I do feel it was a bit on the longer side. The world building is extensive, but that just goes to show how imaginative the story is. I did get Harry Potter vibes, minus the magic, so I do feel like this would appeal to those that do enjoy the fantasy genre. Perhaps as a bedtime story your family can read together, but with the caution that things done here should not be done in the real world by 12 year olds.
There are some illustrations that I could not view on my kindle, but the author emailed them to me and I have placed a couple on my blog post here in case you want to see how they bring the story to life.
*Thanks to the author for sending me a copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Is the grass always greener? Walter is tired of always looking at leaves and leaves his friends behind to go on an adventure, something he never thoughIs the grass always greener? Walter is tired of always looking at leaves and leaves his friends behind to go on an adventure, something he never thought he could do.
What I enjoyed: ~ how Walter has a dream, chooses to be brave and slowly goes out of his comfort zone to achieve that dream ~ all the new friends he meets along the way that welcome him into their area and show him he can try something new ~ Kendrick the frog’s great advice ~ you can do whatever you put your mind to ~ how he showed his snail friends that he could do things they never thought they could ~ like climb a tree and go swimming
The illustrations were perfectly fitting to the story.
All in all, this is a cute, non rhyming story perfect for children ages 3-6.
*Thanks to the author, Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books, Happy Yak and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
This seems to be a new start to a series that will follow London and her dog, Joy.
It’s stated that the reading age is 6-10, but I’d say it’s more likeThis seems to be a new start to a series that will follow London and her dog, Joy.
It’s stated that the reading age is 6-10, but I’d say it’s more like 4-7.
What I enjoyed: ~ that Joy does not let her blindness take away from her love of helping ~ the rhyming is easy to follow along with ~ the nod to Tuskegee Airmen, who I was not familiar with, so I looked it up ~ see a fact below ~ London has found a new friend
What I would have liked to have seen: ~ Joy strapped on the swing somehow ~ I don't want children reading this to think a dog would just sit on their lap if they tried this. ~ I don't see any parental supervision in the park, but I like that it's fenced in. ~ although it might have been hard to rhyme it into the story, a small fact about who the Tuskegee Airmen were would be a good learning opportunity. Yes, I know children this age might not retain this information, but is it ever too young to learn something new?
Tuskegee Airmen were a group of African American military pilots (fighter and bomber) and airmen who fought in World War II. Before the Tuskegee Airmen, no African-American had been a U.S. military pilot. In 1917, African-American men had tried to become aerial observers but were rejected. Finally, on 3 April 1939, Appropriations Bill Public Law 18 was passed by Congress containing an amendment by Senator Harry H. Schwartz designating funds for training African-American pilots. They formed the 332d Fighter Group and the 477th Bombardment Group (Medium) of the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF).
The illustrations by Whimsical Designs by CJ were very vibrant. I liked the shadowing of Joy when she was dancing and spinning around, which added a little extra fun to my reading experience.
Overall, a cute little heartwarming story about how kindness and helping others can lead to new friendships.
*Thanks to Aishah Hight, Cellar of Purple and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Jake's first book is geared towards children 4-8 years old and was written a year after the pandemic began.
We went to bed one night and the next mornJake's first book is geared towards children 4-8 years old and was written a year after the pandemic began.
We went to bed one night and the next morning things were very different. Now we are 3 years later and although times are better we are still living in it. This book is a realistic look at what it was like at the beginning, when we were all scared, up until the vaccine was beginning to be administered.
What made it realistic: ~ quarantining and the unknown ~ the toilet paper shortage ~ online zoom school ~ how it was hard for the little ones to understand why they could not play with their friends
What I enjoyed seeing; ~ the extra family time spent together ~ how Jake helped his neighbors with mowing the lawn and shopping
The illustrations by Wally_LL (Osipova V.) were vibrant and fun. My favorites: ~ Stuart the squirrel on the tricycle just cracks me up and I love that he’s wearing a helmet ~ safety first ~ the pets with masks were a nice touch ~ Stuart pushing his acorn in a cart ~ how all of the dogs have different expressions during zoom school and how the teacher is wearing glasses ~ Stuart reading this book ~ how Jake's favorite bedtime story has not been published yet as it's in the works now in 2023
Overall, I do feel like it is more of a ‘distant memory’ book reading it now. Jake gives off a good vibe of what he was feeling as if he were a child, too. He acts more like a child than a pet by baking cookies and playing games, which I think will help children resonate more with him. It was easy to follow along with age appropriate wording.
*Thanks to Chris Hardy for sending me a copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
My heart just broke for Sai at the beginning, but in the end I was smiling.
What I loved: ~ the rhyming ~ music playing in the background ~ different accMy heart just broke for Sai at the beginning, but in the end I was smiling.
What I loved: ~ the rhyming ~ music playing in the background ~ different accents for different animals ~ the message of how it could take just one friend to really make a difference in your life ~ how confidence can be the key to follow your passion
What I was not feeling: ~ how his own mom was trying to bring him down and was really mean about it ~ how others followed along and ‘bullied’ and made fun of him
I believe this is to be geared towards 4-7 year olds. Most of the wording is easy to follow along with, but a few bigger words, which rhymed along nicely, seemed out of place ~ ginormous, atrocious, ferocious. It does give a good teaching opportunity and I think this would be a lovely story to read along with while listening.
The narration by the author for 7 minutes and 57 seconds was great.
I can’t comment on the illustrations since I listened, but the cover is very bright and eye-catching.
*Thanks to the author, Greenleaf Audiobooks and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Heather Adores Books
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