In all probability, it is very likely we know the rhyme. Most children probably have made that wish every night to the stars… (At least, I know I did In all probability, it is very likely we know the rhyme. Most children probably have made that wish every night to the stars… (At least, I know I did as a kid. To be honest, I still do! ☺️)
“Star light, star bright First star I see tonight I wish I may I wish I might Have the wish I wish tonight.”
But what makes this book so beautiful, is the gorgeous illustrations by Alexandra Day and the lovely positive message that goes along with it.
Each child and parent will have an opportunity to enjoy the star gazing colorful beauty of this book for each bedtime reading.
This is an interesting lesson book on several levels that is nicely illustrated.
Level one: There is a crab that bakes cake. And, because the crab bakThis is an interesting lesson book on several levels that is nicely illustrated.
Level one: There is a crab that bakes cake. And, because the crab bakes it creates unity in the sea, which readers will learn about.
Level two: Sea creatures find a way to come together. Because as we know, or would want to teach children, sea life exist in the sea for their own purpose. And, this book shows that purpose.
Level three: Humans have a tendency to dump junk in the ocean. And, the sea creatures don’t like it. So, they do something about it. This will be another learning lesson for the readers.
This is the story of mystery writer, Agatha Christie. It showcases her beginning as a child, her motivations for wanting to be a writer, her going awaThis is the story of mystery writer, Agatha Christie. It showcases her beginning as a child, her motivations for wanting to be a writer, her going away to boarding school after her father’s death, her working as a nurse during the war, and her beginnings as a writer.
She didn’t become famous overnight, but when she finally had her manuscript accepted, her first book, “The Mysterious Affair at Styles” brought a smile to her face.
This is her story about her observations, about her successes, and how despite not having support to follow her passion to write, this is what she wanted to do, and those of us who love her writing, are grateful she did.
Now, kids can appreciate learning about her in this beautifully illustrated version of her life.
And that is truly the definition of me, too. It really doesn’t matter what age we are, hair definitely does have a way“My hair is free…my hair is me.”
And that is truly the definition of me, too. It really doesn’t matter what age we are, hair definitely does have a way of giving us our own personality. And a way of accepting ourselves, just as we are.
My hair is frizzy and curly. Once it has been washed, styled and air-dried it cannot be brushed again. It is that stubborn. All I can do is toss it over my head, put my fingers through it, and hope it can look semi-decent when I come back up for air. Oh, and it is long. That is the hippie girl still in me. I love my hair still being long. Who says that because I am old that I have to have short hair? I love it just as it is!
So, when I was recently searching for library books online, I couldn’t help but notice this one. Look at this cover? Look at this title? This girl’s hair is bigger than she is! I love it!
In this story, this girl has big hair. And, people want to know why. And, when they ask, her reply is simply…
“Why isn’t yours?”
How can you not love her boldness and love for how she feels about how she looks!
In this beautifully illustrated book, she goes on to describe her hair and how she loves it. Or even what her hair needs.
“My hair needs room to grow with grace.”
The beauty of this book is that it shows the diversity and acceptance of loving oneself just as they are. And, how others can, too.
“Write down what I think I know. The knowing will come. Just keep listening…”
Some books flow beautifully with prose that just captures readers. This is “Write down what I think I know. The knowing will come. Just keep listening…”
Some books flow beautifully with prose that just captures readers. This is one of those books. While reading this, I felt as if the pages just floated by.
At the same time, I also felt badly, that the title of this book seemed limiting. Because in some ways, will girls or even boys who aren’t brown know, without understanding that anybody, at any age, or any color could pick up this book and truly enjoy it, too? Perhaps, even find something to appreciate from her words?
The other joy about this book, is once you pick it up, it is easy to read in one sitting. Of course, that isn’t necessary to do, either. You could actually sit and savor each poem like a good meal, if you choose. Because each poem provides an opportunity to explore and experience and recognize that even if it is a little bit of the author’s memoir, it is still something we may all enjoy considering or understanding, too about someone’s life. These poems are short and sweet and full of stories and beliefs. Things we can probably relate to, as well.
“…I believe in Black people and White people coming together. I believe in nonviolence and “Power to the People.” …I believe in one day and someday and this perfect moment called Now.”
These are beautiful, heart-felt, soul-full poems that will enrich anybody’s library. We can even choose to learn from her and hope for better. For ourselves and each other....more
What happens when Felix finally gets to meet his Grandma from Vietnam and they don’t speak the same laGenerations. Words. Differences. Opportunities.
What happens when Felix finally gets to meet his Grandma from Vietnam and they don’t speak the same language?
Felix decides to show his Grandma his world, and she decides to show him hers – without words. But one day when they are out and about together, he loses her, and realizes because she is lost, this is an opportunity to teach her English – using picture cards.
This book is about the beauty of learning – not just what adults can teach children, but what children can teach adults.
“I love to read. I love authors. I love to talk about their books. I could talk about books forever.” – Lillian Dabney, Librarian, Seattle Athenaeum
I “I love to read. I love authors. I love to talk about their books. I could talk about books forever.” – Lillian Dabney, Librarian, Seattle Athenaeum
I think Lillian Dabney, a librarian for the Seattle Athenaeum in Pike Place Market in Seattle, Washington just said exactly what I feel. And, I bet you feel the same way, too, right?
And, I also love the subtitle of this book. “True stories of the Magic of Reading.”
I think any of us who love reading, probably would be attracted to this title. And, I would have to believe any of us who take the time to post reviews here, would say that the fact that we read, and take the time to talk about what we read through our reviews, consider reading a magical experience.
Because…it simply enchants us in one way or another. Or, we love the escape it provides us. Or, the way it educates us. Or, the freedoms it gives to us by taking us places we may never have been. I am sure there are many other reasons we could list here. Because, there is so much about reading to love.
So, when I heard about this book, I couldn’t help but want to read it. Because, I was interested to hear what booksellers and librarians, who live the life of working around books – would have to say about it.
Would they feel as I do?
“To me, books are the greatest kind of escapism.” – Alexis Sky
Sky’s greatest experience was knowing that anytime anyone came to her bookstores, they could count on her recommendation of books. The true book whisperer! Who doesn’t just love that kind of person at your local bookstore?
Neighborhood bookstores should reflect their community. We have one. It is called Coalesce Bookstore in Morro Bay. We love how every time we would walk in to the bookstore, we not only could experience the smell of books, or sea air, but the staff would be available to discuss everything we needed to know about all the varying books and interests we had, or didn’t know we were wanting in a book. And, if the book wasn’t available, they would specialty order it for us. Independent bookstores are like that, and that is the message this book also conveys with the stories these booksellers shared.
Libraries also share that sense of community, too. It is a central hub for families and kids and the programs presented, that celebrate what is important to our communities. In our local library, Billie the corgi dog will read with the kids every week on Wednesdays (yes, you heard me right!). The children’s librarian will read with the pre-school kids once a week, too. And throughout the year there are programs for kids and teens, and an adult book discussion group once a month.
This book shares so many heart-warming stories that remind readers why we love to read. It also reminds us of the importance of our libraries and why we want to support independent bookstores. The stories are heart-felt and touching and thoughtful. And, a lovely tribute to the joy of reading and those who work in the field that support those of us who love to read....more
What happens when the teacher creates a “Happy Mother’s Day” event in the classroom and asks all the kids to invite their mother, but Stella don’t havWhat happens when the teacher creates a “Happy Mother’s Day” event in the classroom and asks all the kids to invite their mother, but Stella don’t have a Mom?
Better yet, Stella is lucky because she has a Papa and a Daddy. And, not only that she has a Nonna, an Aunt Gloria, an Uncle Bruno and a Cousin Lucy. Why not invite everybody?
Her teacher didn’t say she only could invite her Mother!
So that is exactly what Stella does.
So, what identifies a family? A mother? A father?
This truly is a wonderful conversation book for kids with parents and teachers alike that is delightfully illustrated.
This is the story of Lewis Michaux (1895 – 1976) and his National Memorial African Bookstore (approximat“Words. That’s why people need our bookstore.”
This is the story of Lewis Michaux (1895 – 1976) and his National Memorial African Bookstore (approximately 1931 – 1975). According to the author, “as a boy, he refused to work in the fields for twenty cents a day.” What he wanted to do was something more. And, his legacy was this bookstore. The author was her great-uncle, so in many respects, this book about his bookstore is her homage to him.
First and foremost, this children’s book, which I enjoyed as an adult, is an artistic treasure. Each page feels as if we are looking at an artist’s canvas painting of life on the streets, or within the actual bookstore. Known by Lewis most as, ‘the house of common sense and home of proper propaganda.’ He also felt it would be a house that would be packed with “all the facts about all the Blacks all over the world.”
And, in this house of books some famous names through the years would be hosted and mourned, such as Mohammad Ali or Malcolm X.
But mostly, this story was a message to the many people in the neighborhood about the importance of reading. Because it was feared that Black people weren’t doing enough of it. And, he believed most importantly that “knowledge is power.” And, he was right. Once he opened his bookstore, they came. And, they read.
This book is gorgeous. It is powerful. It provides a beautiful, passionate history, colorfully displayed. It celebrates. It embraces history and reading and it showcases the importance of history.
This will be a wonderful learning story for children to read with parents and/or teachers.
I remember the first time I saw Amanda Gorman. I was not alone. Anyone who watched the inauguration of President Biden probably also experienced the aI remember the first time I saw Amanda Gorman. I was not alone. Anyone who watched the inauguration of President Biden probably also experienced the artful amazing gorgeous intensity of her powerful poem, “The Hill We Climb.”
“…when the day comes, we step out of the shade aflame and unafraid, the new dawn blooms as we free it, for there is always light if only we’re brave enough to see it, if only we’re brave enough to be it.”
I can still feel the tears flowing listening to her. There was so much to appreciate about that day and her words. So, when I saw this book on the library book shelf on my weekly saunter for reading material, I happily grabbed it.
It was a delight to read her. She has depth and soul. And, gratefully this beautiful poem is also included in this book.
This book is eclectic in her expression of herself. Her poetry exudes discussion on a variety of topics and even atypical formats. And, she is not your typical poet. And, perhaps that is what makes her readable, and interesting.
Would I have picked up her book of poetry had I not heard her on that important day and found myself in tears listening to “The Hill We Climb?” Maybe not. But I am glad I did.
As an example, she talks about a fall in one poem.
“Say our feet miss a step on a stair – …Sometimes The fall Just makes Us More Ourselves.”
How many times have we been in this precarious position with our bodies? Is she not having us consider these moments in our lives?
I like to open myself to different genres. Learn and grow and find myself stretching my mind to consider how other people think and feel. And, this author definitely does that. And, that is why if you are on a similar reading journey, you may just find this book worth your reading experience, too....more
Stephen contacted me, and asked if I would consider reading his biography/autobiography about his life in caregiving his mother and the life of his moStephen contacted me, and asked if I would consider reading his biography/autobiography about his life in caregiving his mother and the life of his mother. His gracious ask for me to read his book was actually a gift he gave to me.
From the moment I picked it up last night to begin reading, to the moment I finished it this morning (well, I did have a few hours of sleep in-between) were filled with tears, and smiles for the respect and awe of this amazing man and his utmost devotion to his mother.
I have been sincerely moved by his compassion, sensitivity, solicitousness and tender-heartedness.
He says he was afraid he didn’t do enough. I say, I have never seen a person so invested, so incredibly empathetic and understanding when faced with such a responsibility at such a young age.
So, yes, to read his book and offer this review was a gift given to me.
The moment readers are opening these pages we are introduced to a woman, Shirley Ellen Biles, who is faced with difficult odds. A life filled with a mental illness diagnosis that will require multiple hospitalizations and immense patience and duty from a husband Don who has his own demons in alcohol addiction.
Young son, Stephen watches helplessly as he attempts to find his own way through understanding, but still looking for his own escapes, as any young kid who needs to figure their own life path.
When Dad dies, Stephen has a decision to make. He chooses to become his mother’s full-time caregiver. This will take tremendous responsibility. But his love of her will change the trajectory of both their lives, which will include dogs and some cats that will help balance out Shirley’s life under Stephen’s close tutelage.
Amazingly, Stephen carves out a successful doggie day care business, and through healthy determination is able to help Shirley immensely. And through the pages we meet many dogs they also lovingly adopt, that come into their lives and bring tremendous love and joy to them.
Stephen is meticulous in his care of his mother, and his records show this throughout his story. As he is able to bring her mental illness issues into balance another health issue rears itself called metabolic syndrome which he describes as “a cluster of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes” which he helps to manage for her. His devotion to his mother shows through the pages, and our hearts feel it, too.
Stephen shared 3 goals he wanted to accomplish on behalf of his Mom…consistent exercise, socialization and a feeling of independence. It is obvious to the reader what he is able to achieve with her. And, it is obvious how much she thrived under his care. The two were such a remarkable team together.
And of course, there were the dogs. They both drew their strength from the dogs.
To read these pages was like reading a love story. Only, it was about a mother and son and their life together.
I am a mother of two sons. I can only hope that if anything ever happened to me, that my sons would be there for me in the same way. I know my sons love me. But I definitely would want them to be like Stephen, advocating for me. Sons, are you listening?
This is a book that deserves to be read.
I want to thank the author for this complimentary book for our Little Free Library Shed. I am providing an honest review....more
I first fell in love with this author when I read her book, “Fifty Acres and a Poodle: A Story of Love, Livestock, and Finding Myself on a Farm.” My rI first fell in love with this author when I read her book, “Fifty Acres and a Poodle: A Story of Love, Livestock, and Finding Myself on a Farm.” My review is here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
So, when this book was donated to my Little Free Library Shed, I think my neighbors probably thought I was nuts, when I did a little dance of glee! Then again, when they see that from me, they know the book I am reacting to in such a way, is a book they want to read, as well!
Anyway, I couldn’t help my little gleeful dance. I love this author’s style of writing. Not just because I loved her memoir. But she is a journalist, too. So, I had a feeling she was the perfect person to work alongside former President Obama to find out what she needed to know.
In fact, it was natural for her to ask the then President Obama why he would be interested in writing sometimes handwritten answers to the public every day of his administration. Because, if people weren’t aware, it was not uncommon for him to receive about 10,000 letters each day while he was in office.
And, he felt this is “what empathy was for, in the life of a president. Being ‘nice’ is not the point at all. ‘We are going to engage in conversations.’ He wanted Americans to know that, “You are the reason we are here.”
So, she decided to create this book and share some of those letters and his responses to those letters.
My experience was to treat this novel as an in-between book. I read it in-between other books I was reading. And, I absolutely loved the experience. It really is interesting to read what some people had to say in their letters. The sincerity, the angst, the variety of emotions, the thoughtfulness, the offers of political strategies he could impose, and so forth. Even children chimed in.
“Dear Mr. President,
Two boys that are in our neighborhood said that girls cannot change the world. I hope that you can give us some advice to change the world or to help us standup to the two boys. From Delaney, Corrigan and Bree”
Some felt that writing to the President was often like facing uncertain or unprecedented life circumstances.
Like…maybe if I wrote to the President, he will hear me and do something for me?
And, those who received responses would always be surprised, because they never expected to receive a response, even though there was always hope there would be one.
And as readers, we can even imagine the role of the mailroom of the White House having to deal with this kind of workload. During Obama’s tenure, there were 50 staff members and 26 interns, hundreds of volunteers to deal with those 10,000 letters they received each day.
What is beautiful about this book is that we are being shown another side of President Obama. He listened. To his constituency. His harshest critics a lot of the time. But he listened with grace and humility.
“I know things are tough out there right now and I won’t try to pretend that I’ve got a guaranteed solution to your immediate situation.”
During the epilogue we learn what has happened with some of the letter writers which is also enlightening. Some actually ended up meeting President Obama by being invited to the White House.
This book was thoughtful, insightful, and a joyful read. I read it slowly so that I could be reminded of what it means to respect the people’s house and the person elected by the majority of the people who is there responding directly to those he is representing, whether they voted for him or not....more
Having loved “Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand” I was up for this one, knowing that this author has a way of creating characters you want to meet. And, I Having loved “Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand” I was up for this one, knowing that this author has a way of creating characters you want to meet. And, I was not disappointed.
World War I has ended. What happens when women have been in charge while the men have been off to war and then they return and everything changes? What then?
Well, something new comes along for our main protagonist, Constance that opens doors to new beginnings.
It didn’t take me long to feel like I had known these many characters as if they had been my own personal friends. The author has a way of making a reader feel invested with what is happening in the story. And even if our main protagonist Constance, may doubt her confidence, readers never do.
This story is a delightful read. Readers will feel like they are in the middle of their love stories while developing lifelong friendships.
Yes, the war may have ended, but everything about what happened will feel very close to the characters, and readers will feel the trauma and drama of their experiences.
And, as I said, the characters and the setting will draw readers in from the beginning to the end. It is as colorful and memorable as the book cover....more
“I think my dear friend Amelia Earhart said it best, ‘Everyone has oceans to fly, if they have the heart to do it. Is it reckless? Maybe. But what do “I think my dear friend Amelia Earhart said it best, ‘Everyone has oceans to fly, if they have the heart to do it. Is it reckless? Maybe. But what do dreams know of boundaries?”’-Olivia West
This tale which was actually inspired by true life events, is told in two timelines. First spotlighting the adventures of spunky Livy West as she shows what women can do by joining an all-male flight contest in 1927 to fly across the Pacific. And, second, Wren Summers as she awkwardly learns how her life will change as she addresses in 1987, her inheritance of a remote piece of land in Hawaii.
At first, Wren’s reaction is to want to sell the land, because she is desolate and miserable and needs the money. But there is something magical about what exists in her late great-aunt’s barn that hints at a tragic piece of aviation history.
The question is how will this land and what Wren discovers tie back to Olivia West? And, what will Wren find that could change the trajectory of her own life? Including the love of a dog named Pa’a?
Will these stories eventually come together so that readers can unravel the mystery?
The Hawaiian landscapes could be a character in this story, they were so beautifully presented.
This is a delightful historical fiction story that features second chance moments, that shine a light on women’s accomplishments, while pushing boundaries, helping to find family, and lastly, a special dog, that somehow, captures this reader’s heart.
And without giving away anything, it is always nice when you can appreciate that by the time you reach the end, even if the story was slow at times, you feel right with the overall experience of the story.
“Because the people and the places, the beauty and the heartbreak, they were all part of the scenery – all part of one imperfect and splendid journey.”...more
This is one of those stories that isn’t easily read or explained. It was an earlier story that my grandson, J and I read together via FaceCatching up…
This is one of those stories that isn’t easily read or explained. It was an earlier story that my grandson, J and I read together via FaceTime in the beginning of our time together and at the end of it we kind of shook our heads and I said, “did you understand what we just read?” And, J said, “I think Willow is really smart and wants to be loved and understood.”
In that moment, I thought, “Wow, my grandson was smart to get that. Because, in many ways this book was heartfelt and complex, but yes, he was right.
The other day, this book was donated to my Little Free Library Shed. So, you know what that meant. It was time to write my review.
And, so it goes…
What happens when your world turns upside down in one day? For Willow Chance a 12-year-old she goes into the foster care system because one day she comes home to find that her adoptive parents were killed in a car accident.
So, what is a family anyway? And, who is Willow? She is searching for family. Trying to find belonging. She is quirky and smart and different and attempting to connect with parental loss.
She has a hard-time connecting with others, and may have difficulty connecting with readers because of her unemotional first-person narration. Still, it is a story of renewal and an attempt to belong, and in the end an uplifting story.
“The only true threat to birds that has ever existed is us.”
Franny Stone is a somewhat mysterious character and, on a quest to electronically tag what“The only true threat to birds that has ever existed is us.”
Franny Stone is a somewhat mysterious character and, on a quest to electronically tag what might be the last remaining colony of arctic terns before they embark upon the “longest natural migration of any living creature.”
To do so, she has sought passage on a boat to follow the birds on what could be their final migration. It is captained by Ennis Malone who is looking for some elusive herring.
There is something eerie and menacing about these 2 characters, as readers set sail along with them on this trip.
As readers, we do feel a sense of camaraderie among the crew, as Franny learns what she needs to be helpful on the ship. And at times the author takes us back in time to get a sense of Franny’s traumatic past.
Who is Franny really? Why is she on this trip to watch these elusive terns? What happened to her? Why is she being pursued?
Franny to me was hard to like or love. But I loved her insight and her mission. So, I could forgive her for her shortcomings.
And as I said earlier, there is a mystery to Franny that draws readers in, and we can appreciate her connection to the natural world, especially the birds.
As readers, we become just as aware as she does of how climate change is affecting them.
“If the animals have died it will not have been quietly. It will not have been without a desperate fight. If they’ve died, all of them, it’s because we made the world impossible for them.”
Even with the flaws of this plot, it still has a way of providing a descriptive backdrop that is stunningly beautiful. And, how can we not be touched when Franny mutters…
“What happens when the last of the terns die? Nothing will ever be as brave again.”
I loved those birds and the scenery.
In some ways this novel tries to be well-crafted in attempting to be eco-friendly. It wants us to be eco-aware on a personal and global level. It wants us to be hopeful, just as we are grieving all these changes to our world because of climate change. And hopefully, invest as humans to save our world…especially the animals.
I had read this one a while ago. But what made me want to re-visit it is that I read recently that 28 years after the late Andrew ClementsCatching up…
I had read this one a while ago. But what made me want to re-visit it is that I read recently that 28 years after the late Andrew Clements introduced this iconic debut novel, Random House Books for Young Readers will posthumously publish its follow-up, “The Frindle Files” on August 27th. It will also feature art by Caldecott Medalist Brian Selznick who also created the cover illustration for Frindle.
This is the story of Nick who challenges his teacher by thinking he is smarter. He is always trying to find clever ways to use up class time to avoid school work. How many ways can he distract his teachers?
But one way a teacher gets to him is to give him extra homework on how words get into the dictionary – the origin of words, that he will have to read out loud in class. He only sees this as another opportunity to take up class time.
Will Nick win this argument, or will the teacher teach him something he needs to learn?
In many ways this is a story about the power of language – to think deeply and creatively about it. It is also a story about how kids test boundaries, question authority, but how they can also learn to respect it.
And who knows, maybe one day a word that kids creatively create can actually be added to the dictionary... (did that really happen?)
frin * dle – a device used to write or make marks with ink.
At first, I wasn’t sure the direction this book was going. I felt myself completely understanding of the author’s early stories as to how she turned tAt first, I wasn’t sure the direction this book was going. I felt myself completely understanding of the author’s early stories as to how she turned to reading. I couldn’t help but feel compassion towards her as she shared how she was hearing-impaired and how reading gave her a sense of home and safety. Especially, when everyone else had unrealistic expectations of her that she had difficulty meeting.
But then the author veered in directions that seemed to focus on all her personal experiences with reading books. So, I felt, myself losing interest a bit, wondering…how could I turn this reading experience around and find myself regaining interest in her stories. Was there a way I could possibly relate to some of her experiences, too?
So, I began to focus on her stories about how we respond to books, our reactions to books, and her student’s reactions to books.
When she spoke of those experiences, I could feel the emotional connections to books and sense how her students would feel something deeply from the books that were being discussed. In those discussions, those pages were heart-felt and compelling.
And, when she would talk about some of her personal experiences with some books, I could sense how deeply impacted she would be by them, and I could relate to similar feelings. You know the feeling, when you finish a book, and say to yourself, “you were the perfect book for right now.”
For those of us who enjoy reading, this book can be a delightful reminder of why we read. For those who are still uncertain, she has lists of books to consider reading. And for those who haven’t been reading just yet, maybe this may be the book they will want to pick up to explore why so many of us turn to reading for comfort and companionship when we need a little escape....more
Bold steps were made when in 2022, President Joe Biden appointed the first Black woman Justice to the Supreme Court, Ketanji Brown Jackson.
This beautBold steps were made when in 2022, President Joe Biden appointed the first Black woman Justice to the Supreme Court, Ketanji Brown Jackson.
This beautifully illustrated children’s story starts with…
“Every dream begins with the smallest step.”
This book covers Justice Brown Jackson’s story. Her challenges. What she had to overcome. Her beliefs. Her family. Her heroes. What it took to become a Supreme Court Justice.
Which makes this a truly inspiring book for children. Recognizing that anything is possible, if we just believe in possibilities.
The author also provides notes and important dates and people in history that can be great learning lessons to discuss with children.
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