My two grandchildren and I enjoyed our swing through this book in one of our morning reading sessions. We were enchanted by the Persian / Iranian legeMy two grandchildren and I enjoyed our swing through this book in one of our morning reading sessions. We were enchanted by the Persian / Iranian legend about Amu Nowruz (Uncle New Year) and his charming pass-by with Naneh Sarma (Mother Frost) every year. They pine for each other, but just miss each other, proverbial ships in the night. . .but Amu Nowruz leaves a sweet message for Naneh Sarma every year. . .
The illustrations are dear and poignant, and both text and artwork kept all three of us engaged and happily satisfied, even though the tale demonstrates the eternal cycle will never. . .can never. . . conclude the way for which our darling seasonal harbingers hope.
A perfect read for end of winter, beginning of spring. . .especially if violets are part of your bloomworld.
*A sincere thank you to Hadi Mohammadi, Archipelago, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.*...more
As a fan of Alexander McCall Smith, I thought I'd try on his Akimbo series for potential reads with my grandkids. . .I think they might be a palate chAs a fan of Alexander McCall Smith, I thought I'd try on his Akimbo series for potential reads with my grandkids. . .I think they might be a palate chaser for some of the other books we are reading. This one is the third in the series.
Akimbo is a bright, clever, willing to be led boy, working with a zoologist who is tracking crocodiles - for peaceful purposes. He's shared his scars with Akimbo, showing his paid the price for admission, but also his larger spirit in continuing to advocate for his biting subjects. Akimbo proves to be a worthy acolyte, and grand problem solver in a pinch.
I think my grandson, in particular, will be intrigued....more
A delightful world is built for readers as Phoebe Gray falls out of this one and into one with an endearing goblin who needs her help. She has no ideaA delightful world is built for readers as Phoebe Gray falls out of this one and into one with an endearing goblin who needs her help. She has no idea how she can do that, until he helps her find her magic, and that she is possessed of a very specific skillset. She traverses with him and others (a mother griffin in distress, for instance) and learns more about herself than she was ever going to learn in her West Virginia home town!
A great read for middle-graders and anyone else who needs to fall out of this world and into another one from time to time. A true delight!
*A sincere thank you to Cole Poindexter, The Wild Rose Press, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and independently review.* #TheGriffinsEgg #NetGalley...more
Jan Brett's work always fills me with such wonder and satisfaction. . .as if the work done by those hands is aFeatured in a grandma reads session. . .
Jan Brett's work always fills me with such wonder and satisfaction. . .as if the work done by those hands is as exactly as art should be: brings a fulsomeness that fills me through and through, by the depth of the color, strokes and detail of every page.
This was a surprise request this morning from some of my youngers, who before we launched into our chapter books, wanted a holiday picture book. After a quick zip over to the library through libby, we found this book, and were delighted for the entirety of the read. We stopped and studied each page thoroughly and compared notes with the fantasical story.
Trolls get their comeupance, Kitty makes her point (she's NOT feline), and I think (and gdau agreed) a budding romance is beginning here. AND Dad doesn't die. . .at first we thought it was going to go dark, but no he came back (just like the proverbial cat), and all is well. Christmas is freed from tyranny, Huzzah!
This morning made us love December even more!...more
Book #1 of The Last Firehawk series. . .reading practice material with great characters and questing oppFeatured in chapter book reading sessions. . .
Book #1 of The Last Firehawk series. . .reading practice material with great characters and questing opportunities. Tag, a young owl trying to prove himself has buddied up with a smart, nimble squirrel. In their adventures together they discover an egg that will bring them excitement, purpose and plenty of chances to show what they are made of as the fantastic creature within the egg is given into their care and keeping by Grey, the Elder Owl.
And so it begins! We might have 3 states between us, but we can still read a couple of mornings each week, and we are loving it!...more
I must confess - I had to read this out loud a number of times before I could get through it without tears. TFeatured in a grandma reads session. . .
I must confess - I had to read this out loud a number of times before I could get through it without tears. This is as much an entreaty to adults to change their thinking as it is to children, a different way to see things, a tool to shuuush that mean voice in our own heads, replacing it with a comforting voice (and who knew it would be Matthew McConaughey's delicious voice? I'm taking it!).
The words hit my heart deeply and profoundly. . .the child within me stepped right up and took over, so the adult within me could run for kleenex. And with each set of words came a drawing that told a story, pure and truly illustrating the author's very meaning. . .
The book's dedication is at the end, and that's when I knew I wasn't wrong. He wasn't just writing this for my kids. . .he was writing to me as well:
To my kids, your kids, and the kid in all of us. We're all as young as we're ever gonna be, so let's just keep learning. -- McConaughey
Amen, to that MM.
This is the BEST children's picture book I've read this year, maybe in many years, and I've read plenty, surrounded by lots of kidlets that love reading. I will be nominating this in the GR Best Books election this year, for certain. In the meantime, I will be singing the praises for the author, Matthew McConaughey, and the illustrator, Renee Kurilla, a hearty well-done to both.
Reader, do yourself a favor, and get this book by hook or by crook. Find someone to read it to - anyone. I read it to the birds outside my window as the kiddos are all in school today. But baby grandgirl#2 is coming over tonight, so guess what we are reading? I do believe I'll ask her sweet papa (#1son) to stay put and listen as well. . ....more
We all need a Herschel in our lives! How often do we just accept the monsters moving in and taking over? Misery aFeatured in a grandma reads session.
We all need a Herschel in our lives! How often do we just accept the monsters moving in and taking over? Misery and defeat reign, and moping about becomes the daily norm. And then comes Herschel, with a plan and no fear, showing everyone the way out of their own surrender.
Give that man a menorah, a jar of pickles, some candles and a coupla matches. Now there's a hero, 100%.
Oh, and Hanukkah happens, too. A very satisfying read, and all the villagers agree....more
What a grand read! A teensy owl with huge aspirations assures readers all around that out of the realm ambitioFeatured in a grandma reads session. . .
What a grand read! A teensy owl with huge aspirations assures readers all around that out of the realm ambitious, if well and truly pursued, are 100% achievable. Just keep on it, and it always helps to have the support of your circle of fans.
Even so, Knight Owl shows us we will all be met with moments when we'll have to dig the deepest for our best defenses and brave responses. Knowing how to dig deep, and how to do hard things, will result in unexpected welcome outcomes. You may walk away with your own pack of dragons.
The artwork in this book is sumptuous and vibrant, clever and endearing. Won my heart completely. Grandson continues on his quest for all reads Owlish....more
Boney, odd, spooky and spiky. . . kinda scary, but nicely resolved for a read to the littles. Spooky art withFeatured in a grandma reads session. . .
Boney, odd, spooky and spiky. . . kinda scary, but nicely resolved for a read to the littles. Spooky art with an All-Hallow's-Eve poem were well-combined to entertain my crowd on a rainy autumn day across Zoom.
We enjoyed it mightily, cracking our knuckles all the while....more
As we launched into this read, my grandson and I, he enjoyed correcting my pronunciation of this creature's naFeatured in a grandma reads session. . .
As we launched into this read, my grandson and I, he enjoyed correcting my pronunciation of this creature's name which kept snaking out of my mouth incorrectly - it was silly and fun. As we followed Axolotl's path in life - encumbered about by the litter, debris and garbage of the Big Lugs (guess who they are???) the story grows deep and somber, and then *BOOM* we are in a dystopian Picture book! My first ever!
Stuff happens, the Big Lugs are no more and Axolotl finally meets a partner, and before you know it 987 new family members change the rest of their lives.
It really was a charming read, if not a little chiding. We both made a pact to clean up our acts and environments, to help the Axolotls in our worlds....more
Alfred has big opinions and very specific preferences. 'Delightful' in his mouth is sarcastic and he doesn't Featured in a grandma reads session . . .
Alfred has big opinions and very specific preferences. 'Delightful' in his mouth is sarcastic and he doesn't particularly care if you get that or not. Tea and a bossy Aunt are items to be endured. The joy of Alfred's life? Monsters. Yep. He has a book. . .
We were invited in for a moment in Alfred's life. It was 'delightful.'
Get it? (HA! we did enjoy this pre-Halloween read)....more
"Sing a song for Gwendoly\n Brooks" is the ringing refrain throughout this picture book. It presents, in swingy poetic prose the life facts, circumsta"Sing a song for Gwendoly\n Brooks" is the ringing refrain throughout this picture book. It presents, in swingy poetic prose the life facts, circumstances, places and people of her life. Her parents were very aware of her gift, and accommodated it whenever she needed time to write! Not many parents do that. . .
Sprinkled throughout are gems from Gwendolyn, herself:
AMBITION
It hurts who much a lot to see the top -- And know you're at the base; To know some power holds you back And yet see glory's face!
But all true climbers know that they Must rise by base degree. And so they keep on climbing 'til They find that they are --- free! -- 1930-1933
The words and the artwork presented in this picture book is a praiseworthy, celebratory way to introduce poetry, the concept of practice, revision and repetition, and the importance of familial support and encouragement for all who want to "flower furiously" - and don't we all want that happy explosion for ourselves and our tribes?...more
A re-read of a childhood classic. This was the only one I ever read of the Boxcar series. . .by the time it was written I'd moved into Victorian GothiA re-read of a childhood classic. This was the only one I ever read of the Boxcar series. . .by the time it was written I'd moved into Victorian Gothics, and felt this was part of my reading past, so didn't read the others. From this great distance, I'd still say that was a good call.
What does strike me all these years later, are the questions that spring forth with a fair amount of urgency that I'm positive didn't even occur to me in my first-second decade of life.
Where the heck are mom and dad? Why is the Dr ok with that - I see that he keeps tabs on them, but he lets them continue to (and in fact gives them the tools they need) set up housekeeping in a boxcar! Hard for me, grown-up (mostly), to fathom this, to agree with his thinking.
Ah well. I know the main consideration are the grown ups who will split up sibs, but I'm thinking of the lions, tigers & bears, serial (and non-serial) bullies, kidnappers, killers and child abusers out there. (Says the mother / grandmother of more than a few.)
All these old matriarch thoughts distracted the read. As for my reading this to my kiddos. . nah. They can choose it for themselves....more
Cats are notorious, known for their arch independence to the point of verging on sullen judgment. (I might be biasFeatured in a grandma reads session.
Cats are notorious, known for their arch independence to the point of verging on sullen judgment. (I might be biased on this, having been judged harshly by many felines.) This particular cat, may have been in my life, featured anonymously herein. Could be. Maybe.
Bottomline, this is a book of a particular human who successfully - with patience and over-the-moon faith - snake charms this stubborn, striped feline. No rejection dismays or discourages Our Boy, who keeps at it until. . . .he wins. Lessons translate into gems on patience, resilience, and persistence and long-suffering when engaging in mighty acts of persuasion.
In Every Life, author / illustrator Marla Frazee reminds all of us - the youngest through the oldest of us - that Featured in a grandma reads session.
In Every Life, author / illustrator Marla Frazee reminds all of us - the youngest through the oldest of us - that the work of being a human is to earnestly and whole-heartedly acknowledge and recognize what our lives are knee-deep in each and every moment.
Her illustrations are sweeping, and simple. Complete scenes communicate the moment so thoroughly that even my youngest listeners, and the middle-agers, and the jaded teens showed by upturned corners of mouths and eyes that they understood the message being sent. Certainly my old heart tumbled happy memories at the moments her artwork evoked in my life.
Specific life moments are called out: birth, smiles, hopes, sadness, regular ordinary moments, and the spectacular surprising ones. . . .it is as simple as that. . . .As absolutely fantastic as that.
5 stars from me and mine in our read together today with this book (followed by chapters of Oliver Twist and Treasure Island)....more
Skellig. . . .for me was a read that pinned me down until I finished reading every offered page.
Once done, I reopened, paged back to the top, and starSkellig. . . .for me was a read that pinned me down until I finished reading every offered page.
Once done, I reopened, paged back to the top, and started again. I didn't want to miss one sentence. And last of all, I re-read it one more time. Was I right?
I was right. I loved this book. I loved Skellig (despite his terrible eating habits). Michael and Mina overwhelmed me with their earnest concerns: somber considerations of this remarkable creature hiding and scared; mild resentment about the new baby sister that upended Michael's world; and a wistful acceptance of Mina's unsupported life. Of the three serious options to ponder, the one they could actually do something about was that great creature surrendered abjectly before them and who clearly needed them. Their care in finding just the right hiding place for something that could very well be a bona fide monster was brave and risky.
As I contemplated these two children trying to work through what the right thing to do was, and how to best help big, awkward, majestic Skellig, I wasn't alone (but I was, really). I felt connected to something familiar, that had that head nod and steady eye contact (heart contact?) that whispered something inside me. . .some kind of wordless inspiration meaning something very close to ". . .see why I love you so much? you all begin as such earnest, willing creatures. . . ."
So odd, yet affirming, this read. Written for young folk. and me....more
This warm little tail. . .is front-loaded with all the things this story is NOT about, in a swingy, lyrical cumuFeatured in a read-to-grandma session.
This warm little tail. . .is front-loaded with all the things this story is NOT about, in a swingy, lyrical cumulative repetition pattern that humans love. Add to this an engaged, yet sombre youngish feline who has taken cover at what apparently is its last homeless shelter (a broken-down car).
Finally coaxed (our reader's first time encountering this word) out from under, the kitten who this story is not about discovers what this story really is about.
And we will not spoil it for you . . . We give this fine story 5 stars!...more
Featured in a grandma reads session. . . .a charming picture book, this, Knitting for Dogs. . .
Izzy and Max have a mutual commitment of encouragement,Featured in a grandma reads session. . . .a charming picture book, this, Knitting for Dogs. . .
Izzy and Max have a mutual commitment of encouragement, support and assistance. No matter what. Victory or defeat, outcome off-piste or on, ground gained or lost, value scale disregarded. Showing up, lending a hand (or paw), sympathies deployed and offered, praise, advice and encouragement showered. . . that's what kind of commitment these two have.
So when Izzy's Big Ideas lean toward handicrafts of a knitting kind, Max is there for her. Support, nudges, extra hands (paws), stints at modeling, and comforting snuggles are provided aplenty as she teaches herself to knit, in all ways, and success, of a sort, is theirs.
And, that, after all, is really all we need. Success, of a sort.
George Washington's Birthday, A Mostly True Tale presented a time and a place long gone, and conditions bareFeatured in a grandma reads session. . . .
George Washington's Birthday, A Mostly True Tale presented a time and a place long gone, and conditions barely understood by humans of 2023. . . .so a change of context and expectations was needed and provided by the author and illustrator of this amusing and educational story around the boyhood of he who would become our first American president, on the occasion of his sixth birthday. I'm speaking, of course, of George himself.
We enjoyed this picture book heartily - even the teens - in that there was, throughout the narrative, facts on every page about Himself.
FACT: George cared a lot about he weather, and later in life recorded temperatures in his diary everyday.
From his preferences to his clothes to his familial relationships, and thoroughly enjoying the discovery of his list of 110 Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior** we give this book 5 stars Anxiously Engaged in Gainful Occupation.
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