Category: Book Reviews

Book Review: No Fits, Nilson! by Zachariah OHora

One of my favorite things about picture books and my kids, is observing which books become favorites. Sometimes the new favorite is a book I purposefully chose, strategically kept out in sight, and then felt contentedly smug when it easily won their hearts just like I thought it would. Other times, I feel shocked and a little perplexed at why certain books become a reigning favorite. And I’m maybe even a little relieved when they fade into the distance depending on how much I enjoyed the book myself or strained under the repetition and reader requirements (I’m looking at you Sandra Boynton’s Doggies). Then there are others that I myself admired, had on my own shelves for months or years even (this is the problem with owning too many books), and for some random reason I finally pull it down to share it with the kids. Bingo! They are hooked.

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Book Review: When Green Becomes Tomatoes By Fogliano & Morstad

I have yet to meet a Julie Morstad book that I didn’t just swoon over. Her newest book is absolutely no exception. When I heard about its release and that it was a book of poems written by the wonderful Julie Fogliano, I ran to my local independent bookstore and swept up a copy. This is a beautiful collection of “Poems for All Seasons” that combine short, relatable, poems with stunning illustrated snapshots of everyday, seasonal life.

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Wordless Wednesday: Spring by Gerda Muller

Spring has arrived! (on this side of the world at least.) I have so many books to share and celebrate the new season, and I already feel woefully behind with sickness and other responsibilities keeping me from finishing posting. But here, I bring the first in a short, wordless, board book form. It is a delightful depiction of spring, beautiful for any to behold. Take a look at Spring by Gerda Muller, 1994.

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Book Review: A Great Big Cuddle By Rosen & Riddell

Poetry is one of those things that I always want to be better about reading for myself, but also sharing with my kids. I loved poetry as a child, and even now as an adult when I remember to read some. Poetry is wonderfully lyrical, imaginative, and memorable. We have started reading some poetry books at lunchtime, when I have finished eating and we are waiting for everyone to be finished. Robert Louis Stevenson collections seem to always be easily found, illustrated by so many favorites. But this book stumbled into my view recently and I rushed to the library to test it out. Chris Riddell is one of my illustration inspirations so that was a major selling point with this book. But I also love that the poems are geared to very little kids. They are silly. They ring true. And they are delightful to giggle over together. Enjoy A Great Big Cuddle: Poems for the Very Young by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Chris Riddell, 2015.

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Book Review: Ballet Cat By Bob Shea + Giveaway!

Back from a surprise and unintentional break, I have not one, but two books to share today. They are adorable, hilarious, glittery, and have sweet messages about friendship, with a side of ballet. Disney-Hyperion sent me these books and a surprise plush friend, and they are also providing a prize pack for one lucky winner! So stay tuned for details at the end of the post.

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Wordless Wednesday: The Farmer And The Clown & Interview With Marla Frazee

I confess that I have greatly struggled with today’s Wordless Wednesday post. This book is so beautiful, so clever, and so powerful – words just don’t do it justice. I have been tempted to simply post the photos and the awesome Q&A with Marla Frazee; but that probably isn’t fair. I’ll do my best to analyze it, but please keep in mind – it is worth so much more than my words. Take a look at this heartbreakingly beautiful story of two characters who are much different than they seem, and end up needing each other much more than they realized. Here is The Farmer and the Clown by Marla Frazee, 2014.

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