Monday, February 8, 2016

Children's Books Review Roundup #2


Story time happens several times a day every day in this house. We read at least one new book as well as several books that we re-read almost every single day. We visit the library every week for story time and load up with books and we also find ebooks through Netgalley and Amazon to read. Less often we find some great children's books at stores and thrift stores.
 Sometimes I have an opinion on these books and sometimes I don't but I wanted to share some of the newer books with everyone. I know there has to be at least a few of you looking for great new picture books for their little ones. 

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Netgalley Roundup

Disclaimer: I received these ebooks for free from Netgalley in exchange for honest reviews. 



Title: If I Had A Gryphon
Author: Vikki Vansickle
Illustrator: Cale Atkinson
Publisher: Tundra Books

Publication Date: Feb. 9, 2016

Synopsis:
When a kitten sneezes it's adorable. When a dragon sneezes? It's a fire hazard!

Sam is already bored of her new pet, a rather sedate hamster. Inspired by her book of mythological creatures, Sam longs for a more exciting pet. But she soon realizes that taking care of these magical beasts might not be as wonderful as she thought. Unicorns are shy, gryphons scare the dogs at the dogpark, and having a fire extinguisher handy at all times makes dragons seem like an awful lot of work. In the end, Sam realizes that her hamster is a pretty sweet and safe pet... or is he?

If I Had a Gryphon is a raucous rhyming read-aloud about the fantastical beasts in everyday situations -- and the increasingly beleaguered heroine who has to deal with them. The perfect primer on mythological and fantastic beasts for young kids not quite ready for Harry Potter!  

My Thoughts:
While reading a book about mythological creatures, the little girl decides she'd much rather have a gryphon, a unicorn, or fairies than a boring old hamster for a pet. But as she thinks about it she realizes that while all those creatures are exciting there would be downfalls to owning krakens, dragons, or a phoenix and perhaps her hamster is the perfect pet for her. 

The illustrations are really fun. This is perfect for any kid who is a little bummed about their 'boring' pet or learning about mythology.


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Title: Our Love Grows
Author: Anna Pignataro
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Publication Date: April 5, 2016

Synopsis:
In the deep green forest, Pip asked,
"Mama, when will I be big?"

Pip is an adorable, roly-poly little panda who sees the world changing and growing. But Pip is feeling a bit left behind. Luckily Mama is there to show playful and curious Pip that, like the trees in the forest and the stars in the sky, he's growing and changing too. And no matter how much Pip grows, the one thing that will never change is how much Mama loves him! 

My Thoughts:
Pip is a cute little panda who asks his mama, "When will I be big?" The mother, in turn, gives him a beautifully poetic answer.

'Our Love Grows' is adorably illustrated in watercolors that, while not cookie cutter perfect, give a very natural and earthy feel to the story. The sweet and gentle rhymes make this a perfect bedtime story! 

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