A Park Connects Us by Sarah Nelson & Ellen Rooney (Children's Picture Book Review)

 We received a temporary digital copy of this picture book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

 

A Park Connects Us
Words by Sarah Nelson
Illustrations by Ellen Rooney
Published by OwlKids Books
on March 15, 2022
Genre: Children's, Picture Books
Length: 32 pages
Ages: 3 - 8 years

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Synopsis:
A celebration of urban parks and the many ways they connect us to community and nature. 

This love letter to public parks depicts an inclusive and accessible space where community flourishes. Without a screen in sight, it gently hints at the adventures to be had offline and encourages readers to venture into nature and connect with their neighborhoods. 



Our Thoughts:

A Park Connects Us is a beautifully inclusive look at public parks and all that they afford us, from a place to play or ride bikes or fly kites to a place to have a family picnic or a wedding.

This picture book has a wide array of verbs included and seems to be focused entirely on what a park can do or be for all of us!

The illustrations show us many of the fun or relaxing things we can do at a park and all the beauty it holds as well. Each page is filled with active and friendly park-goers of all ages, races, cultures, and more, sharing a community space that is welcome to all. 

There's also a beautiful reminder that parks are something that we, as a community, make possible and a bit of information about popular parks around the world and what they mean to those communities. 


Do you have a favorite park that you visit regularly?

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Beneath the Trees: A Fine Summer by DAV (Children's Picture Book Review)

 We received a temporary digital copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Beneath the Trees:
A Fine Summer
by Dav
Published by Magnetic Press
on May 31, 2022
Genre: Children's, Picture Books,
Length: 32 pages
Ages: 3 - 8

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Synopsis:
It's summer and the laughter of children echoes under the trees. But for some of the older animals, the frivolous abandon of childhood is far behind them. Old Mr. Owl and Mr. Toad get the crazy idea to relive some of their youth if that's even possible anymore. 

The stories in this four-book series take place in the same forest over the course of four seasons. Each one can be read independently, exploring the complexity and richness of relationships with family, friends, and loved ones. 


Our Thoughts:

The sounds of summer carry through the trees in this anthropomorphic forest community. Kids play and splash all day and two local old-timers, Mr. Owl and Mr. Toad, aren't too pleased with the noise. At least, not until they find a way to enjoy themselves again. 

This picture book is one in a seasonal quartet featuring a woodland community with different characters in each installment that is illustrated in a 'Disney-inspired style' that we have come to love! The woodland characters are super cute (even the grouchy ones) and the attention to detail in the backgrounds has me hoping for more from this author/illustrator.

Some of the previous installments were wordless sequential art from what I remember but 'A Fine Summer' has both dialogue and lots of onomatopoeia on nearly every page. The books in this seasonal quartet do not need to be read in order but all are lots of fun with good humor and subtle life lessons for both young and adult readers! 

More in the 'Beneath the Trees' quartet:

The Autumn of Mister Grumph
Winter Chills

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Claris: Holiday Heist: The Chicest Mouse in Paris by Megan Hess (Children's Picture Book Review)

 We received a copy of this picture book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Claris: Holiday Heist
The Chicest Mouse in Paris
(The Claris Collection #3)
by Megan Hess
Published by Hardie Grant
on October 6, 2020
Genre: Children's, Picture Books
Length: 48 pages
Ages: 3 - 8 years

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Synopsis:
A sweet little mouse takes on a cheeky cat burglar with holiday cheer! Can Claris and Monsieur save the day - the New York way?


Our Thoughts:

Claris, the 'Chicest Mouse in Paris' is visiting New York City with her owners and their pet cat, Monsieur, for Christmas when they spot a holiday heist at the jewelry store! Claris and Monsieur are determined to stop the thief and ensure that everyone has a fantastic holiday, all while looking fabulous! 

The fourth book in the Claris: The Chicest Mouse in Paris series from acclaimed fashion illustrator, Megan Hess, is a beautiful picture book with a gorgeous, shiny cover and is filled with popular fashion brands and gorgeous dresses, winter coats, and more for those that love all things fancy! 

This book is especially perfect for the holiday season but this series is absolutely perfect for any fashion-loving Little!
My daughter loves to draw fashion and thought this was incredibly inspirational. She was astonished and 'tickled pink' to find out that the author is a fashion designer!

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