Little Homesteader: A Winter Treasury of Recipes, Crafts, & Wisdom (Children's Nonfiction Book Review)

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

Little Homesteader: A Winter Treasury
of Recipes, Crafts, and Wisdom
Words by Angela Ferraro-Fanning
Illustrations by Anneliesdraws
Published by Ivy Kids
on September 6, 2022
Genre: Children's, Nonfiction
Length: 32 pages
Ages: 5 - 8 years

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Synopsis:
This charmingly illustrated seasonal treasury of nature-based crafts, baking recipes, and gardening projects for the winter celebrates the homesteading lifestyle with self-sufficient and eco-friendly fun.


My Thoughts:

This winter treasury of recipes, crafts, and wisdom is the perfect way to keep your family busy this holiday season! 

Paired with cute illustrations, there are recipes for cocoa, homemade bread, candied oranges, and more, with fun activities such as salt dough ornaments or solstice lanterns mixed in.  You can learn how to tap a tree, which trees to tap, and how to make candy from the syrup. There's also a few pages that focus on winter gardening, animals and their tracks, and different types of evergreens! 

This book is a great resource for families looking for more hands-on activities to keep them occupied during the long winter days stuck inside. With a little supervision and help, these activities and recipes can be fun at almost any age and can even make great homemade gifts for the holidays! 


 Many thanks to Ivy Kids & Netgalley for the chance to read this fun children's book! 

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Expedition Backyard by Rosemary Mosco & Binglin Hu (Children's Graphic Novel Review)

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

Expedition Backyard
by Rosemary Mosco
Illustrated by Binglin Hu
Published by Random House Graphic
on June 21, 2022
Genre: Children's, Graphic Novels
Length: 128 pages
Ages: 4 - 8

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Synopsis:
Join two best friends--a mole and a vole--on their everyday expeditions to find beautiful plants, meet new animals, and learn more about the world around them in this nonfiction graphic novel. 

Each day, Mole and Vole venture out into the world--never forgetting their nature journal!--to see what they can find in their own backyard. From pigeons and jumping spiders to swamp milkweed and maple trees, these two explorers get to know every part of their local environment. But after an accidental move from the country to the city, Mole and Vole worry that everything will be different. As they explore, they discover plants to look at and animals to meet in their new home as well. 

The story of these two best friends brings to life a nonfiction adventure of finding wonder in nature everywhere--no matter where you live. This book concludes with fun activities for kids to do at home. 

Our  Thoughts:

Two best friends, Mole and Vole, live their best lives going on adventures and expeditions every day. No matter what happens, whether it's a scary predator or even a complete change of scenery, these two friends keep a positive outlook and face the big world head-on.  From the backyard to the city, Mole and Vole make every day a fun and educational adventure! 

Expedition Backyard is a children's nonfiction graphic novel that is perfect for nature and animal lovers! 


This is adorable!
We loved Vole's enthusiasm for adventure and Mole's tendency to nature journal all of their fun expeditions. 
The illustrations are super cute and there is some scientific labeling of flora and fauna thrown in to make it even more educational. 

There's a lot of great content at the end of the book as well, including step-by-step instructions to draw the characters and tips on how to keep a nature journal, join a community garden, learning to compost, and more! 

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The World of Coral Reefs by Erin Spencer & Alexandria Neonakis (Children's Nonfiction Picture Book Review)

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

The World Of Coral Reefs:
Explore and Protect the Natural Wonders of the Sea
Written by Erin Spencer
Illustrated by Alexandria Neonakis
Published by Storey Publishing
on March 29, 2022
Genre: Children's, Nonfiction, Nature
Length: 48 pages
Ages: 7 - 10 years

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Synopsis:
Coral reefs occupy less than 1% of the ocean floor, but they support 25% of all marine species with food and shelter. In this lavishly illustrated book for ages 7 to 10, marine ecologist and underwater explorer Erin Spencer provides fascinating, scientific information in a highly accessible format, including details about the types of coral, their anatomy and life cycle, where they live, how reefs develop, and the incredible diversity of marine animals that live among them, including aquarium favorites like clownfish, royal blue tangs, and sea turtles. Kids learn about the interdependent relationships between people and reefs and how human behavior puts reefs in danger, promising conservation work that scientists are undertaking, and solution-oriented ways kids and families can help in the effort. 


Our Thoughts:

This gorgeously illustrated nonfiction picture book is the perfect resource for learning about our planet's coral reefs.

Learn about the different kinds of coral, where they live and grow, what creatures depend on them for food and shelter, their life cycle, and more! You will also learn how coral reefs help us by providing a source of food, medicine, and a natural barrier from storms. 

Of course, just like the ocean itself, our planet's coral reefs need our help. This book gives great information on how our daily habits affect the coral reefs, as well as tips to help protect them.

Includes the Hawaiian creation story, a glossary, and lots of fantastic links to extra resources that include interactive videos and visual activities, games, apps, database contributions, and more! 
There's also a curriculum guide for educators! 
 

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We Belong by Laura Purdie Salas & Carlos Velez Aquilera (Children's Picture Book Review)

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

We Belong
Words by Laura Purdie Salas
Illustrated by Carlos Velez Aguilera
Published by Carolrhoda Books
on March 1, 2022
Genre: Children's, Picture books, Poetry
Length: 32 pages
Ages: 7 - 8 years

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Synopsis:
We all belong! 

You and I, we're alike,
but we're different too.
That's not good.
That's not bad.
It's just what is true.

Explore and celebrate who you are and who others are too! Rhyming verse by Laura Purdie Salas invites others to notice the diversity of our world and affirm that we all belong, just as we are. Bright illustrations by Carlos Velez Aquilera feature a diverse group of children, playing and learning in an urban setting. 


My Thoughts:

We Belong is a beautiful poem that celebrates our differences AND similarities and reminds us that it's ok to be just as we are, whatever and wherever that may be. We all belong.

This inclusive picture book is perfect for young readers and includes lots of onomatopoeia and fantastic rhymes that help the reader realize their own importance in the world. 

With amazing illustrations featuring an incredibly diverse cast of background characters, including different races, religions, and physical abilities, We Belong will help readers from all walks of life feel like they matter! 

We read this for Mental Health Awareness Week! 


More from this author:

Water Can Be... by Laura Purdie Salas

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Norman Didn't Do It! (Yes, he did.) by Ryan T. Higgins (Children's Picture Book Review)

Norman Didn't Do It!
(Yes, he did.)
by Ryan T. Higgins
Published by Disney-Hyperion
on September 7, 2021
Genre: Children's, Picture Books, Humor
Length: 48 pages
Ages: 3 - 5 years

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Synopsis:
Norman is a porcupine. Mildred is a tree.
Norman and Mildred are best friends. Just the two of them. And only the two of them. But when a surprise pops up, life will never be the same again. 


Our Thoughts:

What's a porcupine to do when his best friend makes a new friend?

Norman's best friend is a tree. They do everything together.
But when a new friend pops up, Norman just can't handle it! He worries so much that he does something drastic; something so terrible, he eventually has to make it right.

Ryan T. Higgins never disappoints! We have loved everything we've read by him so far. His picture books are all so funny and this one was no exception. From his characters' expressions to their words and actions, his books always keep my Little Reader giggling.  

If you've enjoyed any of the hilarious Mother Bruce books, you'll recognize Higgins' illustration style and humor and enjoy this just as much! I'd also recommend this to fan of the Elephant & Piggie series by Mo Willems! 

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The Little Owl and the Big Tree: A Christmas Story by Jeanette & Jonah Winter (Children's Picture Book Review)

The Little Owl and the Big Tree
by Jonah Winter
Published by Beach Lane Books
on October 9, 2021
Genre: Children's, Picture Books, Holiday
Length: 32 pages
Ages: 3 months to 8 years

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Synopsis:
One Christmas, a tiny owl stuck in the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree stole the hearts of the nation. Discover the true story in this heartwarming picture book from celebrated mother-son team Jonah and Jeannette Winter.

There once was an owl who lived in a tree. Until one day her home was uprooted and she was taken far away from what she knew. Follow Rockefeller ("Rocky") the owl as she journeys to the bustling center of New York City and she's discovered among the branches of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. With human kindness and a dash of holiday spirit, can this brave little owl find a new home?


My Thoughts:

 This is the true story of an adorable little Northern Saw-whet Owl that found it's home uprooted and shipped off to New York City where it would become the famous annual Rockefeller Center Christmas tree! Dubbed Rockefeller, or "Rocky", the cute little adult owl was luckily discovered and removed to a wildlife center where she was nursed back to health and released back into the wild.  And now we have a wonderful Christmas story all about it! 

With bold and colorful illustrations, this picture book makes a great addition to any book advent or holiday story time. 
The simple text makes this a perfect 'easy read' for little readers or just a quick story to listen to during the most festive time of the year! 

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The Shortest Day by Susan Cooper & Carson Ellis (Children's Picture Book Review)

The Shortest Day
Written by Susan Cooper
 Illustrations by Carson Ellis
Published by Candlewick Press
on October 22, 2019
Genre: Children's, Picture Books, Seasons
Length: 32 pages
Ages: 4 - 8 years

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Synopsis:
In this seasonal treasure, Newbery Medalist Susan Cooper's beloved poem heralds the winter solstice, illuminated by Caldecott Honoree Carson Ellis's strikingly resonant illustrations. 

So the shortest day came, 
and the year died...

As the sun sets on the shortest day of the year, early people would gather to prepare for the long night ahead. They built fires and lit candles. They played music, bringing their own light to the darkness while wondering if the sun would ever rise again. 
Written for a theatrical production that has become a ritual in itself, Susan Cooper's poem "The Shortest Day" captures the magic behind the returning of the light, the yearning for traditions that connect us with generations that have gone before -- and the hope for peace that we carry into the future. 


Our Thoughts:

Welcome, Yule! 

  Celebrate the winter solstice and the Yuletide season with this fantastic picture book version of Susan Cooper's poem, "The Shortest Day." 

Paying homage to our ancestors and other people of the past, The Shortest Day shares the traditions of celebrating the sun that have endured through the ages, such as lighting candles in the trees and decorating with evergreens or keeping a roaring fire throughout the night and greeting the rising sun.

What better way to celebrate the first day of winter and the rebirth of life than to welcome the sun?! I love the simplicity of celebrating and welcoming the seasons with traditions of old and also love that so many of them overlap other religions/spiritualities so that no matter what you celebrate, there's something festive to look forward to for us all. 

I'll admit that I've yet to see a theatrical production of "The Shortest Day" but it sounds absolutely delightful! 


Do you celebrate the first day of winter?

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A Christmas Too Big by Colleen Madden (Children's Picture Book Review)

A Christmas Too Big
by Colleen Madden
Published by Two Lions
on November 2, 2021
Genre: Children's, Picture Books, Holidays
Length: 40 pages
Ages: 4 - 8 years

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Synopsis:
A little too much Christmas cheer...

Kerry's family goes completely beserk with Christmas every year. Starting the day after Thanksgiving, her home becomes a whirlwind of lights, music, and elves, elves, elves!

Sometimes it gets a little overwhelming.

But will anyone in her crazy Christmas house understand? Join Kerry as she finds her voice in this delightful holiday tale. 


My Thoughts:

Kerry's family goes all out for Christmas every single year, starting the day after Thanksgiving. Her dad becomes a lights master, her mom becomes an all-time Christmas caroler, and her siblings join in as well, but Kerry thinks it's just too much so she heads outside for a walk where she runs into the only neighbor that doesn't seem to be having a Christmas too big.
Her neighbor, Mrs. Flores, is missing her family but shares her own traditions with Kerry and receives a truly special surprise in return. 

This holiday tale will absolutely warm your heart!

This beautifully illustrated picture book is packed full of Kerry's family's Christmas traditions, beginning with plenty of festive activities and excessive decorating that will keep you busy looking at ALL THE THINGS. There's even a page where you can find all Kerry's brother's elves!
 But as Kerry decides to step away from all the bustle, she learns how to have a different kind of Christmas with different traditions and share that joy with her own family. 

I was pleasantly surprised to find that this is a BILINGUAL book! Mrs. Flores speaks Spanish but Kerry translates for us throughout the second half of the book. There's a page near the end that includes lots of Spanish word labels and the end pages share tons more Christmas items in English at the front and then again in Spanish at the back!  

This was such a sweet read with lots of fun and festive art to look at, a heartwarming story that is perfect for any time between Thanksgiving and Christmas, and plenty of Christmas-themed Spanish words to learn!

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Beneath the Trees: Winter Chills by DAV (Children's Picture Book Review)

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

Beneath the Trees: Winter Chills
by DAV
Published by Magnetic Press
on December 14, 2021
Genre: Children's, Picture Books
Length: 32 pages
Ages: 4 - 8 years

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Synopsis:
Winter is here, and snow covers the woods like a cold blanket. Mr. Fox has his enormous scarf to keep him warm, but it is almost TOO big--he can't help but trip over it and get caught on tree branches all the time. But as embarrassing as that is, it is even more humiliating when trying to catch the eye of a beautiful lady!


Our Thoughts:

Mr. Fox is out on a cold, winter's day but his oversized scarf makes it difficult to avoid branches and slippery slopes. It really doesn't help that a pretty fox is out and about as well and sees him falling on his face. Utterly embarrassed, Mr. Fox trudges off on his way home alone but quickly finds himself in trouble. Will he find the help he needs? 

This is such a cute story about a shy and unfortunate fox that finds a friend after all.

The Disney-inspired illustration style is lovely, with super cute animal characters, and is presented as wordless sequential art. Mr. Fox's misfortune is quite comical and had my six-year-old in hysterics.
There's also a cute little 'romance' added to the thick of the story that balances the comedy quite well. 

I loved that Mister Grumpf, whom we were introduced to in the first book in this seasonal series, The Autumn of Mister Grumpf, had a small cameo in this sequel. I was expecting the story to be about him again and was surprised by the new characters but loved that there is a sense of community within this series so far! 
We are looking forward to seeing what comes in Spring! 

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Christmas, Here I Come by DJ Steinberg & Laurie Stansfield (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. 

Christmas, Here I Come!
by D.J. Steinberg
Illustrated by Laurie Stansfield
Published by Grosset & Dunlap
on October 12, 2021
Genre: Children's, Picture Book, Holidays
Length: 32 pages
Ages: 4 - 6 years

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Synopsis:
Celebrate Christmas with a collection of funny and festive poems from the author of the hugely popular Kindergarten, Here I Come!

It's the most wonderful time of the year, and everyone is getting into the Christmas spirit! From writing letters to Santa to picking the perfect tree, these heartwarming poems--plus a page of stickers!--from author D.J. Steinberg are sure to delight even the most sullen Scrooge.


Our Thoughts:

Christmas, Here I Come is the perfect book to fill your Little One's days leading up to the most wonderful time of the year!

This festive little book is full of fun poems about Christmas traditions such as choosing the perfect tree, decorating gingerbread houses, writing letters to Santa, and more! There are fun lists with great ideas of things to make or do this time of year and there's even a wonderful poem about what children around the world call Santa Clause!

The illustrations are wonderfully festive but also have a very cozy feel that makes this Winter-based book perfect for cold days stuck inside. 
To top it all off, there's a sheet of cute stickers in the same illustration style at the end of the book that makes this poetic picture book a great gift!



Many, many thanks to Grosset & Dunlap for the review copy of this book! My 6yo loved it and the stickers! 

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Thankful by Elaine Vickers & Samantha Cotterill (Children's Picture Book Review)

Thankful
Words by Elaine Vickers
Pictures by Samantha Cotterill
Published by Simon Schuster / Paula Wiseman Books
on September 7, 2021
Genre: Children's, Picture Books
Length: 48 pages
Ages: 4 - 8 years

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Synopsis:
Stunning, diorama illustrations bring to life this lullaby of a picture book about celebrating everyday things that make life wonderful. 

I am thankful for a home where I am safe and warm.
Thankful for parents who read me stories and comb my hair gently, gently.
Who whisper the same poem every night when they tuck me in. 

When the first snow falls, a little girl writes down the things she's thankful for on strips of paper and links them together. As one idea leads to another, her chain grows longer. This beautiful story is a much-needed reminder to observe and honor life's small joys.


Our Thoughts:

This beautiful story features a very grateful young girl who begins a paper chain when the first snow of the year falls, writing all the things she is thankful for on the scraps of paper, and continuing it into December until it is long enough to decorate with! 

The artwork in this picture book is truly unique, with both 2-D & 3-D layers of paper-cut illustrations set up in neat diorama settings that made it tons of fun to read and look at. The colors, details, and depth really brought a warm coziness to the scenes.

Perfect for the Autumn/Winter season, this heartwarming picture book is a fantastic bedtime story or the perfect book to read while snuggling on the couch. 
The simple craft incorporated into the story inspires readers to create thankful paper chains of their own, which we did, of course!
You can see ours on our instagram post linked here and/or shown below! 

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How To Catch A Turkey by Adam Wallace & Andy Elkerton (Children's Holiday Picture Book Review)

How to Catch A Turkey
Words by Adam Wallace
Illustrations by Andy Elkerton
Published by Sourcebooks Wonderland
on September 4, 2018
Genre: Children's, Picture Books, Holidays
Length: 40 pages
Ages: 4 - 8 years

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Synopsis:

Thanksgiving time is here again,
but there's a turkey on the run!
Can you catch this tricky bird
before the school play has begun? 

A turkey is running loose in a school right before the Thanksgiving play. Can YOU help catch it? Follow along as students turn their school upside down trying to catch the turkey, ending with a twist that ensures that no turkeys are harmed (or eaten!)


My Thoughts:

The school's Thanksgiving Day play can't go on if the prized turkey has a case of stage fright! He's the star of the show, after all, and he has other plans; to escape any and every trap thrown his way, and as usual in the How To Catch series, there are LOTS! 

Join the usual cast of kids as they search for and attempt to catch their school mascot! 

Rhyming text and raucous illustrations will have your readers laughing out loud as this turkey evades traps and inventions and even mashed potatoes as it attempts to flee from the stressful role of 'star of the play!'

The How To Catch series is a lot of fun and tends to go after any mythical and/or holiday-based creature, and includes lots of neat, inventive traps and cages in their attempts.

More from this series:

How to Catch A Dinosaur

How to Catch A Dragon

How to Catch A Unicorn

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Halloween is Coming by Cal Everett & Lenny Wen (Children's Picture Book Review)

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

Halloween Is Coming
Words by Cal Everett
Illustrations by Lenny Wen
Published by Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
on August 1, 2021
Genre: Children's, Picture Books, Holidays
Length:  32 pages
Ages: 4 - 8 years

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Synopsis:
A fun, rhyming read-aloud Halloween picture book that starts a new holiday tradition. Perfect for kids 4-8 or any young child wanting to celebrate the spookiest season of the year!

Marching in the school parade
in frightening costumes that we've made;
Look around, the signs are clear, 
Halloween is getting near! 

Halloween is Coming is a lyrical celebration of the building excitement that children--and adults!--feel as the magical and mysterious night of Halloween approaches.

My Thoughts:

Halloween is Coming is the perfect picture book for those that enjoy Halloween and the seasonal activities leading up to it!

With beautiful rhyming text and cute illustrations featuring children in their community, this picture book spans the autumn season and shares all the lovely things that lead up to Halloween, from falling leaves to farmers' markets to fun, fairytale costumes.  

This is a gentle picture book with a focus on autumn and autumn activities as well as Halloween and doesn't focus on the spooky parts as much as having fun with friends and family. The children's costumes are all adorable instead of spooky, which we think makes this perfect for little readers and listeners. 

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Beneath the Trees: The Autumn of Mister Grumph by DAV (Children's Picture Book Review)

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

Beneath the Trees:
The Autumn of Mister Grumph
by DAV
Published by Magnetic Press
on October 12, 2021
Genre: Children's, Picture Book
Length: 32 pages
Ages: 4 - 8 years

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Synopsis:
Winter is fast approaching and all the animals in the forest are in full preparation: storing food and provisions, dining on the last worms with the neighbors, etc... All the animals but one: grumpy badger Mr. Grumpf just can't finish sweeping the dead leaves off his doorstep with everyone coming by to disturb him! Grumpf!

This new series paints a tender and colorful portrait of everyday life, showing that behind every flaw or weakness can lie charm and strength. Readers will recognize their own neighbors, friends, and family members in the endearing animal characters within this forest community. 


My Thoughts:

It's Autumn and Mr. Grumpf wants nothing more than to get his front yard swept clear of leaves but his neighbors keep stopping by and distracting him and needing help with things and then it rains and before he knows it the whole day has gone by.  Luckily, those pesky neighbors do Mr. Grumpf a big favor to make up for his kindness and generosity. 

The first in a new seasonal series, Beneath the Trees: The Autumn of Mister Grumpf is a beautifully illustrated story about a gruff and rough-looking neighbor with a surprisingly big heart that won't say no to helping out his fellow woodland creatures. 

My daughter and I loved the illustrations in this story! The main character really stands out and the woodland creature neighbors are super adorable but we also loved the color scheme and attention to detail in the leaves, trees, and other background elements.

Fans of Ryan T. Higgins' 'Mother Bruce' series will love Mister Grumpf! 

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Night Night, Norman by Marie Dimitrova (Children's Picture Book Review)

We received an ecopy of this book from the publisher via Goodreads in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Night Night, Norman
Written by Marie Dimitrova
Illustrated by Romi Caron
Published by Hello World Publishing
on October 20, 2020
Genre: Children's, Picture Books
Length: 18 pages
Ages: 3 - 6 pages

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Synopsis:
A light-hearted, spirit-lifting story about what horses do at night while we sleep.

Laugh out loud with the adventures of Norman, and find out what happens when we think our pets are sleeping. A perfect book to read together before bedtime! 


My Thoughts:

Every night, Ellie visits a big, beautiful horse named Norman at the Green Apple Barn before heading off to bed. But one night, Norman decides to find out exactly where Ellie goes and leaves the barn! What mischief could a horse possibly get into?

This is the perfect bedtime story! 

Join the overly curious Norman on a nightly jaunt! 
This silly picture book will have your Littles in fits of giggles over Norman and his night-time nonsense. 

Night Night, Norman is beautifully illustrated in traditional styles and includes a bonus 'How to Draw Norman' page at the end of the story!

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Embassy of the Dead by Will Mabbitt (Middle Grade Book Review)

 I received an ecopy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.  

Embassy of the Dead
(Embassy of the Dead #1)
Written by Will Mabbitt
Illustrations by Taryn Knight
Published by Walker Books US
on October 6, 2020 
(first published 2018)
Genre: Middle Grade, Ghost Stories, 
Length: 272 pages
Ages: 8 - 12 years

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Synopsis:
The first book in a spookily funny new series, where the living meets the dead and the survival is a race against time. Perfect for fans of Skulduggery Pleasant and Who Let the Gods Out. 

Welcome to the Embassy of the Dead. Leave your life at the door. (Thanks.)

When Jake opens a strange box containing a severed finger, he accidentally summons a grim reaper to drag him to the Eternal Void (yep, it's as fatal as it sounds) and now he's running for his life! But luckily Jake isn't alone--he can see and speak to ghosts.

My Thoughts:

A case of mistaken identity lands twelve-year-old Jake Green in possession of a mysterious and dangerous box containing a frighteningly severed finger. The messenger, a ghostly man named Stiffkey, returns for the box when he realizes his mistake but it is too late for Jake who quickly becomes the target of the Embassy of the Dead and their reaper. Jake's only chance at escaping the Eternal Void is to help a troubled ghost pass on and become an Undoer.

This was a lot of fun and I couldn't help but think it would make a wonderful Tim Burton or Laika stop-motion film while reading! The characters are interesting and the plot is fast-paced and spooky and adventurous at the same time. 

This is the first in a fun and spooky middle-grade trilogy and I'm excited to see what Jake and his rag-tag group of ghostie friends are up to next! 

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Forest Magic: A Guidebook for Little Woodland Explorers by Sarah Grindler (Children's Nonfiction Picture Book Review)

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

Forest Magic:
A Guidebook for Little Woodland Explorers
Words & art by Sarah Grindler
Published by Nimbus Publishing
on May 31, 2021
Genre: Children's, Nonfiction, Nature
Length: 32 pages
Ages: 4 - 8 years

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Synopsis:
A beautifully illustrated, compact, interactive nature guide to exploring the forest for young readers. 

Our Thoughts:

Forest Magic is a beautifully illustrated picture book guide to discovering nature and its many little surprises.

This picture book is not only a gorgeous book to look at; it's perfect for taking right out into the world as a guidebook!
You can learn to identify trees from their leaves, which birds and animals make the forest their home, different types of wildflowers and fungi and lichens, and how these things all play a part in a balanced ecosystem.

 It's a fantastic introduction to nature with lots of identification labels for tree leaves, animals, wildflowers, fungi, and lichen! We especially loved the fungi pages, as we so rarely come across mushroom identification in picture books and have been on the lookout for some! The mushrooms are accurately illustrated, as is everything in this book! There's even a 'Do Not Touch' page that shares which animals, plants, and fungi to avoid!

Perfect for outdoor storytime and/or wildschooling! 

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Better Together (Heartwood Hotel #3) by Kallie George (Children's Chapter Book Review)

Better Together
Written by Kallie George
Illustrations by Alexandra Boiger
Published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
on February 6, 2018
Genre: Children's, Chapter Books
Length: 176 pages
Ages: 7 - 10 years

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Synopsis:
Spring has come to Fernwood Forest and the Heartwood is all a-bustle. With Mr. Heartwood off on vacation, it's up to Mona and the rest of the staff to keep everything running smoothly. When rumors buzz of a rival hotel, Gilles is determined to prove that the Heartwood is the very best with the splashiest Spring Splash the forest has ever seen. 

Readers will cheer for these kind, brave, beloved characters as they embark on their next adventure in the third book of the charmingly illustrated Heartwood Hotel series. 


Our Thoughts:

Mr. Heartwood is off on a much-needed vacation when word gets around that a new hotel has opened up in Fernwood Forest, claiming to be the 'splashiest', so the staff of Heartwood Hotel decides to put on a splendid Splash of their own. With everyone as busy as can be with the festivities, only Mona seems to notice the small changes around the hotel, from a secretive guest to disagreements between worker bees and entertainer fireflies to an even larger threat that is waiting in the shadows! 

Mona continues to be an absolute lifesaver for the Heartwood and its inhabitants, despite being a mouse, and tensions build when friendships are diverted, but all come together to save the hotel and in the end, all is well. 

We have adored this seasonal series featuring adorably kind and courageous animal characters so far and this was just as good as the first two! The characters are the sweetest, with innocent trials and tribulations and many lessons learned, and the endings are always exactly how you would hope them to be in a children's story. I absolutely recommend it for young readers and listeners that want a story with gentle drama and great friendships. 

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Let's Go For A Walk by Ranger Hamza (Children's Interactive Nature-Based Picture Book Review)

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

Let's Go For A Walk
by Ranger Hamza
Published by Ivy Kids
on July 13, 2021
Genre: Children's, Picture Books, Nature
Length: 36 pages
Ages: 3 - 6 years

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Synopsis:
Walking in the country, by the sea, or in the town, so many wonderful things to see if you stop and look around! Go on your very own walk guided by Ranger Hamza with this book that can be used again and again!


My Thoughts:

Let's Go For A Walk is a fantastic interactive picture book that you can take with you on walks or hikes and read aloud to Littles to prompt them to use all of their senses to experience the world around them. 

Each page poses questions that urge children to look for specific colors, shapes, and sizes, to touch and feel the textures of the natural world, to smell the scents of foods and flowers, to listen to the sounds of nature, and more. 

If you're looking for a fun book with lots of simple nature-based activities and facts for the young years, this may be perfect for you!
Not only does it focus on nature and immersing yourself in it, but it also includes educational suggestions to do on the go, such as finding the alphabet or numbers in your everyday surroundings, from street signs to billboards, and encourages learning in all its many forms.

The more time we spend with this wonderful picture book, the more we love it and the more we hope it gets into the hands of children around the world. 
Many thanks to the author and publisher for the chance to read (and USE!) this fantastic book!

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The Enchanted Egg (M.A.A.A. #2) by Kallie George (Children's Fantasy Book Review)

The Enchanted Egg
The Magical Animal Adoption Agency #2
Written by Kallie George
Illustrated by Alexandra Bolger
Published by Disney-Hyperion
on November 3, 2015
Genre: Children's, Fantasy
Length: 144 pages
Ages: 7 - 10 years

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Synopsis:
There's a new resident at the Magical Animal Adoption Agency- but this one hasn't hatched yet! 

In the second book in Kallie George's delightful illustrated chapter book series, Clover meets a jovial pair of giants, a cupcake-baking ghost, a colorful young leprechaun, and a very special magical animal; one that must be seen to be believed! 


My Thoughts:

We return to the Magical Animal Adoption Agency, this time as Mr. Jams includes a mysterious magical egg to their magical menagerie. Clover is left to care for the egg as Mr. Jams goes off in search of an egg expert and while he is away, the egg hatches! But Clover can't seem to find the creature that has hatched from it! What could the creature be? And can Clover find it before it's too late? 

We have been really enjoying Kallie George's stories!

This is a whimsical little chapter book series for young readers that includes an MC who finally seems to find her luck when she stumbles upon the Magical Animal Adoption Agency within the woods her pet bird flew off into. She volunteers, thinking that if she can't keep a pet, she might as well work with them instead!
 
Our favorite part of these books are the magical creatures that Clover and Mr. Jams take care of and find homes for but also sweet Clover who is always trying her best, despite her perceived bad luck. 

This is a super cute, illustrated series that is easy to follow and perfect for chapter book readers or little listeners! 

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