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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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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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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A Day For Rememberin': The First Memorial Day by Leah Henderson & Floyd Cooper (Children's Nonfiction Picture Book Review)

A Day For Rememberin':
The First Memorial Day
by Leah Henderson
Illustrated by Floyd Cooper
Published by Harry N. Abrams
on May 11, 2021
Genre: Children's, Nonfiction, Picture Books
Length: 40 pages
Ages: 6 - 9 years

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Synopsis:
A moving tribute to the little-known history behind the first Memorial Day, illustrated by Coretta Scott King Award winner Floyd Cooper.  

Inspired by true events told through the eyes of a young boy, this is a deeply moving story about what is regarded as the first Memorial Day on May 1, 1865. Eli dresses up in his best clothes, Mama gathers the mayflowers, Papa straightens his hate, and together they join the crowds filling the streets of Charleston, South Carolina, with bouquets, crosses, and wreaths. Abolitionists, missionaries, teachers, military officers, and a sea of faces Black, Brown, and White, they march as one and sing for all those who gave their lives fighting for freedom during the Civil War. 


My Thoughts:

Experience a fictional account of what may have been the very first Memorial Day, through the eyes of a young Black boy who no longer has to worry daily about his parents being sold and sent away and can go to school freely, all thanks to the Union soldiers who fought in the Civil War. His family prepares and off they go to join in on the procession headed to the Washington Race Course where one of the worst Confederate prisons was turned into a peaceful resting place for the Union prisoners who died there. 

Both beautiful and heartbreaking, this important picture book shares a little-known side to the history of Memorial Day, starting with the very first Decoration Day. On this day grateful families and individuals honored those lives lost in the Civil War by decorating their graves with flags and flowers.

Includes archival photos in the back of the book, as well as extra information on the roots of Decoration Day, a timeline of events, and more. 

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Be Thankful For Trees by Harriet Ziefert (Children's Nonfiction Book Review)

 

Be Thankful For Trees:
A Tribute to the Many & Surprising Ways Trees Relate to Our Lives
Words by Harriet Ziefert
Illustrations by Brian Fitzgerald
Published by Red Comet Press
on March 29, 2022
Genre: Children's, Picture Books
Length: 80 pages
 Ages: 4 - 8 years

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Synopsis:
What gives you a seat, a floor for your feet?
A place you can sit with your family to eat?
The pum-pum of a drum, a guitar's twangy strum...
Tree wood makes music zing, ping, and hum.

Using lilting, rhyming couplets, this book explores the many items that are made from trees. But it doesn't stop there! Kids will also learn about the many uses of live trees--and the environmental danger to trees posed by forest fires, floods, and deforestation. Kids are encouraged to be kind, not only to one another, but to the environment as well. 

This book is printed on responsibly sourced, 100% recycled PSC paper. 


Our Thoughts:

Happy Love A Tree Day!

Be Thankful For Trees is a beautifully illustrated tribute to the many ways trees relate to our lives, from the furniture we sit or sleep on to the musical instruments we play to the books we read and more. Would life even be possible without trees?

Broken down into seven main messages, the rhyming couplets in this picture book remind us of the food, shelter, comfort,  recreation, and more that we obtain thanks to trees and what life would be like without them. 
Can you think of all the ways trees improve our lives? 

This seems like a longer read for its age group with eighty pages but the text is very minimal with only a few words per page for most of the book and no more than a sentence or two on a few others.

Be Thankful For Trees would make a great read-aloud for outdoor storytime or 'wildschooling'. 

Similar reads: 

Bathing in the Forest by Nivola Uya

Forest Magic: A Guidebook For Little Woodland Explorers by Sarah Grindler

The Secret Life of Trees by Moira Butterfield

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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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It Starts With A Bee by QEB & Jennie Webber (Children's Picture Book 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.  

It Starts With A Bee
by QED
Illustrations by Jennie Webber 
Published by QEB Publishing
on April 5, 2022
Genre: Children's, Picture Books, Nature
Length: 32 pages
Ages: 6 - 9 years

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Synopsis:
With lyrical text and enchanting illustrations, It Starts With A Bee takes you on a journey through the seasons as you follow a busy bee that pollinates a wild garden. 

Teach your children about the crucial role bees play in the beautiful cycle of life in this charming tale of the workings of the natural world. 


Our Thoughts:

It Starts With A Bee is a beautifully illustrated picture book with poetic text that shares the beauty of the busy bee and the world it lives in. 

Nature lovers will adore this realistically illustrated picture book with its' busy little bees and gorgeous flowers and other lovely sceneries. It highlights a day in the life of a bee, from the hive to the garden and back, from season to season, and shares their most important qualities and the impact they have on our world and the things we eat! 

We loved how this book made us feel like we were right in the garden alongside the buzzing bees! 

Includes a fantastic page about 'the process of pollination' at the end of the book! 

Many thanks to the publisher for the chance to read this beautiful picture book! 

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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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If The World Were 100 People by Jackie McCann (Children's Nonfiction Picture Book Review)

 

If the World Were 100 People:
A Visual Guide to Our Global Village
Written by Jackie McMann
Illustrations by Aaron Cushley
Published by Crown Books for Young Readers
on July 20, 2021
Genre: Children's, Nonfiction
Length: 32 pages
Ages: 4 - 8 years

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Synopsis:
Help your child become a global citizen with this accessible introduction to the people who live on our planet, with big ideas broken into bite-size chunks through clever graphic design. Perfect for home and classroom settings! 

With almost 7.8 billion people sharing the earth, it can be a little hard to picture what the human race looks like all together. But if we could shrink the world down to just 100 people, what could we learn about the human race? What would we look like? Where and how would we all be living? This book answers all these questions and more!

Reliably sourced and deftly illustrated, If the World Were 100 People is the perfect starting point to understanding our world and becoming a global citizen. If we focus on just 100 people, it's easier to see what we have in common and what makes us unique. Then we can begin to appreciate each other and also ask what things we want to change in our world. 


My Thoughts:

Want an easier way to show the differences and similarities of ALL the billions of people on Earth to young learners? What better way for Littles to understand our global village than to break those similarities and differences down into an easy-to-see one hundred people? Each of those 100 people would represent around 80 million people in the world today! 

So, how many of those '100 people' are male or female? How different is our DNA? How many people have enough to eat each day? How many have a safe place to live and how many don't? How about access to electricity or the internet or education?

If the World Were 100 People helps share the 'bigger' picture of our world and the people in it by breaking down these and many other facts into groups that younger children can more readily see and imagine than millions and billions. 

I especially loved the discussions this book brought forth as well as how the answers to these questions may change over time as the population grows and better access to food and medicine allows people to live longer.

This children's nonfiction is perfect for both a home or classroom setting!

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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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Dasher by Matt Tavares (Children's Holiday Picture Book Review)

 

Dasher
by Matt Tavares
Published by Candlewick Press
on September 10, 2019
Genre: Children's, Picture Books, Holidays
Length: 40 pages
Ages: 4 - 8 years

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Synopsis:
From the celebrated creator of Red and Lulu comes the story of a brave little doe who meets Santa and changes Christmas forever. 

Dasher is an adventurous young reindeer with a wish in her heart. She spends her days with her family under the hot sun in a traveling circus, but she longs for a different life--one where there is snow beneath her hooves and the North Star above her head. One day, when the opportunity arises, Dasher seizes her destiny and takes off in pursuit of the life she wants to live. It's not long before she meets a nice man in a red suit with a horse-drawn sleigh--a man named Santa. And soon, with the help of a powerful Christmas wish, nothing will be the same. 


Our Thoughts:

Dasher is a beautifully illustrated tale of one of Santa's reindeer and how she went from pulling wagons in a traveling circus to pulling Santa's sleigh!

Dasher was born into a traveling circus and menagerie with her reindeer family and was told stories of the North Star and the cool, snowy winter as she grew so when faced with a chance to escape, Dasher seizes it and heads north where she meets a man in a red suit and an old horse named Silverbell that is trying to deliver toys to children but is stuck in the snow. Can Dasher help the joyful man? And will her Christmas wish come true?

This potential classic is perfect for the Christmas holiday season and shows us a new side to one of our most beloved but often overlooked characters. 

The illustrations and framed text have a very classic style that reminds me of greats like The Night Before Christmas and The Polar Express and will make this a family favorite for years to come! 

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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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The Toys' Christmas by Claire Clement (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.  

The Toys' Christmas
Words by Claire Clement
Illustrated by Genevieve Godbout
Published by Frances Lincoln Children's Books
on November 9, 2021
Genre: Children's, Picture Books
Length: 32 pages 
Ages: 3 - 7 years

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Synopsis:
This cozy, cuddly Christmas story tells how Santa makes sure he leaves the perfect gift for each child--with a little help from their favorite toys! 


My Thoughts:

It's Christmas Eve and Little Noah can't find his favorite toy, an elephant named Fanfan. Why? Because Fanfan is off on a very important errand to deliver Noah's Christmas wish! 

Every year, beloved stuffed animals and other toys take a long journey to the North Pole to deliver their owner's Christmas wishes to Santa Claus. Who else would know a child's most secret wishes? 

This is a magical and heartwarming holiday story that little ones will absolutely adore! With soft, calming illustrations and colors, this picture book is a perfect bedtime story for the holiday season.

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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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The Bad Mood by Moritz Petz & Amelie Jackowski (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.

 

The Bad Mood
Written by Moritz Petz
Illustrated by Amelie Jackowski
Published by NorthSouth Books
on November 5, 2021
(first published 2004)
Genre: Children's, Picture Books
Length: 24 pages
Ages: 0 - 3 years

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Synopsis:
Sometimes a bad mood can be contagious!

Badger got up one morning feeling very grumpy. "Humph!" Badger said to himself. What was the point of being in a bad mood if nobody noticed? he thought. So Badger headed out, slamming the door behind him. Badger spreads his bad mood far and wide, greeting all his friends with angry, rude remarks that put them in bad moods, too. 

A comical, cautionary tale for anyone who has ever gotten up on the wrong side of the bed. 


My Thoughts:

Badger wakes up in a bad mood and decides that he just can't keep it to himself. The world needs to know how miserable he is, so he makes sure to grump at Raccoon, and Deer, and Fox, and Mouse, and all of his other friends, too! 
Later, when his bad mood has slipped away, he attempts to find his friends to play but they are all in bad moods! 
Will Badger see how his bad mood spread to his friends? And can he make amends?

This is a super cute picture book about a big emotion that is easily passed on to others, and the consequences of that.  When Badger spreads his bad mood, it affects his friendships and leaves him with no one to play with and he finally realizes the chain reaction he has created. 

The Bad Mood is the perfect cautionary tale for anyone who has ever woken up on the wrong side of the bed, or might! 

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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

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | BookDepository

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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