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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Out of the Rain (The Umbrella Lady #2) by VC Andrews (Adult Contemporary Drama Book Review)

 I won a copy of this book from the publisher via Goodreads Giveaways in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Out of the Rain
(Umbrella #2)
by 'VC Andrews'
Published by Gallery Books
on October 5, 2021
Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Drama
Length: 304 pages

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Synopsis:
Following the events of The Umbrella Lady, young Saffron Faith Anders searches for family and love in this spine-tingling gothic fairy tale. 

After escaping the trauma of the Umbrella Lady's home, thirteen-year-old Saffron Faith Anders is determined to find the father who abandoned her all those years ago. But when she finds him in a nearby town, Saffron is shocked to discover that he has married a woman he clearly had been involved with before her mother's death. Worse, her father insists Saffron pretend to be his niece so he can continue to con his new wife's family. 
Desperate for her father's love, she goes along with the farce, but it soon becomes clear that perhaps it is better to face the world alone than be trapped in a toxic and potentially dangerous family. 


My Thoughts:

In the first book, The Umbrella Lady, Saffron Faith Anders is abandoned by her father at a train station where an old woman carrying an umbrella coaxes her home. Raised and homeschooled by the Umbrella Lady, Saffron has to come to terms with the fact that her father is not going to return for her. But unforeseen events leave Saffron alone in the world again at the age of thirteen and armed with her father's new home address, she shows up on his doorstep only to find that he plans to pass her off as his niece to his newer wife and in-laws. The in-laws just happen to be one of the wealthiest and most powerful families in the area.

Stuck in a whirlwind of secrets, Saffron attempts to maneuver her father's world in the hopes that she can be with him again, but the pressure of pretending to be something she isn't for someone who abandoned her has her scrambling for the truth of her past, her mother, and the reasons behind her father's ambitious connections. Will Saffron be able to apply the education the Umbrella Lady gave her to overcome the pressures of her new world? Or will she end up just as alone as ever? 

I grew up reading V.C. Andrews' original series with their dark and twisted familial themes but have been aware that they've been ghostwritten for years now so I haven't kept up with them. My interest was piqued again when I heard about the newer biography (also from the ghostwriter) and thought I'd give one of the newer series a chance.
I was surprised by how very similar the themes are to the originals and found these to be slightly nostalgic in a way because of the similarities. 
There's the young girl with a sordid family secret that lands the girl in the care of strangers or almost strangers, which of course means mistreatment and overall trauma, and then the girl escapes only to find themselves trapped in an even stickier web of familial lies and deceit. 

I enjoyed this series so far. Saffron is a very mature character that has been through the 'wringer' but still has a good heart despite everything. These books are perfect for those that enjoy a bit of drama and suspense mixed with their life lessons and cautionary tales. 

The Umbrella Lady

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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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The Ocean Hero Handbook by Tessa Wardley (Children's Nonfiction Book Review)

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

The Ocean Hero Handbook:
Simple Things You Can Do To Save Our Seas
by Tessa Wardley
Published by Ivy Press
on April 19, 2022
Genre: Nonfiction
Length: 144 pages

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Synopsis:
Focusing on so much more than plastic pollution, this ahead-of-the-curve book exposes the extensive damage being done to the oceans that most of us don't know about, and what simple, everyday changes we can make to help protect our seas.

This book is a necessary call to act and educate ourselves on the damage human activity is having on our seas, and a guide to how you can help to stop it, whether you live on the coastline or hundreds of miles from the ocean. 

Shocking but enlightening, it illustrates exactly what the problems are, how they impact the ocean, why it is so important to keep our oceans healthy for our own benefit, and what we can do individually and collectively to help save our seas. 


My Thoughts:

This call-to-action handbook is perfect for young environmentalists and thalassophiles (ocean lovers). 

The Ocean Hero Handbook is an intriguing nonfiction book with seven chapters that present specific issues that the ocean faces and then shares what we can do to change the issue and why it is important for us to do so. The chapters, which cover an array of issues each, includes 'indoor', 'outdoor', 'transport', 'on holiday', 'at work', 'food & shopping', and 'clothes'. 

Learn how to reduce your carbon footprint and cut back single-use plastics. Find alternatives to waste products that clog up our waterways, learn how to reduce carbon emissions cut back on harmful chemicals.  Learn about what is destroying our land, coastlines, and waterways, and how they directly affect the ocean and the ecosystems of all the above. There's a plethora of topics from all walks of life on this planet, all aimed at helping readers be the heroes and heroines that the ocean is desperately in need of. 

   If you'd like to learn more about how we impact the earth and oceans and what you can do to make a difference, this is a great choice. I recommend it to middle-grade age readers and older. 

MORE BOOKS ABOUT PROTECTING THE OCEAN:

Kids vs Plastic by Julia Beer

Captain Aquatica's Awesome Ocean by Jess Cramp

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Ocean: Waves For All by Stacy McAnulty (Children's Nonfiction Picture Book Review)

 

 

Ocean: Waves For All
(Our Universe #4)
Words by Stacy McAnulty
Illustrated by David Litchfield
Published by Henry Holt & Co.
on May 5, 2020
Genre:  Children's, Picture Books, Nonfiction
Length: 40 pages
Ages: 4 - 8 pages

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Synopsis:
From writer Stacy McAnulty and illustrator David Litchfield, Ocean: Waves For All is a light-hearted nonfiction picture book about the formation and history of the ocean--told from the perspective of the ocean itself. 


Our Thoughts:

The 'Our Universe' series continues with Ocean: Waves For All, personifying Earth's ocean as a super-cute, free-spirited being that has been flowing around for about four billion years and rejoices in bringing its waves to all. 

Learn all about the ocean, from how old it is, to the life that began in it, to its depths, layers, secrets, and more in this fun and informative picture book! Learn about its relation to Earth, the moon, and even human beings over time.

There are a few fun extras in the back of the book that include a letter from the author, a collection of number-related facts, a fun interview with Ocean themself, and several great tips on how to be a great friend to the ocean.

We have adored every book in the 'Our Universe' series so far!

If you are looking for a way to teach your young children about the world in a way that will keep their attention, this nonfiction picture book series is perfect for you! Each book in this series personifies the subject, allowing them to explain their life and history, creating a super fun and memorable way to learn.


Be sure to check out our reviews on the rest of the Our Universe series:

Earth! My First 4.54 Billion Years
Sun! One In A Million
Moon! Earth's Best Friend

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NatGeoKids Level 3 Fact Reader: Bling! 100 Fun Facts About Rocks and Gems by Emma Carlson Berne (Children's Nonfiction Book Review)

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

Bling!
100 Fun Facts About Rocks and Gems
by Emma Carlson Berne
Published by National Geographic Kids
on January 4, 2022
Genre: Children's, Nonfiction
Length: 48 pages
Ages: 7 - 9 years

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | BookDepository

Synopsis:

Get ready to be dazzled by some of the shiniest, most colorful, useful--and even dangerous--rocks, minerals, and gems on the planet! 

In this Level 3 reader, discover fascinating facts about the incredible rocks and minerals under our feet and deep in Earth's crust. Budding geologists will love reading about how rocks form, learning the names and features of the coolest rocks and minerals, and exploring rare and beautiful gemstones.


My Thoughts:

The level 3 Fact Readers are perfect for curious kids that are reading on their own.

Bling! features one hundred unique facts pertaining to rocks and minerals, paired with bright and colorful photographs that will keep young eyes glued to the page!  

Broken into three easy-to-read chapters, this nonfiction covers all the most important facts about rocks and gems, such as the three main types of rock, how they're formed, how they've been discovered and utilized throughout history, and more. 

There's even a handy 'Facts Roundup' page at the back of the book in case you weren't sure you caught all one-hundred facts while browsing or reading. 

There are enough facts packed into this little book to give a well-rounded introduction to the subject, making it perfect for school and home libraries or for curious little learners. 

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LazyDayLit's JUNE 2022 TBR & Reading Goals

  Hello June! 



Here's what I might dig into this month!
Happy reading! 

For Review:

I was lucky enough to win The Cartographers from Goodreads as well as a copy of The Boy Who Met A Whale by Nizrana Farook over on Instagram and am really looking forward to both!
I also have a couple of newer MG reads to review for the publishers so these will all be my priorities for the month! 

Many thanks to William Morrow, Peachtree Publishing Company, Katherine Tegan Books, and Simon Schuster Book for Young Readers for the great new reads! 


Borrowed Books:

Libby Loans: 

These are only 2-week loans and I'm very likely to 'return' them for other readers if I can't get to them right away so this section is subject to change! 

What are you most looking forward to reading this month?

You can keep up with what I end up reading over on Bookstagram @LazyDayLit! 

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