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I’ll Be This, You’ll Be That!
Mansi Sharma’s I’ll Be This, You’ll Be That! is a tender picture book about a little boy whose anger toward his mother softens through imagination, play, and the steady reassurance of love. After Grandma’s glasses break by accident and Mommy scolds him, the boy decides he won’t talk to her, hug her, or even accept her slice of cake. But when he begins pretending he’ll become grass, a cloud, a river, a rock, a flower, a shark, the wind, and finally a bird, his mother answers each transformation with one of her own. She’ll be the soil, the sky, the shore, the beetle, the hummingbird, the sea, the mountain, and the mama bird beside him. Slowly, the game carries them both back to warmth, laughter, cake, and closeness.
What I liked most is how honestly the book treats a child’s anger without making it seem silly or wrong. The boy’s feelings are big, prickly, and dramatic, exactly the way they can be at that age, especially when shame sneaks in after an accident. I found the mother’s response quietly beautiful. She doesn’t lecture him into forgiveness or rush him past his feelings. She joins him. That idea feels simple on the page, but as a parent, it landed with real weight. The writing has a soft, repeating rhythm that makes the story feel almost like a call-and-response lullaby, and some of the images are genuinely lovely.
The artwork has a sweet, hand-drawn warmth that suits the emotional arc of the story. I especially liked the way the early pictures hold the boy’s stubbornness in bright, crayon-like color, while the nature scenes open the book outward into clouds, rivers, birds, flowers, and wind. The artwork feels childlike in a way that matches the story’s imagination. The strongest image for me was the one where the mother and child are hugging at the end, because the emotion is immediate and easy to read. You can see the happiness in their faces.
By the end, I felt moved by the book’s gentle confidence in repair. It understands that children don’t always need a perfect explanation for love; they need to feel that it’s still there when they’re messy, mad, embarrassed, or trying very hard not to care. I’ll Be This, You’ll Be That! is a sweet and emotionally aware children’s book for families with preschool and early elementary children, especially kids who are learning how to name anger, accept comfort, and come back after a hard moment. I’d recommend it to parents who want a cozy story about unconditional love that also gives them a quiet little model for patience.
Pages: 38 | ASIN : B0GKY1FWFR
Conquering a Challenge
Noodles Noodles Everywhere follows a spirited child who embarks on a whimsical adventure to conquer the challenges of dinnertime, one noodle at a time. What was the inspiration for your story?
My two-year-old granddaughter had just finished lunch and walked into the room, completely covered in noodles. I looked at her and exclaimed, “Noodles, noodles everywhere!” And that’s when the inspiration hit!
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I’m a big fan of rhymes and stories where the child takes center stage as the hero. I wanted to create a story that shows a child conquering a challenge, all while blending humor with a fun, rhythmic rhyme.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Mark Nino Balita?
I shared my manuscript with Mark and asked him to design a character. I was thrilled with what he created. His artwork was incredible in my last book, and I had full confidence in his talent and illustrations.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
This book isn’t part of a series, but I do have another one being released this month. It’s the first in a series about an adorable, dancing cow named Missy Moo and her barnyard friends.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
It starts with a plate of noodles—but before long, noodles are everywhere! From the floor to the door, the walls to the ceiling, this noodle disaster is quickly spiraling out of control. What began as a simple dinner has turned into a wild, wiggly mess as noodles take over every corner of the house.
As chaos erupts, someone must step up to stop the noodle madness before it’s too late. With the family scrambling to contain the disaster, it’s up to one clever little girl to find a solution. But where will all the noodles go when the madness finally slows down?
Packed with giggles, messes, and plenty of imagination, Noodles, Noodles Everywhere! is a deliciously fun story of a dinner gone wildly wrong—and how one child saves the day. Perfect for young readers who love big laughs, crazy adventures, and—of course—oodles of noodles!
Are you ready for a side-splitting, noodle-twisting adventure? Get your copy of Noodles, Noodles Everywhere! and find out how one clever kid saves the day—before the house is buried in spaghetti!
I’m Dreaming of Moo Deng
S.P. Somtow’s I’m Dreaming of Moo Deng celebrates the limitless imagination of childhood with charm and originality. The story follows a suburban boy who stumbles upon Moo Deng, a newborn pygmy hippo, while browsing online. Instantly captivated, he becomes so enthralled that his mother plans a trip to Thailand to visit the zoo where Moo Deng resides. They stay with his Uncle Somtow, who helps coordinate the visit. When they finally arrive at the zoo, a long line threatens their plans. Uncle Somtow considers giving up, but the boy’s determination keeps them in place. While they wait, his imagination takes flight, spinning magical adventures where he and Moo Deng share whimsical moments together.
The book’s theme is a testament to the power of perseverance and creativity. The protagonist’s fascination with Moo Deng becomes a driving force, teaching children the value of pursuing their passions wholeheartedly. His family’s unwavering support creates a nurturing environment that further underscores the importance of encouragement. Somtow skillfully illustrates how creativity not only fuels joy but also builds resilience. Faced with frustration during the long wait, the boy channels his emotions into vivid daydreams, transforming a tiresome experience into a fantastical journey. Meanwhile, Uncle Somtow enriches the moment by sharing intriguing facts, turning the wait into an opportunity for discovery.
Visually, the book dazzles with its illustrations. They burst with fantasy elements and intricate details, enhanced by striking light and shadow effects. Somtow’s writing, on the other hand, is precise and engaging, seamlessly weaving together real-world events and the protagonist’s imagined escapades. Each scene flows effortlessly into the next, delivering a narrative brimming with wonder and excitement.
At its heart, I’m Dreaming of Moo Deng inspires children to chase even the wildest dreams. It’s a joyful reminder that imagination, perseverance, and the support of loved ones can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. S.P. Somtow’s tale brims with warmth and creativity, making it an enchanting read for young dreamers and the families who encourage them to reach for the stars.
Pages: 67 | ISBN : 978-1940999388
