Blog Archives
Where’s El Morro?: Rani’s adventure at Old San Juan
A little girl named Rani is walking through Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, with her grandfather. She overhears a tourist ask, “Where’s El Morro?” This has her asking her grandfather questions about every sight they see on their walk. Each place they pass by has a story to tell and some significance to the city. It is a wonderful day of learning for Rani as she discovers the rich history of Puerto Rico.
Where’s El Morro?: Rani’s adventure at Old San Juan is an entertaining children’s book sharing the history of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. Rani’s inquisitive nature is what you would expect from a kindergartner or preschooler as they are looking for something they have never seen or heard of before. Children will be able to relate to this learning style and follow along as they visit all the sites on their adventure to get to El Morro.
Charlene Sanchez, as well as writing this beautiful story, has given it bright and eye-catching illustrations. The fine details, especially in the architectural drawings, are sure to have children looking and asking questions. With information about landmarks, art, history, and culture, this picture book is a beautiful way to introduce children to Puerto Rico. At the end of the story, Sanchez includes a fun game that families can play together to reinforce all the places Rani visited.
Where’s El Morro?: Rani’s adventure at Old San Juan is a refreshing children’s book that teaches young readers about history and culture. There is not a dull moment in this picture book and children will love traveling through Old San Juan on Rani’s adventure with her Abuelo.
Pages: 36 | ASIN : B0BJTT5ZTM
Liam & Little Tail
When a small little animal wanders into Liam’s part of the woods, he is concerned for the little guy’s safety in the cold. Quickly he went to find his friend Dawson, and together they investigated what the small animal was, only to discover it was a squire with a tiny tail! They knew right away they needed to do something to help this little guy out; first thing, though, he needed a name. So with his new name, Little Tail, a plan was made to get him someplace safe where he could be warm and have plenty to eat.
Liam & Little Tail: Adventures of Liam the Squirrel & Friends by Brenda Huddleston is a heartwarming children’s book about friendship and helping others. From the opening page, children are drawn into the winter wonderland of the woodland creatures and can feel the excitement and awe of a snow-filled forest. Joe Huffman’s illustrations are colorful and animated, making children feel like they are part of the forest and racing along with all the animals.
Children learn the value of friendship and problem-solving in this well-written picture book. Because Little Tail’s tail was so small, he could not jump and climb like other squirrels. They will see how the animals of the forest come together to help out new friends and ensure he is safe and cared for. It shows the importance of a community and how everyone can accomplish any task when working together. Little Tail was secure from the cold thanks to the beautiful community of animals in the forest.
Liam & Little Tail: Adventures of Liam the Squirrel & Friends is a touching children’s book that will provide children with a message of compassion and show them the value of helping out strangers in need. This picture book is a wonderful addition to classrooms and libraries both in school and at home.
Pages: 34 | ASIN : B0B2C3TRNH
Needles, the Forgotten Christmas Tree
Needles is a wispy little Christmas tree with high hopes for the holiday. He’s so eager to get to the Christmas tree lot to fulfill his dream of being a beautiful Christmas tree that brings joy to people. Unfortunately for Needles, no one wants a lean tree. Will Needles find the perfect family, one that will cherish him? Find out in Needles, the Forgotten Christmas Tree.
Author Richard Wagner has created a charming Christmas picture book that will inspire children to never give up hope. This is also a highly relatable story as well. I’m sure that many people have gone to the tree lot looking for a big beautiful tree, snickering or ignoring the small meager trees. This beautiful book sheds light on those lonely trees, and will certainly make you want to buy one for yourself.
The illustrations by Sydni Kruger are absolutely gorgeous. Each page is illustrated from edge to edge. Each piece looks like it could have been painted by Bob Ross. I was especially drawn to the scene where Emily finds Needles on the side of the road. The deep purples on this page really set the mood.
Needles, the Forgotten Christmas Tree is an inspiring children’s book that is filled with vibrant illustrators that kids will be looking at long after the story is over. This is the perfect kid’s book for the holiday season, or for any parent or teacher who wants to educate young readers on the importance of perseverance.
Pages: 38 | ASIN: B0BNLWZP2T
Stan and Allen
Stan and Allen: A Book About Gender by Huxley Ren Bunn is a story about a non-binary alligator named Stan who loses their umbrella, which is trouble for them since they get sunburnt without it! Their friend Allen joins them and proposes they visit the “Mud Slug” for some lemonade. As they get their drinks and wonder where their umbrella went, they are misgendered by a few friends. Stan takes this opportunity to help educate their friends as well as the audience on the definition of non-binary and what it means to each individual person’s identity.
This story is a great and fun introduction to gender, especially for younger kids, as it covers gender identity and common misconceptions and questions. It clearly defines the words, making them easy for a younger audience to understand and grasp. With the beautifully abstract art style, it is much more captivating and exciting for a child. The colorful, large text and diagrams help the reader to visualize each term and lesson.
The overall storyline is adorable and educational. It really shows how common it is to be misgendered in a person’s day-to-day life. And it can be difficult for some people to know what pronouns to use, so the story emphasizes the importance of not being afraid to ask! In addition, the characters are all different colorful animals, and they’re cute. Overall, the book is a fantastic read, and I highly recommend it for children and even adults!
Stan and Allen: A Book About Gender is a well-crafted children’s book explaining non-binary and different pronouns at an age-appropriate level. The story is delightful and engaging and encourages children to accept themselves and others around them.
Pages: 38 | ISBN: 1665731184
The Adventures Of Pick Pock Tick Tock: The Attack Of The Monkeys
Three teenagers struggle to fit in at the local middle school. Rad, a boy with a warrior’s heart and an artist’s eye, fights to understand why mundane school subjects like math are important. Mia, an athletic girl, strives to get to the top no matter what, especially if that means proving she’s the best in a fight. Eric, a quiet boy with Tourette Syndrome, struggles to communicate and find understanding. When the school suddenly catches fire, all three children find themselves in the same proverbial boat. With their teachers at their wit’s end and their parents called to speak with the principal, Rad, Mia, and Eric soon begin a journey to the small town of Pic Pock for enrollment in a behavioral course to improve their performance at school. But the course is beyond anything they could have imagined, and a wild adventure soon begins in the mysterious woods surrounding the quiet town.
The Adventures of Pick Pock Tick Tock: Attack of the Monkeys by Michael Clarke is an outside-the-box middle-grade adventure. The struggles of Eric, Mia, and Rad are understandable and easy to identify with. Rad is often bored with school and dreams of becoming a great warrior one day. Mia wants to push herself and win but has difficulty relying on others and resents being told what to do. Eric is the character that touched my heart the most. Shy and often misunderstood, Eric fights to find his inner courage and focus. Together, all three must learn to help each other if they hope to pass the tests ahead.
This book is fast-paced and has a good page length for the age group. However, I felt there were a few problems, mostly in how Eric was portrayed. Although I liked that a character with Tourette Syndrome was included in the story, I thought the character could have been represented with more sensitivity. Although the book’s tone is light and not meant to be taken too seriously, the depiction of Tourette Syndrome in the book could be seen as offensive in a few instances. I also disliked that the teachers in the story had so little patience and respect for a child with special needs.
The story is highly engaging and ends with the promise of many more adventures. Though we have only scratched the surface of the magical mysteries of the town of Pick Pock, the continuing tale of Eric, Mia, and Rad has lots of potential. This journey of three young teens trying to find their place in the world has only just begun. Great for ages 10 and up who like a story where anything is possible, this fast-moving tale is perfect for reading on a relaxing Saturday afternoon.
Pages: 101 | ASIN : B0BM9RC95C
Music of the World
Sophia woke up one morning and decided it was the perfect day to walk outside. She gets ready and puts in her favorite headphones to listen to her music as she heads out for her walk. Dancing away to the music in her ears, she can not hear her mom or friends talking to her and dances right on by them all. On her walk, she trips and drops her music machine breaking it. At first, she is saddened that she can no longer listen to her music, but soon she realizes there are unique sounds and music all around her.
Music of the World by Elizabeth Despres is an inspiring children’s book about all the beautiful sounds that can be found around us each day. When technology is put away for a bit, and you listen to the world around you, you find music and rhythm in all things. Sophia learns that she loves the sounds of nature that she had never noticed before. In addition, she could connect with people she hadn’t heard when listening to her headphones. It is a wonderful message about being present in your world and seeing and hearing all that is around you. With so much technology available to children, it is an excellent reminder of the simple things in life that can still provide joy and entertainment.
The whimsical artwork by Rae West is colorful and engaging. Children will love following Sophia on her walk, pointing out all the exciting sounds she hears, and seeing everything she experiences. The illustrations perfectly express Sophia’s joy and wonder as she discovers the music around her in everyday activities.
Music of the World is a beautifully written picture book that will teach children about the amazing sounds and music in life. It teaches them to look for nature’s beautiful sounds and be present in life and the world around them. This exceptional children’s book would be a wonderful addition to a preschool, elementary school, or home library.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B0BKTSWHNG
Pinkie the Baby Bird Goes to School
Pinkie the Baby Bird Goes to School by Rose Andria, and Grace Boda is a beautifully illustrated book about a young bird getting ready to start school for the first time. It’s an excellent book for young, school-aged kids and children preparing for kindergarten, which can be an exciting and sometimes stressful experience. The story begins with inquisitive Pinkie, who is curious about what school will be like when she begins her first day, which allows her to discuss her anticipation with family and friends.
Pinkie expands her social circle throughout the book as she begins school. She meets her teacher and discovers many students and friends in her tree or community. The more Pinkie learned, the more she enjoyed making friends, singing, and expanding her knowledge. I found the book easy to read and thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s a fantastic story for parents and teachers.
The book is written in a way that captures children’s attention, and it’s a great way to make learning fun and less stressful, as many kids may experience at a new school or on their first day. It’s also an excellent introduction for preschool-aged kids, with bright, pastel-painted pictures, which incorporate the importance of education and diversity, getting acquainted with close friends and neighbors, and making new connections.
Pinkie the Baby Bird Goes to School by Rose Andria, and Grace Boda is a brilliant story that captures kids’ attention with a great storyline and illustrations. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars for its creativity and a well-written message about the importance of community, inclusivity, and education. It’s a fantastic read for parents with small children and elementary school teachers. I personally found this book held my kids’ attention, and it makes a great addition to your home library or at a school or daycare.
Pages: 32 | ASIN: B0BJVPRJ3D
Fingerprints of God
Fingerprints of God by Melanie Burgess takes young readers on a scenic adventure of where on earth we could possibly find God’s fingerprints. With each question asked, it beckons us to look deeper into the truth behind everything. That God, in fact, made it all with his goodness and greatness.
This beautifully done children’s book shows children how to find God in all that surrounds us. His goodness is in everything we see, and the art and illustrations in this picture book are captivating. I was so enthralled that I couldn’t help but linger on each page long after reading the narrative.
I enjoyed that there were verses from the Bible sprinkled throughout, connecting the dots for the reader to put together. It shows that the author is well-versed in the Bible, it’s teaching, and how the information was researched and put together expertly. I also appreciated all the animal facts at the very end of the book because it felt as though the author knew people would want insight into all the creatures in the story and made sure to include it all.
Fingerprints of God is definitely an excellent book for young or beginner readers due to the simple language that the author has used. In addition, kids are so curious and are fascinated by animals, which, in my opinion, is what makes this the perfect story to get conversations started about God and his workings with young children.
Pages: 36 | ASIN : B0BBLG44GM
LITERARY TITAN 