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Alphabet of Flowers
Alphabet of Flowers by Gloria D. Gonsalves is a beautiful picture book for preschool through elementary level readers. Each page is a letter of the alphabet with a different flower, a few facts about the flower, and a crayon drawing of the flower. After the letter Z, there is a summary table with each flower’s name and its picture for a quick look at them all. Then there are a few activities at the end for children to do to review all the different flowers.
The first thing that readers will discover about this exceptional picture book is the artwork. It jumps off the page with vibrant colors and simplicity. Children will love seeing the illustrations done in a medium they have access to and can try and copy the flowers. Of course, this is encouraged by the author! The standard format for each page is excellent as well. It would make it easy to use this book when teaching about the alphabet and be easily turned into a lesson plan.
I was impressed with the variety of included flowers; many are ones I have not heard of before, and they are fascinating. The simple facts are interesting but not overwhelming for children. The language is easy to understand and flows well, keeping the same format for each page. This writing style, repetition, is perfect for the younger readers but is not overly simplified so that older children would lose interest.
Alphabet of Flowers is a stunning picture book introducing young readers to the wide variety of flowers that are out in the world. It also serves as a unique way to teach the alphabet to preschool and kindergarteners. In addition, teachers and homeschoolers could easily turn this book into a complete unit study on flowers with the activities included in the book for review.
Pages: 44 | ASIN : B09VX8N9QL
Chubby Wubbles & Coco : 2 Missing Ferrets
Having ferrets as pets can be great fun, and can lead to some amusing adventures as well. Jeffrey agrees to take care of his sister’s ferret, Chubby, because she is too busy and Chubby needs attention. Jeffrey and Chubby play together and become great friends. But Chubby is missing his ferret friend, Coco. Chubby decides to go look for Coco, but gets into some trouble along the way. Luckily Jeffrey is there to save the day. Will Chubby ever find Coco?
Chubby Wubbles & Coco: 2 Missing Ferrets is a charming children’s book that shows the loving relationship that people can have with their pet ferrets. Chubby is so cute and the delightful illustrations throughout the book will appeal to young readers. The art focuses on the characters emotions and shows Chubby being very playful and getting into things.
Throughout the story readers, along with Chubby, are wondering where Coco is. While Jeffrey and Chubby have a wonderful relationship, which really shows you how close a pet and its owner can be, we are always left longing for Coco. This adorable kids books shows just how charismatic ferrets can be and children will love seeing Chubby throughout the colorful pages.
2 Missing Ferrets is a fun picture following a pair of friendships and shows how ferrets can bring joy, and a bit of playful mischief, into your life. Early readers will have a great time reading about Chubby and Jeffrey, and this will also be a wonderful bedtime story that parents can read to their young children.
Pages: 28 | ASIN: B09R84FL34
Oliver and the Wishing Star
Oliver and the Wishing Star follows a young boy who struggles with having so many responsibilities and wants to live free, like his pet dog. When a star streaks across the sky he quickly makes a wish to become a dog. When his wish comes true he realizes that being a dog is not at all what he thought it would be. Will Oliver get back to being a boy again?
Jennifer Decker has created a charming children’s book that teaches young readers to appreciate what they have through a whimsical story that many kids will be able to relate to. The story starts with Oliver’s mother telling him what to do, which I’m sure every child can relate to. Things quickly take a fantastic turn when Oliver is turned into a cute grey pup and he heads out into the night.
I really enjoyed how emotive all the characters were in this story charismatic, which makes it easy for young readers to watch the story unfold as parents read aloud to them. Every illustration is bright and sharp, with shading that makes the illustrations look 3D sometimes. With simple language and changes in font throughout, this is a story that will keep early readers engaged.
Oliver and the Wishing Star is an imaginative picture book that uses humor and heart to tell a fun story with an important message. Young readers will learn to appreciate who they are, as well as appreciate their family and home. This is a fantastic bedtime story as the magic happens right when Oliver hits the bed.
Pages: 39 | ASIN: B09DWHQBLD
Raspberry Red
Aino doesn’t understand why her father has left with the other village men during autumn. She doesn’t understand why scary noises are coming from the forest and why her mother wants her to play near home. Forced to leave their home when soldiers arrive, Aino quickly grabs her doll running for the trucks that will take the family to safety, but they have left without her. Looking back to where she ran, she sees the bright red doll’s apron lying on the pure white snow. It is then that Aino realizes two soldiers are standing near her house, and they too have seen the apron and her footprints. The young soldier sees her and sends the older one into the house. He then lets Aino escape, leaving her doll’s apron behind.
Aino, her family, and her friends must learn to live in strange homes and rely on people they do not know. Then, when the war is winding down, they can finally go back home. Arriving home to a burnt-down home, she is shocked to find her raspberry red apron that belonged to her doll hanging from a clothesline.
Raspberry Red by Tuula Pere and illustrated by Georgia Stylou is a story that I was not expecting, but the ending made me smile. This stirring story starts out on the darker side with questions and uncertainty for all the characters. The images in the story are impressive as they look lifelike and like they are hand-drawn. Aino’s eyes especially will draw in readers and convey her feelings throughout this inspirational book.
Aino’s character is impressive as she is a child but still aware of her surroundings and she is responsible and helpful to her mother. Raspberry Red is a short but powerful read that will leave the reader with complex emotions. Pere’s writing is remarkable in having the ability to affect readers. The best part of this book is the end, where readers will learn the meaning of the title Raspberry Red.
Raspberry Red is an emotionally charged children’s book that deals with war, displaced families, and the struggle to survive and rebuild in a war-torn country. Given current events, this insightful book will help readers understand the plight of those living in these conditions. This book would be a great way to open discussion with children.
Pages: 20 | ASIN : B077LXS2VQ
Colin the Crab Finds a Treasure
Colin, the crab, feels like he is an ordinary crab living alone. He has many friends who have many things going on in their lives, such as a family, success, and impressive antique collections. One day something unexpected happens to Colin. A tidal wave tosses Priscilla the pearl oyster into his backyard. Colin takes Priscilla in and helps her recover from the tidal wave, and before long, they become good friends. After Priscilla loses something valuable to her, Colin helps her find it and shows Priscilla that, more than anything, their friendship is the most valuable to him.
Colin the Crab Finds a Treasure by Tuula Pere follows Colin the crab as he lives his life content to be alone while his friends have many things going for them. When Colin starts to wonder if he is content being alone, Priscilla the pearl oyster appears in his backyard. Colin soon learns that friendship means more to him than fancy gadgets. Pere teaches kids to give everyone a chance no matter their status.
Children will be captivated by the colorful images done by illustrator Roksolana Panchyshyn as the pages are filled with detailed underwater scenes. This book is written for readers who are a bit older, kindergarten through fourth grade, as the chapters are longer and the lesson is more complex. Learning what is important in life and what to value is a challenging life lesson. Pere manages to convey this lesson in a manner that children can comprehend and relate to. In addition, this fantastic children’s book shows readers it is ok to express your feelings and be open and kind to others. I can see this book in libraries and classrooms.
Colin the Crab Finds a Treasure is a charming and entertaining book that will teach children the value of friendship and seeing the important things in life.
Pages: 24 | ASIN : B07HY341W6
Do You See Me at Home
Do You See Me at Home written by Tuula Pere is a picture book that feels like you are looking into the mind of a child. This story is written from the perspective of a child’s thoughts and their parent’s responses to their feelings. All the interactions are everyday occurrences that parents and children can identify happening in their own lives at one point or another. Things like excitement and wanting to share their day, being scared by something they see on the TV or computer, things too loud, or having to stop playing in the middle of an adventure are experiences children have all the time.
My first thought when reading this realistic children’s book was, I have been here with my own children. I could identify with almost every situation the child and parents were experiencing. This would have been a wonderful book to have had to read to my own children when they were in preschool and young elementary kids. I can see how this expressive picture book would allow children to see their feelings are valid and normal.
The illustrations done by Majigsuren Enkhbat are vivid and bold. There are strong colors that work well together, helping to portray the child’s mood from page to page. When the child is scared by something on TV there is a mostly black page with an angry red fire. When the parents are comforting the child it is bright white with a sky blue and yellow that is soothing.
Do You See Me at Home is a beautifully written picture book that teaches children that their feelings and emotions are normal and ok to have. It is ok for big situations to be difficult for small children and parents and family are there to help them through. This is an ideal children’s book for preschoolers and kindergarten-age kids.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B09JMDTFRC
Where’s My Monster?
There is a family of monsters, the Archon Family, and they are very hungry. There are five of them, Mamma, Papa, Calvin, Aurora, and Bryce. This family does not eat food, instead, they eat fear. To find their food they hide in children’s rooms and scare them as they come yelling “BOO.” They do this to a little boy and he runs away. But the monsters are still hungry so they wait for another child to come in.
Lucy is curious and decided to investigate these monsters, but she brings a candle with her to light the way. When she enters she is not afraid of the monsters, they are afraid of her! Then something amazing happens, the monsters are no longer hungry. The warmth and light fill them up and no one is afraid anymore.
Where’s My Monster written by Wendy Monica Winter and illustrated by Yulia Popova is a delightful picture book with an important message for children. The message that love is stronger than fear is present and illustrated in a creative manner that will engage young children.
Yulia Popova’s watercolor illustrations are vibrant and memorable. The image of Aurora is my favorite with the little bows tied below each of her five eyes. Aurora is the first one to go to the light and exclaim how it is comforting to her. The joy and innocence that radiates from this illustration are magical and children will pick up on it right away.
The quote from Martin Luther King Jr at the end sums up the story perfectly. Love will drive out darkness, you can not find light from more darkness and hate. Winter has taken this concept and created a children’s book that they can relate to and understand the message. Facing hate and darkness to show others how fulfilling it can be to live in the light, to show kindness and acceptance, is an extraordinary message. This beautifully written story is presented on a level that even preschoolers and kindergarteners can grasp the concept.
Where’s My Monster is a well-crafted picture book combining a meaningful message and remarkable illustrations. The combination makes this a perfect book for teachers, schools, and caregivers. With a secular approach, it is sure to be a welcome addition to help teach kindness and compassion.
Pages: 56 | ASIN : B09MSX18JW
Axel Washes the Rug
Axel is a little boy visiting Granny for the afternoon. She decides today’s snack will be blueberries. Axel loves blueberries and can’t wait to eat them. Unfortunately, someone comes to the door, and Granny has to go talk to them. Axel, unable to wait, grabs the bowl of blueberries and spills them on the floor. He tries cleaning up the mess, but they have left blue splashes of color all over Granny’s light-colored rug. Feeling bad, he flips the rug over to hide the mess. During nap time, Axel sneaks to the kitchen and drags the rug into the bathroom to wash. He has the right idea but accidentally puts bleach into the tub with the rug. Now Axel has to tell Granny what happened.
Axel Washes the Rug, written by Tuula Pere and illustrated by Nyamdorj Lkhaasuren, is a heartwarming picture book about asking for help, taking responsibility for your actions, and forgiveness. Axel tries to do things on his own but, in the end, needs to ask for help. He tried to hide things when he stained the rug and while trying to fix it accidentally made things worse, so he admitted he had done something wrong to his Granny and feared the worst. However, Granny is more worried about Axel getting hurt with the bleach than her rug.
Children will see when reading this story that it is important to let adults know when there is an accident and let them help fix things. It also shows that just because they make mistakes does not mean they will not be loved. Granny showed compassion and love to Axel even though her rug was ruined. The message that people are more valuable than things comes through with the text and the illustrations.
The illustrations are fun and colorful. The style of the drawings is appealing to children, and the emotions are evident in the pictures. You can follow the story through just the illustrations as the details and expressions match what the author has written.
Axel Washes the Rug is an entertaining and meaningful picture book with important messages presented in a way that preschoolers and kindergarteners will be able to understand. Teachers and parents will love sharing this feel-good story with kids.
Pages: 36 | ASIN : B09K49ZVVG
LITERARY TITAN 