Children's Book Review: Bobby Bin's Busy Day by Rinna Croft

Bobbie Bin's Busy Day by Rina Croft
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Follow an unsung hero through his busy day of trash removal and recycling.

Bobby Bin’s Busy Day by Rina Croft is a vividly illustrated, interesting, and fun peek into the job of an island sanitation worker. Bobby is happy and confident in his job, keeping his island home free of trash, and in his actions, which make the most of what he collects while protecting the environment.

Rina Croft uses deep, vibrant colors in her vivid illustrations of Bobby’s job, life, and the role he plays in the larger picture of controlling the waste humans generate daily. The jewel-like blues create a calm and beautiful backdrop for Bobby’s story, and, although it is a cartoon-type illustration, I was still ready to book a trip to Banana Island! Young readers will be drawn to the sumptuous colors and surprised by what goes on behind the scenes to keep our trash from building up and becoming a problem.

Croft does a great service by highlighting one of the unsung heroes of daily life. I recommend BOBBY BIN’S BUSY DAY for use at home with young readers and listeners, schools, and after-school programs. Well done!

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Goddess Fish Promotions Book Tours.

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Children's Book Review - The Tales of Sidney and JoJo: Adventures in Thailand by Lauren Isaacson; illustrated by Megan Heller

The Tales of Sidney and JoJo: Adventures in Thailand by Lauren Isaacson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Colorful, informative, and entertaining about two cats and their journey to their new home in Thailand.

The Tales of Sidney and Jojo: Adventures in Thailand is a colorful, informative, and very entertaining new children’s picture book by author Lauren Isaacson. It is the story of two cats, Sidney and JoJo, and their long journey overseas by air to Thailand to reunite with their owner, whom they call “Mama.”

Sidney, a black and white tuxedo cat, and JoJo, a brown and gray tabby, are at Grandma’s and Grandpa’s house when they are crated and begin their adventure. Although the exact location of their starting point is left unsaid, the journey the two felines embark on is one of many long hours in the air, with a layover where they are let out of their crate to exercise, eat, and drink. Sidney is the bolder of the two, and JoJo relies heavily on her for comfort. Both cats are naturally curious, and that curiosity tends to distract JoJo from his fears.

The story follows the cats as they make their trip to a new-to-them country and, along with the helpful input from a dog also crated and on his way to parts unknown, reveals the processes they encounter to enter Thailand. For example, they are examined by a vet soon after landing in-country and spend a night in quarantine before finally being safely delivered to Mama’s house.

The story is enhanced by artist Megan Heller’s colorful illustrations, which bring to life Sidney’s and JoJo’s experiences on their way to “The Land of Smiles.” Young children will enjoy the cats’ expressions and reactions to their adventures, as well as the introduction to some simple Thai phrases.

I recommend THE TALES OF SIDNEY AND JOJO: ADVENTURES IN THAILAND to young readers and listeners who like stories featuring cats, air travel, and seeing new and exotic locations and their people.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy through RABT Book Tours and PR.

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Children's Book Review - My Friends and I Spot Fantasyland: A Puzzle Picture Book by T.X. Troan

My Friends and I Spot Fantasyland: A Puzzle Picture Book by T.X. Troan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fun, well-done collection of observation puzzles that even adults will enjoy!

In My Friends and I Spot Fantasyland, the story linking the pictures together features Evan Jones and Page Brown, two friends trekking through a cool parklike venue with nooks, pastoral spaces, and even a cave, containing interesting or scary objects, including birds, insects, treasure, and magical fairies. Each page has a list of objects, all in plain sight, that the reader is to hunt for in the drawing. The drawings are fun and BUSY; there's so much to see! It took me a while to find some of the items, and it was entertaining the entire time. One nice thing is that there are plenty of pictures in the book. While other similar picture books give 4-5 puzzles to solve, Fantasyland has more than double that, and the solution for each one is included at the end of the book.

I recommend MY FRIENDS AND I SPOT FANTASYLAND to children and adults who enjoy picture puzzles.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Goddess Fish Promotions Book Tours.

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Book Review: Chicken Fun by Mary Jo Huff

Chicken Fun by MaryJo Huff
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

For the chicken fan inside all of us.

Chicken Fun by Mary Jo Huff and illustrated by Wendy Fedan gives readers exactly what the title says: Chicken Fun, and that fun is for the cartoon chickens and readers as they smile their way through the ten chickens' antics. With bright colors, clever rhymes, and delightful drawings that magically portray the flock's energetic movements, readers of all ages will find something to enjoy.

Each set of pages highlights the activities of a pair of fluffy cartoon chickens, who could be dancing, munching on snacks, outrunning an aggressive bee, or even going on a date. Rhyming descriptions tell the story, which are punctuated by a funny "Bakk Baba Bakk Baba Bakk Bakk Bakk" refrain that, if delivered with gusto, will capture the attention and amusement of young listeners during a read-aloud. Rhyming, cadence, numbers, and counting are all there to build young ideas and reinforce familiarity with such concepts.

My boys would have loved this book when they were small, and I would have been clucking and "Baba-Bakking" until I couldn't possibly have "baba-ed" out another "bakk" to save my life. I recommend CHICKEN FUN for reading aloud and sharing with the youngest readers and listeners among us at home, in the classroom, or in afterschool programs.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy through RABT Book Tours and PR.

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Children's Book Review: You Don't See What I See by Ashley Sadrnoori

You Don't See What I See by Ashley Sadrnoori
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lovely children’s picture book encouraging kindness and the acceptance of differences and variety.

You Don’t See What I See by Ashley Sadrnoori is a lovely new children’s picture book full of cool-colored illustrations, rhymes, animals, insects, and the concepts of kindness, grace, acceptance, and the beauty of diversity. Told from the viewpoints of a frog, fish, snail, rabbit, bear, and fox, my boys would have loved this gentle and encouraging tale when they were growing up.

When the frog bemoans his bumpy skin and long, sticky tongue, a passing fish points out his beautiful, shiny coloration and his tongue’s usefulness. When a snail becomes depressed over his slow pace and heavy shell, a wise rabbit expounds on how wonderful it is for him always to have his warm, cozy home nearby. Finally, when a bear is sad that people find his large size and hairy appearance scary, a fox exclaims over the advantages the bear’s claws and thick fur grant him in his forest home. The illustration of the smiling, happier bear is adorable and my absolute favorite in the entire book. The story concludes with the animals all looking into the river, using the water as a mirror to reflect their images back to them, considering new viewpoints, and realizing that a few kind words from another could change their feelings and attitudes.

The story is a gentle one, with some rhyming repetition that children will readily pick up on. The illustrations use a cool color palette that is both relaxing and eye-catching. This picture book would be perfect for bedtime, when you want to share a calming story to help prepare for sleep. Still, it would be an excellent choice for the classroom or after-school sharing as well.

I recommend YOU DON’T SEE WHAT I SEE to young listeners at home, school, or after-school programs.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy through RABT Book Tours and PR.

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Children's Book Review: Maddie - A Little Ghost with a Secret by Cindy J. Vanous

Maddie A Little Ghost with a Secret by Cindy J Vanous
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A sweet ghost with a sweet secret.

Maddie – A Little Ghost with a Secret is a cute children's Halloween-themed picture book by Cindy J. Vanous, perfect for even the youngest among us. Maddie is the ghost of a little girl who, along with her mother, father, and many others of her kind, inhabits the small, abandoned community of Terlingua, Texas. With its cheerfully optimistic, engaging main character and positive messaging, the story is simple, fun, and entertaining: one that will be requested on repeat for bedtime reading.

I enjoyed how Maddie introduces her town, offering a simple explanation for why its former residents had moved away. While Maddie cavorts with her ghostly playmates, delighting in Halloween activities, readers are left to guess about her past and the era in which she may have lived. However, the look of the clothing worn by the main characters, especially Maddie's mother with her stylish pillbox hat and short skirt, seems to indicate the 1960s, perhaps. On the other hand, both Maddie and her father's attire harken back to an earlier time, at least pre-WWII, when the Terlingua mines were still in operation. There are many details in Steven Stewart's colorful illustrations to examine and ponder. However, because of the artwork's style, it was sometimes difficult to discern what some of the illustrations depicted on my tablet, so maybe a physical copy would offer more clarity.

While Maddie's vibe is joyful, she is concerned about how she fits in with the rest of the ghosts in her community; all seem to have a special gift or talent, while she has yet to discover hers, or if she even has one. But it doesn't take long before she realizes that she does something that no other ghost does; she bakes and decorates tasty and adorable cupcakes that she secretly leaves around town for the people living there to enjoy. Her skill may not be like anyone else's, but it is uniquely hers, and with it she makes others happy. Younger listeners will easily relate to Maddie's worries and, with prompting, can begin to consider their own special skills or talents as they are read this sweet story.

I recommend MADDIE – A LITTLE GHOST WITH A SECRET to young readers and for reading aloud at home, school, or in after-school programs.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Lone Star Literary Life Book Campaigns.

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Children's Book Review: It Takes a Forest by Jessie Todd Mayfield; illustrated by Amanda Ravensdale

It Takes a Forest by Jessie Todd Mayfield
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Warm and comforting tale of a community bolstering a mom’s sacrifice.

It Takes a Forest is a warm and comforting children’s picture book by Jessie Todd Mayfield that tells the story of a mother’s sacrifice to ensure her baby’s safety and how the larger community steps up to help while she’s away doing what needs to be done. Told from the perspectives of a mother wolf and her cub, the story has clear parallels in the human world.

When a strong winter storm proves more than what the wolf den can endure, Mama Wolf seeks safety for her young cub with other residents of their forest. Finding room with the badger family, Mama temporarily leaves her baby in their loving and capable hands while she goes back into the winter landscape to improve the den, promising to return when all is well.

Each page of the book, each step of the story is beautifully illustrated by Amanda Ravensdale, emphasizing the details of Mama’s decision, the young cub’s time with the badger, and how other creatures bring food or materials to make the badger den more comfortable as they accommodate their surprise but welcome guest. While the young cub yearns for his mother to return, the experience is made palatable by the badgers’ complete acceptance and inclusion of the young one, who is different from their own.

Parents and foster parents will easily pick up on the parallels in the sacrifices that a parent may have to make on behalf of their children, while children will see the mother wolf fulfilling her promise to return after having reinforced the wolf den. Even taken at surface value, the story is a lovely one of everyone coming together when someone needs help.

I recommend IT TAKES A FOREST for children, young and old, for one-on-one sharing or reading aloud to a group.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy through RABT Book Tours and PR.


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Children's Book Review: Goats Afloat by Lezlie Evans, illustrated by Julia Patton

Goats Afloat by Lezlie Evans
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Whimsical and amusing retelling of The Three Billy Goats Gruff with a HEA for everyone!

Goats Afloat by Lezlie Evans is the whimsically amusing tale of a family of goats in a story with elements similar to the familiar, old fairytale of The Three Billy Goats Gruff. In this updated version, the goat family has expanded to five, and there is a wonderful happy-ever-after in store for all involved.

Told with rhyme and rhythm, rather than the possibly frightening and confrontational meetings set on the bridge pitting cunning goats against an evil troll, this is a fun story with goats on a mission to celebrate Granny Goat’s birthday at her home some ways away. Worried about the troll who lives under the bridge, which is on the only footpath to granny’s house, the goats hatch a plan to bypass it entirely and travel downriver by canoe, carrying with them a tall and delicious-looking but very unstable and wobbly birthday cake. The suspense around whether that cake is going to make it is very much a part of the fun. The young troll is very interested in what the goats are up to, but in a curiously longing fashion, as if he’s sad at being left out of the coming celebration. With a girl goat and boy goats, some less athletic and others more physically coordinated in the group, this little story has five goats of varying characteristics and abilities for children to consider and relate to, and all the characters are adorable.

What would a children’s picture be without gloriously colorful images to help tell the tale? This one is filled with cute and engaging illustrations by Julia Patton, and it has lots of fun details to examine with each and every reading. Children and the adult guiding them through the story will delight in trying to locate the shy troll hiding on every page as he follows the goats’ progress down the river in their canoe.

The book would be perfect for bedtime reading or reading aloud and sharing in larger group settings. With its variety of characters, detailed illustrations, and sweet story with its surprise ending, this book could attract interest and provide entertainment over multiple readings. I recommend GOATS AFLOAT for children of all ages and for sharing at home, in the classroom, or after-school program settings.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy via Netgalley.

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Book Review: I'm Beautiful Because I Am by Azizi Tuere

I'm Beautiful Because I Am: Valuing Myself & Others With Empathy and Care by Azizi Tuere
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Joy-filled, relatable, and sharable!

I’m Beautiful Because I Am is the first book in author/illustrator Azizi Tuere’s children’s picture book series “Because I Am…,” and it is a lovely, joyous story of a young girl’s search for what made her HER. With its engaging main characters and gorgeous illustrations, it was easy to linger over each page and consider the child’s many discoveries.

From the cover to the very end, readers will notice that the illustrations are joyous and joy-filled, employing a vibrant color palette that makes each scene sparkle with magic. Every step of the main character’s journey through her day is relatable. Whether she’s outdoors soaking up nature, enjoying indoor hobbies and activities, or spending time with a friend or family pet, the familiar examples of the daily life of a child provide opportunities to share relatable experiences customized for the little ones in your life. At the end of the book, the author even offers suggestions for enrichment activities that are simple, doable, fun, and meaningful.

I recommend I’M BEAUTIFUL BECAUSE I AM to readers with young ones in their lives.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy through RABT Book Tours and PR.


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Book Review: I Know A Guy Named Noah Guy by Jeanne Ward

I Know a Guy Named Noah Guy by Jeanne Ward
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Everything as advertised and more!

I Know A Guy Named Noah Guy is a fun and inspiring new children’s picture book by Jeanne Ward featuring the adventures of an “everyone’s good friend” type of boy named Noah Guy. The simple narrative, which becomes catchy as can be in the musical rendition by Ward’s son, Tyler, emphasizes never giving up, being a good friend, and working together to accomplish whatever is needed. The story is illustrated in bright, vivid colors in heartwarming scenes that will make readers smile and inspire children to imagine the possibilities ahead.

As mentioned above, the entire text of this first book in the series has been set to music and recorded by the author’s son, Tyler Ward, and is available for for listening online through the author’s website or YouTube.

I recommend I KNOW A GUY NAMED NOAH GUY to young readers and reading aloud in the classroom, during afterschool programs, or at home with family.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy through RABT Book Tours and PR.


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Children's Book Review: The Cats' Museum by Viviana Falleti

The Cats' Museum - Mom’s Choice Awards® Recipient! by Viviana Falleti
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This based-on-the-truth story blossoms with colorful fantasy!

The Cats’ Museum by Viviana Falleti tells the history of the cats that have inhabited the famed Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia, from the 18th century to the present. The cats were originally brought into the museum by Catherine the Great to combat a rampant rat problem, which they still do to this day. The initial recruits did such a good job their numbers eventually swelled to as many as 74, and staff was assigned to attend to their needs and daily maintenance, as well as weekly brushing and monthly health checks. Once a year, Catherine would provide an amazing feast for these small essential workers consisting of delicacies specifically chosen to please the feline palate. In 2005, the Hermitage Museum began holding the annual “Day of the Hermitage Cats” celebration. The areas in the museum where the cats reside are opened up, and the cats are allowed to mingle with the public. A cat-themed festival is held on the grounds for all to enjoy.

While relating this history, the author also whisks readers into an imaginative and whimsical behind-the-scenes look at the annual feline feast. What we have is a magical evening of food and fun, complete with a feline dance recital in traditional costumes. The fantastical tale is beautifully illustrated in luscious colors with intriguing details to explore again and again. The cats’ faces are delightfully expressive, and their appearance is so varied that cat lovers will be able to find an example of their favorite furry friend. Key felines are revealed to have traditional Russian names.

The narrative is perfect for reading aloud and includes questions to engage young listeners further. I recommend THE CATS’ MUSEUM for young readers and listeners, especially those who have a soft spot for cats.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy through RABT Book Tours and PR.

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Book Review: Sadie Soars into Space by Arezu Sarvestani

Sadie Soars into Space by Arezu Sarvestani
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fun and vividly illustrated mix of rhyme and space facts!

Sadie Soars Into Space is a new children’s picture book about a young girl’s interest in space, the universe, and dreams of one day traveling to distant stars. It is a vividly illustrated and entertaining mix of rhyming narrative and interesting space facts that may surprise readers of any age.

I loved the simple story and the bright colors used, but the details in the illustrations, such as the poster of U.S. astronaut Jasmin Moghbeli gracing Sadie’s bedroom wall, caught my eye and made a big impression. Sadie is joined in her imagined (for now!) adventures by her cat Bucket, who is decked out in a matching spacesuit and helmet. While each page presents another stop on the pair’s tour of our solar system, space facts are cleverly included among the illustrations of planets, moons, and the other assorted heavenly bodies, revealing interesting details that most adults probably don’t know. Each tidbit is one more opportunity to learn and share with the young readers and listeners in your life.

I recommend SADIE SOARS INTO SPACE to those with young readers or read-aloud listeners, especially those who have an interest in space and for inclusion in early STEM classrooms.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy via Netgalley.


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Children's Book Review: The Sky Is Not Blue by Joy Jones; illustrated by Sanger Cloud

The Sky Is Not Blue by Joy Jones
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A wonderful children’s picture book that combines science and taking the time to see the world around us.

The Sky Is Not Blue is a delightful new children’s picture book about Robert, an adorable child who draws the world, specifically the changing aspect of the sky, as he sees it rather than relegating it to an indiscriminate blue background. I think I fell in love with this fictional child the first time he appeared on the page for his infectious joy and inspirational enthusiasm for life and the beauty he saw around himself. His consistent connection to the real look of his world eventually affects his teacher as well.

I would have loved to have had this book in our library to share with my children when they were Robert’s age. Besides the storyline of observation and conscious intent, the book includes small bite-sized and child-friendly facts and the basic science behind why the sky is seen as blue and other colors. I was glad to watch Robert remain steadfast in drawing what he actually saw rather than succumbing to the cliché of always having a swath of blue at the top of his drawings.

I recommend THE SKY IS NOT BLUE to those with young readers or listeners, especially ones with an affinity for drawing and coloring.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy via Netgalley.


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Book Review: One Little Witch by Crystal Beach

One Little Witch by Crystal Beach
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another adorable children’s picture book from the creative and talented Crystal Beach!

One Little Witch is the first book in author/illustrator Crystal Beach’s new children’s picture book series, Little Witch. This adorable debut is full of giggle-inducing rhyme and vivid, color-drenched illustrations that will have children begging for it to be read “just one more time!” While the plot revolves around a little young witch watching over her crop, the rhymes delightfully guide young readers or read-aloud listeners through counting the number of pumpkins, revealing the fun hidden secret inside each one. Perfect for the upcoming Halloween season!

I recommend ONE LITTLE WITCH to parents, caregivers, and those who have young children in their lives for reading aloud and early readers.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Goddess Fish Promotions Book Tours.

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Children's Book Review: Hey! There Are Monsters at My House! by Marlene Thalman

Hey! There are MONSTERS at my house!: Reggie and Rufus by Marlene Thalman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A brave young duo searches their house for signs of monsters!

Hey! There Are Monsters at My House is a new children’s picture book by author-illustrator Marlene Thalman and features a young boy, afraid of the dark, who searches his house with his pet cat for signs that monsters are there. With its rhyming narrative and colorful illustrations, the story is perfect for sharing with children who are experiencing nighttime fears.

Reggie is the bright-eyed redhead who is afraid of the dark. He and his sidekick, Rufus, team up to search the house – high and low – for the monsters they fear lurk in the dark, out-of-the-way corners of their bedroom, attic, and basement. I liked how the book showed what the rooms looked like with the lights on and then with them off so you see what was really behind the scary images, such as the high-contrast t-shirt in the bedroom closet with the white circles that resemble glowing eyes once the lights are out.

Fear of things in the dark is a universal one affecting all ages and genders to some degree or another. For me, this commonality is perfectly depicted when Reggie and Rufus bravely descend to the basement, and the lights unexpectedly go out. The knobs and dials on the furnace, washer, and dryer could easily resemble eyes as they reflect any stray source of light. The story would be a fun way to calm children’s fears before bedtime, and I think this book would receive multiple readings.

I did have a little difficulty clearly reading the narrative at times because of the font used or the placement of the words over some of the illustrations, but I still recommend HEY! THERE ARE MONSTERS AT MY HOUSE to those with children who are expressing fears of the dark.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Goddess Fish Promotions Book Tours.

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Chidren's Book Review: Muffins for Puffins by Rory Haltmaier

Muffins for Puffins: A Seaside Adventure of Friendship and Creativity by Rory Haltmaier
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fun story and delightfully illustrated!

MUFFINS FOR PUFFINS by Rory Haltmaier is a fun, delightfully illustrated picture book for children and features a young puffin and his seaside friends who work together to create a special treat for Puffling’s mother. Puffling is ADORABLE and young children will relate to his desire to make his mother a gift. The ingredients will make you laugh! I loved that when the friends accomplished their task, they kept going, continuing to surprise other mothers with something special for them as well.

I recommend MUFFINS FOR PUFFINS for readers with young children who enjoy sharing picture books about young animals.

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Book Review: Blink and Glow by Raven Howell

Blink and Glow by Raven Howell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The kind, thoughtful message is depicted in lovely jewel-hued and summery illustrations.

Blink and Glow is a lovely new children’s picture book by award-winning author Raven Howell, and it is perfect for the upcoming summer season and the close of the school year. Its gentle and kind message is beautifully rendered in the evocative, jewel-hued illustrations of artist Ann Pilicer.

The story features young siblings Leo and Lilly, who, watching the fireflies and salamanders in their early summer backyard, decide to catch and take some to show-and-tell at school. However, once the creatures are captured in jars, their intriguing blinks and glow begin to dim and fade. Grandmother steps in with gentle insight and offers alternatives to keeping these living beings away from their natural environment and families. The instructions for these fun craft ideas are included in the story’s resolution.

BLINK AND GLOW is perfect for sharing at home, school, and after-school programs as a jumping-off point for a fun craft activity.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy through WOW! Women On Writing Book Tours.

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Book Review - The Journey of Bee Bea: A Preschool Yoga Book About Finding Calm by Marta Lanfranco

THE JOURNEY OF BEE BEA: A Preschool Yoga Book About Finding Calm, With Ideas For Activities by Marta Lanfranco
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cute picture book with simple pictures and activities that any parent can use.

The Journey of Bee Bea by Marta Lanfranco tells the story of a little bee that works hard collecting pollen from the flowers on the balconies of the gray apartments in the gray city. When a storm blows Bea out of her neighborhood, a friendly rainbow lends a colorful helping hand to get her back to her home. With its simple story, cute characters, basic underlying message, and the added value of easy-to-do activities parents can use to enhance their child’s engagement in the story, this book would be a nice addition to the bedtime routine or story time rotation.

Shanti, the little purple storyteller, appears on each page and offers questions parents can ask their children as the story unfolds, drawing out the enjoyment and making it easier for parents to really share the story with their child rather than just reading it at them. The author also explains that the illustrations were deliberately kept simple to allow children to trace the pictures onto paper to color for themselves. I loved the idea that the colors of the rainbow transferred onto Bea when she was being helped home, and once there, she could colorize the entire gray neighborhood. While the text is simple, sometimes it rhymes, and sometimes it doesn’t. I would have preferred the whole work to have been one or the other. My children probably wouldn’t specifically ask to have this one read again and again without having their interest re-ignited using the coloring activity.

I recommend THE JOURNEY OF BEE BEA to preschool and younger elementary school-age children.

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Book Review: Las Mañanitas: The Beautiful Celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe by Ernesto Joel Rosales and Jeanette Gonzalez Seneviratus; Illustrated by Dana Sanmar

Las Mañanitas: The Beautiful Celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe by Ernesto Joel Vega Rosales
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A delightful introduction to the story of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Juan Diego, and her annual veneration.

Las Mañanitas is a wonderful children’s picture book that explains the story of the appearances of Our Lady of Guadalupe and the religious observations (and the title of the book) that occur in December. It introduces and gives the background circumstances of Juan Diego, the first Catholic saint born in the "New World."

The story is told from the viewpoint of a regular family with children participating in the events for the first time, and it is delightful, straightforward, and colorfully illustrated. Grandpa recounts the inspirational and historical tale while Grandma prepares the traditional costumes her young grandchildren will wear during the celebration. Best of all, the book provides the entire story in realistic but simple dialogue in both Spanish and English, side by side or one above the other on the page. Language students could use the book for a simple and interesting reading comprehension exercise and a glimpse into this cultural aspect of Catholicism in Mexico and other Latin American countries or communities.

I recommend LAS MAÑANITAS: THE BEAUTIFUL CELEBRATION OF OUR LADY OF GUADELUPE to young children and their families, especially those interested in Our Lady and the Saints.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy via Netgalley.


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Book Review: Thank You, Night by Dan McCauley; illustrated by Jo Loring-Fisher

Thank You, Night by Dan McCauley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Beautiful and restful, perfect for before bedtime.

Thank You, Night is a lovely new children’s picture book by author Dan McCauley and artist Jo Loring-Fisher, and it would be the perfect wind down at the end of the day. At the close of the day, a young boy is unable to slip away from the thoughts and feelings of his day. But as he takes his customary evening walk with his father, the calm, loveliness of the night and his awareness of the natural world around him eases his mind and body to finally welcome sleep. The illustrations are captivating in their colors and execution, drawing your imagination in with the soothing text that accompanies them. I loved the gentle descriptions of the breeze tapping the boy on the shoulder and the muted background images that completed each scene. I recommend THANK YOU, NIGHT for young listeners and their older readers.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy via Netgalley.

For more information or to pre-order, click HERE!


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