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Katherine Johnson (Little People BIG DREAMS) -- Book Review

 

Disclosure: I was sent a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Happy February!! February has many amazing things about it: Valentine's Day, Presidents Day, Black History Month, etc. I always love finding new books about Black people to share in February. Today I get to share a new one about a hero of mine--Katherine Johnson. I love that she was a mathematician. I love that she was Black and fought for her right to be heard and share her knowledge. She changed history and not so faraway history. History about our space travel. We are talking the 1960s not the 1800s. I always feel like most female mathematicians had a love for math but didn't really get much credit for the work they did. Katherine did not get much credit for her work until recently, but she made a huge difference in the space race. Today I am sharing the book Katherine Johnson by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara and illustrated by Jemma Skidmore. It is part of the Little People BIG DREAMS series. It is recommended for ages 6 to 8.

The Three Stones of Ebon -- Middle Grades Novel Book Review & Giveaway

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book to use for my review. All opinions are my own. I am working with The Children's Book Review & David and Keiko Mello to bring you this post.

Are you looking for a fun and magical book for your middle grade kids to read? I have an amazing one to share with you today! It is a book that makes you want to keep reading and makes you feel good. It is The Three Stones of Ebon by David and Keiko Mello and illustrated by Keiko Mello. After my review there is a giveaway as well!

Books for Valentine's Day

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of these books in exchange for honest reviews. All opinions are my own.

The end of January is coming near. Lunar new year and the Read Your World Celebration are getting closer but so is Valentine's Day. Today we are going to focus on Valentine's Day and love. I am sharing two books for younger children that are perfect to get ready for Valentine's Day or in a loving mood and at the end of the post is a roundup of ideas for kids to make valentines and children's love songs to sing. One is a musical board book. It has buttons to push to hear the songs. It is Little Love Songs by Sandra Boynton. It is recommended for babies through age 5.

Óg go Deo: Forever Young -- Book Review & Giveaway

 

Disclosure: I was sent a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This post is sponsored by The Children's Book Review and Chainy Blue.

Have you ever lost a pet? It is devastating. I have shared about losing two of our cats: Simba and Pumpkin. It is so hard on us as adults, but it can be even harder on our children. I remember explaining to Hazel that Simba was going to heaven since he was so sick, and our vet was helping him. Hazel was two and a half at the time. She referred to our vet's office as heaven for a short time. When we got our next cat and it came time to take her to the vet, Hazel was scared the cat might not come back home and might go to heaven as well. It is hard to know what to tell kids when it comes to death and especially the death of a loved one including pets. Today I get to share with you a book to help kids with the death of a pet. It is Óg go Deo: Forever Young by Chainy Blue. There is also a giveaway at the end of the post. 

Sharing Is Caring, Dragon! -- Picture Book Review & Giveaway

 

Disclosure: I was sent a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. I am working with The Children's Book Review to bring you this post and giveaway. 

This week seems to be dragon week with the young adult book I shared yesterday and today's picture book. Plus, lunar new year begins next week. It will be the year of the snake, but let's face it dragons are always part of the lunar new year. Today I get to share with you a wonderful book with so many great themes for young kids to learn, and there is a giveaway at the end of the post! The book is Sharing Is Caring, Dragon! by Bianca Schulze and illustrated by Samara Hardy. I have had the pleasure of sharing another of the dragon series books previously.

Dragon Surf -- a #ReadYourWorld Review

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Read Your World Celebration Day is fast approaching. Today I am going to share the final of my books for this year's celebration. It is a young adult fantasy novel combining California surfing life with ancient China. The book is Dragon Surf by D. G. Driver with Jeni Bautista Richard. 

Claudette Colvin: I Want Freedom Now! -- Civil Rights Movement Hero Book Review

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Happy MLK Day!! Do you have the day off? Your kids probably do. Do you do anything special to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.? It is a day of service for many. I admit I don't usually do a day of service but I do like to review the work so many participated in for the Civil Rights Movement. And today I think we need to remember it more than ever and perhaps what it was like before the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Today I am sharing a picture book that was coauthored by the subject of the book--a mostly unknown hero of the Civil Rights Movement. The book is Claudette Colvin: I Want Freedom Now! by Claudette Colvin and Phillip Hoose and illustrated by Bea Jackson. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8.

The Tales of Charlie Wags: New York City -- Book Review & Giveaway with a NYC Craft Round-Up

 

Disclosure: I was sent a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I am working with The Children's Book Review, Sofie Wells and Ali Barclay to bring you this post and giveaway.

Are you ready for a sweet, magical book? I get to share one with you today and guess what? There is a giveaway at the end of this post! In this magical book a sweet dog visits New York City, so I am also sharing a small New York City craft round-up. Let's get into the book--it is The Tales of Charlie Wags: New York City by Sofie Wells and Ali Barclay with pictures by Sanna Sjöström.

Ady and Me -- #ReadYourWorld Book Review

 

Disclosure: I was sent a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

January is flying by!! We only have a couple more weeks until the big day--the Read Your World Celebration!! We are sharing another book for the big event. This one shares about a neurodivergent young girl and how her ADHD affects her life especially at school. The book is not released yet but will be coming out in April 2025. The book is Ady and Me by Richard Pink and Roxanne Pink and illustrated by Sara Rhys. It is recommended for ages 3 to 7. 

Easter Eggs and Matzo Balls -- a #ReadYourWorld Review

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

January continues and so do my Read Your World (previously Multicultural Children's Book Day) reviews. Today I get to share a fun picture book about a new stepfamily that is combining their religious spring celebrations. The book is Easter Eggs and Matzo Balls by Janie Emaus and illustrated by Bryan Langdo. It is recommended for ages 4 to 6. 

Kaho'olawe: The True Story of an Island and Her People -- a #ReadYourWorld Review

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Our January reviews for the Read Your World (aka Multicultural Children's Book Day) continue. Today I get to share a nonfiction picture book that will be released in February. It shares a bit of the history of a Hawaiian island and the military. It is Kaho'olawe: The True Story of an Island and Her People by Kamalani Hurley and illustrated by Harinani Orme. It is recommended for ages 7 to 11.

Lily's Dream -- a Diverse Fairy Picture Book Review

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

When Hazel was young, she loved fairies. She had a fairy tea party birthday party. It had diverse friends at it. I discovered that fairies seemed to only come in one race, white. I was sent some wool roving that had diverse skin tones, and I made some needle felted fairies in different races so the girls at the party would see their own race as fairies. This is part of why I am so excited to share this book today. It is Lily's Dream: A Fairy Friendship by Bea Jackson. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Geometry in Origami Tutorial with Origami Paper Review

 

Disclosure: I was sent this pack of origami paper in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Let's start 2025 with a fun craft!! I went to a craft fair and fell in love with an origami flower ball ornament. I bought one. I knew I could make one for myself, but didn't want to take the time before Christmas, so I bought one.

Worry Won't Win! Moe & Liza Explore Anxiety -- a MCBD Review

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

January has begun! That means it is time to review books for Multicultural Children's Book Day which is on January 30th this year! I always love reviewing the books for MCBD. It introduces me to new authors and publishers!! It is always so much fun! Today I get to share with you a wonderful picture book about having anxiety. It is Worry Won't Win! Moe & Liza Explore Anxiety by Christine Reynebeau and illustrated by Rachael Hawkes. I don't see an age recommendation for this book but would say 6 to 10 year-olds would enjoy reading it on their own and probably 4+ to have it read to and discussed with. 

Reflections on 2024 and Thoughts about 2025

 


Each year I like to take time to reflect on the past year and think about the upcoming new year. I pick a word of the year to help me stay focused on one goal. This past year my word was self. Starting to teach again while having a family was hard. I found there wasn't enough time for everything I needed or wanted to do. Some of my past words include transform, positivity, connect, inspire, and flourish. This year I am struggling to pick one. 

Roundup of Middle Grade and Young Adult Novels

 

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I am on my final roundup for the holiday season! Now I am going to start with some honesty. My life has been so crazy this fall. Between teaching and having Hazel at boarding school (I'm almost always driving there on the weekends), I have not had a lot of time or energy to read, so all of these books I have not completed and really just started. I am sharing them today because I want to share them before the holidays, so you are aware of them! Today's books range from ages 8 - 18. We will go in order of the ages. The first book is Sylvia Doe and the 100-Year Flood by Robert Beatty. It is recommended for ages 8 to 12.

Space Themed Books for Younger Readers

 

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I am continuing my themed reviews. Today we are focusing on outer space, and I am sharing two books for younger readers (3-8 year olds). One is a pop-up and the other is graphic novel style. We will start with the pop-up. It is Into Starry Outer Space by Joel Stern and illustrated by Vivian Mineker. It is recommended for ages 3 to 5.

Craft Books for Kids & Adults


Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I am still working on clearing my review shelf, so the roundups continue this week! Today we are looking at some great craft books for kids (and adults). These books range in abilities and topics. If you have a creative child in your life these books will make great gifts. We will start with the book for the youngest age 5 to 9. It is The Kids' Book of Craft Love by Irene Smit and Astrid van der Hulst. 

Multicultural Books focusing on Asia and Asian American Cultures

 

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

We are continuing our book roundups as the holidays get closer and closer. Today we are sharing some multicultural books with an Asian theme. The books include a picture book, a book of folk tales and a picture dictionary. These are perfect for classrooms, libraries as well as families. We will start with the picture book. It is We Sing from the Heart: How the Slants® Took Their Fight for Free Speech to the Supreme Court by Mia Wenjen and illustrated by Victor Bizar Gomez. It is recommended for ages 8 to 12. 

Lisbeth and the Littering Ladybugs -- Book Review & Giveaway with Ladybug Craft Round-Up

 

Disclosure: I was sent a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. I am working with The Children's Book Review and P.E. Shadrick to bring you this post.

When Hazel was young, I loved telling her stories. Since we started at a Waldorf school, storytelling was very important. Stories could entertain, teach lessons and so much more. Today I am sharing book that has a grandmother telling a story to her granddaughter as she works the tangles out of the granddaughter's hair. The book is Lisbeth and the Littering Ladybugs by P.E. Shadrick and illustrated by Maya Penzlik.

What Makes Hands Beautiful? -- Book Review, Giveaway & Handprint Craft Round-Up

 

Disclosure: I was sent a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. I am working with The Children's Book Review and J.F. Bierlein to bring you this post.

Do you ever think about hands? We use them all the time, and life would be so hard without them. As I thought about hands and looked at my own handprint crafts, I thought about how we use them for sensory and let's face it there are so many great handprint crafts! I am sharing a large round-up of handprint crafts and hand sensations. Think about kids playing with play dough, slime and finger painting. Or the fact that we hold their hands all the time. Our hands are truly our sense of touch and something special to us. Today I get to share a beautiful book about hands. It is What Makes Hands Beautiful? by J.F. Bierlein and illustrated by Houda Zahid. There is a giveaway and the craft round-up at the end of the post.

Books for Dinosaur Lovers with Craft Round-Up

 

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Last week I shared a round-up of books for animal lovers. Today I am sharing books for dinosaur lovers and some of them are perfect for Spanish learners or bilingual kids. If you like to give a gift to read and have a dinosaur lover in your life this post is for you! We will start with the stand-alone book (the others are in a series together). It is A Dinosaur a Day by Miranda Smith. This book is recommended for ages 6 to 9.

Upcoming Holiday Book Round-Up with Easy Christmas Ornaments

 

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

How was your Thanksgiving? Ours was quiet and relaxing, but the day before we spent at least five hours in the emergency department of Boston Children's Hospital. It has been a long two weeks. First Covid and then pneumonia and an asthma flare up (both caused by Covid). Luckily, she seems to be on the mend, and I can focus again on my blog and life. That means getting ready for Christmas and the other upcoming holidays. Today I am sharing a collection of holiday books that I have been waiting to share as well as some easy Christmas ornaments made from things like cupcake liners and pipe cleaners. My round-up of books include three board books and three picture books. The first book we will share is the board book about Kwanzaa. It is called Kwanzaa and is by Hannah Eliot and illustrated by Andrea Pippins. It is part of the Celebrate the World Series and is recommended for ages 2 to 4.

Adventures at Lake Omigosh -- Book Review & Giveaway

 

Disclosure: I was sent a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. I am working with The Children's Book Review and Expound Publicity to bring you this post.

Have you ever heard about a creature in a local lake? Is it real or is it a myth? Have you gone to summer camp? What about the lake there? Today I get to share a fun story about a summer camp and the mysterious creature of the lake there. It is Adventures at Lake Omigosh by Scott Sollers and illustrated by Bryan Janky. 

Picture Books for Animal Lovers

 

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Can you believe Thanksgiving is almost here? Time is flying by as usual. It is time to think about gift buying and the holidays. Today I am doing a round-up of picture books that are perfect gifts for animal lovers!! Do you know any young animal lovers? Perhaps kids who love the Wild Kratts like Hazel did?  To begin we will start with one with a thankful theme. It is from the World of Eric Carle. It is Little Book of Thanks from Brown Bear and Friends by Eric Carle and Odd Dot. It is recommended for babies through 3-year-olds. 

Banned Book -- Picture Book Review

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Where do you stand on banned books? It amazes me that some people think they have the right to tell families what books their kids should not be exposed to. As a parent I feel I have the right to control what my daughter reads, what television or movies she sees, etc., however I do not think a stranger has that right. It is shocking to see some of the books that are banned. I looked up what some the most banned books currently are and found Reader's Digest has a list of mostly young adult books. We Are Teachers share a list of 30 books that include books for younger children. You may be surprised by some of the books on these lists. They include the Harry Potter series, New Kid by Jerry Craft, Strega Nona by Tomie dePaolo, Julian Is a Mermaid by Jessica Love, Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Patterson, James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl (Hazel was just in a school

Trusting Timothy: A Story About Cheating -- Book Review & Giveaway


 
Disclosure: I was sent a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I am working with The Children's Book Review and Expound Publicity to bring you this post. All opinions are my own.

It has been a while since I have done a Christian review. Today I get to share a fun picture book that shows following God's Word (Scripture) can help you be a better person and win. The book is Trusting Timothy: A Story About Cheating by Bobby Bryant II, Bobby Bryant III, Ava Bryant, and Joseph Bryant and illustrated by Tim Crecelius. This is a post that is part of The Children's Book Review Virtual Book Tour so that means there is a giveaway! I also am including some free scripture coloring pages to go with the book.

Picture Books About Gathering, Helping & Family

 

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Holiday season is fast approaching. It means we will be gathering with family and friends. We will possibly be seeing family we don't see all the time. We may even be asking our young ones to help others and help out with the holiday preparations. Today I am sharing a round-up of new picture books that are about all of these things--gathering, working together, helping others and family. The first book we will share is Together by Laura Manaresi and illustrated by Giovanni Manna. It is recommended for ages 7 to 9.

Calendars for 2025 -- Gifts and For Yourself

 

Disclosure: I was sent these calendars for an honest review. All opinions are my own. 

As November hits I start thinking about calendars for the next year. We get many in the mail from various charities, but I really like ones that match our personalities, likes and mood for each year. My wall calendars from last year have added so much to my sewing room (Tea Pot Calendar) and classroom. My students and I talk about the different birds featured each month. My Page-A-Day calendars for 2024 were loved during the last school year but I am finding most of the kids ignore them this year although every once in a while, someone takes the Sudoku page to do the puzzle. This year I decided to only focus on wall calendars. I fell in love with A Calendar of Calm Wall Calendar 2025 with photographs by Ana Marques, and I knew Hazel would love Forever & Always: A Calendar Inspired by Taylor Swift Songs with images by Reese Faith Designs. These are the two I picked for us, but they have so many to choose from. Be sure to check out all the options at Workman Calendars. It is really great that they are not wrapped in plastic anymore! Workman has gone completely plastic free with their calendars!

New Board Books for the Fall

 

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Fall is such a fun time of the year. I love the colors of the leaves and the crunch when you walk on them. Thanksgiving is approaching quickly. Today I get to share a round-up of board books including ones that are fall and Thanksgiving themed.  We will start with the very fall themed one. It is Jump in the Leaf Pile by Kelly Green and illustrated by Kasia Nowowiejska. It has surprise slide out leaf piles. It is recommended for ages 3 and up.

My Friend John -- Adorable New Picture Book Introducing Tourette Syndrome

 

Disclosure: I was sent a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Do you know anyone with Tourette Syndrome? I think my first experience really learning about it was watching Ally McBeal. One of the episodes had a client with Tourette Syndrome. But what really got me familiar with it was teaching a student with it. My class was the only time the individual aide assigned to the student could have a break and eat lunch. The student became to trust me pretty quickly and the rest of the class understood my expectations and treated the student with kindness. Many people do not know about Tourette Syndrome or understand it. It is definitely something that can get kids with it teased and bullied. Today I get to share a new book with you that introduces it to young readers and that it is not a reason to tease or bully a person with it but rather accept them and be his or her friend. The book is My Friend John by Arleen McCarthy. It is recommended for ages 6 to 8.

The Mystery of Mystic Mountain -- Book Review & Giveaway

 


Disclosure: I was sent a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. I am working with The Children's Book Review and Janet Fox to bring you this post and giveaway.

Middle school can be hard. New friends plus personal changes and add in fighting and possibly splitting up parents and you have a very hard time. Today I get to share a middle grades book full of a mystery, adventure, friendships, family relationships and more. The book is The Mystery of Mystic Mountain by Janet Fox.

Glow in the Dark: A Streak of Light -- Review & Giveaway

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. I am working with The Children's Book Review and T.J. Scripps to bring you this post.

Girls often go through a phase of loving rainbows and unicorns. Some never outgrow it. A couple of weeks ago Hazel and I were at the house on Cape Cod. We were trying to pack up and clean up as it was the day we were heading home. We heard thunder and a little bit later it started pouring. We kept going on with our chores. When the rain stopped the sun came out. It only rained for five to ten minutes. I happened to look out the window and quickly called Hazel downstairs and grabbed my phone. I was able to capture the full rainbow through the screen door and part of the rainbow without the screen. 

Picture Books Sharing the Lives of Historical Figures

 

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I always love picture books that share a bit of actual life. Today I get to share three with you!! The books look at the lives and work of four different historical figures. The books have age ranges from 4 to 12 years old. We will start with the book for the younger children. It is A Fine Little Bad Boy by Barbara Lowell and illustrated by Antonio Marinoni. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8. It is about the life of Quentin Roosevelt, President Teddy Roosevelt's youngest child. 

Hannah Edwards Secrets of Riverway -- Book Review

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Do you know someone with ADHD? Have you ever wondered what their thought process is? Today we are sharing a new book written by an author with ADHD who bases her character on her own experiences. The book is Hannah Edwards: Secrets of Riverway by Ashley Hards. It is recommended for ages 9 to 12 and is the first book in a series of nine books. 

Animal Themed Books for Young Ones

 

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Kids love books about animals or with animals in them. Today I am sharing three books that are animal themed. They include one board book and two picture books (both released today). We will start with the board book. It is Peekaboo Zoo by Rod Campbell. It is recommended for ages baby to 2.

Witch-Themed Books

 

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. 

It is hard to believe that Halloween is next week! October is flying by. Today I am going to share two witch-themed books for different ages. The first is a new picture book about the Salem witch trials. Did you know that the Salem witch trials were not the first witch trials and executions in North America. There were significant ones in Connecticut early in the 1600s. (Source) There were even accusations and a trial in Virginia before the Salem ones. (Source) However Salem had the hysteria that was not present in these other places. It Happened in Salem by Jonah Winter and illustrated by Brad Holland. It is recommended for ages 9 to 12, so a bit older than most picture books.

Sophie and the Swans -- Book Review & Giveaway Plus Swan Craft Round-Up

 

Disclosure: I was sent a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. I am working with The Children's Book Review and Expound Publicity to bring you this post. 

Have you ever seen a swan? They are so elegant and beautiful. We have some that swim at the reservoir near our home. I always love seeing them. Today we are sharing a beautiful picture book about a young girl who loves the swans near her home. She feeds them and they respect her. She has to defend them when there is a bully. The book is Sophie and the Swans by Holly Peppe and illustrated by Aeron Cargill. 

How to Pee Your Pants: The Right Way -- Book Review

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

We all have embarrassing moments in life, and some are so embarrassing that we remember them forever. What is yours? I remember vomiting at a school assembly all over the shoes of the boy next to me. To make matters worse he reminded me of it years later so he remembered it too. Often our embarrassing moments when we are young, or perhaps when we are old too, involve wetting your pants. Whether it is wetting your bed or having an accident in public or when you are older perhaps when you have a coughing fit or a laughing fit. Yup, we all have those embarrassing moments and need to learn how to deal with them. Today I get to share a humorous book about dealing with peeing in your pants. The book is How to Pee Your Pants: The Right Way by Rachel Michelle Wilson. The book is recommended for ages 3 to 5. 

I Worked Hard on That! -- Book Review with Spider Web Craft Round-Up

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Have you ever worked hard on something and then had it destroyed by someone else? Perhaps you have watched a young child build a tower and then have another child knock it down. The frustration and anger the child feels. Today we are sharing a new picture book about a spider who works hard on creating beautiful webs only to feel that frustration when it is destroyed. The book is I Worked Hard on That! by Robyn Wall and illustrated by A.N. Kang. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8. I am also including a spider web craft and activity round-up to go with the book.

Halloween Children's Book Round-Up For the Easily Frightened Child with Crafts & More

 


October always has me thinking. When Hazel was young, we would avoid Halloween displays in stores. They scared her too much. It was hard to go anywhere, and the displays got put up earlier and earlier every year. She was easily frightened, and I had to be careful what I exposed her to. However, she loved dressing up for Halloween. (Perhaps this is why she wants to go into theater.) I have been thinking back to some of our favorite Halloween books and I thought I would share some of them and more with you! This round-up includes our favorite books and books we enjoyed when she was young and more recent ones as well as DVDs, costumes and some crafts and activities to go with the books. 

Elephant Touch -- Middle Grades Novel About Loss & Healing

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Lately I have been sharing many middle grade novels. To be honest I am behind in my reading and have several more to share soon. However today I get to share one of my favorite ones of recent reads. It is a book about recovering from extreme loss. The book is Elephant Touch by Susan R. Greenway. It is recommended for ages 10 to 12. 

Exit Nowhere -- Middle Grades Novel About a Haunted House, Friendships & Cooperation

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

It is October!! That means it is time to get scary. We shared a novel perfect for Halloween last week and are sharing another one today! Today's book is Exit Nowhere by Juliana Brandt. It is recommended for ages 9 to 13.

Lost -- Wordless Book Review

 

Disclosure: I was sent this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. 

When Hazel went to a Waldorf School when she was young, we fell in love with wordless books. Some of Hazel's favorite books when she was young were wordless. Today I get to share a new wordless book. The book is Lost by Bob Staake. It is recommended for ages 3 to 7.

Sea Without a Shore -- Book Review & Giveaway

 

Disclosure: I was sent a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. I am working with The Children's Book Review and W.W. Norton to bring you this post. 

Summer is over. The beaches are less crowded. Do you visit the shoreline off season? The beaches change so much in each season. Today I get to share with you an interesting nonfiction picture book that teaches us about the one sea on Earth that does not have a shoreline! The book is Sea Without a Shore by Barb Rosenstock and illustrated by Katherine Roy. 

Winslow Scarecrow: Scarecrows Are Supposed to be Scary - Book Review & Giveaway with Craft Round-Up

 


Disclosure: I was sent a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. I am working with The Children's Book Review and Stephen Bowling to bring you this post.

Fall began on Sunday, and it is definitely in the air. This weekend was the first time the weather actually felt like fall in New England. It is time to put out the fall decorations--the pumpkins, mums, hay bales, and scarecrows! To celebrate the beginning of this wonderful season I get to share a book about a friendly scarecrow as well as a scarecrow craft round-up! The book is called Winslow Scarecrow: Scarecrows Are Supposed to Be Scary by Stephen G. Bowling and illustrated by Vitali Dudarenka. 

Mr. Moonbeam and the Halloween Crystal -- Book Review & Giveaway

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. I am working with The Children's Book Review and Ryan Cowan to bring you this post. 

It is almost the end of September which means it is almost Halloween month. Do you love Halloween? Do your young readers? Today I get to share a magical Halloween book that will get even the Halloween haters feeling a bit good about the holiday. The book is Mr. Moonbeam and the Halloween Crystal by Ryan Cowan and illustrated by Halo Rife. 

Diverse New Picture Books Sharing Fun and Lessons

 

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Once again life and school have gotten in the way of my posts. As a result, I am going to share three new picture books with you today. Each is unique and has its own purpose. The first is I Want to Read All the Books by Debbie Ridpath Ohi. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Mousetronaut Saves the World


 Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Know any space lovers or perhaps you are looking for a fun and humorous book to read at story time? I have the book for you, and it has surprising heroes. It is the third book in The Mousetronaut Series. The new book is Mousetronaut Saves the World by Mark Kelly and illustrated by C.F. Payne. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8.

The Academy for the Unbreakable Arts Series for Middle School -- Review & Giveaway

 

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. I am working with The Children's Book Review and Erika Lewis to bring you this post. 

Do you or your middle schooler love books about magical schools and magical lands? Then I have the series for you!! Perhaps you are missing the release of new Harry Potter books. If so, this series is for you. Today I get to share with you a fantasy middle school series (trilogy) by Erika Lewis. It is The Academy for the Unbreakable Arts Series. It is recommended for ages 8 to 12. It has magic, mystery, friendships, new creatures, goddesses, and a never-ending war between summer and winter.