Archive for October, 2016

“…[P]icture books carry heavy burdens, far above and beyond their usual literacy needs. People use picture books for all sorts of reasons. There are picture books for high school graduates, for people to read aloud during wedding ceremonies, for funerals, and as wry adult jokes. On the children’s side, picture books can help parents and […]

…The Hill isn’t a typical story of survival in the wilderness. The boys do need to fend for themselves, but there’s something far more sinister than wild animals and the elements in the forest – Jared and Kyle are being pursued by a Wihtiko, a Cree legend come to terrifying life. The pair need to […]

“Our Review: Reviewed by Laura Fabiani and Son I love immigrant stories probably because I grew up in an immigrant family. Adrift At Sea is about Tuan Ho’s escape from Vietnam when he was a boy of six. The story is told through the eyes of Tuan and we feel for him as he experiences […]

“Toddler-PreS–Three rambunctious little rhinos wreak havoc while their mother tries to coax them through their bedtime routine. They tussle, fight, grunt, and bite—while poor Mama becomes more and more despondent and frustrated. But don’t worry—(spoiler alert!) all’s well that ends well, with Mama on the receiving end of a gigantic rhino hug!…VERDICT This selection will […]

…Root Beer Candy and Other Miracles tackles some serious problems common among kids today. Its resolution is gentle and hopeful, but also realistic….Not everything can be fixed, but sharing a problem with someone who loves us makes it easier to bear. This is a message middle-graders cannot hear too often. I really enjoyed this book. […]

This novel will definitely appeal to young female readers who love animals. They will be able to relate to Evie’s everyday issues at school and at the veterinary clinic, as well as her complicated relationships….Agnew’s novel also deals with different kinds of families. Evie lives with her uncle Scott, but her biological father is suing […]

In Hat On, Hat Off, a little toddler plays the universally loved game of taking pieces of clothing on and off while getting ready to go outside with his big sister…. Theo Heras writes in simple, short sentences that are geared perfectly towards a toddler audience…In addition to the clear writing style, the storyline is […]

…Originally published in French, this nonthreatening story acts as an important conversation starter for children about strangers and getting lost. Snitselaar’s text explores negative emotions like fear, anxiety and uncertainty that children may associate with being separated from a caregiver….Most significantly, children are reminded that they should not automatically trust strangers, but that seeking help […]

Three little rhinos just can’t seem to behave. Whether they’re at the dinner table or in the tub, the three little rhinos keep pushing, fighting, tussling, and butting heads until it turns into a full blown RHINO RIOT! Mama Rhino is getting tired. Will the three little rhinos ever get along? Thanks to its bubbly […]