Archive for January, 2018

“[T]he moody, stylish artwork is full of such expressive movement…Artistically inclined children will likely be charmed by this French import.” —Sarah Hunter Click here to read the full review

“The turn of a page allows readers to predict the next animal comparison, and ink-and-watercolor illustrations record her play with busy movement….VERDICT A recommended general purchase, this read-aloud choice fosters inference and opportunity for shared reading in home or preschool.” —Mary Elam, Learning Media Services, Plano ISD, TX Read the full review in the February […]

“Five friends embark on a camping trip in this early reader chapter book. Saucy Suki, grumpy Bogs, helpful Rae, quiet Hedgewick, and studious Timo decide—with the urging of adventurous Suki—to take a camping trip, even though none of them have gone camping before….The bold illustrations are coupled with flowing, sensory-laden prose to make a treat […]

“This easy chapter book is full of spunk and warmth….[A] lively, warmhearted account. Makes a great read-aloud for ages 4 and up as well.” Click here to read the full review

“This fascinating read gives a glimpse of the struggle and bravery of a refugee….The vibrant illustrations help readers visualize what it might have been like to be on the boat….This is a powerful tale that enables children to learn about a time in history that they may not know about. It also underscores being grateful for […]

“This book is a delight from start to finish….The tale is written in verse, with spaces between speakers, with each character’s voice being very clear.” —Holly Flores Click here to read the full review

“Part fantasy, part fairy tale, and part myth, DRAGONFLY SONG is completely gorgeous….Aissa is a heroine to be admired…. Aissa is wonderfully resilient, and although my heart broke for her constantly as I read, I never doubted that this fierce, smart, loving girl would triumph despite the many forces working against her. I cannot recommend […]

“[5/5 stars]…Two Times a Traitor is a riveting time-slip adventure. From first page to last you are caught in the vortex that whisks him from the present back to the past. When the sword slices his hand or musket balls whiz by, you feel and hear both. His emotions become yours as he wends his way […]

“Not since an owl and a pussycat set off to sea have two wholly unlikely friends shared a boat on the open water. But the story of Woodrow at Sea is less love story than story of friendship and a far more poignant one than Edward Lear’s nonsense poem…. Because Woodrow at Sea is a wordless book, author-illustrator Wallace Edwards allows […]

“Macy McMillan and the Rainbow Goddess by Shari Green is a novel in freeform poetry about a girl trying to come to terms with the big changes in her life. Big changes coming: a new school at the end of sixth grade, a new house, a step dad, and step-siblings (twins)…. The poetry and type face […]