Pajama Press

Booklist

“Ruby’s first-person narrative explores her worries about the battle against gentrification, a relevant theme for kids in many cities, as well as her shifting friendship with Scout. Nelson, who has lived in New York, creates a cast of interesting characters with Umbrella House (a real place with a colorful history) and its neighborhood as the setting. A well-paced story with a satisfying conclusion.”

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Kirkus ★ Starred Review

“Nature creates marvelous and beneficial partnerships….Beginning with this quietly lovely book’s first spread, blossoms proudly announce themselves in clear, simple prose and describe how they help their friends….A thought-provoking question (“Why would a morning glory be happy to see a dragonfly?”) about a specific flower-creature relationship at the bottom of each page stimulates visual literacy and creative and critical thinking. The remarkable digital illustrations, so photographically, lusciously lifelike that one can almost smell floral aromas wafting from the pages, call for readers’ close scrutiny and attention to detail and suggest answers to the questions. If they don’t bring responses to readers’ minds quickly, the fact-packed backmatter about the flower-creature bonds will do the trick….A garden of gorgeous delights.”

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Booklist

“This appealing picture book takes viewers on a close-up tour of a garden to meet the flowers and their helpful friends, the insects, spiders, snails, birds, mice, and bats that visit them….Wishinsky’s age-appropriate text talks of friendships between flowers and animals and uses questions to engage her audience. Beginning with the dust jacket’s image of a mouse peeking out of a tulip flower, Patkau’s vibrantly colorful illustrations are eye-catching and helpful. An intriguing picture book on flowers and their friends.”

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Kirkus Reviews

“A little boy adjusts to his first day at a new school with the help of a fluffy pink stuffed feline….Button, an early childhood educator, explores a difficult but important skill for children—entering a situation as a newcomer—and shows how imaginative play can lead the way. Percy effectively manages an unsettling moment by making a creative suggestion. Equally important is the positive response from Percy’s classmates, who welcome him into the fold….Bright, expressive, realistic drawings bring to life a diverse group of children….A wonderful example of how to resolve social snafus through the power of play.”

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School Library Journal 

“This comprehensive and invitingly designed book beckons readers to explore the phenomenon of the modern city in a wide range of societies throughout the world….On each page, comprehensively detailed digital illustrations bring the topics to life, moving seamlessly between colorful spreads and overhead diagrams. The design of the text enhances the presentation, with paragraphs thoughtfully laid out on brick walls, lakes, and clouds of smoke. As explained in the introduction and conclusion, the creators seek to foster an understanding of cities (home to half of the world’s population) as a vital element of the global community—a worthy goal for young citizens everywhere….An excellent addition to nonfiction collections.”

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Booklist

“This engaging tome introduces middle-grade readers to various aspects of cities….The accessible text is accompanied by colorful graphics, including oversize fonts, information bubbles, diagrams, cutaways, maps, and many busy two-page spreads filled with diverse city dwellers going about their daily activities. The book takes a global view, citing examples from all over the world and from different times in history. Another highlighted theme is the emphasis on ecological sustainability and earth-friendly development….This visual treat will be useful for research projects and should also catch the attention of browsers.”

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Kirkus Reviews

“Almost 70% of us will live in a city by 2050, so our urban past, present, and future are topics of interest. Good questions are posed in this book translated from French, beginning with where and when cities were first constructed…”

CM Magazine

“I Love My City is a hands down winner. As it claims, it is a book about everything urban with examples drawn from around the world, beginning with the oldest known city, Jericho in Palestine, and extending to look at future city designs, such as sustainable development….The words of authors France Desmarais and Richard Adam are translated into a fluent and comprehensible text by Nicholas Aumais. Colourful illustrations by Yves Dumont fill the pages with lively characters, a variety of types of architecture, and diagrams that portray the complex systems of urban life. The illustrations are always continuous across the double page spread, helping the reader see the connections….There is nothing to not like about I Love My City….The title does not do justice to the valuable information presented in a very accessible format within the pages….Get your hands on this edition of I Love My City now. Your “curious kids” will thank you. Highly Recommended”

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Montreal Review of Books 

“If you’ve ever wondered how city water is filtered or how cities are governed, this book will give you the facts. To inspire a conversation with young readers about the role cities can play in curbing climate change, the authors focus on sustainability, renewable energy, and improved waste management. Yves Dumont’s Busytown-esque illustrations help visual learners get the picture….city-curious kids will learn a lot.”

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YA Books Central 

“I Love My City is an informative non-fiction picture book that details how a city goes from concept to creation. The pages are jam-packed with what steps need to occur for a city to develop. There are many things to consider when creating a city from public services to traffic and this book delves into it all….The colorful illustrations are the perfect balance to all of the detailed text.

This book is a fantastic resource for readers who want to learn more about what is involved in developing a city.”

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Storytime with Stephanie

“Cities are places that are fast paced, jam packed and full of diversity. For those wanting to know more about cities, I Love My City by France Desmarais, Richard Adam and Yves Dumont contains anything you ever wanted to know about cities and how they operate.

Through historical facts and current practices, authors France Desmarais and Richard Adam bestow a wealth of knowledge about cities upon the reader….It’s comprehensive and general so that readers in any part of the world can gain more understanding about the places where large segments of the population live and work.

I like that the book is straightforward and very factual….I can see this book being used in a school setting where readers are learning about urban environments….The open-endedness of the information allows readers to take in the information and apply it to their own location wherever they are in the world and allows for comparison between cities and urban and rural settings….Yves Dumont’s illustrations add colour and interest to the book….I love the cross sections of city waste and water services, the colourful buildings and the city dwellers…”

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CanLit for LittleCanadians 

“In a well-organized and comprehensive story, France Desmarais and Richard Adam explain how and where cities were first established. They cover the different types of cities across the globe, from favelas to megacities. They also look within those cities for those who manage cities, from City Halls to urban planners and all the services needed to ensure functioning hubs. Water filtration, wastewater systems, renewable and non-renewable sources of energy, and transportation are all covered in some depth but never so expansive that the reader will bore or get lost….Beyond the content, though, are Yves Dumont’s illustrations that show the breadth of cities through time and space. Whether it’s the plans of cities to integrate all housing, transport and services, or stylized depictions of power plants, or busy couriers on bikes and commuters on public transport, Montreal’s Yves Dumont brings cities to life. He gives them colour and motion, purpose and serenity. He makes them everything to everyone, just as are the cities which have evolved in our world.

Teachers don’t need to wait until World Cities Day (October 31) to use I Love My City in their classrooms. With discussions from history and civics, architecture and energy, I Love My City will be a useful teaching tool and readable book of non-fiction for young readers every day of the year.”

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Kirkus ★ Starred Review

“A peek into the busy Land of Nod….Maruno narrates in flawless and immersive rhyming verse….Sato uses materials such as silk, paper, and textiles to infuse each spread with tangible, three-dimensional textures and depth. Readers will linger over each tiny, essential detail—nothing is extraneous….Like the materials on many of the spreads, the text and art are expertly stitched together, each visible and impactful on their own and interwoven into a bewitching whole. A perfect bedtime selection for eye-catching, vibrantly colorful dreams.”

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Quill & Quire ★ Starred Review

“[T]his enchanting book is sure to calm the most wakeful child into a dreamy sleep….Like all good go-to-sleep books, While You Sleep acts as a lullaby, soothing the child with the rhythm of the words and the sleepy, whimsical images, transforming the darkness of night into a magical realm where all will be well till the morning….Maruno’s delightful story about the industrious bunnies and the world that needs nightly upkeep is inspired and original, and her rhymes are sweet and satisfying….Sato’s use of collage is clever and inventive, and children will enjoy picking out familiar materials….While You Sleep casts a magic spell that will help lull little ones to sleep, and might just nudge a sleepy grown-up in that direction, too.”

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School Library Journal

“This lovely picture book shows what one parent tells her little one as she’s going to sleep. The text is written in peaceful rhyming couplets, while warmly colored collage illustrations show the tidying up that goes on while people rest….It’s a cozy, positive bedtime story sure to please parents and children alike….A comforting story for kids who wonder what they’re missing by going to bed.”

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Publishers Weekly

“In rhyming couplets, a caregiver encourages a child…to embrace bedtime so that a crew of bunny helpmeets can begin their work tidying up the world. As a child’s caregiver turns off the light and offers a bedtime kiss, lines describe the “chores,”…being completed by toy stuffed rabbits come to life: “Comb the grass, straighten the trees,/ Place a dot on the black-eyed peas.” Other imagery draws heavily on sewing metaphors, aligning with Sato’s collaged illustrations, which rely on paper, textiles, and embroidery silk: when “the woven night of black and gray” is described as being “embroidered with a Milky Way,” the child is shown yawning beneath an inky knit blanket and a purple embroidered sky. Throughout, the textured scenes remix details from the child’s waking life into suitably snuggly dreamscapes.”

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Booklist

“The dreamy, lyrical couplets pair beautifully with the enchanting, lushly layered illustrations composed of fabric, yarn, embroidery, and paper that altogether artfully and imaginatively create a fanciful, dynamic atmosphere full of fun details: the girl wanders through a garden of bright, oversize flowers, paintbrushes, and color pencils; the girl’s cat eyes the yarn the bunnies use to decorate the night sky; and so on. There’s much to engage and charm in this whimsical, sweet, and reassuring bedtime read.”

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Foreword Reviews

“Rhyming couplets create a whimsical melody while the collage art illustrations will captivate children with their colorful layers and textures—until they drift off to sleep to dream of the brand new world they’ll wake up to.

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Manhattan Book Review

“Author Jennifer Maruno has tapped into childhood imagination to find this cute story of what youngsters might dream of happening while they sleep. She has written it in rhyming couplets, which little ones will like. The illustrations by Miki Sato are simply stunning. She uses a combination of drawing and collage to create wonderful illustrations that have the look of three-dimensional art. The little night-helpers really come to life with this method. She fills the backgrounds with terrific details to keep little eyes busy and engaged.”

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Children’s Literature

“The power of storytelling and its transcendence into the world of dreams are at the center of this enchanting story….Through gifted word play, Maruno transforms what many parents and caregivers experience as a difficult task—that of getting a child in bed—into a delightful journey. Maruno has created a tale that feels like a love letter, or a poem, from a parent to a child. Any child will love listening to this as they get lost and travel away with it in their sleep. Sato’s magnificent collage-based illustrations are filled with color, texture, complexity, and feeling. The combination of text and art make this book one that should not be missed. This is a story that takes all readers into a world of wonder and inspiration, and it is a memorable book that leaves a lasting impression while conveying the meaning of love, along with the power of the imagination and bedtime stories. Needless to say, this is the perfect bedtime read and a must-have book!…Reviewer Rating: 5”

CM Magazine

“While You Sleep was the most beautiful picture book I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing this year. Miki Sato’s illustrations pull you in and along as three little bunnies take readers through their nightly care routine. The cut paper and mixed media collages evoke a snoozy watercolored world where these stuffed rabbits mend clouds, charge rainbows and weave night….The premise of this sweet book is simply that, as a child sleeps, her three stuffed rabbits magically take care of the world. It is a fanciful little story that children will likely find peaceful and interesting in equal measure….Maruno’s story feels respectful to the young child’s developing imagination….Highly Recommended”

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Open Book

“Infused with wonder and faith in the fantastical, While You Sleep is told is song-like rhyming couplets that rock readers into their own dreamy world, perfectly captured in Miki Sato’s ethereal collage art, which makes use of not only paper but also textiles including embroidery silk.

A book about believing the world could be just a little bit better and more beautiful when we wake, While You Sleep is hopeful and magical. Maruno, who honed her ear for rhyme and feel for storytelling as a parent and educator, knows how to look at the world through a child’s eyes. The book has already earned a coveted starred review in Kirkus, signalling a rare and special picture book from a writer who intuitively understands the genre.”

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Book Time

“Of the three picture books I read this week, While You Sleep might be my favourite….The collage art by illustrator Miki Sato brings the story to life. I love how she uses not only paper, but also textiles and embroidery silk to create such beautiful pages. Each double page spread is a piece of art and brings the story to life….If you are a parent who reads the same story on repeat, you’ll enjoy this one as Sato creates pages with so much to look at.”

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Storytime with Stephanie

“Are you looking for a new book to settle your little reader into a blissful sleep? Jennifer Maruno and Miki Sato have come together in their dreamy new bedtime story While You Sleep that is sure to spark restful nights and good dreams….Maruno’s lyrical, rhyming text ebbs and flows from page to page without missing a beat. While You Sleep has the qualities of the great classic bedtime stories like Goodnight Moon and Guess How Much I Love You….Maruno creates a sense of security and calm with her words Readers cannot help but have good dreams while drifting off to thoughts of flowers being painted and butterfly wings being dusted….Miki Sato’s collage style illustrations are a perfect complement to Jennifer Maruno’s text. The illustrations are soft and cuddly, soothing and comforting enveloping readers in a warm cozy visual blanket.”

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The International Educator

“[A] gentle bedtime story by Jennifer Maruno with glorious art by Miki Sato. Collage of fabrics, weavings, cotton balls, colourful paper and more create gorgeous images of a child being tucked in bed for the night while the world is being dusted and swept for a new day….A reassuring story for little ones.”

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CanLit for LittleCanadians

“While You Sleep is a very contemplative story…about softness and security, wishes and hopes. It’s imaging how things come to be and appreciating how they are. And, by telling her story through rhyme, Jennifer Maruno gives While You Sleep a dynamism of flow, making it a journey of childhood dreams of what might be….Using paper, textiles and embroidery silk, Miki Sato makes the child’s worlds…touchable and deep both in dimension and spirit….With deftness of cut and placement of shape, Miki Sato and her night-helpers make this child’s world heavenly….Infused with sweetness and gratitude for a world of natural beauty, While You Sleep will be a great bedtime read and reminder that our world is one to cherish.”

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Luminous Libro

“5 out of 5 stars….This beautiful book is enchanting! The story sweeps you away into a magical land of dreams as the bunnies stitch up the clouds, polish the sun, and embroider the Milky Way with stars.

The collage art is absolutely stunning! I had to stop and stare at each page, looking for all the little details of stitching and beadwork and fabric and watercolors….Miki Sato, is quickly becoming one of my favorite artists….Something about this art is so gentle; perfect for a bedtime book.”

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Getting Kids Reading

“Soft, rich mixed-media collages beautifully illustrate each fanciful concept. You won’t have to work hard to make the book sound as good as it looks….The rhyming couplets easily drip from the pages in a way that is comforting and soothing. The whole effect is cozy and cuddly (think Goodnight Moon) and your little reader is bound to fall asleep by the time you reach the final sentence.”

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Charlotte Offsay (Instagram) 

“Soothing playful text and adorable cut out illustrations make for a sweet bedtime read and encourage littles everywhere to close their eyes and recharge.⁠”

Kirkus Reviews

“The images are detailed—one stunning picture even depicts the tiny insects stuck to a frog’s tongue midlick. The kids portrayed are diverse in terms of race and ability. The repeated refrain of “I do too!” invites readers to pick up the rhythm and to reflect on their own body parts. The book closes with a note about the importance of movement and body positivity for a child’s growth and development along with a list of suggested activities to try together. The format, repetition, and neutral observations make this a refreshing title among body books for toddlers and preschoolers. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A welcome message of appreciation for human (and animal!) bodies.”

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Booklist

“Whittingham’s book for very young children has a repetitive text…Each clear, full-color photograph shows one of nine animals on the left side of the page; on the right is a smaller picture of a child revealing their corresponding body part along with the words “I do too!”…At the book’s conclusion, five simple activities, which use the text for inspiration, are suggested for playtime. This entertaining activity book will work well for one-on-one sharing and as a toddler storytime selection, since it encourages children to shout out the refrain while pointing to the body part being named. Due to the repetition, this title could also serve as a beginning reader for slightly older children.”

Youth Services Book Review ★ Starred Review

“Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 5….What a great book about body parts for the young child! Sharp, vivid closeup photographs of animals and kids demonstrate that they both have ears, eyes, a nose, etc. Simple, sing-song text invites the reader to interact with the book….Animals shown are familiar to little kids, such as a rabbit, a squirrel or a bear, and the kids are a nicely diverse crew, with different skin colors, races, and abilities. The book is larger than a standard board book, which would make it perfect for story time.”

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Children’s Literature

“Little ones will quickly connect to these full-page, up-close photographs of adorable animals and diverse young children. Toddlers and preschoolers will love the repetition of simple text and finding similarities and differences between their physics attributes and that of these gorgeous animals. This is a perfect gift or addition to a toddler or preschool classroom….What a benefit this book will be to read aloud with your little one and connect them to animals and other children in our world….Reviewer Rating: 5”

School Library Journal, Fuse 8

“It would take a soul blacker than mine to resist a cover like this….This is a body parts book where you find out about a portion of an animal’s anatomy and then see a human with that part as well. And, naturally, when reading this in a lapsit or in a storytime you can make sure the toddlers are pointing to their own faces or hands or ears or what have you. As charming as its cover implies.”

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CM Magazine

“In Bear Has a Belly, Jane Whittingham uses beautiful side-by-side photographs of animals and children with their having something in common. Fox has a nose… do you? (Yes!) Frog has a tongue… do you? (Yes!). This wildlife themed exploration of bodies and connection will likely delight the youngest readers among us…Children can point to their own bodies, experiment with sounds, and notice other connections between the animals and the children pictured.

Overall, Bear Has a Belly is a great book with many tools for families and readers to explore on their reading journey. Highly Recommended”

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YA Books Central

“This was a darling book filled with vibrant photographs of animals and children. This book is perfect for building a vocabulary of body parts and animals for young children or English language learners…I appreciate the suggested activities at the end for how parents can extend learning after reading this story…Overall, this book was very cute and made me want to get up and move just like the book demonstrated.

Overall rating 5.0″

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Storytime with Stephanie

“I love how Jane Whittingham compares the body parts that animals and humans have in common. Each two page spread features a lyrical, repeating poem about one part of the body. There are photos of the animal’s body part as well as a photo of a child using the same body part….The repeating text on each page allows the youngest readers to join in the story and will allow them to access the book independently at an earlier age plus who can resist the pictures of the cutest little animals and children!

It’s a Toddler Tough book design so the cover is thick and plush, making for easy wipe downs and the pages are card stock so should stand up to even the most aggressive readers. Also, like all Big, Little Concept Books, there is helpful back matter for parents and educators to use this book in a thoughtful way to extend the learning.”

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Sal’s Fiction Addiction

“In another of her outstanding books for very young children, Jane Whittingham turns her attention to body parts and their comparisons to nine familiar animals. Repetitive text and bright full-color photographs are ideal for upping the interest while sharing this informative book time and again….Perfect for lap reading in the beginning; it won’t be long until a slightly older child will be reading it independently. Such fun!…The overall design of the book is very appealing. The soft, puffy cover encourages touching and has a pleasant feel for little ones. The sturdy pages allow for many readings. If this is your first Jane Whittingham book, be on the lookout for more….You will not be disappointed.”

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The International Educator

“Bear Has a Belly by Jane Wittingham uses gorgeous photos to show how animals and children are similar….This beautifully executed board book will make children familiar with wildlife, with names of body parts and also create a deeper awareness of our connectedness with nature.”

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Book Time

“Bear a has a belly, a soft, round belly, while owl has eyes, big round eyes….In the Parental Guide, author Jane Whittingham offers tips and tricks to make this “toddler tough” picture book from Pajama Press interactive, including playing a game of Simon Says or noticing similar body parts on a pet…”

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Kids Book Buzz

“This adorable book is perfect for young readers who are learning their body parts….Each animal is adorable, and who doesn’t like cuddly animals? The real-life pictures of animals are sure to keep readers engaged in this book….The pages are very thick and super durable, making this a perfect book for young readers who are still learning to turn paper pages without ripping them, like my sister. This book is sure to be a favorite with young readers.

Reviewed By: Liam – Age 10”

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School Library Journal

“Setting the tale in the 1920s, the soft, warm-toned illustrations on a background closer to parchment than white give this an old-fashioned, historical feel, as does the classroom furniture, the students’ clothes, and the uncle’s mustache….Delicious endpapers feature 24 unique, beautifully decorated candies….The SEL element is strongly laid out, with a nice twist at the end, for a well-intentioned but likely additional purchase.”

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Kirkus Reviews

“It was magic when Daniel made his first batch of chocolates at age 4, with his Great-Uncle Lewis—“the Cocoa King of Charlottetown”—keeping his hands steady as Daniel poured the chocolate into the mold. Four years later, the duo’s chocolate-making has become routine as they melt, pour, scrape, and mold together for “one precious hour every morning” before Daniel goes to school. A new classmate’s loneliness prompts Daniel to hide a beautifully wrapped chocolate caramel in her desk to cheer her up.

When Great-Uncle Lewis goes off to a chocolatiers’ conference for five days, Daniel frets about the “cocoa magic” fading. His classmates surprise him with their own act of kindness. Drawing inspiration from her background as a clinical social worker, Bradley crafts a story laced with empathy and kindness. Grimard’s soft, mixed-media illustrations evoke a sense of coziness as well as the historical Charlottetown setting…Endpapers mimic a box of chocolates—a delicious touch…Sweet as sugar.”

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Booklist

“This sweet story follows a young boy, who, through a small act of kindness, leads a movement at his school….Grimard’s soft, muted artwork captures the old-fashioned feel of the story and its 1920s time period, but its message of giving is timeless. Bradley brings her experience as a social worker to this tale of empathy and kindness.”

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Quill & Quire

“Cocoa Magic is a gentle, nostalgic story that uses chocolate as a metaphor for caring and generosity….This is a very sweet story – and not because it’s about chocolate! Being able to notice the feelings of others and figure out how to help them feel better with acts of generosity is a key skill for children to learn, and this story uses gift-giving as a way to make those skills concrete. Even though the book is set in a very specific place and time, the message is universal.

The illustrations have a glowing warmth that suits the story’s tone….And the chocolates look good enough to eat, too! Cocoa Magic has a timeless feel – it could easily have been written anytime in the hundred years between the time it is set and now – and is sure to resonate with kids and their parents.”

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Youth Services Book Review

“The illustrations (two-page spreads, with no borders), created in watercolor, gouache, oil, colored pencil and digital media, create a world of the 1920s evoking a time gone by….A nice readaloud to preschool, kindergarten and first graders depicting the kindness it is possible to create with such little effort.”

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Children’s Literature

“As a clinical social worker, the author has noticed that empathy can be cultivated through the power of a seemingly small act of kindness. Soft illustrations accompany the story well, and the font is clear and legible for children. While some children’s books about big topics like empathy miss the mark of a child-friendly vocabulary, this book is well-pitched to reach its intended audience and spark big themes. This could even serve as a good holiday read for young children who might struggle with the joy of gift-giving over merely gift-receiving….Reviewer Rating: 4”

CM Magazine

“Grimard particularly shines with the drawings of the sweets which are beautiful and decadent and, even on the page, drool-worthy.

The author, who is a social worker, includes a note…about how empathy can be something we are born with but also something that we can learn, and that empathy can be manifested as kindness….it’s a wholesome story with beautiful illustrations and a lesson that everyone can learn from.”

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Open Book 

“Sandra Bradley’s Cocoa Magic (Pajama Press, illustrated by Gabrielle Grimard) is coming out at just the right time: combining a story of kindness and generosity with a fragrant chocolate shop as its homey backdrop makes it hard to picture a more perfect holiday read….Atmospheric and nostalgic in its landscape of crisp winter mornings and the cozy chocolate shop, Cocoa Magic is also grounded in authentic, clear-eyed empathy, using everyone’s favourite indulgence to muse intelligently on how we can witness, help, and support one another – a conversation that makes sense and is enhanced by Bradley’s background as a clinic social worker.”

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Edible Inland Northwest

“This charming picture book is…beautifully illustrated, and manages to be both about chocolate and empathy. Recommended for ages 4-7.”

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The International Educator

“Cocoa Magic by Sandra Bradley, illustrated by Gabrielle Grimard, is an old fashioned story of kindness and empathy….A story about doing little things for others to build empathy and compassion, with the most delicious looking end pages I’ve ever seen!”

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CanLit for LittleCanadians

“There is much kindness in giving gifts in secret, in not expecting thanks or acknowledgement. It’s giving for the sake of giving and not for reciprocity or reward. With the holiday season upon us, Sandra Bradley‘s book of Cocoa Magic, deliciously illustrated by Gabrielle Grimard, reminds us of the goodness of giving….What a wonderful story of empathy!…Sandra Bradley, a clinical social worker and therapist, makes the story of Cocoa Magic one of kindness without expectation of reciprocity. She shows the positive nature of giving both on the recipient and the giver….Gabrielle Grimard‘s illustrations, created with watercolour, gouache, coloured pencil and digital media, are filled with the sweetness of love, kindness, generosity and confections….There may be magic in the cocoa and the sugar but most of it comes from the empathy demonstrated through the gift giving. Perhaps at this time of year, that’s the important message to cherish from Cocoa Magic.”

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Sal’s Fiction Addiction

“Does chocolate spring to mind as the Christmas season gets under way? Why chocolate? It’s one of those gifts that seems to make everyone happier. That premise certainly works in this charming story that takes place in a Prince Edward Island school in the 1920s….Mixed-media illustrations by Ms. Grimard offer young readers a real feel for this time in history while also showing the emotions felt with such wonderful acts of goodness.”

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Book Time

“What a beautiful book. That was my first thought when I received a copy of Cocoa Magic by Sandra Bradley and Gabrielle Grimard. My second thought was you can never go wrong with a book that features chocolate. The fact that chocolate is used as a way to bring a bit of magic and joy into people’s lives makes the book even better….The illustrations are beautiful, as is the story. In her author’s note, Bradley, a clinical social worker, she said her book is a story “about empathy and one child’s ability to turn his understanding of another’s feelings into a small act of kindness.” Bradley talks about empathy and how it can be taught.”

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Luminous Libro 

“5 out of 5 stars…What an adorable book! I love how compassionate and generous Daniel is, and how he inspires others to be kind as well. He really takes the time to notice other people’s feelings and does what he can to help. The illustrations are mouth-wateringly beautiful!…I love the pretty art style and all the bright colors.”

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Charlotte Offsay (Instagram)

“Oh my goodness I love this story. This is the book everyone needs this holiday season (or all year round really)….A heart-squeezing story of the power of kindness and a reminder that the smallest gestures can often be the most meaningful.”

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Growing Book by Book (Instagram)

“I’m very grateful to have a chocolate book on my shelf to use for the holidays or really any time of the year because this book has a universal everyday message that can be enjoyed year-round….Recommended for ages 4 and up.

P.S. Don’t miss the endpapers of this book!

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Homeschoolingabhi (Instagram)

“If only I could pick a chocolate out of the book to eat, I would. What a sweet book to read this holiday season that teaches kids to be kind and thoughtful and to think about others. Sometimes it doesn’t take a lot to experience joy or bring happiness to others.”

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Olivia the Librarian (Instagram) 

“A story as sweet as candy….Bradley, a clinical social worker, imbues the story with thoughtfulness and the spirit of giving in a way sure to prompt reflection and discussion amongst readers. Grimard’s illustrations lend a timeless atmosphere to the tale, ideal for sharing in group or one-on-one settings. A concluding author’s note reviews the importance of empathy….A warm and tender treat.”

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School Library Journal

“Simple math problems are lively and fun in this sweet picture book that shows all the different ways to add up to 10, then goes one step beyond, e.g., “6 pots + 4 pans = 10 dishes…or a feast!”…The children are an ability-diverse group….They have a range of hair textures and skin tones; in fact, a variety of browns, tans, and pinks are the dominant colors in the illustrations, which also feature a palette of muted primaries (red, blue, yellow). A note to adults suggests four ways to make learning foundational early math skills fun with a child….Add this book to all early childhood collections, and watch the math come out”

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Kirkus Reviews

“8 + 2 becomes more than just numbers in this invitation to think outside the worksheet. Here, as she did for shapes and for sounds in her previous entries in the Big, Little Concepts series, Allenby turns arithmetic into play…The author supplies caregivers with further enrichment activities designed to stretch counting and classification skills at the end, and Zeng’s expressively posed children are having so much fun throughout that readers will jump at the chance to join in…Teachers and parents can count on an enthusiastic response from younger audiences.”

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Children’s Literature

“Join a group of young children as they add to ten in creative ways with this math-themed picture book….The illustrations are colorful and straightforward. Children with different skin colors and abilities are shown in the illustrations, as are a child in a wheelchair and one with hearing aids. Even the end pages show the numerical equations! This is a great book for introducing or reinforcing early math skills at home or in a preschool classroom….Reviewer Rating: 5”

CM Magazine

“Let’s Add Up! is a cheerful book that can teach young children counting concepts and new vocabulary. It can help instill a joy of learning which can then contribute to lifelong curiosity and a pursuit of knowledge….[Victoria Allenby] has the knack to put delight in discovery…she takes children’s thinking to another level….Montreal illustrator Maggie Zeng complements Allenby’s content with playful characters….The happy children are a diverse group, representing the current Canadian population….Let’s Add Up! can be a useful addition to a childcare centre as well as a home collection. It will create opportunities for children and adults to have many shared experiences while giving children skills and learning that will last.

Highly Recommended”

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YA Books Central

“The author uses easy, simple words that are easy for young children to understand, but not so simple that it is a chore for a parent to read aloud. The illustrations are cute and vivid, and they provide that necessary step for visual learners. I enjoyed that the author included fun activities for kids at the end of the book, perfect for kinesthetic learners. Let’s Add Up! would be a great addition to any beginner reading/counter library – whether at home or a school setting.

Good Points: Easy To Read, Vivid illustrations, Educational

Overall Rating: 5”

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Storytime with Stephanie

“[T]he perfect early learning book to get readers excited about numbers….The book, part of Pajama Press Inc’s Big, Little Concept Books line, is created especially for early readers with sturdy, heavy card pages and a soft heavy duty cover, it’s a book that will stand up to multiple readings. It also has excellent back matter to help parents and educators extend the learning in the story. There is lots of inspiration for math centers or small world exploration that will come from this simple little story.

Maggie Zeng’s illustrations are inclusive and full of joy….The art makes the story feel like a community or classroom, perfect for the theme of the book.

There are very few math focused picture books available to readers and educators to foster not only a love of reading but also a love of numbers. Victoria Allenby has found a gap in the toolkit and has filled it with Let’s Add Up! I hope there are more math focused books in the future.”

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The International Educator

“Let’s Add Up! by Victoria Allenby, with art by Maggie Zeng, is a frolicking romp counting to 10….Fun to count and read (and then have a party!) with a Kindergarten class.

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Luminous Libro

“5 out of 5 stars….This is such a cute book! It really makes it fun to learn addition and see what the children will do with each type of item….It makes learning addition easy because each page is such a clear visual representation of the arithmetic that is happening.

I loved the adorable illustrations, and I really appreciated that the children on each page are from diverse ethnicities and abilities. I love the sweet smiles on all their faces, and the way each child is included in their fun activities.”

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Book Time

“Victoria Allenby’s latest picture book for two to five year olds introduces early math skills….What I like about this padded board book is that while five drums plus five tambourines do add up to 10 instruments, it also adds up to a band….It’s a fun concept that shows more than math skills.

At the end of the book, Allenby offers four ways to make learning fun.”

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Kirkus Reviews

“Buckle up, young dino!

Eight species of dinosaurs from across geologic periods are featured, each paired with a type of motor vehicle. The nearly-all white backgrounds keep children’s full attention on the dinosaur and vehicle introduced on each double-page spread. Iguanodon drives an electric vehicle, while Triceratops and their friends prefer motorcycles. Tyrannosaurus Rex drives a monster truck, while Carnotaurus makes a living driving a limousine. Diplodocus drives a bus, while Brachiosaurus dreams of driving a Jeep—but only when she’s old enough to do so. The concept of the book is interesting and gets a big lift from four appended suggestions for caregivers on engaging readers and honing their critical-thinking skills….Young readers who sit firmly in the Venn diagram overlap of dinosaur lovers and car enthusiasts will be thrilled, and with the right guidance, those outside of that overlap will be interested as well. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Amusing fun from the “Car”-taceous era! (Picture book. 4-6)”

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Publishers Weekly

“Dinosaurs hit the road as Leitch and Ritchie pair eight species with their ideal vehicles… Set against white backgrounds, Ritchie’s cartoonlike pencil, ink, and digital art presents the subjects’ personalities with an anthropomorphized stylishness befitting their vehicle of choice: Velociraptors sit easily in a minicar, while Diplodocus less comfortably occupies a yellow school bus… a playfully tender concluding scene should fuel driving daydreams. Back matter includes facts and discussion prompts.”

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Booklist

“In a (mostly) four wheeled flight of “What If…” Leitch pairs prehistoric motorists to preferred motor vehicles and Ritchie puts pedal to the metal with windswept views of full sized dinos atop, usually, hilariously tiny cars, motorcycles, or (in the case of T. Rex) a monster truck…Sporting loud, unnatural, vigorously brushed colors the eight drivers prance on foot across a closing spread alongside identifying labels and facts, and the author tacks on a set of extension activities”

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School Library Journal

“There is a page of facts about dinosaurs at the end of the book and a list of questions prompting creative thinking about dinosaurs and vehicles.”

Children’s Literature

“Lively dinosaurs and colorful vehicles collide, combining two preschooler-popular topics in one playful story with the imaginings of “dinos driving.” Bright, exciting illustrations on the contrasting white background will catch the attention of toddlers through school-age children; and large, multicolored text appeals to beginning readers….Bolded dinosaur names and vehicle terms aid in word recognition, and the end-of-reading picture glossary is a useful tool for a young audience. The closing page offers activity suggestions to expand children’s critical-thinking skills….Whether read aloud by an adult at home, shared by a teacher in the classroom, or selected as an independent reading choice, the title has vast appeal and will fascinate children and adults alike….Reviewer Rating: 5”

Youth Services Book Review

“Cute and cuddly dinosaurs drive a variety of vehicles, with each illustration loosely tied to an attribute of the extinct animal…The very attractive pen-and-ink drawings filled with digital color look like watercolor and the bold, irregular font changes color to match both the dinosaurs and the vehicles. I definitely liked the clean, spare, and stylish look of the book, with its boldly colored illustrations on mostly white pages. A short afterward shows pictures of the creatures and clarifies the attribute that led to their vehicle assignment. Also included: a list of interactive questions for adult readers to use with their children.”

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YA Books Central 

“Each page introduces a species of dinosaurs, such as velociraptor or brachiosaurus, and states what kind of car they would drive…I recommend this book to parents or teachers of young children in the age 3-8 range who enjoy dinosaurs and are beginning to explore repetitive beginner books with increasing independence. Overall rating 4.5″

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CM Magazine

“Scot Ritchie…has contributed his signature illustrations to bolster this…picture book written by first-time author Lynn Leitch. Spread by spread, one brightly-coloured dinosaur after another can be seen steering some kind of motor vehicle across the viewer’s horizon…The author has ended the book with a page directed at parents and care-givers with ideas for expanding on the use of the book through discussion and activities. Ritchie’s illustrations are definitely the star here. Dinos Driving would be an entertaining addition to picture book collections for young ones interested in both dinosaurs and things that go. Recommended”

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Storytime with Stephanie

“I love the opportunity for critical and creative thinking involved in Dinos Driving…Lynn Leitch pairs a few different dinosaurs with their ideal vehicles…It’s a really cute story that dinosaur enthusiasts will love.

Throughout the book, readers have an opportunity to look at each dinosaur and their chosen preferred vehicle and make inferences as to why each dinosaur had chosen each particular vehicle. This allows readers to use their critical thinking skills and also provides the opportunity to extend the thinking to other dinosaurs not included in the book…There is also a handy parent’s guide at the end to help extend the story beyond the preschool years…Scot Ritchie’s illustrations are whimsical and fun. I love the movement on each page, signaling which dinosaurs like to go fast and which prefer a slower pace. Children will have a good laugh seeing how the different dinosaurs navigate driving their vehicles.”

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Kids Book Buzz

“I like that I can read the book by myself, and I like looking at the pictures on each page because they are bright and colorful. The book is silly because we know that most dinosaurs couldn’t even fit into cars, but fun to read about anyways! This story would be a good one for little kids to enjoy or people of any age who really like dinosaurs!

Reviewed By: Lydia – age 8”

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Storywraps

“Velociraptor, Iguanodon, Triceratops, Tyrannosaurus Rex, Bradchiourus ( and more )  all weigh in the kind of vehicle that they want to drive.  The illustrations animate the text and tickle kid’s imaginations.  The book is enriched with preschool- friendly facts and activities.  Eight dino-mite dinosaurs will take you on a ride of your life.  I love the whole exciting vibe of the book and I highly recommend it.”

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Book Time

“If your favourite dinosaur drives a vehicle, what kind would it drive? In this picture book, author Lynn Leitch answers just that question: Velociraptor drives a mini car, while Tyrannosaurus Rex drives a monster truck (really, what else would he drive?)….I love the illustrations by Scot Ritchie.”

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The International Educator

“[A] wild ride that will be especially exciting for little ones who like dinosaurs and cars….A fun book to share out loud.”

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Luminous Libro

“5 out of 5 stars….This is such a fun book! It’s cool to imagine what the dinosaurs would drive based on their size and the characteristics we know about them. I like that the text is simple, but it really sparks your imagination!

The illustrations are adorable, and I loved the cute designs for each dinosaur character….Every page has something new and interesting!”

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School Library Journal

“A genuine and thoughtful realistic novel that focuses on protecting our animals and resources….this moving middle grade novel will keep kids interested. Readers will be putting the pieces of the plot together as they turn each compelling page. Kadarusman adeptly weaves factual information about orangutans and the rainforest into the fictional story….A recommended purchase for elementary or middle school libraries. A perfect choice to give to fans of The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, and an inspiring tale in support of environmental conservation.”

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Kirkus Reviews

“Inspired to help orangutans facing habitat destruction for palm oil agriculture, Malia disregards her teacher’s warning and circulates a petition through her private school in Surabaya, Indonesia.

The seventh grader garners peer support, but the petition falls afoul of the government’s pro–palm oil stance, resulting in both Malia’s and her teacher’s suspensions. Meanwhile, Ari has moved to the city to work in his uncle’s restaurant and attend middle school. Ari feels guilty for his good luck and even more guilty as he looks after Ginger Juice, the sad-eyed orangutan trapped in a too-small cage at the restaurant. Ari feels helpless until he learns about Malia’s petition, which offers information about rescuing captive orangutans. All the while, Ginger Juice dreams of the jungle and her lost mother. Told through alternating viewpoints, Malia’s and Ari’s chapters detail the corruption, inequities, and prejudices that are obstacles to activism as well as the differences between Ari’s village life and Malia’s privileges…the portrayal of Malia’s experiences as the biracial daughter of an Indonesian father who has passed away and a White mother from Toronto is nuanced and well integrated into the larger plot.

A stirring introduction to the plight faced by orangutans.”

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Booklist

“Seventh-graders Malia and Ari seem unlikely to cross paths. Malia has had a privileged upbringing at one of Indonesia’s best schools, and Ari is grateful to be attending a less prestigious academy in a neighboring town. But one subject binds them together: orangutans…When the kids’ lives finally overlap, a series of events change their lives—and Ginger Juice’s fate—in ways they never could’ve imagined. The expansive story, nimbly told from both human and orangutan viewpoints, gives glimpses into different class, race, and even species experiences while introducing readers to life in Indonesia and the plight of the orangutans. Ari and Malia are warm and well-intentioned guides, and it’s impossible to resist Ginger Juice’s gentle charms. A compelling call to action and a crucial reminder that, while doing what is right is not always easy, it is always worthwhile.”

CM Magazine

“Author Michelle Kadarusman deftly weaves several social justice messages through the narratives of her three protagonists while giving readers a glimpse into the standard of living for different families in Indonesia….At the end of the novel, Kadarusman includes notes to further educate her readers about orangutans and how they can be helped. Also included in the notes is a glossary that provides definitions for some of the Indonesian words found in the novel. The additional issues and storylines add richness to the narrative that brings Kadarusman’s story alive within its appropriate cultural and societal context.

I particularly appreciated how the author depicted the wide-ranging consequences of choices and activism. The author carefully suggests to readers some of the possible impacts Malia’s and Ari’s choices may have on their futures as well as on the lives of others….Kadarusman’s novel exudes the positive message that everyone can make a difference while also reminding readers that there are always consequences – good or bad – to the choices one makes and that many situations are not as black and white as we perceive….Highly Recommended”

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The International Educator

“Berani by Michelle Kadarusman is a perfect book for international schools. This is a novel takes place in Indonesia and is told in 3 voices… Each one of them needs courage to stand up for their convictions and follow their hearts, despite the consequences this may have. A fantastic read that shows kids (and readers of all ages) to believe in their values and that they, too, can change the world.”

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Books + Publishing

“Berani is a powerful middle-grade story about animal activism set in Indonesia, by the Indonesian-Australian author of Music for Tigers. Weaving in two interconnected stories and three voices, including that of a captive orangutan, Michelle Kadarusman creates a number of moral dilemmas for the book’s protagonists and shows them working together on an orangutan rescue…The story is exciting and engaging, with strong character development as Malia and Ari learn to take agency in their own lives, making some big decisions about the world they want to live in. Berani is ideal for animal lovers or readers interested in activism and would also be a good choice for book clubs. Highly recommended for readers aged nine to 12.”

Open Book 

“Governor General’s Literary Award-nominated children’s writer Michelle Kadarusman brings her passion for the great apes to the page in her moving new middle grade novel…A book about bravery and doing what’s right, standing up for the voiceless, and what we owe one another, Berani is a powerful, bittersweet, and engrossing story that can help blow the spark of environmentalism in young readers into a flame.”

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CBC Books

“[Michelle Kadarusman’s] novels have a compelling way of unraveling complex world issues for children and teens.

Her latest middle-grade novel, Berani, is no exception. The story is told in three voices: Malia, who is determined to risk whatever is necessary as a young environmental activist; Ari, who can tell what is right but fears what that path will cost him; and Ginger Juice, a caged orangutan whose former home was turned into a palm-oil plantation.

In Berani, Kadarusman draws on the plight of orangutans while offering up a narrative steeped in empathy and inspiration for youth.”

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The Canadian Children’s Book Centre

“From memorable, courageous characters to thought-provoking themes, Berani has it all. Set in Indonesia, the latest middle-grade novel by Governor General’s Literary Award finalist Michelle Kadarusman centres around an orangutan held in captivity and the converging efforts of two seemingly disparate seventh graders…Kadarusman expertly explores how doing the right thing isn’t always easy, and what is easy isn’t always right. Berani is a multilayered, nuanced novel with a strong message: “One person can make a difference.”

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CCBC Book News

“Michelle Kadarusman has authored another fabulous novel for middle-grade students that delves into the issues that Indonesia is facing regarding their rainforests and orangutan population. A glossary, information about orangutans and an author’s note are included at the back of the book offering tips on what can be done to help. I think young readers will thoroughly appreciate and enjoy reading this latest offering by Kadarusman and perhaps be inspired to become social activists themselves.”

Kathie MacIsaac

“This author was a Governor General’s Award finalist for her 2019 book, GIRL OF THE SOUTHERN SEA, and I will pick up anything she writes. Still, the stunning cover of BERANI designed by Peggy Collins will draw readers to this story told from three different points of view that focus on environmental activism in Indonesia…These three perspectives weave together into a moving and inspiring story about standing up for what you believe…Fans of THE ONE AND ONLY IVAN will especially want to add this book to their TBR shelf.”

Book Time

“Michelle Kadarusman’s latest middle grade book, Berani, was a great read…The book is told in three voices – Malia, who has had a privileged upbringing in Indonesia and uses her voice to share the plight of her country’s orangutan; Ari, who knows he is lucky to be working in his uncle’s shop so he can go to school and play on the chess club; and Ginger Juice, his uncle’s orangutan, which is being kept in a too-small cage and is growing more desolate by the day.

Each voice is unique, and each story is connected to the other…I look forward to reading it again.”

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Storytime with Stephanie

“Michelle Kadarusman always writes from the heart. The love she has for the places she writes about is evident throughout all her stories and none more than in Berani. I really appreciate how she takes readers on a journey, to the special places of her childhood and her heart but also grounds them to her current home in Canada. Readers have the opportunity to travel and learn about the wide world around them while still having the connection to home. In really enjoyed Berani’s three different voices, providing readers with three different perspectives of the lives of other living in Indonesia. Each voice was clear and it was easy to navigate the story, never forgetting who the story was centering at any given time because of each character’s clear voice.

I especially loved the discussions about Malia’s activism. There are always consequences of social activism. There is an incredible opportunity for discussion, through this story, about orangutans, habitat destruction, farming culture, livelihood and the world’s reliance on single industries. In Canada, we can link the discussions about habitat destruction and livelihood by comparing with the logging industry or the oil and gas industry.

If you enjoyed The One and Only Ivan, put Berani on your TBR list. I think you will love it even more.”

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The Book Muse

“The latest novel from Michelle Kadarusman, an Indonesian-Australian author, tackles climate change, the palm oil, industry, illegal animal trade, and the plight of orangutans in Indonesia. The story is told through three perspectives – Malia, Ari, and Ginger Juice….It is a powerful story that needs to be told, and it fits in well with all the other climate change fiction that is coming out at the moment….I love this book, and it dealt with important and heavy issues in a way that is accessible to younger readers and gives them pointers on how they can help at the back of the book. I also loved reading a story set in a country that is often not seen in the books I read and showing a culture that is vastly different….It is a story about choices and consequences, and growing up – about finding your way, knowing what is right and doing what is right, whilst working out where you stand and what you are capable of doing. I hope people love this story just as much as I did.”

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CanLit for LittleCanadians 

“As someone who cares for the environment, I think Berani is a fantastic way to introduce some of our world’s problems to kids. This book touches on so many important issues: animal rights, climate change, preserving the environment, the loss of family members, and the struggles of moving. The main characters Ari, Malia, and of course Ginger Juice are brave, kind, and thoughtful. The book’s colourful descriptions and Indonesian words sprinkled throughout (a glossary is provided) really set the scene, and the way the chapters flip between the kids’ and orangutan’s perspectives is a nice touch as well. It’s a great way to start conversations about our world, and our responsibilities as inhabitants of it….Berani, which I would rate 9 out of 10 stars, is definitely worth a read!

~ Written by Bronte, Gr. 9”

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Mrs. Book Dragon 

“What an awesome book! Multiple POVs (including an animal point of view), short chapters, student activism, and doing the right thing even when it’s the hardest thing…[Michelle Kadarusman] has such a talent for creating worlds…book was a treasure to read.”

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Jill’s Book Blog

“Rating: ★★★★★…This was a touching and emotional story…it’s important to read these types of stories because they reflect real world problems. Berani is a beautiful middle grade story.”

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@westmaplemedia

“Berani by [Michelle Kadarusman] captivates, inspires, and gives hope. This tale takes you to Indonesia through three perspectives interwoven with culture, environment, and character growth.”

Dr. Larry Recommends

“This fine novel, set in Indonesia is a story of activism and animal rights, choices and consequences…The three perspectives are woven together as readers enter the worlds of three conflicted, fearful  characters…the author builds readers’ compassion as they learn about the circumstances and choices of each character who bravely confront the odds of class, culture and climate change. This is a wonderful novel and my guess [is] it will be on several Canadian award lists in the year ahead.”

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