When Bao isn't able to have a doll that she really wants, she takes matters into her own hands. It doesn't go well as she must return the doll. Bao alWhen Bao isn't able to have a doll that she really wants, she takes matters into her own hands. It doesn't go well as she must return the doll. Bao already feels distant from her Mom who grew up in Taiwan with nothing. Will Bao's antics bring them closer together or create even more distance between them? If your looking for a picture book about stealing or one to replace the late 1980s Arnie and the Stolen Markers, this will work....more
Juno and his Mom adjust to their new home in this story that tugs at the heart. At first Juno does not like the new home nor does he like the mourningJuno and his Mom adjust to their new home in this story that tugs at the heart. At first Juno does not like the new home nor does he like the mourning (morning) doves and their sad cooing sound. (view spoiler)[When he discovers their destroyed nest, he has a change of heart. As he helps the birds rebuild their home, he sees the good in himself, others and his new home. (hide spoiler)] If you're looking for a mentor text about homelessness or empathy, give this a try....more
A cautionary tale about what happens when a group of geese and ducks ((view spoiler)[led by the geese (hide spoiler)]) separate themselves from the otA cautionary tale about what happens when a group of geese and ducks ((view spoiler)[led by the geese (hide spoiler)]) separate themselves from the other farm animals. Things go from bad to worse to worse. Will the farm animals reconcile (view spoiler)[or will the cattle, pigs, sheep, etc. let the foxes take care of the geese and ducks once and for all (hide spoiler)]?...more
Ameena is the new girl at school who spends most of her time alone. Then Sundus arrives, could she be the friend Ameena is looking for? (view spoiler)Ameena is the new girl at school who spends most of her time alone. Then Sundus arrives, could she be the friend Ameena is looking for? (view spoiler)[After a few missteps, the two girls bond over their Muslim faith. (hide spoiler)]...more
Paddle-to-the-Sea for the 21st century. Like the 1942 Caldecott Honor Paddle-to-the-Sea, this story shows how the Great Lakes are all related to each Paddle-to-the-Sea for the 21st century. Like the 1942 Caldecott Honor Paddle-to-the-Sea, this story shows how the Great Lakes are all related to each other. The last illustrations in the two stories are also quite similar, Paddle shows a young man in a canoe and this one shows two kids and a dog in a kayak. ...more
Even though this wasn't on my Caldecott radar for 2025, it is a more than a worthy winner (IMO). I read it several times. The illustrations really do Even though this wasn't on my Caldecott radar for 2025, it is a more than a worthy winner (IMO). I read it several times. The illustrations really do tell the story of the many ways Chooch tries to help his various family members. It is also a story about the relationship his older sister (who everyone calls Sissy) has with him. If you're looking for a story with just the right amount of feels or one to create empathy in your children or students, try this Caldecott winner. ...more
There's lots of creativity in this story about friends Makeda and Glory who makes all sorts of things for the class hamster, Subway as they attempt toThere's lots of creativity in this story about friends Makeda and Glory who makes all sorts of things for the class hamster, Subway as they attempt to find what makes him happy. If you're looking for a mentor text or read aloud that promotes imagination and problem solving, give this a try....more
Was this classic story about a nutcracker that comes to life and a young girl (view spoiler)[who saves the nutcracker when he comes to life by throwinWas this classic story about a nutcracker that comes to life and a young girl (view spoiler)[who saves the nutcracker when he comes to life by throwing her slipper a the mouse king (hide spoiler)] the one that started, "Was it a dream or was it real?" question?...more
An introduction to fake news for the young. (view spoiler)[IMO, the book may create more confusion than clarification. (hide spoiler)]An introduction to fake news for the young. (view spoiler)[IMO, the book may create more confusion than clarification. (hide spoiler)]...more
If you're looking for a picture book to share the joys of trail rides and group rides, this is it. What starts out as a picture book about a young chiIf you're looking for a picture book to share the joys of trail rides and group rides, this is it. What starts out as a picture book about a young child and parent going for a bike rider morphs into what reminds me of the group bike rides and bike tours I was part of in the late 1990s and early 2000s....more
Even though there's plenty of slapstick humor and hijinks, this latest Bruce story will work best when shared one to one between a caregiver and childEven though there's plenty of slapstick humor and hijinks, this latest Bruce story will work best when shared one to one between a caregiver and child. ...more
A Valentines book with French flair, will Escargot find his Snailentine? (view spoiler)[Or will he find his Volentine when he meets the charming vole,A Valentines book with French flair, will Escargot find his Snailentine? (view spoiler)[Or will he find his Volentine when he meets the charming vole, Volerie? The two share a common interest in dancing. (hide spoiler)]...more
Can you figure out who is eating Mikey's donuts before he does? I had to read this twice to see what was really happening in the illustrations. This iCan you figure out who is eating Mikey's donuts before he does? I had to read this twice to see what was really happening in the illustrations. This is a cute interactive story for caregivers and preschoolers....more
What should you do if you make a mistake? High Top learns in this story that's full of shoe puns (fun). (view spoiler)[A sincere apology can make thinWhat should you do if you make a mistake? High Top learns in this story that's full of shoe puns (fun). (view spoiler)[A sincere apology can make things better. (hide spoiler)]...more
4 stars for content, 3 stars for plotline. If you're curious about Eid or Eid ul-Fitr, this book is a good introduction to some of the customs and bel4 stars for content, 3 stars for plotline. If you're curious about Eid or Eid ul-Fitr, this book is a good introduction to some of the customs and beliefs around it....more
Not just another picture book about death and grieving, this one explores the different kinds of deaths we might experience and the different ways we Not just another picture book about death and grieving, this one explores the different kinds of deaths we might experience and the different ways we can support others when they are grieving. If you're looking for a book to share with your students or children on how to support a friend or classmate that has recently experienced a death of some sort, share this one. ...more
3.5 stars. (view spoiler)[Was it all a dream or not? It will be up to readers to decide if the dragon was real or wishful thinking. (hide spoiler)] Th3.5 stars. (view spoiler)[Was it all a dream or not? It will be up to readers to decide if the dragon was real or wishful thinking. (hide spoiler)] This was a cute story about a boy who wishes for a dragon and marshmallows only to find out that the dragon is unable to roast the marshmallows. Will the two be able to find a solution or compromise? If you're looking for a new read-aloud, this could work....more