Max calls for his mother every time he needs something. He screams out "Mama!" if he is hungry or can't reach his toys or wants a glass of water. He yMax calls for his mother every time he needs something. He screams out "Mama!" if he is hungry or can't reach his toys or wants a glass of water. He yells for her so much that she tells him to only call for her if he really needs help. One day he screams for his mother, but she doesn't respond. She waits to see what he will do without her. And he learns to be more independent and solve his own little problems by himself. His mother is still there to help him when he really needs it, but Max starts doing things on his own more and more. Until one day, his mother is the one to yell out "Max!" when he is making a mess in the kitchen!
This is such a fun story about learning to rely on yourself and be more independent. I really like the positive messages in this book! The illustrations are so cute and bring a lot of comedy into the story.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone....more
Charlie and his class are going on a camping trip. Charlie's camp buddy is the biggest boy in class, Big Louis. Charlie does his best to help Louis, bCharlie and his class are going on a camping trip. Charlie's camp buddy is the biggest boy in class, Big Louis. Charlie does his best to help Louis, but everything seems to go wrong. Charlie drops a hammer on Louis' foot, then bandages the wrong foot. Louis is lighting the birthday candles on a cake when Charlie sees fire of the candles and dumps a bucket of water on Louis to "save" him. He "helps" Louis to wash his clothes in the river, but the current carries the clothes away, so Louis has to run back to the tent naked. A bear attacks the campsite and everyone is terrified, but this time Charlie has the perfect solution that really DOES help!
Why was it necessary for Big Louis to be naked? Was that supposed to be funny? It seems like poor Louis is the target of every joke in this book. Charlie should be more sensitive to other people's needs, and not drift along hurting other people with his ineptitude. Charlie never even apologizes to Louis for all the pain and trouble he caused. I guess this book is supposed to be funny, but I didn't care for the moral messages in this book.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone....more
Charlie does everything to get the attention of Iris, a girl in his class. But she just doesn't seem to see him. One day she announces that she will bCharlie does everything to get the attention of Iris, a girl in his class. But she just doesn't seem to see him. One day she announces that she will be getting new eyeglasses, and Charlie thinks that surely now she will notice him. But even with her new glasses, she just ignores him. Charlie thinks that maybe HE needs glasses, so he tries on his brother's sunglasses, some rose-colored glasses, some 3D glasses, and even X-ray glasses. But nothing works. Finally, he gets a real pair of prescription eyeglasses from the eye doctor. The next time he sees Iris, she walks right past, but Charlie notices someone else behind Iris... her best friend Rose. Maybe Charlie needed to be the one to see properly and take notice.
I did not like that when Charlie tries on the X-ray glasses the story says that he can see everyone naked and that he can see the mailman's bottom. First of all, that makes no sense. Since if you were looking at people through an X-ray, you would just see their bones. Secondly, why is this book teaching that it's okay to spy on people naked?!?!?!
I'm also confused about why Charlie is obsessed with this Iris girl. That can't be healthy. First of all, he 's too little to be getting involved with girls. Why is that such a focus in his life? And then secondly, why is he wasting his time on a girl that is obviously not interested in being his friend? It just seems like his priorities are skewed or something. I get that the book has a positive message at the end, but it seems like it could have been handled in a more healthy way rather than just focusing his obsession on yet another girl.
The illustrations are cute. Most of the story is funny. I just don't like the moral messages in this book.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone....more
A little girl is sometimes scared, but her lion helps her to be brave. They are always together through everything. The little girl goes to a new playA little girl is sometimes scared, but her lion helps her to be brave. They are always together through everything. The little girl goes to a new playground and climbs up the highest slide she has ever seen. The lion climbs up with her. But when they get to the top, they are BOTH scared! It looks too high! How will they ever find the courage to get down? They give each other courage because they are together!
I love the beautiful art work in this book! The lion is vibrant and big, and the little girl is full of bouncing energy. They are so cute!
I love the positive messages about courage and relying on others to help you when you need some encouragement.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone....more
Betty loves to visit her grandmother in the country. They get to work in the community garden and harvest berries to make jam. But one morning they diBetty loves to visit her grandmother in the country. They get to work in the community garden and harvest berries to make jam. But one morning they discover that something has destroyed part of the garden, digging up the grass and flowers and plants. Betty stays up late to spy out her window and she sees a badger digging up the garden looking for food. Betty comes up with a plan to scare off the badger and save the garden!
This is such a cute book! I love that Betty wants to safeguard all the plants and animals in the garden, and she really cherishes her time with her grandmother. It's a delight to see the garden through her eyes.
The illustrations are so pretty and colorful! You really get a sense of energy from the garden as all the growing things are pushing up and blossoming. Beautiful! And grandma's house looks so cozy. It probably smells like cinnamon and cookies.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone....more
Dakota the mouse receives a letter from her cousin Julien begging for her help to find a lost book. Dakota follows the clues to a bookstore in Paris. Dakota the mouse receives a letter from her cousin Julien begging for her help to find a lost book. Dakota follows the clues to a bookstore in Paris. She must search diligently to find each clue along the way that leads her to the secret book. But when she reaches the end of her search, the book is not at all what she expected.
This is such a cute book! Dakota is full of courage and resourcefulness. I just love stories about little mice making their way through a big world. I love all her funny adventures in the bookstore! The story encourages using your imagination.
One of the cool things about this book is that it is also a search-and-find. While Dakota is searching for the treasure, the reader can also search for the items listed in the back of the book. They are hidden in the background of every scene. I love the details in this book!
The illustrations are really colorful and interesting. I love the art style, and how expressive Dakota is.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone....more
In the 1870s, a silver mine was established in Idaho when a dog chasing a gopher starting digging a hole and found silver in the ground. A man named MIn the 1870s, a silver mine was established in Idaho when a dog chasing a gopher starting digging a hole and found silver in the ground. A man named Minnie Moore sold the silver mine to Henry Miller, making it Miller's Minnie Moore Mine. Henry Miller built a beautiful mansion for his wife and son. When he died, Mrs. Miller wanted to keep pigs to make some money breeding and selling them. However, the town wouldn't allow livestock in the yard within town limits. So Mrs. Miller decided to move the entire house outside of town using ingenious means of transport. How did they manage to move a three-story house four miles away from town? You'll have to read the book to find out! Or you could get a hint from the cover art.
What makes this story so interesting is that it's a real true story! I loved the many twists and turns of the story as the mine is sold, and the house is built, but the family has to reevaluate their circumstances once Henry Miller is gone.
I liked the unique art style. The illustrations are very detailed with lots of little things happening in the background.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone....more
Bird is waiting for Bear to come out and play when she falls into a flower and can't get out. She's trapped upside down inside the petals! Bear comes Bird is waiting for Bear to come out and play when she falls into a flower and can't get out. She's trapped upside down inside the petals! Bear comes out looking for her and thinks he has found a talking flower that keeps yelling for help.
Bird and Bear are going on a picnic. Bear says he has brought the music player, the fold-up chairs, and all the food, but really he has forgotten all those things. He distracts Bird with songs and games and foraged food. Bird pretends not to notice all the missing items, because she doesn't want to hurt Bear's feelings.
Bird and Bear both start to paint, but Bear is much better at it than Bird. Everyone praises Bear's painting, but Bird's painting is not very good. Bird gets sad, until Bear asks if he can hang up Bird's painting in his house!
These stories are so adorable! I love the positive messages of kindness and respect in each little story. This book is perfect for young readers who are just starting to read chapter books on their own. There are pictures on each page, but the story has more sentences than a shorter picture book. I love the cute illustrations!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone....more
Lupe is a rock star with music, but when she tries to read it's slow going. The school has a "Reading Wall of Fame" and you can get a shiny yellow staLupe is a rock star with music, but when she tries to read it's slow going. The school has a "Reading Wall of Fame" and you can get a shiny yellow star next to your name. Lupe wants to be rock star with reading too! But when one of her classmates makes fun of her slow reading, Lupe decides to give up on reading. It's too hard to sound out all the words. Her teacher tells her that reading and music work together, but Lupe just can't see it. Will she ever become a star reader?
I loved this book about gaining the confidence to try new things and work and practice until you get better at it. Music and reading really are very similar, since it's all about learning a new way to express yourself through language. As a teacher, I really appreciate that this book encourages kids to keep trying, keep working at it, until you master that new skill.
Lupe is such a cute character! The story is really fun and inspiring. I love the adorable illustrations! Such a great book for kids!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone....more
Abuela and Niña are as close as can be. They play together, shop together, cook together, and make beautiful cut banners (papel picado) in pretty desiAbuela and Niña are as close as can be. They play together, shop together, cook together, and make beautiful cut banners (papel picado) in pretty designs. They always go to the park and buy delicious pan dulce (sweet pastry) to share together. Every week Abuela sets aside a little bit of cash in a savings tin to someday buy a special surprise for her granddaughter. But as the economy in Mexico changes, they can't afford as many things. The government changes the money, and everyone has to exchange their cash. And Niña grows up a little more all the time. She spends more time with her school friends, instead of spending all her time with her grandmother. With all the changes around them, can Abuela and Niña still capture the love and happiness they used to have?
I loved this sweet book! I used to live in Mexico right at the time that the government changed the money. I remember, one day I would ask my parents, "Can I have 1,000 pesos to buy some candy?" But the next week I asked, "Can I have 10 pesos to buy some candy?" It was so weird and disorienting to have to figure out the prices of things. This book perfectly captures the confusion at that time of transition, and how many people were worried and struggling to make ends meet. But despite any economic circumstance, the love of a family continues on, steady and strong!
The illustrations are so pretty and I loved the cute designs for the characters. The setting in Mexico City makes me feel like I'm back at my childhood home. The store fronts, the street carts, the people, the food; it all looks exactly like I remember!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone....more
A female great white shark roams the oceans, searching for prey. She navigates through a sense called electroreception. She can find her way through mA female great white shark roams the oceans, searching for prey. She navigates through a sense called electroreception. She can find her way through miles and miles of ocean. She hunts seal pups, striking fast and sure to get her meal. She has special muscles that help her to move quickly in the water. She travels to warmer water to give birth to seven baby sharks, and immediately abandons them. They must fend for themselves, but she has left them in a place with rich and abundant food.
This was so interesting to learn about sharks! They are such unique creatures, and I actually learned some new things about how they eat and digest their food and how they give birth.
I loved the illustrations in this book! The blue and grey colors make you feel like you are swimming through the ocean with the sharks.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone....more
A child loses their invisible dinosaur and asks for the reader's help to find him. Everything was fine until the child gave the dinosaur a bath, and tA child loses their invisible dinosaur and asks for the reader's help to find him. Everything was fine until the child gave the dinosaur a bath, and then they lost track of the dino. "If only it were raining," they say. Or if there were mud or leaves or snow or something to show the dinosaur's whereabouts, then we could see their outline. The child walks dejectedly up a hill, and notices that the hill is mostly invisible! It's their dinosaur!
This is such a fun and clever story! It's really adorable how the child tries all these different things to find their dinosaur, including putting up "Missing" posters with no photo, because, you know... invisible. haha! Hilarious!
I love how the illustrations are partly drawings from the child themselves as they tell us the story. The art work is really cute! I love how there is an outline of the dinosaur on the cover that is a very faint sheen. You can't see it unless the light hits the cover just right, then you can see the glint of it.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone....more
When Aurora moves to the United States, she learns English. But Nena the dog does not learn English! Aurora has to give Nena commands in Spanish so thWhen Aurora moves to the United States, she learns English. But Nena the dog does not learn English! Aurora has to give Nena commands in Spanish so that the dog can understand. All the other dogs at the park obey English commands, and only Nena needs to hear "fetch" in Spanish. But Aurora doesn't mind. She has fun teaching their new friends how to give commands in Spanish, so that they can all play with Nena!
This is such a sweet book! I remember how disorienting it felt to learn a new language in a new country when I first learned Spanish in Mexico. I love the positive messages in this book about embracing a new language and making new friends.
The illustrations are really soft and pretty! I love the way that Aurora has sticky notes all over her house with words in Spanish and English to help her learn. Adorable!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone....more
3.5 stars One night the stars disappear, and Winston asks the moon what is going on. The moon says that the stars are all hiding because they are afrai3.5 stars One night the stars disappear, and Winston asks the moon what is going on. The moon says that the stars are all hiding because they are afraid. Winston climbs into the sky and walks among the clouds to see if he can find the stars. One little star falls into the cloud, and leads Winston to the hiding place where the other stars have congregated. The stars tell Winston that they are distressed by all the pollution on Earth, so he promises that he will help to clean up the Earth. He returns to Earth and rallies all his friends and neighbors to clean up trash and plant trees. The next night, the stars have returned, knowing that Winston and others like him will keep their promise.
The story is a little disjointed, almost like there are pieces missing from the plot. The text doesn't always make sense, and I wonder if the translation into English might be to blame. It might just be a poor translation. In fact, one time it says that Winston "jeered" at the star while thanking it. To "jeer" at someone is to laugh at them derisively. I don't think that is what the author intended.
The illustrations are really beautiful and magical! But sometimes the illustrations overwhelm the text. A few of the illustrations don't illustrate the action of the story very well. Like when the star falls into the clouds, I couldn't really tell where the star was. The artwork is just a big mass of swirling purple clouds.
Overall, a lovely story, but it could use a good editor.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone....more
4.5 stars A little girl prepares for her recital. She explains to the reader about all the different parts of the piano in a sing-song rhyme. We learn 4.5 stars A little girl prepares for her recital. She explains to the reader about all the different parts of the piano in a sing-song rhyme. We learn about the frame and strings inside the piano, and how the pedal controls the dampers, and how the keys control the hammers which strike the strings. When it's time for the recital, the little girl is nervous, but she takes a deep breath and focuses on her music. She shares the beautiful rhythms and cadences with her listeners. The music flows out of her instrument, and there is thunderous applause!
I really like that this book teaches about the different parts of the piano. So many of my piano students really have no idea about how their instrument actually works. I will definitely be sharing this book with my music students!
I love the positive messages in this book about not being scared at recitals and sharing your love of music with others. I liked the illustrations pretty well. The artwork depicting the piano music is especially lovely!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone....more
A box is left in the forest and it seems there is someone inside. The animals invite whoever-it-is to come out and join them, but the animal inside thA box is left in the forest and it seems there is someone inside. The animals invite whoever-it-is to come out and join them, but the animal inside the box shouts out, "No!" So the forest animals take a step back and try to think of ways to make whoever-it-is feel welcome. They have a circus show with music. They host a picnic. But whoever-it-is will not come out. Gently, the animals show their care and friendliness. And when whoever-it-is feels safe and welcome, they finally come out.
I love the positive messages in this book about being gentle with people and respecting their needs. It's such a sweet story! The animal characters are all so cute!
The illustrations are so soft and pretty! My favorite page is when they make music together and the fox is playing the piano. I'm a pianist, and I love that musician vibe among the animals. Music brings them together, and becomes a way for them to connect in a special way with their new friend.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone....more
Alma has a very long name. Alma Sofia Esperanza Jose Pura Candela. It's so long that it won't even fit on the paper when she tries to write her name! Alma has a very long name. Alma Sofia Esperanza Jose Pura Candela. It's so long that it won't even fit on the paper when she tries to write her name! She asks her father why she has such a long name, and he explains that Sofia was her grandmother. Esperanza was her great-grandmother. Jose was her grandfather, and Pura is her great-aunt. Alma shares special things in common with all her family. She loves to paint like her grandfather. She loves flowers and birds like her grandmother. The heritage that she shares with them is a part of who she is, so her name fits her just right.
I loved the main idea of this book about being connected to your family heritage and how your name is a reflection of that connection. However, I did not like the part about aunt Pura. It says that Pura "believed that the spirits of our ancestors are always with us." There is an illustration of Pura lighting a candle in front of an idol of some kind, with strange drawings and pictures on the walls. There is a picture of lungs, a heart with a dagger in it, creepy disembodied eyes, and a lot of hands with weird things inside. A hand with a house inside, a hand with a heart inside, a hand with vines growing all over it. The text also says that Pura tied a red string around Alma's wrist when she was born, to be a charm to protect Alma. Very strange.
The illustrations are soft and pretty. I like the way the art style is mostly black and white with pencil, and then a small addition of color in one or two places. It's really lovely!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone....more
Alma shows the reader all the different parts of the body from head to toe. We learn to say the head, the belly, the arm, and wrist, and fingers. We lAlma shows the reader all the different parts of the body from head to toe. We learn to say the head, the belly, the arm, and wrist, and fingers. We learn to say the foot, leg, heart, and shoulder. Then Alma shows how she uses her eyes, fingers, nose, and toes playing with her little bird.
The best thing about this board book is that it is bilingual with English and Spanish, so that little readers can learn both languages together! The English words are in black text, and the Spanish words are in blue.
The illustrations are soft and pretty. I like the way the art style is mostly black and white with pencil, and then a small addition of color in one or two places. It's really lovely!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone....more
Alma introduces us to her family and describes how much she loves them. She paints with her grandfather, plays with her cousins, and gives her father Alma introduces us to her family and describes how much she loves them. She paints with her grandfather, plays with her cousins, and gives her father a kiss. She imitates everything her brother does, and listens to her grandmother's stories.
The best thing about this board book is that it is bilingual with English and Spanish, so that little readers can learn both languages together! The English words are in black text, and the Spanish words are in blue.
The illustrations are soft and pretty. I like the way the art style is mostly black and white with pencil, and then a small addition of color in one or two places. It's really lovely!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone....more
This adorable board book asks the reader to find different animals at spring time, and the baby must lift a flap of felt fabric to reveal the missing This adorable board book asks the reader to find different animals at spring time, and the baby must lift a flap of felt fabric to reveal the missing creature! You have to find a puppy, a mouse, a duck, and a bunny. At the end of the book, the reader lifts the flap to find themselves reflected in a little mirror!
This book is so cute! I love the pretty illustrations and the beautiful colors. The designs are large and clear, which is perfect to capture the attention of little babies. The flaps are designed to look like trees or an eggshell or a flower. So sweet! This is the perfect gift for a little toddler or baby.
I love that the flaps are made of felt fabric, so that they don't get torn as easily as paper or cardboard would. This book is sturdy to withstand the destructive forces of little baby hands.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone....more
Kailey (Luminous Libro)
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