A girl and her grandmother come to the repair shop with a very special doll to be repaired. This doll has a history with their family that is a big paA girl and her grandmother come to the repair shop with a very special doll to be repaired. This doll has a history with their family that is a big part of their heritage. The grandmother tells the story of how she was sent to live with a family in the country during the war because of the bombings in London. The family was very kind to her, and gave her the doll as a special Christmas gift. Years later, she still remembers them with gratitude, but the doll has been damaged. Can the Teddy Bear Ladies at the repair shop fix the doll's broken nose and torn dress?
I loved this book so much! It is such a heartfelt story about overcoming difficulties and finding the magic in Christmas. I really loved that the doll has such a meaningful history of comforting a little girl in scary circumstances during the war. That small gift symbolized the kindness of strangers to someone in need of a safe place. This story is even more inspiring because it is based on a true story! The characters are also based on real people who host a TV show where they repair old items.
The illustrations are so adorable! I love the cartoony style and the colorful designs. Every page is bursting with enchantment and holiday cheer!
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
Sung to the tune of "Five Little Ducks", we follow the little penguins as they go out for some winter fun. They build a snow penguin, and go ice skatiSung to the tune of "Five Little Ducks", we follow the little penguins as they go out for some winter fun. They build a snow penguin, and go ice skating. They go sledding down a hill, and finally come home with ornaments for the Christmas tree. Under each flap is an animal hiding, and the reader must search for the little penguins.
This adorable book is full of Christmas cheer! It's so cute to see all the animals getting ready for Christmas. The beavers are hanging up their stockings. A little mouse is hanging up twinkle lights. The rabbits are building a huge snowman.
I love the pretty illustrations! Every design is just so sweet and Christmasy. The animals are adorable, and I love the art style.
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
Dasher loves the sound of Christmas carols and follows the sound to a village, attracted by the Christmas lights. But then she can't find her way backDasher loves the sound of Christmas carols and follows the sound to a village, attracted by the Christmas lights. But then she can't find her way back to the North Pole! Her mother always told her to look for the North Star to find her way home, but the skies are cloudy with snow, and Dasher can't see any stars. A small child might be able to help Dasher return to the North Pole in time to pull Santa's sleigh on Christmas Eve.
This is such a beautiful book! The story is so sweet and touching. I really love the way Dasher has this peaceful spirit even in the middle of adversity. It's like Christmas is a faith she carries in her heart that strengthens her when things go wrong.
The illustrations are so gorgeous! Every page is like a winter wonderland of snowy dreams. I wish I could take out the pages and frame them on my walls. The art is just THAT good! I love the contrast between the cool colors of the snow and the warmth of the twinkle lights and firelight from windows. It's really beautiful!
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
The penguins huddle together in the cold night to stay warm, but in the morning they are all frozen together! They ask their friends for help, but no The penguins huddle together in the cold night to stay warm, but in the morning they are all frozen together! They ask their friends for help, but no amount of pushing or pulling can separate the penguins. They are completely stuck. They go to the big city and ask a special octopus doctor to help them get unfrozen.
This book is so hilarious! I loved every little animal character, and the funny story made me laugh. It was so sweet at the end when the littlest penguin just wanted a cuddle. Perfect opportunity to have a cuddle with your own little one as you read together!
The illustrations are so cute, and I loved the cartoony art style. The best thing about this book is the little snippets about animals in the background of each scene. There is a fish and oyster restaurant run by a pelican. The monkeys run the trolley service in the city. A group of lobsters have a salon where they cut hair with their sharp claws. There is a poster for "Magpie Jewelry, Because We All Deserve Shiny Things". There are tons of clever little things like this that made me laugh!
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
Bear brings home a Christmas tree, but he and Mouse disagree on how to decorate it. Mouse puts on ornaments that are much too large. Bear puts on way Bear brings home a Christmas tree, but he and Mouse disagree on how to decorate it. Mouse puts on ornaments that are much too large. Bear puts on way too many twinkle lights. Mouse wants loads of tinsel. Bear wants to put real candles on the tree. Mouse tries to fit a huge manatee fairy at the top instead of a star. Bear actually tries the upside-down Christmas tree trend with disastrous results. In the end, the two friends decide that the important thing about Christmas is just that they are together, enjoying the season in peace and harmony.
This book is so funny! I was laughing through the entire thing. These two friends get up to some hilarious Christmas antics. I really loved the rhyming text. It's very cleverly written and lovely to read out loud. I love the silliness in this book!
The illustrations are fabulous! I love the art style and the bright festive colors. The expressions on the animals' faces brings even more comedy to the story. It's so funny to see them trying to grapple with this Christmas tree, and giving each other looks of disgust and annoyance when they don't like the way the other one is decorating it. So 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
Maybe Santa shrinks himself to be really small in order to fit down the chimney. But does he ever get stuck? Does his suit get all dirty from the sootMaybe Santa shrinks himself to be really small in order to fit down the chimney. But does he ever get stuck? Does his suit get all dirty from the soot? Maybe he can flatten himself to slide under the front door. And what about the dogs in houses? Maybe Santa carries dog treats, so that they won't bark. Does he use night-vision goggles to see around in the dark? However he manages it, we are glad that Santa comes on Christmas!
This book is hilarious! I was giggling through the entire thing. The illustrations are so cute and funny! I just adore everything about this book. I can't wait to read it with my nieces, because I know they will laugh their little heads off!
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
This adorable board book asks the reader to find different winter items, and the baby must lift a flap of felt fabric to reveal the missing Christmas This adorable board book asks the reader to find different winter items, and the baby must lift a flap of felt fabric to reveal the missing Christmas item! You have to find a gingerbread cookies, a cardinal, a snowman, and an angel. 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 festive 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 Christmas trees or a present or a little house. So sweet! This is the perfect Christmas 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
This board book is a really fun way to celebrate winter and learn your ABCs! I is for icicle, and F is for figure skating. Z is for zero degrees! P isThis board book is a really fun way to celebrate winter and learn your ABCs! I is for icicle, and F is for figure skating. Z is for zero degrees! P is for polar bear, and M is for mittens. I had to look up "Y is for yukigassen", and I learned that yukigassen in a Japanese snowball-fighting competition. Even the adults can learn something new with this book!
The illustrations are so cute and I love all the adorable characters who are throwing snowballs and skiing and ice skating. I especially liked that "J is for Jack Frost" is included, and the polar bear is extra cute! I love the colorful designs and nature scenes in the background too.
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
This board book introduces different dinosaurs from A to Z. Some of them are familiar, like the velociraptor and T-rex. But some dinosaurs are less weThis board book introduces different dinosaurs from A to Z. Some of them are familiar, like the velociraptor and T-rex. But some dinosaurs are less well-known, like the zalmoxes or the jingshanosaurus.
I had fun trying to say all these crazy dino names. Thank goodness for the pronunciation guides, or I would have been totally lost. Even with the pronunciation written out for you, it was hilarious trying to wrap my mouth around some of these Latin names. But I'm sure a kid who loves dinosaurs would rattle them off by heart with no problem!
The illustrations of the dinos are so cute and cuddly! They all have lovely smiles on their faces. I love the colorful designs and nature scenes in the background too.
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 young girl contemplates all the different buttons there are in life. Elevator buttons, doorbell buttons, and buttons to fasten our clothes. Buttons A young girl contemplates all the different buttons there are in life. Elevator buttons, doorbell buttons, and buttons to fasten our clothes. Buttons on planes and tractors that make engines go, buttons that turn on computers, and buttons that turn on lights. But there is one button that is all her own... her bellybutton!
This board book is so cute! I admit that I read it out loud with funny voices for all the different buttons, and a little "boop" for the belly button at the end. haha! I loved the sweet illustrations and the cartoony style of the artwork. So 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
A young girl grows up in a poor village in Colombia. There is only one person in the entire village who knows how to read, and this girl barters with A young girl grows up in a poor village in Colombia. There is only one person in the entire village who knows how to read, and this girl barters with them to learn the alphabet. She studies to learn to read, so that she can read letters that arrive for her family. She makes alphabet letters from charcoal or chalk, deciphering their meaning and sharing her knowledge with the other children in the village.
This is such a meaningful and hopeful story! I love that the main character is so determined to learn to read and then share that blessing with other people. It really makes you think about what a privilege and honor it is to be able to read, and to have an education that opens so many doors for your life. It makes me very grateful, and it inspires me to know that there are real life people like this character who strive and work and succeed. What a beautiful story!
I loved the gorgeous illustrations! Each page is full of color and energy. The art style is simple but has a kind of saturated weight to it that deepens the story.
It was really interesting to read the epilogue about Colombian history and modern efforts to bring education to remote areas.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author 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 book of poems offers a refreshing look at trees and how much they contribute to our world. There are beautiful poems about the rings of a tree, tThis book of poems offers a refreshing look at trees and how much they contribute to our world. There are beautiful poems about the rings of a tree, the roots of a tree, and different rare types of trees like the joshua tree or baobab tree. There is a poem about forest bathing and another about birds' nests. There are poems for oak trees, jacarandas, willows, sycamores, and fruit trees. There is also an emphasis on protecting the trees that provide homes for so many animal species.
The only poem I didn't like was the one titled "Tree Spell". The illustration is of people protesting in front of a bulldozer with signs saying "Stop Now!" and "Save Our Trees". One stanza reads, "Loathe fire. Dread drought. Curse axe. Jinx digger." I felt like that was a bit vicious to want to curse anyone who chops down a tree. There are peaceful ways to protect trees without resorting to that kind of hatred.
The illustrations are really cute! I liked the cartoon style of the art work. It shows children and adults enjoying picnics in the shade of a tree, trekking through a snow-covered forest, harvesting fruit in an orchard, and catching autumn leaves as they fall. The art work has a peaceful feeling as each character relaxes and enjoys the benefits of the trees.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author 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
Merlina and her friend Igor the Dragon are preparing for the pumpkin harvest. They have already made apple and pear jams, and the next item will be thMerlina and her friend Igor the Dragon are preparing for the pumpkin harvest. They have already made apple and pear jams, and the next item will be the pumpkins for pies and breads. While picking pumpkins, Igor gets a sharp thorn in his foot claw. He cries for help, asking Merlina to use her magic to disappear the thorn. Merlina casts a spell, but it goes wrong, changing the thorn to a toadstool that grows out of Igor's toe! The next spell Merlina casts accidentally changes the toadstool into a large green leaf! Can Merlina find a solution for getting the thorn/toadstool/leaf off her friend's toe?
I love that this book is saturated in Harvest/ Halloween vibes. The art is full of warm autumn colors. Merlina's house is comfy cozy with knitting and plants and books. Her cellar is stocked with dried herbs, clusters of onion or garlic, baskets of apples, and jars of delicious jams and jellies.
The story is cute and funny! The characters are adorable. I love this sweet book!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author 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
Dad's hair is tired of being brushed and combed. It jumps off Dad's head and escapes! Dad runs after his hair, trying to capture it again, but the haiDad's hair is tired of being brushed and combed. It jumps off Dad's head and escapes! Dad runs after his hair, trying to capture it again, but the hair is too cunning and sly. The hair plans a devious escape route through the city with Dad in close pursuit. Can Dad get his hair back? Or will the hair be gone for good?
This picture book was so hilarious and fun! I loved the crazy escape of the hair, and all the shenanigans that it goes through to get away. Poor Dad is devastated by the loss of his hair and is willing to try anything to get it back.
The illustrations are so cute, and the artwork adds a lot of comedy to the story! This book had me giggling and laughing from start to finish!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author 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
Goran the bull has decided to be angry and snort and charge at the farmer. He will not calm down. He roars and stalks around in the barnyard. The farmGoran the bull has decided to be angry and snort and charge at the farmer. He will not calm down. He roars and stalks around in the barnyard. The farmer cannot get into the barn to milk the cows. The situation goes on for hours, until the entire village has come to see the wild bull. While they are discussing how best to deal with Goran, a little boy sweetly calls to the bull. Goran stops to listen to the boy's whispering voice. He meekly walks over and allows himself to be petted. The tiny boy holds onto the big bull's nose ring, and gently leads him into the stall in the barn. The village are all astonished, and the boy gets a reward for his courage.
This is such a cute story! The writing is enchanting, and I love the old-fashioned storytelling style. It's so funny to see all the village in a fluster, and then this calm little boy walks into the barnyard.
I really love the art style. The illustrations are so beautiful, and I really enjoyed looking for all the little details in the background with each of the characters. It might be a person in the background holding a violin, or a cat stealing a child's shoe. There is always something interesting going on 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
Cat and her kittens go through the seasons, absorbing the colors of each change in the weather. In the summer, they turn yellow as the warm sun. In thCat and her kittens go through the seasons, absorbing the colors of each change in the weather. In the summer, they turn yellow as the warm sun. In the fall they jump in a pile of leaves, and the kittens turn every color of orange, red, and brown. In the winter, the kittens are blue with the cold. In the spring, they have green fur with pink flowery blossoms on their backs. A storm turns them grey as the clouds, until a rainbow appears and they are every color!
What an imaginative book! I love the idea of changing colors with the seasons. The kittens are so cute, and they frolic and play in the fields or in the snow. The artwork is really 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
Each page of this book features a fish who embodies an emotion. There are startled fish, bored fish, angry fish, delighted fish, and jealous fish. EacEach page of this book features a fish who embodies an emotion. There are startled fish, bored fish, angry fish, delighted fish, and jealous fish. Each one is drawn in a different color, with very expressive body language and facial expressions. The curious fish is drawn with yellow scales with wide eyes. The nervous fish has wavy lines and a wobbly frown. The amazed fish is bright orange with a mouth wide open in astonishment! The sad fish is a deep blue with sleepy eyes and drooping fins. The furious fish is shouting in vibrant red and purple. Whether proud, loving, or confused, these fish reflect strong emotions!
I loved the artwork in this book! The art really says it all. The text is limited to one word per page, the word describing the emotion of the fish. The expressive lines and colors in the art say everything that needs to be said.
This is such a great way to teach children to recognize different emotions. I really like that many of the emotions are similar. Furious is similar to angry but it has a different intensity. Confused and perplexed might go hand in hand in some situations, but they are separate things. It's so important to teach children (and adults) to identify our emotions correctly so that we can manage them better.
I am delighted with 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
Percy is the new kid at school. He feels very lonely until he befriends a cat toy and names her Miss Petticomb. But the moment he turns his back, anotPercy is the new kid at school. He feels very lonely until he befriends a cat toy and names her Miss Petticomb. But the moment he turns his back, another child takes Miss Petticomb away. Percy searches around the room until he finds Miss Petticomb being forced to "eat" delicious plastic cake at a tea party. Percy tries to rescue Miss Petticomb, but the other children insist that the tea party is to celebrate the cat's birthday. Percy gets up the courage to join the tea party and make some new friends.
This is such a sweet story about the power of imaginative play to help us make friends! I loved Percy's character. We've all been in that "new kid" situation at some point, and it can be so difficult to initiate connections with new people. But a simple cat toy and a tea party can really bring people together!
I loved the pretty illustrations and the beautiful colors on each page!
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
Norton has a new neighbor, Bear. They become friends, and Bear asks to borrow a few items... and then a few more items. He borrows Norton's fuzzy slipNorton has a new neighbor, Bear. They become friends, and Bear asks to borrow a few items... and then a few more items. He borrows Norton's fuzzy slippers, his teapot, his yoga mat, and even his favorite chair! Norton is too polite to tell Bear that he is getting stressed with all this borrowing. But finally Norton snaps, and yells at Bear for being so inconsiderate. Bear feels guilty for borrowing too many things, and asks to borrow one last thing... Norton himself, for some friend time together.
I really liked the positive messages in this book. Both of the friends are at fault in the situation. Bear should not have been borrowing so many things without considering Norton's feelings, but Norton should have been more vocal about his needs. He should have told Bear from the start that he was uncomfortable with so much borrowing. This is such a great self-care lesson for kids (and adults)!
The illustrations are so fun! You can really see Norton's emotions through his facial expressions and body language. The Bear is so vibrant and jolly and exuberant! The art work is absolutely stunning with all these little details and random passersby in the background of the scenes. I think it's interesting that there are humans and animals mixed together in this world, all walking in and out of shops and going about their business.
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
Calmer Llama takes time to slow down and relax. They breathe deep breaths, sit outside to enjoy the fresh air, and take time to be thankful for everytCalmer Llama takes time to slow down and relax. They breathe deep breaths, sit outside to enjoy the fresh air, and take time to be thankful for everything they have. Once they have spent some time being quiet, they are refreshed and ready to run and jump and bounce again!
The text encourages the reader to think carefully about different feelings and find ways to describe what we feel. Then we can think about what will help us to stay calm.
At the back of the book there is a little child-safe mirror, and the text asks the child to demonstrate their calm face and their excited face. This is such a great way to teach children to recognize their emotions and learn to manage them!
I love the cute illustrations of Calmer Llama. The art is very expressive! Each page has something fluffy or glittery to touch which describes the feeling on that page. The designs are so clever!
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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