Sweet messaging, and I get the intent. But I have come to the conclusion that it makes people feel better to think that they are making a dent in climSweet messaging, and I get the intent. But I have come to the conclusion that it makes people feel better to think that they are making a dent in climate change with their individual efforts, and really, our tiny efforts will make no difference until major policy change and effective environmental legislation occurs.
Also, the noses on the illustrations bugged me. ...more
Yes, we all know this was written for me, the librarian who gets all fiery and loud over book bans. It's just in the form of a cute children's book. IYes, we all know this was written for me, the librarian who gets all fiery and loud over book bans. It's just in the form of a cute children's book. It's preachy and yelling into the echo chamber and it's stupidly hopeful, just like me. ...more
I felt this. I am not the kind of book lover that is utterly rapt in bookstores. I mean, I am, but I also find them really, really stressful because tI felt this. I am not the kind of book lover that is utterly rapt in bookstores. I mean, I am, but I also find them really, really stressful because there are SO MANY books I want to read, and it breaks my heart a little that I will never be able to read all of them. I am endlessly curious, like all types of genres, and I can't even stick to an age group for books. So I understood this reader who is devastated to find out there there is just no possible way to read every book. She comes to terms with it, because what else are you gonna do, but that doesn't mean it doesn't irritate the heck out of you....more
Perfection. This adorably illustrated take on on The House that Jack Built educates and informs in a accessible way, while emphasizing the importance Perfection. This adorably illustrated take on on The House that Jack Built educates and informs in a accessible way, while emphasizing the importance of this being a celebration and remembrance. I love kids' books that don't shy away from reality, but manage to acknowledge it in kid-friendly ways. Cute illustrations....more
A children's book about land acknowledgement? Yes, Please! This manages to be straightforward without being blunt, and the importance of land acknowleA children's book about land acknowledgement? Yes, Please! This manages to be straightforward without being blunt, and the importance of land acknowledgement is reiterated and explained. Such an important concept and a great intro to it....more
An excellent picture book biography of a woman who enriched things within her culture and was instrumental in women becoming more included in Cree druAn excellent picture book biography of a woman who enriched things within her culture and was instrumental in women becoming more included in Cree drumming after years of exclusion. The explanation of her activism, as well as the inclusion of her own words at the end, is well done. Beautiful illustrations, too....more
Representation, counting, colors - it is all here in this board book, and it is a great addition to any kid's library. Representation, counting, colors - it is all here in this board book, and it is a great addition to any kid's library. ...more
This was fine, but it is just one person's story about bullying, and not in much detail. It would be hard for kids to generalize this one. This was fine, but it is just one person's story about bullying, and not in much detail. It would be hard for kids to generalize this one. ...more
Sheesh. It's about time there is a kids' book about intuitive eating and food neutrality. It is so hard to find books about food that don't focus on bSheesh. It's about time there is a kids' book about intuitive eating and food neutrality. It is so hard to find books about food that don't focus on black and white, healthy vs. unhealthy, clean vs. junk. Diet culture is a mess. At here there is now a start for trying to dismantle that bullshit. ...more
The art in this is fantastic. That bus had me up in my FEELS, man. I get you, struggle bus. I get you.
Simple and easy to understand for the littlest rThe art in this is fantastic. That bus had me up in my FEELS, man. I get you, struggle bus. I get you.
Simple and easy to understand for the littlest readers. Sometimes stuff sucks. It's okay to be sad or scared. It's okay not be okay. It's okay to ask for help. And no feeling is final. Things WILL change. That's a promise....more
Fascinating. It made me go look up more info on Lorena Ramirez. I do wish that there had been back matter with real pictures and more facts about her Fascinating. It made me go look up more info on Lorena Ramirez. I do wish that there had been back matter with real pictures and more facts about her life. ...more
So glad that there are books out there that tell parts of the story that have remained silent for too long. This details some of the contributions to So glad that there are books out there that tell parts of the story that have remained silent for too long. This details some of the contributions to the history of the White House made by enslaved people, as well as explaining the land being stolen from the Native tribes that lived on it prior to colonization. A basic start, but a start nonetheless. ...more
This is a decent picture book biography of the Vice President, but man, I'm just not a fan of the art in most of this series.This is a decent picture book biography of the Vice President, but man, I'm just not a fan of the art in most of this series....more
I don't understand someone who adapts a book for younger kids and fundamentally changes it. This book is fine. But It's not the story from Anne of GreI don't understand someone who adapts a book for younger kids and fundamentally changes it. This book is fine. But It's not the story from Anne of Green Gables. Which would be fine, if it didn't claim to be. Yes, yes - we get around it by it being "inspired" by, but it feels like a cop-out. If you don't like things about the original story, write your own original story. ...more
I liked the idea of this book - based on the true story of a girl who has CP and uses a headband with a paintbrush to paint - but it was strange to haI liked the idea of this book - based on the true story of a girl who has CP and uses a headband with a paintbrush to paint - but it was strange to have observations about her from the art teacher, rather than ones that were directly from her. The art is beautiful, though, and the back matter with actual examples of her art was terrific. ...more
Dr. Seuss is one of the authors I have a hard time reconciling in my head. Partially because I have such fond memories of his books as a kid, but alsoDr. Seuss is one of the authors I have a hard time reconciling in my head. Partially because I have such fond memories of his books as a kid, but also because the man who wrote this is such a contrast to the exact same man who drew racist and problematic cartoons and perpetuated stereotypes in many of his other books.
Taking this book just on its merit without context, it is an ahead of its time tale of environmental exhaustion and consumerism, and it is great. A bit heavy-handed, but cleverly written, beautifully illustrated, and creatively constructed book....more
I usually really like Weatherford's books, but this one is not her best. It is kind of a biography, but without enough facts, and kind of a poetic picI usually really like Weatherford's books, but this one is not her best. It is kind of a biography, but without enough facts, and kind of a poetic picture book, but it doesn't explain enough about its subject. This books is fine, and well-illustrated, but it doesn't teach kids a whole lot about Jackson. ...more
This explains the ecosystem around mnoomin (sometimes inaccurately translated as wild rice) in an easy to understand way, noting each contribution's iThis explains the ecosystem around mnoomin (sometimes inaccurately translated as wild rice) in an easy to understand way, noting each contribution's importance, where often those contributions have not even seen as part of a system that has sustained the Anishinaabe people from the beginning. Incredible art, as well. ...more