I enjoyed the story and I appreciated the illustrations, but I did not feel like they went well together. The story is gritty and the illustrations3.5
I enjoyed the story and I appreciated the illustrations, but I did not feel like they went well together. The story is gritty and the illustrations are just too... neat and tidy. I wanted to see the dirt and grime on Puck, the dust of the chicken yard where romantic fortunes are told, the ominous vibe of the Gentry Mansion.
The story oversimplified some things, like the entire concept of romance. Perhaps when looking through a child's eyes it's easier to distill attraction down to an assessment of how kind, smart, and handsome someone is. There was also a blithe acceptance of the character Puck-- no attempt to figure out if he was lost, and then adopting him like a stray cat.
But this was a quick and engaging read about a young girl who worries about her father's business failing, and who tries to find romance for her new friend who runs the local chocolate shop. ...more
So I love Too Small Tola. And I enjoyed Beti's story, but there is something chill-er about Beti that I did not connect to as strongly. I fo3.5 Solid.
So I love Too Small Tola. And I enjoyed Beti's story, but there is something chill-er about Beti that I did not connect to as strongly. I found myself frustrated at Naughty the goat, and even though Beti's problem solving skills are generally strong, I didn't feel like the side-characters were as well-developed as those in Tola's neighborhood.
This was good, and I'd read more. But while Tola makes my heart sing, Beti was harder for me to connect with....more
The Too Small Tola books just nail so many important topics. In this latest installment, Tola is accused of being a liar at school, her friend Mrs. ShThe Too Small Tola books just nail so many important topics. In this latest installment, Tola is accused of being a liar at school, her friend Mrs. Shaky Shaky struggles with her living situation, her Grandmommy takes her to the beach, and she babysits for a day. Tola struggles with friendships and who she can trust, she practices creative problem-solving, she conquers her fears and steps outside of the rules, and she navigates responsibility with integrity.
A delightful book about a retired classroom skeleton named John, who lives with Grams and Gramps. John has all kinds of everyday adventures in his retA delightful book about a retired classroom skeleton named John, who lives with Grams and Gramps. John has all kinds of everyday adventures in his retirement. My favorite may have been when he gets a temporary job at a museum as a skeleton in a closet.
But all of his adventures are entertaining. ...more
A sweet realistic fiction story about a young girl whose mother travels for work in order to cover breaking news. While the main part of the story is A sweet realistic fiction story about a young girl whose mother travels for work in order to cover breaking news. While the main part of the story is about Frankie putting together her own newsroom, there are some really nice parts about what news and journalism encompass, and a subplot with Frankie's sister that covers emotions and growing up.
An afterward covers more journalism vocabulary. ...more
I really enjoy Tola. In this second book in the series, the first story highlighted sibling rivalries and Tola being clever, the second story had a daI really enjoy Tola. In this second book in the series, the first story highlighted sibling rivalries and Tola being clever, the second story had a dangerous illness and Tola assuming the responsibilities of family leadership, and the final story balanced a little bit of jealousy with some gratitude and appreciation for what was important as Tola watched other girls buy fine shoes and jeans.
Simple stories full of the joy and challenges of everyday life....more
This series is just delightful. Jo Jo has some Amelia Bedelia qualities, and some of the humor comes from her quirky interpretations of things that "eThis series is just delightful. Jo Jo has some Amelia Bedelia qualities, and some of the humor comes from her quirky interpretations of things that "everyone" knows. She's upbeat and cheerful, and every story comes rooted in the Ojibwe community. In this story, Jo Jo's class is talking about healthy foods, and then when a snow day is called, the community comes together to play some fun games that connect everyone in the experience. ...more
An adorable friendship adventure with a talking raven named Helvetica, a wizard named Gumluck, a warrior ghost named Butterscotch who smells like ice An adorable friendship adventure with a talking raven named Helvetica, a wizard named Gumluck, a warrior ghost named Butterscotch who smells like ice cream, and a truth fairy. Townsfolk come to Gumluck for wishes, none of which turn out quite right, and it takes some time for Gumluck to come into his own. But he gets there.
Marketed as first in a series, so hoping to see more Gumluck soon. ...more
A very cute story that emphasizes persistence and teamwork. Skeleanor has big dreams of playing in the town band but can’t quite get them to notice3.5
A very cute story that emphasizes persistence and teamwork. Skeleanor has big dreams of playing in the town band but can’t quite get them to notice her playing. Once they do, they can’t quite agree on how to play. But things work out, as they usually do. ...more
A nearly-wordless book about the stories we tell each other and that connect us across continents and generations. I expected the gorgeous illustra4.5
A nearly-wordless book about the stories we tell each other and that connect us across continents and generations. I expected the gorgeous illustrations, but I loved the grandmother's story for her granddaughter. And then the granddaughter tells her own story in her turn.
A really solid addition to the realistic fiction world of elementary school. Marya despairs of ever having a "real" birthday party. Her fami3.5 stars.
A really solid addition to the realistic fiction world of elementary school. Marya despairs of ever having a "real" birthday party. Her family always celebrates, but it's nothing compared to her classmate Alyssa's all-out bashes. There's a lot of good bits here: best friend Hannah is both supportive and realistic, Marya's family relationships are both loving and full of familiar irritation, Marya compares herself to Alyssa and learns how unproductive that is, and there's some nice empathy-building along the way.
I already love Yasmin, and Marya will be a great companion.
A little thin on plot, but the illustrations just ooze cuteness (the characters are fruit animals). Lemon Bird keeps having to get others out of troubA little thin on plot, but the illustrations just ooze cuteness (the characters are fruit animals). Lemon Bird keeps having to get others out of trouble, but eventually needs to ask for help. ...more
A cheerful peacock must solve the mystery of who is stealing the zoo visitors' items. A bitter zoo denizen is behind it all, but will Plum figure it oA cheerful peacock must solve the mystery of who is stealing the zoo visitors' items. A bitter zoo denizen is behind it all, but will Plum figure it out?...more
Three short stories. The first introduces Bad Nana, the second is an adventure in the park, and the third is a trip to the local history Museum. In alThree short stories. The first introduces Bad Nana, the second is an adventure in the park, and the third is a trip to the local history Museum. In all of these stories, Bad Nana stands up for those who need it, adds much-needed humor and delight into the day, and is just generally amusing. It’s a fun and funny early chapter book....more
This has a distinct Amelia Bedelia vibe, with confusion over idioms and humor all around. Jo-Jo gets ready for a fancy family wedding and her hijinks This has a distinct Amelia Bedelia vibe, with confusion over idioms and humor all around. Jo-Jo gets ready for a fancy family wedding and her hijinks are just as entertaining as the first book....more