Picture Book Review: Saving Delicia: A Story About Small Seeds and Big Dreams

I was lucky enough to attend a zoom presentation by Laura Gehl and won this book as a door prize. She did not ask for a review, but it was so great, I had to share.

Title: Saving Delicia

Author: Laura Gehl

Illustrator: Patricia Metola

Publisher: Flyaway Books

Publication Date: April 9, 2024

Book Description:

When the last delicia tree is in danger of extinction, a young girl creates a seed bank as a surprise for Old Otis, whose stories have inspired her. Kari’s favorite parts of summer are eating juicy fruit from the delicia tree and listening to stories from Old Otis. But now the last remaining delicia is in danger. What if this beloved tree dies out? Is there anything one girl can do? With inspiration, information, and a pocketful of seeds, Kari sets out to craft a surprise for Otis―and for the future. This tender story celebrates the connections between generations, emphasizing that small steps can have a big impact when one looks beyond the present. An author’s note about seed banks around the world is included.

My Thoughts:

Gehl uses a fake fruit to tell the story of the very real problem problem many plants are facing. I love that it shows a kid taking a positive action to change the world. The book deals with serious issues like death and climate change without making it too heavy for kids. The bright pictures are both whimsical and touching. I think kids will love the dog. The book also includes information about seed banks at the end.

April 9, 2024

Picture Book Review: Pippi the Penguin by Catherine Veitch

Title: Pippi the Penguin

Author: Cahterine Veitch

Illustrator: Jean Claude

Publisher: Rosen Publishing Group

Publication Date: January 15, 2024

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Description

Pippi is the fastest penguin in her colony. She also knows where to find the best food, even when other penguins struggle to find any. Pippi keeps the food to herself so she can feed her chick, Ella. But when Ella goes missing, Pippi needs the help of her colony to find her chick. Pippi learns about the importance of community and teamwork, and changes her tune when it comes to sharing. This colorful book will both teach readers about life as a penguin and impart important life lessons about sharing and teamwork.

My Thoughts

If you know me, you know I love penguins. So, I have a weakness for any book about penguins. The illustrations in this book are realistic, but also show animation and clear expressions in the penguin characters. Pipi knows a sectet place for finding krill, but doesn’t want to share. But, of course, by the end of the book she learns the importance of sharing and helping out your community. I thought it was interesting that the parent was the greedy character in this book. It shows that we can all change and learn new lessons, no matter how old.

April 8, 2024

Picture Book Review: Bob’s Ocean by Robert Lund

Title: Bob’s Ocean

Author: Robert Lund

Illustrator: Juliet Alli

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a free e-reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

Description:

Bob’s Ocean is the story of a fish called Bob who unwittingly embarks upon a perilous journey that leads him to self-discovery and enlightenment.

It is an allegory for young and old alike which will challenge your perception of reality, call into question your beliefs, and perhaps answer the most important question of all.

It is the story of Bob’s transformation… and maybe yours.

My Thoughts

Bob the fish spends his days going to work and discussing philosophy with his friend Mike. They continue to debate the existence of the ocean. Then, one day, Bob is caught by a fisherman and released. While many don’t believe his story, a fortune teller helps Bob to understand that the ocean is all around him. This was much deeper than what I usually expect from a picture book. It works well as a springboard to philosophical discussions with kids. It’s not the kind of book that would be become a favorite picture book to read over and over. But, that’s not it’s intention. It’s meant to make you think.

April 7, 2024

Picture book review: How to Train your Amygdala

Thank you to netgalley for giving me an advanced ebook copy in exchange for an honest review.

Title: How to Train Your Amygdala

Author: Anna Housley Juster

Illustrator: Cynthia Cliff

Publisher: Teacher Created Materials, Free Spirit Publishing

Publication Date: February 20, 2024

Description

The amygdala is the brain’s alarm system that alerts for danger, but sometimes it gets things wrong and needs help calming down. In this picture book, young readers receive kid-friendly information about the amygdala from the amygdala, how it can sometimes get confused, and simple ideas to calm and train it.

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Thank you to netgalley for giving me an advanced ebook copy in exchange for an honest review.

Title: How to Train Your Amygdala

Author: Anna Housley Juster

Illustrator: Cynthia Cliff

Publisher: Teacher Created Materials, Free Spirit Publishing

Publication Date: February 20, 2024

Description

The amygdala in How to Train Your Amygdala makes complicated concepts accessible to children so they can understand their bodies, practice impulse control, and boost their self-regulation. “You have probably never seen me before, but I am right here in your brain. There is an amygdala in everyone’s brain. It’s true! All humans have one. Many other animals do too.”

Throughout the book, the amygdala and the reader practice anxiety-calming and mindfulness strategies such as deep breathing, visualization, and progressive relaxation. With anxiety on the rise among children, learning how to calm the amygdala is a critical life skill.

Additional content at the back of the book includes an amygdala’s training playbook for kids and more information for adults to help reinforce the book’s message.

My Thoughts

I was never taught specifics of how the brain works until college. I’ve since had a lot of training to understand how kids’ minds work and ways to help them deal with emotions. But, I’ve never seen it explained in such a kid-friendly way. Even though this is some high level science, even a young kid can understand. I think it’s very empowering for kids to understand reactions in their brain are causing their emotions, but there are things they can do to help control it.

February 19, 2024

Picture Book Review: Professor Goose Debunks The Three Little Pigs

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of the e-book in exchange for an honest review.

Title: Professor Goose Debunks The Three Little Pigs

Author: Paulette Bourgeois

Illistrator: Alex G. Griffiths

Publisher: Penguin Random House Canada: Tundra Books

Publication Date: February 13, 2024

Description:

Mother Goose’s fairy tales are NOT based in science, and her great niece Professor Goose thinks it’s time to share the truth. Join Professor Goose as she — literally — travels through the pages of The Three Little Pigs, fact-checking, exposing the flaws and explaining the science. Did you know that pigs run in a zigzag pattern? And that there’s no way a wolf’s breath would be strong enough to blow down anything, even if he has his whole pack with him? And that hay bales are strong enough to resist most up, down and sideways forces? Sounds like the perfect material for building a house! . . . Or, not. But not to worry — Professor Goose is armed with helpful hints on how to make a structure strong enough to withstand hurricane forces!

Jammed with jokes and hilarious illustrations, this book entertains while it introduces basic scientific laws and rules to young readers. At the back of the book, readers will find Professor Goose’s nM

My Thoughts:

I loved this book! I was drawn to it initially because of the fractured fairy tale element. This twist weaves another level of STEM knowledge to the story. It’s filled with all sorts of facts ranging from silly facts like “only humans have chins” to an explanation of coding. Kids will be so busy laughing over Professor Goose’s silly antics that they won’t even realize they’re learning.

February 12, 2024

Picture Book Review: A Garden Called Home by Jessica J. Lee

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC ebook of Agnes and the Hen in exchange for an honest review.

Title: A Garden Called Home

Author: Jessica J. Lee

Illustrator: Elaine Chen

Publisher:

Publication Date: February 13, 2023

Publisher: Penguin Random House, Canada, Tundra Books

Description:

What makes the place we live feel like home? This is a warm-hearted and lush picture book about family, the immigrant experience and how a simple garden can foster a connection to the larger natural world.

Mama was born in a country far away from here. I love her stories about warm rain in winter and green mountains. And now Mama’s taking me there!

When a young girl and her mother go to visit her family, the girl notices a change. At home, her mother mostly stays inside. Here, her mother likes to explore and go hiking. The girl has never seen her so happy! Her mother tells her about the trees, bushes, flowers and birds. Did you know that tree roots make mountains strong? And that ài hāo (mugwort) is used to make delicious, sweet dumplings?

But her mother’s smile goes away when they return home. It’s cold and she doesn’t want to go outside. She goes back to wearing her big quilted jackets and watering her houseplants.

How can the girl show her mother that nature here can be wondrous too?

Includes a glossary of plants with Mandarin/English words.

My Thoughts

This is a sweet story with beautiful illustrations. While the main point is the blending of cultures and how every place has it’s own beauty, that isn’t my favorite part. I love the compassion and effort the narrator shows to make her mother feel better. Insead of just using kind words, the narrator takes action and does research to find information about plants in their new home. I can see this story inspiring families to create their own gardens.

January 28, 2024

Picture Book Review: Agnes and the Hen by Elle Rowley

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC ebook of Agnes and the Hen in exchange for an honest review.

Title: Agnes and the Hen

Author; Elle Rowley

Illustrator: Clare Theresen Gray

Publisher: DK Children

Publication Date: January 25, 2023

Description:

This lighthearted story tells the tale of Agnes the Great Dane and Rosie the hen with an important underlying message. With Agne’s help, Rosie discovers that staying true to herself might just be her greatest strength.

Agnes and the Hen is an engaging tale for 3-5 year-olds, teaching an important message about how you can avoid following the crowd and embrace your true self. Children will have fun engaging in the bright and beautiful pages of this picture book and following story alongside vibrant illustrations of farm animals.

My Thoughts:

I love the classic feel of these illustrations. It reminded me of the books I read as a child. There are so many stories about being true to yourself that this didn’t feel original to me. The main character, in this case a hen, is treated badly because they don’t act like the others, then they save the day and everyone loves them.That being said, there’s a reason there are so many stories like this. The message of acceptance and being true to yourself can’t be said enough. Kids will love Agnes’s silly dancing and how the hens scared away the foxes.

January 25, 2024

New Picture Book Review: Tango Red Riding Hood by Rachel S. Hobbs

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC ebook of Tango Red Riding Hood in exchange for an honest review.

Title: Tango Red Riding Hood

Author: Rachel S. Hobbs

Illustrator: Carolina Vazquez

Publisher: Gnome Road Publishing

Publication Date: September 12, 2023

Description

In this modern interpretation of a classic fairytale, readers tango along with Moni as she sways to the music that follows her through the woods. In a clearing, Moni stumbles upon Lobo . . . playing a bandoneón? Moni can’t help from tap-tap-tapping to the tune, but when the music ends, Moni’s pace turns from tango to milonga after Lobo says he ate Abuela. Readers are certain to be both surprised and relieved when they learn Abuela is alive and well, and waiting on another guest – her amigo, Lobo.

With a humorous twist that highlights a misunderstanding in two languages, Tango Red Riding Hood delivers a fresh take on the original story’s theme and beloved characters. Bold, bright illustrations capture the magic and mood of each scene, inviting readers to savor every step of Moni’s adventure.

My Thoughts

This was such a unique retelling of Little Red Riding Hood. I love fairy tale retellings, but Little Red Riding Hood has never been one of my favorites. Who can’t tell the difference between their grandmother and a wolf?I love the twist in this story that turns out to be a misunderstanding as a result of the wolf learning a new language. This is a delightful bilingual book. Kids will love the dancing and fun twist. English speakers will learn new Spanish words and bilinguaul children will love the mix of English and Spanish.

Purchasing link

September 11, 2023

Picture Book Review: There’s a Yeti in my Tummy by Meredith Rusu

Title: There’s a Yeti in My Tummy

Author: Meredith Rusu

Illustrator:Martin Moran

Publisher: 4U2B Books & Media

Publication Date: August 29, 2023

Thanks to netgalley for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

Description:

What happens when your inner yeti comes out to play?

Matthew is a young boy with BIG, BIG feelings—so big it sometimes feels like there’s a YETI just bursting to get out! And when Mathew’s yeti comes to play, he’s bound to stay all day. That silly yeti comes out of Matthew’s feet, his nose, his hair, his burp, and even his BUTT!

Bound to make any child roar with laughter, There’s a Yeti in My Tummy teaches kids that strong feelings are okay, and so are their inner yetis. Along with Matthew, kids learn to channel those feelings in constructive, positive, and loving ways. And parents will pick up a few tips on language to help children understand when and how to rely on their inner yeti.

An imaginative and fun story told in delightful rhyme by Meredith Rusu and crazy-fun illustrations by Martín Morón, There’s a Yeti in My Tummy is a big, bold, instant classic.

There’s a Yeti in My Tummy is the first book in The Mighty Moods series from 4U2B Books & Media, where we strive to create resources that enable children to become joyful, compassionate, and brave, and that empower and adults to instill those qualities in children.

My Thoughts

Kids will love this book. The story and pictures are hilarious. Kids can relate to the restless feeling of having a “yeti in your tummy.” This is the first in a series of books about big emotions, and I like the message that it’s okay to have big feelings. As an adult, I was just expecting a little more about handling these big emotions. But some books are just meant to be fun, and this one hits the mark.

August 23, 2023

Picture Book Review: Old to Joy by Anita Crawford Clark

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a free advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Title: Old to Joy

Author: Anita Crawford Clark

Publisher: Gnome Road Publishing

Publication Date: September 5, 2023

Description

When young Joy goes to spend the day with Grandmama, she struggles to find beauty in all the old things at Grandmama’s house. None of it looks or smells quite the same as it does at home. But as the day passes, Grandmama patiently helps Joy discover how the old ways can bring joy to any heart. Whether it’s the swaying of stately trees, bubbles dancing in a sink filled with dishes, the sweet scents of a lovingly tended garden, or the memories found in a room packed with hats – if Joy open’s her heart and mind, there is beauty to be found everywhere at Grandmama’s house.

My Thoughts

This is a touching story of a young girl and her great-grandmother. At first, Joy doesn’t like all the old things at Grandmama’s house. Then she learns to see the joy in them. I especially loved the hats that Joy plays because they brought me back to my own childhood. I loved playing with my grandmother’s hats. The author’s note at the end explaining that Grandmama was based on three grandmothers in the author’s life made it even more special.

June 13, 2023