One More Hug: Picture Book Review

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Book received at no charge to facilitate review.

A scary tapping on the window elicits the call of "One more hug" from a boy to his Mama. A broken sword gets one more kiss, and waiting for the school bus gets one more tight squeeze. As the boy grows and learns to ride a bike, climb a wall, and run track, his mama is always there and ready for that " one more hug."

 The sentiment of a mother's deep love bursts from every page, reassuring not just children but grown-ups, too, that there will always be a bond. Young readers will relate to the illustrations of getting older. However, it's adults who will really connect and will want to read it as that one last bedtime story.

Rating ★★★★☆

Publishing Information

Publisher: Aladdin (Nov. 12, 2019)
ISBN: 978-1-5344-29710
Pages: 40
Ages 4-8

This book can be purchased HERE

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I love you, Fred: Picture Book Review

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Book received at no charge to facilitate review.

Fred knows a lot of words like "fetch," "sit," and "stay." But all of the time he hears, "Fred, Fred, Fred." He wants to learn to Fred so he can be a good boy.

As Fred romps and plays, he suddenly finds himself in a dangerous situation. When his owner rescues him and whispers, "Fred," a light goes off. He finally discovers what it means to be called Fred.

It's the illustrated big-eyes of Fred that capture the essence of the story more than the oft times overused rhymes. Chloe Inkpen's Illustrations aptly capture the personality of the dog who longs to Fred. A quick read aloud helps drive the importance of having a name and what that means. Overall, young readers will grow to love Fred too.

Rating ★★★★☆

Publishing Information

Publisher: Aladdin (Dec. 10, 2019)

ISBN: 9781534414754

Pages: 32

Ages: 4-6

This book can be purchased here

Cuddle Monkey Book Review In Time for Valentine's Day

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Book received at no charge to facilitate review.

Lewis can't get enough of cuddle time. All he wants is more cuddles but for busy mom and dad, cuddle time is over. Lewis tries to cuddle with his book, truck and even a puddle because it rhymes with cuddle. His efforts lead him to snuggle with his stuffed animals. However, his animals don't know how to cuddle back, leaving Lewis wondering how much longer to cuddle time.

No one at school would cuddle with Lewis. At home, he's assigned the task of teaching his baby brother, Owen, to cuddle but Owen proved to be too "wiggly and squiggly."

Even to the reader, it seems like a long, arduous journey for poor Owen to finally get a hug. No quick hugs before school? Or even one when walking through the door after school?  No wonder Owen's face looks sad, confused, and even angry throughout his journey, aptly conveyed in the illustrations. Will his parents ever get the chance to show Lewis how much they love to hug him?                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

Rating (3.5) ★★★★☆

Publishing Information

Publsiher: Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books (Jan. 7, 2020)
ISBN: 97-15344431171
Pages: 40
Ages: 4-8

Book can be purchased at the following retailers:

Picture Book Review: Little Brown by Marla Frazee

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Book received at no charge to facilitate review.

Little Brown spends his time at the dog park cranky. Is he cranky because no one ever plays with him or does no one play with him because he is cranky? Little Brown doesn't really know he keeps getting crankier and decides to action. He nabs the ball and grabs the tassel toy. He even takes a blanket and stick. In fact, he amasses quite a collection of things from the other dogs. 

While he looks at his collection, Little Brown wonders if the other dogs will like him or play with him if he returns the belongings. His dilemma presents a great lesson in how to start conversation with others in the struggle to belong. Unfortunately, the story ends with no resolution leaving some disappointment but also room for open ended discussion.

Rating ★★★☆☆

Publishing Information

Publisher: Beach Lane Books/Simon & Schuster (Oct. 2, 2018)

ISBN: 9781481425223

Ages: 4-8

Book Review: Bear Can't Sleep by Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman

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Deep in the forest the cold wind blows while bear cuddles under his warm quilt in for his long winter nap. He closes his eyes, and tosses and turns but sleep eludes him. 

His friends become alarmed and rally around to help get him to sleep. Mouse serves mint tea. Hare offers warm milk and Badger builds a toasyt fire but "Bear can't sleep." Perhaps Gopher and Mole can something that will get bear to sleep. Wren, Owl and Raven join the others to no avail. That is until they put their minds together. Will they formulate a successful plan to get Bear sleeping through the winter.

The darling illustrations make it too irresistible not to pause on each page. The lolling rhyme will have the young reader drowsing off as soon as Bear finds a solution. A delightful read aloud that even parents will love reading over and over again.

Rating ★★★★☆

Publishing Information

Publisher: 

Teddy's Favorite Toy by Christian Trimmer & Illustrated by Madeline Valentine

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Teddy never has a dull moment in his room with all of his cool toys ranging from hula hoops to fire trucks. One toy takes center stage as his all time favorite, Bren-Da, Warrior Queen of the Pacifica. Bren-Da has the best manners and the sickest fighting skills.

When Bren-Da's leg snaps off, Teddy tries to no avail to fix her. Instead, he leaves her wrapped in bandages and heads off to school. He returns to find Bren-Da missing. Seeing his dismay at losing his favorite toy, his superhero mom pulls out her special skills to go for the rescue. Can she do it? 

A touching look and what it means to get past gender stereotypes. Great for those who aren't afraid of what others think.

★★★★☆

Publishing Information:

Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers (February 27, 2018)

ISBN: 978-4814-8079-6

Hardcover: 40 pages

Ages: 4-8

This book can be purchased on Amazon.

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Car by Kate Dopirak and Illustrated by Mary Peterson: Book Review

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Little car doesn't want to go to bed. Instead he zips around town saying goodnight to all of the other vehicles he's friends with. From honking to tractors to hearing toots from taxis and buses, Little Car enjoys his night on the town. When the ferry arrives to take the last load of cars, Little car motors on to the waiting platform. With sleepy eyes, Little Car tries to make it back to his garage. Will he make it?

Though the rhyme works with the tune of Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star, it's also perfect to read aloud. Shades of blue have a calming effect parents will love at bedtime while the budding reader will love the Little Car's bright color. A solid bedtime story that youngsters and parents will enjoy over and over again.

★★★★☆

Publishing Information:

Publisher: Beach Lane Books (Feb. 13, 2018)

ISBN: 9781481488037

Ages: 4-8

This book can be purchased HERE.

Books for Father's Day: If I Didn't Have You by Alan Katz

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When he sees a fancy car drive by, Mike asks his dad why he doesn't have a car like that. In jest, his dad points out that the car only seats two and they have a family of three but if he didn't have Mike then he could have a car like that. Mike joins the playful antics by declaring that, "I could eat candy for every meal... if I didn't have you." But his dad one ups him, "I could take sky-diving lessons...if I didn't have you."

Through wit and humor the father and son admit having each other is better than joining a circus and following a dream to join a rock band. The playful story takes a hilarious turn when Mom arrives to join the teasing. The bright colors of Robertson's digital illustrations enhance the light-hearted family relationships woven by Alan Katz. A perfect Father's Day addition to the family library.

Rating ★★★★☆

Publishing Information

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (April 10, 2018)

Pages: 32

Age: 4-8

Purchase this book on Amazon

About Habitats: Seashores by Cathryn Still and Illustrated by John Still: Book Review

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Simple language and realistic watercolor paintings merge the world where water meets land. From the white sand beaches of the Indian Ocean to the rocky beaches of the Pacific Ocean, readers are not only introduced to the beauty of the coastlines those beaches represent but also to the plants and animals that thrive in the coastal environments.

For the young reader who ever wondered where sea lions take naps, Seashores will provide the answer. Each picture or plate contains descriptive back matter at the end of the story that provide the most curious a chance to discover even more about seashores that the straightforward text provides. The budding environmentalist will love the depiction of the natural formations and wildlife of the undeveloped shores.

Rating ★★★★☆

Publishing Information

Publisher: Peachtree Publishers (August 2017)

ISBN: 978-1-56145-968-1

Ages 3-7

Picture Book Review: Be the Change: A Grandfather Gandhi Story

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Ashram life seems easy enough when the purpose is to live simply and nonviolently. While Arun has no trouble with most of the eleven vows of ashram living, he has a hard time with the vow not to waste. He can't understand how throwing away a worn-down pencil can hurt anyone, let alone lead to violence.

As Arun follows his grandfather and hears him speak about passive nonviolence, he struggles to understand the meaning behind it and how a worn-down pencil applies. In time, learns that every act affects others and the world around him in small ways. His grandfather tells him, "Be the change you wish to see in the world, Arun." These words remind him to think always about his actions and how they can bring about peace.

The mixed media illustrations with striking colors may catch the attention of the young reader while the concepts explored may teach a better lesson with the guidance of an adult. A great story for the child and parent to experience together.

Rating: ★★★★☆

Publishing Information:

Publisher: Atheneum (August 30, 2016)

By Arun Gandhi and Bethany Heeds

Illustrated by Evan Turk

ISBN: 978-1481442657

Ages: 4-8

Stanley The Mailman by William Bee: Book Review

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Stanley knows what it's like to work hard and he's at it again. He's getting up before the sun to sort through letters and packages. He drives off on his scooter to get the mail delivered. First stop is Myrtle's house to drop off her order from Paris. Little Woo gets a present from his grandparents Stanley delivers a lot of love letters to Charlie. You go Charlie!  But not everyone is happy with what Stanley brings.

Through bright illustrations and cartoon like characters, toddlers will delight in learning what it takes to be a mailman. Read it aloud enough and those toddlers will be waiting on the porch for their very own package from their mailman. A charming look at what comes in the mail along with what it takes to get it there.

Rating: ★★★★☆

This book can be purchased from the following retailer:

Eddie's Tent and How to go Camping: Book Review and Giveaway

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FTC Disclosure: Book received at no charge in exchange for an honest review.

Holiday time and Eddie his Mum, Tom, Lilly and Tilly prepare to explore the outdoors with a camping trip. After a long ride to the campsite, they finally get camp set up. After a night of listening to owls hooting, Eddie spends the next day exploring the beach, learning to make a fire, and making Damper Bread. While fishing Eddie meets a new friend named Max and his puppy, Bouncer. When Bouncer disappears, Eddie puts his new found survival skills to work.

While the story gives a realistic view of family life with illustrations to match, the camping tips at the end provide delightful activities for the family. The Chocolate Bananas are not only surprisingly easy to make but deliciously yummy too. A fabulous introduction to camping for the budding outdoor enthusiast.

Rating ★★★★☆

Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children's Books (May 7, 2015)
Pages: 40
ISBN-13: 978-1-84780-408-2
Ages: 4-7

This book can be purchased from the following retailer:

Book Giveaway Details:

Please use the Rafflecopter form to enter. By entering, you acknowledge you have read the terms on the form. Winner will receive my hardback review copy of Eddie's Tent and How to go Camping. Giveaway ends 08/30/2015 at 11:59 EST.

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Spot the Monkey in the Jungle by Stella Madiment and Joelle Dreidemy: Book Review

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FTC Disclosure: Book received at no charge to facilitate unbiased review.

Get out your looking glass and swing on by. A bright, colorful jungle awaits. 

While searching for the cute monkey, your bound to learn some fun facts along the way about other jungle animals. Did you know that little birds fly into the mouths of crocodile to pick meat off their teeth? The jungle is full of other things to find and other interesting facts.

Watch the reader interact Spot the Monkey in the Jungle with curiosity and joy all while increasing vocabulary and teaching differentiation through adjectives. A fun book that will help stimulate conversation while reading together.

Rating: ★★★★☆

Publishing Information:

 QEB Publishing (April 1, 2015)
ISBN-13: 978-1609927288
Pages: 24
Ages: 3-5

This book can be purchased from the following retailers: