Thursday, November 30, 2017

LINES by Suzy Lee / Book Review


Written & Illustrated by: Suzy Lee
Published by: Chronicle Books
Released on: September 5th, 2017
Ages: 3 & up
Purchase from: the PublisherAmazon | B&N
Add it to Goodreads
Rating: 5 Owlets - We Loved It
A copy of this book as provided by the publisher in exchange for my honest review 

It starts with a line. Whether made by the tip of a pencil
or the blade of a skate, the magic starts there.


And magic once again flows from the pencil and imagination of internationally acclaimed artist Suzy Lee. With the lightest of touches, this masterwork blurs the lines between real and imagined, reminding us why Lee's books have been lauded around the world, recognized on New York Times Best Illustrated Books lists and nominated for the Hans Christian Andersen Award, the highest international honor given to children's book creators. 


This seemingly simple story about a young skater on a frozen pond will charm the youngest of readers while simultaneously astounding book enthusiasts of any age.

Visually stunning, Suzy Lee's newest, wordless book is a treasure to have through the winter months. I absolutely loved feeling like I was transported into a wintery scene with the story's ice-skater. This book illustrates a powerful message about not giving up despite mistakes. The end result is stunning. Definitely another Suzy Lee classic that readers of all ages will enjoy. 

Wednesday, November 29, 2017

WILLIAM'S WINTER NAP by Linda Ashman / Book Review #WilliamsWinterNap


By:Linda Ashman
Illustrated by: Chuck Groenink
Published by: Disney Hyperion
Released on: October 10th, 2017
Ages: 3 & up
Purchase from: Publisher | Amazon | B&N
Add it to Goodreads
Rating: 4 Owlets - We Loved It!
A unbound copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for my honest review

Just when William is ready to fall asleep in his cozy cabin, there is a tap on his window. A chilly chipmunk asks to stay, and Will scooches over in bed. “There’s room for two–I’m sure we’ll fit.” The chipmunk is just the first in a parade of mammals, each bigger than the last, until the bed is full. Then a note is slipped beneath the door: “Do you have room for just one more?” William tugs the door to see who’s there . . . only to find a great big BEAR! Is there enough space to spare? Will the other animals be willing to share? Kids will delight at each new guest’s arrival and enjoy counting along as the animals keep scooching over to fit in William’s bed. Linda Ashman’s clever rhymes set up each page turn with suspense and humor, and the expressions on Chuck Groenink’s characters are perfect. This is must reading for the dark time of year when everyone wants to hibernate!

A heartwarming bedtime story that's sure to become a new favorite. Ashman's engaging storytelling and use of rhyming and repetition will appeal to young kids. Paired with Groenink's warm, and delightful illustrations make for a book that's worth adding to your bedtime story collection.

We really enjoyed the sweet story of a young boy and his neighboring woodland animals working together so that everyone had room to come in from the cold and take a winter nap. Kids will easily pick up on the message of sharing and being kind. Reminiscent of the classic Mitten by Jan Brett, this story is a pure delight, and the perfect read on a cold winter's night. We enjoyed the way this story was told, and loved the illustrations. 

Tuesday, November 28, 2017

LITTLE OWL'S EGG by Debi Gliori / Book Review #LittleOwlsEgg


By: Debi Gliori
Illustrated by: Alison Brown
Published by: Bloomsbury
Released on: November 14th, 2017
Ages: 4 & up
Purchase from: Bloomsbury | Amazon | B&N
Add it to Goodreads
Rating: 4 Owlets
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for my honest review 

I'm your baby owl. You don't need a new one. Little Owl isn't pleased to hear that there's a baby owl in the egg Mummy has laid. So Mummy pretends it might be a baby penguin ... or crocodile ... or elephant. In the fun of imagining different kinds of siblings, Little Owl realises that a baby owl might just be the best thing of all.

A gentle, lovely story about the arrival of a new sibling, addressing fears that Mummy's love will stop. Debi Gliori is a bestselling, award-winning author and writing for the first time for another illustrator: the talented Alison Brown.


What happens when Little Owl finds out Mummy's new egg will have a little owl in it? His Mummy gets creative, and easy his worries by pretending the egg may have different animals in it. From a baby dragon to a penguin and more. Through her pretending, Little Owl tells her why that wouldn't work and soon realizes that having a baby owl isn't so bad after all. He also learns that no matter what, his Mummy will still love her first baby owl. 

Really cute story with equally cute illustrations. We enjoyed the light hearted humor in the book. It's definitely a cute story and worth reading through. This book is great for easing the worry of any child who is about to be welcome a new baby into their family.

Friday, November 24, 2017

ESCARGOT by Dashka Slater / Book Review


By: Dashka Slater
Illustrated by: Sydney Hanson
Published by: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Released on: April 11th, 2017
Ages:
Purchase from:
Add it to Goodreads
Rating: 4 Owlets 
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for my honest review

Bonjour! Escargot is a beautiful French snail who wants only two things:

1. To be your favorite animal.
2. To get to the delicious salad at the end of the book.

But when he gets to the salad, he discovers that there's a carrot in it. And Escargot hates carrots. But when he finally tries one—with a little help from you!—he discovers that it's not so bad after all


A cute story with great illustrations, and some French charm. It wasn't hard to fall in love with Escargot, the story's narrator. His message about not being a peaky eater may get kids to try that one food they claim they hate, though they've never tried it. After all, Escargot hates carrots. That is until he tried one and discovered they're not so bad after all. 

Escargot is the perfect read aloud! Of course you it's even more fun when read in a French accent, even if it's a bad one like mine. What makes this book so much fun to read, aside from the charming illustrations, is that Escargot talks directly to his audience. This quickly engages kids, and makes for a fun, entertaining read. We recommend picking this book up!

Thursday, November 23, 2017

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!


Wishing all of our readers a Happy Thanksgiving!
We're so thankful for each of you, and appreciate all your support in taking the time to visit our blog to read our reviews, and various book related posts. We love connecting with you and enjoy talking books with you on our social media accounts as well as here on the blog. Thank you for your continued friendships and supporting us in promoting children's books. We hope you have a wonderful and safe holiday surrounded by those you love. 

Wednesday, November 22, 2017

COOKIESAURUS REX by Amy Fellner Dominy & Nate Evans / Book Review #CookiesaurusRex


Written by: Amy Fellner Dominy & Nate Evans
Illustrated by: AG Ford
Published by: Disney Hyperion
Released on: September 26th, 2017 
Purchase from: Amazon | B&N
Add it to Goodreads
Rating: 5 Owlets - We LOVED It!
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for my honest review

As soon as Cookiesaurus Rex comes out of the oven, he declares that he is King of All Cookies. He should be frosted before all of the standard-shaped cookies, in a nice bright green. But the other cookies are getting sprinkles, or shiny stars, or even gumdrops . . . WAIT ONE STINKIN' STOMPIN' MINUTE! Cookiesaurus wants a do-over. Problem is, he might not end up with the kind of "do" he wants. Readers will love the funny back-and-forth between this cheeky cookie and the hand that frosts him. See who gets his licks in at the end!

A delicious laugh out loud! Who knew a little cookie could have such a big attitude. Though I guess if I was a dinosaur cookie and being decorated not the way I wanted, I would have done the same thing. Trust me, you don't want to mess with Cookiesaurus Rex. This tough little cookie isn't afraid to decorate himself if he has to. Oh does he. This self proclaimed King of the Cookies should be decorated the only way a dinosaur cookie king should be... with all the cookie decorations. 

This is brilliantly written, laugh out for readers of all ages! I love it when picture books have humor for the whole family. You know what would be perfect with this story, a plate of cookies! Mixed in with the nonstop laughs, this book will definitely make you look at cookie decorating in a whole new way. Now I want to go make dinosaur cookies..... 

I highly recommend picking up this book! It just may end up on my 2017 favorites list. Not only is the story hilarious, the illustrations are great. This is definitely a book to add to your holiday gift giving lists this year. 

Friday, November 17, 2017

WE'RE ALL WONDERS by R.J. Palacio / Book Review #ChooseKind


Written & Illustrated By: R.J. Palacio
Published by: Alfred A. Knopf
Released on: March 28th, 2017
Ages: 4 & up
Purchase from: The PublisherAmazon | B&N
Add it to Goodreads
Rating: 5 Owlets - We Loved The Message
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for my honest review

The unforgettable bestseller Wonder has inspired a nationwide movement to Choose Kind. Now parents and educators can introduce the importance of choosing kind to younger readers with this gorgeous picture book, featuring Auggie and Daisy on an original adventure, written and illustrated by R. J. Palacio.

Over 5 million people have fallen in love with Wonder and have joined the movement to Choose Kind. Now younger readers can meet Auggie Pullman, an ordinary boy with an extraordinary face, and his beloved dog, Daisy.

Countless fans have asked R. J. Palacio to write a book for younger readers. With We’re All Wonders, she makes her picture-book debut as both author and artist, with a spare, powerful text and striking, richly imagined illustrations. Palacio shows readers what it’s like to live in Auggie’s world—a world in which he feels like any other kid, but he’s not always seen that way.

We’re All Wonders may be Auggie’s story, but it taps into every child’s longing to belong, and to be seen for who they truly are. It’s the perfect way for families and educators to talk about empathy and kindness with young children.


Based on the popular story, WONDER, this new picture book from author R.J. Palacio, shares a similar, yet wonderful reminder that kids will comprehend. That is, we all look different on the outside, but we're all same on the inside. Just because someone looks different, doesn't mean it's okay to be mean to them or make fun of them. The world is big enough for each of us. We need to change how we look at people, and stop seeing people by their outward appearance, but see them as another human being. 

Both the storytelling and the illustrations tell a powerful story about how wonderful we all are. No one likes to be made fun of, or have others treat them unkindly. All it takes is one person choosing to be kind, for kindness to spread. I really enjoyed the illustrations, and loved that they featured Auggie, the boy from the original Wonder story. The illustrations do a great job at painting a picture of kindness and empathy towards others, and show kids how our actions effect others. 

This is a wonderful story! Great for both fans of the book WONDER, and also a great introduction to those new to the story. I highly recommend being up this book as well as Palacio's WONDER. Be sure to catch the movie this weekend in theaters. Remember, CHOOSE KIND!

Thursday, November 16, 2017

PASS IT ON by Sophy Henn / Book Review


Written & Illustrated by: Sophy Henn
Published by: Philomel Books
Released on: April 11th, 2017
Ages: 2 & up
Purchase from: The PublisherAmazon | B&N
Add it to Goodreads
Rating: 5 Owlets - We Loved It
We're a PHR partner and received this book in exchange for our honest review

Here's a fun idea: When you laugh or smile--pass it on! A story about giving, sharing, and joy. 

"When you see something terrific, smile a smile and pass it on! If you chance upon a chuckle, hee hee hee and pass it on. Should you spot a thing of wonder, jump for joy and pass it on!" 


So begins Sophy Henn's ode to the excitement of sharing happiness with others. With a refrain that begs to be uttered before every turn of the page, children will eagerly read alongside their parents as they discover how wonderful--and fun!--it is to share the good things in life. After all, if you spread happiness to others, even on a gray, rainy day, when you least expect it, like a bolt out of the blue, a smile or a chuckle might be passed right back to you! This heartwarming, upbeat book is the perfect way to bring a warm ray of sunshine into every reader's life."


This book is a happiness wrapped in a wonderful story about the power of being kind. It's so easy to spread joy, and do nice things for others, and best of all it's free to do! This story does a beautiful job at telling that in a way that young readers will understand. With it's bright colorful, yet simplistic illustrations, Henn's newest picture book will easily put a smile on your face. Great for toddlers and readers with short attention spans, this is a picture book for readers of all ages. 

Wednesday, November 15, 2017

NOPE! A Tale of First Flight by Drew Sheneman / Book Review



Written & Illustrated By: Drew Sheneman
Published by: Viking Books for Young Readers 
Released on: January 17th, 2017
Purchase from: Amazon 
Add it to Goodreads
Rating: 5 Owlets - We Loved It!
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for my honest review

A nurturing mama bird, a fearful baby, and a nest in a tall, tall tree. Ready, set, soar? Nope!

Sweetly and humorously told, here is a sparkling debut about the joys that come from embracing new experiences, written and illustrated by nationally-syndicated cartoonist Drew Sheneman.


Be prepared to laugh a lot with this debut picture book! Full of vivid illustrations, and little words, this picture book is down right hilarious.

It's time for baby bird's first flight. Unfortunately this bird lacks the confidence mama bird has when it comes to his first leap from the nest. All he can do is imagine the number of things out there waiting to get him. This baby bird's imagination definitely runs wild. Thankfully this baby bird has a mama who trusts in his ability, even it means he literally needed a push from the nest to find that bravery in overcoming his fear. That first push was all he needed to discover how much fun it is to fly. 

These illustrations are perfect! We laughed non stop through out this book. This may end up being one of my favorite picture books of the year. Sheneman's illustrations are so expressive, that adding too many words to this book would take away from the story that illustrations perfectly tell. 

On a mama note, I loved mama's bird's love, and the confidence she had for her baby bird. She trusted in hiss ability to fly, even if he didn't realize he could at first. I really appreciated that subtle message in the story. 

This is definitely one picture book worth picking up! 

Tuesday, November 14, 2017

CHARLOTTE AND THE ROCK by Stephen W. Martin / Book Review


By: Stephen W. Martin
Illustrated by: Samantha Cotterill
Published by: Dial Books
Released on: March 14th, 2017
Ages: 3 & up
Purchase from: The PublisherAmazon | B&N
Add it to Goodreads
Rating: 4 Owlets
A copy of this book as provided by the publisher in exchange for my honest review

An unexpected friendship forms between a girl and her pet rock in this charming story that's perfect for fans of What Pet Should I Get?

Charlotte has always really wanted a pet, so when her parents present her with one for her birthday she expects a cat, dog, or maybe a bird. Instead, she receives a rock. Rocks can't cuddle, fetch, or even help her eat her vegetables, but that doesn't stop Charlotte from loving her rock as if he were real. If only he could love her back...or can he?


This is a really cute picture book. Anyone who's ever longed for a pet will enjoy this delightful story, and appreciate the fun surprise at the end! 

Charolette is not a fan of the pet rock her parents have boughten for her. It can't do any of the things a normal pet can do. But, there's more to her pet rock than she realizes. Her new pet rock, isn't just any rock. That part of the story is a fun surprise for both Charolette and readers. 

We really enjoyed this story, and loved the vintage style of the illustrations. It felt like an ode to the 60's & 70's. It fit perfectly with this story. This story was not what we were excepting, which made it even better. We really enjoyed it, and would recommend picking this one up. 

I would be most content if my children grew up to be the kind of people who think decorating consists mostly of building enough bookshelves. ~ Anna Quindlen

Good children's literature appeals not only to
the child in the adult, but to the adult in the child.
~ Anonymous ~