What Evelyn Reads

Ten Valentines Books Still On My TBR

2017-02-14T05:45:00.001-08:00

Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

Slugs in Love by Susan Pearson

Goodreads | Amazon

The Night Before Valentine's Day by Natasha Wing

Goodreads | Amazon

The Ballad of Valentine by Alison Jackson

Goodreads | Amazon

Somebody Loves You Mr. Hatch by Eileen Spinelli

Goodreads | Amazon

It's Valentine's Day by Jack Prelutsky

Goodreads | Amazon

Happy Valentine's Day, Mouse! by Laura Joffe Numerous

Goodreads | Amazon

The Day It Rained Hearts by Felicia Bond

Goodreads | Amazon

Love, Splat by Rob Scotton

Goodreads | Amazon

Roses Are Pink, Your Feet Stink by Diane de Groat

Goodreads | Amazon

Love, Ruby Valentine by Laurie B. Friedman

Goodreads | Amazon

Mommy and Me

Me Tall, You Small by Lilli L'Arronge

2017-02-14T05:00:00.000-08:00

We received this book from the publisher in exchange for a review.

Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Illustrations: ⭐⭐⭐

Me Tall, You Small is a series of playful vignettes in the daily life of a pair of weasels, parent and child. Whether they are having a bubble bath, kicking a soccer ball, or eating ice cream together, simple paired phrases showcase their loving—and amusingly realistic—relationship. After a fall: You boo-boo. Me bandage. At bedtime: Me tired. You wired.

A Sweet Book Showing a Parents Unconditional Love

I expected we would be reading a book about opposites, but what we got instead was a heartwarming book about the love between a parent and a child. Especially nice is the message that a parent has unconditional love, and the little annoyances of having a small child who sometimes doesn't get with the program are indeed little, especially compared to the love that a parent feels.

I am normally put off by books that are almost entirely made up of bad grammar, even if it is for fun, but I don't really feel that way about Me Tall, You Small. The word play is catchy, sweet, and just a lot of fun. The illustrations are simple but ones that will appeal to small children.

Evelyn's Reaction

Loved it! Listened attentively, pointed to several of the pictures with a nice wide smile, and wanted an immediate reread.

Me Tall, You Small

by Lilli L'Arronge

Expected Publication: March 14, 2017

Recommended Age: 2-6

Pages: 40

Goodreads | Amazon

Do Fairies Bring the Spring? by Liza Gardner Welsh

2017-02-13T16:51:00.000-08:00

We received this title from the publisher for review.

Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Illustration: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

After a long winter s rest with little to do, are the fairies ready to start something new, Do they use tiny brushes and oil pastels to paint crocuses, lilacs, and daffodils? Everyone knows fairies love spring flowers and summer sun, but is it the fairies who wake up the earth as the snow melts? Do they entice the trees to turn green and the flowers to grow?

Magical Spring Time Themed Book

Do Fairies Bring Spring, asks the questions that gets children thinking if it is possible that the wonders of spring might not exist without the assistance of the fairies. The idea is presented as quite plausible, which makes this a good one for reading to expand on through play and imagination. It would also be a fun side addition to a spring unit for younger children.

The whimsical illustrations are absolutely beautiful. Evelyn seemed to enjoy pointing at all of the little details that were in many of the scenes, and I found each picture beautifully charming.

At the end of the book there are tips for attracting fairies for spring, which are actually very practical little projects that would be good to do with little ones.

Do Fairies Bring the Spring?

by Liza Gardner Walsh

Illustrated by: Hazel Mitchell

Published: Feb. 9, 2017

Recommended Age: 4-8

Pages: 32

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #IMWAYR No.1

2017-02-13T04:08:00.002-08:00

Linking to Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers

Evelyn and I have both read a number of books from our shelves, from the library, and books that we have received for review. Here's what we have:

From the Library

Fox in Socks by Dr. Seuss

Goodreads | Amazon

One fish two fish red fish blush fish by Dr. Seuss

Goodreads | Amazon

Where are the Green Sheep by Mem Fox

Goodreads | Amazon

Thunder Boy Jr. by Sherman Alexie

Goodreads | Amazon

From Our Shelves

Pat the Bunny by Dorothy Kunhardt

Goodreads | Amazon

Going to My Big Bed by Sheryl Berk

Goodreads | Amazon

The New Babysitter by Sheryl Berk

Goodreads | Amazon

The Wonder of Sharks by Weldon Owen

Goodreads | Amazon

From the Publisher

I Don't Want a Rabbit by Ingrid Prins (Review)

Goodreads | Amazon

Mama Bird Baby Bird by Wanda Obermeier (Review)

Goodreads | Amazon

Is a Worry Worrying You by Ferida Wolff (Review)

Goodreads | Amazon

Jesus is Alive by Debby Anderson (Review)

Goodreads | Amazon

Bedtime for Buzzy by T.J. Hackworth (Review)

Goodreads | Amazon

Favorite Review Book of the Week

Porcupette Finds a Family by Vanita Owlschlager

Goodreads | Amazon

While I recommend Porcupette Finds a Family only to a very select reading audience, I find it to be one of the most brilliant tools for children who are suffering from abandonment issues and for those who love them.

Full Review by Nana Steph

What Nana Read

Darling, I'm Going to Charlie by Maryse Wolinsky

Goodreads | Amazon

This is a beautifully written account of a woman's heartbreaking journey after her husband, Georges, was murdered in the mass terrorist shooting at Charlie Hebdo in France.

Porcupette Finds a Family by Vanita Oelschlager

2017-02-12T16:32:00.003-08:00

We received this book from the publisher for review.

Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Illustration:🟃 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Porcupette Finds a Family, is a story about how a baby porcupine (called a porcupette) finds a new family after losing his mother. He wants to have an attachment to the bear family he finds, but is afraid his "bear" mother and "bear" brother and sister will leave him too. This causes him to act out his fears in

ways that jeopardize acceptance from his adopted family. However, with the understanding and help of Mother Bear, Porcupette finally accepts that he is truly loved and wanted despite, or maybe because of, his differences.

Amazing, BUT For a Very Specific Target Audience

On my first pass through I wasn't sure about how I felt about Porcupette Finds a Family by Vanita Oelschlager, but as someone who worked with children within the foster care system for years, I have to say that Porcupette is a realistic character for a child who is hurting and who misbehaves to either test people's boundaries or to push people away before they have a chance to hurt them first.

A child losing their parent and feeling the uncertainty of the world around them is not your average subject matter in children's literature, and it is in no way sugar coated in Porcupette Finds a Family. This is exactly what children who are experiencing this in their own lives need as well do the people who love them, as a valuable tool to open up meaningful conversation and to help children understand what their feelings are about.

I recommend this book to children with abandonment issues, and the adult's caring for those children, simultaneously, not separately. I also recommend this book to children and the parents of those children who are closely involved with a child who is dealing with abandonment issues. It can be used as a wonderful teaching tool for those children as well, in order to help them understand what the other child may be feeling. It also would be a smart move for any counselor to have this one ready and available on their bookshelf.

Porcupette Finds a Family

by Vanita Oelschlager

Illustrated by Mike Blanc

Published: 2010

Pages: 44

Our Source: Publisher

Amazon | Goodreads

Mini Masters Board Books

2017-02-12T12:37:00.001-08:00

The books from the Mini Masters Series by Julie Merberg and Suzanne Bober are imaginative board books featuring beautiful paintings by a renowned artists paired with playful, rhyming text. Children can enter the magical world of art in a fun and imaginative way while also receiving a magical adventure all rolled into one!
This is the full list of the books available. Enjoy.

In the Garden with Van Gogh

Amazon

Goodreads

Quiet Time with Cassatt

Sharing with Renoir

Dreaming with Rousseau

Amazon

Goodreads

On an Island with Gauguin

Amazon

Goodreads

Painting with Picasso

Amazon

Goodreads

A Magical Day with Matisse

Sunday with Seurat

Dancing with Degas

A Picnic with Monet

There is a box set available as well, which includes the following books from the collection:

Dancing with Degas

A Picnic with Monet

A Magical Day with Matisse

In the Garden with Van Gogh

Amazon

Goodreads

I love these and hope to collect each and every one of them for Evelyn.

Every Book is a New Release to a Child: Fox in Socks by Dr. Seuss

2017-02-11T21:00:00.000-08:00

HarperCollins is relaunched Dr. Seuss's best-selling books, including such perennial favourites as The Cat in the Hat, Green Eggs and Ham and Fox in Socks. Other well loved children books are being printed all the time such as Nancy Drew with the original design on the cover, Little House on the Prairie books have become classics, Pat the Bunny is alive and well, Caps for Sale, Frog and Toad, Curious George, Blueberries for Sale...

Thank goodness that so many of children books are still thriving in the publishing world, more so than adult books. Besides classics, there are only a small percentage of more current releases that will be among buzz books in the future.

Why? Kids don't care. Everything is a new release to them. They are young and experience a bookshop or library the way that I wish that we all could, wide eyed at the possibility of falling in love with any one of the books on the shelf.

I have thought about this a lot as I have been on this journey with Evelyn, but never more than yesterday when we read Fox in Socks by Dr. Seuss.

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

In this hilarious book, the irrepressible Fox in Socks teaches a baffled Mr. Knox some of the slickest, quickest tongue-twisters in town.

One of the Most Precious Reading Experiences I Have Had

Evelyn and I have shared a lot of good times, but the time that we have spent together reading has been one of my most enjoyable experiences as a grandmother, and reading her Fox in Sox was a moment that I will never forget.

I had forgotten that most of the Dr. Suess books are in the 60 page range, and I didn't know if Evelyn was ready to sit through a book of that length, but it turned out that the sing song rhythm of the writing in Fox in Sox held her complete attention. The books is all rhythmic tongue twisters and she loved it.

We read Fox in Sox after lunch, just before bedtime, and while she sat on my lap, listening to every word, looking over every page, near the end she pressed her forehead against the side of my face, gently swayed to the words, and fell peacefully asleep.

It was one of the most precious reading moments I have had the pleasure to experience. I only wish that I wasn't alone with her so I could have a picture.

We will definitely be reading more Dr. Suess in the future, and I believe that these books are a must buy for adding to her library collection.

Fox in Sox

By Dr. Suess

Source: Library

Originally Published: 1965

Pages: 62

Bedtime for Buzzy by T.J. Hackworth

2017-02-11T04:57:00.003-08:00

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my review.

My Rating: ⭐

A young boy is playing with his toys and doesn't want to go to bed at bedtime. One by one his toys come to life in his imagination and convince him that going to sleep is the best way to continue his adventures.

As parents of young children know all too well, convincing a child that it is time to go to bed can sometimes be difficult, to say the least.

The lovable characters of Bedtime for Buzzy encourage bedtime through a fun and engaging story -- one that is designed to help lead children to their own conclusion that it’s time to go to bed. Bedtime for Buzzy makes a perfect addition to the nightly storybook ritual that many parents share with their children.

Great Premise, But Not the Best Execution

I loved the idea of this book, a boy playing with his toys and using his imagination to interact with them, and then being convinced by them that bedtime is a good thing indeed. The problem is that it isn't entirely clear that he is playing with his toys. While there is a picture of his toys in his room at the very beginning, there is neither illustration, or any part of the story that makes it clear to a young listener that it is the toys that have come to life that the story is about.

In addition, I found the interaction with the toys to be inconsistently good, many scenes quite good indeed, and others not good at all, and the illustration is nothing more than okay.

Bedtime for Buzzy has the potential for being a wonderful addition to a bedtime ritual, but has too many difficulties in my opinion. It might appeal to some readers who don't mind doing the author's work of clarifying to the listener what is happening.

Bedtime for Buzzy

by T.J. Hackworth

Illustration by: Sean Baptist

Published: February 8, 2017

Pages: 28:

My Source: Publisher

Jesus is Alive by Debby Anderson

2017-02-10T18:49:00.000-08:00

I was provided a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my review.

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

The hope of Easter comes to life in Jesus Is Alive. Through colorful pictures of a child’s day with family and friends, little hearts learn about the time leading to Jesus’s death and resurrection. Most importantly, they learn that in Jesus all things are new!

Cuddle and Sing is the bestselling board book series that teaches the love of Jesus to children ages zero to three. This is the first seasonal book to be released in the series and continues the delightful tone that makes the first three books so popular.

Sweet Illustrations and Catchy Rhymes

Of course I am partial to a book that tells of the hope of Jesus being alive, and Debby Anderson tells it well in the style of rhyme and with adorable illustrations. While explaining to the listener in this 'read aloud' many of the ways that we know that Jesus is alive, there are corresponding reminders of the story of Easter, which is lovely, although nothing that I think that will resinate with the target audience.

Sadly, Evelyn listened, but was only too happy to move along to another book, and never once pointed at anything, or tried to discuss anything. The book is published in board book format, and is therefore quite short and suitable for listeners eighteen months and younger, maybe as an Easter gift in lieu of chocolate. I don't believe that readers even a pinch older will take a significant interest in the book, at least not enough to want to revisit it.

Jesus is Alive

by Debbie Anderson

Published: February 1, 2017

Format: Board Book

Source: Publisher

Pages: 18

Is a Worry Worrying You by Ferida Wolff

2017-02-09T04:41:00.000-08:00

Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Illustration: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

This book addresses children's worries with humor and imagination, as hilarious scenarios teach kids the use of perspective and the art of creative problem—solving.

Effective, But Thoroughly Entertaining Teaching Tool

Is a Worry Worrying You? is a cute book with an interesting way of teaching children the definition of worries, and how to get rid of the worries that plague them. The book starts with a few pages of examples of what a worry is, how it comes about, and what is feels like. Mid way through the book seamlessly shifts gears to laying out several examples of situations that children can find themselves in by worrying, along with a simple, but very practical approach to what they should do to remedy it.

I recommend this book especially to children ages four through eight. It is a wonderful conversation starter, and a particular must have if you have a little worrywart on your hands.

Is a Worry Worrying You

by Ferida Wolf and Harriet May Savitz

Illustrations by Marie Letourneau

Source: Publisher

Published 2005 by Tanglewood

Pages: 32

Mama Bird Papa Bird by Wanda Obermeier

2017-02-08T13:04:00.001-08:00

The publisher swapped me this book for my review.

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Discover the deeper meaning of family as Mama Bird and Papa Bird provide questions that will have young children eager for answers.

Mama Bird Papa Bird has really good illustrations, and the the story shows the caring side of this bird family. I thought that it was weird that the mommy and daddy bird don't realize what is happening to them when they are having a baby. Aren't birds suppose to know these things? It's called instinct, right?
I still had fun reading about the love of this bird family and I thought that the ending was super cute, but I have read other bird books that have told a better nature story.

Mama Bird Papa Bird

Wanda Obermeier

Illustrated by Faith Thomas
Source: Publisher

Published: September 2014

Pages: 32

I Don't Want a Rabbit by Ingrid Prins

2017-02-08T11:50:00.001-08:00

I was given a copy from the publisher in trade for my review. No other bargains were made.

My rating: ⭐⭐

Timothy doesn’t want a rabbit. But one day, there’s a rabbit at the door.

Timothy tries all kinds of ways to get rid of him, but what’s the best way?

And why doesn’t Timothy want a rabbit?

I Don't Want a Rabbit by Ingrid Prins is suppose to teach us about grief, but Timothy is a mean, miserable little boy, and his parents don't do anything to correct his mean behavior, or to talk to him about what he was going through.

I am sure that my mom, dad, nana or poppy would sit me down and explain to me that it is okay to love a new pet, and that it doesn't take away from the love that I have towards my other pet. Gosh. We really are smarter than a lot of people give us credit for, so I think that most kids know that anyway, but still.

Anyway, the pictures are cute, and the book was okay, even if I do think that Timothy is a brat. If he were my neighbor, I would march myself right over to his house and say, "Timothy! You listen here. If you don't want that bunny, and all you want to do is mistreat it, you just hand it over!"

I Don't Want a Bunny

by Ingrid Prins

Illustrated by Jelena Brezovec
Source: Publisher

Published: November 2016 by Clavis

Pages: 32

Winter Themed Picture Books

2017-01-05T05:04:00.000-08:00

Dear friends,
Look at these wintery books. I will be taking Evelyn to the library to hunt down as many as we can find, and adding the rest to our wishlist. I love books set in the current season. I just wish that Evelyn could see snow! She was born down here in the south, but our family is originally from NY. Road trip!

The Reader by Amy Hest

In this timeless picture book, a new reader trudges through deep snow with a mysterious suitcase in tow. He has something important to share with his faithful companion, who bolts ahead to wait at the top of a tall hill. Our small hero climbs higher and higher, until finally, he is there, too. Then he opens his suitcase ? click, click ? and soon the only sound in the world is the sound of him reading their very favorite book to the very last page?the very last word. Amy Hest's spare evocative text is a true celebration of new readers and good friends everywhere, while Lauren Castillo's pen and ink and watercolor illustrations, with their bold saturated colors against winter white, perfectly capture the wonder and delight of this magical day.

Big Snow by Johnathan Bean

While "helping" his mother with holiday housecleaning, a boy keeps a watchful eye on the progress of a winter storm. He's hoping for a big snow. A really big snow. Inside, he is underfoot, turning sheet-changing and tub-scrubbing into imaginary whiteouts. Outside, flakes are flying. But over the course of a long day (for Mom) the clouds seem slow on delivering a serious snowfall. Then comes a dreamy naptime adventure, marking just the beginning of high hopes coming true in this irresistible seasonal story.

Red Sled by Lita Judge

In this almost wordless picture book, a host of woodland creatures take a child's sled for a nighttime joy ride. Their whimsical ride is gorgeously depicted in bold watercolor, complemented by humorous expressions and pitch-perfect sound effects. With a timeless tone and classic characters, RED SLED will become a wintertime favorite.

Cold Snap by Eileen Spinelli

It’s snowy cold in the town of Toby Mills. The thermometer is sinking toward zero, and the icicle hanging from the nose of General Toby’s statue is growing closer to the ground. The newspaper headline reads “COLD SNAP!” The people of the town are losing hope—and the feeling in their toes—until the mayor’s wife saves the day with a toasty treat.

Blizzard by John Rocco

Blizzard is based on John Rocco's childhood experience during the now infamous Blizzard of 1978, which brought 53 inches of snow to his town in Rhode Island.

Told with a brief text and dynamic illustrations, the book opens with a boy's excitement upon seeing the first snowflake fall outside his classroom window. It ends with the neighborhood's immense relief upon seeing the first snowplow break through on their street. In between the boy watches his familiar landscape transform into something alien, and readers watch him transform into a hero who puts the needs of others first.

Toy Meets Snow by Emily Jenkins

Lumphy, StingRay, and Plastic--the toys from the beloved chapter books "Toys Go Out, ""Toy Dance Party, " and" Toys Come Home"--are back in a glorious full-color picture book, perfect for gift-giving this holiday season. Acclaimed author Emily Jenkins and Caldecott Medal-winning illustrator Paul Zelinsky have created a book destined to become a classic.

Children who have loved listening to the Toys trilogy, as well as those meeting the toys for the very first time, will be thrilled to see Lumphy, StingRay, and Plastic venture outdoors to play in the snow. Together the toys build a snowman, make snow angels, and, when day is done, head back inside their cozy house and wait for the return of the Little Girl.

Snow by Sam Usher

Every child loves a snow day—no school and snowball fights galore! But Sam has to wait for Granddad, even though all the other kids have already gone to the park . . . and all the dogs . . . and all the zoo animals! Only when the two finally arrive does Granddad see why Sam was in such a hurry—and they have the best time playing with everyone in the snow.

Tea Party in the Woods by Akiko Miyakoshi

Kikko sets out after her father with a forgotten pie for Grandma. When she arrives at a strange house in the wintry woods, a peek in the window reveals that the footprints Kikko had been following did not belong to her father at all, but to a bear in a long coat and hat! Alice in Wonderland meets Little Red Riding Hood in this charmed tale.

Fox's Garden by Princesse Camcam

One snowy night, a fox loses its way, entering a village. Chased away by the grown ups, Fox takes shelter in a greenhouse. A little boy sees this from his window. Without hesitating, he brings a basket of food to the greenhouse, where he leaves it for the fox. His gift is noticed and the night becomes a garden of new life, nourished by compassion and kindness.

Flora and the Penguin by Molly Idle

Having mastered ballet in Flora and the Flamingo, Flora takes to the ice and forms an unexpected friendship with a penguin. Twirling, leaping, spinning, and gliding, on skates and flippers, the duo mirror each other's graceful dance above and below the ice. But when Flora gives the penguin the cold shoulder, the pair must figure out a way to work together for uplifting results. Artist Molly Idle creates an innovative, wordless picture book with clever flaps that reveal Flora and the penguin coming together, spiraling apart, and coming back together as only true friends do. Plus, this is a fixed-format version of the book, which looks nearly identical to the print version.

Brimsby's Hats by Andrew Prahin

A lonely hat maker uses quirky creativity to make friends in this delightful picture book that will charm readers young and old.
Brimsby is a happy hat maker—until his best friend goes off to find adventure at sea. Now Brimsby is a lonely hat maker, unsure of what to do. But since making hats is what he does best, perhaps his talents can help him find some friends…
Filled with whimsy and wonder, Brimsby’s Hats is a celebration of creativity and friendship.

The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats

No book has captured the magic and sense of possibility of the first snowfall better than The Snowy Day. Universal in its appeal, the story has become a favorite of millions, as it reveals a child's wonder at a new world, and the hope of capturing and keeping that wonder forever.

The adventures of a little boy in the city on a very snowy day.

What are your favorite books with a winter setting?