Something Like Home by Andrea Beatriz Arango, A Review

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Book Description

A moving novel in verse in which a lost dog helps a lonely girl find a way home to her family . . . only for them to find family in each other along the way. From the Newbery Honor Award-winning author of Iveliz Explains It All.

Laura Rodríguez Colón has a plan: no matter what the grown-ups say, she will live with her parents again. Can you blame her? It’s tough to make friends as the new kid at school. And while staying at her aunt’s house is okay, it just isn’t the same as being in her own space.

So when Laura finds a puppy, it seems like fate. If she can train the puppy to become a therapy dog, then maybe she’ll be allowed to visit her parents. Maybe the dog will help them get better and things will finally go back to the way they should be.

After all, how do you explain to others that you’re technically a foster kid, even though you live with your aunt? And most importantly . . . how do you explain that you’re not where you belong, and you just want to go home?

Review

I received a dARC copy of this book from the publisher. Here is my honest review.

Arango has taken a difficult situation and captured it in a way that is beautiful, poignant, heart-wrenching, and authentic. Her writing style, in verse, is accessible to all readers and shines the spotlight on the emotions that Laura, our main character feels.
This book explores foster care, specifically kinship care, in a way that I have not seen. While there are situations that are less than ideal (to sugarcoat it) there are many situations where family members do step up and in to care for children and this is where Arango focuses her exploration of what that entails. I thought she captured Laura's emotions and then the outward expression of those emotions so perfectly. Every adult should read this to gain a glimpse into the hearts and minds of kids when they act in ways we frown on.
I also really appreciated that nobody was demonized in this book. She handled the shortcomings of Laura's parents through a gracious lens. (spoiler: highlight to read)  When Laura recognizes that those around her think she's better off "now" but all she knows is that she loves her parents, they love her and she simply wants to be home --- what a call-out to society and how judgemental we can be Laura's (continued) love for her parents is so obvious and I thought Arango was smart to emphasize that children caught in these situations LOVE their parents and that we (society) should do better to acknowledge that as work is done to help parents and keep kids safe at the same time. (spoiler: highlight to read)
The book ends with a letter from Laura's mom and while I get the hopeful element of that being necessary in a middle grade book, my heart also hurt because I know many kids are still waiting for that little piece of hope. I loved the way Sparrow (the dog) was at first a means to an end for Laura and then became more. I loved how her aunt slowly grew from awkward, not sure how to navigate the situation into an aunt who found ways to show Laura she loved her and she was important to her. They both grew as individuals and as family.

I received a dARC from the publisher via NetGalley; this is my honest review. I loved this book so much, highlighted so many bits that I will add a physical copy to my library.

I received a dARC from the publisher; this is my honest review.

I gave this book: ★★★★

★ = I did not like it     ★★ = It was okay     ★★★ = I liked it    ★★★★ = I really liked it     ★★★★★ = I loved it

You Can Read by Helaine Becker

You Can Read by Helaine Becker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh my word, I love this book!!
Working in early childhood, there is nothing quite like watching a child learn to read. Their excitement and the sparkle in their eyes is pretty hard to beat.
I could see this book being used at the beginning of the year as an introduction to the journey students will take to become readers.

Personally, I see myself throughout this book. I typically read while I'm in the middle of cooking dinner and always have a book with me. I love the message that reading can be done anywhere. Hoffman is a genius with the illustrations: each location has a perfectly paired book with subtle humor. As an example, on the spread that highlights reading in the kitchen, the book's title is Just Try a Bite.

Max the Brave by Ed Vere

Max the Brave by Ed Vere
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I requested this book on Netgalley years ago. Years. I've read it several times at our preschool over the years. Kids love it because they know more than Max as he tries to learn what a mouse is so he can chase it. As an educator, I love it because it is a great way to talk about being brave! In my opinion, a good picture uses rich vocabulary. All the animals Max encounters have seen the mouse and they use a wide variety of words to explain the mouse's movement: scurry, dash, skitter and more.
Illustrations are easily my favorite part of picture books - and Vere's use of bold colors and then simple, black, shadow-style renderings for the characters is appealing. There is not a lot of detail in the artwork, and yet there is a great deal of movement on each page.

I received a dARC from the publisher via Netgalley.* Here is my honest review.
*expired. reviewed copy from school 

I gave this book: ★★★★

★ = I did not like it     ★★ = It was okay     ★★★ = I liked it    ★★★★ = I really liked it     ★★★★★ = I loved it

The Very Last Leaf by Stef Wade, A Review

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Book Description

Lance Cottonwood is the best and brightest of the leaves, but even the top students on the tree have worries. Can Lance conquer his fear of falling and just let go when the time comes for his final exam, or will he let his worries take over? In this funny and encouraging picture book, best-selling author Stef Wade (A Place for Pluto) tells an engaging story and deftly addresses social and emotional struggles many kids encounter each day...feeling anxious, wanting to be perfect, facing fears, etc. These themes combined with illustrator Jennifer Davison's delightful characters and rich autumnal colors make The Very Last Leaf a perfect book for the start of a new school year, the arrival of autumn, or any period of transition in life.

Review

I received an eARC copy of this book from the publisher. Here is my honest review.

That cute little leaf on the cover made me request this book and I am so glad that I did. Jennifer Davison did a beautiful job illustrating this picture book; the first thing we see in picture books are the illustrations so it's important to get it right. There is a simplicity to her work that is deceiving as it is full of detail that keeps the focus on Lance and the other leaves. 
A picture book can't rely solely on illustrations - it's got to have a strong message and skilled writing to convey the message. Truly great picture books are those that have something for young children to older children and even to adults. Wade skillfully weaves twists of phrases that are common in our speech but add humor to the book. Younger readers may miss these but what an excellent way to begin to introduce them to these phrases and concepts. 

This book has both great illustrations and an empowering message that is true for anyone, no matter their age. 

As an educator, this book has a lot to offer in the classroom. At first glance, it's a wonderful way to bring literacy into a science lesson on the life cycle of plants, specifically leaves, as well as how plants work including concepts such as photosynthesis and a simple explanation as to why leaves change their color.  Wade uses  rich vocabulary like jealous, sturdy and quivering to explore the growth and emotions that Lance has. Finally, this book is an excellent choice to strengthen social-emotional skills. Whether we are 4, 10, 15, 35 or 72, we all have moments of the unknown that can cause us to hesitate out of fear, which is where Lance finds himself when Autumn comes. I appreciate that Wade doesn't just send the message to "face your fear and jump" but to talk about your worry, prepare and then leap with confidence, all in a gentle, encouraging way.  Certainly this is a great book to open the discussion for preschoolers as they are faced with so many new experiences in their world that can cause them concern. If we examine childhood in full, we will see that this is true for our middle grade students, our pre-teens, and our teenagers. I could see this book being used for all of those ages, with varying depth of discussion. 

There is one element that I find slightly confusing in this book. The book begins with a reference to Lance's "first day of school in the Spring". This will be confusing to young readers as we start school in the fall here in the states. It makes perfect sense when you think about the life cycle of a leaf. I am not sure if this book would be great for fall when we talk about leaves changing color and falling or for spring when we talk about life cycles.  

As I first began to read this book, I had a thought that this would be a wonderful graduation present for a high school senior, much in the way that Oh the Places You'll Go has been used. As much as we would like to think that life is smooth sailing, we know that there are bumps and potholes along the journey. What an inspiring message to send that you believe a graduate has done thus far and will continue to do so. 

I gave this book: ★★★★★

★ = I did not like it     ★★ = It was okay     ★★★ = I liked it    ★★★★ = I really liked it     ★★★★★ = I loved it

Eight Princesses and a Magic Mirror by Natasha Farrant, A Review

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Book Description

“Mirror, mirror on the wall . . . what makes a princess excellent?” When an enchantress flings her magic mirror into our universe, its reflection reveals princesses who refuse to be just pretty, polite, and obedient. These are girls determined to do the rescuing themselves. Princess Leila of the desert protects her people from the king with the black-and-gold banner; Princess Tica takes a crocodile for a pet; Princess Ellen explores the high seas; Princess Abayome puts empathy and kindness above being royal; and in a tower block, Princess saves her community’s beloved garden from the hands of urban developers.

Connecting these stories is the magic mirror, which reveals itself when each girl needs it most, illuminating how a princess’s power comes not from her title or beauty, but from her own inner strength. These beautifully imagined stories, complemented by vibrant and inviting artwork, offer the pleasure and familiarity of traditional tales with refreshingly modern themes.

Review

I received a dARC copy of this book from the publisher. Here is my honest review.

I did not finish the book entirely before my copy expired in Adobe Digital Reader but I did read three of the stories. I was first captivated by the beautiful illustrations in this book. They gave it a very Middle Ages, illustrated manuscript feel with a modern execution. They are definitely what makes this book special and perfect as a gift for a young girl.
I also appreciated that the book wove many elements of fairy tales throughout the stories. The three stories I read were very unique from each other but were all connected through the magic mirror. I think the stories not only have the adventure of a fairy tale but the moral character lessons as well that is important to the original genre.

I gave this book: ★★★★★
Based on the 3 that I stories that I read and if the rest of the book holds true to the beginning, it would be a 5 star read for me.

★ = I did not like it     ★★ = It was okay     ★★★ = I liked it    ★★★★ = I really liked it     ★★★★★ = I loved it

On That Easter Morning, A Review

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Book Description

Rediscover the wonder of the first Easter morning...

Alison Jay has illustrated many books for children, and her beautiful paintings are instantly recognizable. In this book see the death and resurrection story of Jesus interpreted in her own unique style, using vignettes, borders and full page art to accompany a sincere retelling of the Easter story.

There are many intriguing people, animals and landscapes to look at along the way, bursting with new details to find with a young child, as you share the story of that special morning.

Review

I received an eARC copy of this book from the publisher. Here is my honest review.

This picture book does an incredible job telling the story of Jesus' death and resurrection. I appreciate that the Pasquali stayed true to the biblical text when writing this account for children. She is able to take biblical text, which is broken up into different "scenes" and weave them together into a story that flows well together. This is helpful for young children as they learn about the time leading up to Jesus' death and His subsequent resurrection. I believe it will capture their interest and keep them engaged in a much richer than if they were simply read the text from the Bible. 
I also liked how the author took phrases from the Bible that might be hard for young children to understand and phrased them in a way that will help them comprehend the story. For example, the Biblical text says the soldiers cast lots to see who would keep Jesus' clothes. Pasquali's account says the soldiers "played a game", which is a concept that young children will understand. 

As an early childhood educator, my one caution about this book is the length of the text. For young children, there is a lot of text. My initial reaction was hesitancy to purchase this book for our school. I am reminded however of how much our students love Bible time and are often at their stillest when listening to Bible stories. The power of God's word, coupled with lovely illustrations, I think actually makes this a book that would be enjoyed by children of all ages.

As an early childhood educator, my one caution about this book is the length of the text. For young children, there is a lot of text. My initial reaction was hesitancy to purchase this book for our school. I am reminded however of how much our students love Bible time and are often at their stillest when listening to Bible stories. The power of God's word, coupled with lovely illustrations, I think actually makes this a book that would be enjoyed by children of all ages.

I gave this book: ★★★★★

★ = I did not like it     ★★ = It was okay     ★★★ = I liked it    ★★★★ = I really liked it     ★★★★★ = I loved it

Picture Book Roundup

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Book Description

Mother and Father Koala are suspicious of the “other bears.” They don’t like the panda bears’ looks and they don’t trust the polar bears. The black bears are too noisy and the brown bears have big teeth . . . . But all their grumpiness melts away as they watch the littlest bears play together and realize that their similarities and common needs far outweigh their differences.

Review

I received an eARC copy of this book from the publisher. Here is my honest review.

What a delightful book with a big message! We have a bear theme at our preschool each year and I'm always looking for bear books outside of the Winnie the Pooh family. This book went straight into my Amazon cart; it will be perfect to add to our shelves during that unit. I'm a sucker for wonderful illustrations and Thompson did a remarkable job. There is so much detail and culture represented with each bear family leading to even more topics of discussion and discovery. I love that each page has a little hidden teddy bear that adds another fun element of investigation to the book. The end papers highlight different species of bears noting where they are found and a fun fact about them. I would introduce one each day of our unit. Finally, this book is more than great illustrations - the message packs a powerful punch! The Koalas are distressed by all the new, "other" bears and focus on their differences. The Koala children however focus on what elements they bring that are positive, such as their games, stories and songs. It's a beautiful picture of how to welcome in newcomers. I can see great discussions being fostered around the idea that we are all different, but we all contribute to life and we should appreciate that and treat each other kindly. 

I gave this book: ★★★★★

★ = I did not like it     ★★ = It was okay     ★★★ = I liked it    ★★★★ = I really liked it     ★★★★★ = I loved it

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Book Description

Nancy knows she's forgotten something. Something important. When she tries to remember, she thinks of all kinds of other things instead. She remembers things she knows and things she doesn't quite know. She remembers things one way, then another. Sometimes she remembers with her ears or her stomach or even her heart. But Nancy knows she's still forgetting something. It's only when Nancy stops thinking altogether that she finally remembers the very important thing she's forgotten. Nancy Knows is the charming story of an elephant who remember lots of things, except the very thing she is trying to remember. Each spread of this whimsical, arresting picture book features fantastic miniature paper sculptures within expressive outlines of a puzzled pachyderm. It's a book not to be forgotten.

Review

I received an eARC copy of this book from the publisher. Here is my honest review.

My name is not Nancy and I am not elephant but I can relate! I fell in love with this book because of the artwork. It has the feel of an I Spy book but with sophistication. Young is a talented paper artist and each page reveals her creations: some recognizable and some abstract. There is something to catch the eye every time you read it. 

I gave this book: ★★★★★

★ = I did not like it     ★★ = It was okay     ★★★ = I liked it    ★★★★ = I really liked it     ★★★★★ = I loved it

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Book Description

A reassuring and hilarious look at a child’s trepidation about meeting his first babysitter then realizing he adores her! When Ollie’s parents hire a babysitter, Ollie’s cuddle buddy Stubbs imagines the worst: what if the babysitter sprays them with stinky perfume . . . what if the babysitter only cooks yucky green vegetables? But when Ollie and Stubbs meet Ella . . . what happens next just might surprise you! Anke Wagner’s pitch-perfect story and Anne-Kathrin Behl’s humorous illustrations will comfort and entertain!

Review

I received an eARC copy of this book from the publisher. Here is my honest review.

The unknown is often unsettling, no matter what age we are. For young children, this is especially so as they encounter the bigger world around them. This book explores the process of confronting our fears. Ollie's bear imagines the worst possible scenarios, that seem ridiculous from an adult vantage, but are likely to be on target for children. Of course, the babysitter ends up to be a delightful young woman who plays with them and cares for them. 

Bringing in a babysitter can be a tough for parents and children alike; this book will open the conversation about what to expect. 

I gave this book: ★★★★

★ = I did not like it     ★★ = It was okay     ★★★ = I liked it    ★★★★ = I really liked it     ★★★★★ = I loved it

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Book Description

Edie is known for her great outfits and stylish flair. She and her best friend Andrew spend a lot of time playing dress-up. The school hall is their runway. Edie loves the compliments and whispers of admiration, so much so that she begins dressing in increasingly outrageous outfits to get even more attention. No outfit is too bizarre, no costume too flamboyant for Edie. She's so busy coming up with her newest eye-catching ensemble that she doesn't even have time for Andrew anymore ... until one day Edie creates an outfit so weird and so big and bulky that she gets stuck in the doorway. Will anyone notice that this budding fashionista is in trouble?

Review

I received an eARC copy of this book from the publisher. Here is my honest review.

Edie is the most fashionable deer in her school. She enjoys expressing herself with her outfits and loves the attention she gets. I love the confidence she and her best friend have in looking their best.  Edie is compelled to create even more outrageous outfits in an attempt to keep the likes coming. 
For younger students, this is an excellent book to remind students that they should pursue their passions and be themselves. For older students, it can be used to spark discussions revolving around social media and finding value in who you are and not what people say or notice about you on social media. 

I gave this book: ★★★★★

★ = I did not like it     ★★ = It was okay     ★★★ = I liked it    ★★★★ = I really liked it     ★★★★★ = I loved it

Nothing Happens In This Book, A Review

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Book Description

Reader, don't waste your time with this book. ?You might as well stick it back on the shelf,? the narrator warns. ?Or toss it under your bed. You don't need to read it because it looks like nothing happens in this book.? But, wait, he's spotted something. There's a trumpet without a trumpeter. And there's a tiny car without a driver. And a baton without a twirler. Maybe if you keep turning the pages, you'll find out who is missing these items. Maybe they are all together, getting ready to do something awesome. Maybe something amazing does happen in this book after all!

Review

I received an eARC copy of this book from the publisher. Here is my honest review.

This is one of the most interesting picture books I've ever read. The illustrations have a bit of a vintage vibe and the narrator from the beginning speculates that the book is about .... nothing. The pages turn from full black to light shining and revealing an odd assortment of items. Suddenly, the pages are full of inanimate objects and our narrator is now convinced that something exciting must happen in the book. The book ends with pages full of interesting things to see as the parade marches across the final pages.
This is a great book for young children for a variety of reasons. First, there are not a lot of words so it will definitely hold their attention. It's also great for introducing objects and the function they perform. I think this would be a fun book to read and then have students plan a parade on their own. For older students, it's a great example of how to present a problem and then build suspense in writing.

I gave this book: ★★★★

The Art of the Swap, A Review

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Book Description

Two girls trade places in time to solve a legendary art heist across two centuries! 
As the daughter of a caretaker for a mansion-turned-museum, twelve-year-old Hannah Jordan has spent nearly all her life steeped in the history of the Gilded Age of Newport, Rhode Island. The Elms, the mansion where her dad works (and they both live), is one of the most esteemed historical properties on famed Bellevue Avenue. Mysterious legends and priceless artifacts clutter every inch of the marble floors and golden walls, but Hannah is most drawn to the reproduction portrait of Maggie Dunlap, the twelve year-old subject of a famous painting stolen in a legendary art heist on the day of its scheduled unveiling in 1905.

Hannah dreams of how glamorous life must have been for the young oil-heiress, Maggie, at the turn of the century, but she never expects she’ll have a chance to experience it herself… until the day a mysterious mirror allows the two girls to change places in time!

In 1905, Hannah races to stop the art heist from happening—something she is convinced will allow the girls to trade back to their own eras—while in current times, Maggie gets a hilarious introduction to the modern digital age and a new perspective on women's roles in society while reveling in the best invention of all: sweatpants. So long corsets!

As the hours tick off to the recorded moment of the legendary art heist, something’s not adding up. Can the girls work together against time—and across it—to set things right... or will their temporary swap become a permanent trade? 

Review

I received an eARC copy of this book from the publisher. Here is my honest review.

Completely by chance, I read this book at the same time I was reading The Art Forger which created a unique and interesting experience.
The Art of the Swap is a middle grade heist adventure shared by Hannah, who lives in modern times and idealizes life at The Elms during the Gilded Age, and Maggie, a young woman from the Gilded Age who struggles with living up to expectations society places on her. The two girls switch places; Hannah sets out to solve the mystery of Maggie's portrait that was stolen on the day of it's debut. Maggie meanwhile flounders in Hannah's world as she realizes that women have many more freedoms than she ever imagined. 
Since this is a middle-grade book, the actual solving of the heist happens fairly easily and quickly. The power of the book is in each of the girls realizing that they can have an impact on the world around them. The writing style is pretty straightforward and I really struggled with the laid-back and almost robotic dialogue. 

Overall, this is a fun read and I enjoy that it has some basis in reality. The Berwinds did build The Elms which was an extravagant home. I didn't find mention of Mary Cassat being commissioned to paint a portrait of a niece that was then stolen but the Berwinds did have an impressive art collection. 

I gave this book: ★★★

★ = I did not like it     ★★ = It was okay     ★★★ = I liked it    

★★★★ = I really liked it     ★★★★★ = I loved it