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Good books are meant to be shared.

So sisters Jaiden and Sienna did just that, sharing reviewing duties for Immi’s Gift (Peachtree Publishers, 2010).

This is an appealing picture book written and illustrated by Karin Littlewood.

Immi, an Inuit girl, fishes every day. And, she often catches brightly colored carvings of exotic birds and animals along with her fish.

These carvings make her wonder what life is like in other parts of the world. And, eventually, they inspire her to share something she loves with someone far away.

As Booklist says, the book is about “the interconnectedness of all beings on earth.” And that theme is especially effective when it’s told with Littlewood’s gorgeously vivid  illustrations and charming text.

But don’t take my word for it, listen to our sister act. They’re double the fun.

Today’s guest reviewers: Jaiden, 6.5, and Sienna, 3.

Jaiden likes: To read, cook and garden.

Sienna likes: To play chase and hide-and-seek and cook.

Jaiden and Sienna say this book was about: A little girl who wears a bear on her neck. Every day when she fishes, she finds more and more stuff. Then one day, her igloo turns different colors and all the animals stay for supper. Then, when the snow melts, she drops her polar bear in the water.

Jaiden says the best part was when: Her igloo turned different colors.

Sienna says it was when: The polar bear dropped in the sea and goed on the beach.

Jaiden smiled when: Immi dropped her polar bear necklace in the sea, and the boy found it.

Sienna smiled when: The girl came up with the idea.

Jaiden was worried when: Immi was hugging that fox, because I thought it was going to eat her.

Sienna was worried when: She dropped the polar bear in.

Jaiden was surprised: When the other little boy found Immi’s bear.

Sienna was surprised: On every page.

This book taught Jaiden: To share.

This book taught Sienna: Never litter. (Editor’s note. This may be my favorite response EVER from any kid who’s done a book review for me.)

Three words that describe this book: “Colorful.” “Happy.” “Cold.”

Favorite line: “Oh, it was cold.”

Jaiden says you should read this book because: It was a very happy story.

Sienna says you should read this book because: It is special for you.

Thank you Jaiden and Sienna. You’ve just proved that two heads really are better than one!

If you’d like to learn more about Karin Littlewood and the other books she’s created, visit her website.

If you’d like to see other reviews of this book, visit:

• The Sunday Book Review
• Spirituality and Practice
• Janet Boyer’s blo
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Fasting might not seem like fun to most people.

But, it’s what Shirin wants to do more than anything in Moon Watchers: Shirin’s Ramadan Miracle (Tilbury House, 2010) a new picture book by Reza Jalali.

Shirin’s parents fast. So does her older brother — or at least he tries. What can Shirin do to celebrate Ramadan, help her family, and feel more grown-up?

Fortunately, she comes up with the perfect idea.

Here’s what ForeWard Reviews had to say:

“This book is perhaps most valuable as a lesson on Islam. Each practice and tradition is explained, but without disrupting the pace of the story. Non-Muslim readers will walk away with a more developed global perspective. Muslims will relate the tale to their own Ramadan experiences, and every young reader will identify with hearing that terrible phrase: ‘You’re too young.’ ”

Now, let’s hear from another reviewer!

Today’s reviewer: Jaiden (shown in the photo with her little sister, Sienna.)

Age: 6

I like: My little sister, Sienna, my mom’s famous ice-cream sandwiches and playing
chase.

This book is about: Ramadan. Having to not eat for awhile. Shirin, the little sister, wanted to not eat for awhile – but her family said she was too young. She wanted to do what everybody else did.

The best part was when: She could not eat and she fasted with everybody
else.

I laughed when: I laughed when the brother gave the present to her, and my
mommy started to cry.

I was worried when: The little sister couldn’t do the fasting.

I was surprised that: The brother gave his sister a present.

This book taught me: That people fast at Ramadan.

Other kids should watch out for: The heart-shaped rock.

The words that best describe the book: A girl and her dad watching the moon.

Favorite line: You’re too little to do Ramadan.

You should read it because: It teaches you about something important.

Thanks, Jaiden!

If you’d like to learn more about Ramadan, visit this site. Or go check out this list of books about Ramadan for children and teens.

If you’d like to learn more about author Reza Jalali, read his biography.

If you’d like to learn more about illustrator Anne Sibley O’Brien, visit her website or read this interview at Into the Wardrobe.