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These books arrived unsolicited from the publisher this week. I don’t have time to review them, but I wanted to make mention of them because Liesbet Slegers is one of my favorite authors for this age group.

Is bunny playing on the swings all by himself? And who is gliding down the slide? This playful, interactive book offers a surprise on every page, inviting children to slide the flap to look at a whole new picture. A delightful little book in which toddlers can look and move to find the hidden pictures at the playground.

Is the pilot flying all alone in his plane? And will the fast car win the race? A delightful little book in which toddlers can look and move to find the hidden pictures. The unique extending system in this playful, interactive book offers a surprise on every page, inviting children to slide the flap to look at a whole new picture.

It’s a nice day today. I put on my bib and eat breakfast. Yummy. Then I go and play. I also take a bath today. I wash myself and play with my boat. Then it’s time for bed. An ideal book for babies, toddlers and preschoolers to learn all about what happens in a day.

How fun the four seasons are! In winter I love to play in the snow and in spring beautiful blossoms grow on the trees. In summer the sun shines nice and warm and in fall I love to jump in the puddles. Everything about the seasons of the year that toddlers and preschoolers would want to (and need to) know. Filled with recognizable pictures, these books stimulate the language development of young children. Printed on thick and sturdy paper, with round corners and a soft quilted cover, it makes a sturdy and delightful gift.

When it comes to bedtime, helping youngsters deal with nightmares can be tough. Harry and the Monster is a delightful and funny book that just might help.

The first night, Harry has a bad dream about a scary monster. Each night afterwards, he is afraid the monster will interrupt his dreams. No matter what Mom and Dad suggest, that monster keeps ruining all his dreams and wakes him up. But one night, Harry thinks he and Dad have come up with a great solution to change everything.

Both of my girls went through nightmare stages. I wish I had this book back then. Mongredien is smart to tackle the monster issue with ideas other parents have probably used in the past: Mom says to imagine him wearing something silly so he won’t be so scary, Dad checks under the bed to make sure he’s not there, etc. This  helps the story make sense to kids. Their parents have probably told them some of the same things.

East also makes this book work by drawing the monster and his antics in such a zany manner that kids will be laughing more than scared of what’s going on, all the while relating to Harry’s fears about the monster.

I loved this book beginning to end.

Highly recommended!

Rating: :) :) :) :) :)

Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Tiger Tales (September 1, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1589251466
ISBN-13: 978-1589251465

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

When it comes to bedtime, helping youngsters deal with nightmares can be tough. Harry and the Monster is a delightful and funny book that just might help.

The first night, Harry has a bad dream about a scary monster. Each night afterwards, he is afraid the monster will interrupt his dreams. No matter what Mom and Dad suggest, that monster keeps ruining all his dreams and wakes him up. But one night, Harry thinks he and Dad have come up with a great solution to change everything.

Both of my girls went through nightmare stages. I wish I had this book back then. Mongredien is smart to tackle the monster issue with ideas other parents have probably used in the past: Mom says to imagine him wearing something silly so he won’t be so scary, Dad checks under the bed to make sure he’s not there, etc. This  helps the story make sense to kids. Their parents have probably told them some of the same things.

East also makes this book work by drawing the monster and his antics in such a zany manner that kids will be laughing more than scared of what’s going on, all the while relating to Harry’s fears about the monster.

I loved this book beginning to end.

Highly recommended!

Rating: :) :) :) :) :)

Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Tiger Tales (September 1, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1589251466
ISBN-13: 978-1589251465

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Everyone thought Otto was adorable until he learned a new word. Soon his new word became a big problem.

I’m not sure who will get a bigger kick out of this book: kids or parents. As parents, we’ve all been through it. Our kids learn the word “no” and suddenly our happy little camper becomes a contrary, sometimes difficult, little bugger. At the same time, Corderoy respects and understands how the child is feeling. Though Otto liked his new word, at some point it took on a life of its own and made him miserable. That’s when something wonderful happens to turn it around and Otto learns how helpful other words can be.

Not only is this book charming and a bit humorous, the illustrations by Warnes are the perfect touch. He captures so many emotions within Otto’s facial expressions. He also has chosen a color scheme that is subtle and warm.

If my girls were preschoolers, this is a book I would add to our library.

Rating: :) :) :) :) :)

Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Tiger Tales (September 1, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1589251504
ISBN-13: 978-1589251502

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Book Review: The Dark by Lemony Snicket (Author), Jon Klassen (Illustrator)
Age Range: 3 – 6 years
Grade Level: Preschool – 1
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers; First Edition edition (April 2, 2013)
ISBN-10: 0316187488
ISBN-13: 978-0316187480
Product Dimensions: 11 x 7.1 x 0.4 inches

Rating: Five stars

The dark is a very interesting thing. There’s a lot of it when the light is off, as young Laszlo finds out when his night light bulb fails. Then the dark comes into his room. Prior to this event, the dark lived quite happily in (unsurprisingly) dark places such as the basement, drawers that no one ever opened, and occasionally behind the shower curtains. At night the dark had a huge expanse to roam outside the creaky old house where they both lived. Laszlo and the dark respected each other’s space. The dark knew Laszlo and Laszlo knew the dark—in fact they even greeted each other. Well, the dark didn’t actually answer back. It never spoke until one fateful night when the bulb in Laszlo’s night light fails. The dark calls to Laszlo. Then Laszlo gets out of bed and answers the dark, which leads him all the way down to the basement…

This deceptively simple illustrated story is especially relevant for kids who are afraid of the dark. Who can say they didn’t fear something that lived under the bed, behind the door (no, that was never an old dressing gown!), or at the bottom of the stairs? This book depicts the dark and the fears of a little boy who has to learn that everything has its designated place and purpose. Without the dark there is no light. Without the night there is no day. Without the dark we would never see the moon and the stars. Without all the things in Laszlo’s house, providing hiding places for the dark, there would be no dark. And the dark is a necessary part of life. The size of the book, 11×7.1 inches is actually the perfect size for little hands to grasp. In addition, the dark looks very big (there’s a lot of it, as I said) while Laszlo looks very small, creating a huge contrast between them. The story has mystery, shivers, scary bits, and leads the young reader all the way down to the basement, where the dark turns out to be very helpful indeed. I’d recommend this for all young readers and their parents (who might still be afraid of the dark). It is a charming tale by the inimitable Lemony Snickett, beautifully illustrated by Jon Klassen.

Purchase at http://www.amazon.com/Dark-Bccb-Ribbon-Picture-Awards/dp/0316187488 

Reviewer’s bio: Fiona Ingram is an award-winning middle grade author who is passionate about getting kids interested in reading. Find out more about Fiona and her books on www.FionaIngram.com. She reviews books for the Jozikids Blog.

Teaching the concepts of generosity and kindness just got easier with It’s a Gift! by Gabriela Keselman. The animals around Little Duck’s pool of water are all in a tizzy: Beaver hasn’t put on his hat, so the sun is burning his head; Squirrel has lost her nuts and has nothing to eat; Bear’s water jug tipped over and he has nothing to drink; and Mouse doesn’t have a pencil and can’t write down his poem. In a selfless act of friendship, Duck shares what he has with his friends, and they repay the favor when it’s time.

This is a lovely story that teaches children to think of others. Duck shares what he has even when it means his enjoyment is impacted. It’s an interesting concept that he shares to the point where he is left with absolutely nothing. I didn’t get why Duck couldn’t just share some of what he had or let the friend borrow something instead of giving it up entirely.

It’s still a nice story with a sweet message that is made even more meaningful by the delightful illustrations by Nora Hilb.

Rating: :) :) :) :)

Age Range: 3 and up
Grade Level: Preschool and up
Hardcover: 28 pages
Publisher: Cuento de Luz (May 13, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 8415784929
ISBN-13: 978-8415784920

I received a copy of this book from the publicist. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Children ask tough questions...Questions like "Does Jesus still love me when I'm naughty? This kind of question can pose a special challenge to parents, grandparents and caregivers as they teach their children about God. In this delightful, heartwarming book award winning author Dr. MaryAnn Diorio helps answer some of these tough questions.

Anita Banks has lived in Alabama since she was six years old, she raised three children and has  four grandchildren. They are the inspiration for her writing. She likes the adventures and escapes that stories allow you to explore and the myriad of emotions you feel. Anita loves to travel, read and has recently started running.

http://www.anitabanks.com/

Thank you for joining us today, Anita. Can you please start off by telling us a bit about yourself?

Thank you for having me here. I am a new author with my first picture book titled, Tanner Builds a Block Tower. I am excited as puppy with a new toy. I am a wife, mother, grandmother. My favorite new activity is running, I started because I needed to get some activity from sitting in a chair for more than nine hours for my day job. I started two years ago, and have found the running community where I live to be a great group of people that are passionate about the sport and are supportive of new runners. I started with a training program to run a 5k and have progressed to three half marathons so far. 

When did you first get bit by the writing bug?

          I have loved reading since my introduction to Dick and Jane and Dr. Seuss. I am constantly reading something all the time. When I was in  junior high school, I had a creative writing class. That was when the writing bug stung me. But when family and life took over, I put the dream aside and just occasionally thought of it.

Why did you decide to write stories for children?

          Probably for the simple joy children’s books give to a reader. I enjoy reading to children and seeing their smiles and their happiness in asking you to read to them. I wanted to contribute to  that happiness. And it’s fun.

Do you believe it is harder to write books for a younger audience?

         I personally have nothing to compare it to, yet. Maybe I will give another genre a try someday. The other writing I do is journaling for myself.

What is your favorite part of writing for young people?

          I like the writing, I like putting the words to paper, or rather the screen. They have to be edited  quite a bit before I’m done. But seeing the story unfold on the screen is probably my favorite part.

Can you tell us what your latest book is all about?

Tanner Builds a Block Tower is about a little boy who is determined to build a tower with his blocks. But on the way to his destination he get distracted by different animals and insects. He  also loses some of his blocks. So he has to find them to finish what he started. Determination and perseverance is the theme.

What inspired you to write it?

          The inspiration for this book, was my grandson, Tanner. On a visit when he was about three        years old, he loved to play with his building blocks and build towers, over and over. He was fascinated with this repetitive play. We also went on numerous walks, he loved to explore the outdoors, and still does. So it seemed a natural fit to combine the two activities.  

What is up next for you?

I am shopping out two more picture books, and writing a chapter book right now.

Do you have anything else to add?

          Thank you so much for having me. I hope you enjoy my book.

Thank you for spending time with us today, Anita. We wish you much success.

An adorable bedtime story awaits you and your child in Book of Dreams, part of the Ringtail Family series by Sylvie Michaud.

Baby Ringtail asks his mama and papa why every cloud is a different shape. Responding that clouds are pictures in the sky to help us dream, Mama and Papa share with Baby the different thingsthey dream about when they see certain types of clouds. This lulls Baby right to sleep and into dreamland.

Short, sweet, and charming are all words to describe this lovely picture book. Slowly flowing prose and pastel colored illustrations help your little one settle down for the night and fill her head with beautiful visions for a peaceful night. I love the way Michaud’s descriptions paint pictures for little ones that are complemented by the lovely artwork. Probably more description than usually found in a picture book, but it works well here. This is definitely a book I’ll be saving for my future grandchildren.

Rating: :) :) :) :) :)

Paperback: 24 pages
Publisher: Crafty Canuck Inc. (March 28, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0978295587
ISBN-13: 978-0978295585

File Size: 3020 KB
Print Length: 21 pages
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: Crafty Canuck Inc. (March 13, 2013)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B00BTPBX0Q

Purchase at:
Amazon soft cover: http://www.amazon.com/Book-Dreams-The-Ringtail-Family/dp/0978295587
Amazon digital: http://www.amazon.com/Book-Dreams-The-Ringtail-Family-ebook/dp/B00BTPBX0Q
B&N soft cover: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/book-of-dreams-the-ringtail-family-sylvie-michaud/1110202903

I purchased a copy of this book for my Kindle. The publisher paid me to promote this book with a virtual book tour through Pump Up Your Book. That fee did not include a review. This review contains my honest opinions, which have not been compensated in any way.

The Box by Jo Linsdell is filled with imagination. A young boy shares why his box is his favorite toy; transforming it into a football goal, a pirate ship, a race car and more.

What I’ve always loved about Linsdell’s children’s books is their simplicity and creativity. As a mom, she knows what young readers are looking for. She proves this once again with The Box. How often do parents joke that we buy our kids a bunch of toys for their birthday and they end up playing with the boxes? Linsdell truly gets into the heart of a child with this one. The adorable illustrations keep the reader focused on the boy and his magic box that he can transform into anything.

Preschoolers and parents will enjoy this book together.

Rating:  :) :) :) :)

Publication Date: Mar 15 2014
ISBN/EAN13: 1497344646 / 9781497344648
Page Count: 44
Binding Type: US Trade Paper
Trim Size: 8.25″ x 8.25″
Language: English
Colour: Full Colour with Bleed
Related Categories: Juvenile Fiction / Imagination & Play
ASIN: B00J91VBTA 

Purchasing links: 

Print

 http://www.amazon.com/The-Box-Jo-Linsdell/dp/1497344646

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Box-Jo-Linsdell/dp/1497344646/

http://www.createspace.com/4715488

Kindle 

http://www.amazon.com/The-Box-Jo-Linsdell-ebook/dp/B00J91VBTA

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Box-Jo-Linsdell-ebook/dp/B00J91VBTA

http://www.amazon.ca/Box-Jo-Linsdell-ebook/dp/B00J91VBTA/

Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21569590-the-box

Author website: http://www.JoLinsdell.com

I received a free digital copy of this book from the author. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Paperback: 24 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (October 1, 2013)
ISBN-10: 1492762822
ISBN-13: 978-1492762829
Age group: 3-5

Five stars

Little Bird Lost by Steve and Kate Larkinson is the story of four little birds (baby swallows), discovered by Steve in the eaves of a bakery in south-west France. One of the little birds seems to have disappeared. Is he safe? Has he fallen out the nest? Can he be rescued? Do his parents know where he is? This delightful story in photographs (by Steve) and rhyming couplets (by Kate) will absolutely enchant readers aged 3-5, but actually, adults will also just love this little tale from the world of nature. What I especially enjoyed about this book is the beautiful photographs. I love children’s illustrations but the unique angle of actual images really struck me. Not only are they absolutely first-class and clear, but it is the perfect way to teach young readers about the real world of birds. Children are generally interested in animals and wildlife, and parents and relatives could use this delightful book as a springboard to other books involving wildlife. This is a great book for bedtime reading, and I would also encourage children’s libraries to include a copy. Children will enjoy the images as well as the captivating story. What a lovely start to getting your child interested in reading! As an added bonus, there is a charming little cartoon book video on YouTube to really round off an enchanting reading experience.

Purchase at http://www.amazon.com/Little-Bird-Lost-Steve-Larkinson/dp/1492762822

Reviewer’s bio: Fiona Ingram is an award-winning middle grade author who is passionate about getting kids interested in reading. Find out more about Fiona and her books on www.FionaIngram.com. She reviews books for the Jozikids Blog.

Welcome to the 2nd Annual Children’s Book Week Kid Lit Giveaway Hop, hosted by Mother Daughter Book Reviews and Youth Literature Reviews.
We are celebrating Children’s Book Week (May 12 to 18, 2014) by providing all of YOU, our loyal followers, with the opportunity to win fabulous children/teen’s books, gift cards, cash, or other prizes by hopping around to the 100+ participating blogs/authors listed below in the Linky List (see end of post). What better way to celebrate Children’s Book Week?

For this hop, here are the books I’m giving away to one lucky winner! This is more than $120 worth of FREE books!

Books by Liesbet Slegers:

Books by Guido Van Genechten:

Books by Anita Bijesterbosch and France Quatromme & Parastou Haghi

Terms and conditions:

• By entering, you confirm you are 18 years of age or older.
• Contest open to residents of the United States only with a U.S. mailing address.
• One winner will be selected from eligible entries.
• Winner will be notified by email and have 72 hours to claim the prize before a new winner is selected.
• Prize will be shipped via U.S.P.S.
• This blog and its sponsors are not responsible for items lost or damaged in shipment.
• VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.

Enter using the link to the Rafflecopter form below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Powered by Linky Tools

Click here to enter your link and view this Linky Tools list…

A sweet book that shares the love of family and home can be found in The Coziest Place by Jaime Michalak.

Wintertime is fun. Then afterwards with cold toes and rosy noses, the bear family snuggles into their cozy home where they enjoy hot grilled cheese, hot cocoa, reading time, warm clothes, and special treats before slipping into their cozy beds for the night.

What an adorable story. Michalak’s lyrical prose combined with charming artwork by Jon Davis makes this a perfect book to help settle your youngsters down for the night or to enjoy when the weather is raging outside. The Coziest Place truly makes you appreciate all the loveliness of home.

Rating:

Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Tiger Tales (September 1, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1589251210
ISBN-13: 978-1589251212

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. This review contains my honest opinion, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

File Size: 4996 KB
Publisher: Toffee Bee Books (February 28, 2014)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
ASIN: B00IQCH29G

Scary statistics bring home the fact that a child is born with clubfoot (talipes) every three minutes. The great news is that Dr Ignaçio Ponseti’s method for clubfoot treatment is over 95% successful. A crucial part of treatment is wearing a brace to hold the foot in the corrected position. Bracing is the best protection against relapse. Most children sleep in the brace until at least age four. But how do you get a child to wear the brace without them protesting or putting up a fight? My Clever Night-Night Shoes is a bedtime story for children who sleep with a brace to help keep their feet straight. The book is written by Karen Mara Moss, mom to a strong-willed child who had to be gently persuaded to wear his brace. Artist Lori Bentley wore orthopaedic boots every day as a toddler to correct a problem with her feet. Between them, these two creative people have put together an enchanting book that will convince any reluctant brace wearer to put on that brace to get their feet ready for an exciting future.

This delightful book is a mixture of illustrations and poetry to encourage children needing to wear a night brace on their feet. From being a fireman to being a ballet dancer, from running a race to climbing a mountain, from wearing high heels to skating on ice, this delightful book takes young readers through the many options that will be open to them IF they wear their ‘clever night-night shoes.’ The rhythms and rhymes of the poetry are catchy and just perfect for a read-aloud session at bedtime. The water colour illustrations are delightful, and there is so much detail in each picture that parents and children will enjoy poring over them to discover all those extra little bits that add to the tale. I did notice several intrepid penguins managed to get themselves into quite a few illustrations.

A portion of proceeds from the sale of this book goes to STEPS Charity, a regional clubfoot champion endorsing the Ponseti method. STEPS was established in Southern Africa in 2005. The book also offers an end-note of more resources for parents.

Reviewer’s bio: Fiona Ingram is an award-winning middle grade author who is passionate about getting kids interested in reading. Find out more about Fiona and her books on www.FionaIngram.com. She reviews books for the Jozikids Blog.

If you’re looking for a typical bedtime story, this isn’t it. Sleep Tight, Anna Banana! is, however, a sweet and zany bedtime story that youngsters will love. Anna Banana’s stuffed animals are ready to go to bed after a long day of playing, but Anna Banana isn’t ready yet. Each time one of them tries to convince her to turn out the lights, she’s having none of it. But when the shoe is on the other foot, things aren’t so peachy.

I loved this book. It’s whimsical, it’s funny, it’s adorable, and the stuffed animals are alive and talking! With all this and the delightful, often silly, illustrations by Alexis Dormal, kids will eat this one up. This is the first in a series. I can’t wait to see what this mother and son team come up with next.

Highly recommended!

Rating:

Age Range: 3 – 7 years
Grade Level: Preschool – 2
Hardcover: 28 pages
Publisher: First Second (June 17, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1626720193
ISBN-13: 978-1626720190

I received an advanced review copy of this book from the publisher. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Counting to ten is so much fun with this colorful and lyrical book. Count 1, 2, 3, With Me by Connie Arnold will be released by 4RV Publishing on November 10th. One turtle creeps around during the day and at night his shell becomes his bed. Two arms hugs those we hold dear, while three boys wrestle with dad. Puppies, kids, cars, and more fill this wonderful book.

Vibrant and colorful artwork from Ginger Nielson accompanies Arnold’s rhymes. A perfect match in one book that youngsters will turn to time and again as they learn to count.

You can pre-order this book now at http://www.4rvpublishingcatalog.com/arnold.php

Rating:

Publisher: 4RV Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-940310-12-1

I received a free PDF of this book from the author. This review contains my honest opinion, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

This post is part of Connie Arnold’s tour for Count 1,2,3 With Me and Peaceful Moments of Love and Light. Readers can comment to receive entries to drawings for three prizes – set of three candle holders, signed copy of Connie’s first book, and framed sunset print with one of her inspirational verses.

Purchase books from Connie’s website, http://www.conniearnold.webs.com or Amazon, http://www.amazon.com/Connie-Arnold/e/B004TX69MM/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1383420811&sr=1-2-ent or (for children’s book) 4RV Publishing, http://www.4rvpublishingcatalog.com/arnold.php  (or for devotional) http://www.rpjandco1417.com/apps/webstore/products/category/693685?page=1

Details about the blog tour, prizes and schedule are on Connie’s blog, http://conniearnold.blogspot.com/

It’s not always easy being a kid. You are dealing with tons of emotions you can’t always understand. Kevin’s Big Book of Emotions by Liesbet Slegers helps youngsters explore their emotions with poems, lift-the-flap games, questions, and fabulous illustrations.

I love interactive books and this one definitely fits the bill. The book opens with Kevin as the narrator telling the reader about his emotions. Then it switches gears with a poem that addresses the reader and how he might feel angry sometimes. The next page includes a picture of Kevin and how he might look when he’s angry with furrowed eyebrows, a frowning mouth, clenched fists, and stamping feet. Then there are a series of pictures that might or might not make the reader feel angry. The story then moves back to Kevin again, but spoken from a third person point of view. “Kevin feels angry. He’s angry at his cat.” By picking up the flap the reader finds out why he is angry at the cat. The next two pages show Kevin getting angry at Mommy because they need to leave and he wants to keep playing and drawing, followed up by a great solution between Mommy and Kevin. Finally, there is a quick game of matching the angry animals up with the right food.

Other emotions featured are: afraid, sad, and happy, Each time the reader goes through this series of steps and activities that teach him about the emotions he can feel and how to cope with them.

I’ve been a fan of Liesbet Slegers for some time. She has done a wonderful job exploring emotions with this book, and she does it with a character that is already well known to her readers. Great job!

Rating:

Age Range: 3 – 5 years
Grade Level: Preschool – Kindergarten
Series: Kevin & Katie
Hardcover: 56 pages
Publisher: Clavis Publishing (October 1, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1605371645
ISBN-13: 978-1605371641

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. This review contains my honest opinion, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

The Seesaw and Good-bye, Fish written by Judith Koppens and illustrated by Eline van Lindenhuizen are books featuring the animals from Animal Square.

In The Seesaw, Giraffe wants to play on the seesaw at the playground, but Mouse doesn’t weigh enough; neither does Monkey or Dog. What will Giraffe and his friends do?

The Seesaw is a sweet way to teach children about cooperation and problem solving. It also shows how people can see things a different way. Mouse, Monkey, and Dog think Giraffe is too heavy, but Giraffe feels the issue is that they are all too light.  It’s only when they all work together that they can have fun at the playground.

Good-bye, Fish deals with the loss of a pet. Kitty finds Fish in his bowl lying on his back. No matter what she or Dog do, Fish won’t wake up. Giraffe comes by and helps them to understand that Fish has died. Together they decide to bury Fish and make sure they can remember him.

The loss of a pet is never easy. This summer, our daughter’s hermit crab died after only three weeks. She was distraught over it, and we buried him in the backyard alongside our cat that we had buried last year. It definitely helped her to say good-bye.

Both The Seesaw and Good-bye, Fish are sweet stories that children can learn from. The inside front cover shows all the animals from Animal Square introducing themselves and mentions their traits or personalities, Kitty is shy and Giraffe thinks before he speaks. The series also includes a Rabbit, which we haven’t seen yet.  The artwork is calm and soothing, just like the stories are soft and subtle.

I look forward to more from this author and illustrator team.

Ratings:

The Seesaw

Age Range: 3 – 5 years
Grade Level: Preschool – Kindergarten
Series: The Animal Square
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Clavis Publishing (July 1, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1605371521
ISBN-13: 978-1605371528

Good-bye, Fish

Age Range: 3 – 5 years
Grade Level: Preschool – Kindergarten
Series: The Animal Square
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Clavis Publishing (July 1, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 160537153X
ISBN-13: 978-1605371535

I received copies of these books from the publisher. These reviews contain my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Guido van Genechten has done it again. Circus 123 is another wonderful book by this talented author and illustrator. Teaching your children to count should always be this much fun. Playful ladybugs perform in the circus: cycling, walking the tightrope, performing stunts, and lifting weights. All leads up to a grand finale with all the performers taking a bow. The black and red bugs stand out against the cream-colored pages.

Your preschooler is going to adore this book.

Rating:

Age Range: 3 – 5 years

Grade Level: Preschool – Kindergarten

Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Clavis Publishing (October 1, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1605371629
ISBN-13: 978-1605371627

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. This review contains my honest opinion, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Clavis sent me a group of books to review, which you’ll be seeing soon. Here’s a list of what arrived this week:

The Seesaw and Good-bye, Fish by Judith Koppens,

Circus 123 by one of my favorites, Guido van Genechten,

A Big Book of Face Painting by Charlotte Verrecas,

Kevin’s Big Book of Emotions by another favorite, Liesbet Slegers.

I also purchased a copy of The Crypto-Capers in The Peacock Diaries by Renee Hand. I’ve been following this series since the beginning, so I sure don’t want to miss out on any of them.

Overdue is my review of Soccer Dreams by Clare Hodgson Meeker, but it’s coming soon. I promise.

A unique and adorable new way to learn counting from 1 to 10 and then backwards from 10 to 1. Soo comes into the kitchen complaining to her mother about her numerous boo-boos. Thankfully, mom has a way to take care of each one.

Soo’s Boo-Boos She’s Got 10! by Tilda Balsley is better than your average counting book. It’s clever. It’s creative. From a stiff elbow to crunched toes, from chapped lips to a dripping nose, and from a burned tongue to a nagging mosquito bite and more, Soo goes through her list of ailments. Her sympathetic mom then goes about tackling them one by one, finding the perfect cure for them all.

Kids will relate to this sweet and funny rhyming story. Kids see their moms as fixers of problems and Soo is no different. More than a simple counting book, readers will delight in witnessing Soo’s play for sympathy and learning how her mother solves each problem. The melodic prose is complemented by beautiful artwork from Shelagh McNicholas.

An all-around winner.

Rating:

Hardcover: 28 pages
Publisher: Tiger Tales (March 1, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1589251180
ISBN-13: 978-1589251182

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. This review contains my honest opinions, for which I have not been compensated in any way.

A new Lazy Ladybug Adventure has arrived! Author/illustrator Jack Tickle brings back our Ladybug friend as she desperately tries to learn how to fly. She keeps zigzagging, tumbling, and wobbling into the other animals, but monkey encourages her to give it another try.

As with What Goes Up by Paula Bowles, we see another book from tiger tales that spreads the word: practice makes perfect. Vibrant colors, zany antics, engaging words, and a silly story will encourage youngsters ages 3 – 7 to read this book often. What Tickle does very well with this book is provide a teaching point that is hidden by the zaniness of all the crazy things that happen as Ladybug learns to fly. I also love Tickle’s big and bold artwork.

Rating:

Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Tiger Tales (March 1, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1589251288
ISBN-13: 978-1589251281

I received a free hardcover of this book from the publisher. This review contains my honest opinions, for which I have not been compensated in any way.

Put a dragon in a story and it’s an instant hit. This holds true in What Goes Up by author/illustrator Paula Bowles.

Martin the dragon is sad because he longs to fly but his wings are too small. He tries all sorts of ways to fly, but always comes down with a CRASH!   It takes the village children to show Martin the importance of believing in yourself.

Bowles has created a charming book of a sad dragon who wishes to fly. His friendship with the village children plays a big role, so young children witness the importance of friends in helping a person–or in this case a dragon–reach his goals. What I like the most about What Goes Up is that there isn’t an easy resolution to the problem. It takes Martin many days of practice and exercise before his wings grow big enough to carry him.

The artwork you see on the front cover is similar to what is inside. Soft colors add comfort and sweetness to a delightful story. I’ll be looking for more of Bowles’ work.

Rating:

Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Tiger Tales (March 1, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1589251199
ISBN-13: 978-1589251199

I received a free hardcover of this book from the publisher. This review contains my honest opinions, for which I have not been compensated in any way.