Cinderella: Stories Around the World

Cinderella: Stories Around the World

Author: Cari Meister

Rating: 5/5 Stars

Reviewer: Denise Z.

Summary: Retells the classic French version of Cinderella, along with three similar tales: Rhodopis from Egypt, Yeh-Shen from China, and Little Burnt Face from the Micmac Indians of the Canadian Maritimes.

Review:  This is such a pleasant read for those of us who enjoy our Cinderella stories. I enjoyed reading different Cinderella stories from across the world, noticing both the similarities and differences. It is very interesting to compare and contrast each culture’s interpretation of this classic fairy tale. This would also be a great learning tool for young writers, inspiring them to come up with their own Cinderella tales. The illustrations are colorful, intriguing, and modern.

I Have a Balloon

I Have a Balloon
Author: Ariel Bernstein
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Reviewer: Yolanda

Summary: Owl has a nice big red balloon. Monkey really wants Owl’s balloon. Monkey tries to find items it can trade for the balloon. Monkey finally found a sock with a star. Monkey shows Owl all the possible fun things that can be done with the sock. Owl really wants the sock, but Monkey realizes how much fun his sock really is. Eventually they both realize what they have makes them happy, but then Lemur shows up with an ice cream cone.

Review: This cute story book really shows how jealousy plays a role in both the Monkey and Owl characters. The Monkey is the first to want what another, Owl, has. Eventually once Monkey has something Owl wants things begin to change. Eventually the story ends with both Monkey and Owl wanting what Lemur has. This book really shows how being jealous will not get you far, but if you’re willing to share things will be a lot more fun. The way this story shows the importance of sharing by involving some humor really helps young reader engage with the story and learn a life lesson.

How to Find an Elephant

How to Find an Elephant
Author: Kate Banks
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Reviewer: Juan

Summary: Is it a rainy Day? Have nothing to do? Then dive right into this adventure filled book and see if you got what it takes to find an elephant. Make sure to bring a pair of binoculars, appropriate attire, snacks, and a head full of imagination.

Review: With delightful illustrations and a cleverly hidden elephant on each page, this book is perfect for any child who enjoys a fun filled story and has an appreciation for art.

The Discovery of Ramen: The Asian Hall of Fame

The Discovery of Ramen: The Asian Hall of Fame
Author: Phil Amara & Oliver Chin
Rating: 3/5 Stars
Reviewer: Aleece

Summary: Dao, a red panda, takes Ethan and Emma on an adventure to the history of ramen.

Review: A cute story that has a lot of history of how ramen came to be in Japan and how it changed over the years.  There is a lot of information that sometimes doesn’t seem like a story and just looks like history.  Overall, the cute illustrations are going to be a hit with kids.

A Letter to My Teacher

A Letter to My Teacher 
Author: Deborah Hopkinson
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Reviewer: Christi

Summary: A letter from someone who was once an exasperating second-grader reveals her experiences with a teacher who brought out the best in her.

Review: A beautifully written thank you to a teacher told from a former troublesome child. A story of gratitude and self-realization. As this child goes through second grade her teacher guides her in ways that she will continue to use throughout her life. In the end the book comes full circle with the child becoming a teacher.

Now

Now
Author: Antoinette Portis
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Reviewer: Denise Z.

Summary: Follow a little girl as she takes you on a tour through all of her favorite things, from the holes she digs to the hugs she gives.

Review: I originally picked up this picture book because it was listed as one of the select few of children’s books that teach mindfulness. I read a lot of books on mindfulness and being present in the moment and thought that it would be a great idea to teach using a picture book. With yoga for babies being trendy, I find these books will get more and more wanted as well.

The pictures are simple, which goes perfectly with the message of being present and staying in the moment. There are also short sentences that make this book perfect for storytime. If this book was lengthy and illustrated busily, it certainly would not have fit the author’s intention.

This is a great lesson-oriented book to teach youngsters about focusing on what they are experiencing each moment. “And this is my favorite now because it’s the one I am having...with you.”

God Got a Dog

 

God Got a Dog

Author: Cynthia Rylant

Rating: 5/5 Stars

Reviewer: Denise Z. 

Summary: The authors imagine a God inspired to go out and experience human things.

Review:  The title drew me in to this read and is a perfect example of how an idea can turn into a wonderful piece of writing. This work of poetry is perfect for all ages, but is geared for ages ten and up. God is given human experiences and becomes all different people and things. The authors celebrate humanity and focuses on what God does in each situation. There are a lot of lessons to be learned in this interesting read.