Naptime with Theo & Beau

Naptime with Theo & Beau

Author: Jessica Shyba

Rating: 5/5 Stars

Reviewer: Denise Z.

Summary: It all started when a loving mother posted a few pictures of her son, Beau, and their new puppy, Theo, napping together on her popular blog Momma's Gone City. But these pictures were so "unbearably adorable" (Daily Mail) and "utterly charming" (Huffington Post) that it quickly became much, much more. By faithfully recording and sharing what Good Morning America calls "the most mesmerizing naps ever caught on camera," Jessica Shyba and her family captured the hearts of people all over the world, and these beautiful images of friendship and trust have become an international viral sensation -- Back jacket flap.

Review: One word: adorable! This is a sweet picture book filled with the cutest pictures of a young boy and his puppy dog. Naptime hasn’t been cuter! This is a great short book to read before bedtime that will encourage a good night’s sleep with its soothing message. I enjoyed reading about the background of the family and Beau, a rescue dog. So cute!

The Day Dirk Yeller Came to Town

The Day Dirk Yeller Came to Town
Author: Mary Casanova
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Reviewer: Christi

Summary: When outlaw Dirk Yeller arrives in Cowtown looking for something to take away his cat-scratch fever, young Sam, whose pa says he is "a world-a-trouble and curious as a tomcat," knows just what this dangerous and jittery criminal needs to calm him down.

Review: This is a fun western themed story of an outlaw coming to town to find a cure for his itchin’ and twitchin and a young boy who think he knows how to help. After Dirk goes all over town scaring townsfolk one boy happens to see through the outlaws strange questions and makes a deal “If I show you how to stop the itchin and twitchin will you promise to leave our town in peace?” He snorts in agreement and where do you think he takes them? To a place that always has the answers… the library, of course!

Little Leaders Bold Women in Black History

Little Leaders Bold Women in Black History
Author: Vashti Harrison
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Reviewer: Yolanda

 

Summary: This book has summarized biographies of 40 individual black women in American history. These stories share the struggles, battles, and hurdles many of them had to face to do what they did. Each woman was also brought to life with their own illustration portrait.

Review: This book is very inspirational. The life accounts of these 40 different women are incredible. This book shares many powerful messages, one being never giving up what you love. Vashti Harrison’s writing is educational and fun to read. Her illustrations are also very unique and beautiful. This book is very well thought out and even has extra resources for further learning. The author does a great job in making this book not only interesting and eye-catching, but also a learning experience.

Feather

Feather
Author: Remi Courgeon
Rating: 5/5 stars
Reviewer: Denise Z.

I was very impressed by this picture book by Remi Courgeon. It’s about a young girl who is the only female in her family. She has to defend herself from her brothers and balance her softer side with her rougher side. She is tired of her family calling her Feather and takes up boxing, while still playing the piano.

This book is probably better for slightly older kids to get the message and because of its length. This book had to be translated from French and the French style is definitely displayed in its storytelling and illustrations.

I love the simplistic messages of female strength, the dynamic of her being the only girl in her family and how she relates to her brothers, and how certain chores, hobbies, and characteristics aren’t gender specific.

This is a perfect book for any strong, young girl, a sister among brothers, and for sending the message that girls can do anything boys can do!

Some of my favorite quotes are “Feather’s killer left gave her confidence” and “Feather, to build herself up before each match, recited the names of women who had bravely made a place for themselves in the world: Rosa Parks, Marie Curie, Nellie Bly, Anna Lee Fisher, Sally Ride…She always ended with Nina Simone, because she had played the piano, too.”