I Have a Balloon

I Have A Balloon
Author: Ariel Bernstein and Scott Magoon
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Reviewer: Gloria

Summary: The book was about an owl with a balloon, a shiny, big red balloon and the monkey would really like to play with the balloon but owl does not want to share his balloon. Monkey then decides that maybe if he trades with owl then he would be able to have the balloon. But monkey tries to trade with owl on many occasions but owl is set on having the balloon to himself until he sees how much fun monkey is having with all of the different things he has. And all owl can do is hold the balloon, but that is what he likes. Finally they are both content with what they each have.

Review: I really enjoyed reading this book. The book was repetitive and fun. The illustration was also very good and really caught my attention. The book teaches you to share as well as to be happy and content with what you already have.

Bob

Bob
Author: Wendy Mass and Rebecca Stead
Rating: 3/5 Stars
Reviewer: Kelly

Summary: Livy is back, visiting Australia, after five years and is having trouble remembering much of her first visit. Slowly, things start to come back to here and then she finds Bob in a closet. Bob is a short, greenish creature wearing a chicken suit and he remembers EVERYTHING about Livy. He has been waiting five years for her to come back and he has waited in the closet, just as Livy told him to.
Livy promised to help Bob find his way home. After all this time, will she keep her promise? Clue by clue, the two will discover and unravel Bob’s story and hopefully, help find his way home.

Review: Bob was chosen as the Books and Bites, book club pick for the month of May. I chose the title after hearing about it at a seminar, featuring the best books of 2018. I enjoyed the audiobook version on this title but I was a little disappointed.

The story tackled themes like friendship, family and love. I thought that the authors could have done a better job in general. The story is told from Bob’s point of view and then alternates to Livy’s point of view. I felt that the story was lost a bit or slightly repetitive and I wonder if it would have been better, with only one author. The idea behind the story is fantastic and I think kids could get lost in its magic.

Max Explains Everything: Soccer Expert

Max Explains Everything: Soccer Expert
Author: Stacy McAnulty and Deborah Hocking
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Reviewer: Julie B.

Summary: After playing soccer for three weeks, Max is an expert. He shares what to wear, how to warm up, play and tips about staying entertained.

Review: I enjoyed reading about Max’s soccer experience. From putting on shin guards, to picking dandelions, McAnulty makes the story humorous and full of giggles. This story shows playing soccer is not so intimidating. The illustrations are simple and helps to tell this funny story.

Dazzling Travis!

Dazzling Travis!
Author: Hannah C. Dias
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Reviewer: Yolanda

Summary: Travis loves to go shopping and play dress up. He also loves to play basketball and dance ballet. He gets teased and made fun of at school by other kids for looking, dressing, and being different. Travis is one of a kind. What will happen with the bullies? Will Travis change who he is?

Review: This book can get a good conversation going with you and your child. Travis is a little boy who loves to dress up as a king or queen. He enjoys a variety of activities that others may find different, but Travis stands up for himself. He makes sure the bullies know that he is confident and proud of who he is and what he enjoys doing. “A boy can like pink and a girl can like blue. It’s not weird or strange to express the true you.” This book teaches a valuable lesson of not judging others and of acceptance. The illustrations are so colorful and beautiful.

A Friend Like Iggy

A Friend Like Iggy
Author: Kathryn Cole
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Reviewer: Christi

Summary: The true story of Iggy, a special dog who helps kids get through difficult times. When children disclose abuse, they often navigate an unfamiliar chain of events, sometimes testifying in court. Iggy is a specially-trained facilitator dog, and his job is to make each child he meets comfortable with the job they have to do.

Review: This sweet dog will have your heart melting after the first page. This book describes what a furry angel can do for children who need emotional support to deal with something that’s happened to them. He’s there when they have to talk about what happened to them. Even if it’s just to put his head on their lap to help give them strength. He even goes to court with them when they have to talk about what happened. I don’t know how some dogs are so sensitive to others emotions or how they know what to do to make them smile but Izzy does. That’s why I think he’s a furry angel.

Ebenezer Has a Word for Everything

Ebenezer Has a Word for Everything
Author: Chelsea H. Rowe
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Reviewer: Denise Z.

Summary: Ebenezer collects words. No one appreciates his efforts until he meets a friend who writes stories and could use a word or two.

Review: I picked up this picture book because I could easily tell it would have a good writing connection to it and I could possibly get an idea from it for an upcoming writing program. I enjoyed the story of Ebenezer finding a friend because of his love for words and how his friend has a love of stories. This was a great book for a friendship and a writing theme. I liked how the words were bolded, matched the illustrations, and encouraged more thinking and learning. This wouldn’t be a book I would read for a storytime, but it would be one that could be used for a writing lesson or one-on-one reading.