This Book of Mine

This Book of Mine
Author: Sarah Stewart
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Reviewer: Denise Z.

Summary: Illustrations and easy-to-read text celebrate the connection between diverse readers of all ages and the books they enjoy.

Review: Sarah Stewart’s picture book is an ode to books and all they provide. This would be a great book to read to a child who adores books and to children who need to understand the power of books. I really liked how it was shown how all the ways books help us along the way in life and how it encourages reading and all the things that can be inspired through books.

Nope. Never. Not for Me!

Nope. Never. Not for Me!
Author: Samantha Cotterill
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Reviewer: Julie B.

Summary: A little girl is hesitant to eat her broccoli. After her mom makes it fun, the girl learns to try new things.

Review: This book is one of the “Little Senses” series. It is written in simple text and very light hearted. Cotterill does a nice job using humor in both the story and illustrations. I was attracted to picture on the cover of the book as it reminded me of my daughter at that age poking at the “strange” (mushrooms) food on her plate. Many meet resistance when trying to encourage their child to try a new food. I loved reading this book and will read the others in the series.

The Unwanted

The Unwanted
Author: Don Brown
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Reviewer: Yolanda

Summary: This book is very realistic. There is a different story on every page. This depicts the real and harsh reality that many Syrian refugees are going through. This book puts you in the shoes of many different Syrian refugees’ looks to escape the horrors that are happening in Syria. The characters are men, women, and children. There are stories of how refugees seek help from many countries including the United States. There is a crisis that has been going on for years and this book is an eye opener to the lives that are living it currently.

Review: This book is a heavy one to read. It really pulls your heart strings and makes you feel all sorts of emotion. The reality in this book is very scary, but puts it all in perspective. This graphic novel really helps you start to understand the crisis that is plaguing people’s lives overseas. I really recommend one reads this book and gets a better understanding of what the Syrian refugees are going through and have been through.

The Okay Witch

The Okay Witch
Author: Emma Steinkellner
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
Reviewer: Kelly

Summary: Thirteen-year-old Moth Hush loves all things witchy. But she’s about to discover that witches aren’t just the stuff of movies, books, and spooky stories. When some eighth-grade bullies try to ruin her Halloween, something really strange happens. It turns out that Founder’s Bluff, Massachusetts, has a centuries-old history of witch drama. And, surprise: Moth’s family is at the center of it all! When Moth’s new powers show up, things get totally out-of-control. She meets a talking cat, falls into an enchanted diary, and unlocks a hidden witch world. Secrets surface from generations past as Moth unravels the complicated legacy at the heart of her town, her family, and herself.

Review: A perfect read to kick off the fall season. I was so excited to get my hands on a copy of this book and it DID NOT disappoint. Moth is a quirky and unique girl who does not feel like she fits in, in her world, and I just adored her. With this graphic novel, you get a mix of friendship, modern families, fall, witches, past and present.

This is sure to be a best books of the year candidate. I have already added it to my list for our presentation to parents, caregivers and educators. I am very excited to recommend this book to other readers of graphic novels.

Here and Now

Here and Now
Author: Julia Denos
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Reviewer: Denise Z.

Summary: Illustrations and easy-to-read text celebrate mindfulness and the connectedness of everything on Earth.

Review: “Right here, right now you are becoming.” This book is a perfect children’s book for teaching mindfulness and the pictures are so beautiful and tranquil.

Fitting for a storytime or a book that would calm your child before bed and explain how so many things are happening and growing around us while we sit still and observe.

It’s also a great conversation starter with your kids about the present moment, all what’s going on around us, and how we are all part of it.

I used this book in storytime and the kids liked talking about the things that were around us and observing the present, becoming quite engaging for them.