Out of Wonder

Book Review: Out of Wonder

Author: Kwame Alexander

Rating: 5/5 Stars

Reviewer: Denise Z.

Summary: Out of gratitude for the poet’s art form, Newbery Award winning author and poet Kwame Alexander, along with Chris Colderley and Marjory Wentworth, present original poems that pay homage to twenty famed poets who have made the authors’ hearts sing and their minds wonder. Stunning mixed-media images by Ekua Holmes, winner of a Caldecott Honor and a John Steptoe New Talent Illustrator Award, complete the celebration, inviting the viewer to listen, wonder, and perhaps even pick up a pen.

Review: Out of Wonder is a wonderful poetry anthology that celebrates famous authors and their style of poetry. This is a perfect introduction to poetry and the poets who have a beautiful way with words. These poems can be read out loud or enjoyed privately and touch the heart and soul of those who read them. The illustrations are inspiring in themselves and every element of this book is paired perfectly together. I would also recommend the audio version and especially the dvd version that has animated illustrations and soothing music that compliments every poem.

The Day the Crayons Came Home

The Day the Crayons Came Home
Author: Drew Daywalt
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Reviewer: Gloria

Summary: After reading the day, “the crayons quit”, I just had to read “the day the crayons came home” and I was absolutely in love with both. It was about forgotten crayons trying to get back to their owners. All the different crayons had such different stories and reasons on why they “left” or why they wanted to go back home.

Review: I really enjoyed this book, it is just so creative and funny. Such a great book to read during Storytime. The kids would really enjoy the different stories from every crayon as well as the illustrations. One of my all-time favorite book.

Show Dogs

Show Dogs
Rating: 3.5/5 Stars
Reviewer: Christi

Summary:  After a failed attempt to recover a stolen baby panda, police dog Max reluctantly teams up with a human FBI agent named Frank. A hot tip leads Max and Frank to Las Vegas for the world's most exclusive dog show.

Review:  This was a fun movie that I think the kids would get a kick out of seeing. I wouldn’t put it in the same bracket as some of the great cop and dog movies (aka K-9, Turner and Hooch, etc) but it still was cute and had some laugh out loud moments. The dogs are adorable, the cast works well with the canines, and it has some great dog moments. Definitely worth a watch. 

I Do Not Like Books Anymore!

I Do Not Like Books Anymore!
Author: Daisy Hirst
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Reviewer: Yolanda

Summary: Natalie and her brother Alphonse loved to listen to books and their amazing stories. They always wanted their Mom, Dad, and Grandma read to them. Natalie is finally old enough to learn to read on her own! There is only one problem, which is that when she tries to read all the letters look like weird shapes and she can’t get it. Natalie is very sad and asks for help, but eventually gives up. She eventually gets a great idea from her brother Alphonse, which helps her learn to read.

Review: This was such a cute book. Once kids start to learn to read they might lose interest in book completely. It might be hard at first to gain that confidence back, but after practice they can start to grow their love of reading again. This book shows the struggle in a creative and fun way to show a child that it is ok to not know how to do something, but practicing and finding other forms of learning really helps. You just keep trying. 

Gloria's Voice: The Story of Gloria Steinem, Feminist, Activist, Leader

Gloria's Voice: The Story of Gloria Steinem, Feminist, Activist, Leader
Author: Aura Lewis
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Reviewer: Denise Z.

Summary: Gloria Steinem is known as a leader of the feminist movement and a trailblazer who fights for equality of all people. This unofficial biography for young readers tells her story, from being a young girl with big dreams to her inspiring travels in India to the launch of Ms. Magazine, which gave women a voice. Gloria’s message of believing in yourself and following your dreams will inspire a whole new generation.

Review: After reading last month’s biography picture book, I guess I’m still on a biography kick because I chose this one honoring Gloria Steinem’s accomplishments. I must say, I absolutely adored the illustrations by Aura Lewis and thought she beautifully captured Gloria’s personality and stance in both her writing and drawings. I would say that is what drew me into this book the most and did justice for Gloria Steinem’s political and feminist efforts. A beneficial read for anyone. For ages 4 and up. “Be strong and proud of who you are.”

Baby's First Bank Heist

Baby's First Bank Heist
Author: Jim Whalley
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Reviewer: Yolanda

Summary: Babies have wants too! This baby really wants his own pet, but a pet requires food, food bowl, a bed, and many other things to take care of it. Baby Franks parents disapprove, so he comes up with a plan to get the money he needs. Does Baby Frank do it? Read and find out.

Review: This was a rhyming story that was very comedic. The main character, baby Frank, was so adorable and the story line was very clever. I really enjoyed the illustrations. This book reminded me of the movie Boss Baby. I really recommend this books and for it to be read out loud. It is very silly.

Monster Boogie

Monster Boogie
Author: Laurie Berkner
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Reviewer: Gloria

Summary: The book is about a monster who goes into children’s rooms at night, but what the children least expect is a big hairy scary monster with yellow eyes and green teeth to start booging instead of being mean and scary. Once the monster starts to boogie the children become less and less scared and then they finally join the monster and they all start to boogie and have fun, that is when other monsters start to join and it is like a little party of their own. Then the party is over the monsters leave the room, and the kids no longer afraid of the monsters then are ready to go to sleep.

Review: I thought the book was going to be about your typical monster being mean and scary, so reading the book was fun. Finding out that the monster enjoys to boogie instead of scaring children was a nice twist. Over all very fun book and the illustration was very well displayed as well.