I’ll Go and Come Back
by Rajani LaRocca (Goodreads Author), Sara Palacios (Illustrator)
A little girl visits her grandmother in India, but they only speak a few words in each other’s language. They learn to bond through books, playing games, and eating good food. They shop together in the market, and dress in the same colors. Their love grows and keeps them strong even when they are apart.
This is such a sweet book! I actually cried at the end, because it made me think of my own grandmother. The bond between grandmother and granddaughter is so strong and special, and that is celebrated beautifully in this book.
I loved reading about the beautiful culture in India and how different it is from American culture. The spicy foods, crowded streets, humid weather, and lovely clothing are all showcased in this book. The scent of jasmine almost wafts off the page.
The artwork is so beautiful and captures the emotions of the characters. I love the bright colors that bring every page to life!
This book will give you a warm fuzzy feeling in your heart!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
My Big Book of Outdoors
by Tim Hopgood
This book covers all four seasons with facts and tidbits about animals, plants, insects, trees, weather, and the stars. In the spring, the little lambs are born. In summer, the butterflies are extra busy. In the fall, it’s time to harvest the apple crop. In winter, the birds stay snug and warm in their nests.
I love the soft illustrations in this book. The watercolor art style is bright and warm, drawing your attention to the page. There is something so calming and soothing about the art. And the art is accurate enough that you can learn about the markings on different species of birds, and how to identify seashells.
Each chapter has cool facts that keep your interest, and there are also some activities and recipes that you can try at home! There are recipes for chocolate bird nests and for baking apples. There is an activity for cutting out your own paper snowflakes, and another one for painting butterfly wings.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
John’s Turn
by Mac Barnett, Kate Berube (Goodreads Author) (Illustrations)
At the Friday Assembly in school, the children take turns each week doing a talent show of some kind for their classmates. Today it is John’s turn to perform. John is obviously nervous about his performance. He has to change clothes and wait backstage until the music starts. Once he begins to dance, John forgets about his nerves and just enjoys moving to the music. But will his audience enjoy the performance?
This is such a beautiful book! I love the simple but emotional story, and the way that the reader is pulled into John’s experience. The positive messages of courage and acceptance make this book really special. By the end of the book, I was cheering and clapping for John!
The soft artwork is warm and energetic. You can feel the emotions rolling off the page. When John dances, every movement is so lively and strong! I felt like I was watching him actually dance in graceful pirouettes and jetes.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
Take Off Your Brave: The World through the Eyes of a Preschool Poet
by Nadim Shamma, Yasmeen Ismail (Illustrator)
This lovely book of poetry was written by an insightful four-year-old. When you come home at the end of the day, you take off your coat and your hat and mittens, and you can “take off your brave feeling” because now you are safe at home.
There are poems about school, family, funny moments, snuggles, toys, dreams and wishes, and of course… love. The world is full of love and wonder. Where does a bluebell get its “blue” from? Is it from a blue butterfly or the blue of the sea?
I loved the simple yet emotional poems in this book! It’s like a little snapshot of childhood, with the depth of the ages in the innocence of a child.
This book is beautifully illustrated with soft artwork that perfectly captures the freedom and wildness of the poetry. The art is soothing and attractive, making every page a delight!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
Luminous Libro 