Most dragons are bold and ferocious, breathing fire and looking scary. But Maurice is quiet and gentle. He loves to arrange flowers and take care of plants. He thinks he will never be able to fit in or be accepted by the other dragons, until his brother goes missing. Only Maurice has the special knowledge and courage to find his brother and show all the other dragons that he has his own type of strength.
This is such a sweet book! I love the themes of acceptance, belonging, and being true to yourself. Maurice is a very relatable and compelling character.
The illustrations are beautiful! I love the swirling style of the art, and the way the colors evoke certain emotions as the story progresses. Wonderful!
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.
The Duck Who Came for Dinner
by Steve Smallman, Joëlle Dreidemy (Illustrator)
Wolf and Lamb are astonished when a little duck crashes into their yard. She has amnesia, so they name her Apple. Her wing is hurt, so they take her into their home until she feels better. How much trouble could one little duck be? But Apple is definitely a handful when she keeps trying to fly before her wing is fully healed. Wolf and Lamb worry about her being too reckless. However, when Lamb is in trouble, the little duck comes to the rescue!
This book is so hilarious and fun! I love the little duck’s “can-do” attitude. She just dives right in and tries everything with a fearless joy.
The illustrations add to the comedy of the story. I loved the cute designs of the animal characters, and all the little doings in the background of each scene. So adorable and funny!
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.
Carry My Heart with You
by Danielle McLean, Anna Terreros-Martin (Illustrator)
A rabbit gives their little bunny a little heart token to carry with them to school. Whenever they feel sad or worried, they can hug the heart and feel their parent’s love and support. During the school play when they feel nervous, when a friend falls down on the playground, or when their pet is lost, the little bunny can hold the heart and be reminded that they are surrounded by love.
This book is so sweet! I almost started crying because it’s just so heartfelt and lovely.
The rabbit characters are so cute, and I loved the artwork of all the different animals at school. I love the warm art style that brings out the emotions of the text.
The best part of this book is that there is an actual heart token that you can remove and give to your child! It’s made of wood and beautifully painted, making it a truly special gift.
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.
I Turtley Love You
by Harriet Evans (Goodreads Author), Bryony Clarkson (Illustrator)
The ocean animals and fish tell their babies good night. A turtle and little hatchling cuddle together. A baby clownfish hides in the coral. A little crab makes a heart shape with his claws. A starfish, a baby seahorse, and a jellyfish all fall asleep with their parents close by to watch over them through the night.
The best part of this book is the die-cut designs that let you peek through the page, and highlight the baby fish and animals on the previous page. The design is so clever!
I love the peaceful text that soothes little readers to know they are safe and loved. This is the perfect book for bedtime coziness!
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.
Love is in the Little Things
by Stella J. Jones, Jane Massey (Illustrator)
A little child and a big bear share all the little things in life that say “I love you”. A cuddly hug, a smile, a little note, a bedtime kiss – all these things show their affection and care for each other. When something goes wrong, they say they are sorry. When one feels sad, they cheer up with a song or a game. Just an affectionate touch or a joke can really brighten someone’s day. It’s the little things that make a big difference.
I loved this beautiful book! It made me cry because it’s so sweet and tugged on my heartstrings. The illustrations are warm and fuzzy like a big hug. The thoughtful and kind relationship between the child and bear is evident in every graceful line of the artwork.
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.
God Loves You Just The Way You Are
by Tammi Salzano, Natalie Merheb (Goodreads Author) (Illustrator)
No matter what situation you may be in, this book reminds us that God loves us. It doesn’t matter if you win the race, play sports well, or climb to the top of the rock wall. God loves you, no matter what. Whether you are playing music, eating lunch, or dancing, God’s love surrounds you at all times. When you are away from home, or in a crowded city, or in any scary situation, God loves you and gives you courage. All you have to do is be YOU, just how He created you to be!
I love how this book reassures the reader that God’s love will be with them at all times. They don’t have to perform to earn God’s love. The text is really excellent and meaningful!
The illustrations include a lot of diverse characters of many ages and situations in life. It’s great to see such a smiling group of characters, showing the vastness of God’s love for all humanity. The artwork is so cute!
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.
The Owl Who Dared
by Stephanie Stansbie, Frances Ives (Illustrator)
The mommy owl encourages her little owl to learn to fly. But every time the little owl tries to jump into the air, he just falls to the ground. Mommy owl tells him that it is normal to fall many times before you learn something new. You just have to keep trying, and it will be worth it in the end. The little owl flaps and flaps and falls and falls. Mommy owl tells him that each time he fails, he is learning something new and making progress. Eventually the little owl discovers that he can fly!
This is so inspiring! I love that the little owl is so tenacious and brave to keep trying again and again. I wish more of my students had this attitude when they fail at something new.
The illustrations are beautiful, and I love the cool colors of the nighttime forest. The designs for the animals characters are really graceful and the owls are especially regal. Gorgeous artwork!
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.
Big, Big Feelings
by Perry Emerson, Sean Julian (Illustrator)
Willow is a toddler who has big feelings. She cries and screams when something upsets her. But her big brother has a way with words, and he helps his little sister to find the right words to describe her feelings, instead of screaming. But when they meet up with some of the other animals, can Willow remember to use her words instead of throwing a tantrum?
This is such a fun story about toddlers learning to control their emotions. It takes an important lesson, but uses a hilarious story to make it fun and memorable.
I love the cute animal characters, and how the art work really brings forward the emotions of the characters. The art style is really expressive!
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 