Board Book Review: Lit for Little Hands Jane Eyre

Lit for Little Hands by Brooke Jorden

Lit for Little Hands: Jane Eyre
by Brooke Jorden, Olga Skomorokhova (Illustrations)

5 out of 5 stars

This board book tells the story of Jane Eyre, simplified for little readers. It has interactive pull tabs and flaps to reveal the mysteries surrounding Thornfield Manor! Some of the story is told with quotes from the original novel and includes original dialogue as well.

Continue reading

Klutz Craft Sets Review

My Cat Mermaid & Friends by Klutz

My Cat Mermaid & Friends
by Klutz (Creator)

5 out of 5 stars

This craft set has everything you need to sew your own felt toys! The instruction book includes step-by-step activities that help little readers to practice their sewing skills.

There are two practice projects for sewing on paper before you try sewing the felt toys. There is plenty of yarn in different colors to choose from, and 3 different designs of toys. The glitter stickers and decorations make this project extra special!

Continue reading

Picture Book Review: Adventure Kitty

Adventure Kitty by James Hemingway

Adventure Kitty
by James Hemingway, FolksnFables (Illustrator)

4 out of 5 stars

Adventure Kitty goes exploring in the woods, looking for someone to play with. He asks the goose, the raccoon, the possum, and a frog, but no one wants to play with him. He befriends a little beaver, but he avoids the skunk. He gets into a rough fight with a coyote. When he is lost, the Adventure Kitty asks an owl for directions.

Continue reading

Picture Book Review: The Melody

The Melody by Oded Burla

The Melody
by Oded Burla

4 out of 5 stars

A melody is searching for someone who will listen to it and sing it. The melody asks the mountains, the trees, and the river if they are hoping for a song. But they either won’t listen or already have their own songs. The melody asks the animals and birds if they need a song to sing, but no one wants the melody. Finally the melody finds a mother who needs to soothe her baby with a song.

Continue reading

Candlewick Picture Book Reviews Batch

I'll Go and Come Back by Rajani LaRocca

I’ll Go and Come Back
by Rajani LaRocca (Goodreads Author), Sara Palacios (Illustrator)

5 out of 5 stars

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.

Continue reading

Picture Book Review: This is a School

This Is a School by John Schu

This Is a School
by John Schu (Goodreads Author), Veronica Miller Jamison(illustrator)

4 out of 5 stars

School is not just a place for learning. Children grow and change as their teachers help them to see their potential. The children discover their love of art and music. They make friends and help each other. They make mistakes and try to make amends. They fail at some things and try again. School is a place for exploration and community.

Continue reading

Children’s Book Review: Marco Polo Brave Explorer

Marco Polo Brave Explorer by Cynthia Lord

Marco Polo Brave Explorer
by Cynthia Lord, Stephanie Graegin

5 out of 5 stars

Marco Polo is a small toy mouse, who can be checked out from the library just like a book. But he is so small that he never gets borrowed by any of the children, because they are afraid he will get lost. Seth visits the library, looking for something to help him be braver, and he discovers that Marco Polo is just the adventurous mouse to help.

Continue reading

Picture Book Review: Ready for the Spotlight!

Ready for the Spotlight! by Jaime Kim

Ready for the Spotlight!
by Jaime Kim

5 out of 5 stars

Tessie is jealous that her big sister Maya always steals the spotlight in their ballet class. Maya is older and has more training with dance, so she gets to wear a crown in the ballet recital. Tessie is so sick of always being overlooked! Until one day in class they have freestyle dancing, and Tessie gets a chance to show her amazing dance skills.

I loved this cute book! It’s so sweet how the sisters navigate some tough emotions of jealousy and inadequacy, and they learn to help and appreciate each other. I love the positive messages in this story as the girls learn to share the spotlight together.

Continue reading

Picture Book Review: Tea Party with Brielle

Tea Party with Brielle by Brielle Vivienne

Tea Party with Brielle
by Brielle Vivienne, Jacqueline Regano, Yuliia Zolotova (Illustrator)

4 out of 5 stars

Brielle is preparing a tea party for her guests. She chooses a theme, picks out a fancy dress, sets the table with a beautiful tablecloth, and prepares the food. She even has a special recipe for a delicious tea! When her guests arrive, everything is ready for a fantastic tea party!

This is such a cute book! Everything is floral and pink and pretty- perfect for those girly girls who love a fancy tea party! I love all the little details about the teapot and the plates, the flowers, and all the chic accessories.

Continue reading

Picture Book Review: My Colorful World

My Colorful World by Jill McKellan

My Colorful World: Making New Friends
by Jill McKellan

3 out of 5 stars

In this book, the Fairy Brigade pretend to be regular children to help Arya gain the confidence to make new friends. Arya is very nervous, but the Fairy Brigade help her to overcome her fears. Little by little, she opens up and learns how to make friends.

This is a cute story about overcoming social anxiety, and finding ways to connect with people. I liked the positive messages in this book! The story is very simple and the writing is a little stiff, but I enjoyed the way that Arya grows and becomes more courageous.

Continue reading