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.
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Candlewick Picture Book Reviews Batch
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.
Continue readingPicture Book Review: This is a School
This Is a School
by John Schu (Goodreads Author), Veronica Miller Jamison(illustrator)
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 readingChildren’s Book Review: Marco Polo Brave Explorer
Marco Polo Brave Explorer
by Cynthia Lord, Stephanie Graegin
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 readingPicture Book Review: Ready for the Spotlight!
Ready for the Spotlight!
by Jaime Kim
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 readingPicture Book Review: Tea Party with Brielle
Tea Party with Brielle
by Brielle Vivienne, Jacqueline Regano, Yuliia Zolotova (Illustrator)
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 readingPicture Book Review: My Colorful World
My Colorful World: Making New Friends
by Jill McKellan
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 readingBook Review: James and the Giant Peach
James and the Giant Peach
by Roald Dahl, Quentin Blake (Illustrator)
James lives his two horrible aunts, wishing that he could get away. A mysterious stranger gives him a bag of magic, but James accidentally drops the bag near an old peach tree, and the tree absorbs all the magic creating a giant fruit. The giant peach propels James into a new adventure that will take him farther than he ever dreamed and get rid of his awful aunts once and for all.
Continue readingPicture Book Reviews: The Magic House, and The Lonely Cloud
The Magic House: The Amazing Adventures of Alexander and Sophia
by Alan Matkovic
Sophia and Alexander are two children looking for adventure. They discover a secret entrance to a magic house with mysterious rooms filled with every imaginable delight. As they explore the rooms, they find all their favorite things. But the mystery behind the last door will surprise them with magic they never imagined to be possible.
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