picture books

Book Review: Alexandra and the Awful, Awkward, No Fun, Truly Bad Dates

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Alexandra and the Awful, Awkward, No Fun, Truly Bad Dates by Rebekah Manley

Alexandra and the Awful, Awkward, No Fun, Truly Bad Dates: A Picture Book Parody for Adults by Rebekah Manley ( Author), Catarina Oliveira (Illustrations)
5 out of 5 stars

Alexandra decides to try a 30 Dates in 30 Days challenge, and she swipes right for some dates that turn out to be decidedly awful, awkward, and no fun. These truly bad dates are immature, selfish, and downright gross. They leave her with the check, mansplain and lecture her, stay on their phones the whole time, or just don’t show up at all. At the end of her 30 dates, Alexandra decides to invest in herself and live her best life alone… with a few good friends.

I loved this funny picture book for adults! The writing is hilarious with clever hashtags scattered throughout. For anyone who has horror stories of terrible dates, this book will ring true and help you to laugh off those bad times with the same carefree and courageous attitude Alexandra shows.

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Picture Book Review: Robobaby

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Robobaby by David Wiesner

Robobaby
by David Wiesner
5 out of 5 stars

Cathode (Cathy for short) is about to become a big sister when her parents order a new baby robot. The baby arrives in the mail, but requires some assembly. Mother tries to put the baby together, and Father tries to read the instructions, but they can’t get the gears to attach to the clockwork innards of the child. They call for help! What can Cathy do to help save the baby?

The cuteness level in this book is through the roof! The story is so clever and original, and I adore all the funny characters. There’s Uncle Manny who tries to help assemble the baby. The neighbor brings her little twins to meet the baby. And of course, Sprocket the dog will help big sister Cathy to save the day!

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Picture Book Review: Hello, Neighbor!

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Hello, Neighbor! by Matthew Cordell

Hello, Neighbor!: The Kind and Caring World of Mister Rogers
by Matthew Cordell
5 out of 5 stars

This book tells the true story of how Fred Rogers first began to be interested in television production, and how he began broadcasting the show, Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood. The story is told in a simple way for children to understand, but it captures the heart of the show through Mr. Rogers personality. He exhibited such a strong kindness and compassion that it reached people personally even through the airwaves of television. I love that this book expresses the true heart of Mr. Rogers and demonstrates just how special and original his TV show really was.

One of the things that is mentioned in this book is that Fred Rogers was a minister, and his faith played a huge role in the type of person he was and how he formed his famous TV show for children. The sincerity and love in every episode are beautifully represented in this book.

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Picture Book Review: Sarah’s Solo

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Sarah's Solo by Tracy Brown

Sarah’s Solo
by Tracy Brown (Goodreads Author), Paula Wegman (Illustrator)
4 out of 5 stars
Sarah wishes that she could go to her ballet dance recital instead of attending her cousin’s wedding. When she hears the music at the wedding reception, she is swept into a dance with the bride and discovers that there is beauty in all types of music and dance, not just ballet.

This book teaches young readers about Jewish wedding traditions and the song Hava Nagila. The wedding guests dance the Hora, and the steps are outlined in the story. I love the rich culture and expressive traditions in this book!

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Picture Book Review: Dance Like a Leaf

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Dance Like a Leaf by A.J. Irving

Dance Like a Leaf
by A.J. Irving (Goodreads Author), Claudia Navarro (Illustrations)
5 out of 5 stars

A little girl and her grandmother share a cup of tea, bundle up in multiple scarves, and dance with the autumn leaves. But as the months go by, the grandmother begins to decline. She can’t get out of bed, but the little girl paints the trees for her on a canvas full of autumn color. When the grandmother dies, her granddaughter still remembers how she was taught to dance with the leaves and enjoy a warm cup of tea. The moments of joy that they shared will never be lost.

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Picture Book Review: Voy a Portarme Muy Bien

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Voy a portarme muy bien by Chris Haughton

Voy a portarme muy bien
by Chris Haughton (Goodreads Author)
5 out of 5 stars

Simon has promised to be a good dog while his owner is away, but he is tempted by the delicious cake, the enticing cat chase, and digging in the dirt. He repents of his evil deeds, and learns some self-control. He is rewarded with a trip to the park, where he does NOT get into trouble. Or does he?

Simon ha prometido ser un buen perro mientras su dueño no esta en casa, pero se siente tentado por el delicioso pastel, la tentadora persecución del gato, y la excavación en la tierra. Se arrepiente de sus malas acciones y aprende algo de autocontrol. Es recompensado con un viaje al parque, donde NO se mete en problemas. ¿O si?

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Picture Book Review: Un Vampiro Peligrozo

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Un Vampiro Peligrozo by José Carlos Andrés

Un Vampiro Peligrozo
by José Carlos Andrés, Gómez (Illustrator)
5 out of 5 stars

A little vampire tries to scare a girl, but he isn’t scary at all, and she only laughs at him. He needs to pass his exam to become a vampire, or he will be forced to work with the banana peelers. With the help of some adorable werewolves and bats and a friendly ghost, the little vampire might be able to give the girl a big scare, but only if she plays along and pretends to be scared.

Un pequeño vampiro intenta asustar a una nina, pero él no da miedo en absoluto y ella solo se ríe de él. Necesita aprobar su examen para ser vampiro, o se verá obligado a trabajar con los peladores de platanos. Con la ayuda de unos adorables hombres lobo y murciélagos y un fantasma amistoso, el pequeño vampiro podría darle un gran susto a la niña, pero solo si ella sigue el juego y finge estar asustada.

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Picture Book Review: The Last Hazelnut

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The Last Hazelnut by Susanna Isern

The Last Hazelnut
by Susanna Isern, Mariana Ruiz Johnson (Illustrations)
5 out of 5 stars

Tim and Teo love to eat hazelnuts together on top of their favorite mountain. When each of them thinks their friend selfishly took the last hazelnut instead of sharing, they have a huge argument! But who really took the last hazelnut? Tim and Teo spend the days missing each other and wishing they could be friends again. Can these friends ever forgive each other?

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Picture Book Review: The Tiny Baker

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The Tiny Baker by Hayley Barrett

The Tiny Baker
by Hayley Barrett (Author), Alison Jay (Illustrator)
5 out of 5 stars

The tiny baker has the most dainty and delicious treats at her fashionable tearoom. Her insect customers are always well-behaved and elegantly dressed. But when the ladybug pastry chefs in the kitchen are called away to migrate, they leave a huge mess in the kitchen! How will the tiny baker clean up the mess and deliver delectable desserts to her fancy clientele? She discovers that true friends are always willing to help in a crisis.

I adore this book! Everything about it is perfection.
I love the positive messages about true friendship and jumping in to help someone in need.

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