Children's Book review: The Children's Illustrated Book of Tarot

 

I've always been fascinated by Tarot Cards but I don't know too much about them.

This book takes the reader through the Major Arcana cards (22 of them) in a fun, easy, and understandable way to learn. 

The Layout: Each spread has a charming illustration, information about that card, and asks a question that will help understand the card. 

There are so many great questions, it's hard to pick a favorite, but I think I'll choose:

I love how the magician is about creating and the question is what did you create today.

For me, creating pieces of art, usually in the form of painting but sometimes card making or jewelry making fills my well. It's generally a peaceful activity and makes me feel better about myself and the world. I love that this card asks about creating something. 

This is the last painting I've created, and I wasn't pleased with it. It was for a work event paint night. I had the sky going well and then I messed it all up. The sky is supposed to be lighter. 

What have you created lately?

* Book sent for review 

Picture Book Review: Evelyn Witch Gets a Pet

It's Release Day for:

Take a look at the video:

* Book sent for review

Spooky Review: Read at Your Own Risk

Hannah and her friends skipped an author visit at school and instead went to the attic to call forth spirits. Something went horribly wrong and now Hannah is cursed. Horrible things are happening to her. If she doesn't figure out how to break the curse soon, it could kill her.

My Thoughts: This diary story is a mix of text and sketches. Read at Your Own Risk is a creepy story with disturbing moments that readers will love. The end of the book was funny. This is a perfect story to read in October.

Cover Thoughts: Creepy

Source: book sent for review

Hand this one to your readers who love spooky reads.

Blog Tour: Bodega Cats

 

Miguel finds a cat who is cold and hungry. He brings the cat inside the family bodega, hoping to convince his parents to keep the cat. After the vet gives the cat a clean bill of health and the cat receives a bath, Miguel is able to keep the cat.

The cat is named Lolo. at first Lolo in unsure about the new situation, but soon begins to thrive in his new home. Miguel shares his secrets with his cat.

His biggest secret: Miguel wants to study art but his parents don't believe in studying art. They want him to work hard in school and at the family bodega. 

My Thoughts: This was a great story about family, rescuing cats, being brave, and following your dreams. Both Miguel and Lolo have perspectives in this story. I loved how both Miguel and Lolo needed help being brave and standing up for themselves. I enjoyed the comic strips about Super Cat. The illustrations were cute too. I loved how passionate Miguel is about art. I'm hoping that this is the first one in a new series. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: book sent for review

Library Recommendation: A cute story for your school and public library's collection. Highly Recommended.  

Review: Sour Apple

Everyone on the tree gets picked except for one green apple. And this apple wonders why? But they never expected what would happen next...

This book has a great message about how getting picked over isn't always a bad thing. Of course, it doesn't feel nice and it hurts are feelings. But there could be good things waiting to happen. The illustrations are cute; I love apple's expressions. 

* This book will be a hit with those who love the Bad Seed books.

** This book was sent for review 

 

Picture Book Review: Sandcastles are Forever

Cora and Shelley live on the beach. They love making sandcastles together. They get to create them every day since they wash away at night. But Shelley is moving and Cora is upset! Cora and her mom have a conversation that makes Cora feel a little bit better. 

This is great summer story about friendship and communication. I love how Cora's mom related friendship to building sandcastles. The ending is sweet. 

* Book sent for review

Picture Book Review: Niki Nakayama

 

Niki Nakayama had a dream. She loved inventing new dishes to try - a fusion of her Japanese and American cultures. Not everyone thought she could do it. But she proved them wrong. She studied and experimented and learned. And she succeeded.

A fantastic picture book biography about a chef who didn't take no for an answer and who creates dishes her way. I love that the dinners tells a story and that no one ever has the same meal twice. Very inspiring.  A great story with fantastic illustrations.

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your school and public libraries. 

* Book sent for review