Graphic Novel Review: Mixed-Up

Stella and her two best friends are really excited for 5th grade. But before long, Stella's drowning in work. Worse, her favorite fandom just launched a computer game, but you have to read the manual for all the tips and tricks. Reading is hard for Stella. She doesn't need more work.

She stops playing the game. She stops talking to her friends because all these want to do is talk about the game. She's too embarrassed to tell them about her struggles. 

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this graphic novel. I loved how the friends had a fandom they shared. I felt bad for Stella and her reading struggles, but I love that she got help. I think this is a very important message for readers - reading can be hard and it's ok to struggle and its ok to ask for help. I love the illustrations and that one of the characters looks like the author! 

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: Book sent for review

Library Recommendation: A must have graphic novel for school and public library collections

Picture Book Review: Miss Rita, Mystery Reader

Tori's father is the mystery reader at school today - but he's going in his later ego - Miss Rita. Tori helps him get ready with make-up and clothes and most importantly sparkles! Tori hopes that everyone will love Miss Rita, just as much as she does.

A fantastic story about draq queen storytime, being yourself, and sparkles. I love the message that Sparkling is serious business. I love how everyone participates in the story time. And I love the dad jokes. This book has great illustrations. It's perfect for reading all year round, but obviously also during Pride Month.

Library Recommendation: A must have book for your library's collection.

Picture Book Wednesday: Moose's Book Bus

When Moose runs out of stories to tell after dinner, he heads to the library. Now all the animals want to listen to the story. As more and more animals want to listen, Moose realizes he has to do something. So he starts teaching animals how to read.

I love how after dinner became storytime for the animals. I love how everyone gathered together to listen to Moose - it does show the importance of reading aloud and how everyone (no matter their age) likes to listen to a story. Of course I loved the visit to the library and letting readers choose their own books. A powerful book about the love of stories and reading.

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

Picture Book Review: Help Wanted, Must Love Books

Shailey's Dad gets a new job and can no longer read to her just before bed. Shailey interviews readers for the position. Fairy Tale characters apply - but none of them seem quite right for the job. 

I loved this book - it's perfect for summer reading. It's very funny. I loved the fairy tale characters who appeared looking for a job - even though they were all wrong for it. Of course I loved the reading before bed time tradition. 

A must have picture book for school and public libraries.