Picture Book Review: Billie Jean Peet, Athlete

Billie Jean Peet is the middle child and she doesn't have any special talent. The knowledge eats away at her. But then something happens that changes everything. She finds something magical.

I love that Billie Jean doesn't give up. I love that she found her joy again. This book has a great message. 

Picture Book Review: Old Blue is my Home

One little girl has a love/hate relationship with her family's blue van. The van is also their home. Not everyone at school understands how it feels to be homeless. 

This is a great book to teach empathy and to share that not everyone is fortunate to have a home. It is hopeful. 

Picture Book Review: Just One Wave

 

Liam's happy his family is headed to the beach - but he wants there to be waves. But the waves are calm and quiet today. Liam and his sister play and have a great time. Liam comes up with a solution before they leave.

This is a cute book about two siblings playing at the beach. It's cute and fun and the perfect summer read. 

Graphic Novel Mini Review: Alanna

This is a graphic novel adaptation of a four book saga. 

I loved these books. But clearly I read these before I started blogging here. 

It's been a long time since I read this book, so I was very happy to read the adaptation.

It was just like I remember and the art was really fun.

If you have a chance to read it, I highly recommend it. 

Picture Book Wednesday: Hair like Obama's Hands like LeBron's

Black children look up to formidable Black heroes. They can dare to dream to just like them. 

The Author's Note talks about Representation and daring to dream big. The book also shares mini biographies about each person mentioned. The illustrations are amazing. An inspirational book that should be on every public library shelf. 

Picture Book Review: Friendship Books

Bunny is helping organize the Spring Fair but she decides to put up a message board for folks to ask for help, Soon she's so busy helping everyone that she barely has time for the fair. Luckily her friends have an idea.

Kindness and friendships are the key to this cute story. It's ok to ask for help and it's ok to receive help. 

Kitty is painting a portrait but things get a little messy. Luckily friendship makes it easy to be your messy no so perfect self together. 

A great message about not being perfect and just being yourself. Great illustrations. Another fantastic book from this winning author - illustrator team 

Picture Book Wednesday: Yours in Books

 

This is my new favorite picture book and I chat about it on TikTok. Of course, there were things I forgot to mention...

This one is great for older readers - 1st and 2nd graders. They will appreciate the humor.  

Library Recommendation: A must have book for your school and public library collection!

@yabooknerdlibrarian New fun picture book with a grumpy hero who finds he has a soft heart! #picturebook #booktok #owl #librarian #newbook #grumpyhero ♬ original sound - Jennifer @YA Book Nerd 📚📚📚

Picture Book Wednesday: Aaron Slater Illustrator

Aaron loves listening to stories, but he struggles with reading. It takes him a long time to get comfortable with reading - years. He also has a hard time writing. But he can tell an amazing story. He can't write his story - but he can draw it.

My Thoughts: I love the Aaron uses his art to help tell a story. And while reading and writing is hard for him, he keeps working at them both. I loved how his teacher saw his art for the assignment and praised him. A wonderful book that shows us how people learn differently and not at the same pace as others. A great book to showcase empathy and to discuss how learning happens differently for everyone. Another great addition to this charming series.

Art inside: Really great. I loved how the story came alive on the page

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A must have book for your school and public library collections

Series Spotlight: Fox and Rabbit

 

Fox and Rabbit are good friends who have adventures together. One is adventurous and one is a little bit anxious - but they make the perfect pair. Book 2 is all about fall. Book 3 is all about a birthday celebration. 

These graphic novels are all about friendship. Sometimes turtle gets the short end of the stick - which is sad. There are funny moments, kind moments, and moments where the friends ask for help. They make new friends and have moments of jealousy.  The illustrations are super cute. This series are feel good reads for readers of all ages.

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your school and public libraries

* Book 3 is up for a Cybils Award

Picture Book Review: Itty Bitty Kitty Corn

 

Kitty dreams of being a unicorn but her friends tease her. Kitty keeps pretending - until she meets a unicorn. Kitty is sad to meet the unicorn until the unicorn confesses a secret. They both see each other and become the best of friends.

A really sweet book about being seen - even if you can't be the create you'd most like to me. It's about celebrating differences and similarities. And it comes from a dynamite author and illustrator team!

Library Recommendation: Another must have picture book for your school and public libraries

Picture Book Review: I am One

One person has the power of make a great deal of difference.

I loved this book's message. It's so inspiring. And of course the art work is fantastic. This team is amazing.

Library Recommendation: A must have book for your school and public library

Mini Review: In the Hall with the Knife

When a storm strikes at Blackbrook Academy, an elite prep school nestled in the woods of Maine, a motley crew of students—including Beth “Peacock” Picach, Orchid McKee, Vaughn Green, Sam “Mustard” Maestor, Finn Plum, and Scarlet Mistry—are left stranded on campus with their headmaster. Hours later, his body is found in the conservatory and it’s very clear his death was no accident. With this group of students who are all hiding something, nothing is as it seems, and everyone has a motive for murder. (Summary from the publisher)

My Thoughts: 

Twisty 

Multiple perspectives 

Survival of the Elements

Cold

Motives

Brothers
Secrets

Overachievers 

Unanswered questions left me waiting for the next book

Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your school and public libraries!

Picture Book Review: Peanut Butter and Jelly

Reginald isn't like the other zombies who only want to eat brains. He wants peanut butter and jelly. But the zombies think him weird. Can he convince them that he's right? 

While technically not a Halloween story, it's works for this time of year. It's all about zombies, food, and being yourself.  This funny book has a surprise ending and it might make you crave a certain food...or two.

Picture Book Review: Chicks Rule

When she arrives at the rocket meeting, Nerdy Chick is stunned to learn girls aren't allowed. She's not about to take that lying down. She rallies the other girls and together they create their own club.

I loved this book which celebrates the differences of being female while bringing us all together. The chicks didn't become angry - instead they worked together to solve the problem. I loved that all kinds of chicks were included and how inspiring they were. The artwork is amazing.

Library Recommendation: A must have book for both school and public libraries. 

Picture Book Review: I am Peace

I really loved this book and all it's messages:

Focus on the Here and Now

Enjoy Life

Find Your Center

Kindness

Calming

Plus the illustrations were wonderful.

Highly Recommended for both school and public library collections.

Picture Book Review: Fruits in Suits

Even fruits like to jump in the water

Another fun read from Vegetables in Underwear - this one chats about different kids of suits from dress suits to bathing suits (mostly bathing suits). I loved the different fruits showing off various types of suits. Funny and entertaining with great illustrations that readers will want to pour over.  I also liked the end papers with the fruits labeled - great for learning about different types of fruits.

Picture Book Review: Happy Birthday Madame Chapeau

Madame Chapeau makes one of a kind hats for her shop - they're all unique and suited for the buyer. But when she's headed to her birthday dinner with her favorite hat, disaster strikes. A crow snatches her hat. Although many people offer her their hats to wear, none of them are quite right - until one of them is perfect.

A heartwarming tale about hats made with love and a strong community who help each other out. Great illustrations - and if they seem familiar, this is the team from Rosie Revere, Engineer. 

I love hats, so it's no surprise that I loved this book. Just an adorable read filled with fashionable hats and a sweet message. 

Picture Book Review: Ada Twist, Scientist

Ada's curiosity makes her question Everything! Her favorite question WHY sometimes gets her into trouble.

My Thoughts: Loved this one too. I adore this series of characters who explore the world and their place in it. I love how Ada questions everything. I love how her parents encourage her questions (not always by writing on the wall). I like how she observed the world. I love that her first word was WHY? I love how she doesn't give up, but puzzles out the answer. I like how she experiments on the family cat and that's she's placed in the thinking chair afterwards. But not even that stops her. Great pictures. Fantastic Story. Perfect for encouraging young minds.

Cover Thoughts: Adorable
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Perfect for ALL libraries and required reading for schools.