Picture Book Review: Birthday Books

I've read a few birthday books lately and thought I'd share them:

Lots of babies come together to celebrate a first birthday.  Short in terms of words, but there's a lot going on in these pages, especially with emotions. The illustrations are sweet. As you can see from the cover, the babies are diverse.

It's Twig's first birthday and the family gathers together to see what item she will choose at her doljabi (a Korean tradition). A cute story about birthdays, sisters, tradition, and the future.

A fun book about all the ways to celebrate your birthday - complete with the colorful illustrations one expects from a Todd Parr book. And of course there's a birthday message from Todd.

Nonfiction Review: Little Legends

Mini biographies of 35 exceptional men in Black History - ranging from John Lewis to Bill Russell to Langston Hughes.

Another great book from Vashti Harrison highlighting important men in Black History. This book is similar to her Little Leaders book with amazing art work, mini biographies, and the spotlight on men who made a difference in this world. 

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

Graphic Novel Review: Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy

A modernized version of Little Women where four sisters in a blended biracial family must work together to overcome life's challenges.

My Thoughts: I love the story of Little Women, so I grabbed this as soon as I saw it on the shelf. And I devoured it. It was SO GOOD. Of course I cried my way through the sad parts. It remains true to the original storyline but modernized. For example: Mr. March is in Afghanistan and the girls send him emails instead of letters. It did only cover the first novel of Little Women. I'm hoping that the second volume is in the works and will cover Good Wives (although I realize that might be too hard to do in the modern YA world). Perfect for handing out to readers who enjoy either graphic novels or for readers who love Little Women.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: A must have graphic novel for school and public libraries. 

Review: Detective's Assistant

Nell arrives on her aunt's doorstep; her Aunt Kitty is her only living relative. Nell feels lucky to have found her, but t's clear that Aunt Kitty does not feel the same way. Nell's father accidentally killed her husband and she can't see past the deed. No one knows what happened that night, but Aunt Kitty's holding on to her anger.

Aunt Kitty struggles, but she gives Nell a home at the boarding house. Nell's determined to help out any way she can. She doesn't want to live in a home for orphans. She's intrigued when she learns of Aunt Kitty's job - working as a lady detective for Mr. Pinkerton. She can help too - if she doesn't spoil everything first.

My Thoughts: I really loved this book. I'm sad I waited so long to read it, it was misplaced in my house. But it was really good. I loved the detective agency assignments - especially the last one! I loved  the letters between Nell and her best friend - especially the ciphers. I love how the relationship between Nell and Aunt Kitty changed over the course of the novel. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: Book won in a contest
Library Recommendation: A great book for your school and public libraries.