Picture Book Review: Today

Time can take forever or fly by in a blink. Summer is finally here and it's time for cousins and family and fun. 

The illustrations are charming. I can feel the summer sun as I look through them. I want to be at the lake with this family too. There is a note at the end from author about being in the present and mindfulness.

Picture Book Wednesday: Saturdays at Harlem Grown

* sequel to Harlem Grown

**Book sent for review

Mr. Tony and Nevaeh built a garden in an abandoned lot. Now that Spring has arrived again, it's time to get to work - but they need some help. They put up a sign asking for help. The neighborhood shows up. There's so much to do, but it's nice doing it together.

I really enjoyed this book. It talks about gardening steps but also the importance of being patient (which is hard.) Of course, I love the library part. I love how everyone came together to help and to celebrate. What a wonderful book about the power of community. 

This book also has an afterwards with how to create a community garden and a recipe for soup.

A must have book for school and public libraries! 

 

Picture Book Wednesday: Love Makes a Garden Grow

A beautiful story about family, flowers, and love. I love how this little girl ties the memory of her grandfather's flowers to love - when they are apart AND when they are together. The illustrations are lovely. 

This one made me miss my grandmother, who also loved flowers. It will make you hug your loved ones close. 

* Book sent for review

 

Picture Book Review: Thanksgiving Books

While this isn't strictly a Thanksgiving book - as it does go through the seasons of the year, it has a lovely message about being thankful. Of course, I love the bit about being thankful for parents who read stories and the bookstore love. I love the art in this book - it's so creative. What a charming book.

Bright colors, diverse characters, and a great message make this book a winner. Words of thanks aren't always required - sometimes an action is better. 

* These books were sent for review, and both make great additions to your library's collection. 

What are you thankful for?

Picture Book Review: Light for All

Many come to American with the hope of a better life.

This book shares that dream, but doesn't shy away from the horrors of America's history. 

It shares a dream of everyone being welcome and equal. It shares a dream of freedom and hope. 

And one day, I hope American can live up to that dream. But we have a long way to go...

 

Picture Book Review: Almost Always Best, Best Friends

Poppy and Clemintine are BEST FRIENDS and they do everything together. But then Clemintine plays with someone new. Poppy is worried about losing her friend. They have a big fight without saying what they really mean. Poppy talks with her father who helps her find the right words. The two best friends talk and work everything out.

A great book about friendship, anger, finding the right words, and saying you're sorry. I loved the role playing with Poppy and her father when they explored Poppy's feelings. That is such an important message for everyone, And of course I loved the idea of a bookmark business.

Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your school and public library shelves

* this book was sent for review. 

Review: Amelia Six

Millie's about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime. She's won a coveted spot to spend the night at Amelia Earhart's childhood home with five other girls. Millie doesn't have any friends and since her mom left, it's just been her and her dad.

Mille's excited to explore the house. When looking for a place to sleep, she accidentally stumbles into the wrong room where she sees Amelia Earhart's famous goggles. Unlucky for her, the housekeeper spots her and yells at her.

Later in the night, during the scavenger hunt, someone notices the goggles are missing. Fingers point towards Millie as she was one of the last people to see them. The girls scramble to find the goggles. The snow outside becomes a blizzard, leaving everyone cut off from the rest of the world. There's something strange happening in the house and the girls come together to solve the mystery.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book - for the history of Amelia Earhart, for the friendships formed, for the nerdy smart girls, for the scavenger hunt, and for all the action and the danger. I love reading about smart, nerdy girls. Especially when they all become friends. I loved how the girls came together to solve the mystery. I really want to visit Amelia Earhart's family home now. I loved hearing about all the nooks and crannies. Lots of twists and turns in the plot - which kept me turning those pages to find out what happened.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: ARC sent for review
Library Recommendation: Highly recommended - grab this one for your mystery/history readers, they will enjoy it!

Recommendations:

Picture Book Review: I Will Not Eat You

Theodore lives in a cave where other animals venture inside, but instead of eating them, he sends them on their way. But when a boy approaches his cave - all best are off. 

Another fun book - and a fun read aloud. I love the idea of a hangry dragon picture book. It was funny and sweet and entertaining. I loved the friendship angle. 

Perfect for school and public libraries.