Picture Book Review: Dear Librarian

 

Lydia's family didn't have a home for a while and they moved in between relatives. But once they discovered the library, Lydia found a home there. She loved all the space but more importantly she loved the librarian. Lydia became friends with the librarian and it changed her life.

Such a sweet story that tugs at your heartstrings. It's sad but also hopeful. This story touches on homelessness and needing a place to belong. It touches on the kindness of others, especially family. But most importantly it touches on feeling safe and welcome and important. I loved how Lydia's librarian changed her life. Librarian friends are so important. This love letter to libraries and librarian made me tear up. It also made me proud to be a librarian. The illustrations are soft and inviting. This is one special picture book.

* Book sent for review

Board Books (5): Transportation

 

We just bought a bunch of new board books for our library.

I'll be talking about a few favorites over the next couple months

This week is all about Transportation

Moms of all transportation vehicles help show their kids how the world works and give them the best tips for living their best life. Fantastic illustrations! 

Mail Duck is delivering all the packages in the mail. Each animal getting a package likes a different shape. This is a sweet story with a great ending. The illustrations are fun. 

* This is a really great book but might be hard for libraries with the lift the flaps.

These vehicles are making a house! I love the way they all connect. This book also has lift the flaps, but they are bigger and more sturdy.

One day on a construction site. I love how they take time for lunch! Another great book from this series.

Great pictures in this book that showcases so many vehicles. Lots of puns and funny moments too. Great photographs too,

Picture Books: Nature Books

Nature Books:

Waiting to grow up is hard! She wants to be just like Mother Tree - but Mother Tree warns her not to grow too fast. A beautifully illustrated book about life in the forest, but also about growing up. Then end notes have lots of information about trees.

* Book sent for review

Nek Chand had to move due to his religious beliefs but India didn't feel like home to him. Until one day he found a spot in the forest and decided to clean it up. Then he brought rocks to lay a foundation and pathways.  Then he made statues from trash. Now this garden is a national treasure and people from all over the world visit the garden. I had never heard of this garden, but it sounds amazing. I love that Nek Chand created this garden in secret for years. And I love that it was discovered and shared by so many people. What an inspiring creative story! 

* Book sent for review

P-22 grew up and had to leave to find a new home. But the other areas were occupied, so he went further towards civilization. He crossed the highway (20 lanes!) and made his home in the park. He became famous - so famous that people finally started supporting the animal bridge. Before reading this book, I didn't know about cougars in Hollywood. I didn't know they often get hit by cars. This book is thoughtful, full of knowledge, and a little bit sad. It tugs at the heartstrings but it also will inspire readers.

* book sent for review

Different animals are hiding in the jungle - who could they be?

This is a great book (maybe not a library book because of the lift-the-flaps) that will delight readers. Perfect for storytime (instead of circulation) - this book will cause readers to be loud with animals sounds! 

* Book sent for review

The animals in the forest are scared -a  fire is sweeping their their homes. They flee. But they are also determined that they will come back. A sad but timely picture book about wildfires.  We've had so many the past few years and this book is inspired by them. A great look at the impact we have on the environment and how changes affect everyone. 

 

Graphic Novel Review: Pup Detectives

 

Pawston Elementary has a crime happening and Rider Woofson is on the case. But he soon discovers he's not the only one. He thought he was the only detective in school. They accidentally solve the first crime together. But when a thief targets the lunch room - they join forced to stop the food thefts.

In book 2, a statue has gone missing. The detectives are on the case but the suspect pool is large. Who had a motive to steal the statue? 

Together, these pups solve crimes and have some fun at the same time.

My Thoughts: These were fun mysteries in graphic novel form. I liked how they created a team and each team member has a different specialty. These are funny with lots of friendship, action, and of course, a mystery to solve. These detectives are inventive. A fun start to a new series that will be a hit in the libraries. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: Books sent for review

Library Recommendation: Fun graphic novels for your school and public libraries. Also these books go perfectly with the Tails and Tales summer theme.

Review: Last Garden in England

 

Emma can't wait to restore the gardens of Highbury House. They've long been neglected. She's particularly thrilled because they were designed by Venetia Smith at the turn of the century. Venetia Smith moved to American shortly after designing this garden. Emma can't believe her good fortune to work on the gardens of her idol. She loves learning how they changed over the years, especially with World War Two. She's happy when the new owners discover old documents in the attic that detail the plans further. But there are also secrets hidden - with both Venetia's past and the owner's in WII. Can Emma make sense of the past and use the knowledge to create happiness for herself?

My Thoughts: Told in three different time periods with three very different women - this book centers around a garden and the people who loved it. I loved reading in the different time periods - this book was fascinating. It's hard to pick which time period I liked more. All three women struggled with both their personal life and the garden. I loved how the garden connected everything. I really enjoyed watching the secret unfold as we discovered more and more about these women. This was a fascinating read that made me wish I knew more about gardening. 

Cover Thoughts: Gorgeous. It drew me to read it.

Library Recommendation: A great book for the collection - and even better for book discussion. Highly Recommended. 

Picture Book Wednesday: That Girl on TV Could Be Me!

When Lety was young, there wasn't anyone on TV who looked like her. She had big dreams and worked hard to make them happen. It wasn't always magical or exciting or easy, but Lety persisted. 

I loved this story about a woman Latinta news anchor and the important message of believing in yourself. I love how Lety tells students about her job and takes extra care with the shy ones. Great illustrations show the adventures Lety had working her way up the ladder. 

* This book is in English and Spanish

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

Top Ten Tuesday: Beach Reads

 This summer, I'm actually going on a short vacation. If you're a Children's/Teen Librarian, taking vacations in the summer is really hard because that's the busiest time of year. But this year, things of course are still a little bit different. So here are some books I'm hoping to take on vacation and read by the pool/ocean.

  

  

  

Any of these on your TBR list?