Saturday, August 29, 2020

Review - The Power of One

The Power of One: Every Act of Kindness Counts
by Trudy Ludwig
illustrated by Mike Curato
Date: 2020
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 40
Format: e-book
Source: library

One small act of kindness can change the world. From esteemed bullying expert and author of The Invisible Boy, Trudy Ludwig and Little Elliot illustrator Mike Curato comes a tale as simple--and simply inspiring--as the golden rule.

When one child reaches out in friendship to a classmate who seems lonely, she begins a chain reaction of kindness that ripples throughout her school and her community. One kind act begets another, small good deeds make way for bigger ones, and eventually the whole neighborhood comes together to build something much greater than the sum of its parts.

From acclaimed bullying expert Trudy Ludwig, The Power of One not only conveys a message of kindness, it offers concrete steps that kids can take to make a difference in their own communities.

As Trudy says in the final line of the book: "Acts and words of kindness DO count, and it all starts with ONE."

(synopsis from Goodreads)

The Power of One is a simple book about small acts of kindness. All it takes is one person to create a change and start something wonderful. One person to show a little kindness, apologize, forgive, or cultivate something new.

The message of this one is simple, but needed now more than ever. As the author reminds us in the notes, humans are social beings and we need connection for our wellbeing. This book is a sweet reminder of that.

Quotable moment:


Premise: 4/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 4/5
Illustrations: 3/5
Originality: 3/5

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall: 3.67 out of 5

Thursday, August 27, 2020

Review - Three Squeezes

Three Squeezes
by Jason Pratt
illustrated by Chris Sheban
Date: 2020
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

When you could neither talk nor stand
life’s hourglass still filled with sand,
I gently held your tiny hand
and gave it three soft squeezes.

When you awoke within the night
And cried from fear and called for light,
I held you safe with all my might
and gave you three long squeezes.


Follow a father and his son from babyhood to baseball games to graduation and beyond in this loving saga about the unbreakable bond between generations.

A perfect gift, Three Squeezes is a tender, rhyming picture book that is an ode to the love between parent and child, no matter how old the child (or) parent is.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This book has some lovely rhyming text and a nice sentiment. But I'm struggling to figure out who the audience is.

Do little children want to read books about becoming adults and watching their parents get old and decrepit? Do they care about how a parent feels watching their child grow up? I'm not sure the book is really a good match for kids. It obviously talks about something that other parents can understand... but how many adults really want to read picture books?

That said, it is well done. The verse is wonderful, with near-perfect metre. The illustrations are simple and a bit rough, but they work well with the text.

Overall, I'm just a bit confused about how to categorize it and who I'd recommend it to.

Premise: 3/5
Meter: 5/5
Writing: 4/5
Illustrations: 3/5
Originality: 3/5

Enjoyment: 2/5

Overall: 3.14 out of 5

Review - The Three Little Yogis and the Wolf Who Lost His Breath

The Three Little Yogis and the Wolf Who Lost His Breath
by Susan Verde
illustrated by Jay Fleck
Date: 2020
Publisher: Abrams Books for Young Readers
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

A calming spin on a classic fairy tale from #1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Verde

Once upon a time there lived a wolf who lost his huff and his puff. It was a BIG, BAD problem! One morning, the wolf came upon a peaceful little yogi doing sun salutations. The wolf wanted to huff and puff and blooow her hut down into a big pile of straw. But instead the yogi suggested, “Let’s meditate on that!”

Soon the wolf met a second yogi, and then a third. He may have lost his huff and puff—but with the help of three new yogi friends, can the wolf find his breath?

(synopsis from Goodreads)

Yoga books for kids can be hit or miss. This one, framed by the story of the Three Little Pigs, is fairly strong. It teaches kids some basic breathing techniques (as well as a bit of yoga) so they can help regulate themselves when they feel like huffing and puffing and blowing something down.

The story follows the structure of the original fairy tale quite well, although the twist is that the wolf is our hero. Sometimes he gets angry, though, and then he huffs and puffs and blows things down. This doesn't make him very popular. One day, he loses his huff and puff, and it's up to a trio of friendly yogis (who also happen to be pigs) to teach him how to reclaim his breath... in a healthy way.

The illustrations are basic, but very colourful and kind of cute. They work well with the simple story. I also like the fact that the third little pig uses they/them pronouns; it's a cute touch that helps the book feel a little more inclusive.

Overall, this is a nice little picture book. Be sure to check out the notes at the end for more breathing and yoga exercises.

Quotable moment:


Premise: 4/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 4/5
Illustrations: 3/5
Originality: 5/5

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall: 4 out of 5

Friday, August 21, 2020

Review - The Little Ghost Who Was a Quilt

The Little Ghost Who Was a Quilt
by Riel Nason
illustrated by Byron Eggenschwiler
Date: 2020
Publisher: Tundra Books
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 48
Format: e-book
Source: NetGalley

When you're a quilt instead of a sheet, being a ghost is hard! An adorable picture book for fans of Stumpkin and How to Make Friends with a Ghost.

Ghosts are supposed to be sheets, light as air and able to whirl and twirl and float and soar. But the little ghost who is a quilt can't whirl or twirl at all, and when he flies, he gets very hot.

He doesn't know why he's a quilt. His parents are both sheets, and so are all of his friends. (His great-grandmother was a lace curtain, but that doesn't really help cheer him up.) He feels sad and left out when his friends are zooming around and he can't keep up.

But one Halloween, everything changes. The little ghost who was a quilt has an experience that no other ghost could have, an experience that only happens because he's a quilt . . . and he realizes that it's OK to be different.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is a book about a ghost who is a quilt. Did you know that most ghosts are sheets? This makes them light and airy and able to twirl in the air. The little ghost who was a quilt, on the other hand, is heavy due to his layers of fabric. The other ghosts laugh and call him Scrappy. He doesn't like that.

But, one Halloween night, the little ghost who was a quilt ends up having an adventure that only he could have... because of his very nature.

This is pretty amusing. The pictures are cute and the overall premise is adorable.

I'd definitely recommend this one for readers looking for unique Halloween books, as well as those who like books about celebrating unique strengths.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tundra Books for providing a digital ARC.

Premise: 5/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 4/5
Illustrations: 4/5
Originality: 5/5

Enjoyment: 5/5

Overall: 4.67 out of 5

Review - Gustavo, the Shy Ghost

Gustavo, the Shy Ghost
by Flavia Z. Dragó
Date: 2020
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 40
Format: e-book
Source: NetGalley

This winning debut picture book from Mexican artist Flavia Z. Drago about finding the courage to make friends is perfect for the spooky season — or anytime.

Gustavo is good at doing all sorts of ghostly things: walking through walls, making objects fly, and glowing in the dark. And he loves almost nothing more than playing beautiful music on his violin. But Gustavo is shy, and some things are harder for him to do, like getting in a line to buy eye scream or making friends with other monsters. Whenever he tries getting close to them, he realizes they just can’t see him. Now that the Day of the Dead is fast approaching, what can he do to make them notice him and to share with them something he loves? With fancifully detailed artwork and visual humor, debut picture-book creator Flavia Z. Drago’s vivid illustrations tell a sweet and gently offbeat story of loneliness, bravery, and friendship that is sure to be a treat for little ghouls and goblins everywhere.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is a book about friendship and overcoming shyness, cast with a variety of paranormal creatures.

Gustavo is a ghost. He's a talented spook who plays the violin. But when it comes to making friends, he's not quite as adept. He's simply too shy! And a little bit invisible. Feeling brave, he decides to hold a violin concert and invite all the monsters he wishes would be his friends. Will his risk pay off?

I can see this being a good selection for the upcoming spooky season. It talks about the Day of the Dead, but it would probably fit in on a Halloween shelf, too. The variety of monsters is fun and creative, and the illustrations are engaging.

Overall, this is a strong picture book about using your strengths to overcome your weaknesses.

Thank you to NetGalley and Candlewick Press for providing a digital ARC.

Premise: 4/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 4/5
Illustrations: 4/5
Originality: 4/5

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall: 3.67 out of 5

Monday, August 17, 2020

Review - The Lady with the Books

The Lady with the Books
by Kathy Stinson
illustrated by Marie Lafrance
Date: 2020
Publisher: Kids Can Press
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: NetGalley

Inspired by true events, a fictionalized retelling of how one woman brought a world of books to children in Germany after World War II, and changed their lives forever.

Anneliese and Peter will never be the same after the war that took their father's life. One day, while wandering the ruined streets of Munich, the children follow a line of people entering a building, thinking there may be free food inside. Instead, they are delighted to discover a great hall filled with children's books --- more books than Anneliese can count. Here, they meet the lady with the books, who encourages the children to read as much as they want. And she invites them to come back the next day. Eventually, she will have a greater impact on the children's lives than they could ever have imagined.

This moving picture book, written by beloved and award-winning author Kathy Stinson, is based on the real-life work of Jella Lepman, founder of the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) and the International Youth Library. Lepman's collection of children's books from around the world traveled throughout Germany after World War II in the hope of building "bridges of understanding" between countries. Brought to life by highly acclaimed illustrator Marie Lafrance, this book carries an important message about international cooperation that still resonates with world events today. It includes further information about Lepman and her work as well as historical photos. This story of the children who survived the war offers a unique and often unexplored perspective for history lessons. It also makes an excellent choice for character education lessons on resilience. A portion of the author's royalties will be donated to IBBY's Children in Crisis Fund.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

The Lady with the Books is a fictionalized account of how Jella Lepman brought books to the children of war-ravaged Germany. It follows Annaliese and Peter, two young children who are struggling after the loss of their father. One day, they stand in what they think is a line for food, only to stumble into an exhibition of children's books.

The story itself is well written and the subject matter is fascinating. Of course, books like this often have a section of notes at the back, and this one is no exception. They're just as interesting as the main narrative, and I learned some interesting facts (including that there's a "Book Castle" in Blutenburg Castle; it's also known as the International Youth Library, and has the largest collection of children's literature in the world).

I would definitely recommend this book to those who love to read. It underscores the importance of having books to read... and being able to read them freely.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kids Can Press for providing a digital ARC.

Premise: 5/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 4/5
Illustrations: 3/5
Originality: 5/5

Enjoyment: 5/5

Overall: 4.5 out of 5

Sunday, August 16, 2020

Review - Warm Clothes for Bear

Warm Clothes for Bear
by Sam Loman
Date: 2020
Publisher: Clavis Publishing
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: NetGalley

Bear is all dressed up to play outside in the snow. His friends are there too. But they aren’t quite as prepared. Bear shares his warm clothes with his friends. But what about Bear?

A heartwarming story about caring for others and caring for yourself. For cuddly bears ages 4 and up.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is the second book I've read about Bear, the first being Bear in Love. The books are cute, but very simple.

In this instance, Bear wants to go outside to play, so he gets all bundled up in his winter wear. Each friend he encounters, though, is cold on some part of their body, so Bear sheds his gear, one piece at a time, until he's left shivering. Then his friends come to cheer him up, and everybody learns a lesson about dressing for the weather.

The message about sharing and caring (for yourself, as well as for others) is a nice one. I'm still a bit thrown by the illustrations in these books, however; why is a squirrel the same size as a bear? (There's a scary thought.) But the pictures are cute and kids probably won't care about the weird sizes of the animals.

Overall, this is a nice story about being kind. We could use more books like this in the world.

Thank you to NetGalley and Clavis Publishing for providing a digital ARC.

Premise: 4/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 3/5
Illustrations: 4/5
Originality: 4/5

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall: 3.5 out of 5

Tuesday, August 11, 2020

Review - I'm Not a Girl

I'm Not a Girl: A Transgender Story
by Maddox Lyons & Jessica Verdi
illustrated by Dana Simpson
Date: 2020
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book non-fiction
Pages: 40
Format: e-book
Source: library

Based on a true transgender identity journey, the picture book I'm Not a Girl is an empowering story from writers Maddox Lyons and Jessica Verdi about a boy who is determined to be himself, illustrated by Dana Simpson.

Nobody seems to understand that Hannah is not a girl.

His parents ask why he won't wear the cute outfits they pick out. His friend thinks he must be a tomboy. His teacher insists he should be proud to be a girl.

But a birthday wish, a new word, and a stroke of courage might be just what Hannah needs to finally show the world who he really is.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

I've read very few books about transgender kids. I'm Not a Girl is based on the transgender identity journey of 12-year-old Maddox Lyons. It skilfully shows Hannah's emotional reactions to trying to navigate between how the world sees him and how he sees himself.

The story is clear and simple, and offers a main character that other transgender kids will be able to relate to. Illustrated by Dana Simpson of Phoebe and Her Unicorn fame (who is a transgender woman herself), this book would be a useful, reassuring tool for kids who are just starting out on their own journey to live as they truly are.

The notes at the back add some interest (there's a great list of transgender figures in recent history, for example) and help the reader understand a bit about the background of the story. There's also a nice bibliography with resources for kids and parents.

Quotable moment:


Premise: 5/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 4/5
Illustrations: 4/5
Originality: 4/5

Enjoyment: 5/5

Overall: 4.5 out of 5

Review - Every Little Letter

Every Little Letter
by Deborah Underwood
illustrated by Joy Hwang Ruiz
Date: 2020
Publisher: Dial Books
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 40
Format: e-book
Source: library

For fans of The Word Collector and Be Kind comes a story of words, walls, and widening your world, by New York Times bestselling author Deborah Underwood

Small h has always lived with the other H's in a city surrounded by walls that keep them safe. At least, that's what the big H's say. But one day, a hole in the wall reveals someone new on the other side. When little h and little i meet, they make a small word with big meaning: "hi!" The other H's find out, though. They fill the hole. But it won't be enough to keep these little letters apart--or twenty-four of their newest friends. Every Little Letter shows how even the smallest among us can make a big impact, and how a single act of friendship can inspire whole communities to come together. How do you tear down walls? With words, at first. Then brick by brick.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is quite cute. A bunch of letters have walled themselves off and are leading comfortable, sequestered lives. But the little lowercase letters soon discover that there are other letters out there, and despite the uppercase letters' attempts to stop them, they begin to make friends with the others by sharing letters one at a time.

I love the message, and the pictures are adorable. My one misgiving is one aspect of the writing, and I'm not sure if it's even something that can be helped. Because we're talking about letters, their "names" are created with apostrophes. That might not be so bad, but things take a turn for the worse when possessives are thrown in there as well. I'm not comfortable with the punctuation. However, the book would work just fine if it were read aloud. I can see this as a great storytime selection, especially for very young children.

The theme of being open to new possibilities and friends is a great one, and this book left me with a bit of a warm and fuzzy feeling. I usually enjoy Deborah Underwood's books, so I'm not surprised I liked this one.

Quotable moment:


Premise: 4/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 3/5
Illustrations: 4/5
Originality: 5/5

Enjoyment: 5/5

Overall: 4.33 out of 5

Monday, August 10, 2020

Review - The Blank Page

The Blank Page
by Alberto Blanco
illustrated by Rob Moss Wilson
Date: 2020
Publisher: Plum Blossom Books
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: NetGalley

Is a blank page really blank? Poet Alberto Blanco pulls back the curtain and illuminates all of the elements hidden in a single piece of paper: the tree it was made from, the rain and sun that allowed the tree to grow, and the people that created it. An enlightening read for readers young and old, it soon becomes clear that a blank page contains the whole cosmos.

In The Blank Page, acclaimed Mexican poet Alberto Blanco inspires children and adults to keep looking deeper, to never take things at face value. Charming illustrations by Rob Moss Wilson portray a world that slowly comes to life in a single sheet of paper: first the tree, then the forest, then the people are discovered, revealing the whole interrelated ecosystem of our world. As Blanco says: "Where nothing happens, there is a miracle we are not seeing."

(synopsis from Goodreads)

While I understand what this book was trying to do, I found it uninspiring and rather bland.

The reader is basically asked to look behind the sheet of paper to the processes and materials that go into it, from the trees and workers to the sun and rain and the planet itself. The idea that a piece of paper contains the whole universe is, while lovely, a little abstract for a children's book.

I'm not loving the illustrations here, either. They're colourful but rather flat and basic.

My favourite line in the book is probably the last one ("Where nothing happens, there is a miracle that we are not seeing.") and despite what the blurb says, it's not even Blanco's line. Attribution is given on the copyright page.

Overall, this is a forgettable book. While the message is laudable, the execution is just plain boring.

Thank you to NetGalley and Plum Blossom Books for providing a digital ARC.

Premise: 2/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 3/5
Illustrations: 1/5
Originality: 2/5

Enjoyment: 2/5

Overall: 2 out of 5

Sunday, August 9, 2020

Review - Beautiful Demons

Beautiful Demons (The Shadow Demons Saga #1)
by Sarra Cannon
Date: 2010
Publisher: Dead River Books
Reading level: YA
Book type: prose novel
Pages: 186
Format: e-book
Source: Amazon.ca

Harper Madison isn't like other girls. She has extraordinary powers, but her inability to control them has gotten her kicked from so many foster homes she's lost count. Shadowford Home is her last chance, and she hopes Peachville High will be the fresh start she needs. But when evidence ties her to the gruesome murder of a Demons cheerleader, Harper discovers this small town has a big secret.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

I recently discovered that there's a particular species of vlogger on YouTube: the self-published author. I've been watching some of their videos, which talk about the nitty-gritty of writing as well as the publishing process. Having recently been impressed by Abbie Emmons' 100 Days of Sunlight, I thought I'd give another one of these self-published YA novels a try. This time, I picked the first offering from Sarra Cannon, the first in a very long (I think it's up to 10 books now) series.

One of the things that all of these self-publishers emphasize is editing. You must hire a professional editor, according to them. I see in the credits at the beginning of this book that Ms. Cannon did, in fact, use an outside editor. However, that doesn't mean that this is a well-edited book. In fact, as it went on, it got worse and worse, to the point where it was very obvious that I was reading a self-published work. (I shudder to think what the draft provided to the editor looked like, if this was the final product.) There were misspellings, punctuation errors, and lots and lots of continuity problems. Simple things like the main character's position in a room and whether she was sitting or standing offered points of confusion. At one point, we get the following passage:

Ella Mae had told me I cut my hand on a piece of glass when I passed out in the bathroom that night after I got back from the police station. She said I'd been holding a cup of tea and when I fell, it broke.

(This was later established to be a teacup, so the glass reference really should've been caught.)

The plot itself is representative of the cheesy vintage YA that was popular about a decade ago. Harper Madison isn't like other girls. (Seriously. That's the first line of the blurb.) She's a foster kid with a troubled past who ends up in a mysterious town where nothing is what it seems. Every single guy at the high school is tall, ripped, and gorgeous (boy, did I ever go to the wrong high school!) and the girls are variously catty, scheming, or mysteriously quiet (possibly hinting at more character development in later installments). The plot gave me a "chosen one" vibe, but of course Harper is kind of oblivious, to the point where the reader might want to smack their own forehead while shouting "Duh!" At one point, she loses her memory, which leads to a confusing last act of the book... mostly for the reader. Her memories are conveniently selective, meaning that some of the twists and turns can be spotted by the reader a mile away. Then we have to wait for her to catch up.

This was a freebie, and it's a short book, so I'm not that annoyed at having to slog through the badly edited prose. It's interesting to see the variations in quality among self-published books (especially when the authors in question have YouTube videos wherein they present themselves as knowledgeable about writing, editing, and publishing). I would be curious to see how Ms. Cannon's writing has improved over the last 10 years... but I'm not quite curious enough to continue with this series. The concept doesn't really excite me (although I can see it appealing to other readers).

Premise: 3/5
Plot: 2/5
Characters: 2/5
Pace: 3/5
Writing: 3/5
Editing: 1/5
Originality: 2/5
Enjoyment: 2/5

Overall Rating: 2.25 out of 5 ladybugs

Friday, August 7, 2020

Review - Good Night, Sleep Tight

Good Night, Sleep Tight
by Esther van den Berg
Date: 2020
Publisher: Clavis Publishing
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: NetGalley

Dot is checking in to the Bug Hotel for the night. But before she goes to sleep, she makes sure all the other bugs are ready for bed. Good night, sleep tight!

A funny book about bedtime rituals. For sleepyheads ages 4 and up.

(synopsis from NetGalley; see it on Goodreads)

Bedtime books can vary in their quality. Good Night, Sleep Tight is a fairly strong one, about a ladybug named Dot (of course) who checks in on all the other bugs in the Bug Hotel to make sure they're ready for bed, completing her nightly routine as she joins them in various tasks like picking out pajamas, brushing teeth, and having a last pee before getting tucked in.

The illustrations are probably my favourite part of this. There's plenty to look at, and the bugs look amusing and friendly rather than creepy. The glow of lights in some of the darker scenes is especially pretty.

Overall, this would be a nice book for little sleepyheads. I'm not sure why it's recommended for those ages 4 and up, though. Dot herself is quite young (too young to read herself a bedtime story, in fact!) so I would probably recommend this to 2- and 3-year-olds as well.

Thank you to NetGalley and Clavis Publishing for providing a digital ARC.

Premise: 3/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 3/5
Illustrations: 4/5
Originality: 3/5

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall: 3.5 out of 5

Thursday, August 6, 2020

Review - The Old Man and the Penguin

The Old Man and the Penguin: A True Story of True Friendship
by Julie Abery
illustrated by Pierre Pratt
Date: 2020
Publisher: Kids Can Press
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book non-fiction
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: NetGalley

Told in rhyming verse, this is the touching true story of an oil-soaked penguin, the man who rescues him and an unlikely friendship.

João hears "a sorry screech" as he walks along the shore near his home. It's from a penguin, whose feathers are soaked in oil.

Barely moving on the sand,
too tired to swim, too weak to stand ...
João must save this little guy.
Without his help, he'll surely die.

João takes the penguin home. He cleans him, feeds him and nurses him slowly back to health --- and the pair develop a special bond. When the penguin is fully recovered, João knows it's time to return him to the wild where he belongs. But the penguin has other ideas ...

Told in rhyming verse, this heartwarming picture book tells the true story of João Pereira de Souza of Brazil, who cared for a Magellanic penguin that had been caught in an oil spill. When João tried to release him back to the wild, the penguin returned to João's home and stayed for months. The penguin, named Dindim by João, did eventually leave, but he now returns to visit his friend for five months of every year. A charming read-aloud showcasing a tender relationship between an animal and human, this book also promotes environmental awareness and stewardship, and explains how human activities often threaten wildlife. Author Julie Abery includes information about João and the penguin, how wildlife is affected by oil spills every year, and what to do if you find wildlife in distress. The lively art by award-winning Pierre Pratt brings a touching sweetness and emotional depth to the story. There are character education lessons here on empathy, kindness and caring.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is a cute, true story of a Magellanic penguin who befriends an old man in Brazil after he rescues him from an oil slick. Returning every year, the penguin develops a bond with João.

I enjoy reading true stories like this. The Old Man and the Penguin is written in rhyming verse that's actually quite strong. Colourful pictures depict the growing bond between man and bird. (A woman that appears to be João's wife appears in some of the illustrations. I wonder how she felt about her husband's avian friend!)

This is a good choice for readers who like picture books based on true stories. The environmental message here is subtle, but could provide a good starting point for more in-depth discussions about oil spills and wildlife. (An author's note at the back provides a bit more information about this, too.)

Thank you to NetGalley and Kids Can Press for providing a digital ARC.

Premise: 4/5
Meter: 3/5
Writing: 4/5
Illustrations: 3/5
Originality: 4/5

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall: 3.71 out of 5

Review - Your House, My House

Your House, My House
by Marianne Dubuc
Date: 2020
Publisher: Kids Can Press
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: NetGalley

There's no neighborhood like a Marianne Dubuc neighborhood --- this time in an apartment building!

It's a special day at 3 Maple Street. It's Little Rabbit's birthday! His mother makes him his favorite breakfast. His sister has drawn him a picture. And, best of all, he's having a birthday party! His friends are invited, his father is decorating, and his mother is baking a cake. But that's not the only thing going on at 3 Maple Street today. The Cat family is moving in upstairs . . . the Fox family is having a new baby . . . Mr. Owl is trying to sleep . . . there's so much happening inside (and outside) this lively building, it's hard to keep track!

This multilayered picture book from international award-winning Marianne Dubuc allows readers to peer into the homes of all the charming animal families in the building on every spread. Though there is one main story, captured in the text, there are multitudes of other stories-within-the-story, told in visual narratives. Dubuc's winsome one-of-a-kind illustrations include heaps of clever details for children to pore over, promising something new to discover with every look and encouraging visual literacy in readers and prereaders. There are terrific social studies connections here on the concepts of community, inclusiveness and belonging.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

Your House, My House doesn't have a strong story, but that's not really the point. The fun of this book is looking at the pictures and seeing the various smaller stories that are going on behind the walls of 3 Maple Street.

Little Rabbit is having a birthday. The Cat family is moving in. The Fox family is having a baby. There are some little fairy tale touches, as well, with a wolf and Little Red Riding Hood... and it looks like Goldilocks has broken into the Fox family's place!

Readers could spend quite a while poring over the illustrations and spotting little details. It's a fun book that will probably appeal to kids who enjoy seek-and-find picture books.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kids Can Press for providing a digital ARC.

Premise: 3/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 3/5
Illustrations: 3/5
Originality: 3/5

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall: 3 out of 5

Review - Rupert's Snowman

Rupert's Snowman

by Phillipa Warden
illustrated by Grace Ward
Date: 2020
Publisher: Purple Butterfly Press
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 44
Format: e-book
Source: NetGalley

It's Christmas Eve and a perfect snow day, or so it seems. Sledging, building snowmen, making snow angels and having snowball fights. But wait! What is this? Why is Rupert racing back up the hill? Join him and his mummy as they are forced to embark on a Snowy Adventure Rescue...

(synopsis from Goodreads)

Rupert's Snowman is a simple story about a child building a snowman with his mother. I don't know if he's autistic (when we're first introduced to him, he's "flapping" with excitement), but he's obviously fairly young because he cries at the thought of leaving his snowman behind. So he and his mother lug all the snowman parts home and reassemble them in their own yard.

The story is okay, I guess, but kind of boring. The illustrations didn't really excite me, either. The writing is fairly weak, with a few comma splices just to get my inner editor ranting. (There's no excuse for such simple errors, especially when you're dealing such a small amount of text.)

Overall, this is too basic for my taste. Weak writing, lacklustre illustrations, and a boring plot mean that I probably wouldn't pick this one up again. Your mileage may vary, of course.

Thank you to NetGalley and Purple Butterfly Press for providing a digital ARC.

Premise: 3/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 2/5
Illustrations: 3/5
Originality: 2/5

Enjoyment: 2/5

Overall: 2.33 out of 5

Review - The Book of Selkie

The Book of Selkie

by Briana Corr Scott
Date: 2020
Publisher: Nimbus Publishing
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 24
Format: e-book
Source: NetGalley

Oh to be a Selkie,
And live between two worlds
Half your days spent as a seal,
And the other half, a girl...


Stories about the selkie have been told for hundreds of years by those who live near the North Atlantic and North Sea. Sometimes called "seal folk," the selkie, as humans, are tall and strong with dark hair and eyes. Extremely private, they keep their seal coats hidden away until they get restless and are called to the sea, and take on their seal forms.

In her lyrical follow-up to She Dreams of Sable Island, artist and author Briana Corr Scott explores the Selkie legend in a book of short, whimsical poems. Find out what Selkie likes to eat, where she lives, how she spends her time on land and in the sea, and learn a Selkie lullaby. Lilting and lyrical, with acrylic paintings that recall the ocean's depths, this magical book is ideal for both bedtime and playtime. Features a paper doll, clothes, and seal.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

I haven't come across many books about selkies, especially for this age group. (The only other one I can remember reading is Franny Billingsley's wonderful novel The Folk Keeper.) The Book of Selkie is a lovely little book of poems about a selkie girl's life.

The lyrical poetry is accompanied by beautiful acrylic paintings that show the selkie girl shedding her seal skin and going about her day as a human. Of course, the sea always calls her back, and she eventually returns to the waves, but not before having a lovely meal and knitting herself a sweater out of hand-spun fog.

If you enjoyed the film The Secret of Roan Inish, then you will probably find this picture book a treat. It introduces the mythology of selkies in an easy-to-understand way. The poems do a good enough job on their own, but there are also a couple of pages at the back that offer more insight into this legendary creature.

Thank you to NetGalley and Nimbus Publishing for providing a digital ARC.

Premise: 4/5
Meter: 4/5
Writing: 4/5
Illustrations: 4/5
Originality: 5/5

Enjoyment: 5/5

Overall: 4.43 out of 5

Wednesday, August 5, 2020

Review - Maud and Grand-Maud

Maud and Grand-Maud

by Sara O'Leary
illustrated by Kenard Pak
Date: 2020
Publisher: Tundra Books
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 40
Format: e-book
Source: NetGalley

Here is a celebration of the unique bond between grandparents and grandchildren. Maud loves the weekends when she stays at her grandma's house. There's always breakfast for supper, matching nightgowns, black-and-white movies, and--best of all--someone to listen to her dreams for her life as a grown-up. But what makes the visits extra special is what Grand-Maud has hidden in an old chest under Maud's bed. She may find a paint set, a toy, homemade cookies, or hand-knit mittens or sweaters. Best of all is when Maud finds something that belonged to Grand-Maud when she was a little girl. In this story of family togetherness, Maud wants to be just like Grand-Maud when she grows up.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is a book that reinforces gender and family norms, and won't be suitable for kids whose grandparents aren't really in the picture.

Maud loves to spend the weekends at Grand-Maud's house. They watch black-and-white movies, eat breakfast for supper, and wear matching nightgowns. Grand-Maud lets Maud think that everything was black-and-white in the olden days, and encourages her to have a whole herd of children while living on an author's salary. (Okay, so maybe I'm being a little snarky here, but if Maud thinks she's going to be able to support seven children by writing, she might be in for a bit of a surprise.)

While the premise is sort of cute, I can see it being problematic for some kids. I lived on the opposite side of the country from my grandparents, and I think a book like this would've made me ache with longing... and also be jealous of my cousins who lived closer. Also, Maud seems to be an only grandchild; if she were one of seven (like the family she wants to have), she probably wouldn't get the undivided attention (and showering of gifts) from her grandmother.

I guess there's nothing objectively wrong with this. But it's going to appeal most to a very specific audience.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tundra Books for providing a digital ARC.

Premise: 3/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 3/5
Illustrations: 3/5
Originality: 3/5

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall: 3 out of 5

Review - Izzy in the Doghouse

Izzy in the Doghouse
by Caroline Adderson
illustrated by Kelly Collier
Date: 2020
Publisher: Kids Can Press
Reading level: C
Book type: illustrated chapter book
Pages: 168
Format: e-book
Source: NetGalley

From the author of the Jasper John Dooley series comes a new lovable character: Isabel! The first title in this early chapter book series tells us why Isabel just has, has, has to get a dog!

Isabel and Zoë are favorite friends --- most of the time. They have side-by-side cubbies at school. They never take off their friendship bracelets. And they make each other laugh like nobody else. But some of the time, Isabel isn't Zoë's favorite friend at all. Because some of the time, the fun things they do end in a no-fun way. Like how they've been sent to the principal's office because of Isabel's shenanigans with some kindergartners. Now Zoë is mad at Isabel, and Isabel is miserable. Isabel is trying everything to win her friend back. Will getting a new puppy help Isabel mend her friendship with Zoë?

In this first title of the chapter book series for emerging readers, author Caroline Adderson introduces the inimitable Isabel and how she came to have her lovable dog, Rollo. Short chapters, spot-on humor and engaging illustrations on every spread make this series a perfect pick for both independent reading and read-alouds. Highly entertaining and fun, it also showcases the personal growth and development of the main character, while touching on subjects of interest to elementary-age children: relationships with friends, the responsibilities of having pets and family situations of all kinds, including how Isabel, who lives with her single mother and a nanny, loves the story of her adoption (and its similarities to their adoption of the dog)

(synopsis from Goodreads)

I can sum up this book in one word: boring.

A chapter book should be easy to read. More than that, though, it should be interesting. This one is not. In the very beginning, we're introduced to a strange (and highly annoying) child. Throughout the book, she does odd things like eat dirt, chew on electrical cords, and lick her friend's face. What was probably supposed to come off as quirky came across as pathological.

My main issue with this book is the plot. Isabel and her friend Zoë have a falling-out after Izzy's odd behaviour gets them both in trouble at school. I figured that Isabel trying to mend the friendship would be the main plot of the book. Unfortunately, it's not. The book goes rambling off on a tangent about Isabel's adoption, then veers into dog-adopting territory, all while the kid acts like a bit of a narcissist. As it turns out, everything can be solved by getting a dog, and Isabel and Zoë's friendship is magically mended with the appearance of Rollo (the puppy).

I didn't like the secondary characters any better than Isabel, either. Her mother was kind of awful (ignoring her child most of the time so she could focus on her work, at one point even telling Isabel that "those are the kinds of questions you might wonder about, but not ask." Way to blow off your kid!). Rosa, the nanny, was kind of useless; she was always watching her soaps. (The relationship between the two women was also... strange. Were they a couple? Rosa had apparently been around since Isabel was a baby. Her mother adopted as a single woman, and then hired a live-in nanny right away so she could keep going on business trips? I guess that's possible, but the way Rosa was included in the family unit made me think there was something else going on there. Which would've been fine... had it been addressed.)

It took me forever to finish this, because the story just didn't draw me in. The overly easy resolution to the main conflict (which was the rift between Isabel and Zoë) made for one unsatisfying read. I will say, though, that the illustrations are kind of fun. I wish there had been more of those.

Overall, this was a big miss for me. I don't know if it's really going to hold the interest of kids, either. A book that's almost 200 pages needs to be able to deal with the main plot conflict without resorting to irrelevant padding.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kids Can Press for providing a digital ARC.

Plot: 1/5
Characters: 2/5
Pace: 2/5
Writing & Editing: 3/5
Illustrations: 3/5
Originality: 2/5

Enjoyment: 1/5

Overall: 1.86 out of 5

Monday, August 3, 2020

Review - Virtual Unicorn Experience

Virtual Unicorn Experience (Heavenly Nostrils #12)
by Dana Simpson
Date: 2020
Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing
Reading level: MG
Book type: comic collection
Pages: 176
Format: e-book
Source: NetGalley

Marigold Heavenly Nostrils is one magical unicorn—and she knows it! But sometimes it’s harder for humans like Phoebe to understand that they can be magical, too. In the latest Phoebe and Her Unicorn adventure, the pair visits the science museum, tests out an extra-special virtual unicorn reality, and performs in the school talent show. With the help of her best friend and an emergency sparkle transfusion, Phoebe learns about confidence, empathy, and resilience—and even how to live without her cellphone. It’s all part of the very real excitement of Virtual Unicorn Experience.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This series has lost the magic for me. This twelfth volume kind of felt like it was phoning it in. Sure, we have the established characters, but how many times can we see Dakota be nasty, Max be wallpaper (he had so much potential when he was first introduced!), and Marigold be vain? It's getting old.

Marigold also slipped up and used a contraction in this book (shocking!) and there was an uncomfortable passage with a glitching computer and Phoebe talking about the world needing a reset. The timing is awfully suspicous. (Look up "The Great Reset". Finding what looks an awful lot like propaganda in a children's book left a bad taste in my mouth.)

If you're a die-hard Phoebe and Marigold fan, you might enjoy this. I've loved this duo from the beginning... but I think maybe 12 books is enough.

Thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for providing a digital ARC.

Writing & Editing: 3/5
Illustration: 4/5
Originality: 4/5

Enjoyment: 2/5

Overall Rating: 3 out of 5 ladybugs