Categotry Archives: Children’s
Ooko
Ooko
Penguin Random House Canada
July 5, 2016
Hardcover
40
Ooko has everything a fox could want: a stick, a leaf and a rock. Well, almost everything . . . Ooko wants someone to play with too! The foxes in town always seem to be playing with their two-legged friends, the Debbies. Maybe if he tries to look like the other foxes, one of the Debbies will play with him too. But when Ooko finally finds his very own Debbie, things don't turn out quite as he had expected!
A quirky, funny, charmingly illustrated story about finding friendship and being true to yourself.
Review:
“Ooko” is an adorable picture book about a fox learning the beauty of just being yourself. The simple wording and quirky illustrations will keep children both young and old entertained. I found myself laughing out loud at Ooko’s sense of humor and little bit of sass. Highly recommended!
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Yitzi and the Giant Menorah
Tundra Books (NY)
September 6, 2016
32
On the eve of Hanukkah, the People of Chelm have received a special gift from the Mayor of Lublin. A giant menorah in which they place in the square for all the admire. Every night, the villagers meet to watch the lighting of a candle on the menorah. And every night, the villagers ponder What is the most fitting way to thank the Mayor of Lublin?
The villagers come up with idea after idea, but their gift never quite reaches the Mayor. What will they do? Finally, on the last night of Hanukkah, Yitzi has an idea to orchestrate the surprise thank you gift.
Review:
“Yitzi and the Giant Menorah” is absolutely gorgeous. The illustrations may be my favorites that I have ever found in a children’s book. It’s filled with color, and the pages can also be seen as a “hide and seek” type game to find objects contained on all of the pages. The story is also beautiful and engaging.
It’s a whimsical story that focuses on many of the traditions of Hanukkah. Books for Jewish children can sometimes be difficult to find. However, it’s also a good book for those who aren’t Jewish! Churches can use it to teach Old Testament traditions, and anyone can use it to expand cultural awareness. An added bonus is a short summary of how Hanukkah came to be on the last page.
I’m going to be buying several copies as gifts for all ages this coming holiday season. I only wish I could frame the artwork without needing to destroy a book.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Herbie’s Big Adventure
Herbie's Big Adventure
Curious Fox
August 25, 2016
40
Herbie is a little hedgehog who is perfectly happy at home with his mother. But one day Mommy tells Herbie that it's time to go exploringall by himself! Herbie is so not sure, but ready or not, a westerly wind sweeps Herbie into the wide world...and Herbie's Big Adventure begins! Little Herbie finds that he's braver than he thinks and even makes a friend before coming safely back home to Mommy.
Review:
“Herbie’s Big Adventure” has adorable illustrations featuring a little hedgehog out on his first real adventure. In the story, he is afraid of going away from his mother, but finds out it was all fine in the end. It would be perfect for little ones who are anxious about going to school or other new places. My only concern is that Herbie stayed out all night, though I am sure parents will counteract that message. Otherwise, I would have given it five stars.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Maybe A Fox
Maybe A Fox
Children's
Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing
March 8, 2016
Hardcover
272
Worlds collide in a spectacular way when Newbery and National Book Award finalist Kathi Appelt and Pulitzer Prize nominee and #1 New York Times bestseller Alison McGhee team up to create a fantastical, heartbreaking, and gorgeous tale about two sisters, a fox cub, and what happens when one of the sisters disappears forever.
Sylvie and Jules, Jules and Sylvie. Better than just sisters, better than best friends, they’d be identical twins if only they’d been born in the same year. And if only Sylvie wasn’t such a fast—faster than fast—runner. But Sylvie is too fast, and when she runs to the river they’re not supposed to go anywhere near to throw a wish rock just before the school bus comes on a snowy morning, she runs so fast that no one sees what happens…and no one ever sees her again. Jules is devastated, but she refuses to believe what all the others believe, that—like their mother—her sister is gone forever.
At the very same time, in the shadow world, a shadow fox is born—half of the spirit world, half of the animal world. She too is fast—faster than fast—and she senses danger. She’s too young to know exactly what she senses, but she knows something is very wrong. And when Jules believes one last wish rock for Sylvie needs to be thrown into the river, the human and shadow worlds collide.
Writing in alternate voices—one Jules’s, the other the fox’s—Kathi Appelt and Alison McGhee tell the searingly beautiful tale of one small family’s moment of heartbreak, a moment that unfolds into one that is epic, mythic, shimmering, and most of all, hopeful.
Review:
“Maybe A Fox” is an absolutely beautiful book that I have no doubt will be in the running, and will most likely win, many prestigious awards. It’s one of the rare children’s books that present the issues they live with in a frank manner, thereby avoiding the patronizing attitude with which children’s literature so often suffers.
Somehow, there is whimsy and hope mixed in amongst the realities of war and death. The resilience of family is a central theme, along with the promise of hope in even the darkest situations. Everyone needs to read “Maybe A Fox.” It’s the type of story that will stay with children, as well as adults, throughout their lifetimes.
I’m not crying. You’re crying.
This book is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Death
Tell the Story to Its End
St. Martin's Griffin
October 20, 2015
Hardcover
208
"Tell the story to its end," says Eren with a grin.
His yellow eyes are glowing like embers in the night.
"When I reach the end," I say, "what happens? You'll have the whole story."
"Hmm," he says, looking at me and licking his lips with a dry, grey tongue. "What happens then? Why don't we find out?"
People are keeping secrets from Oli. His mum has brought him to stay with his aunt and uncle in the countryside, but nobody will tell him why his dad isn't there, too. Why hasn't he come with them? Has something happened? Why won't anyone talk about it? Oli has a hundred questions, and only an old, empty house in the middle of an ancient forest for answers. But then he finds a secret of his own: there is a creature that lives in the attic...
Eren is not human.
Eren is hungry for stories.
Eren has been waiting for him.
With Eren to listen, Oli starts to make sense of what's happening. But Eren is powerful, and though he's willing to help Oli, he's not willing to do it for free; he wants something in return. Oli must make a choice: he can learn the truth -- but to do so he must abandon himself to Eren's world, forever.
From striking new voice Simon P. Clark comes Tell the Story to Its End; richly atmospheric, moving, unsettling, and told in gorgeous prose, it is a modern classic in the making.
Review:
“Tell the Story to Its End” is a short fantasy book with the horror elements of a Grimm’s Fairy Tale thrown in. It is definitely something that leaves you with chills, and the tone is perfect for the weeks leading up to Halloween, as Eren is a truly terrifying character.
There are wonderful quotes about the process of storytelling sprinkled in among the story, and the main story itself is composed of the telling of several smaller stories. I will say that it can be frustrating if you try to look into it all too deeply, as it can get jumbled and lead to quite a bit of a headache. This one is better if you just go along with it and enjoy the words. An added bonus is some beautiful artwork the pops up throughout the book.
I recommend “Tell the Story to Its End” for any middle reader or up who enjoys being a bit spooked. It is also a good read-aloud for those with younger children who can still sleep if they hear a good ghost story.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Violence, Scary Imagery
The Wolf Who Ate the Sky
Juvenile Fiction
Heyday Books
2015-03
32
A very hungry wolf eats the sky, plunging the whole world into darkness, but a brave boy and a menagerie of animals are determined to bring back the light. Includes author's note on how the story was developed with her three-year-old daughter, Anna, then illustrated by Anna's grandfather.
Review:
Three generations of a family created “The Wolf Who Ate the Sky”, and what a wonderful creation it is! The story is engaging and the illustrations are absolutely amazing. Little ones will be asking to read it again and again, and those of all ages will enjoy the beauty. Highly recommended!
This review is based upon a copy won through the Goodreads First Reads program.
Content Warning:
None
In a Pocket of Time
In a Pocket of Time
Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Paperback
84
Every time Caleb hears a saying, it happens to him. Pockets with watches appear on his shirt when his mum mentions “pockets of time”. He soon finds himself in Brumantia, where you can be thrown in prison for a crime like “being in someone else's shoes” or end up in hospital with your “fingers crossed” or “sides split”. And just think what “you're all over the place” can do to you!
Caleb and his fellow stranded-Londoner friends search for their way home, but it’s not just the idioms that throw challenges at them. Who or what is behind the big secret that is bringing people to Brumantia. And why?
Review:
“In a Pocket of Time” is a wonderful fantasy adventure for children and middle readers that is based around commonly heard idioms. It has a fast pace that is guaranteed to keep kids engaged, as well as likable characters that are surprisingly well-developed for such a short book. The world is fun and full of mystery, adding to the fun.
I recommend this book for all children, as it is exceptionally good at explaining the meanings of idioms in a simple to understand way. “In a Pocket of Time” would be especially helpful for those of all ages with Asperger’s or autism, as it can be difficult to process the meaning of certain sayings, and the book offers a frustration-free path to easier processing of idioms. All-around a fun book and great educational tool perfect for classrooms and school libraries.
This review is based upon a copy obtained through the Goodreads First Reads program in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
None
Nightbird
Juvenile Fiction
Wendy Lamb Books
2015
208
Twig, aged twelve, is practically ignored by classmates and other residents of Sidwell, Massachusetts, but gets along fine with just her mother and brother, whose presence must be kept secret, until descendants of the witch who cursed her family move in next door and want to be her friends.
Review:
Alice Hoffman has created a wonderful new fairy tale in “Nightbird” that is a delightful read for both the young and the young-at-heart. For those to young to read on their own, it will make a great bedtime story to be read aloud over the course of a few nights.
All of the characters, especially Twig and James, are unique and relatable, even though they are abnormal to the eyes of those around them. The world is filled with both the familiar and fantastical, sucking the reader in. All of the classic parts of fairy tales are present: mystery, the unknown creatures of the dark, friendship, bravery, and a little romance. I found myself smiling and feeling nostalgic for the books of my childhood the entire time I was reading it, and I sincerely hope the author creates more stories for children.
I recommend “Nightbird” for anyone and everyone. Such fun!
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
If you have a child who is afraid of classic fairy tales, this may be one to avoid.
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