I have found very few holiday books, outside of Christmas and Thanksgiving books, which I really enjoy. The Valentine Bears is one of those exceptions. Written by Eve Bunting, The Valentine Bears tell the story of Mr. & Mrs. Bear, who settle in for a long hibernation. But Mrs. Bear sets her alarm early, so... Continue Reading →
The Kissing Hand
Many children feel anxious when they have to be separated from their parents or caretakers. The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn provides not only a good story, but also a wonderful way to deal with that type of anxiety. Chester Raccoon does not want to go to school. He does not want to leave his... Continue Reading →
Little Panda
Little Panda does not believe the story his grandfather is about to tell him. "Tigers can't fly! That's silly," he interrupts his grandfather. His grandfather shushes him, and gently scolds him for interrupting - and continues his story. And in the end, a tiger does fly! How? You will have to read the book to... Continue Reading →
The Mouse with the Question Mark Tail
Mouse Minor is what everyone calls him, but it's not his real name. The hero of The Mouse with a Question Mark Tail doesn't have a name. And it bothers him immensly. He never knew his parents either. He lives with Aunt Marigold under the Royal Mews, the carriage house of Buckingham Palace. Mouse Minor... Continue Reading →
Xander’s Panda Party
Linda Sue Park is one of my favorite authors (see reviews of other books here, here and here), so when I saw she had written a picture book, I snatched it up. I was hoping it was as good as her chapter books, and I was not disappointed! Xander is a panda, and a panda... Continue Reading →
Albert’s Alphabet
Albert the duck is the carpenter at Pleasant Valley School. One day he comes to work and finds a note from the principal, asking him to build an alphabet for the children. Albert has tools and a box of wood, but he soon finds it's not enough to get through the entire alphabet. He comes... Continue Reading →
Marshmallow
I had never heard of anyone having a rabbit as a house pet until my co-worker Cindy introduced me to her rabbits. They roamed her apartment, hiding under the couch and nibbling on cords she had forgotten to hide away under the area rug. Author & Illustrator Clare Turlay Newberry tells the story of her... Continue Reading →
Eggs 1 2 3
In Eggs 1 2 3, author Janet Halfmann combines a counting book with a nature book. As she takes readers through the number 1 through 10, she also introduces them to different egg-laying animals - from birds to butterflies, and bugs to fish. Betsy Thompson's paper art is a perfect compliment to the counting. Parents... Continue Reading →
The 18 Penny Goose
Letty Wright is beside herself. The British are coming, and she doesn't have time to catch her flock of geese. Instead, she tries to chase Solomon, her gander, and his wives out of the barnyard. But he won't listen, and her family is about to leave without her. Letty gives up the chase, and instead... Continue Reading →
Chronicles of Narnia
I just realized that I've been writing book reviews for nearly three years and have not written anything about one of my favorite series of all time - The Chronicles of Narnia by CS Lewis. Perhaps it goes without saying, except it's worth saying again, how delightful these books are. Originally, The Lion, the Witch... Continue Reading →
Cultivating Readers 