Love

A very belated Happy New Year! I’ve been away too long from the blog and all of you. Lots going on. My debut picture book was announced last fall. You can find out about it here. I am doubly-excited to share today’s book. First, I absolutely adored their first collaboration, BEAUTIFUL. The colors, the energy and most importantly how they re-defined beauty. You can check out my review of it here. The second reason is Ms. Lew-Vriethoff is the illustrator for my book! I can’t wait to see what she creates for it. 🙂 Now onto the review!

Title: Love

Author: Stacy McAnulty
Illustrator: Joanne Lew-Vriethoff
Publisher: Running Press Kids, 2019
Book Type: Holidays, Empathy, Love
Ages: 3-6

Opening Line:

Love is … a fancy dinner.

Synopsis (from Amazon’s website):

What is love? Can you only express it in fancy meals, greeting cards, and heart-shaped chocolates? Kids will find love everywhere in this delightful book. It can be found in everyday moments such as baking cookies with grandma, notes from Mom in your lunchbox, or a family singing together on a car trip, and it isn’t always what you expect!

Activities:

• If you like the themes of this book, then go check-out THIS IS NOT A VALENTINE by Carter Higgins.
• Make your own valentine and worksheet to go with the book.
• Do a Random Act of Kindness. Here is my blog post which has loads of ideas from when I did 40 Random Acts of Kindness in 40 Days.

Why I Like This Book:

The wonderful duo has done it again. LOVE is the third book in a series that take smarter and thoughtful interpretations of age-old sayings. The first two books were BEAUTIFUL and BRAVE, do check them out.

LOVE re-interprets the traditional ways of showing love to someone you care such as giving a fancy dinner or a designer card. A fancy dinner is preparing a doggie bowl with a flower in it for your injured dog. A designer greeting card is a child drawing a hand-drawn card with a crayon. It also reinterprets ideas such as ‘love at first sight’. You’ll have to read to find out. It’s charming.

This book can be used as a springboard for discussions about how one can show empathy and love in simple ways. It’s perfect for kids. The book shows how kids can do an act of kindness for someone without having to buy something, which is important in our consumer-driven world.

The art is vibrant and engaging and full of details. The large type and big illustrations make it perfect for a group read-aloud.

Find Love at the following spots:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound | Goodreads
ISBN-10: 0762462124
ISBN-13: 978-0762462124

This review is part of Susanna Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Book series. Visit her site to see the other books recommended.

Disclosure: I received my copy of this book from the publisher. This review nevertheless reflects my own and honest opinion about the book.

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Maximillian Villainous

I am so excited to tell you about this wonderful book by debut author Margaret Greanias. This is extra special since Margaret has been my critique partner and friend since 2011! I saw this book in its nascent forms and to see it today with sparkling text and colorful pictures– I’m in awe. ❤ Come back next week for an interview with the author!

Title: Maximillian Villainous

Author: Margaret Greanias 
Illustrator: Lesley Breen Withrow (great interview at Kathy Temean’s blog)
Publisher: Running Press Kids, 2018
Editor: Julie Matysik
Book Type: Fiction
Ages: 4-8
Theme: Being Yourself

Excerpt:

When his father stole Santa’s sleigh, Max gave Santa keys to the family car.

When his grandfather robbed the Tooth Fairy, Max left her an apology and his piggy bank.

Synopsis (from Amazon website):

Maximillian Villainous is a monster who doesn’t have the heart to be a villain. His famous family pulls pranks on the likes of Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy, and Max spends his time undoing them. So when he brings home a bunny to be his sidekick, Max’s disapproving mother hatches a plan. She challenges Max and the bunny to become a devious duo; otherwise . . . the bunny hops. If they want to stay together, Max and the bunny have no choice but to go against their nature. They blunder into villainy with comical effect until Max discovers that embracing his good heart may just be the key to pulling off the most devious deed of all and winning his family’s acceptance.

Activities:

• Discussion and Activity Guide
• Horn Hat Craft and Monster Portrait Craft

Why I Love This Book:

Warm-hearted Max and bunny are sure to win over readers young and old in this tale about staying true to yourself. My favorite parts are seeing the ways Max has subverted his family’s devious deeds in the opening pages and then his own blunders in trying to complete the tasks from his mother’s challenge. The ending is the perfect culmination proving to all he is a Villainous, and the reader will want to cheer Max on since he got what he wanted and he did it his way! The author has also done a magnificent job providing distinct character lines for the three older family members. Read for yourself:

“Oh, evil up already!” said his father.

“Thirteen generations of first-class villainy wiped out by a bunny,  said his grandfather.”

“If that bunny is still here tomorrow, I will launch him into space,” said his mother.

The childlike, colorful illustrations are endearing and joyous and compliment Max and bunny’s personality beautifully. I do like the addition of the baby sister. Could we get a sequel with the two siblings … that would be fun!  😉

The large trim size and bold colors make it perfect for group storytime or reading at home.

Find Maximillian Villainous at the following spots:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Indiebound | Goodreads
ISBN-10: 0762462973
ISBN-13: 978-0762462971

This review is part of Susanna Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Book series. Visit her site to see the other books recommended.

Race Car Dreams

Title: Race Car Dreams

Author: Sharon Chriscoe
Illustrator: Dave Mottram
Publisher: Running Press Kids
Editor:  Marlo Scrimizzi
Book Type: Fiction
Ages: 2-6
Themes: Cars, Bedtime Routine

Excerpt:

All sparkly and clean,
his tummy feels strange.
He lifts up his hood.
It’s time for a change.

He guzzles and gulps
each dark, oily drop.
His hood slams ker plunk!
Lights dim in the shop.

Synopsis (from Amazon’s website):

After a day at the track of zipping and zooming, a race car is tired and ready for bed. He washes his rims, fills his tummy with oil, and chooses a book that is all about speed. All toasty and warm, he drifts off to sleep, he shifts into gear . . . and dreams of the race!

What I Like About This Book:

In the plethora of bedtime books, this is a fresh take. It is Pixar’s CARS meets GOODNIGHT, GOODNIGHT CONSTRUCTION SITE. An adorable blue race car is tuckered out from a long day at the track and heads off for his nightly routine. He visits the car wash for a bath, the garage for some fresh oil, and finally the library to find the perfect night-time read.

The rollicking rhyme and adorable toddler-like illustrations make this a perfect read-aloud for any car loving child. I love the roundness of the car with its circular eyes and big smile.

A perfect book to help kids zoom off to sleep.

Find Race Car Dreams at the following spots:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound | Goodreads
ISBN-10: 0762459646
ISBN-13: 978-0762459643

The review is part of the RACE CAR DREAMS BLOG TOUR. Do check out these other stops.

9/6 My Word Playground
9/7 MomReadIt
9/8 Unleashing Readers
9/9 Once Upon a Time…
9/10 Stacking Books
9/11 Geo Librarian
9/12 Flowering Minds
9/13 Unpacking the POWER of Picture Books
9/14 Little Crooked Cottage
9/14 MamaBelly
9/15 #kidlit Book of the Day
9/16 Just Kidding

Disclosure: I received my copy of this book from the publisher. This review nevertheless reflects my own and honest opinion about the book.

Beautiful

Title: Beautiful

Author: Stacy McAnulty
Illustrator: Joanne Lew-Vriethoff
Publisher: Running Press Kids (September 13, 2016)
Editor: Lisa Cheng
Book Type: Fiction
Ages: 3-6
Themes: Identity, Girl Power, Self-Esteem

Opening Line:

“Beautiful girls … have the perfect look.”

Synopsis (from Amazon’s website):

Every girl is unique, talented, and lovable. . . .Every girl is BEAUTIFUL.

Much more than how one looks on the outside, true beauty is found in conquering challenges, showing kindness, and spreading contagious laughter. Beautiful girls are empowered and smart and strong!

BEAUTIFUL breaks barriers by showing girls free to be themselves: splashing in mud, conducting science experiments, and reading books under a flashlight with friends. This book will encourage all girls to embrace who they are and realize their endless potential.

Why I Like Love This Book:

This book takes the sugary, sweet, stereotypical praises and compliments for little girls and turns it on its head in a superb way! This is a must have book for any young child. I think it’s important not only for girls to see who they can be, but also for boys to realize it too.

I love the interplay between text and art. The text contains the typical saying while the art shows a new and smarter interpretation of the words. Take a look at the examples below.

I love the energy, enthusiasm, and contentment of the girls enjoying the activities they are partaking in. This is where their beauty shines.

The large type and big illustrations make it perfect for a group read-aloud. Use the book as a conversation starter on breaking gender roles and asking what is beautiful.

Find Beautiful at the following spots:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound | Goodreads
ISBN-10: 0762457813
ISBN-13: 978-0762457816

The review is part of the BEAUTIFUL BLOG TOUR. Do check out these other stops over the next two weeks.

8/29 Flowering Minds
8/30 Kids’ Book Review
8/31 My Word Playground
9/1 Stacking Books
9/2 Unpacking the POWER of Picture Books
9/3 MomReadIt
9/5 Enjoy Embrace Learning
9/6 Geo Librarian
9/7 A Foodie Bibliophile
9/8 MamaBelly
9/10 Diapers and Daydreams
9/11 The Late Bloomer’s Book Blog
9/12 Unconventional Librarian

Disclosure: I received my copy of this book from the publisher. This review nevertheless reflects my own and honest opinion about the book.

What a Beautiful Morning

Title: What a Beautiful Morning

Author: Arthur A. Levine
Illustrator: Katie Kath
Publisher: Running Press Kids (August 9, 2016)
Editor: Marlo Scrimizzia
Book Type: Fiction
Ages: 4-8
Themes: Family, Mental Illness, Emotions

Excerpt:

They even sang while Grandma made them cinnamon French toast. Which sometimes led to slightly burnt toast. And nobody ever minded.

Then they’d talk about their plans for the rest of the day.

“What’s on the docket?” Grandpa would ask.

And Noah always had dozens of docket ideas.

But this year, Grandpa forgot to ask what was on the docket almost every day.

Synopsis (from Amazon’s website):

Every morning is beautiful when Noah visits his Grandparents. When Grandpa and Noah wake up, they take off singing and hardly stop: walking the dog, splashing through puddles, and eating French toast with cinnamon.

But one summer Grandpa seems to have forgotten how to do the things they love. Does he even know who Noah is?

Grandma steps in energetically, filling in as best she can. But it is Noah who finds the way back to something he can share with Grandpa. Something musical. Something that makes the morning beautiful again.

This is a story about how love helps us find even what we think is lost.

Why I Like This Book:

A heartfelt story that will resonate with any reader who has an older person in their life suffering from Alzheimer’s. I like how the author has made this topic accessible by starting with a morning routine/ ritual between Grandpa and Noah and then showing how it’s changed. This allows the reader to feel Noah’s confusion and sadness. The author doesn’t try to hide the reality that things change such as Grandma now making the coffee in the morning, Grandpa needing a nap, and having to make a new and different docket for the day. But there is room for hope when we see Noah find a way to connect with Grandpa. The metaphor near the end of seeing grandpa’s smile being “like the sun breaking through clouds” warmed my heart.

The loose line and watercolor paintings are a charming and engaging. The illustrator uses color to show when grandpa is cognizant and grays when he isn’t. A great visual for those little non-readers.

A wonderful book that can be used as a conversation starter with a child about old age and mental illness.

Find What a Beautiful Morning at the following spots:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound | Goodreads
ISBN-10: 0762459069
ISBN-13: 978-0762459063

The review is part of the WHAT A BEAUTIFUL MORNING BLOG TOUR. Do check out these other stops over the next two weeks.

8/2 Flowering Minds
8/3 MomReadIt
8/4 Unpacking the POWER of Picture Books
8/5 Stacking Books
8/6 #Kidlit Book of the Day
8/8 Enjoy Embrace Learning
8/9 Unleashing Readers
8/10 Two Writing Teachers
8/11 Bildebok
8/12 Geo Librarian
8/13 Randomly Reading

Disclosure: I received my copy of this book from the publisher. This review nevertheless reflects my own and honest opinion about the book.