2 Brief Kids Book Reviews - The Girl Who Could Fix Anything: Beatrice Schilling World War II Engineer; Mara Rockliff and Haven: A Small Cat's Big Adventure; Megan Wagner Lloyd

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The Girl Who Could Fix Anything:  : Beatrice Schilling World War II Engineer

Mara Rockliff (auth) Daniel Duncan (illustrator) - Candlewick Press - 2021

(ages 5-9 through grade 4))

This year I've read several children's books based on true stories of women who have done great things but, may have not gotten the recognition they deserved.

In this book Beatrice Schilling was a British woman whose mechanical expertise set her apart from her peers. She was able to convince the Royal Aircraft Establishment to let her prove her abilities by solving a fighter plane engine fuel issue during World War II.  Her early interest in anything mechanical and her quick ability to learn and try new things enabled her to attend and study engineering at the university and build confidence and hone her skills.  

As a grandmother to (3) young girls, I love books that encourage young girls to try new things and to foster an interest in technology and the sciences. Thins is the type of story that builds confidence and lets young girls see that they too can pursue their dreams if they just persist.  This book has terrific illustrations and a great story. It is the type of book that would make a great addition to school and public libraries or personal collections.

RATING - 5/5 stars

Thanks go to Candlewick Press for sending these books my way in exchange for my unbiased review.)

Haven: A Small Cat's Big Adventure; Megan Wagner Lloyd

(ages 8-12 - grades 3-7) (Candlewick Press -  August 16, 2022

Haven was once an abandoned cat but Ma Millie took her in so she no longer had to forage for food and live outdoors. Hav is a small but brave house cat and, yes, she is still a bit timid but, she is quite content being an indoor cat with plenty of food to eat.  However, when Haven's owner becomes ill and her health eventually worsens, it's up to Haven to pay Ma Millie back even if that means venturing out into the scary forest to find help.  Can a brave, a bold fox and a timid cat find a way to send help for Ma Millie?

This is a good middle grade book that will appeal to cat lovers. It has short chapters and the story reinforces themes like bravery, friendship and the importance of helping others. A bittersweet story not easily forgotten.

Rating - 4/5 stars

Weekend Update and Book Reviews - A Rose Named Peace: How Francis Meilland Created a Flower of Hope for a World at War; Barbara Carroll Roberts - Celia Planted a Garden: Story of Celia Thaxter and Her Island; Phyllis Root & Gary D. Schmidt

A Rose Named Peace: How Francis Meilland Created a Flower of Hope for a World at War

Barbara Carroll Roberts  (Ill. Bagram Ibatoulline)

Candlewick Press - 2022

Anyone who has an affinity for roses has probably called the "Peace Rose" one of their favorites.  Francis Meilland was born in France in the early 19th century.  As a young boy he enjoyed gardening and roses in particular. Experimenting with cross-pollination and grafting, he was able to cultivate a new variety around the time World War II broke out. He managed to send clippings to growers around the world and some six years later he learned from many his efforts were a huge success.  "Peace was the name given to it by a rose grower named Robert Pyle from The United States.

This was such a lovely book and, isn't "peace" around the world something we need more of?  I loved this book for many reasons: wonderful true story, loveliest of watercolor illustrations and, a book that reminded me of my mother who had a gorgeous rose garden--(the "peace rose" was always her favorite.

A lovely book that is not just for children.

Rating - 5/5 star

 Celia Planted a Garden: Story of Celia Thaxter and Her Island; Phyllis Root & Gary D. Schmidt

Candlewick Press - 2022 (ages 5-9)

Another lovely summertime book that tells the story of Celia Thaxter a 19th century poet, painter and avid gardener. She grew up in Portsmouth, NH and later relocated with her family to White Island, off the coast of New Hampshire and Maine when her father became the keeper of the lighthouse there.  When Celia was 12 her father built a resort hotel on Apple Dove Island with worldwide visitors which include Hawthorne and Longfellow and Whittier. Celia played a large role in the gardening design which included some 70+ varieties of flowers while continuing to work on her poetry and painting.

This would make a great addition for nature lovers and poetry fans. The pastel illustrations evocative of the summer landscape are lovely. I also enjoyed samples of Celia's poetry. Her personal story was interesting and her love of gardening, nature art and poetry share within this book gives readers a feel for why spending summer in Maine draws people from all over the world - a magical place to visit.

RATING - 5/5 stars

NOTE: Both of these books were sent to me by Candlewick Press in exchange for my unbiased reviews.

Still Need to Review

5/5 stars - hated to see it end

so different - took a lot of brain power in an off week

4/5 stars

Currently Listening To

pretty good at 24% mark

pretty good at 54% mark - Barrie Krenik is a great narrator

Share your week by posting a link on Deb's Blog HERE

Book Review - My Big Book of Outdoors; Tim Hopgood

My Big Book of Outdoors; Tim Hopgood

Candlewick Studio - 2022

( Ages 7-9 )

My Big Book of Outdoors is a great book to introduce young children to the magic of nature and all that the outdoors has to offer all year round.  The book is divided by seasons and not only do children learn what happens each season but there are also lovely poems peppered among the excellent watercolor illustrations.  The designs are so well done, they are vivid and just lovely to look at and discuss.  A section on birds shows not only the names but the different types of eggs and feathers associated with the birds as well.   The spring flower bulb section also shows the names with each picture as does the section on bees, butterflies and other insects. The same is true for summer fruits and veggies.  Fall leaves are identified as are winter animal tracks. I loved that there were also some easy projects for children and adults to do together: making a bird feeder, making a bug hotel, creating a leaf mobile and making paper snowflakes.  

This is truly a gorgeous resource book and one that is sure to get young ones excited about nature and the great outdoors.  Highly recommended for personal collections and school and public libraries as well.

NOTE: This book was sent to me by the publisher at no cost in exchange for my unbiased review.

Book Reviews - Kids Fight Climate Change: Act Now to be a #2minutesuperhero; Martin Dorey

Kids Fight Climate Change: Act Now to be a #2minutesuperhero

 Martin Dorey  (Illustrator: Tim Wesson)

Walker Books - 2021 - Candlewick Press 2022

(ages 7-12)

This book takes a very serious subject and makes it fun for young children to learn, understand and to do some small things to help save our planet.  The book gives a brief overview of climate change and why it is so important for everyone including the very young to get involved. Children get an opportunity to become a superhero activist.

Children learn why the fight matters, they also get to learn about wind turbines, solar power, renewable versus non renewable energy, about not wasting water.  There are some 60 different types of small actions and changes to become help in a small way.  Although this book is a good introduction for young children to do their part, I thought the information provided about climate change seemed overly simplistic and incomplete - even for the targeted age group here.  The illustrations  by Tim Wesson are really fun and well done.

RATING - 4/5 stars

NOTE: This book was sent to me by the publisher in exchange for my unbiased review.

Book Review - A Great Earth Day Choice - Oceanarium: Welcome to the Museum; Loveday Trinick

Oceanarium: Welcome to the Museum; Loveday Trinick

Teagan White (Illustrator)

Big Picture Press - April 2022

A new addition to the Welcome to the Museum series , Oceanarium is a timely offering for Earth Day 2022.  This oversized book like the others in the series offers so much information (112 pages) for curious middle grade students (grades 3-7) and adults alike.  The book is filled with detail facts about every aspect of ocean life. The book is written by a marine biologist from England and more than 200 sea creatures are covered in considerable depth.  The illustrations are fabulous and appropriate and they generated a lot of discussion with my 10 year old granddaughter.  One of our favorite sections was was entitled, One Ocean which generated much discussion on humans and the ocean.  I loved that the index and references also included great information for future readings.  This book would make a perfect gift for the curious oceanic explorer in your life. It would also be a wonderful addition to  personal, public and school library collections.

Rating - 5/5 stars

NOTE:  This book was sent to me at no cost in exchange for my unbiased review by Candlewick Press.)

Brief Children's Book Reviews - Hat Cat; Troy Wilson and The View From the Very Best House in Town; Meena Trehan

Hat Cat; Troy Wilson (Eve Coy-Illustrator)

Candlewick Press - 2022

(ages 4 - 8)

This is a touching story about growing old and caring for other living things both human and animals.

We meet a lonely, elderly man who lives alone. He enjoys the simple pleasures like leaving peanuts for the squirrels and watching them feast from his front porch.  One day the man realizes that he forgot to bring his hat inside and he finds a small kitten nestled underneath.  The old man begins feeding the kitten and even names him Hat. The cat named Hat becomes an indoor cat but misses its outdoor life.  When the man goes away for a bit and Hat seems to have been left alone.  I feared this story was moving to a dark place, perhaps too dark for young children but, it did not. While the man is away the neighbors step in to care for the cat until the man eventually returns home.

The colorful illustrations are well done and quite sweet, I liked the story about companionship and helping others in need.

 

Rating - 4/5 stars

The View From the Very Best House in Town; Meena Trehan

Walker Books - 2022

(Ages - 8 - 12)

Part thriller, part friendship story, this is a book that will make the reader think about what constitutes a "real friend and a real home."  The story features two good friends, Sam and Asha, who are on the autism spectrum.  Sam has just been accepted into a private school, Castleton Academy. It's his mother that wants to change things up for him and things get off to a rocky start for him when he is publicly referred to as the Miracle Boy.  Sam is faced with new classmates who may pretend to want to be his friend but their actions show something quite different. 

Sam and Asha's characters come across as both unique, complex and quite genuine.  I thought it was quite creative that a third character -- a mansion known as Donnybrook added a mystery element to the story as well as the girl named Prestyn, who lives at Donnybrook. She pretends to want to be a friend  to Sam but is anything but.

This is the type of story that should generate questions and conversation form the children who read this book.  I thought this debut story was well done and the ending satisfying as well.

Rating - 4/5 stars

NOTE: (Both of these books were sent to me at no cost in exchange for my unbiased reviews.)

Book Review - Fearless: The Story of Daphne Caruana Galizia, Defender of Free Speech; Gattaldo

Fearless: The Story of Daphne Caruana Galizia, Defender of Free Speech

Author & Illustrator: Gattaldo  - Candlewick Press 2021

Daphne Caruana Galizia grew up on the Island of Malta. From an early age she dreamed of being a writer so she could share stories about her country.  She loved reading and through books she learned to be a free thinker. Daphne lived her dream; she grew up, spoke up and became a powerful, courageous journalist.  Daphne and her friends saw bad things happening in her country, she believed peaceful protest was important and was even arrested for it.  She married, had three children and encouraged her children to fight for justice as well.  She started writing for a newspaper and was not afraid to publish the truth. She was threatened, her dog was killed to send a message but, that just empowered her to spread the truth all the more.  

Daphne Caruana Galizia (1964-2017) was killed in 2017 when a bomb placed under her car exploded. She inspired and encouraged others to stand up for free speech by keeping others informed about the truth.  This book was written and illustrated by her good friend.

What a powerful book, another story I was not aware of, the message is powerful and the images are so well done as well.  I love how Candlewick Press through the books that they have decided to publish are spreading powerful messages to young children about the importance of standing up for one's beliefs.  This book is targeted at grades 2-4 (ages 7-9). Beautifully done.

Rating - 5/5 stars

Note: This book was sent to me by the publisher in exchange for my unbiased review.

 

Sanctuary, Kip Tiernan & Rosie's Place: The Nation's First Shelter for Women; Christine McDonnell (Victoria Tentler-Krylov-Illustrator)

 

Sanctuary, Kip Tiernan & Rosie's Place: The Nation's First Shelter for Women

Christine McDonnell and (Victoria Tentler-Krylov, Illustrator)

Candlewick Press - 2022 - (ages 7 - 10)

Kip Tiernan grew up during the Great Depression learning early on from her grandmother that it was important to help people who had nothing.  Kip's grandmother, who had 10 children of her own, would make large vats of soup so that when hungry people would knock on her door asking for help because they were out of work, they could count on a bowl of soup to help sustain them.

In 1968 Kip would also feed the hungry at a shelter called Warwick House located in a poor Boston neighborhood. Kip noticed women dressed as men stopping for some food.  At that time it was believed that only men were homeless.  She began noticing women sleeping on park benches and scavenging for food.  Kip spent several days at St Josephs's House in New York City talking to people about their situation.  

Kip, like some of the women she met, overcame alcohol addiction in her 20s. She was determined to help other women. She wanted to open the first shelter for women in Boston where women could come for food and shelter. Her job getting this dream off the ground wasn't easy and, she met obstacles getting others to buy into the idea but on Easter Sunday in 1974 her dream came true - Rosie's Place opened as the first women's shelter in the US.

Sanctuary, is a wonderful book, beautifully illustrated as well,  about the importance of people helping people who are less fortunate.  The author was a former educator at Rosie's House.  The story is tastefully done and informative for middle grade children (younger in some cases) and adults as well.  Highly recommended for both school and public libraries as well as personal collections.

Thanks go to Candlewick Press for sending this lovely book my way in exchange for my unbiased review.

Children's Book Review - Love; Robert Sabuda

 Love; Robert Sabuda

Candlewick Press - 2021

I've long been a fan of Robert Sabuda's Pop-Up books and have gifted many different ones in the past as well.  His 2021 release - LOVE was a real gem.

Each page begins with...I Love you and includes a 3-D pop up image

I Love you...

   and I always will

I Love You...

   and will keep you safe

I Love you

   and will encourage you to do great things

I Love you...

   exactly as you are

I Love you...

   and will share everything with you

And most of all, I love you...

   forever

This book is targeted for ages 5-8 but, come on, it also is a keeper for book lovers my age. This is one of those lovely books that would make a great gift not only for Valentine's Day but, as a gift to new moms, for Mother's Day or for the special someone in your life anytime.

(This book was sent to me by Candlewick Press in exchange for my unbiased review.)

(5 of the 6  images from this book)

(4) great children's books for Christmas: Winter Lullaby; Dianne White; Where's Waldo? Santa Spotlight Search; Martin Handford; Bake, Make and Learn to Cook; David Atherton and We Are One: How the World Adds Up; Susan Hood

Christmastime means book buying time for many people.  Instead of all the toys I always try to add a few kid pleasing books to my holiday list.  These (4) I'm featuring are so well done IMO. 

Winter Lullaby; Dianne White (Ill. Ramona Kaulitzski)

(Ages 4-8) Releases date - 12/8/2021 - Candlewick Press

The weather is changing, gray sky and cold winds have begun. Mama Bear is trying to convince Small Bear that it is time to prepare for a long winter's sleep.  Small Bear isn't convinced and still wants to play with chipmunk, hare, raccoon, skunk and badger.   Patient and reassuring Mama Bear show Small Bear how each are preparing for a long cold winter's sleep as they prepare their cozy, sheltered nests.  At last Small Bear understands that when spring comes and the days are brighter, he will be able to play with his old friends once again.

A lovely story of a mama's love. This book has the perfectly detailed  nature scenes which show the slight color changes as winter turns to spring.  I loved the gentle story told in rhyme; a beautiful book.

Where's Waldo? Santa Spotlight Search; Martin Handford

Candlewick Press - 2021 (ages 5-9)

With Christmas right around the corner, comes a great activity book to keep the kiddos busy by trying to find Santa -- the right Waldo Santa that is --it's not always as easy as it seems. To add to the fun there is a cool glow wand that helps to spot the Santa in the dark.  In addition to searching for Waldo Santa and his friends searches there are puzzles, games and more.  There is a special pocket that will hopefully keep the glow wand from getting lost. The hardcover construction and larger size make this a delightful gift and one that even older kids might enjoy trying out their super sleuth skills at.

Bake, Make & Learn to Cook -  Fun Healthy Recipes for Young Cooks;

David Atherton (Ill. Rachel Stubbs)

Release Date - 12/8/2021 - Candlewick Press

(ages 5-9)

David Atherton, Winner of the 2019 British Baking Show has written a great book for young, beginner cooks. This book is great and contains a glossary of easy to understand cooking terms, measurements and equipment that will be need. There are so many recipes to try and the illustrations and recipe names are sure to tempt kids into wanting to try each one.

Here are just some of the recipes featured:

• Purple smoothies
• Banana Bear pancakes
• breakfast jars
• edible chia bowls
• oatmeal toppers
• scrambled egg surprise
• teapot soup
• snaky breadsticks
• Octo Pizzas
• Easy-peasy pot pies
• Hummus Lion
• sushi shapes
• Fruity Jelly jars
• Peanut Butter Bones for dogs
• Sweetie Birthday Cake
• Mega chocolaty cake

Beginning cooks are sure to be thrilled with this book as will their supervising adults.  Well organized and terrific illustrations as well. Highly recommended.

We are One: How the World Adds Up; Susan Hood (Ill. Linda Yan)

Candlewick - 2021  - (ages 3-7)

This book accomplishes an important thing -- how does "one" fit into the bigger picture.  Using understandable terms and concepts small children will learn that although they may be small, they are an important part of everything around us.  The book's message "we are one" - but, one is a part of everything. From Ten to One the author demonstrates example of "one" being a part of something greater - For example: Ten pins in bowling, Nine Supreme Court Justices, Eight Limbs on an Octopus, Seven Days of the week etc..

The book can be read as rhyme with additional details for a more in depth conversation on each page.  This book with its lovely illustrations is beautiful and important in helping little ones understand just how important they are to everything else in the world.  Highly recommended.

Thanks go to Candlewick Press for providing me with these lovely books in exchange for my unbiased reviews.

3 children's books worth considering: The Secret Starling; Judith Eagle - Judy Moody in a Monday Mood; Megan McDonald and Welcome Back Maple Mehta-Cohen; Kate McGovern

 

The Secret Starling; Judith Eagle (Ill. Jo Rioux)

Walker Books - US - Ages 10-14

Set in a time before technology, twelve year old Clara Starling lived a boring and lonely life in a crumbling old British mansion with her strict uncle Edward.  Her mother died when Clara was born and Clara never knew her father.  One day her uncle disappears leaving her with a pocketful of money.  Clara is unsure what to do having been sheltered from the outside world with no friends and now no uncle. Things change when Peter, an orphan boy her age arrives with his cat.  He is expecting to be staying with Edward after his grandma has become ill but, soon the two abandoned children need to work together and solve a the mystery of the past and what has brought them together. Can they piece together the past with some clues found in the present?

A charming mystery story with an old-fashion feel that both children and adults can enjoy; I loved the illustrations as well.

Judy Moody in a Monday Mood; Megan McDonald (Ill. Peter H. Reynolds)

Candlewick Press - 2021 - (Ages 6-9)

Who hasn't had the Sunday night blues? Young Judy Moody is no exception so when feeling rather down at school, hr teacher Mr. Todd comes up with an idea that cheers her up - he declares a reason to celebrate "Bubble Wrap Day."  It is indeed a strange day to celebrate but it opens the door to new types of celebrations for Judy, her brother and her friends.  Their ideas are wild and crazy as "bubble wrap day" but, open up the opportunity to do good things and celebrate differences and isn't that a wonderful thing?

Judy Moody is a kid pleaser; children in Grades 1-3 will enjoy this fun story and well done illustrations.

Welcome Back Maple Mehta-Cohen; Kate McGovern

Candlewick Press - 2021 (ages 9-12)

Maple is a half-Indian - half-Jewish girl who is has an amazing vocabulary, she writes stories but, she is struggling. She is in the fifth grade (again) and trying to keep a secret from her friends.  She has difficulty reading, it does not come easy to her - she mixes up the words.  Her anxiety increases as she worries what the other kids will think and say about her and, she feels like she is disappointing her family as well.

This was such a well written, realistic story and such an important one as well.  I liked that not only is Maple of mixed heritage, the story was also about children with real learning issues like dyslexia.  I thought the perfect target age for this story would be 10-11 year old children.

My thanks go to Walker Books US and Candlewick Press for sending these books my way in exchange for my unbiased reviews.

2 new Children's Books - A Donkey Called Mistletoe; Helen Peters and Prehistoric Pets; Dr. Dean Lomax

 

Jasmine Green Rescues: A Donkey Called Mistletoe; Helen Peters

(Ill. Ellie Snowdon)

Walker Books - September - 2021 

(ages (7 - 9)

Book # 10 of the Jasmine Green Rescues series, introduces readers to Mistletoe, a donkey,  owned by an old and frail man who can no longer care for him. Where will Mistletoe go?  

Readers may recall from some of my previous reviews of this series that Jasmine Green's mom is a veterinarian, and based on passed experience readers will hope that Jasmine Green will be able to convince her mother to keep the donkey.  Jasmine has pleaded with her mom in the past on behalf of other animals in need and even though her mom always says, "no more pets" she usually gives in before long.

This is another winning story by Helen Peters with terrific illustrations by Ellie Snowdon. I love how this series teaches children compassion for other living things.  This book would be a perfect addition to your Christmas reads as there are a lot of characters to care about from the elderly man who can no longer care for the donkey, a boy on the autism spectrum and sick and/or depressed animals that need healing.  I highly recommend this series.

Prehistoric Pets; Dr. Dean Lomax (Ill. Mike Love)

                                                    Templar - September - 2021 - (ages 5 - 7)

Prehistoric Pets was a wonderful pop-up book featuring (7) ancestors of our more modern day pets.  

It was fun to share this stunning book with grandchildren. The book is complete with stunning pop-ups of the oldest ancestors of some of the pets we know and love.  Kids and adults alike will learn more about the ancestors of cats, dogs, horses, parakeets snakes and even a guinea pig.  We learn where these animals and reptiles once lived and the kinds of things they ate as well. I loved the fossil facts and the brilliant colorful pop-ups. Although the targeted age group here is ages 5-7, there is plenty of new information to make this book of value to children in the 10-12 age group.  Even children younger than 5 will be fascinated by the wonderful pop up art.

My thanks go to Candlewick Press who sent these winning books my way.