Holiday season is fast approaching. It means we will be gathering with family and friends. We will possibly be seeing family we don't see all the time. We may even be asking our young ones to help others and help out with the holiday preparations. Today I am sharing a round-up of new picture books that are about all of these things--gathering, working together, helping others and family. The first book we will share is Together by Laura Manaresi and illustrated by Giovanni Manna. It is recommended for ages 7 to 9.
From the Publisher:
A gentle, illustrated picture book reminder that people are stronger together than separate, that collective action is the most powerful response, no matter the challenge.
From Me:
This is a sweet book. One animal has a dream. She can't quite put the dream into words but when she is with other animals, she realizes she is not alone in her dream. In fact, they all start working together to accomplish their dream. The overlying message is if we work together for good, we can bring it. It is a sweet message in a time when our country and world is so divided.
This is a book I can see read together--story time or bedtime. It is one that could spark conversation. The animals are planting trees so even a discussion about climate change, the environment and more. Plus of course a conversation about the kids' own dreams.
Our next book is one about a young Black boy who spends his Saturday mornings at the barber shop and how the community gathers there. The book is Saturday Morning at the 'Shop by Keenan Jones and illustrated by Ken Daley. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8.
From the Publisher:
Spend Saturday morning at the barbershop in this upbeat picture book celebration of the spaces and places that bring communities together.It’s Saturday morning. We hop in the car. Mom’s heading to work, and I’m geeked to go spend the day at the ’shop!
The barbershop is a sound booth, an art gallery, a playground, a classroom, and so much more. It’s a place for artistry and comradery and, most importantly, community. Come spend the day feeling all the style and wisdom and joy at the ’shop!
From Me:
This book is celebrating the sense of community a young boy finds in the neighborhood barber shop on Saturday mornings. It shares many of the things that can happen at the 'shop. There are things like Black history lessons to the laughing at jokes and watching sports. It shows a wonderful sense of community where Black men gather of different ages and wait their turn but enjoy the company while waiting.
In both the author's note and the illustrator's note they explain their own memories of the 'shop on Saturday morning and the how it was and is a special place to visit. It is a place where Black men converse and can just be themselves. It sounds like a magical and wonderful place to be honest. I fell this book shares a bit of Black culture that many do not know or get to experience.
Next is the latest book in the Kids' Money Book Series. I reviewed one before. This one is Iver and Luke and the Friends-for-Others Club by Anthony C. Delauney and illustrated by Chiara Civati. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8.
From the Publisher:
It was the first Sunday in the month of September.
A day the neighborhood kids would always remember!
What happens when two brothers hear a bike crash on their street? Uh-oh—it’s their mom! She’s alright, but the doctor says she needs to stay in bed. It’s now up to the boys to take charge so that Dad can take care of Mom. See what the brothers do to help Dad and find out how important true friends can be!
From Me:
In this book two brothers begin to kick in with chores when their mother has a bicycle accident. In the process they begin to fall behind in schoolwork and fall asleep at school. Their friends take notice and one weekend day they discover breakfast food and a note plus the doorbell rings when their friends show up ready to help with all of the chores. On that day the kids form a club to help others when it is needed.
The concept of the story is wonderful. I love how the kids of the neighborhood and school come together to help the brothers and their family. It is a wonderful reminder of how we all try to help when something happens to a neighbor or friend. It is a great introduction for kids of this concept. It is one that can be forgotten in our busy world, but this book is a wonderful reminder and teacher. I can see this book read independently or in a group. I think kids will enjoy the story and also learn a bit.
Our final two books are from the Pop-Pop series by J.R. Buchta and illustrated by Daniela Frongia. They are about Pop-Pop or a grandfather figure. The first is Pop-Pop Smells Funny But We Love Him Anyway. The second is Pop-Pop Says Yes to Almost Anything. This series is recommended for ages 3-8.
From the Publisher:
A skunk, a spicy meatball and a loaded diaper…..In this novelty picture book, lovable Pop-Pop gets into some very stinky situations.
• What happens when Pop-Pop takes out the trash? EEK!
• Is there too much garlic in Pop-Pop’s meatballs? Oh Boy!!
• Will Pop-Pop be able to handle Baby’s diaper change? Pee-Poo!!
Discover the answers to these questions in this fun, easy to read, short and silly story for three to eight year olds.
With its colorful and funny illustrations, this entertaining book will amuse the whole family.
Ideal as a family-time read aloud to your child, or as an early reader for your child to read to you.
From the Publisher:
A fun and interactive picture book for toddlers and early readers with a special *search and find* hidden word on every page!
Want to play??
Want a treat??
Want to see something neat??
Just ask Pop-Pop!
This heart-warming picture book has pizza, ice cream, helping with chores, roller coasters, ball games, adventures, and so much more!
Readers of all ages will delight in finding the hidden word on every page.
Will Pop-Pop ever say NO?
Read Pop-Pop Says Yes To Almost Anything and find out!
Reasons why Parents, Grandparents, and Grandchildren LOVE Pop-Pop Says Yes (To Almost Anything):
- Great for early readers of ALL AGES to read aloud.
- Engaging, colorful, and interactive illustrations.
- Search and Find the hidden word on every page!
- Pair it with Pop-Pop Smells Funny (But We Love Him Anyway) for extra laughs and fun!
- Makes the perfect gift for a Birthday, Christmas, Father’s Day, and Grandparent’s Day for Grandfathers everywhere!
From Me:
The Pop-Pop books are so fun. The words are simple. Let's face it every family has a Pop-Pop. The one who is always up to something. Whether it is meeting a skunk or going for a fun or perhaps smelling up the bathroom, Pop-Pop always smells. It is a funny book full of Pop-Pop getting into smelly situations that could happen to any of us. The top of the page has a reaction, and the bottom of the page has what Pop-Pop did or got into. The middle of the page is the illustration. It is a fun book that will have kids laughing and possibly thinking about their own family members.
Pop-Pop also almost always says yes to the grandkids. And they know it! Kids are smart they will figure out who will say yes. My mother-in-law was that person when Hazel was young. One time when I said no, Hazel literally said to me one time, "That's ok, I'll just ask Nonni." I believe she was three! In this book, the kids ask Pop-Pop to do many things and on each page the word "yes" is hidden in the picture. It is fun and kids will enjoy the search and find feature of the book.
These books are fun, and kids will find the funny. I can see them read at bedtime and having kids laughing with the adult reader. It may even bring some discussion about family visits and various family members with different issues. I think they are great for having those discussions about family members before the kids will be visiting with them. It will show them that every family has different family members and issues.
