Dude. Be Nice -- Book Review & Giveaway

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. I am working with The Children's Book Review and Sarah Scheerger to bring you this post.

Have you ever had a moment where you are trying to help but your "help" is making things worse? Perhaps you are just trying to make things better but the "help" is not wanted? Today we are sharing a book about this situation. It is called Dude. Be Nice by Sarah Scheerger with Brent and Jamie Camalich and illustrated by Alex MacNaughton. There is a giveaway at the end of the post.

Once Upon a Kwanzaa -- Book Review & Giveaway

 

Disclosure: I was sent a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. I am working with The Children's Book Review and Nyasha Williams and Sidney Rose McCall to bring you this post.

Do you know much about Kwanzaa? By this point in time we have all heard of Kwanzaa, but many don't totally know what it is. It was created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga. He was searching for ways to bring Black people together after riots in Los Angeles. (Source) I don't remember hearing about Kwanzaa until the 1990s. I always feel like it is a new holiday. Even with my diversity training and work, I really didn't know too much about Kwanzaa. I have learned more by reading books and reviewing them as well as by sharing crafts and activities here. Today I get to share a wonderful and informative new book about the holiday. It is Once Upon a Kwanzaa by Nyasha Williams and Sidney Rose McCall and illustrated by Sawyer Cloud. Along with my review there is a roundup of crafts and activities to celebrate Kwanzaa and a giveaway.

Rock Star: How Ursula Marvin Mapped Moon Rocks and Meteorites

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I always love learning about women who we may not have heard of but are famous in their own right. I really love learning about female mathematicians and scientists who have made a difference in our world. And although we always focus on women in March for Women's History Month I also feel it is important that we learn about them all year long. After all women do make up at least 50% of the world population. Today I am sharing a new book (released today) that is about a famous scientist. The book is Rock Star: How Ursula Marvin Mapped Moon Rocks and Meteorites by Sandra Neil Wallace and illustrated by Nancy Carpenter. This book is recommended for ages four to eight.

Nunu and the Sea

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Where do your kids go when they are dealing with a BIG emotion? Where did you go when you were young? What did you do? I remember going to my room crying and wanting to be alone but not wanting to be alone. Today we are sharing a book about a young girl dealing with a big emotion and using creativity to overcome it. The book is Nunu and the Sea by Isabella Kung. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8 and is being released tomorrow!

A Sea of Lemon Trees

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Hispanic Heritage Month ends this week, but I have one more book to share with you. It is a book based on a historical event from the 1930s and how one community fought segregation in schools. The book is A Sea of Lemon Trees: The Corrido of Roberto Alvarez by María Dolores Águila. It is recommended for ages 8 to 12.

The Dragonships Series Review

 

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Dragons and space travel and life on Mars! Talk about some exciting themes! Today I get to share a relatively new series--the first book was released in paperback last month and the second book was released this week! It is a middle grade fantasy sci-fi novel series! But older kids will enjoy this series as well. The series is written by Scott Reintgen. The first book is The Last Dragon on Mars. The series is recommended for ages 10 and up.

Growing Senses & Imagination with Books About Nature and the Seasons

 

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. 

This week I spent three days in the woods in Vermont with some of my students. Every year our school goes on a field trip to an outdoor center in Vermont. The high school students can choose to go for two nights and the middle school and 5th and 6th grade are required to go for four nights. The time there is tech free for the kids. The goals are team building, bonding with one another and getting them out of their comfort zones. For many it is the first time they are away from their parents for this length of time. As much as I hate being away from home, it is a great experience, and I always enjoy it a bit more than I think I will. It is important for everyone to get into nature and enjoy it. Today I am going to share two new picture books about nature and uses your senses and imagination. The first is Tree Spirits Around the World words and photographs by Louise Wannier and illustrated by April Tatiana Jackson. It is recommended for ages four to nine but could work with any age.

While We Wait

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

How often do you have to wait? How often a day? How often do your kids have to wait? Waiting can be hard for kids, but there are different activities they can do. In a society that seems to think the solution is handing them a screen, we have a new book (released today) that shares many fun ways to wait! The book is While We Wait by Bee Johnson. It is recommended for ages four to eight.

The Cobbler's Bridge -- Book Review & Giveaway

 

Disclosure: I was sent a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. I am working with The Children's Book Review and Marin to bring you this post.

In times of trouble, it is important to keep hope. Hope is my word for 2025. As the political climate was changing and charging up with fighting and more, I felt hope was what I would need to keep myself calm and balanced. It has worked for the most part. Today I get to share a Christmas book (I know it is only October) that shares a story of hope, strength and generosity. It does involve a cross as well. The book is The Cobbler's Bridge by Marin. At the end of this post is a giveaway with a grand prize that includes $100!!

The Last Apple Tree -- Book Review & Giveaway

 

Disclosure: I was sent a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. I am working with The Children's Book Review and Claudia Mills to bring you this post.

It is apple season. Everyone is so into pumpkin spice, but the truth is I love apples more! An apple tree can be so many things to different people. Today I get to share a middle grade novel with you about a family, friends, growing up, and memories and it all revolves around an old apple tree. The book is The Last Apple Tree by Claudia Mills. At the end of this post there is a giveaway!

Jazzy the Witch in Broom Doom

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

October has begun and Halloween seems to be everywhere! It is the month of ghosts, goblins and witches. Today we are sharing a book about witches however it is not really a Halloween book. It is a graphic novel about growing up and finding one's way. The book is Jazzy the Witch in Broom Doom by Jessixa Bagley. It is recommended for ages eight to twelve. 

Picture Books About School Emotions & Finding Your Place

 

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

School has been in session for a month or so now around here. The first day for everyone is full of emotions and jitters. It can be hard for anyone but especially for young children just starting school or someone changing school. Today I get to share two new picture books about the first day of school. The first is Scarecited on the First Day of School by Alliah L. Agostini and illustrated by Lala Watkins. It is recommended for ages three to six. 

Bella and Bird Explore Anger -- Book Review & Giveaway

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. I am working with The Children's Book Review and Deana Plaskon, PhD, LMHC to bring you this post.

Emotions can be tough for everyone but especially for kids. They don't always know how to express themselves or how to control the big emotions. Today we get to share a wonderful new book that helps them handle anger better. The book is Bella and Bird Explore Anger by Deana Plaskon, PhD, LMHC and illustrated by Lea Marie Ravotti. There is a giveaway at the end of this post!!

Pearls in the Sand: Protecting Sea Turtles in Oaxaca -- Earth Day meets Hispanic Heritage Month Picture Book

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Hispanic Heritage Month began on September 15th. It goes through October 15th. I have not focused on the heritage months as much as I have in the past because I truly believe books sharing any heritage and history is important for all kids to read and should be read any time. That said I am sharing a picture book today that takes place in Mexico so if you are someone who pays more attention to the heritage months, this book works for right now! It also is about helping an endangered animal species, so it is also perfect for Earth Day or a science lesson! The book is Pearls in the Sand: Protecting Sea Turtles in Oaxaca by Beatriz Gutiérrez Hernández. It is recommended for ages four to eight. 

2026 Calendars for Different Uses

 

Disclosure: I was sent each of these calendars in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

We all have calendars on our phones and computers. Do you use them? Or do you prefer paper calendars? Or perhaps you are like me and want both. When Hazel was younger, we had a "family" calendar hanging in a common room so we could keep track of everyone's appointments, meetings and Hazel's classes. This allowed us to figure out care and rides for Hazel. I had fun with that calendar, and some years even did photo calendars with pictures of Hazel from the past year or photos from a big trip like Hazel's first trip to Disney World. Other times I just picked a special calendar that I liked the pictures, messages and had big enough squares for us to write the appointments on. Now I use my phone calendar to keep track of my appointments and meetings as well as Hazel's appointments. We still hang a calendar in the same spot but don't write on it as much! Steve actually hangs a calendar in just about every room in our house. He takes all the ones companies send us and place them around just in case we wonder the date or perhaps to decorate the room. To be honest I hardly ever see the one hanging on the back of my bedroom door. However, I have found as a teacher and a blogger I need different types of calendars for different reasons. When Workman Calendars asked me to review some, I was very excited! They have different types as well as so many different themes! There is truly something for everyone! My uses for these calendars vary from at home and at school. I will review them by type starting with wall calendars.

Flying Bear & Floating House

 

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Flying bears and houses that float? Oh, my! Today we are sharing two new picture books that were released last week. One has a flying bear in a hot air balloon, and the other is a wordless book about a house that floated to get moved. To go with our review we are sharing a roundup of hot air balloon crafts. The first book we will share is the wordless one. It is The House That Floated by Guojing. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Outside In and the Inside Out: A Story About Arnold Lobel

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Every generation had its own beloved children's authors. For Hazel it was Mo Willems, Kevin Henkes, and Shannon Hale. For me I remember loving Beatrix Potter, Beverly Cleary and Judy Blume. I remember loving Arnold Lobel's Frog and Toad as well. I also loved the Paddington series. Of course there are also the other classics like Dr. Seuss. Today we are sharing a fun new book about Arnold Lobel and his amazing books. The book is Outside In and the Inside Out: A Story about Arnold Lobel by Emmy Kastner.  It is recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Ginger's Courage -- Book Review & Giveaway

 

Disclosure: I was sent a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. I am working with The Children's Book Review and Lynsey Patterson to bring you this post. 

Today autumn begins in the Northern Hemisphere. The temperature is slowly getting colder especially at night. Leaves are beginning to change color and football season is in full swing. Today we are sharing a sweet picture book with a theme around football but about overcoming disabilities. The book is Ginger's Courage by Lynsey Patterson and illustrated by Angela Perrini. There is a giveaway at the end of this post!

New Sticker Books Perfect for Crafting

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of these books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. 

When you were young did you love stickers? I did. Growing up stickers were such a big deal. We were just discovering Lisa Frank. She became even more popular and well known in the 90's. I always wanted a sticker book but also didn't want to waste my stickers by putting them in a book. Sticker books in the 80s were really just notebooks or journals where you kept your stickers forever. Stickers are not just for kids though!! Nor are sticker books. Today we are sharing three new sticker books (two released last week and one being released this week) that are not children's sticker books. Along with my reviews I am going to share some ways to use these stickers in crafts. The first book is A Book Lover's Sticker Book illustrated by Christina Chun. 

Al's Journey -- Book Review & Giveaway

 

Disclosure: I was sent a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. I am working with The Children's Book Review and Marin to bring you this post.

Growing up is hard. It is even harder when you have to do it quickly and take on an adult job. Today we are sharing a magical book about an orphaned boy who grows up in a night. It takes a look at what growing up means and about becoming more self-aware. The book is Al's Journey by Marin. At the end of the post there is a giveaway.

101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up -- Book Review & Giveaway

 

Disclosure: I was sent a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. I am working with The Children's Book Review to bring you this post.

What are your favorite childhood books? Do you have ones from your own childhood or from your children's childhood? Perhaps you love the classics like Charlotte's Web or something new like one of our favorites, Princess in Black. Or maybe you are looking at picture books or middle grade novels. Not matter what your favorites are or what you are looking to read today's book has suggestions for you. The book is 101 Books to Ready Before You Grow Up (Revised Edition) by Bianca Schulze and illustrated by Samara Hardy. There is a giveaway at the end of this post too!

Luella's Library -- Book Review & Giveaway

 

Disclosure: I was sent a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. I am working with the Children's Book Review and Expound Publicity to bring you this post. 

Have you noticed how much kids love screens today? They almost always seem to be using some sort of technology. Even books come on screens. However, there is something magical about reading a paper book. Today we are sharing a magical book that shares the magic of reading an actual book and how much fun it can be versus technology! The book is Luella's Library by Tara Lala and illustrated by Francesca Pesci. There is a giveaway after my review!

All the Stars in the Sky -- New Indigenous Picture Book Review

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Does your school or your children's school have a star of the day/week/month, etc. award? Many of Hazel's classes when she was younger had star of the day and our lower school has a student of the month. These are often put in place to help motivate students to behave and work hard. Today we are sharing a picture book being released tomorrow that is created by Indigenous People sharing about being part of a community versus being the shining star. It touches on school, family, community and more. The book is All the Stars in the Sky by Art Coulson and illustrated by Winona Nelson. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8. 

Not Like Every Day -- Book Review to Help Kids Cope with Lockdown Drills & News of School Shootings

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

It happened again. I was glued to the television last Thursday. UMass Boston had evacuated two buildings due to a 911 call saying there was an active shooter. Now we hear about school shootings almost daily it seems which is so wrong, but this one was different for me. It was personal. I immediately texted my friend asking if her son was home. Her son who I taught for several years and who is a freshman at UMass Boston. He wasn't home and in fact he was in one of the buildings evacuated. A police officer told him it was a confirmed active shooter. Luckily her son called his mom, and she talked him through the entire "escape" and even more luckily it was a false alarm. However, for about an hour or so it was really scary. My mind flashbacked to April 1999--the Columbine shooting. That was not

New Picture Books That Share Stories of Kids Coping with Moving

 

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Moving can be hard on anyone. It can be especially hard on kids. Today we are sharing two newly released picture books that share stories of kids moving for different reasons. The first book is When Auggie Learned to Play Chess by Meredith Rusu and illustrated by Stephen Costanza. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8. 

Live Big with Catch-M -- Book Review & Giveaway

 

Disclosure: I was sent a digital copy of this book to write this honest review. All opinions are my own. I am working with The Children's Book Review and Kat Kronenberg to bring you this post.

We all have those days where we feel alone and scared. There are even more of those days when we are young. It is important to find our strengths and self-love. It is especially important for us to help our children find this for those dark moments everyone has. We get to share a fun book to help kids do just that. It is Live Big with Catch-M by Kat Kronenberg and illustrated by Jomike Tejido. It is recommended for ages 2 to 10. There is a giveaway after my review.

The Five Sides of Marjorie Rice: How to discover a shape -- Math Biography Review with Math Projects

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

The school year has started. I have read Ish to my classes and talked about math-ish numbers. It was a huge hit. Some of the kids recognized the book and some did not know it. It was the perfect introduction to needing number sense and math-ish numbers. I love incorporating story books into middle and high school math classes. Today I have another one to share with you. It tells the real-life tale of a woman with no mathematical background who solved a very old mathematical problem and not just once! The book is The Five Sides of Marjorie Rice: How to Discover a Shape by Amy Alznauer and illustrated by Anna Bron. It is recommended for ages 7 to 9. I am going to share some related math activities to go with the book for different ages!

Archibald and the Furry Dinosaurs

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Do you have a dinosaur lover in your life? Or perhaps are just looking for a fun and humorous picture book to read for story time? I have the perfect new book out this week! It is Archibald and the Furry Dinosaurs by Suzanne Lang and illustrated by Max Lang. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Hopeful Heroes: More poems about amazing Latinos

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Yesterday I shared a wonderful new book about environmental activist Christiana Figueres which is perfect for the upcoming Hispanic Heritage Month and today I am sharing another one also released this week! Today's book is a book of poems sharing some amazing Latinos' stories. The book is Hopeful Heroes: More poems about amazing Latinos by Margarita Engle and illustrated by Juliet Menéndez. It is recommended for ages 5 to 8. 

Christiana Figueres, Friend of the Rainforest

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

It is hard to believe that is September already. I start school today! Summer is over and fall is around the corner. So is Hispanic Heritage Month! Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15 until October 15 each year! Today and tomorrow we will be sharing some new picture books perfect for Hispanic Heritage Month and both are being released today! Today's book is Christiana Figueres, Friend of the Rainforest by Margarita Engle and illustrated by Nazareth Hidalgo Lobo. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8. 

Back to School Season Books for Different Ages

 

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

School officially starts this week! Have your kids started yet? Each new school year brings different ideas, fears and excitement. There seem to be many books for the younger readers. There are the books like The Kissing Hand, Milk Goes to School, and Miss Mingo and the First Day of School and many more for younger kids starting school. Today we are going to share one picture book and two middle grade books. We will start with the picture book which is Proper Badger Would Never Trash the Classroom! by Lauren Glattly and illustrated by Rob Sayegh Jr. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Squash & Pumpkin #SquashGoals -- Fun New Picture Book for Fall

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Autumn is almost here. That means football games, sweater weather, apples, and pumpkin spice. What is your favorite part of fall? I think mine is the beautiful leaves changing color. Living in New England my entire life has let me enjoy the change every year! Today I am going to share a fun new picture book about a squash and pumpkin and what happens in fall. It is fun for all the fans of pumpkin spice and fans of squash. The book is Squash and Pumpkin #SquashGoals by G.G. McQueen and illustrated by Michael Slack. It is recommended for ages 3 to 7 and at the end I am sharing a roundup of squash recipes, crafts and other books. 

If Animals Loved Books -- Book Review

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Has your child ever read to an animal? Or maybe to a stuffed toy? What would the world be like if animals could read and loved books as much as we do? Today I get to share the newest (released this week) book in the If Animals Loved Series. It is If Animals Loved Books by Ann Whitford Paul and illustrated by David Walker. It is recommended for ages 3 to 6. We reviewed one of the other books in this series previously. 

Abigail and the Waterfall -- Book Review & Giveaway

 

Disclosure: I sent a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. I am working with The Children's Book Review and Sandra L. Richter to bring you this post.

I feel like as a society we have moved indoors and are not enjoying the outdoors or teaching our children to enjoy it. Whether it is the bugs or the temperature, I find Hazel always has an excuse not to want to be outside. I grew up without air conditioning, so it often was cooler outside than inside during the day in the summer. We spent most of our days outside. Hazel and her friends usually do not. It saddens me. There is so much beauty outside. God has created this masterpiece of a world for us, and we do not always take the time to enjoy it or care for it. Today we are sharing a beautiful book about loving God's good Earth. It is called Abigail and the Waterfall by Sandra L. Richter and illustrated by Michael Corsini. There is a giveaway at the end of this post as well!

Being Middle -- Book Review & Giveaway

 

Disclosure: I was sent a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. I am working with The Children's Book Review and Lori Orlinsky to bring you this post.

Where do you fall in the sibling chain? I am the youngest. There are four years between me and my middle sister (and two years between her and the oldest). I was told she was immediately jealous of me. She would jump into my mother's lap while my mom was breastfeeding me. There has been a pretty large sibling rivalry there but of course things are better now. Middle children often develop a strong sense of independence and can be rebellious due to feeling like they are overlooked. They can struggle with self-identity and often look for validation with peers and have strong friendships. (Source) This very much describes my middle sister. She is still very close to friends from high school. She was definitely the most rebellious out of us all. She gave my parents plenty of problems, but she is also the one who jumped in to care for them whenever they needed it as an adult. As the youngest I was always trying to keep up with her. Today I am sharing a fun book about being the middle child and some of the positives of that role. It is Being Middle (is a great place to be) by Lori Orlinsky and illustrated by Vanessa Alexandre. At the end of the post there is a giveaway too!!

New Middle Grades Historical Fiction Series about World War II

 

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Today I get to share a series of books about World War II. It is historical fiction and the series is really interesting and fun. It is written by Adam Gidwitz. The series is called Operation Kinderspion. The series is for middle grades or ages 8 to 12. The first book is Max in the House of Spies. 

Newly Released Young Children's Books

 

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Today we are sharing three new books (released today) for our younger kids. One book is a board book and the other two are picture books. We will start with the board book. It is My Animal Sounds by Xavier Deneux. It is recommended for ages 0 to 3. 

How I'm Using Ish by Peter H. Reynolds in My High School Math Classroom

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I don't ever remember being so excited to get back to school as I am this year. Today is the first official day back for teachers at my school. I am excited to get back in the classroom and make many changes. When I taught before I got married, I did a lot with group work. Since I returned three years ago, I have not. However, this summer I read Math-ish by Jo Boaler and everything has changed. I saw a recommendation to read it for math teachers on a post of one of the math influencers I follow. I don't remember which one. I got the books out of the library that were recommended and checked them out. I realized very quickly that I wanted to read this book and wanted to own it. Then it was on sale during Amazon Prime Days, so I got myself a copy. I have sticky notes marking pages all over it. 

Willie's Gift -- Picture Book Review & Giveaway

 

Disclosure: I was sent a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. I am working with The Children's Book Review and Clairmarie H. Field to bring you this post.

The theme for today seems to be compassion and dogs. Earlier today I shared a book about a young girl learning compassion through her dog. Now I am sharing a book about a dog who learns compassion by listening. The book is Willie's Gift by Clairmarie H. Field and illustrated by Maggie Sullivan. 

The Doggos: Charlotte & Boo Boo -- Book Review & Series Giveaway

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. I am working with The Children's Book Review and Suzi K. Edwards to bring you this post.

Have you ever taken in a stray? I have but I was able to get it home to its actual owners several towns away. It was a stray cat. Today I get to share a book from a very special series of books about stray dogs and the kids who take them in. I am going to review Charlotte & Boo Boo by S. K. Edwards. It is part of The Doggos Series. And at the end of this post there is a giveaway for the whole series!!

Newly Released Children's Books Featuring Animals

 

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

August seems to be the month of children's books with animal themes. We have been sharing books about all sorts of animals: zebras, coyotes, hippopotamus, snails, dogs, and more! Today we are sharing two new books about various animals that were released this week. One is a board book and one is a lift, look and find picture book. We will start with the board book which is Hoot Hoot by Georgette. It is recommended for ages 0 to 3.

Bob the Vampire Snail -- Book Review with Snail Craft Roundup

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

How do you like your stories? Andrea Zuill let's readers know that she likes them a little spooky in today's book dedication. The book is perfect for this season because it involves fresh tomatoes!! It is also a great book for the Halloween season. The book is Bob the Vampire Snail by Andrea Zuill. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8 and at the end of this post is a snail craft roundup to go with the book! (You'll have to add fangs if you want vampire snails!)

What Kind of Shoes Does a Hippopotamus Choose? --Book Review with Shoe Craft Roundup

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Today I am sharing a new picture book (released last week) that is pure fun. Imagine if animals wore shoes. What kind of shoes would each animal choose? That it is the premise of the book. The book is What Kind of Shoes Does a Hippopotamus Choose? by Kat Maconie and illustrated by Sebastien Braun. It is recommended for ages 3 to 7. 

The House No One Sees -- Young Adult Novel Review

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

We hear in the news that there is a huge problem in our country with opioids. Perhaps you know someone who has been or is addicted to them. Perhaps you are like me and do not. But what is life like for the family members of the addicted? Today I am sharing a heart wrenching young adult novel about a girl who has to deal with her mother's addiction and find a way out of the mess her childhood house gives her. The book is The House No One Sees by Adina King. It is recommended for ages 14-18. I believe this is a very accurate recommendation. I would not have wanted Hazel to read this book before she was 14 due to the heavy nature of it.

Cody's Whisper -- Book Review & Giveaway

 

Disclosure: I was sent a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. I am working with The Children's Book Review and Malia Grace to bring you this post.

Are you getting ready for back to school? When does school start for you? Teachers go back in a couple of weeks for me. It is hard to believe my summer is almost over. I haven't done half the things I hoped to but have had an amazing summer! I'm also looking forward to the new school year, but I know this can be hard on kids especially the first time they go to school or go to a new school. Today we are sharing an amazing book about a young coyote finding his place at school even after a difficult beginning. The book is Cody's Whisper by Malia Grace and illustrated by Lauren Elise Reeves. There is a giveaway at the end of this post and I created a free printable with lessons from the book!

A Bus Can't Drive Empty -- Book Review & Giveaway

 Disclosure: I was sent a digital copy of this book so I could provide an honest review. All opinions are my own. I am working with The Children's Book Review and Davon Miller to bring you this post.

When kids are young, we tend to read alphabet books. Some have themes and others are funny, but most don't get read too many times. Today I am going to share a fun one with you that I can see quickly becoming a favorite book to be read over and over! The book is A Bus Can't Drive Empty: An Alphaballiteration Adventure by Davon Miller. And since the post is part of The Children's Book Review Virtual Book Tour there is a giveaway at the end!!

Two Books for 8-18 Sharing About Life with Disabilities

 

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

When you hear disability what do you think of? Many of us have been programmed to go to someone in a wheelchair and with mental issues. While this is a true disabled person there are many of other types of disabilities and some cannot be seen. July is Disability Awareness Month or officially National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Some places even call it Disability Pride Month and have parades. This year we are celebrating the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, so it is extra special! Today I am two books that share what life is like with different disabilities and a bit about loving someone with a disability. One book is a middle grade graphic novel, and the other is a young adult nonfiction book sharing real stories from couples of different abilities. We will start with the graphic novel. It is Mixed-Up by Kami Garcia with art by Brittney Williams and lettering by Tyler Smith. It is recommended for ages 8 to 12.

Randy Rainbow and the Marvelously Magical Pink Glasses

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

The start of school is fast approaching and that means time to think about back-to-school. For some kids this is very stressful. School can be very tough for the kids who are different. They may be quiet and shy or outspoken and dress uniquely. At some point someone may bully them, and the truth is there is only so much the adults in kids' lives can do to help end bullying. Schools have rules and states have laws but the enforcing of either can be difficult. It is important for kids to be able to be themselves at school and be comfortable. If they are not comfortable, they are not going to really learn at school. Today we are sharing a fun picture book about a young boy finding the courage to be comfortable with himself and have the bullying end. The book is Randy Rainbow and the Marvelously Magical Pink Glasses by Randy Rainbow and illustrated by Jaimie MacGibbon. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8.

The Best Bunny -- Book Review & Giveaway

 

Disclosure: I was sent a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. I am working with The Children's Book Review and Shenandoah Chefalo to bring you this post.

There are many different types of loss, and each one tends to hurt. However, the death of a loved one especially a caregiver can be extremely tough. Today we are sharing a beautiful picture book about a young girl dealing with the death of her grandmother. It is a wonderful resource for any child going through the death of a loved one. Last week I also shared a middle grade novel about dealing with loss as well for older kids. Today's review also includes a giveaway at the end of the post and is part of The Children's Book Review Virtual Book Tour. 

Summer Theme: Colors with Book Review & Resource Roundup

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

We are sharing our final summer theme for this year!! And it is one of my favorites. I remember doing this theme when Hazel was much younger and the truth is we often explore this theme in different ways at different ages. We will be reviewing a book for ages 9 and up but there are so many resources in our roundup for younger children as well as teenagers! It is such a versatile theme. The theme is exploring color!! To begin this theme, we are going to share Fun with Colors! Easy Painting Activities for Kids by Azabu Atelier. Again it is recommended for ages 9 and up.