#NewRelease: Mr. Mole Moves In

New Release

Mr. Mole Moves In

by Leslie-Anne Green

Tundra Books

Mr. Mole is new in town, and the critters of Juniper Hollow aren't sure what to make of his odd behavior. But one observant neighbor lends a helping hand, demonstrating that a little kindness can go a long way. This cozy story features adorable felted art and gentle situational humor.

Mr. Mole is a very well-mannered fellow. He greets fence posts politely, he compliments watermelons and he generously gives children erasers to eat.

The critters of Juniper Hollow are confused, but they befriend him anyway. After all, maybe this is just how things are done back in Moletown . . . and in Juniper Hollow, strangers are just friends waiting to happen!

This hilarious story of compassion, friendship and wacky misunderstandings will tickle readers, and the fuzzy artwork will delight fans big and small.

I absolutely adored this book! Not your typical illustrations - the felt and clay work was WELL-DONE! I definitely think kids will love seeing the pictures matched with the story about a wonderful new mole who moves into town, and makes hilarious first impressions on all the townspeople who realize....are you ready for a spoiler....that Mr. Mole simply needs a pair of glasses. Children will adore this story and giggle throughout it.

#SundayReview: Tough Like Mom

Sunday Review

Tough Like Mum

by Lana Button

Tundra Books

What does it mean to be tough? Kim finds out in this moving mother-daughter story about family hardship, vulnerability and love, perfect for fans of Dolly Parton's Coat of Many Colors.

Kim's mum is tough. Everyone says so. She can deal with unruly customers at the Red Rooster with a snap of her fingers.

Kim is tough, too. She doesn't need to wear a hat to keep her ears warm. And she can make soup all by herself, even without the stove.

Kim and her mum are tough.

But Kim is learning that sometimes toughness doesn't look like what you'd expect.

In this tender exploration of a mother-daughter relationship, Kim and her mother learn that in order to support and truly take care of each other, they need to be tough -- and that sometimes being tough means showing vulnerability and asking for help.

I am a huge fan of Lana Button, and she has not disappointed me with Tough Like Mum. Tackling the difficult subject of a child with a parent struggling with depression, the story brings forward the difficulties of the unknown which can be a hard subject for any child to tackle. 

#SundayReview: I Do Not Like Yolanda

Sunday Review

I Do Not Like Yolanda

by Zoey Abbott

Tundra Books

Bianca likes stamps and writing letters and going to the post office. . . she does not like Yolanda, who works there. A relatable story about facing your fears and giving people a second chance for fans of Miss Nelson Is Missing and My Teacher is a Monster.

When Bianca gets stuck in Yolanda's line at the post office, she expects the worst: scowls, claws, teeth . . .

This is what she gets for having a five-letter day.

She might not survive . . .

Or will Yolanda surprise her?

This hilarious story explores fear and kindness, in that order, when Bianca decides to overcome her terror and ask Yolanda very nicely how her weekend was... and learns that Yolanda is not scary, she's a delight! A truly lovely book about questioning your assumptions and reaching out to another person, no matter how scary they might be.

This is definitely one of my favourite picture book reads for the year! I loved the story about a little girl who did not like a grumpy post office worker, but when she took the time to ask her something about herself, learned they have a lot in common. A wonderful story to teach children that there is more to a person then a first impression.

#SundayReview: Anonymouse

Sunday Review

Anonymouse

by Vicki Vansickle

Tundra Books

Animal-friendly street art is popping up all over the city, but who is creating these masterpieces? There is no explanation, only a name: Anonymouse. For fans of Sidewalk Flowers and Art & Max.

Art for the birds.
Art for the ants.
Art for the dogs, cats and raccoons.
Art to make them laugh, make them think, make them feel at home.
But who is creating it?
Only Anonymouse knows for sure . . .

This clever tale mixes street art, animals and gorgeous illustrations to create a meditation on how art can uplift any creature's spirit -- human or animal -- when it speaks directly to them. Every page of Anna Pirolli's stunning artwork is its own masterpiece with its bold pops of colour and sly humor, elevating Vikki VanSickle's subtle but evocative text.

A great story about street art and the ways it can help us see the beauty of an urban landscape. Classrooms can use this book in lesson planning and have children come up with their own ways to see the playground or school structures different.

#SundayReview: The Aquanaut

Sunday Review

The Aquanaut

by Jill Heinerth

Tundra Books

Written by an award-winning aquanaut and with art by a #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator, this inspiring picture book encourages readers to explore their world, build their self-esteem and imagine what they can do and become when they grow up.

When I was young, the world seemed too dangerous. Everything was too hard. I was too young. Places were too far away. But that was okay because I had a big imagination . . .

Through beautiful, spare text, Jill Heinerth tells her story about a girl who feels too young, too little and too far away from her dreams. But you don't need to wait to grow up. It doesn't take much to imagine all the things you can do and be. What if your bedroom were a space station? What would it be like to have flippers or tusks? In your own home you can explore new worlds and meet new friends.

Jaime Kim's luminous art transports readers back and forth through time to see how Jill's imagination as a young girl laid the pathway to her accomplishments and experiences as an underwater explorer.

I love this story about how to use your imagination to overcome fears. The best part is that it is about the author as a child, showing the reader that they can also overcome their fears and follow their dreams. Amazing illustrations take us into the dark places of the ocean and show the beauty that lies beneath.

#SundayReview: Maya's Big Scene

Sunday Review

Maya's Big Scene

Isabelle Arsenault

Tundra Books

Maya's imagination sets the stage for her friends to act out her feminist play. Can she make room in her queendom for the will of the people? A funny picture book about leadership and fair play for fans of King Baby and Olivia.

Maya is a bossy, burgeoning playwright and loves to have the kids in her Mile End neighborhood bring her scenes to life. Her latest work, about a feminist revolution, is almost ready for public performance. But as her actors begin to express their costume preferences, Maya quickly learns that their visions may not match hers . . . and as both Director and Queen, Maya demands obedience and loyalty in her queendom of equality! But she soon realizes -- with the help of her friends and subjects -- that absolute bossiness corrupts absolutely!

What a great tale of community, leadership, and being humble. I loved the story of the strong-headed Maya, who took it upon herself to put on a neighbourhood play. But when things don't go exactly as planned she steps up and commands everyone to do what she says. This book opens up conversations with kids on freedom of speech, respect, and working together.

#SundayReview: Outside Art

Sunday Review

Outside Art

by Madeline Kloepper

Tundra Books

Join a curious pack of woodland animals as they try to understand what art is and create their own in this beautiful, playful picture book.

Pine Marten loves watching Human doing peculiar things in its log nest in the woods. One day, she notices Human putting colors on a board using a furry stick. Pine Marten learns from Chickadee that Human is actually "an artist" and is busy "making art." But what is art?

Soon all of the animals in the forest are wondering: why is Human doing this? Is it a warning? Is it looking for a mate? Is there any meaning at all? And if Human can make "art," why can't the animals do it too?

Outside Art is a gorgeous and gently humorous exploration of art, creativity and nature by up-and-coming author-illustrator Madeline Kloepper.

This book is a great way to introduce to kids both art appreciation and how to develop art from the natural work around us. I love how the animals each provided their outlook towards what the artist was creating, showing that there is room for multiple thoughts and opinions, yet were also able to work together and contribute something that they each felt was art from their own perspectives and abilities.

#NewRelease: Sometimes a Wall

New Release

Sometimes A Wall

by Dianne White

Owlkids Books

An afternoon in the playground introduces different kinds of walls: a brick wall to draw on with chalk, a water wall, and a climbing wall. What follows is a playful yet profound exploration of the many ways walls can divide us or bring us together. When one child is excluded from a game, another builds a castle to leave him out. When the builder declares the castle MINE, other kids feel alienated—but the builder becomes lonely, too, when the others have fun without him. The book ends with the optimism of a new start: friendship, forgiveness, and imagination give the wall new meaning.

Told with short, simple lines of playful, rhyming text and loose line illustrations by internationally known artist Barroux, this book sparks questions with empathy, insight, and charm. It’s a timely tool for inquiry-based and social-emotional learning, sharing the important message that walls can unite or divide, depending on the choices we make.

#SundayReview: Maurice and his Dictionary

Sunday Review

Maurice and His Dictionary

by Cary Fagan

Owlkids Books

This is the story of one refugee family’s harrowing journey, based on author Cary Fagan’s own family history. The graphic novel follows a young Jewish boy, Maurice, and his family as they flee their home in Belgium during the Second World War. They travel by train to Paris, through Spain to Portugal, and finally across the ocean to Jamaica, where they settle in an internment camp.

All the while, Maurice is intent on continuing his education and growing up to be a lawyer. He overcomes obstacles to find a professor to study with, works toward a high school diploma while in the camp, and is ultimately accepted to university in Canada. His English dictionary becomes a beloved tool and beacon of hope through the danger and turmoil of the family’s migration.

Moments of lightness and humor balance the darkness in this powerful story of one refugee family’s courage and resilience, and of the dictionary that came to represent their freedom.

What an amazing story about the author's father's family, fleeing the Nazi's multiple times until ending up in Jamaica. So much research went into this story, and it ends with some photos, including one of the MC's beloved dictionary. I learned things about the war that I didn't know before.

Well written with the perfect illustrations, this book is a must for all classrooms. Without showing the violence of WWII, the story keeps us on the edge of our seats hoping that Maurice's family gets away to safety.

#NewRelease: Snow Song

New Release

Snow Song

by A.K. Riley

Kids Can Press

An enchanting story told in rhythmic free verse of a young girl exploring the world on a wintry, snow-filled day. This beautiful picture book uses rhythmic and sensory free verse to tell the story of a young girl exploring the outdoors on a wintry day. Everywhere she goes, the snow fills her with wonder and delight. There are fine pearls of snow, a twirl of snow, a curl of snow. The sky unravels into snow, the pond lathers up with snow, the hills are knitted caps of snow. All she encounters is framed by the snow. It captivates her, swaddles her world, and makes everything snug --- from first light, to the darkness of bedtime. A. K. Riley has crafted an evocative and playful ode to the winter snow that perfectly captures the magic of a winter's day for a child. The verse alternates from slow to fast, deftly playing with pace and sure to keep readers engaged. Dawn Lo's fresh illustrations create a charming visual narrative of snow-filled scenes filled with joy. With a simultaneously classic and contemporary feel, this enchanting read-aloud is perfect for a winter-themed story time, a discussion of poetry, or a classroom unit on the seasons. It also touchingly explores ideas of how communities and friendships are enhanced through shared experiences.

What a wonderful story celebrating winter! Written in poetic prose, this is a great read for young and old lovers of picture books. It is nice to see a lyrical book written without forced rhyming -- Snow Song's text could definitely standalone. The illustrations pull us in even deeper with a beautiful display of winter walks, playtime, and even snowfall at night.

Thank you to NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

#SundayReview: AAAlligator!

Sunday Review

AAAlligator!

by Judith Henderson

Kids Can Press

When a hungry alligator moves to their town, the residents want him out . . . until they get to know him (and learn what he's actually hungry for!). A timely tale about empathy, acceptance and a community's response to injustice. Though he's scared at first, a boy who encounters an alligator in the woods soon realizes that all the alligator wants is companionship --- and leftovers --- and the two become good friends. But the mayor of the boy's town simply won't allow it. He even makes an official proclamation, “NO ALLIGATORS! Blah, blah, blah.” The townspeople agree with the mayor. At first. But once they see how kind and helpful the alligator is (and how nice it is to have someone to eat all their leftovers!), they decide the alligator should be allowed to stay. They help the alligator avoid the mayor, for a while. But it's becoming harder to find a place for him to hide. Can they all come together and find a way to keep the alligator in their town? Judith Henderson's funny, whimsical and heartwarming picture book tale offers a playful way to engage children with issues of injustice and civil disobedience. In this timely story, a boy and then an entire community move beyond their fear of the “other” and respond with acceptance; then they movingly take it a step further to make change. It highlights the positive character education attributes of empathy, kindness, caring and courage. Andrea Stegmaier's illustrations include loads of charming details that are not in the text, making them a perfect complement to the story's warm and quirky style. This is a terrific book for lessons on communities and social justice.

A timely tale about communities and how they are stronger together. I loved the compassion shown to the alligator and how it all started with a child, making this book relatable to children and showing them just how easily acceptance can develop with small acts of kindness.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

#SundayReview: Your House, My House

YOUR HOUSE, MY HOUSE

Written by Marianne Dubuc

Illustrated by Marianne Dubuc

Kids Can Press

This book was phenomenal. The sweet story of the day of rabbit's birthday unfolds as fox's baby brother arrives, the mouse triplets cause havoc, poor bear recovers from a cold, and so much more! My 8-year old read to me, while we explored the eight apartments watching each tenant's day unfold. An absolute treat for the imagination - I cannot wait for this book to come out. 

Thank you to Kids Can Press and NetGalley for providing this book for free for review.

It's a special day at 3 Maple Street. It's Little Rabbit's birthday! His mother makes him his favorite breakfast. His sister has drawn him a picture. And, best of all, he's having a birthday party! His friends are invited, his father is decorating, and his mother is baking a cake. But that's not the only thing going on at 3 Maple Street today. The Cat family is moving in upstairs ... the Fox family is having a new baby ... Mr. Owl is trying to sleep ... there's so much happening inside (and outside) this lively building, it's hard to keep track!

This multilayered picture book from international award-winning Marianne Dubuc allows readers to peer into the homes of all the charming animal families in the building on every spread. Though there is one main story, captured in the text, there are multitudes of other stories-within-the-story, told in visual narratives. Dubuc's winsome one-of-a-kind illustrations include heaps of clever details for children to pore over, promising something new to discover with every look and encouraging visual literacy in readers and prereaders. There are terrific social studies connections here on the concepts of community, inclusiveness and belonging.

#NewRelease: Heart Sister*

 

New Release

Heart Sister

by Michael F. Stewart

Orca Book Publishers

A story about loss, and the twin brother who is determined to find a way to help his family move on. Heart Sister kept me eager to find out if Emmitt's plan to reach out to all of his deceased sister's organ recipients would pan out. Creative and filled with adventure, this is a story that kept me turning the pages all night until I reached the end.

#SundayReview: Barry Squires, Full Tilt

 

Sunday Review

Barry Squires, Full Tilt

Heather Smith

I LOVED this book. Barry made me laugh and cringe on more than one occasion with this direct attitude and quick wit. There were moments I heard hints of Joel Thomas Hynes with his snappy underground characters, and hope to see Barry hit a number of award categories for the same reasons we need to see more books of kids from supportive yet low income households. And though I laughed my way through the majority of the story, I was hit hard by the last 10% and found myself in tears. Well done Heather Smith! I can't wait for your next book.

#NewRelease: Slaughterhouse-Five (Graphic Novel)

Happy Book Birthday!

Slaughterhouse-Five

(Graphic Novel)

by Ryan North; Kurt Vonnegut

Archaia

The first-ever graphic novel adaptation of Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse-Five, an American classic, is one of the world’s great anti-war books. 

An American classic and one of the world’s seminal antiwar books, Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse-Five is faithfully presented in graphic novel form for the first time from Eisner Award-winning writer Ryan North (How to Invent Everything: A Survival Guide for the Stranded Time Traveler) and Eisner Award-nominated artist Albert Monteys (Universe!). 
 
Listen: Billy Pilgrim has...
...read Kilgore Trout
...opened a successful optometry business
...built a loving family
...witnessed the firebombing of Dresden
...traveled to the planet Tralfamadore
...met Kurt Vonnegut
...come unstuck in time.
 
Billy Pilgrim’s journey is at once a farcical look at the horror and tragedy of war where children are placed on the frontlines and die (so it goes), and a moving examination of what it means to be fallibly human. 

#SundayReview: The King of Jam Sandwiches

Sunday Review

The King of Jam Sandwiches

by Eric Walters

Orca Book Publishers

Thirteen-year-old Robbie leads a double life. It's just Robbie and his dad, but no one knows that his dad isn't like most parents. Sometimes he wakes Robbie up in the middle of the night to talk about dying. Sometimes he just leaves without telling Robbie where he’s going. Once when Robbie was younger, he was gone for more than a week. Robbie was terrified of being left alone but even more scared of telling anyone in case he was put into foster care. No one can know. Until one day when Robbie has to show the tough new girl, Harmony, around school. Their first meeting ends horribly and she punches Robbie in the face. But eventually they come to realize that they have a lot more in common than they thought. Can Robbie's new friend be trusted to keep his secret?

Robbie is a strong character, driven by his plan to graduate and leave his father behind when he attends university, even though he's only 13 years old. This touching tale reminds me of Free Lunch by Rex Ogle, only it has a much different spin -- rather than deal with hunger, Robbie deals with surviving - and he does so by sticking to a plan and not taking risks. And when he reluctantly is drawn into Harmony's world, he stays on task and gets through the tough times, realizing that Robbie in the present is just as important as the future-Robbie he has planned for.

#NewRelease: My Day with Gong Gong

Happy Birthday!

My Day with Gong Gong

by Sennah Yee

Annick Press

A day in Chinatown takes an unexpected turn when a bored little girl makes a connection with her grandpa.
 

May isn't having fun on her trip through Chinatown with her grandfather. Gong Gong doesn't speak much English, and May can't understand Chinese. She's hungry, and bored with Gong Gong's errands. Plus, it seems like Gong Gong's friends are making fun of her! But just when May can’t take any more, Gong Gong surprises her with a gift that reveals he’s been paying more attention than she thought.
 

With lighthearted, expressive illustrations by Elaine Chen, this charming debut expertly captures life in the cityand shows how small, shared moments of patience and care—and a dumpling or two—can help a child and grandparent bridge the generational and cultural gaps between them.
 

A glossary at the end of the book features translations of the Chinese words from the story into Chinese characters and English.

I love stories for children that involve the bond they have with a grandparent. In this story we not only learn about this bond, but also witness the culture differences that now divide May and her grandfather, and how these differences can easily be bridged when we take time to learn them. Timely and touching, My Day with Gong Gong is a great addition to picture books.

#SundayReview: I Do Not Like Stories

Sunday Review

I Do Not Like Stories

by Andrew Larsen

Owlkids Books

Here is a boy who is sure of one thing: he does NOT like stories. Not stories about waking up in the morning, or people in space, or fish in the sea, or planes, or trains, or boring old buildings.

We see the boy’s experiences play out over the course of his day. The one thing this contrarian boy loves is his cat—whose day is depicted through graphic panels in a funny, parallel side narrative. The cheerful cat searches for the boy all day, chasing anything yellow, the colour of the boy’s bright backpack, and causing mess and mayhem throughout the city. In the end, the boy concedes he might like a story—if it’s the right one (do you know any stories about a cat?).

Art in a muted palette is accented with pops of yellow in this charming book about how the stories we tell ourselves have the power to shape our days. The visual details support literacy skills, add humor, and are sure to engage young readers—even those who are sure they don’t like stories.

What a great story. I read it twice in a row I enjoyed it so much. With few words so much is said, a boy who doesn't like stories, a struggling reader. So many kids struggle with reading, and we need more books that support this. The illustrations add so much, as we get to follow his cat throughout the day on a number of adventures, but also, his mother is missing and I can't help but wonder if he once loved many things before she left?

Thank you to NetGalley for a free copy for my honest review.

#NewRelease News: This is Your Brain on Stereotypes & In The Dark

New Release News #1

This is Your Brain on Stereotypes

by Tanya Lloyd Kyi

Kids Can Press

An essential overview of the science behind stereotypes: from why our brains form them to how recognizing them can help us be less biased. From the time we're babies, our brains constantly sort and label the world around us --- a skill that's crucial for our survival. But, as adolescents are all too aware, there's a tremendous downside: when we do this to groups of people it can cause great harm. Here's a comprehensive introduction to the science behind stereotypes that will help young people make sense of why we classify people, and how we can change our thinking. It covers the history of identifying stereotypes, secret biases in our brains, and how stereotypes affect our sense of self. Most importantly, it covers current research into how science can help us overcome our biases, offering hope for a future where stereotypes are less prevalent and the world is more fair for everyone. Written by award-winning author Tanya Lloyd Kyi, this timely and hopeful book addresses the issues of discrimination, racism, sexism, ableism and homophobia and offers concrete suggestions on how to make change. It uses scientific inquiry and loads of relatable and interesting examples to explore these uncomfortable topics in age-appropriate and engaging ways. Chapters, sidebars and colorful illustrations break the text into manageable chunks. Besides the many ways this book could be used to inspire frank and in-depth discussions on the importance of addressing stereotypes and bias, it also links to many science and social studies curriculum topics. Backmatter includes an extensive list of sources, suggestions for further reading and an index.

New Release News #2

In The Dark

by Lisa Deresti Betik

Kids Can Press

Ever wonder what happens when you go to sleep at night? Discover all that's still going on in the world after dark, in this intriguing, fact-packed introduction to the science of night.

What happens when we go to sleep at night? Now young readers can find out, in this entertaining exploration of the science of night. Nocturnal animals are hunting for food. Plants are using math (!) to conserve their overnight energy. Celestial objects only visible after dark are shining brightly in the night sky. Even our own bodies and brains are still working to keep us healthy! Amazing as it is, the world doesn't stop just because we've closed our eyes.

Lisa Deresti Betik has created a fun, engaging and fact-packed introduction to the science of what happens in the world after dark. Children will be delighted to find the answers to questions such as: Why do we dream? How do bats use echolocation? What blooms in the moonlight? Why do stars twinkle? Thoroughly researched and vetted by several experts, this book covers multiple STEM topics, leading to tons of direct curriculum links in earth science, life science and physical science. The comprehensive, wide-ranging approach allows for loads of fun facts that will appeal to children. Josh Holinaty's stylish illustrations create a striking nighttime look with a limited, dark color palette. The text is supported by a glossary, an index and suggested sources for further reading.