BOOK REVIEWS
READ THE LATEST REVIEW HIGHLIGHTS!
QUICK LOOK AT SOME OF OUR MOST RECENT REVIEWS (UPDATED 2/26/2020)
Animal Families (Sophy Henn):
Little Cub Literacy: “[A]n early introduction to the differences in families! The bright colors and sweet drawings add to the feel-good sentiment of the story!”
Hotel Flamingo (Alex Milway):
Pennsylvania School Librarians Association Literature Review: “This charming story is perfect for beginning chapter book readers who will no doubt appreciate both the heart and humor present throughout the plot. As the hotel staff work to restore Hotel Flamingo, characteristics such as teamwork, cooperation, and ingenuity are woven into the storyline. What really elevates this title is the inclusion of illustrations (drawn by the author) that help to bring the animals and their unique characteristics to life.”
How Big Is Our Baby? / Say Hello to Baby (Smriti Prasadam-Halls, Britta Teckentrup):
Little Cub Literacy: “Honestly, these are essentially “What to Expect When You’re Expecting” for the youngest among us! And I’m 100% here for it! Especially with the gorgeous illustrations from Britta Teckentrup!”
Lights-Out, Leonard (Josh Pyke, Chris Nixon):
Meridian Magazine, "Newton's Book News: Cozy Books for Bedtime with Little Ones":
"This should help any youngster afraid of the dark at night."
Mind Your Manners (Nicola Edwards, Feronia Parker Thomas):
Little Cub Literacy: In this adorably illustrated book, audiences see how much better everyone’s quality of life is when we are all patient and understanding of one another. ... This is a great one to use at the beginning of the school year or any time you see your littles getting a little too rambunctious!"
The Perfect Shelter (Clare Helen Welsh, Åsa Gilland):
The Horn Book: “This reassuring work provides comfort to a young child struggling to understand a serious illness, and is a testament that the close bonds between siblings can withstand even the worst storms.”
Pennsylvania School Librarians Association Literature Review: "The illustrations are absolutely beautiful. THOUGHTS: I loved how the ending of this book doesn’t promise a happy ending, merely that the family will just be together. This book could be a great conversation starter... The family is drawn as being interracial, which I also loved that representation."
Pink Lion (Jane Porter):
Little Cub Literacy: "I love the art style and bright color palette in this one. ... The story itself is a great discussion starter-you can talk about bullying, belonging, self-doubt, families, and more. The biggest takeaway for littles is to be yourself, regardless of how different you might seem to others."
Soon (Libby Gleeson, Jedda Robaard):
Little Cub Literacy: “Its appeal is the simplicity: the warm, muted colors and the exciting knowledge that soon things will change, but not just yet. This simplicity makes it great for the littlest of readers becoming big brothers or sisters!”
The Tale of the Valiant Ninja Frog (Alastair Chisholm, Jez Tuya):
Library Mom Books: “[P]acked with kid appeal and has become a new bedtime favorite for our family. … With its action-packed illustrations, comical storyline, and message that size doesn’t matter when you have the heart of a hero, this one is pure fun!”
Little Cub Literacy: “[A]n early introduction to the differences in families! The bright colors and sweet drawings add to the feel-good sentiment of the story!”
Hotel Flamingo (Alex Milway):
Pennsylvania School Librarians Association Literature Review: “This charming story is perfect for beginning chapter book readers who will no doubt appreciate both the heart and humor present throughout the plot. As the hotel staff work to restore Hotel Flamingo, characteristics such as teamwork, cooperation, and ingenuity are woven into the storyline. What really elevates this title is the inclusion of illustrations (drawn by the author) that help to bring the animals and their unique characteristics to life.”
How Big Is Our Baby? / Say Hello to Baby (Smriti Prasadam-Halls, Britta Teckentrup):
Little Cub Literacy: “Honestly, these are essentially “What to Expect When You’re Expecting” for the youngest among us! And I’m 100% here for it! Especially with the gorgeous illustrations from Britta Teckentrup!”
Lights-Out, Leonard (Josh Pyke, Chris Nixon):
Meridian Magazine, "Newton's Book News: Cozy Books for Bedtime with Little Ones":
"This should help any youngster afraid of the dark at night."
Mind Your Manners (Nicola Edwards, Feronia Parker Thomas):
Little Cub Literacy: In this adorably illustrated book, audiences see how much better everyone’s quality of life is when we are all patient and understanding of one another. ... This is a great one to use at the beginning of the school year or any time you see your littles getting a little too rambunctious!"
The Perfect Shelter (Clare Helen Welsh, Åsa Gilland):
The Horn Book: “This reassuring work provides comfort to a young child struggling to understand a serious illness, and is a testament that the close bonds between siblings can withstand even the worst storms.”
Pennsylvania School Librarians Association Literature Review: "The illustrations are absolutely beautiful. THOUGHTS: I loved how the ending of this book doesn’t promise a happy ending, merely that the family will just be together. This book could be a great conversation starter... The family is drawn as being interracial, which I also loved that representation."
Pink Lion (Jane Porter):
Little Cub Literacy: "I love the art style and bright color palette in this one. ... The story itself is a great discussion starter-you can talk about bullying, belonging, self-doubt, families, and more. The biggest takeaway for littles is to be yourself, regardless of how different you might seem to others."
Soon (Libby Gleeson, Jedda Robaard):
Little Cub Literacy: “Its appeal is the simplicity: the warm, muted colors and the exciting knowledge that soon things will change, but not just yet. This simplicity makes it great for the littlest of readers becoming big brothers or sisters!”
The Tale of the Valiant Ninja Frog (Alastair Chisholm, Jez Tuya):
Library Mom Books: “[P]acked with kid appeal and has become a new bedtime favorite for our family. … With its action-packed illustrations, comical storyline, and message that size doesn’t matter when you have the heart of a hero, this one is pure fun!”
To read full reviews of any of the listed titles, please contact us directly.