Illustrated by Erica J. Chen 4 stars A delightful and humorous story about finding balance between social and alone time. Jasper the introverted Sasquatch is looking for a hobby. He thinks turnip gardening will be a great way to keep busy. What he doesn’t anticipate is the battle against the group of deer that wants…
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Illustrated by Cornelia Li 5 stars A gorgeous retelling of the story of Chang’e and how she became the moon goddess. The story focuses on Chang’e’s courage, kindness, and love of the Earth, and her relationship with her husband, Hou Yi. Well-told. The book wonderfully presents the tale’s action, romance, and lessons of kindness, selflessness,…
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Illustrated by Brenda Rodriguez 3 stars Loved the messaging. The book showcases all the colors in your life, from the colors you choose (clothing, favorite colors) to the colors that are part of you (skin, eyes). I initially enjoyed the rhythm, rhyme, and repetition, but they aren’t consistent. This had so much potential to be…
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Illustrated by Diane and Leo Dillon 5 stars A fantastic collection of poetry. Covering topics such as music, death, play, siblings, and history, the poems are paired with expressive illustrations. A perfect balance of joy and relatable issues that are relevant to young readers. I started listing some of my favorites, but honestly each poem…
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Original Concept by Hiro Arikawa Translated by Kinami Watabe 4 stars Another fantastic volume. Picks up right where the last one left off with the resolution of the kidnapping of Commander Inamine and Iku. Plenty of action as well as some insight into the characters. In this one we get to meet Iku’s parents and…
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Illustrated by Ebony Glenn 3 stars An adorable book celebrating the connection between cats and their humans. While the text tells you all about cat behavior, the illustrations show just how similar cats and children can be. Showcases all the things cats get up to from the sweet to the mischievous. Delightful rhymes. Sweet humor….
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Illustrated by Stephanie Laberis 5 stars Absolutely adorable. A fun retelling of Cinderella starring Cinderelliot, a talented baker who jumps at the chance to bake for the prince. Such a sweet book. Loved the baking-based humor. I also love that Cinderelliot was recognized for his baking talent. Cinderelliot got to showcase his baking while his…
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Illustrated by Manuela López 3 stars Emily likes to have everything a certain way and that includes the cupcakes she makes for the Mini Cupcake Club. Now the stakes are even higher when she and her friends get a commission to make cupcakes for the middle school dance. Will things go as perfectly as Emily…
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Illustrated by Markia Jenai 4 stars A nonfiction board books presenting the history of Juneteenth for young children. Includes important historical events such as the Civil War, the Emancipation Proclamation, and Juneteenth becoming a national holiday. Nice illustrations. Does include depictions of enslaved Africans in chains being taken on ships and enslaved people working in…
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3.5 stars Delightfully creepy. Sure to send a shiver down your spine. Maya’s class is given the task of writing winter-themed creepy stories. Seems simple enough. But then some seriously strange things start to happen. And Maya can’t shake that there’s something off about the new girl in her class. Are Maya and her friends…
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