3 stars While playing in the snow, Olivia and Mei explore distance and units of measurement as they try to figure out who jumps more. A nice way of introducing concepts related to measurement. I like that the story recognizes that “more” can mean different things depending on what you are measuring. While the pair…
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3 stars A cute board book for learning about patterns. Olivia is decorating a birdhouse and starts painting a stripe pattern. But then she makes a mistake. How will she fix it? A sweet story that nicely showcases patterns. Cute illustrations. The backmatter includes activities for further pattern exploration. A nice simple way of introducing…
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Illustrated by Nao Kodaka Translated by Kathy Schilling 3 stars The second volume takes Kilala under the sea. She and Rei are separated and she must journey through the ocean with the help of some new friends to find him. Another fun fast-paced adventure. Adorable artwork. I’m really enjoying getting new storylines with Disney princesses…
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Story by Mizuki Tsujimura Illustrated by Tomo Taketomi Translated by Jacqueline Fung 4 stars Another fascinating volume. Within the castle, Kokoro finds relief from the anxiety and pressure she feels in the outside world through connecting with the other students. But as summer begins, tensions rise and they realize they all have their own secrets….
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Illustrated by Nao Kodaka Translated by Kathy Schilling 3 stars An adorable little adventure featuring some classic Disney princesses. Kilala dreams of being a princess, finding her true love, and living happily ever after. But in the meantime, she’s happy to support her friend Erica in the Princess Contest. That is until a strange boy…
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4 stars A beautiful story celebrating self-acceptance, friendship, family, and open communication. When Indu was young, he was found alone on the moon. Since then he’s lived happily with his adoptive mother on a spaceship. Now Indu is moving to New Earth to live with his mother and new stepfamily. That means Indu will have…
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by Nagabe Translated by Adrienne Beck 5 stars Fantastic. Absolutely fantastic. Haunting artwork. Fascinating backstory. Did not want to stop reading. After the failed ceremony, Shiva remains locked away in the Inside where she is visited by a mysterious stranger who reveals some of the Inside’s history. The bulk of this volume follows the king…
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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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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 Coma Hashii Translated by Jocelyne Allen 3.5 stars I have really loved this series, but I’m conflicted on the last volume. There are so many wonderful characters in this series and I have really enjoyed getting to know them and watching them grow. The ending was so sweet. I love how things wrap…
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