Myths and Legends of Africa by Scott A. Leonard

4 stars A nice introduction to African myths and legends. There are 11 stories included in total that range from 1 to 4 pages. Photographs of various elements associated with the story are paired with each. I especially liked that the book isn’t just a collection of stories with no context. After each story, there…

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The Dog that Ate the World by Sandra Dieckmann

4 stars Another stunning picture book from Dieckmann. When a dog arrives in the peaceful valley and begins eating everything in sight, the other animals try to confront him. But when their efforts are in vain, they band together to create beauty in their own world. This fable-style story has a lovely emphasis on community…

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Dragon Noodle Party: A Story of Chinese Zodiac Animals

by Ying Chang Compestine Illustrated by Paula Pang 4 stars A sweet story about the animals of the Chinese zodiac preparing for a party. While the book is simple, it is a pleasure to read, especially for a young audience. The illustrations are delightful. Works well for discussing the Chinese zodiac, various animals, action labels,…

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Aster and the Mixed-Up Magic (Aster, #2) by Thom Pico

Illustrated by Karensac 5 stars A wonderful follow-up to Aster’s adventures in book one. This volume includes new perils, some familiar characters, and tons of adventure. As with the first book, this one is broken into two interconnected tales, each with magic, danger, and Aster’s quick-thinking. Karensac’s artwork is spectacular. Loved seeing new character designs…

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The Big Worry Day: A Book About Conquering Fear

by K. A. Reynolds Illustrated by Chloe Dominique 4 stars A sweet story about facing anxiety, including different ways of staying calm such as yoga, deep breathing, and sharing your fears. Loved the connection between Bea and her human friend. The presentation really captures the relationship between a child and her dog. Delightful and warm…

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Deadendia: The Watcher’s Test (Deadendia #1)

by Hamish Steele 5 stars A fantastic adventure featuring demon-possessed pugs, ghost collectors, spells gone awry, a celebrity-themed amusement park, and a cast of unforgettable characters. A little bit of romance, some mystery, and a whole lot of creepiness make for a very fun reading experience. I’ll admit, I watched the Netflix adaptation first. While…

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Aster and the Accidental Magic (Aster #1) by Thom Pico

Illustrated by Karensac 5 stars A fantastic adventure with some serious Hildafolk vibes and a charm all its own. As a sort of inverse to Hilda, the sassy and sarcastic Aster moves from the city to what she sees as the boring wilderness with nothing to do. However, this wilderness is not all it seems. As Aster…

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Emi Isn’t Scared of Monsters by Alina Tysoe

5 stars An absolutely adorable picture book from the creator of What’s Up, Beanie?: Acutely Relatable Comics. What a fun read. Perfect for reading aloud. Emi isn’t scared of monsters. In fact, she’s setting a trap to catch one. But when her beloved pup, Cookie, doesn’t follow the plan, her bravery is tested as she ventures…

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The Bad Guys: Episode 1 by Aaron Blabey

3 stars An exciting adventure featuring a misunderstood wolf, his attempts to turn around the reputation of carnivores from land and sea, and the mayhem that ensues along the way. I enjoyed the twist on the gray area between “good” and “bad” and the theme of carnivores being misunderstood. Similar style to picture books like Misunderstood…

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