BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL
APPEALS TO: SOME
When Sun Rises is a touching story of how the four seasons bless our lives. The awakening of nature in spring, the warmth of summer, the beauty of autumn and the hopeful feelings of winter bring families together.
The illustrations are very detailed and help tell the story. It was confusing the first time, through. For those of us who do not speak a foreign language (Spanish in this instance) it was a little difficult to remember the meaning of words. This would be a great book for those learning to speak Spanish or understand some Spanish traditions. Teachers could use this book in a unit on seasons or helping to teach a second language.
This book uses Mexican concepts and adds Spanish words in the text.
Reviewer: SL
BUYING ADVISORY: GIFT - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: MANY
Bestselling Little People, BIG DREAMS series has created a fun, family oriented Go Fish card game that for children to enjoy. Families/ classrooms can Celebrate history’s heroes and discover new role models as they play. Simply collect and match illustrated cards featuring 36 inspirational figures and gather them into sets, including scientists, sports stars, activists, performers, and writers. The game comes in a sturdy board box with instructions and variations on how to play the game. The illustrated manual gives detailed information about each of the famous role models.
Although not a book, this is a fun and very educational card game. Learning about famous role models such as Louis Pasteur, Mozart, Jesse Owens and Harriet Tubman can bring hours of family/classroom fun and learning.
This multicultural game celebrates history’s heroes.
Reviewer: SL
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL
APPEALS TO: MANY
With Mom by my side, I feel safe and strong. Using our imagination, we sail a ship around the garden. We take a rocket into space and have picnics on the moon. My mom can fix anything! We paint pictures, we dance, we jump, and we sing!
In this beautifully illustrated picture book, a heartwarming story of a sweet relationship between mother and daughter is explored. This would be the perfect book to give as a gift. This book could be used by teachers in a unit about families. I love that this book focuses on the mother/ child bond whether biological or adoptive mothers.
Reviewer: SL
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL
APPEALS TO: MANY
When a big brother meets his little sister for the first time; the love is immediate! Yet waiting for her to do more than sleep, cry, drink, and repeat is frustrating Once his little sister is old enough, the adventures begin! The two are inseparable. They watch clouds, play hide-and-seek, discover, and dance. As they grow and eventually need to go their separate ways, the brother reminds her that he will always love her (trust me, I do!) and she can always count on him.
This is a heartwarming tale of just how deep a sibling bond can grow. Sewankambo gives us a perfect rendition of the emotional ebb and flow of sibling relationships. Most of the time things are wonderful and loving, yet there will be times of discontent. The illustrations are fun and exciting. The warmth of the colors draw the reader into each page.
Reviewer: SL
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL
APPEALS TO: MANY
Harold the bear loves fall days. He loves the changing leaves and he loves spending time with his friends the crows. Harold is saddened at the shortening of the days and the approach of winter. Harold DOES NOT want to hibernate. He wants to play and explore. Harold is very concerned that his friends will forget him if he sleeps the winter away. In this adorable picture book, friendship is explored and a tender ending will leave the reader wanting more Harold the Bear Story Series.
The illustrations are amazing! Harold's emotions are displayed perfectly. The colors are soft yet inviting. With a splash of bright colors, the pages draw the reader in. We loved the tender ending and how friendship is defined and explored.
Reviewer: SL
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: MANY
When two friends stumble upon a giant parsnip, their curiosity and their imaginations take off! Can they turn the parsnip into a car? What about a rocket? Finally it is decided to make a giant pot of parsnip soup. The work, and then the counting, begins. The final page offers a fun surprise that readers won't expect for the first time through this heartwarming book of friendship, hard work, and quality time spent together.
We love the illustrations in this fun counting book. The mix of a friendship theme, an imaginative task, and a fun counting book makes this a picture book that stands apart from most. Imaginative and educational, this book will become a favorite of many.
Reviewer: SL
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
Lulu, an adorable bulldog, desperately wants to be a Rhino. Lulu's skin is wrong, her tail is wrong, but maybe if the perfect horn can be obtained, Lulu will finally become what she desires most. An ice cream cone? No- too cold. A sock? No- too floppy. But then Lulu finds exactly what she's looking for. Through trail and error, Lulu finally becomes what she desires most.
Lulu is a Rhinoceros conveys gentle messages for young readers about diversity, tolerance, self-expression, radical acceptance, and interdependence. We enjoyed this sweet story of acceptance and finding one's true identity. This picture book will be a great asset to teachers and parents alike. The words, "Yes! I am Lulu, I'm a Rhinoceros!" can be used as a springboard for many discussions with little ones.
Reviewer: SL
