Plastic Soup

by Judith Koppens & Andy Engel

illustrations by Nynke Mare Talsma

age range: 4+ years old

Clavis Publishing

A group of friends are super excited about a beach day, but they get very disappointed when plastic grocery bags start getting tangled in their bodies when they go for a swim. When they look around they see that there is not only plastic bags, but bottles, plastic containers, and more. Hedgehog has read about it. All the plastic we throw away ends in the oceans. They have an idea. They don't want to throw away all the plastic bags they have brought to the beach. They decide to make kites with them.

I liked this story. It is true that it is simple compared with the complex plastic problem we have, but this is a picture book for little kids, and I think that the first step of feeling we can do something is essential. At the end there is also a plan/suggestion to paint your own cotton bag to use it for groceries, and never again use the plastic ones again. A nice and purposeful summer activity.
The illustrations are also cute, colorful. I kind of feel like going to the ocean. :)

I received this book from Clavis Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

All Along the River

by Magnus Weightman

age range: 3+, but any age really

Clavis Publishing

The journey starts high up in the mountain, where the river is born from the glacier in it. A little bunny lost his toy duck in the river, and with the help of his brothers he sails to find it. All along the river. Each page is a section of the river they sail chasing the duck. Each page is a world to discover, full of details, characters, and stories. The landscape changes and the activities the characters are engaged in change with it. Of course one of the best parts it's finding duck in every page, which sometimes is trickier than others. The illustrations are delightful, and a joy to spend time examining.


I received this book from Clavis Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Wolfie & Fly

by Cary Fagan

illustrations by Zoe Si

age range: 7 to 10 years old

Tundra Books

Renata Wolfman likes only facts, to wear every day the same kind of clothes, and above all to spend time by herself. This is why she is called Wolfie at school. She doesn't have friends, and she does not understand why she would want to have one. Having friends requires "cooperation", "compromise", and "respecting other people's opinions", and Renata is perfectly fine with her own opinions. One afternoon, while building a huge submarine with a fridge box, Renata hears a desperate knock in the door, and when she opens it Livingston Flott is there, asking to go inside right away, since he is running away from his brother. Livingston is not only her neighbor. He also attends the same school as Renata, where he is called Fly for annoying people buzzing.  Renata expects Livinsgton to leave quickly, but when he sees her submarine, there is no way to make him go. Renata is not sure how but a few moments later they are both inside the submarine, packed with food supplies, traveling underwater. And to Renata's surprise... she is actually enjoying it!

Splendid beginning for a series! Renata is so lovable in her own way, and Livingston is such a cute character. The text is uncomplicated and full of humor. I loved all the imaginations involved in their adventure. The illustrations are a great complement to the story. I am already looking forward to more Wolfie and Fly's adventures.

I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The year of the garden

by Andrea Cheng

illustrated by Patrice Barton

age range: 6 to 9 years old

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

The year of the garden is a prequel to The year of the book and the Anna Wang Series. In this novel Anna meets Laura who, like her, has just moved into the neighborhood. They like each other right away, but sometimes it is not that easy to be friends. Even being the same age and prospect of attending the same school at the end of the summer is not always enough. They like to do different things, and have different personalities. Sometimes the different cultural background plays its part too. But they learn to focus in what they have in common, and the importance to know more about each other to better understand their interests, fears and dreams. Making a garden and saving a little bunny prove to be amazing plans to do together. 

This short novel was a pleasure to read. The story is sweet, with lovely characters. It not only is funny, but it has simple facts about seeds, flowers, soil, bunnies, Chinese food and festivities, soccer, and specially friendship, and how some difficulties don't mean it is impossible. Friendship is something we build while growing in the process. And it's worth it. There are many cute illustrations along the pages, which make the layout of the book beautiful. Looking forward to read the rest of the series!

I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Harry and Clare's amazing staycation

by Ted Staunton

illustrated by Mika Song

age range: 4 to 7 years old

Tundra Books

Harry and Clare are staying home this spring break, and to make things worse the weather is not helping. They don't seem to care, though. They do an expedition to Mars, and also a cars race. They play pirates, and school, and circus, and jungle. Everything would be perfect if Clare wasn't the only one making the rules, and, what it is worse, if she wouldn't manage to always eat both their snacks... Harry has a plan, and when he gets to hoard some supplies of "asteroid burgers" and "volcano sticks" in this pockets, things start to change.

The story made me laugh out loud. Harry and Clare are very funny, and it is impossible not to relate with their little conflicts. At the same time they manage to solve them in a friendly way. These siblings are so imaginative and creative, and the illustrations accompany so perfectly their games.
In the overall it was a great reading, amusing, enjoyable and sweet. Adorable characters, and lovely pics. It is also very appropriate, since we are just starting a freezing staycation here...

I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Miles McHale, tattletale.

by Christianne Jones

Elina Ellis

age range: 4 to 8 years old

Capstone

Miles McHale is a great boy. He is funny, and smart, but he has a big problem, he is a tattletale. He tattled all day long, and even during night. At school he wasn't the only tattletale, but he was definitively the worst. So one day Mrs. Snitcher decides to start the Tattletale Battle, whith the pledge "If a friend is sick, hurt, on in harm's way, then telling someone is OK". The team with fewest number of tattles at the end of the week gets extra recess. Miles is not doing really well. He is trying hard, but sometimes it is difficult to know if he was tattling or not. By the end of the week his team is loosing, and his friends don't want to talk to him. Then is when he decides it. No more tattling. Ever.

Poor Miles had to learn the difference between tattling and telling the hard way. The story shows in funny and exaggerated examples why tattling is so annoying and also useless. At the same time, deciding to never tell anything again is wrong. Sometimes someone might need our help, and it is necessary to tell an adult what is going on. It can be difficult in some occasions to know if that would be tattling or telling, but as any other social skill, it can be learned and improved. I immediately fell in love with the colorful illustrations, that look fluffy and so expressive. I would say this is a wonderful picture book who focuses in enhance social health in kids, something important to better fit in a community, and enjoy the social experience. 

I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Very Christmas

by Simone Mets

cover illustration Jana Pivkova

age range: 5 years old and up

What a wonderful Christmas Story! 

This is the blurb from the book's webpage:

"When Santa’s workshop is destroyed by a ferocious storm, even the richest man in the world is stumped for a way to save Christmas.  Just when everyone seems to give up all hope, the unstumpable Ava Buttons, together with her friends, discover a way to make Christmas wishes come true.  Motivated by a desire to help others, Ava converts even her naughtiest friend, Rowdy Meyers, from an enthusiastic getter to a champion giver."  

It is a fact. Santa workshop is destroyed, all the presents are lost, and all the "Dear Santa" letters returned to the senders. Not even the richest man in the city with all his money can fix this. Christmas is not coming this year. 

Ava and her friends are incredibly sad. There must be something they can do to save Christmas. But what? Reading the returned letters, Ava realized that she can fulfill one of the wishes giving one of her toys. What if each of them do the same? Would they be able to fulfill all the wishes? They can at least try. The outcome is exceptional. The pile of presents is huge, but more important the good feeling of give to other is gigantic. So gigantic it also reaches Rowdy, the most self-interested kid at school. 

Focused in how it is more important and comforting to give than receive, this story is funny and heartwarming. It left you smiling and hopeful. It is also funny, with lovely characters, and an interesting layout. All of this without giving away Santa's identity secret. 

As you can see the cover is beautiful. This is not exactly a picture book, but more of a short story. Although there are some small illustration, these are particularly details, not full page pictures. I decide to label it for kids 5 years old and up thinking in the amount of text, and specially the amount of time it needs to be read, that probably it is too much for a toddler. 

Great story! Give it a try. 

I received this copy from the author through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 

I am a lot of sometimes!

A growing-up story of identity.

by Jack Guinan

illustrated by Lars Rudebjer

age range: 3 to 5 years old

Red Chair Press

We are not always the same way. Sometimes we are big, and sometimes we are small. Sometimes we are strong, and sometimes we are weak. Sometimes we are shy, and sometimes we are loud. That's why we are a lot of sometimes. All those sometimes is who we are. 

The text of this story is really playful, and it is easy for the kids to recognize themselves in the different situations the character goes through along the way. It also keeps the door open to add many other things the kids feel they sometimes are, but that are not in the book. In the way it is written, the book becomes plastic, workable to introduce examples of how the reader feels. I would say the best thing about I am a lot of sometimes is how easy it is to make it your own. The funny and cute illustrations perfectly fit the story. 

I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Agnes and Clarabelle

by Adele Griffin and Courtney Sheinmel

illustrations by Sara Palacios

age range: 5 to 7 years old

Bloomsbury

Agnes and Clarabelle are best friends, and that means everything es better when they are together. This is the soul of this inspiring book. Many sweet stories talk about Agnes and Clarabelle friendship.  A surprise party for Clarabelle, that Clarabelle helps to organize too. Agnes' fear of the beach, and how her friend is there to support her and accommodate the plan so everybody has a good time. Agnes' turn of being supportive comes when Clarabelle feels frightened of getting lost in a huge store. And what makes a perfect pizza? Is not the chestnut and chocolate chips toppings, but the joy of making it together.

This short novel for early readers is divide in four chapter/stories called after the seasons that can be read independently. Agnes and Clarabelle are lovely characters, and their stories will make you smile. They remind me in some way the old Little Bear books, where the focus is put on the good things we can do and experience together. Agnes and Clarabelle have this kids of purity and blessedness. The illustrations are gorgeous. Look at that cover! Colorful and uncomplicated. Bright and with texture. I felt like jumping into the book! Thankfully the stories are thoroughly illustrated. Wonderful option for reading aloud at bedtime, or for independent readers.

I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Dreaming of Mocha

by An Swerts

illustrations by Eline Van Lindenhuizen

age range: 4 years old and up

Clavis Books

Florence wants a dog so bad... Any dog. It doesn't matter if it is fat, or thin. Quite or wild. Florence would love to have a dog to play and take care of. Mom and dad don't think it is a good idea, so Florence dreams of finding a homeless dog. And the way sometimes happens, her dreams come true. One afternoon a sloppy dog appears in her own garden! His name is Mocha, and it is love at first sight...
At first Florence tries to hide Mocha in her bedroom, but mom finds out in no time. After that she boycotts her parents' posters in search for Mocha's owner. She changes the phone number, and even draws eyeglasses and a mustache in Mocha's picture in order to disguise him. But despite all her efforts Leon appears one day at Florence's door looking for his dog, and he is nothing like her imagined he would be. He is not a despicable person who frightens Mocha away. He is actually a sweet old man happy to find his dog, and Mocha evidently loves him. What is Florence suppose to do now?

Loving story which crushes your heart, but finally leaves you with a big smile in your face. Florence is like any other kid, and her feelings are the main theme in this book. She goes from hopeful to happy, and from nervous to sad, and even confused and guilty.
The illustrations are gorgeous, with an ideal balance between white and color, and focused in all those feelings and in Florence and Mocha relationship. Dreaming of Mocha is a book made for read and reread. 

I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Grandma's face tells her story

by Elaine McKay

illustrated by Lynne Bendoly

age range: 3 to 5 years old

eTreasures Publishing

At bedtime, while Grandma sings a lullaby, all the girl is really interested in is the story her face tells. Grandma has spectacular dark brown eyes, and freckles in her chin. And also two little dimples in her cheeks, and a twitchy nose. She even can move her eyebrows separately! All of this tells about when grandma laughs, sneeze, whistle and frowns. 

This is such a sweet story! The girl not only observes her grandma's facial expression marks, she loves them because they tell who her grandma is. Grandma is the referee in family soccer games, because she is very good at whistling through the gap between her front teeth. Grandma puffs her cheeks at the dentist to help the girl feel relaxed. Grandma's face is the best bedtime story. 

I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Gertrude and Toby save the Gingerbread Man

#2 in the Gertrude and Toby Series

by Shari Tharp

illustrated by Jim Heath

age range: 5 to 7 years old

Atlas Publishing

Gertrude the goat, and Toby the turtle are best friend. In this second book in the series they try to help the Gingerbread Man, who is being kept in a cage by a giant who lives up in an also giant vine. They count with the help of a flying carpet, and also Hansel and Gretel. 

This book is very humorous with that kind of humor that includes as much ingenuity as absurdity. The presence of so many characters from fairy tales gives it an air of surreal too. Addressed to kids who are leveling up from the "early readers" step, the story would work great ether if it is read by or to the kid. Since I read an ARC copy, many of the illustrations were still in the sketch stage, but all of them, finished and unfinished, look really funny, with expressive characters and only the necessary details. 

I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The case of maker mischief

#2 in the West Meadows Detectives

by Liam O'Donnell

illustrated by Aurélie Grand

age range: 7 to 10 years old

Owlkids Books

Myron is a detective third grader, and Hajrah is his partner. In this second book in the series they are trying to find out who stole Robson, a robot built by their classmates, Jordan and "Glitch", for the Maker Faire Robot Maze Challenge. So far this sounds like an good mystery like many other mysteries for this age range. So, what makes this book different? 

The West Meadows Detectives series is told in first person by Myron, who happens to be in the autistic spectrum. The reader will notice from the very first pages how this is mirrored in the writing style, which is focused in the facts, without unnecessary descriptions, or needless extra words. Myron also express in many opportunities along the story how he feels about the situations in his everyday life, like noisy places, unexpected changes in the routine, or how sometimes his brain feels overloaded by the world around him. And at the same time how much he loves logic facts, and his ability to find and process clues. At the same time Hajrah happens to be hyper-energetic, with difficulties to sit or stay still, but also a great sense of how to help Myron when he feels overwhelmed by a situation. And Myron and Hajrah are not the only ones, since they are part of a neuro diverse group at the West Meadows School. The readers will also meet Sarah "Smasher" McGintley, who is a female bully bulling boys, something also uncommon to find in children's novels.

These nontraditional characters already make the story more than worthy. Now add a pinch of science, robots, coding, and challenges. Serve with black & white enjoyable pictures, that also complement the story showing the characters' body language and actions. And there you are.  A wonderful book I recommend you to try. I will keep a close eye on this series myself.

I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Move it, Miss Macintosh!

by Peggy Robbins Janousky

art by Meghan Lands

age range: 4 to 6 years old

Annick Press

There are many common worries on the first day of kindergarten: what if nobody likes me? What if I can't find my classroom? What if I can't open my lunch box? Even phrases like "school is not for me" and "I'm not going" are totally normal. But what if all this thoughts are coming from Miss Macintosh, the kindergarten teacher?

This book bring the "everyone's new in kindergarten" idea a little farther making the reader laugh about all this worries. I think is a great story to share with anxious future kindergartners, and even a perfect read aloud read on the first day of school as an ice breaker. Along the way the readers also meet the principal, the school bus driver, the lunch lady and many other special teachers, who in some funny way let everyone know all the amazing things that are awaiting at school. And before Miss Macintosh could even realize it, she is already loving kindergarten!

I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Blog Tour: Max at night

 

Reviews in Chalk is hosting today the Max at Night Blog Tour. I reviewed this book by Ed Vere for the first time nearly 5 months ago, and it is still a favorite bedtime story. It is so calming! I hope you give it a try and enjoy it too!

text and illustrations by Ed Vere

age range: 3 and up

Sourcebooks Jabberwocky

Max is just a sweet, little cat who wants to say good night to Moon before going to sleep. But Moon is nowhere to be seen. Max goes outside, climbs trees, buildings, and more. He asks the night, the hill and the rooftops where Moon is. Finally the wind blows the clouds away, and the night turns bright and beautiful with a big, wonderful moon. And Max is so sleepy...

This story is really cute, and Max is an adorable character. The slow pace, and the repetitiveness of the text makes it an ideal bedtime story. The illustrations are simple, but lovely, colorful enough without being bright, as I think a bedtime story needs to be.

Although the book is recommended for kids 3 years old and up, I would say younger readers will enjoy it too. My 19 months old son loved it.

I'll hug you more

by Laura Duksta

illustrations by Melissa Iwai

age range: 2 to 5 years old

Sourcebooks / Jabberwocky

There are so many opportunities during the day for a good hug! When the days starts, when we read a book, to say hello and to say goodbye, to say thank you and good night. And tomorrow we can find ever more opportunities for more hugs.

Flip sided book full of beautiful illustrations you feel like touching, and calming rhymed text. Ideal for a bedtime story, right before a huge hug. 

I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Dojo surprise

text and illustrations by Chris Tougas

age range: 2 to 5 years old

Owlkids Books

How do you prepare a surprise birthday party for a Master Ninja? He is SO aware, using his ears and eyes! The little ninja girls and boys tiptoe, hide, scurry, until everything is ready. Nothing is missing: cake, candles, music and the gift. 

This is not a quite story, on the contrary, it is very interactive. Kids have along the book many opportunities to scream "Aaah!" when the Master Ninja gets scared. Funny, noisy, and with lovable characters. Be prepared to read it lots of times. 

I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Maxwell the monkey barber

by Cale Atkinson

age range: 3 to 6 years old

Owlkids Books

Maxwell the monkey barber is ready to give you a trim or a chop, or even to help you solve your baldness problem. And he is always gentle and says "your hair's the best I've seen today".

Rhymed text and colorful pictures tell the funny story of a bunch of lovable characters and their curls, manes and mustaches. Great option for a read aloud time

I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The bear who wasn't there

And the fabulous forest.

by Oren Lavie

illustrated by Wolf Erlbruch

age range: 5 to 10 years old

Black Sheep/ Akashic Books

What a fantastic read! It all starts with a medium size Itch that scratches itself against a tree, and the more it scratches the more it grows, and it is covered with fur until it looks like a bear. A bear who wasn't there, but now it is. The bear was all alone and wondered if he was the first or the last one, he wanted to know if he was he. And so starts Bear's journey to discover if he is he, Some other characters will join the adventure, like Convenience Cow and Lazy Lizard, and of course Penultimate Penguin and Taxi Turtle.

The story is deep and philosophical in a disguised way. Bear looks to answer questions like who we are, how we recognize ourselves, and how happy we are with who we truly are. The dialogues, as funny as absurd, reminded me of my beloved Alice in Wonderland. Erlbruch is a talented artist, and this is so far my favorite work by him. When I knew this ARC was coming my way, for some reason I thought it was an e-copy, hence my surprise when I received this beautiful high quality hard copy, full of amazing illustrations. 5 stars.

I received this book from the publisher via LibraryThing in exchange of an honest review.

Rafi's red racing car

Explaining suicide and grief to young children.

by Louise Moir

age range: up to 8 years old

Jessica Kingsley Publishers

It is impossible for Rafi to understand why his dad became so ill in his head, and his thoughts so sad that he decided to end his life. His dad used to be so happy, and loved to play racing cars with Rafi. The red car was always the winner. Red was daddy and Rafi's favorite color. Rafi is angry, and he wants to break his toys, and sometimes he is mean with his friends. He is also scared. Is mom also going to get ill? 

One day Rafi starts visiting Ellie in a special room at school. Ellie helps him feel better. She understands how Rafi feels, and explains to him that what happened is not his fault. Slowly Rafi starts to enjoy playing with his friends again, and also going to school. He loves his mom, and understands that although it is normal to be sad sometimes, everything is starting to feel right again. 

Wonderful book to help young kids to understand something it is so hard to understand, even for us adults. It is a sad story, but at the same time is hopeful and wishful. The illustrations tell the story as much as the text. Rafi feelings are so well shown in them! At the end of the book there is a guide to "Help Children heal" rich in information and suggestions to know how to support young kids who are going through this devastating situation.

As I have mentioned before, it is great to see more picture books concerned with mental health topics, such as Not Today, Celeste! and Everywhere and all around. 

I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.