Soar

by Tracy Edward Wymer

age range: 8 to 12 years old

Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing

Eddie inherited his dad's passion for birds, and he also learned from him all there is to know about that feathered creatures. His dad was so lucky he once got to see the Golden Eagle, although the location and the time of the year were very unlikely for the eagle to appear. That's why nobody but Eddie ever believed him. Dad never gave up trying to see such magnificent bird again, and that's why now that he has "flew away", it's up to Eddie to see it again. Eddie is planning to win the blue ribbon in the Science Symposium doing a project about the Golden Eagle, and this despite the fact Mouton, the school bully, is his partner in the project, and Mr. Dover, his Science teacher, was Dad's birding rival.

There are many interesting things is the story I would like to mention: the hard time Lisa, Eddie's mom, is having to keep things going as normal as possible after become a widower; the changes happening in Eddie because of his age, how at some moments he is a defiant teenager with a crush on a girl new in town, while in others he is still a boy wearing a ninja costume; Gabriella's efforts for making this new place her home; Mouton's struggles, and the amazing things he is able to do but hides from everyone, showing himself only as a bully; how we get to know Dad through the rest of the character's voices; how even we as readers doubt about the Golden Eagle's existence, but Eddie never doubts. He is a sweet character feeling lonely after his dad passed away, and trying to keep him close waiting for the Golden Eagle to appear again.The text is engaging, funny, and a little emotional at some points. Besides a great story, I can envision this book awaking kids' interest in knowing more about birds, what is a great plus. I'm glad I crossed paths with this author.

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

The toad

by Elise Gravel

age range: 4 to 6 years old

Tundra Books

The toad is part of the Disgusting critters Series. It is a non-fiction picture book about all you want to know about toads: how are they related to frogs, where they live and what they eat, the different kind of toads that exist, what are those bumps in their skin, tadpoles, and more. It also brings to the reader attention the fact that toads are useful for we human since they eat pests, and the fact that pollution is putting their existence at risk. 

This is the first book in the series we have read, and we really enjoyed it. It is not easy to find non-fiction picture books addressed to this age range, which are not boring or too difficult. In this case the text is accessible, with clear and concise facts shown in a funny way. The illustrations are a great accompaniment without distracting the attention from the text.

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

Counting with barefoot critters

text and illustrations by Teagan White

age range: 3 to 6 years old

Tundra books

Some activities, like a quiet reading, is perfect for one barefoot critter. Cooking pancakes is great for a pair. But a race is better with five, and nine is the best number to play in the fort. And what about when crossing the dark spooky forest? Better if the whole dozen of them is there, so there is nothing to be scared of!

Counting with barefoot critters is a counting book in beautiful rhymed prose and full of cute illustrations. At the beginning for the book there is a amazing map to follow the critters adventures. It is a great option for a read aloud time. I'm interested in read a previous book in this series, Adventures with barefoot critters, which plays with the letters and seasons.

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

The Poo Poo Fairy

by Mary Harper Dick

illustrated by Joseph Cowman

age range: 2 to 5 years old

This is the story of how Paulina became a poo poo fairy after failing in other fairy fields such as take care of lost teeth, or help kids to fall sleep on Christmas Eve, or the challenging Godmothering. When Paulina meets a boy struggling with the use of the toilet, she discovers her skill for making things go smoothly with potty training.

The story is funny, and Paulina is a gorgeous character. I'm not sure it's accurate to call this book a "resource" to potty training, since Paulina's methods are never reveled during the story to the kids. I guess it would help to low the kid's stress to know a fairy is overseeing him/her to make sure everything goes fine, like many other fairies are used. There is a letter to the parents at the beginning of the books with ideas, suggestions, etc. to survive that stressing moment. That said, it is a amusing book, with incredible good illustrations, and it might be used as a trigger to introduce potty training to beginners. I got the box set which comes with a beautiful stuffed Paulina doll to accompany while waiting for "something to happen".

Visit Paulina: www.poopoofairy.com

I received this book from the author via Bostick Communications in exchange for an honest review.

What would it be like?

by McArthur Krishna

illustrated by Ayeshe Sadr & Ishaan Dasgupta

age range: 6 to 10 years old

Amberjack Publishing

An adventurous, creative and determined girl once wondered "What would it be like... to be a cowgirl? What about an astronaut? A  Physicist? Or a spy?" So she went to the library to find out, and there she learned about adventurous, creative and determined women like Sarah Day O'Connor, Mae Carol Jemison, Marie Curie, and Virginia Hall.

More than ten women are portrayed in the book, accompanied by wonderful illustrations in bright colors. At the end of the book there is a very short biography for each one, to learn more about who they were and what they did. I liked the fact that "moms" where included in the list of great things women can chose to do, since it is an bold occupation too. Girls are also encouraged to be themselves, and make faithful choices everyday.

I don't think this is a book only for girls. I'm sure it would be also positive for boys to know about the wonderful things these women did, and women in general can do. I think not only girls have to be encouraged to accomplish their dreams, but boys should be taught that expecting women being capable of doing great things is something as natural as expecting the same from men.

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

Similar title you might be interested in: Seven brave women

High in the Sky

by Kathleen Gauer

illustrated by Sari Richter

age range: 5 to 8 years old

Some times the world seems too small for this boy... He then hops on his tire swing, and dreams of different places. After a few swings he is in a jungle in Africa, or in a rocket ship. Or maybe skating on ice, or riding a surf board, or even in a roller coaster. Everything is possible.

High in the Sky is a celebration of dreams written in verse. The text flows smoothly, and contains a good amount of vocabulary, but it is easy to understand at the same time. The illustrations are pretty, in watercolor which adds to the "dreamy" atmosphere of the book. Beautiful option for reading aloud. 

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Thorfinn and the Gruesome Games

Thorfinn the nicest viking Series

by Davidd MacPhail

illustrated by Richard Morgan

age range: 8 to 12 years old

Floris Books

Thornfinn is a viking in the viking village of Indgar. Although he is the chief's son, everybody thinks there is something wrong with Thorfinn. He is nice, polite, and well mannered. He have earned himself the name of "Thorfinn the Very-very-nice-indeed". His behavior is absolutely unacceptable for a viking.

When the time for the International Gruesome Games comes, and all the competitors from Indgar happen to be incapable for the competition, it is up to Thorfinn to win and bring Sword-Blunter, the ceremonial shield, back to the village. The shield is meant to be with Whirlwind, the ceremonial sword, which was lost in previous games  to Magnus, chief of a neighboring village.  But would be Thorfinn able to fight all these ruthless barbarians?

Thorfinn and the Gruesome Game is an amusing middle grade novel about how being nice and amicable is always a win. The characters are enjoyable. Velda, the energetic girl who wants to help bring Thorfinn's inner fury out, is just unforgettable. The illustrations are funny, and a great complement to the story. I see great potential in this series. 

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