The Spell of a Story by Mariajo Ilustrago
The Spell of a Story by Mariano Ilustrajo is a delightful children’s book about discovering the joys of reading. I love the little magical swirls around some books, and others with characters peeking out. Too cute, even if I do not share this child’s initial dislike of books. It’s so sweet that her mom picked what had been her own childhood favourite to share. I wonder how many people can recall what their own favourite childhood book was, especially those my age 😬🤣 The first I can recall is Leo the Lop from Serendipity Books. Highly recommended!
***Many thanks to Netgalley & Quarto/Francis Lincoln for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Colossal Words for Kids by Colette Hiller
Colossal Words for Kids by Colette Miller is a delightful collection to improve the vocabulary of eager young minds. Each word is defined using rhyme, and is accompanied by charming artwork, to help lock in the definition. The poetry reminded me a great deal of Shel Silverstein. Not gonna lie, all I can ever think of in relation to ‘acquiesce’ is Barbossa’s quote in Pirates of the Caribbean – “I am disinclined to acquiesce to your request. Means no.”
Some words include: discombobulated, fettle, non sequitur, and scintillating. I do wish pronunciation guides had been provided for each word. Some- like hyperbole- can be easy to guess wrong with the pronunciation, and as this is a book of words and definitions, wouldn’t be out of place.
Perfect for classroom learning or for the budding wordsmiths in your life.
***Many thanks to Netgalley & Quarto Publishing/ Frances Lincoln for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Extreme Weather for Kids by Matthew Cappucci, Illus. by Stephanie Hathaway
Extreme Weather for Kids by Matthew Cappucci is a richly informative read regarding weather phenomena. Chapters include one on predicting weather and one on storm dynamics, then chapters on different types of extreme weather like hurricanes and tornadoes, along with some on space weather, light phenomena, and climate patterns and change. Throughout there are activities to help illustrate some of the concepts discussed, like creating a cloud in a jar or making a rainbow. There are also asides that discuss the author’s storm-chasing. My cubs and I enjoyed it, though I was disappointed that the pandemic effects on climate weren’t discussed in the climate change section. That seems a very clear illustration of human created changes and how that enforced lack of emissions had started to improve things. An excellent addition to classroom science learning, and for all the budding meteorologists out there.
***Many thanks to Netgalley & Quarto Publishing/ Quarry for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
The Secret Life of Bugs by Moira Butterfield & Vivian Mineker
Through delightful prose and poetry, accompanied by gorgeous art, Luna the Ladybug introduces young readers to the magical world of insects in The Secret Life of Bugs by Moira Butterfield & Vivian Mineker. Interspersed throughout are 5 myths from around the world featuring different bugs, along with nifty insect trivia.
First up are ladybugs, of course! I had no idea they created pupae (though I’m not sure why I’m surprised). Bug habitats, bug anatomy and adaptations, night-time insects, bug builders, swimmers, sound makers, the biggest and smallest of the insect world, and those that are particularly gruesome (like mantises) are all covered. My cubs and I enjoyed reading this! Our favourite folktale was the one from Brasil, where the beetle gets it’s shiny carapace in a race of the fastest, similar to the hare and tortoise fable. Highly recommended for classroom learning or as the perfect gift for a budding entomologist!
***Many thanks to Netgalley & Quarto/Happy Yak for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This Book Will Make You an Artist by Ruth Millington
A neat introduction to art history for kids. Very encouraging to create and allow yourself to make mistakes. Kids get an introduction to all manner of artists and art styles, from our ancient ancestors painting on cave walls to self-portraiture like Artemisia Gentileschi to the wax creations of Emily Kame Kngwarreye. Each section also teaches how to recreate (with modern tools) the art styles explored. This would be a marvellous addition to any elementary/primary school art classroom, or as the perfect gift for a budding artist.
***Sidenote- I applaud the fact that Moses Williams’ enslaver was called just that- not owner, not master. Enslaver.
***Many thanks to Netgalley & Nosy Crow for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Ancient Ice by Golriz Golkar
With gorgeous pictures and simple sentences, Golkar’s Ancient Ice teaches kids about glaciers and the role they play in the environment and what they can teach us about the past. It looks at the role humanity is playing in the gradual disappearance of these beautiful giants of the natural realm. Highly recommended for teaching kids about climate change, and especially for those already interested in glaciers or climate studies.
***Many thanks to Netgalley & Capstone Press for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Sunny Bunnies: My Book of Feelings by Carine LaForest
Sunny Bunnies: My Book of Feelings by Carine LaForest is a delightful little book that provides young readers with an introduction to emotions. Replete with charming illustrations, the Sunny Bunnies guide kids through an exploration of several common feelings, each with a ‘discussion question’ about when the reader feels each emotion, leading to an understanding of triggers. At the end there are a few meditation exercises to help kids learn to process emotions and let them move through. Recommended for helping youngsters learn to process emotions safely, without demonising dense emotion like anger, turning it to something shameful.
***Many thanks to Netgalley & Chouette Publishing for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
