Tag: childrens books

The Cardboard Kingdom (The Cardboard Kingdom #1) by Chad Sell, Jay Fuller, David Demeo, Katie Schenkel, Manuel Betancourt, Molly Muldoon, Vid Alliger, Cloud Jacobs, Michael Cole, Barbara Perez Marquez, & Kris Moore
Jun 17

The Cardboard Kingdom (The Cardboard Kingdom #1) by Chad Sell, Jay Fuller, David Demeo, Katie Schenkel, Manuel Betancourt, Molly Muldoon, Vid Alliger, Cloud Jacobs, Michael Cole, Barbara Perez Marquez, & Kris Moore

4 stars Ten authors pair up with Chad Sell to create interconnected stories from the world of the Cardboard Kingdom. Sell does the artwork throughout, giving it consistency while letting the characters and authors shine. Reality and fantasy converge as the neighborhood kids play their way through summer, making new connections and learning lessons along…

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Bad Island by Doug TenNapel
Jun 4

Bad Island by Doug TenNapel

3 stars TenNapel’s world building never disappoints. In this case it’s an island with strange plants, a mysterious origin, and an overabundance of creatures that want to kill you. This may go down as the worst family vacation ever, but at least it brought them closer in the end. Danger, adventure, humor, and fast-paced fun….

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Bharatanatyam in Ballet Shoes by Mahak Jain, Illustrated by Anu Chouhan
Jun 4

Bharatanatyam in Ballet Shoes by Mahak Jain, Illustrated by Anu Chouhan

4 stars A delightful picture book that tackles some unique themes. Throughout the story Paro has some big feelings including anxiety about not fitting in or being good enough and feeling conflicted about her dance interests. The ending was spectacular, demonstrating the beauty of two seemingly-conflicting styles coming together, their intersection, and the strength of…

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All You Need by Howard Schwartz, Illustrated by Jasu Hu
Jun 1

All You Need by Howard Schwartz, Illustrated by Jasu Hu

4 stars A delightfully simple story that lists what humans need in splendid poetic style. Through the illustrations, the reader watches a life unfold. Jasu Hu pulls from her own life story and depicts her artistic journey, celebrating homecoming, happiness, and the cyclical nature of love and life. Though it is simple, it is beautiful….

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What Will My Story Be? by Nidhi Chanani
Jun 1

What Will My Story Be? by Nidhi Chanani

4 stars A beautifully-crafted tale of the power of sharing stories. Chanani’s book celebrates creativity, imagination, inspiration, and the wisdom passed down through stories. It basks in the potential of words and lets their stories blossom and unfold. The main character both learns from the past and looks into the future to create her own…

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I Am Thinking My Life by Allysun Atwater, Illustrated by Stevie Lewis
Jun 1

I Am Thinking My Life by Allysun Atwater, Illustrated by Stevie Lewis

3 stars A sweet picture book about the power of thinking. The illustrations in this book are phenomenal! I easily got lost in the fantastical details and wonder on each page. They are beautiful and engaging. Loved the whimsical world colliding with reality. Personally, I just couldn’t quite get behind the entire message. It promotes…

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Small Spaces (Small Spaces #1) by Katherine Arden
May 31

Small Spaces (Small Spaces #1) by Katherine Arden

5 stars A delightfully spooky tale featuring a mysterious book, a class field trip to a farm, and an unexpected villain. Perfect for young readers looking for an engaging story that is thrillingly creepy. No gore or intense violence. This one uses unsettling elements to scare the reader. There’s an ominous vibe throughout the book…

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