3 stars Context-wise, I think it’s helpful to read the Epilogue before the actual book. When I first started reading, I was a bit confused on the format and it helped to understand what the book was and how it came about. This book is a compilation of Renee and Herta’s recountings originally told for…
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4 stars A heartfelt tale of friendship, community, and a bit of wonder. Red the wishtree has a lot to offer: shade, homes for animals, and a place for wishes. But perhaps their most important contribution is one not directly evident. Through their story, they promote acceptance, understanding, and sympathy. A sweet tale about different…
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4 stars This book is absolutely hilarious. A perfect in-between read to My Big Fat Zombie Goldfish and The Last Kids on Earth. Fantastic humor, quick pace, engaging story that’s easy to dive into. Set in a fairy-tale world and featuring a cast of magical creatures, the story has plenty of action and humor, with some nice morals…
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3 stars I’ll start by saying I’m not usually a huge fan of realistic, middle-grade graphic novels and did not initially realize this was a memoir. Overall, I thought the story was okay. There is plenty readers can relate to: parental divorce, fighting with siblings, new friendships, school drama, growing need for independence, friends moving…
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4 stars A gorgeous book to immerse yourself in. Beautiful artwork, a captivating story, and wonderful lessons and messages. Reminiscent of Kay O’Neill‘s The Tea Dragon Society. Gentle fantasy with fantastic artwork. This book is so much more than pretty pictures and Xu accomplishes a lot with a relatively simple story. Sophie’s insecurity is easy to relate…
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3 stars I have loved seeing the recent flood of materials about Ada Lovelace and was excited to find a picture book among them. Hers is a fascinating story. The combination of creativity and original thinking with an interest in math and science makes for some truly remarkable accomplishments. I really enjoy learning more about…
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4 stars A fascinating non-fiction picture book about the life and work of Margaret Lowman, aka “Canopy Meg”. The book gives an overview of her childhood, education, scientific discoveries, and conservation work all while providing interesting facts about the rainforest and animals/plants that live there and quotes from Canopy Meg herself. The illustrations are beautiful,…
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3 stars A cute story that shows how friendship transcends personality type. Peter and Ernesto are two very different sloths. Ernesto is curious and wants to find adventure. Peter is more reserved, but also kind and brave when someone needs help. The two sloths go on their own journeys and learn a lot along the…
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5 stars An absolutely fantastic read. Right from the start, the story begins with a powerful basis. One that is sadly relatable for many in America. When presented with an assignment to “trace your roots” and draw the flag of her ancestral land, the narrator is unable to do so. She goes to her grandmother…
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4 stars An allegorical tale of Greta Thunberg’s activism and how she’s inspired others to stand up to demand change. The use of talking animals and literal giants helps make this engaging for young children while sticking to its message of environmentalism. Though the characters are small compared to the giants, when they come together…
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