I Am Happy! by Michael Rosen

Illustrated by Robert Starling 3 stars A short and sweet book about being happy. Follow an enthusiastic puppy through their day, doing things that making them happy. Cute representation of how contagious happiness can be as more friends join in along the way. This is the first I’ve read of Michael Rosen’s I Am series….

Read More

Mazie’s Amazing Machines by Sheryl Haft

Illustrated by Jeremy Holmes 3 stars A fun, high-energy story about the power of engineering, creative thinking, and problem solving. Mazie loves using engineering to help solve her family’s problems. But when she encounters a problem that seems too big to handle on her own, her family puts their heads together to engineer a solution….

Read More

Rez Dogs by Joseph Bruchac

3 stars A sweet novel-in-verse about family, perseverance, and the bond between a girl and her dog. Malian is visiting her grandparents on a Wabanaki reservation when the COVID-19 shelter in place order is enacted. Together with Malsum, the mysterious rez dog who adopted her, and her grandparent’s stories, Malian finds the strength to overcome…

Read More

The Christmas Swap by Talia Samuels

4 stars I was pleasantly surprised by this one. I’m not much of fan of fake dating stories, but this one managed to do it without being creepy and added a nice twist. After a rough breakup with her toxic ex-girlfriend, Margot just wants a nice holiday. She gets her chance when Ben invites her…

Read More

Rainbow Brite, Vol. 1 by Jeremy Whitley

Art by Brittney Williams, Xenia Pamfil, and Christine Hipp 4 stars When I saw Jeremy Whitley was coming out with a new Rainbow Brite story, I was so excited. This volume did not disappoint. Best friends, Wisp and Willow, bring big adventure to their small town with their amazing imaginations. But when Wisp has a…

Read More

The Enchantress Returns (The Land of Stories #2) (Audiobook)

by Chris Colfer 3 stars Another fun dive into the Land of Stories. Alex and Conner are back in the real world after their first adventure in their father’s homeland. This comes with its own ups and downs, including a new dog, getting used to school again, and their mother’s changing relationship with her coworker,…

Read More

Pearl of the Sea

by Anthony Silverston, Raffaella Delle Donne, and Willem Samuel 4 stars A heartwarming story of friendship, family, forgiveness, and moving forward. With the looming threat of not making rent and having to move away from the sea, Pearl gives in to the temptation of illegal abalone poaching. But during her dives, she makes a strange…

Read More

Grandad’s Pride by Harry Woodgate (Grandad’s Camper #2)

5 stars One of the sweetest picture books I’ve ever read. When Milly discovers her Grandad’s Pride flag in the attic, she comes up with a plan to bring the Pride celebration to his small seaside town. The townspeople band together to create a celebration of love, diversity, and being yourself. A delightful read. Beautiful…

Read More

The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich by Deya Muniz

5 stars Warning: this book comes with all the feels and will make you seriously crave a grilled cheese sandwich every time you pick it up. I’ve read so many great books this year, but this one is my absolute favorite so far! A delightful blend of humor, cheese puns, general quirkiness, and romance. Such…

Read More

Storyteller Skye: Teaching from My Ojibway Grandfather

by Lindsay Christina King Illustrated by Carolyn Frank 5 stars Such a wonderful read! At the start, we are introduced to Skye, who shares stories from her grandfather about the natural world. They explain the origins of animal characteristics such as raccoon’s black mask, beaver’s large teeth, and rabbit’s long ears. Each story ends with…

Read More