Illustrated by Karensac 5 stars A wonderful follow-up to Aster’s adventures in book one. This volume includes new perils, some familiar characters, and tons of adventure. As with the first book, this one is broken into two interconnected tales, each with magic, danger, and Aster’s quick-thinking. Karensac’s artwork is spectacular. Loved seeing new character designs…
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Illustrated by Emily Gravett 3 stars Dealing with her own chronic illness and feelings of inadequacy, Lily is not looking forward to the addition of a new baby in the house. But when she returns home to find a mom who is not quite her mother and a dad who is not quite her father,…
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Illustrated by Vashti Harrison 4 stars A stunning picture book about two siblings preparing for Holi. The story goes through the basics of how they prepare for the holiday, including making colorful powders. Then they gather with their neighbors, friends, and family, and the fun begins. Beautiful illustrations that bring the story to life. Nice…
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5 stars A breathtaking novel-in-verse. Kwame Alexander’s historical fiction novel tells the story of Kofi, an Asante boy on the verge of his initiation into manhood. Though he nears this milestone, there are secrets his elders still keep from him. I loved the emphasis on Kofi’s life in the Asante Kingdom, the various ways readers…
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Also published under the title I Can Catch a Monster 4 stars A delightful adventure that takes the reader through the Frightful Forest, the Sea of Secrets, and the Peaks of Peril in search of monsters. Bo wants to go on a monster hunt, but her brothers tell her she is too little. She sets…
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by Hamish Steele 5 stars Another perfect volume from Hamish Steele. Action-packed with a whirlwind of character development. Following the aftermath of the destruction of Dead End, the characters mostly split up and have their own adventures. Barney and Logs find out happily-ever-after has a few road bumps, Norma works to control her new ghost…
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5 stars An absolutely beautiful story, both visually and in its content, that explores loss, memory, and time spent together. Gentle and slow, this lovely book celebrates the connection between grandmother and granddaughter, passing on stories and making new memories. Poetic wordplay and soft, rounded illustrations make for a soothing reading experience. The artwork is…
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Illustrated by Shelly Hehenberger 3 stars A great holiday read. Kayla loves Kwanzaa, but this year a snowstorm stops her brother from coming home for the holiday. The celebration feels different without Khari, but Kayla finds ways to celebrate with her family even when they can’t be together. The book goes through this different days…
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Illustrated by Charlene Chua 3 stars A lovely rhyming picture book highlighting the different ways of celebrating Diwali. In the story, the family prepares and celebrates by hanging mango leaf buntings, creating rangoli, singing hymns, telling stories, feasting, and joining together with their community. The artwork is stunning. Beautiful use of color. It really captures…
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Illustrated by Shane W. Evans 4 stars A sweet picture book celebrating Kwanzaa. Li’l Rabbit’s Granna is sick and his family is too busy taking care of her to put together their Karamu feast. Li’l Rabbit sets out to find a special Zawadi for her and ends up making an extra special Kwanzaa for them…
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