4 stars This is the second book in the Zoey and Sassafras series. The book starts out with a short prologue basically explaining the concept of the series. Because of this, the first book does not necessarily have to be read in order to enjoy this one, however it is helpful in understanding the events…
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3 stars A good follow up to the first book. This one starts off right where the last one ended. I was glad to see new characters and situations in this one. It is a completely new adventure while continuing elements and themes found in the previous book. While there are some explanations of what…
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4 stars An interesting read filled with magic, adventure, and elements of Haitian folklore. As Baptiste points out in her Author’s note, in comparison to European fairy tales, there are not a lot of Haitian folklore and jumbie fairy tales in mainstream literature. It’s great to see this series start to fill that gap. The…
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Illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton 5 stars An absolutely stunning book about the first day of kindergarten. I really liked the emphasis on confidence and enjoying the experience. Understandably many children’s books on this topic focus on the more negative aspects of fear, worry, and anxiety. This was a fresh perspective of tackling the day as…
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5 stars A fantastic read, start to finish. I didn’t really know what to expect going in to this, but I am always interested in fairy tale retellings. This one has the unique premise of telling the “real” story of Hansel and Gretel by reworking multiple Grimm stories such as “Faithful Johannes”, “The Seven Ravens”,…
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5 stars I loved this book. The writing was perfect. From the first page, I was instantly caught up in the narration. It was so casual and friendly. Even though the plot was not very complex, I was never bored or in a hurry to finish a section. I also thought the pacing was very…
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Illustrated by Shahrzad Maydani 4 stars A lovely story about making new friends and sharing a love of poetry. This is a gorgeous book. The illustrations are calm and soothing, the narration is splendid, and the story itself is heartwarming. I especially loved all the little callouts to famous poets. A delightful way to learn…
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4 stars Okay, after reading so many negative reviews for this book, I’m going to start with a warning. Despite the cutesy art-style, this is not a book meant for children. I got a copy from the library and there is a big old YA sticker on it, but it appears that some people were…
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Illustrated by David Roberts 4 stars Fun blend of humor, whimsy, and problem solving. I really enjoyed the rhythmic narration and smooth rhyme scheme. Nice examples of ingenuity, creative problem solving, and doing what you love. Also has nice messages about not putting down other’s interests because of your own opinions and being open to…
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Illustrated by David Roberts 4 stars An adorable picture book about a young scientist who never stops asking questions. Obviously I loved the focus on a girl interested in a STEM field, but I also kind of liked that she’s a bit of a trouble maker. She definitely makes mistakes and gets a bit caught…
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