4 stars A lovely mythical version of “Over in the Meadow” that incorporates counting and magical creatures into a soothing rhyme. Magical read from a twin writing duo. The book also includes a scavenger hunt feature for added engagement. Readers are challenged to find the griffin on each page as they traverse the Woodland to…
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4 stars Weird and wonderful. Exactly what I’ve come to expect from Tan. As always, he creates a fascinating world, filled with mystery and wonder. Through mistakes, fights, and reconciliation, follow two boys through their adventures. Each page has its own story, depicting an event in one remarkable summer. From parades and parties to undercover…
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3 stars A picture book telling the story of Ivan, how a gorilla became a shopping center attraction and the public’s changing understanding of animals in captivity. The book goes through some of the main events of Ivan’s story, including some dark times. It touches on various aspects of human treatment of wild animals and…
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3 stars A heartwarming story of family, quality time, and always coming back. When Jyoti feels out of place visiting family in India, her grandmother is quick to step in to share with, teach, and comfort her. Jyoti mirrors this experience when her grandmother visits, finding the commonality within the unfamiliar. Despite language and cultural…
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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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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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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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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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5 stars A stunning book that celebrates black identity and culture. Lyrical and rhythmic, this picture book has wonderful layers that readers can build upon. References to black history, literature, and music are woven into the each line. Works wonderfully for entertainment, inspiration, and education. At the back of the book is additional information that…
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3 stars A sweet, modern twist on Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer, featuring a unicorn from the woods who attends school with other unicorns for the first time. Featuring a delightful cast of magical friends, including a fatherly troll and supportive goblin, fairy, cat, and minotaur, Haddish presents an engaging world. Though there’s plenty of…
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