Just One More Story by Perry Emerson
This sweet story for children ages 3-7 introduces readers to Pip and Bun, two bunny siblings who are very different when it comes to reading. A book about books, imagination, and play, perfect for encouraging striving readers.
Pip and Bun are two very different bunnies. Pip LOVES reading. Bun does not. “Books are SO boring!” Bun says. One day, Pip is happily reading her book while Bun impatiently waits to play with her. Then Bun stumbles upon a book filled with action and adventure. Could it be the perfect way for the little rabbit to learn to enjoy reading?
This sweet story about books, imagination, and play is an ideal choice for encouraging striving readers to enjoy reading books in their own way.
Review
Pip loves to read but her younger brother Bun isn’t as thrilled. Books are boring and you have to sit and be quiet forevvvvver. Bun wants to play but Pip’s got a plan to show him how much fun books can be. There are spies and pirates and parrots and swashbuckling and a penguin on a motorcycle! Writing can be just as much fun. But when Bun wants more than twelve bad guys in their story, Pip has had enough.
When I hear that people don’t like to read, it makes me sad and also makes me wonder what books they were forced to read. “Just One More Story” shows that there are lots of different ones and there’s a story for everyone. It also has charming illustrations with two adorable bunnies who know that reading can be done any way you want and that it’s better together. B
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Cantaloupe and HoneyDo Bake a Cake by Mike Boldt
The second book in a picture book series about two hilarious melons trying new things, from the bestselling illustrator of I Don’t Want to be a Frog. Pull on your apron as they learn how to bake a cake!
Cantaloupe wants some cake. HoneyDo does too—they just need to bake it! But they can’t bake a cake, Cantaloupe says,because they have never baked one before. Never fear—HoneyDo has the recipe, and all the ingredients. They’ll just follow the steps, right? Piece of cake!
Meet Cantaloupe and HoneyDo. Cantaloupe brings the caution and HoneyDo the confidence. Together, they’re learning what they can’t do, at least not at first, and what they totally can—with a little practice, a little care, and two smart melons. With friends like these, new things are can-do.
Review
Have you got one of those very enthusiastic friends who just wants to dive into something new. Even if they’ve never tried it? Or maybe your friend is the more cautious type who says “read the directions first!” Well these are two smart melons and besties are going to make something but … is it a cake – with a cherry on top?
HoneyDo and Cantaloupe can absolutely bake a cake – with just a few splashes and batter smears (watch that mixer!) Let kids see in this “can do book” that bringing the ingredients and directions and a friend along can let them learn new things they might not have thought they could do. B+
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I Have Three Cats by Michelle Sumovich
A surprisingly humorous story of choosing and being chosen, this picture book is an ode to cats and the people who love them.
I have three cats—Big, Little, and Middle—in charge of my backyard.
But that one over there? She’s not mine. Not at all.When a new cat appears in her backyard, a young girl isn’t sure what to do. The new kitty is a little smelly and covered in fleas—who would want a cat like that? Besides, she already has three cats, and they’re not too keen on this newcomer either.
But day by day and season by season, the new cat comes back, and the girl and her kitties warm to the new furry face in their yard. Before they know it, the new cat isn’t so new—she’s part of the family.
Review
A young girl has three cats – Big, Little, and Middle. When a stray shows up, no one is jumping to take it in. But slowly the stray cat becomes part of the family. I have strong feelings about outdoor cats but at least the three family cats are supervised when they’re outdoors. I was confused about where the stray went for a while before showing up again and if the mother really changed her mind about the new addition. The illustrations are cute but I would wonder if children would be confused by what confused me. C
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My Love Is Everywhere by Anh Sphabmixay
A Heartwarming Bedtime Story About a Mother’s Endless Love
“Can you guess how much I love you?”
From the soft glow of the morning sun to the twinkling stars at night, a mother’s love knows no bounds. My Love Is Everywhere is a beautifully illustrated, whimsical journey through nature, where a mother’s love can be found in the rustling leaves, the songs of birds, and the warmth of a gentle hug.
Through poetic rhymes and enchanting artwork, this story is a tender reminder that love is always present—whether near or far, seen or unseen. Perfect for bedtime snuggles, this book reassures children that a mother’s love never fades, never ends, and is always with them.
Review
Sphabmixay is certainly not the first person to write a children’s story about the love between parents and children in this way but nonetheless this is a lovely entry into the cannon. The rhymes will work well for younger children and assure them of the love of parental figures. The real winner here, though, are the bright and gorgeous illustrations. The pages are saturated with color and are sure to catch the eyes of young children as the book is read to them. B
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Trouble Dog by Carol A. Foote
A thrilling story of a dog who found the perfect job and a loving home, based on the real heroes of Working Dogs for Conservation.
Tucker the dog never means to be trouble: he just loves to play. But at the animal shelter, every visitor says he’s too much trouble—until Laura. Laura thinks Tucker might be just right for a very special job. Could all his energy make him an amazing conservation dog? Laura trains Tucker to track down Gila monsters, endangered flowers, even grizzly bear poop. His first assignment is in Hawaii, searching for invasive rosy wolf snails hidden under leaves. Where will his nose lead him next?
With colorful, endearing art and dashes of humor, Trouble Dog invites children to join scientists—and their canine colleagues—in their work to save wildlife around the world. Readers will cheer for Tucker’s inspiring journey from shelter dog to eager trainee to confident globetrotter. The story concludes with photos and further information about the real dogs and trainers of Working Dogs for Conservation, the world’s largest and oldest conservation dog organization.
Review
Poor Tucker. He doesn’t mean to be bad but he’s so energetic. It takes a special person looking for a special dog to see his potential. For families, Tucker is too much trouble but for wildlife conservation work, Tucker’s a natural.
“Tucker” is written as a combination of two real life dogs who were also labeled in shelters as trouble dogs but who found their purpose in conservation work around the world. The book does a great job in teaching about what these dogs can do to help wildlife. And there’s more information at the end of the book about other things dogs do to help lots of different humans. This is a great book for children who love dogs and it can show them that just because you don’t fit into one place, there could be something else you could do and shine in it. B
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Rocket Beams, Lunar Dreams by Chiara Colombi
The follow-up to Rocket Ship, Solo Trip that is sure to delight fans of Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site and explores the complicated emotions around building friendships and overcoming disappointment.
After embarking on her first solo mission to place a satellite into orbit, Rocket is back, and she’s headed on a lunar expedition! But this time she’s not going alone. Instead of exploring, Rocket’s mission is to drop off the spacecraft, Lander, and then return to Earth while Lander investigates the Moon’s surface.
Rocket can’t seem to muster up any friendly words on their journey into orbit—the Moon is big! Why can’t they share?! But when she learns that Lander is afraid of heights and needs a helping hand, Rocket decides to put aside her disappointment and help Lander accomplish his goal.
With delightful rhyming stanzas and pictures by New York Times bestselling illustrator Scott Magoon, Rocket Beams, Lunar Dreams explores the complicated emotions around overcoming fears, forging friendships, and making peace with the fact that things don’t always turn out as expected.
Review
Last year in “Rocket Ship, Solo Trip,” we watched little Rocket ship overcome her fears of doing something scary for the first time. Now that she’s conquered that fear, she’s got a new mission. To go to the Moon! But wait, now the mission has changed.
For younger children, being promised something and then having to face not getting what you thought you’d get can be difficult. This book covers that but in one thing that I really liked, Rocket is shown being allowed to have her feelings of disappointment and then realizing that maybe her experience can help the new guy. She also sees that her new role in the mission is just as critical and important. Focusing on team work makes things possible. The illustrations are colorful and eye-catching for any age reader. B
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Falling in Love with a Traveling Cat by Juno
Where would you like to travel? The aquarium, the amusement park, the great outdoors, the hot springs, or all the way across Japan? Make a plan and pack your little bag!
The cute kitties of Mofusand have conquered Japan and now, they’re taking a trip! Incredible illustrator JUNO brings the lives and travels of these cats to life in Falling In Love with a Traveling Cat: Mofusand’s 1st Illustration Book!’ A cute collection of narrative illustrations and text that will be beloved by readers and cat-fanciers of all ages!
Review
They use the internet to research trendy destinations! No dull vacays for these kitties. Then they have to pack their bags with food, travel books and deodorizing cat litter making sure everything fits. Oh, and don’t forget snacks and toys and passports! The trip is better if you have bento box lunches. Gather around your leader who holds a Kitty Tour flag.
At the popular Baby Penguin Cafe, real baby penguins will serve you. Perhaps some sea-salt ice cream. Or fluffy pancakes. Or ride go-carts at the theme park. Kitties love to eat Meow-velous burgers, spicy tacos, and jumbo hot dogs. It’s like an old restaurant where the servers wear roller skates! Camping is fun, too, with hammocks, marshmallow toasting, and butterfly nets. Remember to send Mofustagrams back home. Sure cats enjoy water skiing and parasailing.
Cats wear costumes to show off their prefecture and favorite foods. Then they rejuvenate in a cat bath – especially with rubber duckies – and sauna. Are we chic with banquet crabs worn on our heads? Pack your souvenirs well before heading home.
I had never seen the Mofusand cats before but I am in love with these charming kitties. Their travels show off various parts and cities of Japan. There’s really not much more plot than reading about adorably drawn, slightly anthropomorphic cats going on a journey. But yes, I love them. B+
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Jayne
Another long time reader who read romance novels in her teens, then took a long break before started back again about 25 years ago. She enjoys historical romance/fiction best, likes contemporaries, action- adventure and mysteries, will read suspense if there’s no TSTL characters and is currently reading more fantasy and SciFi.
