Reviewed by Erin Britton

A charmingly festive tale of creativity and friendship in the Far North

Accompanied by Erin O’Leary Brown’s delightful illustrations, JR Buchta’s North conveys the joy and possibility of spending special times with true friends.

According to this tale, “The North Wind, the North Star, and the Northern Lights have always been friends.” All three enjoy hanging out at the North Pole and having fun with the creatures that inhabit the frozen landscape, including reindeer, snowy owls, narwals, and polar bears. From light shows to carving shapes in the snow, there is plenty to entertain them.

However, “the Northern Lights wished aloud for some new friends,” and her companions agreed that it is always a good idea to make new friends. But how can they accomplish it? They think about the variety of creatures they would like to befriend—frogs, cats, cows, giraffes, and more—but none of them could cope with living at the North Pole.

“The North Star and the North Wind thought for a long time about how to make new friends as a surprise for the lonely Northern Lights.” While their plan initially has a few hiccups, they remain committed to finding some new pals for the beloved Northern Lights. After brainstorming what good friends are made of, do they finally know what it takes to succeed in their quest?

JR Buchta’s North is a funny and fun-filled picture book that brilliantly portrays the chaos and whimsy of the mythical chums’ attempts to make new friends. The message it conveys to young readers is important and heartwarming: keep old friends close but always be willing to welcome new pals into your circle.

The Far North setting and the emphasis on all the chilly, starry, and dazzling aspects of the environment—which are enchantingly captured by Erin O’Leary Brown in the illustrations that accompany each segment of text—really enhance the atmosphere of the story, highlighting its magical and cozy nature.

O’Leary Brown’s art is full of movement and color, serving to capture the attention of both older and younger readers. The use of watercolors adds a timeless quality to the images, which is very much in keeping with the tone and style of Buchta’s narrative.

The decision to feature the fabled North Wind, North Star, and Northern Lights as the central characters is innovative and intriguing, allowing for discussions about their traditional representations. O’Leary Brown’s images well capture their customary characteristics and Buchta’s dialogue brings their personalities to life.

The story should spark chats about what makes a good friend and what sorts of creatures it would be fun to befriend. Given its wintery feel and holiday-appropriate messaging—to say nothing of a particularly seasonal cameo—reading North would make a great addition to a family’s festive traditions.

Thank you for reading Erin Britton’s book review of North: A Magical Friendship Story by J.R. Buchta! If you liked what you read, please spend some more time with us at the links below.

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Reviewed by Jaylynn Korrell

An imaginative look at what can be on the other side of grief

Bethany Gale is adjusting to some major life changes when she is faced with the opportunity to search for joy in an unsuspecting place. There, she finds a bit of what she’s been missing. 

Johnny DePalma has created a story that confronts the loss of a parent in a sensitive and uplifting way. When paired with Bao Luu’s illustrations, The Secret Life of Shadows will jump off the page and into the hearts of its readers. 

Bethany is introduced as an unhappy child, but with reasonable cause. After recently losing her mother, she and her father move in with her grandparents in a home that sits behind an impressive forest of Southern Oak trees. 

While dealing with so many changes, she begins a routine of whispering goodnight to her mother. One day, her routine is disrupted by her dog Sadie. As Sadie escapes into the forest behind their home, Bethany is forced to chase after her, and it’s there that she finds a mysterious community of lively shadow people. These strange characters reintroduce her to joy, song, and dance, while reminding her of her beloved mother. 

From there the story takes off in a sing-song direction through the woods. The shadow people are all taking a much needed break from their lives following their human counterparts, and the result is a huge party. Music fills the air as the story changes into a narration that I assume is told by Bethany’s mother, introducing her to this new world, and reminding her what it’s like to feel joy again. 

“There’s a place that I know where the Southern Oaks grow, where the lazy moss twirls in the trees…”

I enjoyed the uplifting message in The Secret Life of Shadows. DePalma’s redirection of the story from one of sorrow to the lively tale it turns out to be is captured with the help of music, rhythm, and rhyme. I can’t help but picture it taking place in somewhere musical and celebratory like a parade in Louisiana. Her mother encourages the message of changing your outlook by way of the shadow people, and it changes the way Bethany sees shadows every day. It’s a small but impactful switch that will clearly benefit her for days to come.

Writing a children’s book about grief is a difficult task, but DePalma does it gracefully. DePalma doesn’t attempt to use this exciting experience  Bethany has in the woods as the final answer to her issues. He shows that small joys won’t always replace sadness completely but that the temporary relief they give can still be a welcomed surprise. He uses her experience as a stepping stone rather than a band aid, and it makes the message stronger. 

“And with that, my sweet girl, what I leave to this world is just you and this magic you’ve found. And though we are apart, I still know in my heart that you’ll take it and spread it around.” 

With a bit of extra attention to detail, readers will see just how thoughtful the images on each page truly are. I read through this story a couple of times and found that the closer I looked, the more things jumped out at me that I didn’t notice before. I appreciated small details like the family pictures on the wall at Bethany’s grandmother’s house that capture loving moments between her and her mother. I also enjoyed the illuminating colors that are portrayed in the shadowland in the forest. As the story begins to liven up, so do the images. They pair together nicely. 

The Secret Life of Shadows does a great job of painting a realistic picture of grief and depicting how sometimes it takes a bit of imagination to get us through our darkest times.

Thank you for reading Jaylynn Korrell’s book review of The Secret Life of Shadows by Johnny DePalma! If you liked what you read, please spend some more time with us at the links below.

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Reviewed by Toni Woodruff

A bright, lighthearted story about letting your star shine

London’s birthday is coming up, and everyone on the school bus is talking about what they’re going to wear to her costume party. Magicians, superheroes, even ones with a strong familial connection—but London has no idea what she’s going to choose. There are too many options, and she has to get it right. It’s her party.

Who else comes to the rescue than the superhero in most kids’ lives? Her mom! “You, my love, are one of a kind. / Like a star in the sky, you’re a unique design.” London learns that being herself could be the best way forward—for this party and for always. 

This young girl loves science and technology, so how easy it is to decide when she considers following that love. Enter: London, the interstellar astronaut! On party day, she’s shining just like her friends and classmates are, but each in their own way. The party is a smashing success as London is beaming from ear to ear and they march down the street in their own impressive, colorful parade. It’s truly a birthday to remember.

There are different kids’ books for different occasions. There are ones that teach, that amaze, that entertain, that help your little ones consider things from new perspectives. But the ones I’m always eager to read are the lighthearted ones! The issue London encounters is real and commonplace while not weighing the book down in the least. Any kid will be glad to spend time in this vibrant little story about being yourself, no matter what mood they’re in.

The message behind the book is a wonderful one, imparted by an exemplary mother character. Be yourself, and amazing things can happen. London is such a cute, sweet kid, and I love that she’s represented as a science-fanatic. It’s a book that inspires young girls to get into STEM while celebrating everybody’s unique interests and talents. 

The art is adorable enough to hug. The characters are drawn with such personality and buoyancy; you can really feel the elation as London finds herself in her space suit.  These kids are having a blast, and yours will be just as excited at the prospect of dressing up with their friends.

The title doesn’t exactly fit the story being told, but on the story, art, and rhyming levels, it’s about as strong of a kids’ book as you can ask for. It’s got a stellar representation of a caring mother with wise, practical advice that goes beyond just the costume party—“As long as you’re being yourself, you can’t lose.”—and it’s a story that sparks enough imagination on the part of the reader that they will venture to their own dress-up closets moments after finishing it.

Thank you for reading Toni Woodruff’s book review of Cake, Lemonade, and Sprinkles by Aishah Hight! If you liked what you read, please spend some more time with us at the links below.

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Reviewed by Samantha Hui

A compassionate novel exploring the lifeforce of a child’s love

Love can be beautiful and nourishing. But love can also be messy, frustrating, and painful. Somebody’s Someone is a real & tenderhearted story about loving someone in the throes of self-destruction. 

“‘I have no answers…just love. Love and hope and a sisterly bond that makes me want to find her no matter what.’”

Many wish their lives were like an action movie. For those with mental illnesses and self-destructive behaviors, every day can be one—but in place of glory, there are real life consequences. Linda Oatman High’s Somebody’s Someone teaches young readers a compassionate perspective on those suffering from addiction and mental illness. Though self-destructive behaviors can negatively impact those closest to us, where there is love, there is hope. 

“Aunt Marion and I are the Accidental Experts on Missing Mothers. Reluctant Experts.”

Ruby Louise Bean lives in a pinkish house with her Aunt Marion and (sometimes) her mother. At just twelve years old, precocious Ruby has to deal with issues no one else her age has to. Ruby’s mother Ruthie suffers from bipolar disorder and schizophrenia; the paranoia and adrenaline-seeking behaviors often draw her away from Ruby and into dangerous situations. When Ruthie runs away again fueled by a government conspiracy, Ruby knows the drill and helps Aunt Marion post “Missing” posters around town. 

“And here we are, my aunt and me: thumbtacking our whole world up on a board of holey cork, in between things like a refrigerator for sale and free kittens.”

Ruby’s summer vacation becomes a chase to find her mom before anyone else can. As Aunt Marion and Ruby search for clues as to Ruthie’s whereabouts, they are joined by two homeless people and a dog. Daisy is an eccentric hippy who always finds the positive in any situation. Benny is a paranoid conspiracy theorist, and his dog Nixon is as sweet as can be. The motley crew set off to D.C. and NYC in search of a woman who doesn’t want to be found. Though the prospects look grim, the group is proof that goodness and worth are found in the little things and each other. 

“Sometimes a dog is all you need. I’ve always wished I could have one at home, but Ant Marion says that our life is ‘too chaotic for an animal.’ I always wonder if it’s too chaotic for a dog, how can we humans stand it?”

The story is told from Ruby’s perspective. She does poorly in school and avoids making friends because her time and energy are spent worrying about her mother. Readers will sympathize with and admire Ruby for her emotional strength and headstrong attitude toward finding her mother. She is forced to make decisions that no child should have to make. From Ruby’s perspective, we can see her self doubt and confusion as she navigates a truly adult situation. Yayira Dzamesi’s beautiful, soft illustrations scattered throughout the novel also paint Ruby and her crew as sympathetic characters. The images convey a certain vulnerability and add emotional depth to the already masterful storytelling.

“What Aunt Marion doesn’t understand: When a kid is trying super-hard in one area of her life (my Mama), it’s hard to extend any effort into another area of life (school).”

The book also does an excellent job of not vilifying those struggling with mental illness. People make mistakes, even life-changing mistakes. They are called criminal or bad, but we are taught in this story that even those who are considered good could be pushed to do questionable things when they feel at a loss. 

Somebody’s Someone carefully addresses dark and complex topics through a compassionate, community-driven lens. This book is great for both young readers and grown ups, teaching us the multidimensionality of people and how we should do better by each other. 

Thank you for reading Samantha Hui’s book review of Somebody’s Someone by Linda Oatman High! If you liked what you read, please spend some more time with us at the links below.

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by Toni Woodruff, Joe Walters, and Jaylynn Korrell

Kids’ books are like windows to a new world.

These little people are just trying to figure out this life on earth thing. They know only what they know, and we see why they know what they know, even how it differs or connects with our own understanding of the world.

That’s only one of the reasons why it’s so important to read kids’ books.

Sometimes it can be difficult to talk about certain subjects. Other times, they just never arise naturally enough for our little one to grow curious about it. Some books include topics we don’t even want to talk about to our kids yet, like death or brattiness, so which books are the ones you should get for your little one and the little ones around you?

This list includes picture books and board books, some suitable from ages 2-9. Some are nonfiction while others are about as fantastical as they come (I’m looking at you, Rainbow Goblins!).

If you’re looking to expand your little library or give an awesome kids’ book for your best friend’s baby shower, this list has you covered. And in true IBR fashion, they’re all indie books!

Here are 13 kids’ books that little ones love.

1. The Rainbow Goblins

Gorgeous paintings, creepy goblins, and a story of nature fighting back

Author: Ul de Rico

Subgenre: Fantasy & Magic

Print Length: 32 pages

ISBN: 9780500277591

Publisher: Thames & Hudson

Recommended by: Joe Walters

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Welcome to my absolute favorite purchase of 2024!

My daughter picked up The Rainbow Goblins in the Odyssey Bookstore in Ithaca, NY, and I was amazed with her quality control. And once you pick this thing up, you’ll see why.

The paintings are breathtaking, and it tells an oddly creepy (but not scary!) story about goblins who are trying to drink up all the colors of the rainbow until there’s nothing left. Everyone lives in fear of them, except for the Valley of the Rainbow. But when the goblins gather up their lassoes and set their sights on that, the roots of the trees and plants communicate to the nature around them that it’s time to fight back. And how!

Watch in absolutely gorgeous color as nature fights back against the rainbow goblins and ensures that rainbows are safe from their wrath once and for all.

It’s creative and long but not too long, and the pictures are a wonder to look at. A particularly good choice for book-loving, imaginative 3-year-olds all the way up to 9-year-olds.

–Joe Walters

2. My Father Once Told Me

Stellar! A Native Nations creation myth told with poetic language, magical illustrations, and love passed down

Author: Blas Telleria

Subgenre: Native American

Print Length: 54 pages

ISBN: 9798218417253

Recommended by: Joe Walters

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Not often do I encounter kids’ books quite as beautiful as this one. I don’t want to exaggerate; don’t want to overdo it, make you think I’m being untrue for the sake of hyperbole. I just really want you and your kids to read this book. 

It’s a creation story that’s passed down from father to son about how the Great Spirit reached into the nothing of the universe and turned it into a Something. A big blue ball that his children—the animals of the sky—are enamored of. Oh, please, please, can we go in?

Salmon and Whale are the first to dive into the unknown blue. They are followed by Eagle and Crow taking to the skies, Tortoise and Turtle carrying mud on their backs from the ocean to build land to stand on. Moose, Water Snake, Wolf, beyond—the animals play and form the land in ways that are natural to them. Who else but Water Snake would form the rivers; who else but Beaver would create lakes and waterfalls? 

My Father Once Told Me is poetic but not in the sing-song way you’ve come to expect of children’s books. There are no rhymes here. But the story that the unnamed narrator father tells uses poetic techniques like repetition—“little” on the first page to contrast the one human against the big world—and personified language that floats through fire and air, up to sky, and moves stars around. 

The illustrations are equally magical. The animals and the land are freely flowing, like fluid movements akin to moving water, and the trees rise high and tall. Imprints of the animals’ bodies are even long like the trees. The water and the land and the lifeforms all flow together in soft palettes and pleasing tones of blue and green. And on the off-chance it’s not blue or green, orange and reds pop in eye-catching, still-fluid contrasts.

ut this isn’t all. It’s also got a deep conversation going on about myth as history. This story is passed down like all important stories are. It’s a father talking to a son like his father talked to him. Kids can gain access—maybe with a little help from their mom or dad—to the understanding of how history works. 

–Joe Walters

3. Fly High, Baby Dragon

A brave baby dragon and an encouraging yet patient mother star in Fly High, Baby Dragon—an easy choice for all-the-time reading.

Author: David Klochko

Subgenre: Dragons

Print Length: 26 pages

ISBN: 9798989991013

Recommended by: Toni Woodruff

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Fly High, Baby Dragon checks all the boxes. It has a good story, good kids, good parenting, a good moral, great eye-popping illustrations, and, most importantly, it has actually captivated my little one. She wants to read it, and I’ll gladly open it again, knowing she’ll be learning about something relevant and encouraging while getting pulled in by the story. 

A baby dragon emerges from his shell excited to learn that he will soon be able to fly. But not before a little practice and a lot of patience after flying doesn’t come easily. Baby Dragon jumps off a cliff and falls and kerplunks and splats. He’s frustrated—he wants to give up—but he’s got one cool mom on his side, cheering him on when he gets back up again and taking him away to give him space and distract him from the problem at hand. She’s wonderfully patient, dances with him, feeds him delicious, big-bellied breakfasts, and allows him to make the decision to get back out there. To keep trying.

Riding a bike. Steering a scooter. Jumping at the trampoline park. Climbing the rock wall at the playground. My kid experiences failure at first attempt all the time. All I’ve ever wanted to communicate with her is in this book. Yes, you’re going to fall. Yes, it hurts to get hurt. But also yes, it can be worth it if you keep trying. And yet at the same time, it’s not worth panicking over. If you’re not ready to conquer it, try something else. Dance, eat. But don’t be afraid to try again when you feel ready.

–Toni Woodruff

Need more space for kids’ books? Here are our favorite kids’ bookshelf ideas!

4. Alphabreaths

A calming, fun tool to teach young’ins the power of breathwork

Author: Christopher Willard

Subgenre: Mindfulness / Alphabet

Print Length: 32 pages

ISBN: 9781683641971

Publisher: Sounds True

Recommended by: Joe Walters

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It’s easy to take breathing for granted. It comes naturally and happens without us even thinking about it. But what about our little ones?

Breathing is one of my favorite parenting techniques: showing my babies that I’m focusing on breathing while they’re crying. This book brings the physical activity of breathing to the forefront and makes an alphabet game out of it.

Open your arms like an alligator on the in-breath, snap those jaws shut on the exhale. Flap your wings like a butterfly and breathe your way around the room. Envision you’re blowing out your birthday cake.

A great book to start your day with, one or two or three breathing and imagination activities to remind us that we are here on this earth and capable of conquering anything as long as we just keep breathing.

–Joe Walters

5. A Very Chilling Mystery

A creative and fun story that tests the limits of our imagination 

Author: Steve A. Erickson

Subgenre: Cooking & Food

Print Length: 52 pages

ISBN: 9781639882519

Publisher: Atmosphere Press

Recommended by: Jaylynn Korrell

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There’s a party going on in the fridge, and Erickson lets you in on it. It starts with an illustration of a little girl eyeing up the fridge from afar as the narrator invites us on a journey of confirmation that those delectables aren’t just lying around waiting to be enjoyed in there. 

Soon we’re taken through the shelves as foods and beverages go about their daily business, which includes things like playing baseball with a carrot bat, potatoes watching tv on a meatloaf couch, and beets rocking out on a drum set. In fact they’re doing everything but the nothing most people assume, and it’s awesome! 

The illustrations are what truly bring the book to life. As it takes place predominantly in the fridge, readers can look forward to a colorful display of fruits, vegetables, leftover dinners, and mysterious forgotten foods on each page. The illustrations are so inviting and professional but also look as if they’ve been done with crayon or colored pencil, giving them a youthful touch that matches the reading level perfectly. 

Children will enjoy Erickson’s rhythm and rhyme style of storytelling while adults will appreciate some of the more detailed aspects of the vegetable characters, like the half and half who can’t make up their mind or the beet who plays in a band called “The Beets,” written in the same font as “The Beatles.”

–Jaylynn Korrell

6. Over and Under the Pond

Take a dip beneath the boat in this calming and informative book on aquatic life.

Author: Kate Messner

Subgenre: Nature

Print Length: 48 pages

ISBN: 9781452145426

Publisher: Chronicle Books

Recommended by: Toni Woodruff

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Part of a wonderful series, Over and Under the Pond follows a boy and his mother as they kayak over the water and talk about the life going on underneath them.

Talking about frogs, turtles, fish, beavers and even the animals who visit the water to get their meals and wash up (like moose!), this book is a trove of helpful information for kids who like to kayak and swim in natural waters.

While it can be enjoyed by younger audiences like 3 year olds, it can stay relevant in your bookshelves for years to come, maybe even as old as 12. Since it follows a mom and her son, it gives your story-loving little one something to cling to as they learn the nature lessons of the book.

–Toni Woodruff

7. The Boogie Barn Band

A fun, instructive tale about the impact that music has on people

Author: William Nephew and Natalie Neal

Subgenre: Music & Instruments

Print Length: 28 pages

ISBN: 9798989779727

Recommended by: Jaylynn Korrell

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To me, the best kids’ books are the ones that entertain and teach. The Boogie Barn Band does both. On top of that, it gives kids the opportunity to be vocal and active. It’s a positive, upbeat story about musical barn animals and how they bring their community together. 

In the beginning, music beckons animals from all around town to a local farm. Soon the Boogie Barn has quite an audience on their hands—all excited to jam out. 

To get the concert underway, readers are introduced to each member of the band and the instruments they play. Each character has their own flare, and they do a great job explaining the role they play and the sounds each instrument makes.

The vibe is upbeat, exciting, and fun, and it’s reflected well in vivid illustrations and an array of your kids’ favorite animals. The happiness exudes off each character so the positive experience can be had by all. You won’t be able to resist smiling after witnessing how much fun they’re having and the audience is having. Backed by a beautiful barn on a bright sunny day, this book seems the epitome of positivity. 

The authors of The Boogie Barn Band do an excellent job of adding in informative bits about the technical pieces of each instrument as well as its role in the music-making process. The drummer of the band, Reggie the dog, is described as the one in charge of keeping the beat with his instrument. From guitar to piano to bass, we learn about how the instruments are played and are given examples of the sounds they make. It inspires an activity too—I can just imagine how many kids will be laughing as they try to sound out how the instruments are supposed to sound.

–Jaylynn Korrell

Celebrate your kids’ love of reading with some of the best gifts for kids who love to read.

8. Blink and Glow

A shining & bright kids’ book about the natural magic of real-life glowing animals

Author: Raven Howell & Ann Pilicer

Subgenre: Nature

Print Length: 36 pages

ISBN: 9781738219377

Publisher: Tielmour Press

Recommended by: Joe Walters

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Leo and Lilly have show-and-tell at school tomorrow, and they want to have the best things to show off. And what better items than living ones!

Leo bottles up a firefly. While Lilly can’t catch her own, she spots another glowing creature—a salamander—near the pond! If you didn’t know that salamanders can glow in the dark, you do now.

But their light starts to diffuse the longer they’re kept in the jar. With the help of their grandmother, they learn that these animals, including the lunar moth flapping nearby, need to be free in order to shine their brightest light.

So while it feels special to have their own little bottled-up magic, they discover how important it is to let them live their own lives out in nature. Grandma keeps the fun going by showing them how they can make art inspired by these amazing critters. The book even lets you in on the fun by walking your kids through the steps of making their very own firefly suncatcher with tissue paper and a picture frame.

The art is lovely, natural, and magical. Parents who like to pair their books with art activities will relish what Blink and Glow has to offer.

–Joe Walters

9. Purple Ina

Myth, magic, culture, and color, Purple Ina is a sparkling gem of a picture book.

Author: Rafael Arzuaga

Subgenre: Fantasy / Culture

Print Length: 30 pages

ISBN: 9780692270516

Recommended by: Toni Woodruff

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Ina lives on a beautiful purple island. It’s all she knows, until a fierce gust of wind sends her flying to new islands, all splashed in their own color. And along with the new colors, she meets new people, all appreciative of the way they do things on their island and sharing some of the magic with Ina before she takes off for the next.

Each page is clean with a minimal art, and yet there’s still so much beauty to look at. It entertains with just enough magic and fully-fleshed characters in a short amount of time. Experience a forever summer with Adonis on the pink island, shine bright at night with Light on the orange island, and play music with Esteban on a land draped in color.

It’s a subtle story of the lives of other people and other cultures, and it doesn’t state any morals overtly. Just shares the truth that there are other people and other places out there to love.

–Toni Woodruff

10. Ricky, the Rock That Couldn’t Roll

A caring, warmhearted book about supporting your friends no matter what obstacle stands in their way

Author: Mr. Jay

Subgenre: Rocks / Disabilities

Print Length: 28 pages

ISBN: 9780578198033

Recommended by: Joe Walters

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I don’t know how you make being a rock look so fun, but this rhyming picture book does it in droves. Author Mr. Jay and illustrator Erin Wozniak team up to turn this group of rocks into personality-rich critical thinkers who see a friend being left out for the make-up of his body and do something about it.

While all his friends are rolling up and down a hill, Ricky can’t join in on the fun because one of his sides is flat. I absolutely love the parallels being discussed in this book of a rock and kids with disabilities of any kind.

This book is a stellar introduction to showing kids what they can do to help their friends, and it’s a warmhearted reminder to those with disabilities that people care about them and that they can achieve their goals.

–Joe Walters

Surprise your kids’ teachers with this handy list of great gifts for English teachers.

11. Immune Heroes

An entertaining, useful book to help kids learn about cuts, scrapes, and the healing process

Author: Namita Gandhi, PhD

Subgenre: Science

Print Length: 36 pages

ISBN: 9781917095211

Recommended by: Jaylynn Korrell

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In Immune Heroes, siblings Mayu and Nimi are out riding bikes and enjoying the day when Mayu suddenly hits a rock and tumbles to the ground. His sister runs to comfort him while reminding him that the pain he’s currently feeling is a good thing, as it signifies the beginning of the healing process. And the beginning of the healing process couldn’t be cooler than the way that Gandhi tells it. 

This book packs in a lot of action in its 30 or so pages, as the process of healing isn’t always completed on the first try. Bacteria find their way in despite the tacky platelets creating a protective seal. Macrophages are called in to devour said bacteria as new intruders find other ways to wreak havoc. Gandhi’s story transforms healing into an epic battle that is sure to entertain. 

Parents who want to introduce big concepts like immunology to their kids in a way that they’ll understand will love this book. Gandhi writes about the experience in such a fun way that kids may not even realize they’re being taught a valuable, relatable science lesson. She explains things in an accessible way and pairs the prose with beautiful graphics that will keep little eyes glued to the page. I loved watching each new group of characters rush to the scene whether it be to attack or defend Mayu’s wound. 

–Jaylynn Korrell

12. Baby Loves Science (The Five Senses)

5 brightly colored, easy to understand kids’ science books in one neat package

Author: Ruth Spiro

Genre: Board Books / Science

Print Length: 110 pages

ISBN: 9781632890580

Publisher: Charlesbridge Publishing

Recommended by: Toni Woodruff

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Bombarding your kids with fun stories is a good thing. But no children’s library is complete without this resourceful & relevant 5-book series.

The five senses—hearing, sight, smell, touch, and taste—are a wonderful kid-friendly science topic. Not only can they count the senses on one tiny hand, but they have experience with each of them, whether they’re equipped with it or not.

This series does an excellent job of including those kids without the ability to see or hear in addition to discussing the science of how each of them work. From tiny molecules to their big, developing brains, this series could stick with your little one for years. Even by the time they hit school-age, they’ll be able to return to these educational resources in their bookshelf.

–Toni Woodruff

13. Hummingbird

A touching little story of familial connection over the wonder of hummingbirds

Author: Nicola Davies

Genre: Picture Book / Birds

Print Length: 32 pages

ISBN: 9781536205381

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Recommended by: Toni Woodruff

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Any parent in love with the beauty and magic of hummingbirds will adore this children’s book. The lush green, natural surroundings of each page make for an eye-popping viewing experience, but it’s the sheer number of unique hummingbirds flying around that make it stand out most.

It’s about a young girl who hand-feeds hummingbirds with her grandmother in Central America, but she soon departs for New York City. And while she believes she leaves the magnificent little creatures behind, Granny tells her to keep an eye out. That they travel north too. Maybe even to Central Park for the very first time.

Hummingbirds emit a special type of magic. Bring the wonderment to your bookshelf with this gorgeously illustrated, moving story of connecting through generations by way of these amazing migratory birds.

–Toni Woodruff

What are your favorite kids’ books of all time? Let us know in the comments!

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Reviewed by Toni Woodruff

An inspiring story about a community cat overcoming adversity and saving the day

 Francis is a wild black cat with a good community. He enjoys playing with his cousins, fetching mice, eating the treats left out by kindly human neighbors, and even playing with the big dog that everybody else is afraid of. Francis doesn’t let difference stand in the way of a blossoming relationship with the Big Black Dog.

But he’ll soon realize he’s going to need that community he’s built. After playing in the tall grass, something gets in his eye and begins to get sore. Noticing this, the lady who’s been feeding him and his family plays her part in the community and takes him to the vet. Good news is that the doc can fix him right up; he’ll be feeling good in no time. The less than good news is that he’ll have to remove his eye to do it.

To make his new life a little easier, the lady welcomes Francis into her home, giving him food, things to play with, and animal company in the Big Black Dog and a white cat. Still, he can’t help but miss his wild cousins playing outside the window. When he takes a chance to visit them, they chastise him for his difference and decide not to play with him. It breaks his little wonder kitty heart. 

But Francis is a cat with a heart that’s as big as it comes. The story isn’t over here. Soon, he’ll be saving the day in a way that’ll bring everybody together again.

Inspired by a real community cat and the lady who brought him in, Francis the One-Eyed Wonder Kitty is the type of kids book you’ll feel good about buying for your animal-loving kid. Not only does it tell a touching story about an inspiring cat character, but it parts with a useful, relevant lesson: you can do this, no matter the adversity. Francis might not be able to see quite the same and he’s lost some of his community unfairly, but he turns his own story around just like any kid learning from this book could do.

This book also does a wonderful job of incorporating the reality of community cats. I know my little one is curious about the cats roaming the neighborhood without owners, and chances are, your kid is too. Cats are incredibly resilient and clever creatures, and this book can help them discover how they’re eating as well as what they can do to help them. 

Author & illustrator Marti Fuerst brings these characters and this neighborhood to life with plenty of pictures and easy to follow prose. There’s a near-perfect mix of language with the images so your little one will breeze through this book while still getting the chance to enjoy and learn from it.

While I’m always a little nervous about giving my kid books about kids being mean and unaccepting, this one does it with tact and care. It goes to show that kids are capable of change and acceptance and that, if you’re ever on the side of not feeling included, you could find your way back in.

Francis the One-Eyed Wonder Kitty will be a fun, useful addition to your kids’ bookshelf. Readers who love animals will be glad to meet Francis, the friendly Big Black Dog, and the ways in which they can help the cats in their neighborhood.

Thank you for reading Toni Woodruff’s book review of Francis the One-Eyed Wonder Kitty by Marti Fuerst! If you liked what you read, please spend some more time with us at the links below.

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Reviewed by Jaylynn Korrell

Honesty is the best policy in this fun-loving story about a cute, picky pig. 

Pogpog and the Magic Grapes promotes a magical solution to a common, major problem for kids: eating vegetables. With a natural sweet tooth and his mother’s happiness in mind, Pogpog handles a tough social situation with kindness and is rewarded in a way that’ll please everyone. 

Pogpog is a friendly pig who, like many children, is having a difficult time accepting vegetables as a meal option. Still, he yearns to make his mother happy. Despite being given salad greens with his hearty breakfast, Pogpog feasts on every other option instead. His mother is not too pleased with his decision, but, like a good little guy, he promises to make it up to her and actually does. 

While the salad sits on the table uneaten, Pogpog runs outside to join his friend Moonchi, a fellow pig kid, on an unlikely hunger- & honesty-fueled adventure. When a mysterious goat drops a bundle of grapes off of his bike, the story becomes about  the problem: should they eat them, return them, or both?

Pogpog the pig is the perfect silly name for a main character like this one. A great character name goes a long way for kids—how easy & fun is it for your kid to say “Pogpog!” when you ask them what they should read tonight? He’s got a great heart as a character, and his big bright eyes pop off the page and will captivate the children who pick up this book. Kids are going to love the images of Pogpog’s hungry best friend Moonchi too. 

Speaking of…Moonchi is a real highlight. He might be the one who gets them into this pickle, but his mischievous nature is the perfect balance to the more sensible Pogpog. They’re a fun pair. When Moonchi tries to get away with some sneakiness, I laughed—and then I felt thankful that Pogpog could bring the right choice home. 

Parents should be aware that Pogpog, while well-meaning, does accept and eat food from a stranger, and it could be something to discuss with your child while and after reading it.

Pogpog and the Magic Grapes teaches kids a valuable lesson about doing the right thing. Should Popog cover for his friend, or should he return something that doesn’t belong to them? So many kids have to deal with this social situation, and this book effectively encourages that behavior. This is a strong focal point for a story. 

A short & easy read with a handful of fun characters, Pogpog is definitely one I won’t forget.

Thank you for reading Jaylynn Korrell’s book review of Pogpog and the Magic Grapes by Ebba Kay! If you liked what you read, please spend some more time with us at the links below.

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Reviewed by Audrey Davis

A heartfelt story of family and truth

When ten-year-old Molly learns that her older half-sister Alison will soon be visiting from London, her mind races into overdrive. What should they do together? Will she enjoy being there and spending time with her younger sister? Will they even have enough time together? 

While Molly frets, watching her best friend Diane interact with her own siblings, she devises clever schemes to ensure Alison will want to stay for as long as possible—and discovers silent aspects of sisterhood she never saw before. 

Ona Gritz’s August or Forever presents a wonderfully realistic narration from a ten-year-old, a true-to-life representation of the way a child’s mind may work—assume the worst possible outcome until asking for clarification, scheming to have a grandiose plan fall into place, intense emotions both before and after said scheme. 

Molly is an intelligent little girl, and her antics with her best friend fuel a rollercoaster of a summer vacation. I also enjoyed the realistic view of a non-nuclear family structure. Molly’s father has been divorced once before, and through her relationship with her half-sister and her school friends, she learns that there are “all kinds of normal and all kinds of families.” Additionally, with this, it becomes apparent to her that every situation is different—someone’s life might seem like only sunshine and rainbows on the outside, but until one is involved, there’s no telling what you may not know about them. This can be a complex concept, yet the author demonstrates it effortlessly through the characters’ evolving relationships. 

Furthermore, I very much enjoyed Molly’s love of art and passion for her craft. Her hobby is important to her, feeding into her worry about who her new art teacher may be at school next year. Not only is it important to her, but she realizes its importance to Alison as well, feeling like she was “breaking a code between artists by interrupting [Alison]” while painting one day. 

I love that Alison is an artist herself. She is extremely encouraging of Molly and any projects she undertakes and is even willing to offer tips on how to improve her craft. Activities like this are what make us human, and they can provide an outlet for emotions we cannot or may not want to put into words. Children are like sponges (or blank canvases)— they soak up anything they observe, and Molly observes much more than just drawing tips: “The trick is letting go of all that and recalling how to play, like a child. If you remember to do your art because you find it fun, you’ll be ahead of a lot of people.”

I’d happily recommend this book. It’s important for children to learn to handle their emotions and their expectations, and this book does well at representing both. Though fast-paced and brief in length, believable and demonstrative characterization is the backbone of this story, and love and growth propel it forward. Molly’s introspective journey reveals a great deal to her about relationships, particularly those between siblings, and close friends, uncovering a revelation that many of us know so well: “[w]e may not be related, but to me we’re family.”

Thank you for reading Audrey Davis’s book review of August or Forever by Ona Gritz! If you liked what you read, please spend some more time with us at the links below.

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Reviewed by Audrey Davis

An inspiring read with a powerful message

Chris Casavant’s middle grade novel The Greatest Cause of Mia Dubois tells the story oftwelve-year-old Mia who, after facing the danger and shock of a hurricane head-on, learns about climate change and realizes this multi-faceted problem requires solutions much more in-depth than simply recycling. 

Through meeting new friends, strengthening relationships with old ones, and passionately standing behind her beliefs, Mia boldly yet confidently takes her first steps on a path she creates toward the future she wants to see.

The novel and its characters are well-written and well-rounded, and the story itself effortlessly addresses an admittedly bleak subject matter in a light and optimistic way. Though it may seem bleak and occasionally overwhelming, it is our planet, our future, and our responsibility, so ultimately it needs to be discussed, openly and frequently. I definitely enjoyed the story’s message, and it is presented in a way that is extremely easy to comprehend yet engaging the whole way through. 

The novel presents opposing sentiments to climate change such as the concept of ‘N.I.M.B.Y.’, and others before settling on the main why?— because this planet is our home, for the present and the future, but also home to many unique plant and animal species. 

The author does a great job of explaining the complex nature of climate change as well—it isn’t just that the Earth is becoming warmer, but that mechanical emissions contribute to the issue, as does outsourcing manufacturing jobs, meat overconsumption, socio-economic disparity, and many more. 

Not only does Mia learn what messages to convey if she wants to help others see her perspective, but how to deliver the message, effectively and efficiently. Her feelings of despair are tangible, relatable, and valid, but not domineering; Mia learns to temper her thoughts and feelings, to see the bigger picture, through self-education and interacting with others of different circumstances outside of her own sphere. 

It is easy to criticize a person’s lifestyle from an outside standpoint, but ours is a “system that pollutes and wastes, and we’ve all grown up in that system. It would be great to convince [everyone] to change their ways, but it’s really the system that needs to be changed.” 

I would definitely recommend this book. It has a nice, clear, motivating message for middle-school age kids as well as adults and leaves the reader with a sense of hope toward the climate change fight—that even a small change can make a big difference. 

As humans, we are all in this fight together whether we like it or not, and it isn’t fair to future generations to pretend that nothing is happening or that negative consequences are a distant concept. It is important that we acknowledge the systemic issues so that we can take corrective action.

“Even if it feels like no one is listening to you, or like they think you’re wrong or wasting your time, keep going. Keep fighting. You should never stop fighting for something you believe in, especially if your goal is to help people.”

Publisher: SDP Publishing

Genre: Middle Grade Fiction / Environment

Print Length: 274 pages

ISBN: 978-1737801955

Thank you for reading Audrey Davis’s book review of The Greatest Cause of Mia Dubois by Chris Casavant! If you liked what you read, please spend some more time with us at the links below.

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