Reviewed by Erin Britton

A heartfelt story about the need for empathy and understanding

Salty Tears, written by Jaime Testaiuti and illustrated by Nadia Ronquillo, is a meaningful story about recognizing the similarities among people rather than focusing solely on the differences.

Siblings Ari and Mo are looking forward to going on holiday with their parents. However, Ari is “feeling nervous because she would be sitting next to the new boy joining her class when they returned.” Despite the excitement, her nervousness seems to permeate the family’s trip, with both Ari and Mo being beset with concerns and fears about the new people they meet.

For example, when they decide to visit a museum, after having fun playing in a treehouse and making ice cream sundaes, Mo exclaims “Look at those scary people in sheets!” And Ari shares his fear: “You can only see their eyes!” Fortunately, their mother quells their fear by explaining that the women are wearing hijabs for religious and cultural reasons.

Yet later, when the family go to a pizzeria, Ari and Mo notice “a man next to them who looked very old but was as short as they were!” They wonder aloud what has caused the man to shrink and feel sad that he can barely reach the counter. This time, their mother explains that the man was born that way.

Ari and Mo have many such encounters during their holiday, including meeting a young girl with no legs, a boy who wears a medical device to monitor his diabetes, a woman with no hair, and a family wearing another kind of religious garb. Each time they question a person’s visible difference, their parents stress that the person is “just like us and cries salty tears.”

Salty Tears uses Ari and Mo’s experiences during their trip to educate young readers about the importance of acceptance and realizing that all people have differences and similarities. It would have been helpful if their parents had pointed out that it is rude to comment on a person’s appearance, but the message of the story is still thoughtful.

Ari and Mo have lived a rather sheltered life prior to their holiday—most young children will have met people with disabilities, differences, and religious affiliations before—but Jaime Testaiuti does a good job of explaining that their fears come from newness, not necessarily because they are scary. This is a useful lesson for youngsters in a story like this.

As their parents explain the likely reasons for their new friends’ visible differences, Ari and Mo gain a better understanding of the wide variety of people in the world, and Ari is able to apply this when she returns to school. Testaiuti highlights how everyone has fears and how it is important to learn and show kindness in order to overcome them.

Some of the explanations that the parents provide, particularly concerning chemotherapy and the treatment for diabetes, cause some pages of Salty Tears to feature a fair bit of text and more complex vocabulary than picture books generally do.

The accompanying illustrations help to ensure that youngsters’ attention does not wander, however, with Nadia Ronquillo’s bright and appealing art showing what Ari and Mo initially perceive and then how their perspective changes as they learn more about people. The vibrant pictures really capture the imagination and will likely prompt interesting discussions.

Salty Tears is a sincere and charmingly illustrated story about the dangers of pre-judgement and allowing fear to take hold before knowing the truth about a situation. As Ari and Mo learn more about the importance of diversity, equality, and inclusion, young readers will also learn the same valuable lessons.

Thank you for reading Erin Britton’s book review of Salty Tears by Jaime Testaiuti! 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

The sweetly rhyming story of one lovable pug and a madness of marmots

Anybody who’s ever seen a pug knows: that grumpy-looking ball of fur loves cuddles and belly rubs and getting spoiled. So when Paula, a comfortable pug with a cushy life in a palace, gets sent into the mountains, she’s hoping for more of the same.

But what she finds there isn’t cushiness and cuddles; it’s a grumpy-looking man and a bunch townspeople who don’t think pugs belong up here. 

“Where were the comforts she’d come to expect? 

The absence of cuddles did not seem correct.”

She’s lonely in this new place, but lucky for her, all she has to do is venture outside to find companionship and a kind-of yummy meal. “Life is much brighter / when you’re sharing a meal.” A madness of marmots welcomes Paula with open arms, old cheese, and a rotting sandwich, and they help her feel at home in the woods. And surprisingly, they even play a funny role in breaking down the walls of that grumpy-looking human taking care of Paula.

The Pug Who Didn’t Belong shines most in its poetry. As a parent, you’ll read plenty of rhyming books out loud, and you’ll tell quickly which ones disrupt your flow and which ones float off the tongue. This book’s rhymes don’t just float; they fly. From page one, we ride on rhythm and read about funny behavior in quick pages and with ease. You’ll zip through the lines naturally and even smile while reading the current line about the previous one’s execution. When the rhyme scheme does break, it’s often because it’s a turning point in the story. This is a poet’s book for kids.

The concept of sharing a meal is also one of my favorite themes in recent kids’ book history. We can learn a lot about life by looking at animals. Food is a shared survival need in so many, even if it looks (or smells) different for some creatures. This book promotes food sharing in kids too, and it’s a great way to build community. I’d love it if my kid recommended we feed their next playmate thanks to this book.

It’s not so much a story about a pug who doesn’t belong as it is about a plucky little pug who finds companionship in an unlikely new place. The scene where the townspeople laugh at Paula is perhaps the only one I didn’t love in the whole book. Paula is resilient and brave and sweet and just needs a little love from a madness of marmots. (Am I upset that I learned that a group of marmots is called a “madness” from this kid’s book? Not even a smidge!)

Truly one of the best rhyming kids’ books I’ve read in a long time, The Pug Who Didn’t Belong would be an excellent choice for parents with pugs and kids who are ready to learn about making a home wherever they go.

Thank you for reading Toni Woodruff’s book review of The Pug Who Didn’t Belong by Janina Kelly and Tommy Hardman! 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 Jaylynn Korrell

A tragic story turns heartwarming in this big-hearted, animal-loving kids’ book.

Helga works on a farm. She has a deep love for all animals but loves cows most of all: those big, kind creatures and their playful boxy calves. 

But loving cows on a farm can be complicated and sad too. Calves stay with their mothers for one year before they are shipped off, and the mothers wail for their missing children. In Harvey and the Lightning Herd, this isn’t the only tragedy. A lightning storm kills many calves, leaving only six on the farm where Helga works. These calves are known as the lightning herd, and they’re headlined by the adorable, injured Harvey. He’s having trouble walking in a straight line and eating on his own after being injured in the storm, but with love and Helga’s help, maybe there’s hope for him yet. And maybe there’s hope for the rest of the herd, too, beyond their wildest cow dreams.

In efforts to save the herd, Helga comes up with an idea: cowches. A soft cow-shaped pillow that children and parents can cuddle with comfortably. With Harvey as the inspiration, the cowches work well enough to create a sanctuary for the herd—along with many other animals in need—to live out the rest of their lives together.

This book is steeped in big emotion. From the first mention of calves being separated to the natural tragedy soon to strike, Harvey and the Lightning Herd is going to break some animal-loving hearts only to repair them again. It’s an unfortunate truth what happens to many cows on farms, and the clearest way to inspire kids to look out for these amazing, loving creatures is by telling them the truth. This is how to get kids involved in selfless animal care, not just displaying the fluffy side of cuddles and sweetness. This book succeeds in its endeavor to inspire and to spread the word about The Cow Sanctuary in Bridgeton, New Jersey. 

But of course, this doesn’t make it any lighter of a read. The sadness is palpable, and some kid readers are going to be dejected learning about the separation and subsequent deaths of many of the cows. This might be a better fit with older children readers rather than 3 or 4 year olds, and only those who can handle and are curious about some of the devastating truths about our world. 

Cows are incredible creatures who deserve love, affection, and family. Harvey and the Lightning Herd is a loving book that will inspire little ones to get involved and save the animals they care about. 

Thank you for reading Jaylynn Korrell’s book review of Harvey and the Lightning Herd by Helga Tacreither and PETA! 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 lovable dog gets a lovable assistant in this charming story for your little dog-fanatic.

Wait until your little dog lover gets a hold of Doddy, a big-hearted, sock-burying, easily bored Miniature Australian Shepherd who is all smiles all the time. 

Doddy’s human parents, Joseph and Josephine, are busy people, regularly volunteering in their community and spending their days at the Natural History Museum. Instead of buying unlimited socks for the lonely Doddy to bury, Joseph and Josephine turn to the Dog-sitter 3000 app to get an AI-robot assistant to watch Doddy while they’re gone. 

But can this robot dog-sitter keep up with Doddy’s quick feet and rambunctious energy? And are we totally sure that stuffed bunny lying around isn’t going to be a danger to Doddy?

JoJo the Dog-Sitter Robot is a lighthearted kids’ book about the myriad ways the future can help all of us—even our furry friends. In addition to enjoying a story about Doddy and his infectious energy, little readers are given details on what information robots can process and what they can use to contribute to our society. JoJo is capable of talking, recording, giving treats to Doddy, uploading info to Joseph and Josephine on the app, and even dreaming. 

The book also includes some dog-owning safety tips through JoJo, like always keeping an eye on them and researching what you need to know to take care of a dog. My littlest one is obsessed with dogs right now, and while she might be a little too tiny to process all of this information, she kept asking to read more about this lovable, smiley dog.

The images appear to be AI-generated, which makes sense and fits the AI-focused storyline. While it’s interesting to read about the robot information as an adult, some pages are longer reads which might require some skipping for your littlest readers. 

I’m not totally sure how to feel about the dreaming and bunny storyline that sneaks its way into the book about halfway through. For a scientific story, it seems at odds with the point of informing little readers of AI capabilities, even if it does send JoJo on a fast-paced adventure to chase down Doddy and the runaway bunny.

JoJo the Dog-Sitter Robot is a fun story about a memorable, harmlessly mischievous dog and how to care for him. If your little one is interested in humans’ favorite furry companions, they’re going to love meeting Doddy.

Thank you for reading Toni Woodruff’s book review of JoJo the Dog-Sitter Robot by Victoria & Merritt Thompson! 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

Jaw-dropping art, incredible superpowers, and the promise of action—the beginning of something epic! 

Tiki lives in a small village on a small island called TikiTown. He’s a noble kid with integrity—or so he thinks. Lately, he hasn’t felt or acted like himself.

That’s why his big sister Tari sends him into the jungle on a quest to find himself again. But the self he finds isn’t the one he thought he was. This Tiki is a superhero. 

It turns out—he’s been chosen to save TikiTown from a forthcoming, time-traveling supervillain. In the jungle, a spirit named Fetu reveals his destiny and hands over the best superpowers a kid could ask for: time travel, super strength, and super speed. 

But he doesn’t have to do it alone. Tari volunteers her own bravery and intelligence to go against King Lauia, and so do Tiki’s best friends Spookie, Tom Tom, and Phillip. Spookie is the scientific one, Tom Tom is the architect, and Phillip is the dog with some surprising math skills. 

If King Lauia escapes with a magical Toku mask, it’ll turn TikiTown into an ice village. 

“So what time is it?”

“It’s Tiki Time!”

My child has asked me to read Tiki Time every day since we got it. And I don’t blame her! The art is exciting and vibrant, and the characters might be even brighter. Your kid is going to love Tiki & his crew, a heroic group full of personality and expertise. 

If your child loves creative play in the realm of superheroes, they’re going to love adding Tiki to the mix. He might be as powerful as Superman, he’s a kid, and he’s only a time portal away from dinosaurs. 

But for me, it’s the art that steals the show! My goodness, Tiki’s super speed stretches across the page, his punches come with force, and the characters are drawn with such individuality that you’ll remember them for a long time. 

And the danger is real and palpable without being scary. How you’re able to accomplish that when fire is overcoming your town and an evil creature is threatening everything you love is beyond me. This illustrator is incredible.

I do wish we concluded a portion of the story though. We get an introduction to the world, the problem, and our new heroic best friends, but the story pulls up short in favor of enticing us to read the next book. One thing’s for sure regardless: My child and I are definitely going to be checking out the rest of the story in prehistoric times.

It’s My Turn is an explosive first book in what promises to be a vivid, magical adventure series. And lucky for us, we get to see how these lovable side characters put their skills to the test to save TikiTown.

Thank you for reading Toni Woodruff’s book review of It’s My Turn (Tiki Time) by Creator JJ and Fates! 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 entertaining, useful book to help kids learn about cuts, scrapes, and the healing process

It’s only right that I cut my finger on the day that I started reading Immune Heroes, a children’s story about how the body works to heal itself when cuts and scrapes occur. 

While navigating my own discomfort, I had the most pleasant experience reading about how little Mayu handles his own pain and how the immune heroes inside his body save the day. Namita Gandhi uses her expertise as an immunologist and some major creativity to create this enticing book that both parents and adults will enjoy. 

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. 

As the immune hero characters start the process of repairing Mayu’s leg, they’re met with a few intruders that wish to infect the wound with bacteria. With each introduction of new bacteria, a different immune hero is called in to perform their specific duties and stop the bacteria from spreading or causing more harm. A group effort is needed as they work toward a common goal while providing readers with valuable information about the amazing ways our bodies protect us from harm. 

With this kids’ book, even I (a constantly reading adult) learned a lot about the intricacies of how our bodies repair cuts and keep out bacteria. With a throbbing finger, I was able to put names to the entire process of healing. 

Luckily this learning experience is paired with the cutest illustrations of round and expressive characters like Captain T cell, the neut navy, and tiny little grape looking bacteria to keep the mood light. Kids will love how friendly looking each character is and how Gandhi makes the world they’re living in seem so big and inviting when we know just how small they must be in our bodies. 

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. 

Readers will leave this experience with a much better understanding of how our bodies heal injuries without our intervention and will likely think back on the book each time they injure themselves in the future. I know I will. 

Thank you for reading Jaylynn Korrell’s book review of Immune Heroes by Jaylynn Korrell! 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

An empowering story about a resilient few getting the sweetness they deserve

I dare you not to love these kids. The Bundu Bunch is a group of orphans who outsmarted their difficult situation in book one, and now they’re back at it showing they might be smart enough to conquer anything in book two.

Sipho, Monica, Jabu, and Jacob are the high-spirited four who make up the Bunch. But maybe now, after yet another stellar performance, I’d better include Pele, Jacob’s pet mongoose. In this story, the Bunch is wronged—twice.

Indvuna Meyego is a man who drops mealie pap off at their home. But it turns out, he could have been giving them even more than that tasteless meal. They find a smorgasbord of delicious foods on his truck, but nothing more exciting than sticky buns. Oh how they could taste the sweetness now! But when Monica asks if they could please have some, he tells them they’re for paying customers, “not for dumb orphans like you.”

If that wasn’t enough, they’re greeted the very next day with the man’s son, Samu, making up a song to his friends about how the orphans are dumb and like donkeys. So what are they to do? Just sit back and take it? Or reclaim what’s theirs—the sticky buns and their pride?

The Bundu Bunch Get to Right Two Wrongs is a welcome sequel. The first book got me so excited about meeting these resilient kids and seeing them exceed others’ and their own expectations. They’re a smart, proud bunch I felt happy to revisit for book two.

This story is a splashy one. Where they overcame the bully’s harshness in book one in a solution separate from them, this one they come right at him. And they eat the sweets they deserve in the process. I love how active and unafraid these characters are. As if they haven’t already been dealt a tough enough hand, they have to fight for themselves without adult help—together. Whether you’re coming to this book on its own or have had the privilege of reading that great first book, you’re going to love following these brave, big-hearted little people.

This book is a good length for its likely 4-7 year old readers, told with plenty of story, engaging art, and real relevant conflict. They do get a little sneaky, and the bullying language could be a bit triggering for some, but if you’ve got a little one who could benefit from seeing how a group of underprivileged kids fights against bullying and how they can too, this book couldn’t be a better fit. Sometimes you’ve got to be tough to get what you deserve and to overcome these bullies’ wrath.

I want you to read this book. I do. But I still want you to read book one first. Not necessarily because you and your kid won’t understand this one—because you will!—but because I want you to read this whole series. They’ve been great books so far, and they’d be excellent picks for readers who are ready to start believing in themselves.

Thank you for reading Toni Woodruff’s book review of The Bunch Bunch Get to Right Two Wrongs by Allan Low! 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 collection of positivity

Anabelle the unicorn does not feel accepted by the other unicorns around her. She feels excluded because of her appearance—her horn having not grown straight—and yet she is brimming with optimism. 

When she comes across Hampton the hedgehog lost in the woods one day, the two become fast friends and connect over their worries and desires for the future and how they can help others. 

“Never underestimate what you can do, […] and the differences you can make.”

Dr. Jonas Rockhold presents us with a moving collection of three stories about Anabelle, Hampton, and those they meet and help, particularly at Christine’s animal refuge. It is important for children to learn that stress and difficult situations do not have to be conquered alone; sometimes, one may need support, and simply talking to a friend can be the important reminder that someone cares and is listening. 

The illustrations in this book are active, colorful, and plentiful. The stories do a great job driving home the strong message of positivity and finding one’s place in the world. As humans (or unicorns or hedgehogs), our differences and uniqueness are both part of life; they make us who we are and should be accepted and appreciated. 

“As the two friends talked, they understood how friends need to take care of each other. No two people have the same needs; we must adapt to what we need and what our friends require.”

At times, the language and concepts discussed can seem a little lofty or difficult for children ten and under to comprehend fully on their own. The word “conducive,” the idea of fulfillment in life, the loss of a spouse, financial hardship, and securing money from an investor to name a few.

Additionally, some of the characters’ dialogue, such as extended greetings or repeated intentions, can slow down the stories. Many of the book’s messages happen in the characters’ self-realizations and reflections. Discussions surrounding death also happen in a few instances, but death is never explicitly stated or introduced with the intention of normalization. These stories put priority on providing the reader with memorable affirmations of positivity rather than showing these concepts through a plot-line.

Even so, these stories provide a wholesome message for children to keep in mind as they begin to come into their own and explore the world and their place within it. “Be positive, because each day brings new challenges and new opportunities.”

Readers can definitely expect cute, vibrant pictures and an overwhelmingly positive message of caring, listening, learning about others. Children deserve optimistic encouragement surrounding the future and how they interact with others, and these stories set excellent examples of good values and positive mentalities to foster.

Thank you for reading Audrey Davis’s book review of Adventures of Unicorn and Friends by Dr. Jonas Rockhold! If you liked what you read, please spend some more time with us at the links below.

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