Once Upon a Storyville

Where one Mom and educator shares her opinions on books, and maybe more…

Once Upon a Storyville

Mortimer’s First Garden – Karma Wilson

Sweet Mortimer Mouse discovers the joy of spring and the delight of watching a seed transform into a plant in this beautifully illustrated book.  Mortimer’s First Garden would be a fantastic book to use for a read aloud option.  This one is a winner!

Mortimer's First Garden Book Cover Mortimer's First Garden
Karma Wilson
Juvenile Fiction
Margaret K. McElderry Books
February 24, 2009
32

The Really Radical Book for Kids – Champ Thornton

The Really Radical Book for Kids is a terrific sequel to The Radical Book for Kids.  Both volumes provide church history, closer analysis of specific books of the Bible and biblical characters as well as apologetic insights.  Written in a highly approachable and enjoyable manner, this book is an outstanding resource for learners of all ages.

While this complimentary book was provided for review by New Growth Press, no other compensation was given.  All remarks are my personal and honest opinions.

The Really Radical Book for Kids Book Cover The Really Radical Book for Kids
Champ Thornton
Religion
2023
 

The Good Egg – Jory John

The Good Egg is a fun read that is filled with colorful, engaging illustration.  Many lessons can be gleaned from this text that would benefit older learners well as young children.  This is a super book to use for a read aloud!






The Good Egg Book Cover




The Good Egg





Jory John





Juvenile Fiction




HarperCollins




February 12, 2019




40

Little Mouse’s Big Valentine – Thacher Hurd

This is my favorite Valentine’s Day book in our collection. Little Mouse has a very big valentine that he wants to share, but none of his friends are interested because it is just too big.  As he ponders how to solve his dilemma, Little Mouse makes a new friend and together they come up with a solution that allows everyone to enjoy a Valentine’s Day treat.






Little Mouse's Big Valentine Book Cover




Little Mouse's Big Valentine





Thacher Hurd





Juvenile Fiction




Harper Collins




December 20, 1991




36

Shawn and His Amazing Shrinking Sister (Teaching Kids to Use Their Words Wisely Series) – Ginger Hubbard and Al Roland

Shawn and His Amazing Shrinking Sister is the latest title in the Teaching Kids to Use Their Words Wisely Series.  The illustrations in this book are powerful and reinforce the story in which teasing not only hurts feeling but actually ends up reducing self worth making the character feel smaller.  One of the benefits of this series in the inclusion of the parent guide in the back of the book which helps aid discussion of the text and ultimately connecting the lesson to everyday life.

While this complimentary book was provided for review by New Growth Press, no other compensation was given. All remarks are my personal and honest opinions.






Shawn and His Amazing Shrinking Sister Book Cover




Shawn and His Amazing Shrinking Sister





Ginger Hubbard, Al Roland,





Juvenile Fiction




January 23, 2023

The Sour Grape – Jory John

The Sour Grape is an entertaining story with a big lesson.  This humorous tale is delightfully illustrated and would make a wonderful read aloud for all instructional levels.  This book is the perfect example of the power of picture books for learners of all ages.  A gem to be read and enjoyed!






The Sour Grape Book Cover




The Sour Grape





Jory John





HarperCollins




2022-11




40

Little Hoot – Amy Krouse Rosenthal

With a similar slant to the previous best seller Little Pea, Little Hoot is a fun bedtime story.  Rather than stay up late as his parents desire, Little Hoot wants nothing more than to go to bed early like all of his friends.  A truly charming story.






Little Hoot Book Cover




Little Hoot





Amy Krouse Rosenthal





Juvenile Fiction




Chronicle Books




2008




36

The Lantern House – Erin Napier

The Lantern House features a beautiful house becoming a family home not just once but twice.  Watercolor like illustrations make the text come alive in this quiet, gentle book which can be thoroughly enjoyed by young and old alike.  This one is a winner!






The Lantern House Book Cover




The Lantern House





Erin Napier





Juvenile Fiction




Little, Brown Books for Young Readers




May 24, 2022




40

Good News for Little Hearts Series – 2 New Additions

Two new titles from the Good News for Little Hearts Series have been released.

Zoe’s Time to Shine: When You Want to Hide explores how we can deal with situations where we just want to hide and may have feelings of shame.  Approached from a Christian worldview, Welch provides a picture book with an important message that includes delightful illustrations and an engaging story.  As is the tradition for the series, there are parent pages that provide further insights and scripture support for the text.

Another new release is Henry’s Big Mistake: When You Feel Guilty.  In this tale, Henry feels guilty after teasing his sister and learns more about why we feel guilt and what we can do about it.  Gently presented with a Christian worldview, this story is relatable to children and beautifully illustrated.  Additional support for parents who desire to discuss the text more fully with their children is provided.

While these complimentary books were provided for review by New Growth Press, no other compensation was given.  All remarks are my personal and honest opinions.