Once Upon a Storyville

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

Once Upon a Storyville

Only One You – Linda Kranz

Only One You Book Cover Only One You
Linda Kranz
Conduct of life
Cooper Square Pub
2006

This little gem of a book would make a lovely graduation gift.  Only One You highlights the parental advice given to Adri the fish who is about to venture out on his own.  Beautiful illustrations and deceptively simply text provide the reader with a profound message of self acceptance, encouragement, and the charge to make the world a better place.  This is a new favorite!

This review was originally posted on May 27, 2015.

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie – Laura Joffe Numeroff

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie Book Cover If You Give a Mouse a Cookie
Laura Joffe Numeroff
Mice
Balzer & Bray
January 10, 1997
1

In honor of National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day...

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie is just plain fun.  The pictures command the reader’s attention and delight with the use of bright colors and whimsical images.  The tale of the mouse who seems to always have yet another request is a great tool to teach cause and effect as well as a highly enjoyable story for young and old alike.

This review was originally posted on March 12, 2012.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Goodnight Already! – John Jory

Goodnight Already! is a delightful story featuring two friends – bear and duck.  Bear is tired and more than ready for bed, but duck is wide away and eager to spend time with bear which leads to a silly story that young readers will enjoy.  The bright, colorful illustrations which feature engaging details enhance this fun story.

 

Goodnight Already! Book Cover Goodnight Already!
Jory John
Juvenile Fiction
HarperCollins
December 2, 2014
32

Giraffe Problems – Jory John

The things that make us different can make us self-conscious.  This is definitely true for Edward the giraffe.  He sees his long neck as a frustrating problem until he is befriended by Cyrus the turtle.  Cyrus helps Edward see the beauty in what makes him different.  Giraffe Problems is a beautiful illustrated book with an important message.

Giraffe Problems Book Cover Giraffe Problems
Jory John
Juvenile Fiction
Random House Books for Young Readers
September 25, 2018
41

The Couch Potato – Jory John

The Couch Potato is another winner by Jory John.  It shares a powerful message about screen time that can be appreciated by all ages.  Beautifully illustrated and engaging, this book is perfect for a read aloud and can serve as a starting point for discussion about screen use and the impact it has on our lives.

The Couch Potato Book Cover The Couch Potato
Jory John
Juvenile Fiction
HarperCollins
November 3, 2020
40

Our Favorite Easter Book

This review was originally posted on April 1, 2015.

Reading this book has become a special Easter tradition for our family.

The Flowering Cross was a very quick favorite for our daughter.  It is a touching Easter story which focuses on the transformational power of God’s love.

Katie is a six year old little girl who truly loves God.  She displays her unconditional love and kindness to her neighbor Jack who is known throughout the neighborhood for being “mean”.  Soon her kindness not only brings out kindness and gentleness in Jack but also a willingness to accept God’s love.

The illustrations in this book are amazing.  They bring the story to life with the use of vivid color and detail.  They truly enhance the story for the reader.

Bible verses as well as faith imprints which include discussion starters are found throughout the book and provide a terrific addition to the story.  Additionally, directions on how to create a flowering cross are also included at the end of the story.  This was particularly appreciated by this reader since our daughter has become keenly interested in the idea of our family making a flowering cross!

While this complimentary book was provided for review by Thomas Nelson Publishers, no other compensation was given.  All remarks are my personal and honest opinions.

The Flowering Cross Book Cover

The Smart Cookie – Jory John

The Smart Cookie is a beautifully illustrated children’s book that is best enjoyed as a read aloud.  It filled with fun puns and clever word play and shares an encouraging message.  A great addition to any primary classroom library.

The Smart Cookie Book Cover The Smart Cookie
Jory John
Juvenile Fiction
HarperCollins
November 2, 2021
40

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