Me and Marvin Gardens – Amy Sarig King

Today a special guest blogger (my daughter) is sharing details about her favorite Bluebonnet Award nominee.

Me and Marvin Gardens is a book about friendship and a love of nature.  This book introduces us to Obe, who is a boy who loves the outdoors and goes out to their family’s patch of land almost every day. Then he meets Marvin Gardens, who eats plastic, lives on his family’s patch of land, and leaves toxic poop that erodes anything and everything. When Marvin Gardens becomes too much to handle, Obe turns to his science teacher for help.  Can they help Marvin Gardens?

 

 

Me and Marvin Gardens Book Cover Me and Marvin Gardens
Amy Sarig King
Juvenile Fiction
Arthur A. Levine Books
January 31, 2017
256

Star Bright: A Christmas Story ~ Author – Alison McGhee and Illustrator – Peter H. Reynolds

A Christmas Story is a lovely book that tells the story of an angel who is uncertain what to bring to celebrate the birth of Baby Jesus.  Ultimately, she realizes a star that shines brightly is the perfect gift for a king.  The text and illustrations in this book work together beautifully to create a wonderful holiday read.  This book is not to be missed!

Star Bright Book Cover Star Bright
Alison McGhee
Juvenile Fiction
Atheneum Books for Young Readers
September 30, 2014
40

You Are: Speaking God’s Word Over Your Children – Emily Assell

You Are is a beautiful board book that shares God love and details just how special and important each precious child is in God’s eyes.  Biblical truths are shared in story form as well as being included through the addition of  relevant scripture passages.  The illustrations in this book are colorful and appealing.  This is a must buy Christmas gift for any baby or toddler in your life!

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

You Are Book Cover You Are
Emily Assell
Juvenile Nonfiction
Tyndale Kids
October 23, 2018
20

The Secrets of Ninja School – Deb Pilutti

The Secrets of Ninja School is a delightful story that features a quiet, gentle little girl who doesn’t seem to possess many if any ninja skills.  Her ninja education takes a positive turn when she recognizes her own special talents and is finally brave enough to share them.  This book would make a great read-a-loud at the beginning of the school year.

The Secrets of Ninja School Book Cover The Secrets of Ninja School
Deb Pilutti
Juvenile Fiction
Henry Holt Books For Young Readers
March 20, 2018
40

The Word Collector – Peter H. Reynolds

School begins this week for our daughter, and this book has a perfect message for the start of a new school year!

Our family’s all time favorite children’s book author is Peter H. Reynolds!  His newest book is a treasure.  The Word Collector reminds young and old readers alike of the power of words and encourages using your own words to make a difference in the world.  This one is a winner!

The Word Collector Book Cover The Word Collector
Peter Reynolds
Juvenile Fiction
Orchard Books
2018
40

Florette – Anna Walker

Florette tells the sweet story of a little girl named Mae who moves to the city and desperately misses the garden that she had to leave behind at her old home.  Mae attempts to recreate her garden in a variety of creative ways including chalk and boxes.  Ultimately, she discovers a store that appears to house a leafy forest.  A sprout peaking out of a crevice of the store front becomes the beginning of Mae’s new garden.  Her garden positively impacts the whole neighborhood.  This beautiful book is a perfect gift for a nature loving child.

 

Florette Book Cover Florette
Anna Walker
JUVENILE FICTION
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
2018-02
40

Sergeant Reckless: The True Story of the Little Horse Who Became a Hero – Patricia McCormick

Sergeant Reckless is an outstanding picture book.  The book shares the true story of a small abandoned horse who ultimately is able to do amazing things which aid the American troops during the Korean War.  The pictures throughout the book are fantastic and truly enhance the text.  This one is really a winner!

Sergeant Reckless Book Cover Sergeant Reckless
Patricia McCormick
Juvenile Nonfiction
Balzer + Bray
September 12, 2017
40

Under the Umbrella – Catherine Buquet

When a terribly grumpy man is making his way down the street during a rain storm, his umbrella gets a way from him and lands at the feet of a young man admiring freshly baked treats in a bakery window.  Soon the grumpy man’s mood is transformed, and he is sharing a delicious treat with the young man and is no longer soured by the stormy day.  Under the Umbrella is a delightful book with amazing illustrations which was originally published in French.

Under the Umbrella Book Cover Under the Umbrella
Catherine Buquet
Juvenile Fiction
March 1, 2017
32

Nerdy Birdy – Aaron Reynolds

Nerdy Birdy is a delightful book about appreciating and accepting who you are coupled with a lesson about the power of friendship.  Although a great children’s book for a read-aloud, this book would also be a tremendous resource at the secondary level.  We love Nerdy Birdy at our house and are looking forward to reading the second Nerdy Birdy book – Nerdy Birdy Tweets.

Nerdy Birdy Book Cover Nerdy Birdy
Aaron Reynolds
Juvenile Fiction
Macmillan
September 22, 2015
40