Gaston is a cute story which features two darling dog families and focuses on being happy with yourself and your surroundings. This book would make a terrific read aloud as well as a great discussion starter.
Gaston – Kelly DiPucchio
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Poppy (Tales from Dimwood Forest) – Avi
The Tales from Dimwood Forest series has truly delighted our daughter. They are stories of adventure and suspense which feature woodland creatures. Poppy is a sweet and kind little deer mouse who exhibits determination which inspires young readers. A great series that has quickly become a favorite.
Happy Veteran’s Day!
Little Elliot, Big City – Mike Curato
Little Elliot lives in a big city and often thinks that life would be better if he were just a bit bigger. After some struggles, he discovers that all he really needs is a good friend who he finds in the most unlikely of places.
This is a darling book that would make a great read aloud. We loved it!
Rupert Can Dance – Jules Feiffer
Rupert Can Dance is a fun story about a little girl who loves to dance. To her surprise, her cat Rupert loves to dance too. She discovers his dancing ways by chance, and Rupert is not pleased when Mandy attempts to give him lessons so he can improve his skills. Rupert is a cat, and he has no interest in being trained as if he is a dog. Mandy takes some time to develop a plan and ultimately is able to bring out the dancing fun in herself and Rupert.
Calvin, Look Out! A Bookworm Birdie Gets Glasses – Jennifer Berne
Calvin the Bookworm Birdie is back! This time with the help of librarian Mrs. Readalot, he discovers that he needs glasses. At first the other starlings are not very kind about Calvin’s need to wear glasses, and Calvin retreats to the woods. Although he soon finds himself in trouble, he is able to use his book-smarts as well as his glasses to find a solution and transform the other starlings views regarding wearing glasses.
This is a very cute story. I especially liked the use of more sophisticated language within the book. Since Calvin is a bookworm, the language in these stories always displays his exposure to more sophisticated vocabulary.
Happy Halloween!
Best wishes for a Halloween filled with treats!
Their Name is Today – Johann Christoph Arnold
Their Name is Today is well worth reading. It provides hope and encouragement in tackling the challenge of reclaiming childhood in a world that can make it difficult. The text includes lots of real life stories and provides a great deal to think about for parents, teachers, and policy makers.
While this complimentary book was provided for review by Handlebar Publishing, no other compensation was given. All remarks are my personal and honest opinions.
The Bumpy Little Pumpkin
The Bumpy Pumpkin is an extremely sweet tale about a little girl who thinks a small bumpy pumpkin would make the perfect jack-o-lantern. Her sisters do not agree and are quick to tell her that the pumpkin she wants is too small, too bumpy, and too ugly to be any good. Left alone and feeling sad, she is soon greeted by a number of animal friends who understand the beauty she sees in the small bumpy pumpkin. They help her transform the pumpkin into a darling jack-o-lantern. Ultimately, Little Nell and her sisters realize that jack-o-lanterns can come in all shapes and sizes.
Plant a Pocket of Prairie – Phyllis Root
Plant a Pocket of Prairie is a beautiful book that explains that prairie land is quickly disappearing and suggests what one might do to bring it back – planting a pocket of prairie on your own. It then takes the reader on a tour of the many plants and animals that live on prairie lands. The lovely illustrations bring the prairie to life on the page. The back portion of the book provides more information about each of the prairie plants and animals. Plant a Pocket of Prairie is a very well done nature book!