I was going to use This is Joy by Shelley Johannes as a recommended by a friend, but since I was slightly pushing it with my first, I figured having an author who I also have not meet, just interacted online was another push. However, the recommendation came from a person who said they had given some of their favorite books to a friend, so friends were involved. Anyway, this is a sweet story about a young girl who measures joy by the big and little things around her. The artwork is equally joyful and bright. Everything is simple, but not simplistic and just cute. The modern flavor of the style makes it a good gift or classroom book.
And since I found the rest of these books via Edelweiss, I cannot say anyone recommended these to me, unless you wish to say “Your Online Book Friend” recommended them to you. And you will be able to do so soon, as all are due in January 2023.
| I had not heard of Yoshi the loggerhead turtle until recently and now I have found several books on the spunky turtle. Yoshi’s Big Swim: One Turtles Epic Journey Home by Mary Wagley Copp is for a slightly younger audience but would work well in a classroom up to about second grade, though the picture book format might turn off some of those readers. This time we focus a little more on the people and the science that surrounded Yoshi, but all pieces of Yoshi’s story come together in a good non-fiction in fiction formatted book. Kaja Kajfez created illustrations that are busy and colorful. They tell the story well and allow you to make your own something, too.
Now, with Trucker Kid we have a slightly different pace. The story is less message and more fun with our different type of interests. We have our young girl, Athena, who thinks her dad and his big truck is the best. She loves playing trucks at recess, but her classmates just do not “get it” like she wants. Of course, we know our young heroine will find a way to show her friends that trucks are cool and that sharing her passion is easier than she thought as she comes up with a clever plan. Carol Gordon Ekster has a fun for most ages picture book with a modern feeling and brightly colored, simple illustrations by Russ Cox. As you can tell, I had a picture book reading day and came away with a few titles that I am happy to recommend to you. |
Waiting on Mr. Sloth has layers. It is a story about two friends and the things they do. It is also a story about waiting and learning patience. Katy Hudson’s diverse cast teaches us that sometimes going slow, taking your time is a good thing as there are treasures along the way. And it is worth the wait as you are doing things with friends. Now we adults can understand and appreciate Sasha’s side, too. We know that sometimes you need to “get it done” to enjoy all the time we need at the pool (as in this case). Still, we will appreciate the idea of enjoying the time you have together, even if it isn’t what you expected.
