For Johan Sebastian, there was always music. This amazingly colorful picture book introduces the life of a man that wanted to become a “bach” (a musician). He took the patterns he heard and saw and created music from that. These patterns that he turned into melodies and song made him one of the most important composers of all time (though it was not always that way). Bach’s story is captivating. Read the illustrations of Leonard as they are works of art by themselves. The story […]
Groundhug Day
If Groundhog sees his shadow, he will hide in his hole for six more weeks. That is normal, so what is the issue? If he sees his shadow, he will miss Moose’s Valentine’s Day party! So, to make sure Groundhog can join them, all his friends come up with plans to stop him from seeing that pesky shadow. However, while they are arguing, morning comes….and so does Groundhogs shadow! What will they do now? This latest picture book by the author of the Vampirina Ballerina series […]
Trust Me, Hansel and Gretel Are Sweet!: The Story of Hansel and Gretel as Told by the Witch
We all know the story of Hansel and Gretel… or do we? This retake on the popular story takes a softer approach to the classic tale and creates a happy ending for everyone. The bright colors of the illustrations hint at the sweet treat that is the center of the commotion. Over all this book, while a fun read, it is very predictable. The witch is good…. she likes to make food art out of her mashed potatoes and the gingerbread house is just a […]
Count Down to Yoga
When a little girl needs to do a little yoga, she counts the ways to do the poses…. literally. This yoga book for children combines animal poses that children can do and counting. Fun text combined with bright, soft colorful images has never made educational look so good! Yoga books are never my thing. Honestly, they can be a little “preachy” most of the time. Yet, this book is very straight forward. “We do a yoga pose” end of story. The counting of the animals […]
Mice Skating Away with Your Heart
This mouse will not stay in the house….even though it is winter and very cold outside! Field mice do not like the cold…but Lucy loves the snow crunching under her paws and how the cold makes her whiskers feel. Her friends want to stay warm inside, but Lucy wants them to come out and play so she can show off her new skills and all the winter fun she has been having. Some of her attempts do not pan out…but soon she figures out how […]
Learn from Women Who Dared
Working in an independent bookstore means you get to be exposed to many different genres, but I always go back to my favorite: children’s literature. Being a fiction gal means non-fiction is rarely fun. But Women Who Dared: 52 Stories of Fearless Daredevils, Adventurers, and Rebel is grand fun. Fifty-two women who have shaped the world by doing things “women are not supposed to do” are introduced with one page biographies. Most were women rarely (if ever) heard of. A few (such as Bessie Coleman) […]