The Lantern House by Erin Napier
You ever read a book and think, “Well that was interesting. Did I like it? Yes. Did I love it? Well, no.” And that is how I felt about The Lantern House by Erin Napier (with illustrations by Adam Trest). Maybe I was a little biased by the fact the book is by a celebrity. Or was not completely in the right mood or space to be reading. Yet, I know one thing about this book. I might not have loved it, but I know there […]
You Are Here by Zach Manbeck
The publisher description of You Are Here by Zach Manbeck says it all: Encourages children to explore the world around them, embrace opportunities, and experience life as an adventure. And we have seen this story before. There is really little to nothing that is new to say. However, Manbeck has illustrations that make this story interesting and have a bit of a kick. And while having a classic look and feel to them, they are also making it new and fresh. The art reminded me […]
Miss Rita, Mystery Reader by Sam Donovan
Miss Rita, Mystery Reader has it all going on! Not only do we have a dad and child dynamic, we have a mystery reader coming to the child’s classroom to read to them, we have a non-binary child, and a Drag Queen. Dad by some of the time, and Miss Rita the other times, Tori is excited to introduce them to their classroom. And they cannot wait to help dad get ready, as “it takes time–because sparkle is serious business!” But will everyone love Miss […]
Benny’s True Colors by Norene Paulson
I have read books about transgender adults. I have read books about trans kids. In these books they will live their true selves. They can be who they are not only on the inside but outside. However, I am not sure how to interpret Benny’s True Colors within my experiences of these other books. I am more than happy for someone to read this book and let me know if they think Benny is living their true selves by “presenting” a true self or if […]
Don’t Worry Murry by David Ezra Stein
We know the story that is presented in Don’t Worry, Murray as it is a story of anxieties and fears. However, we have not seen it with one of the cutest pups I have seen in a bit. David Ezra Stein created a small dog that has big fears. He does not want to go outside. Why? Asks the narrator. And in a wordless explanation we get an all too clear reason why (it is wet, and he does not want to get dirty). And this […]
My Parents Won’t Stop Talking! by Emma Hunsinger
When a little girl is ready to go play in the park, nothing will stop her. Nothing, that is but her next-door neighbors who always have to talk to her two moms. Oh sure, her little brother does not seem to understand the dire need to “get going” but she does. And while she tries to be the best “waiter” ever, she knows My Parents Won’t Stop Talking! until the talking is done and that could take a very long time and is not sure […]
