Cannonball Read 17

Sticking It to Cancer One Book at a Time

I’m on a role with Author Leila Boukarim

Rima and the Painter by Leila Boukarim

Lost Words: An Armenian Story of Survival and Hope by Leila Boukarim

Sundays Are for Feasts by Leila Boukarim

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Once upon a time there was a day where picture books were read. Each one was special in their own way, but since they were picture books I didn’t want to weaken their goodness with a too long review for each one individually, Therefore, I put them in one review. Each one was read via an online reader copy. I will start with Rima and the Painter by Leila Boukarim and illustrated by Melissa Iwai. Due later in July 2025, this book is about a […]

Getting your Zen on

Zen for Kids: 50+ Mindful Activities and Stories to Shine Loving-Kindness in the World by Laura Burges

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CBR15Passport, author unknown to me. Zen for Kids: 50+ Mindful Activities and Stories to Shine Loving-Kindness in the World by Laura Burges and  Melissa Iwai  is a story of mindfulness and Zen actives that can grow with your child. Each story is adapted from a classic fairy tale, legend or from stories of Buddha, plus other inspirations. Items you will need to enact some of the practices presented are mentioned, journal activities as well as a haiku at the end of each story (created by […]

What is your relationship with your grandfather?

Gigi and Ojiji by Melissa Iwai

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I find it amusing when I want to review an early/easy reader. After all, it is funny that a book that probably has less than 250 words needs a review of 250 words. Gigi and Ojiji by Melissa Iwai has a lot going on in it. There is the daughter/mother relationship. There is the granddaughter/grandfather relationship. And there is the culture relationship. You learn Gigi is biracial (Japanese mother, white father) by just seeing it. There is no HEY LOOK! I AM DIFFERENT yelling off […]

Food and Folks

Dumplings for Lili by Melissa Iwai

La Princesa and the Pea by Susan Middleton Elya

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A local school was purchasing a few titles for their library. I was unaware of the picture books Dumplings for Lili and La Princessa and the Pea. Therefore, I gave them a quick peak when they came in. Both were two of the sweetest books I have read all year! (Okay, got the year joke out early.) These two books are a modern fairytale and a reimaging of a classic. Dumplings for Lili by Melissa Iwai is a lovely, illustrated book about a young girl […]



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