Review: Where Are Your Shoes, Mr. Brown? by Justin Rhodes and illustrator Heather Dickinson

In this endearing, beautifully illustrated picture book by Justin Rhodes, we are introduced to a young boy known as Mr. Brown, on a journey to find his lost shoes across their family farm. As the second child who constantly loses them, it becomes problemsone when it’s time to do the family chores. As frustrating as it might be, his father sees this as a teaching moment and for himself extending grace and patience despite him doing this often.

The book has several takeaways that make this an enjoyable read. Mr Brown learns some valuable life lessons that will be helpful as he grows. Even though he couldn’t find his shoes, his determination to work in spite of it is such a wonderful quality to have. When his father stepped back and let him search for his own shoes, it gave him a purpose that taught him how to be responsible and how what he does affects other people. He learned how to solve his own problem and gain confidence to find a solution. With these great lessons, the moment that stands out for me was the invaluable bond and love between not only their family but in this particular situation, his father and himself. The illustrations of them working together with no text spoke volume and just wrapped up the book so nicely.

Overall, it was a wonderful read that includes a heartfelt open note from the perspective of a father, the author that others parents can relate to. Even though this was about Mr. Brown, his commentary presents another perspective from the parents that I feel will give you something to relate to in regards to finding a balance as Mr. Brown’s father did for his situation. This was his first picture book and I look forward to seeing more in the future.

The reading age for this book is 3-6. The book has 32 pages.

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Review: Moraline by Cintia Alfonso Fior

Debut novel, Moraline by Cintia Alfonso Fior, is an empowering novel for middle schoolers sprinkled with some magical realism featuring a young girl who finds herself on a journey of self discovery, compassion and friendship.

When she encounters moments that she finds challenging, her first instinct is to run from them. Moving across the country didn’t help ease her fears, especially dealing with classmates who treated her differently with their bullying behavior. On a class camping trip, she found herself victim to one of their cruel pranks, which initiated her flight response towards deep in the woods. Embarrassed and defeated, she did what she always did to run but this time found herself in an enchanting experience encountering a Lakota holy man with an unexpected revelation. He shares with her the chosen path of her destiny to put the winds back in balance by tackling injustice that comes in her path.

With the help of some newly found friendships that inspired a new found confidence and drive, they become the change they want showing that kids can make a difference in advocating for change where there needs to be.

I enjoyed what the book represented and the message inspires young people that their voice can and is worth hearing.Not only can they make an impact in their communities but also in the world.The book presented several relevant social issues represented by Moraline and the other characters. What I love is how each character is diverse and has a relatable story that mimics the silent voices that need to be heard. It allows readers the chance to understand from their point of view and presents an opportunity that inspires conversation about bullying and social injustices.

Overall, it was a wonderful story and I look forward to reading more of the same. It’s worth mentioning where their book is represented. They represent something that would be a valuable resource in expanding storytelling and advocacy in regards to children and literature. Rising Advocates is an advocacy and educational platform, dedicated to promoting children’s rights and environmental justice through storytelling and education. If you are a parent that would like to explore more about their mission, go check them out.

The reading age is 8-13.

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Review: A Very Dinosaur Birthday by Adam Wallace and illustrator Christopher Nielsen

A Very Dinosaur Birthday is a fun, vibrant illustrated picture book that will take your young reader on a fun adventure with some dinosaurs! If they love those big fun creatures, they will find out what happens when you invite them to a party. Even though they can be big and messy, they’re kind, want to bring happiness and will be the life of the party. 

Besides all the fun that engages the pages, what a wonderful learning experience to have in the front and back the names to get familiar or reacquainted. In the back, there’s also a fun activity to celebrate for your dinosaur party. You will laugh and enjoy yourself and be complemented with engaging illustrations that make the experience more exciting. This is one that will be great for the family with the intended age range of 4-10 years old. 

On a side note, I have to say how adorable the introduction illustrated pictures of the author and illustrator are in regards to the book. That was such a nice compliment to the book. If you child loves dinosaurs, this will be a fun one to check out.

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Review: The Gullfather: Birdsy Seagull by Jeff Sikaitis and Jake Wheeler

Not to be punny but the new novel, The Gullfather: Birdsy Seagull, just quacked me up. This debut graphic novel for kids by Jeff Sikaitis and Jake Wheeler is the first book in their A Seahawk Situation series. With its colorful & engaging graphics, despite being targeted to kids I feel the adults would appreciate the humor and enjoy this also.

The book centers around The Gullfather aka Birdsy Seagull & his crew. If the kids had a mafia and gangster version, this is them. In an attempt to maintain their turf on the boardwalk, they find themselves in a situation with one of the restaurants. In an attempt to get rid of them, they put up a wooden statue thinking that was going to keep them away for good. Well, if Birdsy has anything to do with it, it’s his turf and that’s not going to happen. They come up with a plan to show them who’s boss. After things escalate and some of the crew find their backs against the wall, we see how great things can happen when you look out for one another. Will Birdsy still be king of the boardwalk?

I read this and couldn’t get enough of it. If you have a kid that may be reluctant to read, this will definitely grab their attention. Also to mention, introduce them to graphic novels. Between the nice mix of visuals and texts, it gives an engaging experience. There’s more to them than just the obvious but some good underlying takeaways that have good meaning. I haven’t read many graphic novels but this one really grabbed my attention and piqued my interest to explore more. I’m definitely going to be on the lookup for the next book and will be a follower of the series. If you have a kid that loves comic and graphic novels, make sure to check this one out.

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Review: My First Veggie Bible Stories by Pamela Kennedy, Anne Kennedy Brady and Illustrator Jerry Pittenger

My First Veggie Bible Stories is such a wonderful board book for those who want to introduce the Bible to your young ones. As with the other books in the series, the colorful characters brought together with these wonderful stories make this a wonderful learning experience. I love how each story is referenced from where in the Bible. This highlights some of the significant events and serves many purposes for how you want to present this collection. I love how they take what happened and present it in a way that is easy for them to absorb and grasp. Overall, a really book that for families who wat to introduction Bible stories that will appreciate.

Pages: 24

Reading Age: 2 - 5 Years Old

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Review: I Can Be Your Friend by Veggie Tales, Pamela Kennedy and illustrated by Lisa Reed

Teach little ones about making and being friends with this VeggieTales board book about all the things that make friends the best. 

The Veggies know it is important to be kind and loving to all. Bob, Larry, Laura, Junior, and the rest of the Veggies learn all about what being a good friend means: being kind, forgiving one another, taking turns, sharing, and laughing together. Children will take away the message that we can be a friend to those we meet, whether we share a lot or very little in common on the surface, and that God is the best friend we can ever have.

Review

What a fun and endearing board book this is. Honestly, this would be the first time many kids would probably want spend time with veggies! The colorful illustrations are so cute and welcoming. The overall message is wonderful and who wouldn't want to be friends with them. The veggies are so wonderful with their acceptance of anyone no matter who you are and showing the value of being and having a friendships is so welcoming. This would be a great one that promotes making and being a good friend.

Pages: 20

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