Review: Sammy The Sasquatch: Welcome to Crittertopia by Claire Marie and Illustrator Izabela Ciesinska

With school coming soon, a sensitive topic but an important one, is covered in Sammy The Sasquatch: Welcome to Crittertopia by Claire Marie. In today’s times, the idea of lockdown drills in schools can be a sensitive subject to discuss but in this book, it’s done in a way that is informative and compassionate.

We are introduced to Sammy The Sasquash from Crittertopia. We learn how the elders of their communities use their magic to keep them safe. Along with some friends, they show what they do to keep themselves safe from humans when they wander around unexpectedly. They are told in a way that keeps them calm and to allow them to be conscious of their surroundings and take specific actions if they find themselves in a situation where they need to take immediate action. Being comfortable with an adult is nothing to be scared of.

What I love about the book is for this age range, talking about this could be scary. With this book, it’s so warm and engaging, the kids will connect with the characters to encourage and empower them to learn ways to keep themselves and others safe in any situation that involves a potential lockdown. I thought it was a great way to let them know where there are other reasons that are nonviolent which can ease some of the anxiety they might feel.

Sammy and his friends take a tough subject and make it comfortable. The beautiful illustrations complement and make it more accessible for their comprehension visually and the story relatable for them to connect with. The introduction in the beginning will give such insight on ways to help facilitate the conversation and prepare them to handle and ease any fear or anxieties. Overall, this was a wonderful book that has a message that translates well and will appeal for the intended audience.

This is for ages 4-8.

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Review: My Life Beyond Depression by Guillaume Federighi AKA Hey Gee

My Life Beyond Depression is part of a series that gives us insight beyond the scenes of a young girl facing challenges and coping with depression. Based on the story of a real life patient, Gifty, this graphic novel brings awareness through the point of view of a young person dealing with depression.

Bindi, physically disabled from a stroke earlier in life, has been battling depression due to her circumstances. As she gets older, wanting to fit in and be a young kid, the challenges from her trauma have not enabled her to participate in the normal activities that her peers engage in. Through her story, we learn what she goes through. how she deals with things and what she does to make things better.

In today's times, so many young people go through so much. It’s hard being a kid today. They may not have the same experience but might have gone through something that makes them feel the same. What I love about her is how she encourages you to reach out when you feel no hope. With acknowledgement there are times that you can deal with things yourself, reach out because there are people that love you.

I feel that with her circumstances, seeing this from her youthful perspective, can be impactful. For other young people with similar circumstances or those who have found themselves feeling the same, this hopefully will be an uplifting story that will give them courage and learn ways to cope and manage to make their lives more optimistic.

The age range s 8-12. The book has 40 pages.

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Review: Spacecare: A Kid's Guide to Surviving Space by Jennifer Swanson

Do you have a kid that dreams of space or astronauts? Spacecare by Jennifer Swanson is a book that they will love that is filled with everything and anything involved with space. It has amazing photos and information that include how astronauts are studied before and after their missions, how they adapt and live in space, what they do such as eat, sleep, and other things that capture their daily lives. There are questions answered from real astronauts and you feel like you are right there with them. This was enjoyable and fun and for those enthusiasts, they won’t be disappointed.

This book has 80 pages. This is for the reading age 8-12

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Review: Somebunny Loves You! by Melinda Lee Rathjen and Illustrator Cee Biscoe

Somebunny Loves You is a sweet board book for those moments to share how much your little one is loved. From its beautiful cover, illustrating that loving embrace, warm and inviting, this book has such a beautiful message that no matter where you are or what you’re doing, you are loved. What a beautiful way to express your unconditional love with your child that will  leave you warm inside and put a smile on both your hearts.

This book has 18 pages.

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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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