Review: What If Everybody Thought That? by Ellen Javernick and Colleen Madden (Illustrator)

What If Everybody Thought That? is the third book in the What If Everybody series. It has colorful, engaging illustrations to complement the book dealing with such an important lesson for kids to learn and be more self aware when interacting with others. It’s easy to judge people based on what you see or make certain assumptions but if you do, what if you’re wrong. It can have a negative impact on the other person. That’s why it’s important to be kind and considerate to the alternative possibly because when you assume something, you may not be right.

I think the book presents some great examples to highlight this thought for them to keep in the back of their minds and hopefully inspire more compassion and understanding.

The reading age for this book is 3-7. It has 32 pages.

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Review: My Life Beyond Sickle Cell Disease by Hey Gee

My Life Beyond Sickle Cell Disease by Guillaume Federighi AKA Hey Gee is a graphic novel based on a real life Mayo Clinic patient. We are introduced to Arabella, a 14 year old aspiring track star who is training for the international races. With each race she attempts, her sickle cells affect her in different ways but she doesn’t let that stop her.. With big dreams and optimism, we see her determination not allowing her illness to defeat her. As we learn the ways she manages to work through her challenges, we watch her embrace her “nothing is impossible” mantra to achieve her goals and live the best life she can.

This is such a wonderful book to share with kids to learn more about sickle cell disease from the perspective of a kid. This isn’t just an inspiring read watching her work hard through her challenges to reach her life goals and is a great lesson to be gained. Also, there is information and resources at the conclusion that will allow you to learn more.

This is 40 pages. The reading level is 8-12 years old.

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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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