Review: Don't Be Mean to 13 by Douglas Harris

Don’t Be Mean to 13 is a wonderful book complemented with engaging, colorful illustrations to help children understand and not be afraid of superstitions. Beginning with a wonderful forward to the book, it gives some background roots to the number 13 and the infamous Friday the 13th.

The number 13 and Friday the 13th, has been branded in our minds as something bad but how many of us know why? As the book gives some root info and through the adorable 13 and Friday characters, these superstitions get tested and show how the number isn’t so scary.

Overall, I enjoyed the book and found the information presented was interesting. Something that stands out is the character 13. As the character may appear scary looking, I love how they are embraced and as the book tries to take the negative out of the superstitions, we see who they really are. That’s a wonderful takeaway lesson. People judge based on things they don’t know. When they take the time to learn more about them, they grow to see they aren’t that bad.

Reading Age 3-10

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Review: Nona's Nerves by Modello Brown

About the Book

Nona was excited! She’d been practicing, you know. Tomorrow was the annual Littlewood Talent Show! But when Nona’s turn came… Just before she went to sing… Something stopped her in her tracks…Her chest began to sting!

Nona had been feeling super-duper great about her singing all week. But then she saw all the amazing things the rest of the Hip Hop Littles were doing... She watched Wan share incredible photos…She watched Zoey model fantastic outfits. She watched Rain DJ, Alison dance, and Jordan paint graffiti. They were all so wonderful that she suddenly felt very anxious. She didn’t want to sing anymore. What on Earth was she going to do?

Review

Nona’s Nerves is part of a new children’s book series, featuring the cute pact of friends called The Hip Hop Littles. Beautifully illustrated, complemented with a wonderful supportive story, we see how this team comes together to support their friend dealing with her anxiety before a big show.

With everyone anticipating their annual talent show, Nona had practiced all week and couldn’t wait to perform. She didn’t have anything to worry about because she was very talented. After her friends showed their talent and it was her turn to perform, anxiety and nervousness overcame her leaving her uncertain of what to do. With the help and support of her friends, they gave her the self confidence boost she needed to overcome her fears.

Overall, this was a wonderful book in the series. I loved how her friends supported each other and shared their experiences. It showed her how this was part of life and normal as everyone goes through this but can be conquered. This is going to be a good series that children can feel good about and relate to the experiences on their level. I loved the positivity and value that it will bring to their lives.

This book is recommended for kids ages 3-8.

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Review: The Kid with Big, Big Ideas by Britney Winn Lee and Jacob Souva (Illustrator)

"There once was a kid with glittery nails who always wore colorful socks,

and all around town, this child was known for thinking outside of the box."

Following the bestselling The Boy with Big, Big Feelings and The Girl with Big, Big Questions comes a new story about a nonbinary kid with ideas so big and wild that grown-ups often dismiss them. What if we could be mermaids and swim to school? What if we could teach pets to talk? What if we could make the world safe and inclusive for everyone?

This innovative kid doesn't stop there, and with the help of their supportive Gran, they come up with the biggest idea yet. In a world that so often dismisses and excludes kids from decision-making, this book boldly suggests that not only should kids have a voice, but that their ideas just might be the ticket to making progress.

Download the free The Kid with Big, Big Ideas Educator's Guide to continue the discussion about world-changing ideas!

Pages: 32

Ages: Preschool (3-5 years); Early Grades (5-8 years)

Review

The Kid with Big, Big Ideas is the third book in the The Big, Big series. As I’m not familiar with the series and this being the first book I read, I thought this was a wonderful book. I will definitely check out the other two books in the series.

This beautifully illustrated book is complemented with such a positive message for kids, inspiring them to use their voice to make a difference. Kids today, being exposed to so much more than previous generations, have big ideas that sometimes don’t get heard because of their age. All it takes is one person to believe in them and help cultivate them with help may lead to something great.

What I loved is how this awesome kid shared their ideas with their Gran who took them seriously and helped make a plan to work with the community. By allowing this, it gave them a voice to be part of the solution involving matters that related to them and allow their big ideas to be put to good use.

What a wonderful takeaway message that all it takes is one adult to believe and help take those big ideas and voices to use to inspire something great. You never know how those ideas can impact the community.

Overall, a wonderful book with a positive message.

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Review: A Love Letter from God by P.K. Hallinan

About the Book

In this sweet title by P. K. Hallinan, the author supposes what God might say in a personal letter written to a child. The unconditional and unlimited nature of God’s love is revealed through simple and lyrical language. I love you, My child, so hear what I say: Nothing can pry Me or drive Me away. Your future’s as brilliant as the sun on the sea… And I’ll love you forever, through all eternity. Rich and textured illustrations and fun die-cuts will make this heartwarming book a family favorite for years to come.

Review

A Love Letter from God, complemented with beautiful illustrations exudes warmth and compassion. A lovely message showing unconditional love and reassurance that no matter what makes you, you are perfect. No matter what troubles you, he will lead and guide during your uncertainty. When you have challenges, you will gain strength. No matter what, unconditional love will be everlasting through eternity.

For families that embrace religion in their life, this is a beautiful message to be received and embraced. A lovely book that will make you smile.

Pages: 24

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Review: Adelaide on Broadway by Zoe Twitt and Nicola Senior (Illustrator)

About the Book

Join Adelaide and her friends as they navigate nerves and the super duper jittery jitters while performing a play. Adelaide on Broadway features anytime warm-up exercises (like humming, singing and telling funny jokes) designed to help children get calm and centered before performing or speaking in front of others.

Review

Not only were the illustrations cute and engaging but what a great message with helping kids deal with the jitters but most importantly being supportive of each other. I loved how Adelaide’s friends shared their own jitters to let her know she wasn’t alone but that everything will be fine. Everyone experiences a little freight when you have to get in front of people but the most important thing is to just put yourself out there and everything will be fine.

If you get the chance, I don’t think it's a series but there’s a collection of books involving this character and the cosmic rescue squad that would be great to add to the tbr if you have a young girl. Adelaide and her friends are positive and will empower them by connecting experiences.

Ages: 3-7

Pages: 34

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Review: Mia and Nattie: One Great Team! by Marlene M. Bell and Grace Sandford (Illustrator)

About the Book

Nattie’s mouth was a little crooked. Her legs were a bit shorter than usual, and one horn was too straight, like a unicorn’s horn. But Mia thought Nattie was perfect.

In a read-aloud picture book for children who love animals, award-winning writer and sheep breeder Marlene M. Bell presents Nattie the lamb’s true story.

MIA AND NATTIE is a heartwarming book that teaches readers about problem-solving, teamwork, and love.

On a visit to her grandma’s farm, eight-year-old Mia discovers a newborn, orphaned lamb outside in the cold and takes her to the laundry room, naming her Nattie. As she tries to nurse the lamb back to health, Mia discovers that Nattie is different from the other lambs and struggles to fit in with them like Mia does with other kids her age. When her grandmother says she will sell Nattie to a neighbor, Mia must come up with a plan to keep her friend around—one that will show the family just how special Nattie truly is.

Review

Beautifully illustrated, complemented with a wonderful story that gives such a wonderful message. Nattie, who wasn’t fully developed, would not be able to thrive in normal circumstances. With her obstacles, she would have a hard time fitting in with the other lambs. What I loved was how Mia saw something special, despite her physical abnormalities and was determined to help Nattie fit in somehow and show that she was just as good as anyone else. What a touching moment seeing the hardwork and dedication Mia gained, the love and compassion she showed Nattie to help her find her purpose and giving Nattie a chance to be like everyone else.

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