Reviewed by Kristen Van Kampen for Readers' Favorite

Tripi Takes Flight (The Amazing Adventures of Tripi the Fly) by Lori London is an enjoyable picture book that follows a young fly named Tripi. Tripi is very talented. He can talk, read, write, sing and dance, as well as other things, but Tripi can't fly. He goes to the library and finds a book about places to visit, like the Eiffel Tower and the Statue of Liberty, and he decides that he wants to see them. But how will Tripi see those landmarks if he can't fly?

I really enjoyed reading Tripi Takes Flight by Lori London. Tripi is a very likeable character, because he finds a solution to his problem. I liked that the book mentions many famous things to see, like Mount Rushmore, the leaning Tower of Pisa, and the Golden Gate Bridge, as well the Northern Lights. The illustrations by Heather Bonnstetter are bold and colorful and very well drawn. The illustrations of Tripi are very adorable, and the illustrations of the famous landmarks really look accurate. The book is inspiring, because Tripi doesn't let the fact that he can't fly get him down, and shows that just because we can't do one thing doesn't mean we can't do anything. The book is relatable, because many people have seen the landmarks mentioned in the book. Children will enjoy reading this book over and over again, because the story has rhythm, and the illustrations are very colourful. I would recommend Tripi Takes Flight by Lori London to all young readers.

Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

Little Birdie Grows Up by Wanda Luthman is the story of a little bird who is welcomed into the world by Mama Bird. Birdie snuggles up to Mama Bird and feels happy with her. Little Birdie is hungry and wants to eat something. Birdie thinks a worm will be good. Little Birdie also dreams of flying up high in the sky and at the same time is scared of falling. Little Birdie is proud of the first flight and lands down with a bump. Little Birdie has grown big and has become strong. This beautiful story captures the growth of Little Birdie from that of being a baby to an adult and leaving home.

Narrated from a bird’s point of view, the story takes the reader through the various stages of development and life changes of Little Birdie. The illustrations are lively and colorful and they add a good pace and movement to the story by breathing life into the scenes and characters. It is an excellent story for interactive sessions in classrooms and school libraries as it tells kids about growing up and leaving home. Parents and grandparents can use it for bedtime story-telling as it encourages children to grow and embrace the new changes that are going to happen in their lives while growing up. The concept and message are good and definitely helpful to child readers to look at their life, growth, and development with the right perspective. The rhyming verses make the narration lyrical and enjoyable for kids.

Reviewed by JB McPherson for Readers' Favorite

It’s Just So… Little by Brenda Faatz and Peter Trimarco is a delicious picture book in rhyme that follows the story of Lizzy as she cares for a baby tree and awaits the birth of a sister or brother. Lizzy’s enthusiasm for life and compassion for the little tree instantly endear her to readers. She also likes to make up words like “Gigantonormous” and “Electra-dazzle-riffic,” which will delight child readers. Her faithful dog gets in on the action—helping her save the baby tree and celebrating each of the seasons as they pass.

The illustrations add an intriguing dimension as days pass and the seasons are represented in whimsical pictures of autumn, winter, spring and summer. Children will enjoy picking out details of Christmas lights and spring bunnies. I especially enjoyed the suspense when Lizzy worried that her tree would not grow, and then finally her care was rewarded with the first buds. Of course, the best suspense was the anticipation of the new baby, who turns out to be a … brother!

This book is a celebration of change—there are changing seasons, changing sizes (as Lizzy outgrows her jacket and boots), and changing family dynamics. But through it all, Lizzy’s zest for life inspires a happy embracing of new things. One of the best gifts that we can give our children is the ability to welcome and enjoy the adventure of change. It’s Just So… Little is an electra-dazzle-riffic picture book that inspires children to grow and enjoy all the changes, big and little!