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Recommend this book:
Who Says Poo!
A funny read aloud Story Picture Book about words in different languages that sound like the English word, Poo!
Adam Gaudreault
2025 Finalist
35 Pages
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Children - Concept
Reviewed by Philip Van Heusen for Readers' Favorite
Who Says Poo! by Adam Gaudreault is a delightful children’s picture book that introduces children to the richness of languages. Adam uses the English word “poo” as a starting point, followed by giving children examples of words in other languages that sound similar. Words may sound the same but have vastly different meanings in different languages. The star of this story is Sally and her quest to find her favorite doll. Children will love learning the other words because they rhyme with “poo.” Children will have fun and enjoy the adventure. Not only does Sally look for her doll, but after she cleans her room, she goes outside for more adventures and learns more words with her pet dog, Denver. The fun never stops, and we hope the learning never stops. I highly recommend this book as a child’s introduction to foreign languages.
In Who Says Poo!, Adam Gaudreault wants children to have fun learning words in foreign languages that sound like “poo.” He writes in an entertaining style for children so they will learn while having fun. There are so many lessons that a parent can teach their child using this book. Discuss the different languages used while reading this book with and to your child. Talk about the countries and cultures represented by these words. You might even want to print out different alphabets, such as the Greek and the Cyrillic. Hopefully, children from three to eight will realize that learning languages can be enjoyable and beneficial. As a parent, you can make this book a foundation for your child’s lifelong learning in an ever-shrinking world. Do you have any people in your neighborhood who speak a different language than you? If so, spend time with your neighbor after reading this book, learning their culture and language.
Who Says Poo! by Adam Gaudreault is a delightful children’s picture book that introduces children to the richness of languages. Adam uses the English word “poo” as a starting point, followed by giving children examples of words in other languages that sound similar. Words may sound the same but have vastly different meanings in different languages. The star of this story is Sally and her quest to find her favorite doll. Children will love learning the other words because they rhyme with “poo.” Children will have fun and enjoy the adventure. Not only does Sally look for her doll, but after she cleans her room, she goes outside for more adventures and learns more words with her pet dog, Denver. The fun never stops, and we hope the learning never stops. I highly recommend this book as a child’s introduction to foreign languages.
In Who Says Poo!, Adam Gaudreault wants children to have fun learning words in foreign languages that sound like “poo.” He writes in an entertaining style for children so they will learn while having fun. There are so many lessons that a parent can teach their child using this book. Discuss the different languages used while reading this book with and to your child. Talk about the countries and cultures represented by these words. You might even want to print out different alphabets, such as the Greek and the Cyrillic. Hopefully, children from three to eight will realize that learning languages can be enjoyable and beneficial. As a parent, you can make this book a foundation for your child’s lifelong learning in an ever-shrinking world. Do you have any people in your neighborhood who speak a different language than you? If so, spend time with your neighbor after reading this book, learning their culture and language.
Recommend this book:
The Worst Cook Book in the Whole Entire World
Joey Acker
2025 Honorable Mention
41 Pages
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Children - Concept
Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
Joey Acker's The Worst Cook Book in the Whole Entire World turns the concept of a traditional cookbook on its head, offering young readers and their families a delightful mix of humor and playful absurdity. This book is a unique blend of storytelling and whimsy that challenges the norms of cooking and children's literature, making it a standout addition to any young reader's shelf. From the outset, Acker clarifies that this isn't your typical cookbook. The so-called recipes are far from serious, designed to elicit giggles rather than gourmet dishes, making this book a fantastic tool for engagement with children who might be reluctant readers.
The book will captivate kindergarten through third-grade children, featuring a narrative style that encourages readers to engage with the text playfully. The illustrations enhance the text's humor, enriching the overall read by depicting the absurdity of the recipes and the reactions of the characters. Despite Acker’s disclaimer about it not being educational or a literary masterpiece, it is a reminder that not all reading has to be serious to be valuable. Sometimes, the joy of reading comes from shared laughter and the simple pleasure of a well-told, funny story. The Worst Cook Book in the Whole Entire World is a delightful, quirky addition to the children's book genre, offering a fresh take on storytelling with a humorous twist. It's a perfect pick for anyone looking to engage young readers with a story that's as much fun to read as it is to look at. The wide-reaching charm makes the book a favorite for read-aloud sessions in both homes and classrooms.
Joey Acker's The Worst Cook Book in the Whole Entire World turns the concept of a traditional cookbook on its head, offering young readers and their families a delightful mix of humor and playful absurdity. This book is a unique blend of storytelling and whimsy that challenges the norms of cooking and children's literature, making it a standout addition to any young reader's shelf. From the outset, Acker clarifies that this isn't your typical cookbook. The so-called recipes are far from serious, designed to elicit giggles rather than gourmet dishes, making this book a fantastic tool for engagement with children who might be reluctant readers.
The book will captivate kindergarten through third-grade children, featuring a narrative style that encourages readers to engage with the text playfully. The illustrations enhance the text's humor, enriching the overall read by depicting the absurdity of the recipes and the reactions of the characters. Despite Acker’s disclaimer about it not being educational or a literary masterpiece, it is a reminder that not all reading has to be serious to be valuable. Sometimes, the joy of reading comes from shared laughter and the simple pleasure of a well-told, funny story. The Worst Cook Book in the Whole Entire World is a delightful, quirky addition to the children's book genre, offering a fresh take on storytelling with a humorous twist. It's a perfect pick for anyone looking to engage young readers with a story that's as much fun to read as it is to look at. The wide-reaching charm makes the book a favorite for read-aloud sessions in both homes and classrooms.
Recommend this book:
The Apple That Fell Far From the Tree
Trevor Crafts, Aaron Burakoff
2025 Bronze Medal
32 Pages
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Children - Concept
Reviewed by Doreen Chombu for Readers' Favorite
The Apple That Fell Far From the Tree is a children’s picture book written by Trevor Crafts and Aaron Burakoff, featuring illustrations by Mister Hope. The story follows a young apple that grew in an orchard in the countryside. Although he looked like his family members, he didn’t feel like he fitted in. He tried to join in various activities like bobbing, rolling down hills, and stargazing, but he yearned for more. The apple dreamed big and aspired to achieve great things. He eventually left his home to seek the Big Apple, a city filled with creative minds that encouraged him to explore new experiences and improve his craft. Just as he started to realize his dreams, he discovered that true fulfillment comes not only from success but also from embracing his roots and sharing his journey with those he loves.
The Apple That Fell Far From the Tree is a humorous and inspiring tale that emphasizes the importance of self-discovery and the value of perseverance in pursuing one’s dreams. While the book is primarily aimed at children, its profound lessons can resonate with adults as well. Throughout his journey, the apple learns the true meaning of belonging and self-acceptance, realizing that while chasing dreams is important, the connections to loved ones and one’s origins are what truly enrich life. The story also illustrates how we can bridge the gap between two worlds, celebrating our individuality while honoring our heritage. Trevor Crafts and Aaron Burakoff use puns and playful language to engage young readers, while Mister Hope’s vibrant illustrations bring the characters and their world to life, making the narrative both entertaining and relatable. Overall, this story is about passion, dreams, and the significance of heritage and relationships. I highly recommend sharing it with your children to teach them about self-acceptance, the pursuit of dreams, and the importance of staying connected to one’s roots.
The Apple That Fell Far From the Tree is a children’s picture book written by Trevor Crafts and Aaron Burakoff, featuring illustrations by Mister Hope. The story follows a young apple that grew in an orchard in the countryside. Although he looked like his family members, he didn’t feel like he fitted in. He tried to join in various activities like bobbing, rolling down hills, and stargazing, but he yearned for more. The apple dreamed big and aspired to achieve great things. He eventually left his home to seek the Big Apple, a city filled with creative minds that encouraged him to explore new experiences and improve his craft. Just as he started to realize his dreams, he discovered that true fulfillment comes not only from success but also from embracing his roots and sharing his journey with those he loves.
The Apple That Fell Far From the Tree is a humorous and inspiring tale that emphasizes the importance of self-discovery and the value of perseverance in pursuing one’s dreams. While the book is primarily aimed at children, its profound lessons can resonate with adults as well. Throughout his journey, the apple learns the true meaning of belonging and self-acceptance, realizing that while chasing dreams is important, the connections to loved ones and one’s origins are what truly enrich life. The story also illustrates how we can bridge the gap between two worlds, celebrating our individuality while honoring our heritage. Trevor Crafts and Aaron Burakoff use puns and playful language to engage young readers, while Mister Hope’s vibrant illustrations bring the characters and their world to life, making the narrative both entertaining and relatable. Overall, this story is about passion, dreams, and the significance of heritage and relationships. I highly recommend sharing it with your children to teach them about self-acceptance, the pursuit of dreams, and the importance of staying connected to one’s roots.
Recommend this book:
The Boy Who Makes A Million Mistakes
A Story About Growth Mindset for Kids to Boost Confidence, Self-Esteem and Resilience (A Million Mistakes Series)
Brenda Li
2025 Silver Medal
32 Pages
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Children - Concept
Reviewed by Luwi Nyakansaila for Readers' Favorite
The Boy Who Makes a Million Mistakes by Brenda Li is a heartwarming story that follows Milo, a young boy with a passion for baking. Unfortunately, he often makes mistakes and gets easily distracted in the kitchen. He sometimes mixes the wrong ingredients, uses incorrect quantities, and forgets to taste his finished products. One day, in preparation for his school's fundraising bake sale, Milo runs a practice sale at his house. However, his baked goods don’t turn out as he had hoped, leaving him frustrated and ready to give up on his dreams. Fortunately, he recalls the wise words of his idol, Chef Gustav, who encourages him never to give up. Inspired, Milo decides to revisit his recipe, taking measures to concentrate and bake the best cookies he can.
The Boy Who Makes a Million Mistakes is part of the A Million Mistakes Series by Brenda Li, which features inspiring stories about cultivating a growth mindset for kids. These stories help boost confidence, self-esteem, and resilience. Milo is a relatable character with dreams of baking the best cookies for his school fundraiser. His journey includes both challenges and triumphs, reminding readers of the importance of practice and perfecting their craft. The book teaches valuable lessons about being patient, learning from mistakes, trusting the process, and believing in oneself. The author effectively conveys the frustration that comes with making mistakes as well as the joy of finally achieving success. The illustrations complement the text beautifully, with bold words highlighting key moments and emotions experienced by the characters, and vibrant images that engage readers. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend sharing it with your children to encourage them never to give up and to embrace their mistakes as valuable learning opportunities.
The Boy Who Makes a Million Mistakes by Brenda Li is a heartwarming story that follows Milo, a young boy with a passion for baking. Unfortunately, he often makes mistakes and gets easily distracted in the kitchen. He sometimes mixes the wrong ingredients, uses incorrect quantities, and forgets to taste his finished products. One day, in preparation for his school's fundraising bake sale, Milo runs a practice sale at his house. However, his baked goods don’t turn out as he had hoped, leaving him frustrated and ready to give up on his dreams. Fortunately, he recalls the wise words of his idol, Chef Gustav, who encourages him never to give up. Inspired, Milo decides to revisit his recipe, taking measures to concentrate and bake the best cookies he can.
The Boy Who Makes a Million Mistakes is part of the A Million Mistakes Series by Brenda Li, which features inspiring stories about cultivating a growth mindset for kids. These stories help boost confidence, self-esteem, and resilience. Milo is a relatable character with dreams of baking the best cookies for his school fundraiser. His journey includes both challenges and triumphs, reminding readers of the importance of practice and perfecting their craft. The book teaches valuable lessons about being patient, learning from mistakes, trusting the process, and believing in oneself. The author effectively conveys the frustration that comes with making mistakes as well as the joy of finally achieving success. The illustrations complement the text beautifully, with bold words highlighting key moments and emotions experienced by the characters, and vibrant images that engage readers. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend sharing it with your children to encourage them never to give up and to embrace their mistakes as valuable learning opportunities.
Recommend this book:
I am King Chameleon! I Demand to be Seen!
Ben Okon, Sourav Majumder
2025 Gold Medal
43 Pages
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Children - Concept
Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
I Am King Chameleon! I Demand to be Seen! by Ben Okon is a vibrant and engaging seek-and-find children’s book that captures the imagination with its colorful narrative and illustrations. The story revolves around King Chameleon, a charismatic character who seeks attention and recognition in his world. His journey is both a visual delight and an emotional adventure that conveys valuable life lessons about self-acceptance and the importance of being seen for who you truly are. Through this narrative, Okon cleverly introduces children to individuality and self-worth. The story is carefully crafted, ensuring the message is accessible to young readers. The rhythmic flow of the text and its playful tone make it an enjoyable read for both children and adults. The book encourages children to embrace their unique qualities and to be confident in expressing themselves.
Illustrator Sourav Majumder brings King Chameleon to life with vivid, whimsical, and expressive illustrations. The use of bright colors and dynamic compositions enhances the themes, making each page a discovery of new details to explore. The illustrations complement and expand the text, adding layers of meaning and engagement through visual storytelling. I Am King Chameleon! I Demand to be Seen! excels in its educational value. It introduces children to the nuances of emotions and social interactions, making it useful for parents and educators to discuss themes of empathy, friendship, and confidence. Moreover, the book's design is child-friendly, with large print and easily digestible chunks of text, making it suitable for early readers. Ben Okon's book is a delightful read that promises to be a favorite on many children's bookshelves, inspiring them to shine brightly in their unique ways.
I Am King Chameleon! I Demand to be Seen! by Ben Okon is a vibrant and engaging seek-and-find children’s book that captures the imagination with its colorful narrative and illustrations. The story revolves around King Chameleon, a charismatic character who seeks attention and recognition in his world. His journey is both a visual delight and an emotional adventure that conveys valuable life lessons about self-acceptance and the importance of being seen for who you truly are. Through this narrative, Okon cleverly introduces children to individuality and self-worth. The story is carefully crafted, ensuring the message is accessible to young readers. The rhythmic flow of the text and its playful tone make it an enjoyable read for both children and adults. The book encourages children to embrace their unique qualities and to be confident in expressing themselves.
Illustrator Sourav Majumder brings King Chameleon to life with vivid, whimsical, and expressive illustrations. The use of bright colors and dynamic compositions enhances the themes, making each page a discovery of new details to explore. The illustrations complement and expand the text, adding layers of meaning and engagement through visual storytelling. I Am King Chameleon! I Demand to be Seen! excels in its educational value. It introduces children to the nuances of emotions and social interactions, making it useful for parents and educators to discuss themes of empathy, friendship, and confidence. Moreover, the book's design is child-friendly, with large print and easily digestible chunks of text, making it suitable for early readers. Ben Okon's book is a delightful read that promises to be a favorite on many children's bookshelves, inspiring them to shine brightly in their unique ways.
Recommend this book:
The Messy Monster
A Children’s Book about Staying Organized and the Consequences of Messy Habits
Michelle Gilchrist Marcus
2024 Finalist
48 Pages
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Children - Concept
Reviewed by Emma Megan for Readers' Favorite
The Messy Monster by Michelle Gilchrist Marcus is a helpful and delightful children's picture book structured in two parts. The first part relates to all children across the globe. Children often lose things or forget where they put them, and when it's time to play with their favorite toys, they can't find them. The story reminds them how upsetting it can be to spend minutes or even hours searching for what they need and love. This book shows them the importance of cleaning up and not letting the mess become bigger and bigger because the Messy Monster can come and take their things away. The second part is about the 3-step Messy Monster plan. This 3-step plan is quite simple and helps children stay organized, so they will never again lose their favorite things to the Messy Monster.
The Messy Monster is a fantastic rhyming story for children and parents alike. Michelle Gilchrist Marcus delivers a practical, time-saving, and efficient routine to keep belongings in their proper places. This book is a must-read as it shows youngsters the importance of cleaning up after themselves and teaches them how to stay organized and always be ready to play, have fun, explore, go out, or go to school. Teaching young children to build this healthy routine will make them more independent, responsible, and confident over the long term. Children will develop new good habits and skills with the help of worksheets, labels, and the daily check chart found in this educational and wonderfully illustrated book. The Messy Monster is especially for young readers who struggle with executive functioning skills and ADHD.
The Messy Monster by Michelle Gilchrist Marcus is a helpful and delightful children's picture book structured in two parts. The first part relates to all children across the globe. Children often lose things or forget where they put them, and when it's time to play with their favorite toys, they can't find them. The story reminds them how upsetting it can be to spend minutes or even hours searching for what they need and love. This book shows them the importance of cleaning up and not letting the mess become bigger and bigger because the Messy Monster can come and take their things away. The second part is about the 3-step Messy Monster plan. This 3-step plan is quite simple and helps children stay organized, so they will never again lose their favorite things to the Messy Monster.
The Messy Monster is a fantastic rhyming story for children and parents alike. Michelle Gilchrist Marcus delivers a practical, time-saving, and efficient routine to keep belongings in their proper places. This book is a must-read as it shows youngsters the importance of cleaning up after themselves and teaches them how to stay organized and always be ready to play, have fun, explore, go out, or go to school. Teaching young children to build this healthy routine will make them more independent, responsible, and confident over the long term. Children will develop new good habits and skills with the help of worksheets, labels, and the daily check chart found in this educational and wonderfully illustrated book. The Messy Monster is especially for young readers who struggle with executive functioning skills and ADHD.
Recommend this book:
The Pink Crayon
A Children’s Picture Book about Sharing, Empathy and Wit
Radhika Nair
2024 Honorable Mention
30 Pages
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Children - Concept
Reviewed by Sarah Westmoreland for Readers' Favorite
The Pink Crayon by Radhika Nair is a cute story that teaches kids a much deeper lesson: the beauty of sharing what they have with others. The story follows Mimi, a little girl who loves coloring almost as much as she loves her pink crayon. When some curious pigeons come to play, Mimi doesn’t hesitate to share her crayons with them, except for the pink one, of course! But when the pink crayon is the only crayon left, and one more pigeon would like to play, what will Mimi do?
Sharing is hard. Sharing is even harder when it comes to our very favorite things. Radhika Nair uses the medium of storytelling to discuss a valuable skill with her young audience in a way that a child can easily understand. At the same time, the lesson isn’t shoved into the child’s face in a preachy way. It simply models the behavior through Mimi’s actions and leaves the young reader to determine how Mimi’s actions affected those around her. This method allows for a more natural development of positive behaviors in children, similar to how they learn other behaviors by mimicking the people in their lives. The illustrations are beautifully done! Noor Alshalabi is a talented artist who brought The Pink Crayon to life. The vibrant colors and detailed backgrounds work perfectly with the book’s text to capture the attention of young readers and keep them engaged. I look forward to seeing more work by both the author and the illustrator in the future.
The Pink Crayon by Radhika Nair is a cute story that teaches kids a much deeper lesson: the beauty of sharing what they have with others. The story follows Mimi, a little girl who loves coloring almost as much as she loves her pink crayon. When some curious pigeons come to play, Mimi doesn’t hesitate to share her crayons with them, except for the pink one, of course! But when the pink crayon is the only crayon left, and one more pigeon would like to play, what will Mimi do?
Sharing is hard. Sharing is even harder when it comes to our very favorite things. Radhika Nair uses the medium of storytelling to discuss a valuable skill with her young audience in a way that a child can easily understand. At the same time, the lesson isn’t shoved into the child’s face in a preachy way. It simply models the behavior through Mimi’s actions and leaves the young reader to determine how Mimi’s actions affected those around her. This method allows for a more natural development of positive behaviors in children, similar to how they learn other behaviors by mimicking the people in their lives. The illustrations are beautifully done! Noor Alshalabi is a talented artist who brought The Pink Crayon to life. The vibrant colors and detailed backgrounds work perfectly with the book’s text to capture the attention of young readers and keep them engaged. I look forward to seeing more work by both the author and the illustrator in the future.
Recommend this book:
Yanni The Yawning Yak
The Must Have Bedtime Book for Toddlers
Ethan Pilkenton-Getty
2024 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Children - Concept
Reviewed by Courtnee Turner Hoyle for Readers' Favorite
In Yanni the Yawning Yak, a children's book by Ethan Pilkenton-Getty, Noah is having trouble sleeping when he sees a Yak in his backyard. After Noah comments on the Yak's interesting yawn, Yanni tells him about his other animal friends and their yawns. The Yak names an animal for every letter of the alphabet, stating their species and where they are located in the world. As they learn about the animals' yawns, the author encourages children to yawn in the same manner, and, at the end of the story, Yanni asks them to demonstrate their yawns.
Ethan Pilkenton-Getty has a godson named Noah and wrote the book with him in mind. The author hopes caregivers will benefit from the sleep-inducing elements in the story that may bring little ones closer to their nightly slumbers. The colorful images by iNDOS Studio burst from the pages, drawing children's eyes. The book is educational, linking each animal with a certain letter of the alphabet and its geographical position on the planet. In the corner of each picture, the author shows an image of the world with the location of the animal pinpointed on it. The book is interactive, so after you read about each animal, the text prompts you and the child to yawn like the showcased animal. I read the book in the morning, but my son and I were yawning frequently, even without the suggestions. Caregivers who hope to send their children into a peaceful sleep will enjoy reading Yanni the Yawning Yak to them.
In Yanni the Yawning Yak, a children's book by Ethan Pilkenton-Getty, Noah is having trouble sleeping when he sees a Yak in his backyard. After Noah comments on the Yak's interesting yawn, Yanni tells him about his other animal friends and their yawns. The Yak names an animal for every letter of the alphabet, stating their species and where they are located in the world. As they learn about the animals' yawns, the author encourages children to yawn in the same manner, and, at the end of the story, Yanni asks them to demonstrate their yawns.
Ethan Pilkenton-Getty has a godson named Noah and wrote the book with him in mind. The author hopes caregivers will benefit from the sleep-inducing elements in the story that may bring little ones closer to their nightly slumbers. The colorful images by iNDOS Studio burst from the pages, drawing children's eyes. The book is educational, linking each animal with a certain letter of the alphabet and its geographical position on the planet. In the corner of each picture, the author shows an image of the world with the location of the animal pinpointed on it. The book is interactive, so after you read about each animal, the text prompts you and the child to yawn like the showcased animal. I read the book in the morning, but my son and I were yawning frequently, even without the suggestions. Caregivers who hope to send their children into a peaceful sleep will enjoy reading Yanni the Yawning Yak to them.
Recommend this book:
The Mirror Box
Wade Warren Bergner
2024 Silver Medal
32 Pages
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Children - Concept
Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite
It’s always hard to lose someone we love. Christopher is close to his grandfather, whom he calls Papa. They do all kinds of fun things together: sharing adventures, stories, and laughter. Then, one day, Papa is no longer around. Christopher is very sad, but Papa had already prepared for this unhappy occasion. A few months earlier, he’d given Christopher a mirror box with strict instructions to keep it secret until the right moment. Tucked underneath the boy’s bed, the mirror box is almost forgotten until Christopher’s tears are spent. Pulling it out, the box covered in mirrors reveals the first surprise. The face looking back at Christopher is as much Papa as it is the little boy. And there are more surprises to be shared to help Christopher manage his grief.
Wade Warren Bergner’s picture book, The Mirror Box, is a sweet, endearing story about love and loss. The plot follows young Christopher as he enjoys time with his special grandfather, Papa, until that sad day when Papa passes away. The discovery of the mirror box opens the young boy’s eyes to the realization that Papa will always be with him in so many ways, but mostly in his heart and his memories. The treasure inside the box is a message from Papa to persevere, to carry on, and, most importantly, to “love, laugh and learn.” Told in simple language and with spectacular illustrations, this story will touch the hearts of all who read it; it'll make readers both laugh and cry and it will help those struggling with grief of their own. A powerful story!
It’s always hard to lose someone we love. Christopher is close to his grandfather, whom he calls Papa. They do all kinds of fun things together: sharing adventures, stories, and laughter. Then, one day, Papa is no longer around. Christopher is very sad, but Papa had already prepared for this unhappy occasion. A few months earlier, he’d given Christopher a mirror box with strict instructions to keep it secret until the right moment. Tucked underneath the boy’s bed, the mirror box is almost forgotten until Christopher’s tears are spent. Pulling it out, the box covered in mirrors reveals the first surprise. The face looking back at Christopher is as much Papa as it is the little boy. And there are more surprises to be shared to help Christopher manage his grief.
Wade Warren Bergner’s picture book, The Mirror Box, is a sweet, endearing story about love and loss. The plot follows young Christopher as he enjoys time with his special grandfather, Papa, until that sad day when Papa passes away. The discovery of the mirror box opens the young boy’s eyes to the realization that Papa will always be with him in so many ways, but mostly in his heart and his memories. The treasure inside the box is a message from Papa to persevere, to carry on, and, most importantly, to “love, laugh and learn.” Told in simple language and with spectacular illustrations, this story will touch the hearts of all who read it; it'll make readers both laugh and cry and it will help those struggling with grief of their own. A powerful story!
Recommend this book:
Dilly Duck Plays All Day
Holly DiBella-McCarthy
2024 Gold Medal
32 Pages
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Children - Concept
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
Written by Holly DiBella-McCarthy and illustrated by Pradyut Chatterjee, the children's counting book Dilly Duck Plays All Day takes readers on a day in the life of a pond duck named Dilly. Dilly finds herself on the edge of a lake alone and bored, and decides to find “her friends, her flock, her crew!” The lake is big so finding each friend takes some time but one is added to the crew with the turning of each page. DiBella-McCarthy writes in a classic rhyme scheme where the prose dances on the pages like the swish, swish, swish of a friend's tail. From one to ten, the ducks come together by a different approach and before the next one comes along, the group plays or eats or glides in tandem. Chatterjee uses a digital pencil art method to illustrate the activities of the crew with vibrant colors.
Dilly doesn't have to sit feeling bored for very long before her first friend joins her so the counting lesson Holly DiBella-McCarthy weaves into the book hits the water swimming. At the end of the book, there's an interactive section with two distinct question and answer parts. In a sad but important lesson within the story, one of Dilly's friends falls victim to lake debris which traps them under a littered net. This is made into a conversation topic at the book's conclusion and asks, “Why isn't play time with friends happy all the time?” I am always mentally tabulating conversation prompts for my kids so the pleasant surprise of having the work done for me, and done so well, was amazing. Pradyut Chatterjee's illustrations are bright and simple, enhancing the story in an even stride that adds to the writing without drowning it out. The turquoise hue of the water is divine. Counting, social studies, environmental nods, and a fun reading experience are all a parent looks for, and Dilly does deliver.
Written by Holly DiBella-McCarthy and illustrated by Pradyut Chatterjee, the children's counting book Dilly Duck Plays All Day takes readers on a day in the life of a pond duck named Dilly. Dilly finds herself on the edge of a lake alone and bored, and decides to find “her friends, her flock, her crew!” The lake is big so finding each friend takes some time but one is added to the crew with the turning of each page. DiBella-McCarthy writes in a classic rhyme scheme where the prose dances on the pages like the swish, swish, swish of a friend's tail. From one to ten, the ducks come together by a different approach and before the next one comes along, the group plays or eats or glides in tandem. Chatterjee uses a digital pencil art method to illustrate the activities of the crew with vibrant colors.
Dilly doesn't have to sit feeling bored for very long before her first friend joins her so the counting lesson Holly DiBella-McCarthy weaves into the book hits the water swimming. At the end of the book, there's an interactive section with two distinct question and answer parts. In a sad but important lesson within the story, one of Dilly's friends falls victim to lake debris which traps them under a littered net. This is made into a conversation topic at the book's conclusion and asks, “Why isn't play time with friends happy all the time?” I am always mentally tabulating conversation prompts for my kids so the pleasant surprise of having the work done for me, and done so well, was amazing. Pradyut Chatterjee's illustrations are bright and simple, enhancing the story in an even stride that adds to the writing without drowning it out. The turquoise hue of the water is divine. Counting, social studies, environmental nods, and a fun reading experience are all a parent looks for, and Dilly does deliver.
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