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Recommend this book:
LaLa Salutes the Sun
A Yoga Book for Kids (LaLa's World 4)
Tela Kayne
2021 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Children - Grade K-3rd
Reviewed By Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite
LaLa Salutes the Sun: A Yoga Book for Kids: LaLa's World, Book 4 is an educational picture book for children, grades k-3, written by Tela Kayne and illustrated by Goran Vitanovic. Lala knows that icky feelings can actually make you feel bad, can even make you feel ill, but there are ways to eliminate that ickiness -- yoga! LaLa introduces Sun Salutations in this book. Sun Salutations are a series of yoga moves that work perfectly together and are guaranteed to leave the practitioner relaxed and free of icky feelings. LaLa explains how yoga is a combination of “exercise, poses, and breathing.” The poses are often named after nature and animals and are fun to do. Sun Salutations are a perfect way for kids and caregivers to learn how to do yoga, and LaLa and her bear are there to guide you every step of the way.
Tela Kayne introduces young readers to yoga utilizing my favorite yoga series -- the Sun Salutations. I still remember my first yoga course from college where we learned the salutations first of all. Later on, during the semester, a group of adults came to visit our class and we students guided them along with their own first yoga moves. That said, I was blown away by LaLa and Tela Kayne’s introduction to yoga. Each of the Sun Salutation poses is beautifully illustrated and described, including the inhalations and exhalations, after presenting a marvelous introduction to yoga breathing. I’ve read any number of yoga books and can’t recall any that gave as insightful and precise instructions for the Sun Salutations. In fact, I had to resist getting up and joining in with LaLa and her bear in a few Salutations myself. Oh, and yes, don’t forget to have a bottle of water handy to hydrate between Salutations. Goran Vitanovic’s illustrations are perfectly suited to this book and make following the moves along with LaLa and her bear a breeze. Anyone for a Sun Salutation? LaLa Salutes the Sun is most highly recommended.
LaLa Salutes the Sun: A Yoga Book for Kids: LaLa's World, Book 4 is an educational picture book for children, grades k-3, written by Tela Kayne and illustrated by Goran Vitanovic. Lala knows that icky feelings can actually make you feel bad, can even make you feel ill, but there are ways to eliminate that ickiness -- yoga! LaLa introduces Sun Salutations in this book. Sun Salutations are a series of yoga moves that work perfectly together and are guaranteed to leave the practitioner relaxed and free of icky feelings. LaLa explains how yoga is a combination of “exercise, poses, and breathing.” The poses are often named after nature and animals and are fun to do. Sun Salutations are a perfect way for kids and caregivers to learn how to do yoga, and LaLa and her bear are there to guide you every step of the way.
Tela Kayne introduces young readers to yoga utilizing my favorite yoga series -- the Sun Salutations. I still remember my first yoga course from college where we learned the salutations first of all. Later on, during the semester, a group of adults came to visit our class and we students guided them along with their own first yoga moves. That said, I was blown away by LaLa and Tela Kayne’s introduction to yoga. Each of the Sun Salutation poses is beautifully illustrated and described, including the inhalations and exhalations, after presenting a marvelous introduction to yoga breathing. I’ve read any number of yoga books and can’t recall any that gave as insightful and precise instructions for the Sun Salutations. In fact, I had to resist getting up and joining in with LaLa and her bear in a few Salutations myself. Oh, and yes, don’t forget to have a bottle of water handy to hydrate between Salutations. Goran Vitanovic’s illustrations are perfectly suited to this book and make following the moves along with LaLa and her bear a breeze. Anyone for a Sun Salutation? LaLa Salutes the Sun is most highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Amelia the Mouse
Inventor Extraordinaire
J. W. Kohler
2021 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Children - Grade K-3rd
Reviewed By Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite
Amelia the Mouse: Inventor Extraordinaire is a children’s educational picture book written by J.W. Kohler and illustrated by Kate Fallahee. If there’s one thing that excites Amelia about getting up every morning, it’s the new day’s opportunities to create even more ingenious inventions. Amelia sees possibility in everything around her, an infinite array of things that could be made better, more efficient, or more useful. Her workshop was her operating theater where she could focus on her next invention. And while her inventions, albeit ingenious, weren’t of any real practical use so far, she knew that one day they would be. One morning, she was visited by an older gentleman, a rat named Winston, who had a problem with the cane he used to assist his walking. He explained that the tip of the cane would get stuck in the most inconvenient and dangerous places. Could Amelia invent a safer cane for him? Amelia was sure she could, and she immediately began to design her new invention.
J.W. Kohler’s Amelia the Mouse: Inventor Extraordinaire is both funny and inspirational as young readers read about Amelia’s penchant for seeing possibility in just about everything around her. I loved her design for a salami shirt, and even her prototype rocket-powered cane seemed to have some promise. Kate Fallahee’s brightly colored and whimsical illustrations bring Amelia and her inventions to life. The story is silly and fun, but the underlying message is a good one. We could all do worse than embracing our inner, indefatigable Amelia, and the world would be a lot better for it. A grand selection for storytime, Amelia the Mouse: Inventor Extraordinaire is also suitable for young readers to try on their own. It’s most highly recommended.
Amelia the Mouse: Inventor Extraordinaire is a children’s educational picture book written by J.W. Kohler and illustrated by Kate Fallahee. If there’s one thing that excites Amelia about getting up every morning, it’s the new day’s opportunities to create even more ingenious inventions. Amelia sees possibility in everything around her, an infinite array of things that could be made better, more efficient, or more useful. Her workshop was her operating theater where she could focus on her next invention. And while her inventions, albeit ingenious, weren’t of any real practical use so far, she knew that one day they would be. One morning, she was visited by an older gentleman, a rat named Winston, who had a problem with the cane he used to assist his walking. He explained that the tip of the cane would get stuck in the most inconvenient and dangerous places. Could Amelia invent a safer cane for him? Amelia was sure she could, and she immediately began to design her new invention.
J.W. Kohler’s Amelia the Mouse: Inventor Extraordinaire is both funny and inspirational as young readers read about Amelia’s penchant for seeing possibility in just about everything around her. I loved her design for a salami shirt, and even her prototype rocket-powered cane seemed to have some promise. Kate Fallahee’s brightly colored and whimsical illustrations bring Amelia and her inventions to life. The story is silly and fun, but the underlying message is a good one. We could all do worse than embracing our inner, indefatigable Amelia, and the world would be a lot better for it. A grand selection for storytime, Amelia the Mouse: Inventor Extraordinaire is also suitable for young readers to try on their own. It’s most highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
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The Power of Positivity
The ABC's of a Pandemic
Ruth Maille
2021 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Children - Grade K-3rd
Reviewed By Marie-Hélène Fasquel for Readers' Favorite
The Power of Positivity: The ABCs of a Pandemic, written by Ruth Maille and illustrated by Harry Aveira, is a short children’s book including numerous pieces of information to help young people deal with the current pandemic in a fun and cute way. It is written by a certified parent-relationship coach and more importantly (I believe) a mother of three. It is based on the alphabet and Ruth Maille has found a positive notion to link to each letter, so kids focus on the positive but also on what they can do to make their world better to live in, and not just to survive or be sad in this difficult period. It does help to consider everything as a whole but also at times to focus on the details of what we actually all can do.
The Power of Positivity by Ruth Maille immediately drew my attention as a mother but also as a teacher (of high school students but like everyone, they need a bit of positivity in their lives) and I loved everything about it: the amazing and lively drawings, the text, the positive ideas, which even as adults we run out of at times, the list the children can fill in, and the definitions. To conclude, everything is spot on, and as the writer says: "We all need a little positivity." I could not be more enthusiastic about a book! I will definitely read it to my grandkids (while translating as they’re French) and use the ideas to help my students. Thank you so much for this must-read!
The Power of Positivity: The ABCs of a Pandemic, written by Ruth Maille and illustrated by Harry Aveira, is a short children’s book including numerous pieces of information to help young people deal with the current pandemic in a fun and cute way. It is written by a certified parent-relationship coach and more importantly (I believe) a mother of three. It is based on the alphabet and Ruth Maille has found a positive notion to link to each letter, so kids focus on the positive but also on what they can do to make their world better to live in, and not just to survive or be sad in this difficult period. It does help to consider everything as a whole but also at times to focus on the details of what we actually all can do.
The Power of Positivity by Ruth Maille immediately drew my attention as a mother but also as a teacher (of high school students but like everyone, they need a bit of positivity in their lives) and I loved everything about it: the amazing and lively drawings, the text, the positive ideas, which even as adults we run out of at times, the list the children can fill in, and the definitions. To conclude, everything is spot on, and as the writer says: "We all need a little positivity." I could not be more enthusiastic about a book! I will definitely read it to my grandkids (while translating as they’re French) and use the ideas to help my students. Thank you so much for this must-read!
Recommend this book:
My Monster Truck Goes Everywhere with Me
Illustrated in American Sign Language
Kathleen Marcath
2021 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Children - Grade K-3rd
Reviewed By Kristine Zimmerman for Readers' Favorite
Vroom, vroom, vroom, it's time for a Monster Truck story. My Monster Truck Goes Everywhere With Me by Kathleen Marcath is part of the ASL Picture Book series. The book starts with two pages of illustrated signs used in the book, as well as an explanation that the word in bold on each page is the one being signed. The story starts with a young boy and his favorite big, loud, purple monster truck. He and the truck go everywhere together including to Grandma’s house. He has an awesome day there playing and pretending. At the end of the day, he’s exhausted and returns home, only to discover in the morning that his favorite truck is gone! Fortunately, his lost Monster Truck is soon returned to him.
Kathleen Marcath has captured the total fascination kids have with their favorite toys. Isaac Liang has done a fabulous job illustrating the signs that the characters demonstrate on each page. Pardeep Mehra’s rich, colorful illustrations showcase how kids really see their toys, bringing so much character and life to his purple monster truck. What a terrific idea to create a series of ASL picture books. They will not only help those that sign feel included but serve as a great introduction for kids not familiar with ASL. What is even better is that My Monster Truck Goes Everywhere With Me is outstanding on its own. Monster truck lovers and fans of the movie Cars will ask for this one again and again. My Monster Truck Goes Everywhere With Me should be in every school and public library.
Vroom, vroom, vroom, it's time for a Monster Truck story. My Monster Truck Goes Everywhere With Me by Kathleen Marcath is part of the ASL Picture Book series. The book starts with two pages of illustrated signs used in the book, as well as an explanation that the word in bold on each page is the one being signed. The story starts with a young boy and his favorite big, loud, purple monster truck. He and the truck go everywhere together including to Grandma’s house. He has an awesome day there playing and pretending. At the end of the day, he’s exhausted and returns home, only to discover in the morning that his favorite truck is gone! Fortunately, his lost Monster Truck is soon returned to him.
Kathleen Marcath has captured the total fascination kids have with their favorite toys. Isaac Liang has done a fabulous job illustrating the signs that the characters demonstrate on each page. Pardeep Mehra’s rich, colorful illustrations showcase how kids really see their toys, bringing so much character and life to his purple monster truck. What a terrific idea to create a series of ASL picture books. They will not only help those that sign feel included but serve as a great introduction for kids not familiar with ASL. What is even better is that My Monster Truck Goes Everywhere With Me is outstanding on its own. Monster truck lovers and fans of the movie Cars will ask for this one again and again. My Monster Truck Goes Everywhere With Me should be in every school and public library.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/oodles-and-oodles-of-noodley-noodles&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51CULUU0fKL.jpg._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description=In the aisles of a grocery store, have you wondered about the different kinds of noodles on display? Oodles and Oodles of Noodley Noodles by Cindy "Ninni" Grant is a delightful treat to learn about all the different kinds of noodles that are out there. Which one is your favorite? Spaghetti, Penne, Ravioli, or Fettuccine? Do you know all the names? ...){kind=link}
Oodles and Oodles of Noodley Noodles
Cindy "Ninni" Grant
2021 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Children - Grade K-3rd
Reviewed By Soumya Sreehari for Readers' Favorite
In the aisles of a grocery store, have you wondered about the different kinds of noodles on display? Oodles and Oodles of Noodley Noodles by Cindy "Ninni" Grant is a delightful treat to learn about all the different kinds of noodles that are out there. Which one is your favorite? Spaghetti, Penne, Ravioli, or Fettuccine? Do you know all the names? How are they different from each other? Learn all of this in this beautifully illustrated book. The story of different kinds of noodles is sure to make you hungry and happy. The illustrations are realistic depictions of how children eat and are hilarious and insightful at the same time. Pick up this book to read along with your kids, have a hearty laugh, and learn about all the different kinds of Noodley Noodles.
If you are someone who loves to eat noodles for every meal, this book is definitely for you. Even if you are not, Oodles and Oodles of Noodley Noodles by Cindy "Ninni" Grant is a great read for children. The story is all about noodles and the different varieties. The illustrations are funny and show children in imaginative scenarios full of noodles. I especially liked the phonetic notation for every name to help in the pronunciation. This is helpful for children and grown-ups alike. I learned some new things, laughed a lot, and started to read from page 1 all over again. The book is great to read aloud with children, and I am sure this will become one of their favorites. I would certainly love to read this with the kids in my family.
In the aisles of a grocery store, have you wondered about the different kinds of noodles on display? Oodles and Oodles of Noodley Noodles by Cindy "Ninni" Grant is a delightful treat to learn about all the different kinds of noodles that are out there. Which one is your favorite? Spaghetti, Penne, Ravioli, or Fettuccine? Do you know all the names? How are they different from each other? Learn all of this in this beautifully illustrated book. The story of different kinds of noodles is sure to make you hungry and happy. The illustrations are realistic depictions of how children eat and are hilarious and insightful at the same time. Pick up this book to read along with your kids, have a hearty laugh, and learn about all the different kinds of Noodley Noodles.
If you are someone who loves to eat noodles for every meal, this book is definitely for you. Even if you are not, Oodles and Oodles of Noodley Noodles by Cindy "Ninni" Grant is a great read for children. The story is all about noodles and the different varieties. The illustrations are funny and show children in imaginative scenarios full of noodles. I especially liked the phonetic notation for every name to help in the pronunciation. This is helpful for children and grown-ups alike. I learned some new things, laughed a lot, and started to read from page 1 all over again. The book is great to read aloud with children, and I am sure this will become one of their favorites. I would certainly love to read this with the kids in my family.
Recommend this book:
Evie's Field Day
More Than One Way to Win
Claire Annette Noland
2021 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Children - Grade K-3rd
Reviewed By Amy Louise Hill for Readers' Favorite
Evie's Field Day: More Than One Way to Win by Claire Annette Noland is a children's book that teaches good sportsmanship. The main character Evie loves to play sports, and most of all, win! One day Evie and her friends take part in various sport events at their field day. Evie sets out to win them all, but it doesn't quite go to plan. Each of her friends does well in the events, but Evie wins none, leaving her feeling sad. Evie proves to be a bit of a sore loser, but when she is finally ahead of her friends in the sack race, an unexpected animal stops her in her tracks. What will Evie do? Ignore the helpless animal in need? Or will she do the right thing and help? Find out in this enjoyable story, Evie's Field Day.
Evie's Field Day is a well-written, enjoyable story that will delight young readers. The message author Claire Annette Noland has told in her story is strong and effective; it will certainly teach children how to be a good sport. The characters are lovable and add to the sweetness of the story; they have been illustrated perfectly by Alicia Teba. I liked the page at the beginning of the book where it prompts you to ask the reader questions before, during, and after reading. I found it to be useful when wanting to educate youngsters on such things as how Evie was feeling about certain situations she was in. Overall, I think Evie's Field Day will be successful in teaching children that winning isn't always important, that taking part and having fun can mean just as much. I loved this book a lot and hope to have the pleasure of reading more of Claire Annette Noland's beautiful work.
Evie's Field Day: More Than One Way to Win by Claire Annette Noland is a children's book that teaches good sportsmanship. The main character Evie loves to play sports, and most of all, win! One day Evie and her friends take part in various sport events at their field day. Evie sets out to win them all, but it doesn't quite go to plan. Each of her friends does well in the events, but Evie wins none, leaving her feeling sad. Evie proves to be a bit of a sore loser, but when she is finally ahead of her friends in the sack race, an unexpected animal stops her in her tracks. What will Evie do? Ignore the helpless animal in need? Or will she do the right thing and help? Find out in this enjoyable story, Evie's Field Day.
Evie's Field Day is a well-written, enjoyable story that will delight young readers. The message author Claire Annette Noland has told in her story is strong and effective; it will certainly teach children how to be a good sport. The characters are lovable and add to the sweetness of the story; they have been illustrated perfectly by Alicia Teba. I liked the page at the beginning of the book where it prompts you to ask the reader questions before, during, and after reading. I found it to be useful when wanting to educate youngsters on such things as how Evie was feeling about certain situations she was in. Overall, I think Evie's Field Day will be successful in teaching children that winning isn't always important, that taking part and having fun can mean just as much. I loved this book a lot and hope to have the pleasure of reading more of Claire Annette Noland's beautiful work.
Recommend this book:
Baby Trolls Get a Bad Rap
Underrated Babies Book 1
Justine Avery
2020 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Children - Grade K-3rd
Reviewed By Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite
Baby Trolls Get a Bad Rap: Underrated Babies, Book 1 is a children’s social issues picture book written by Justine Avery and illustrated by Daria Yudina. Horatio, Grizelda, and Saul are trolls, but before you start wondering at how unlike trolls they look, you might want to remember that they are baby trolls. Just like human children, they don’t look like the grownup version. Saul even admits that they are “hopelessly adorable.” But the three young trolls are quite unhappy, and they are circulating a petition to address their grievances -- and they do have a few of them. Grizelda thinks no one likes them, but Horace thinks it may just be that people tend to overlook or ignore troll babies. The babies want people to start noticing them. Signing their petition is a great way to show them that you’re on board with their agenda. After all, who doesn’t want to be respected and noticed?
Baby Trolls Get a Bad Rap introduces three well-spoken young troll babies to young readers who may also feel overlooked, ignored and even disrespected because of their age, size or other personal attributes that make them feel different. The troll babies that illustrator Daria Yudina has created are marvelous, and you can’t help but smile as the three of them ask readers to sign their petition. Justine Avery’s troll babies have personality and pluck, and I’ve no doubt that young readers will find themselves nodding along with the three of them as they discuss how they simply want to be noticed -- and maybe even make a friend or two. This book is an ideal selection for storytime as it can lead to discussions about why troll babies feel the way they do and how human kids may need to share their feelings at times. This perceptive and charming book is most highly recommended.
Baby Trolls Get a Bad Rap: Underrated Babies, Book 1 is a children’s social issues picture book written by Justine Avery and illustrated by Daria Yudina. Horatio, Grizelda, and Saul are trolls, but before you start wondering at how unlike trolls they look, you might want to remember that they are baby trolls. Just like human children, they don’t look like the grownup version. Saul even admits that they are “hopelessly adorable.” But the three young trolls are quite unhappy, and they are circulating a petition to address their grievances -- and they do have a few of them. Grizelda thinks no one likes them, but Horace thinks it may just be that people tend to overlook or ignore troll babies. The babies want people to start noticing them. Signing their petition is a great way to show them that you’re on board with their agenda. After all, who doesn’t want to be respected and noticed?
Baby Trolls Get a Bad Rap introduces three well-spoken young troll babies to young readers who may also feel overlooked, ignored and even disrespected because of their age, size or other personal attributes that make them feel different. The troll babies that illustrator Daria Yudina has created are marvelous, and you can’t help but smile as the three of them ask readers to sign their petition. Justine Avery’s troll babies have personality and pluck, and I’ve no doubt that young readers will find themselves nodding along with the three of them as they discuss how they simply want to be noticed -- and maybe even make a friend or two. This book is an ideal selection for storytime as it can lead to discussions about why troll babies feel the way they do and how human kids may need to share their feelings at times. This perceptive and charming book is most highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
The Tooth Fairy's Tummy Ache
Lori Orlinsky
2020 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Children - Grade K-3rd
Reviewed By Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite
The Tooth Fairy's Tummy Ache is a children’s picture book written by Lori Orlinsky and illustrated by Vanessa Alexandre. Losing the first tooth is both an exciting and strange part of growing up. But what if you accidentally swallow that first tooth? How do you leave it under your pillow for the Tooth Fairy? Will she even visit the house if there’s no tiny white tooth awaiting her? The little girl in this story was biting on a sweet, crisp apple when she felt a crack and realized her tooth had come loose. What a shock when she realized that she swallowed it along with that bite of the apple! What should she do? The plan she comes up with seems to work -- at first, that is -- but the little trick she plays on the Tooth Fairy causes all manner of difficulties.
The Tooth Fairy's Tummy Ache is a humorous look at what is probably a relatively common occurrence. The child’s pragmatic approach to the problem seems like it worked until it doesn’t. Orlinsky’s story eloquently illustrates why it’s always better to be upfront about problems, even things like swallowing a lost tooth. The Tooth Fairy’s solution is one that works brilliantly on so many levels. This is one of those kids’ books that is funny and filled with the silly goodness kids love, while at the same time it teaches them the importance of being honest and asking adults for help when they have a problem. Vanessa Alexandre’s bright and colorful illustrations work so well with the text. I especially liked the drawing of the Tooth Fairy sitting on her giant toothbrush as she ponders the strange tooth she receives and the images of her Workshop and fairy friends. The Tooth Fairy's Tummy Ache is most highly recommended.
The Tooth Fairy's Tummy Ache is a children’s picture book written by Lori Orlinsky and illustrated by Vanessa Alexandre. Losing the first tooth is both an exciting and strange part of growing up. But what if you accidentally swallow that first tooth? How do you leave it under your pillow for the Tooth Fairy? Will she even visit the house if there’s no tiny white tooth awaiting her? The little girl in this story was biting on a sweet, crisp apple when she felt a crack and realized her tooth had come loose. What a shock when she realized that she swallowed it along with that bite of the apple! What should she do? The plan she comes up with seems to work -- at first, that is -- but the little trick she plays on the Tooth Fairy causes all manner of difficulties.
The Tooth Fairy's Tummy Ache is a humorous look at what is probably a relatively common occurrence. The child’s pragmatic approach to the problem seems like it worked until it doesn’t. Orlinsky’s story eloquently illustrates why it’s always better to be upfront about problems, even things like swallowing a lost tooth. The Tooth Fairy’s solution is one that works brilliantly on so many levels. This is one of those kids’ books that is funny and filled with the silly goodness kids love, while at the same time it teaches them the importance of being honest and asking adults for help when they have a problem. Vanessa Alexandre’s bright and colorful illustrations work so well with the text. I especially liked the drawing of the Tooth Fairy sitting on her giant toothbrush as she ponders the strange tooth she receives and the images of her Workshop and fairy friends. The Tooth Fairy's Tummy Ache is most highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Alycat and the Tournament Tuesday
(Mom's Choice Award Winner)
Alysson Foti Bourque
2020 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Children - Grade K-3rd
Reviewed By Deborah Lloyd for Readers' Favorite
Alycat and Bugsy excitedly began Tournament Tuesday with a race downstairs. Alycat almost tripped on her brother’s lucky golf ball he had left on the steps. Bugsy believed this special ball, with a star on it, brings him luck while playing golf. When Mom, Dad, and the children were in the car, ready to go to the golf course, Bugsy realized he had forgotten this ball. His mother reminded him it is hard work and practice that improves a golf game. But at his insistence, Alycat went back into the house and got the ball for him. They soon joined their friends on the course and played eighteen holes of golf. Bugsy played well, but there was a surprise for him at the end of the game. Author Alysson Foti Bourque has written an engaging children's book in Alycat and the Tournament Tuesday.
The story is entertaining while imparting an important message to children. Hard work and practice are necessary to attain one’s goals, not lucky items. Also demonstrated is the support among family members, as well as camaraderie among friends. The illustrations by Chiara Civati are delightfully detailed. The pictures will capture the imaginations of young children. This book provides an opportunity for parents to discuss the benefits of practice in every area of a child’s life – from schoolwork, sports, or playing a musical instrument. Alycat and the Tournament Tuesday, written by Alysson Foti Bourque, teaches an important life lesson to young readers. It is one book of a series that children will love!
Alycat and Bugsy excitedly began Tournament Tuesday with a race downstairs. Alycat almost tripped on her brother’s lucky golf ball he had left on the steps. Bugsy believed this special ball, with a star on it, brings him luck while playing golf. When Mom, Dad, and the children were in the car, ready to go to the golf course, Bugsy realized he had forgotten this ball. His mother reminded him it is hard work and practice that improves a golf game. But at his insistence, Alycat went back into the house and got the ball for him. They soon joined their friends on the course and played eighteen holes of golf. Bugsy played well, but there was a surprise for him at the end of the game. Author Alysson Foti Bourque has written an engaging children's book in Alycat and the Tournament Tuesday.
The story is entertaining while imparting an important message to children. Hard work and practice are necessary to attain one’s goals, not lucky items. Also demonstrated is the support among family members, as well as camaraderie among friends. The illustrations by Chiara Civati are delightfully detailed. The pictures will capture the imaginations of young children. This book provides an opportunity for parents to discuss the benefits of practice in every area of a child’s life – from schoolwork, sports, or playing a musical instrument. Alycat and the Tournament Tuesday, written by Alysson Foti Bourque, teaches an important life lesson to young readers. It is one book of a series that children will love!
Recommend this book:
Four Bears in a Box
Dreama Denver
2020 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Children - Grade K-3rd
Reviewed By Joel R. Dennstedt for Readers' Favorite
Beyond the interesting celebrity connection, there is a fascinating backstory to Four Bears in a Box, written by Dreama Denver and illustrated by Ashley Belote. Although not necessary for appreciating the highly polished rhyming scheme and exquisitely created art partnered to tell a most imaginative and heart-warming story, learning that the tale itself was developed by a mother seeking in-depth communication with her autistic son, however, does further deepen such appreciation. Any person with even a tangential experience of familial autism will immediately feel the comforting embrace of a book dedicated to: “… those of you who get lost in the beauty of imagination.” Should I mention this is a children’s book? No, I do not believe that’s necessary.
Four Bears in a Box begins, intriguingly enough, with three bored little bears wanting something new and adventurous to do. I am sure the target of this story must have raised his hand forthwith and authoritatively declared, “But, there’s only 3 bears!” And just like that, any child - or more-than-clever adult – would instantly be hooked on this book. Dreama Denver and Ashley Belote are (the pun cannot be avoided) a Dream Team. Ms. Denver’s perfectly-chosen words not only compel attention and inspire the imagination, but Ms. Belote’s detailed artwork heightens and expands both into a wonderfully embracing experiment of unlimited, uncontrollable fun. In a box. In the garage. Who knew? Apparently, Dreama Denver … and her son. Finally, in the interest of full disclosure: Yes, there is a fourth bear. But then, that just had to be the case, right?
Beyond the interesting celebrity connection, there is a fascinating backstory to Four Bears in a Box, written by Dreama Denver and illustrated by Ashley Belote. Although not necessary for appreciating the highly polished rhyming scheme and exquisitely created art partnered to tell a most imaginative and heart-warming story, learning that the tale itself was developed by a mother seeking in-depth communication with her autistic son, however, does further deepen such appreciation. Any person with even a tangential experience of familial autism will immediately feel the comforting embrace of a book dedicated to: “… those of you who get lost in the beauty of imagination.” Should I mention this is a children’s book? No, I do not believe that’s necessary.
Four Bears in a Box begins, intriguingly enough, with three bored little bears wanting something new and adventurous to do. I am sure the target of this story must have raised his hand forthwith and authoritatively declared, “But, there’s only 3 bears!” And just like that, any child - or more-than-clever adult – would instantly be hooked on this book. Dreama Denver and Ashley Belote are (the pun cannot be avoided) a Dream Team. Ms. Denver’s perfectly-chosen words not only compel attention and inspire the imagination, but Ms. Belote’s detailed artwork heightens and expands both into a wonderfully embracing experiment of unlimited, uncontrollable fun. In a box. In the garage. Who knew? Apparently, Dreama Denver … and her son. Finally, in the interest of full disclosure: Yes, there is a fourth bear. But then, that just had to be the case, right?
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