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Recommend this book:
Little Moss, Big Tree
M. Yap-Stewart
2019 Honorable Mention
40 Pages
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Children - Picture Book
Reviewed by Barbara Fanson for Readers' Favorite
Little Moss, Big Tree is a wonderful story about life cycles and growing. Even though the oak tree grows bigger than his friend Little Moss, they manage to stay in touch. One has a view of the ground and the forest around them. The other friend is tall enough to see the sky and everything in it. The two friends vow to protect each other—even if it’s just an oak tree and moss. And they do it in their own way. Their friendship is tested during a snowstorm. The winds howl and snow covers the ground. Can the big oak tree protect Little Moss from the storm? Or, will Little Moss end up protecting the big tree? Author M. Yap-Stewart has written an interesting story for children, as well as their parents, with an unexpected, but wonderful ending!
The illustrations in Little Moss, Big Tree are outstanding. Light pastel watercolors fill the page and invite the reader to escape into this heartwarming tale of two friends. Artist Mariya Prytula illustrates all the trees, snail, animals, and leaves accurately with soft hues of color. Little Moss, Big Tree is bound to be a classic and is a must-have for every school library, public library, classroom, and home. I’m sure it will be read again and again. Author M. Yap-Stewart has woven several themes into this feel-good story. Two friends grow up together but one is growing at a faster pace. Though they started out with the same view, they end up growing farther apart. But, they manage to stay in touch and share their life with the other friend. Each friend promises to protect the other one. A very touching story to be told over and over. I thought the story would have a sad ending, but it ends on a warm and loving note.
Little Moss, Big Tree is a wonderful story about life cycles and growing. Even though the oak tree grows bigger than his friend Little Moss, they manage to stay in touch. One has a view of the ground and the forest around them. The other friend is tall enough to see the sky and everything in it. The two friends vow to protect each other—even if it’s just an oak tree and moss. And they do it in their own way. Their friendship is tested during a snowstorm. The winds howl and snow covers the ground. Can the big oak tree protect Little Moss from the storm? Or, will Little Moss end up protecting the big tree? Author M. Yap-Stewart has written an interesting story for children, as well as their parents, with an unexpected, but wonderful ending!
The illustrations in Little Moss, Big Tree are outstanding. Light pastel watercolors fill the page and invite the reader to escape into this heartwarming tale of two friends. Artist Mariya Prytula illustrates all the trees, snail, animals, and leaves accurately with soft hues of color. Little Moss, Big Tree is bound to be a classic and is a must-have for every school library, public library, classroom, and home. I’m sure it will be read again and again. Author M. Yap-Stewart has woven several themes into this feel-good story. Two friends grow up together but one is growing at a faster pace. Though they started out with the same view, they end up growing farther apart. But, they manage to stay in touch and share their life with the other friend. Each friend promises to protect the other one. A very touching story to be told over and over. I thought the story would have a sad ending, but it ends on a warm and loving note.
Recommend this book:
Smeagull the Seagull
A True Story
Mark Seth Lender
2019 Finalist
56 Pages
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Children - Picture Book
Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite
There is a house near the seawall that faces the shore. It has a porch and a sliding door. The people who live in the house stand by that door and look towards the sea. Smeagull the seagull knows that Valerie and Mark are there and he comes in the rain, snow, when icicles hang from the roof, and in spring, summer and fall. Smeagull knocks on the door at half past four and he knocks when he is hungry and wants more food. Smeagull's knock on the glass sliding door with his beak is always loud. Seagulls can be found everywhere and many people think they are smarter than the other birds. Smeagull likes fish so a new freezer was bought with a big shelf full of fish just for him. Valerie and Mark's lives become lonely and bleak when Smeagull disappears one day. Will Smeagull come back into their lives?
Smeagull the Seagull: A True Story by Mark Seth Lender is a beautiful story and the very fact that it is a true story makes it even more appealing for readers. The story of Smeagull the seagull will make readers aware about how animals and birds are also like humans and they also have feelings and needs like humans. The illustrations are fabulous and breathe life into the story and give Smeagull a distinct personality. It is an excellent book for children to help them understand how all living creatures need to be nurtured and loved because the Earth needs them too.
There is a house near the seawall that faces the shore. It has a porch and a sliding door. The people who live in the house stand by that door and look towards the sea. Smeagull the seagull knows that Valerie and Mark are there and he comes in the rain, snow, when icicles hang from the roof, and in spring, summer and fall. Smeagull knocks on the door at half past four and he knocks when he is hungry and wants more food. Smeagull's knock on the glass sliding door with his beak is always loud. Seagulls can be found everywhere and many people think they are smarter than the other birds. Smeagull likes fish so a new freezer was bought with a big shelf full of fish just for him. Valerie and Mark's lives become lonely and bleak when Smeagull disappears one day. Will Smeagull come back into their lives?
Smeagull the Seagull: A True Story by Mark Seth Lender is a beautiful story and the very fact that it is a true story makes it even more appealing for readers. The story of Smeagull the seagull will make readers aware about how animals and birds are also like humans and they also have feelings and needs like humans. The illustrations are fabulous and breathe life into the story and give Smeagull a distinct personality. It is an excellent book for children to help them understand how all living creatures need to be nurtured and loved because the Earth needs them too.
Recommend this book:
Praxx and the Ringing Robot
Paul Ian Cross
2018 Finalist
32 Pages
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Children - Picture Book
Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite
Praxx lives with his mum and best friend Zobott on Ekkadora, a planet far from Earth in the story Praxx and the Ringing Robot by Paul Ian Cross. Praxx has many important jobs but he does not always do what he is supposed to do. He has to clean up the place and take care of the pets, and he makes Zobott do it, whose cleaning up causes more problems in the household. Praxx finds Ribbit, his pet frog, inside Zobott’s storage box, and also his alarm clock in there. There is a worm in his mum’s bag, and their rocket is parked in the house. Mum understands that Praxx has again asked Zobott to do the chores. Who will clean up the mess? Read the story to find out.
I like the concept of doing the household chores properly and the author gets it across to young readers beautifully with the help of Praxx and Zobott. The story is wonderfully silly and will make readers smile. The illustrations are colorful and lively, and they breathe life into the story and characters. The pictures also give clarity to the concept and make it palpable to readers. The pictures and the sounds coming from the robots will encourage little readers to try their hand at doing chores at home like Praxx and Zobott. This book is delightful. It is good for bedtime storytelling, and can be used for fun and interactive sessions in classrooms and school libraries while helping children understand how to take care of their pets and do the household chores.
Praxx lives with his mum and best friend Zobott on Ekkadora, a planet far from Earth in the story Praxx and the Ringing Robot by Paul Ian Cross. Praxx has many important jobs but he does not always do what he is supposed to do. He has to clean up the place and take care of the pets, and he makes Zobott do it, whose cleaning up causes more problems in the household. Praxx finds Ribbit, his pet frog, inside Zobott’s storage box, and also his alarm clock in there. There is a worm in his mum’s bag, and their rocket is parked in the house. Mum understands that Praxx has again asked Zobott to do the chores. Who will clean up the mess? Read the story to find out.
I like the concept of doing the household chores properly and the author gets it across to young readers beautifully with the help of Praxx and Zobott. The story is wonderfully silly and will make readers smile. The illustrations are colorful and lively, and they breathe life into the story and characters. The pictures also give clarity to the concept and make it palpable to readers. The pictures and the sounds coming from the robots will encourage little readers to try their hand at doing chores at home like Praxx and Zobott. This book is delightful. It is good for bedtime storytelling, and can be used for fun and interactive sessions in classrooms and school libraries while helping children understand how to take care of their pets and do the household chores.
Recommend this book:
If I Weren't With You
Rosie Pova
2018 Honorable Mention
29 Pages
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Children - Picture Book
Reviewed by Vernita Naylor for Readers' Favorite
Our childhood sets the stage for us into adulthood. If I Weren't With You by Rosie Pova is a beautiful children’s story about what life would be like without the love and protection between a child and his mother. Walk through the forest while Mama and Baby Bear share elements of love and bonding, as Baby Bear inquires as to what would his mother do if he wasn’t around? You can tell that the questions Baby Bear asks display a feeling of of uncertainty and the lack of security, but the answers that Mama Bear provides give Baby Bear the reassurance that his mother loves him unconditionally. If you read this book with your child, you will feel the love and comfort that can set the stage for a lasting and bonding connection between you and your child.
Author Rosie Pova is a mother who sees herself as a Mama Bear to her own three children. This story provides such a solid and beautiful example of how important the bond is between a parent and child. Children need to feel secure and to know that they have someone that they can depend and count upon. Rosie Pova does a great job in telling the story, along with the beautiful and colorful illustrations by Philip Martineau. This collaboration helps to set the stage for how, as a parent, listening intently to your child and giving them the assurance that you love and care about them is important to their development, comfort and growth. I am sure that this book will become one of your child’s favorite stories.
Our childhood sets the stage for us into adulthood. If I Weren't With You by Rosie Pova is a beautiful children’s story about what life would be like without the love and protection between a child and his mother. Walk through the forest while Mama and Baby Bear share elements of love and bonding, as Baby Bear inquires as to what would his mother do if he wasn’t around? You can tell that the questions Baby Bear asks display a feeling of of uncertainty and the lack of security, but the answers that Mama Bear provides give Baby Bear the reassurance that his mother loves him unconditionally. If you read this book with your child, you will feel the love and comfort that can set the stage for a lasting and bonding connection between you and your child.
Author Rosie Pova is a mother who sees herself as a Mama Bear to her own three children. This story provides such a solid and beautiful example of how important the bond is between a parent and child. Children need to feel secure and to know that they have someone that they can depend and count upon. Rosie Pova does a great job in telling the story, along with the beautiful and colorful illustrations by Philip Martineau. This collaboration helps to set the stage for how, as a parent, listening intently to your child and giving them the assurance that you love and care about them is important to their development, comfort and growth. I am sure that this book will become one of your child’s favorite stories.
Recommend this book:
20 Degrees from Normal
Creative Poems for All Ages
Anissa Ferris, Antonio Ferris
2018 Bronze Medal
38 Pages
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Children - Picture Book
Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite
Written by Anissa Ferris and Antonio Ferris, and illustrated by Fanny Liem, 20 Degrees from Normal: Creative Poems for All Ages is a collection of poetry in picture-book form for children. The authors are both teenagers who decided to share their love of zany poetry, life lessons and inspirations with others. The book begins with a poem praising the wheel and how this simple, underappreciated invention does so much. There’s also an inventive and compelling poem about lighthouses and the role they play in keeping ships afloat, which is accompanied by a remarkable and inventive illustration. How does one tackle a pesky fly? Jarod finds out that sometimes the path of least resistance really does have its advantages. And the Inverse Nurse is definitely the last person a kid or anyone else would ever want anywhere near them.
Anissa Ferris and Antonio Ferris’s humorous and inspirational poems address just about every aspect of life: from getting up on time in the morning to having the perfect pet. They even address the eventual confrontation between a teenager and his/her parents. Their verses read smoothly and fluently, and their punch lines are usually right on target. I loved the pet poems and still think that having a T-Rex that fetches could be a lot of fun. Fanny Liem’s illustrations work so very well with the whimsy and fun of this collection. The color schemes she employs add zing and energy, and the facial expressions of her subjects are brilliant. This collection, 20 Degrees from Normal: Creative Poems for All Ages, is highly recommended.
Written by Anissa Ferris and Antonio Ferris, and illustrated by Fanny Liem, 20 Degrees from Normal: Creative Poems for All Ages is a collection of poetry in picture-book form for children. The authors are both teenagers who decided to share their love of zany poetry, life lessons and inspirations with others. The book begins with a poem praising the wheel and how this simple, underappreciated invention does so much. There’s also an inventive and compelling poem about lighthouses and the role they play in keeping ships afloat, which is accompanied by a remarkable and inventive illustration. How does one tackle a pesky fly? Jarod finds out that sometimes the path of least resistance really does have its advantages. And the Inverse Nurse is definitely the last person a kid or anyone else would ever want anywhere near them.
Anissa Ferris and Antonio Ferris’s humorous and inspirational poems address just about every aspect of life: from getting up on time in the morning to having the perfect pet. They even address the eventual confrontation between a teenager and his/her parents. Their verses read smoothly and fluently, and their punch lines are usually right on target. I loved the pet poems and still think that having a T-Rex that fetches could be a lot of fun. Fanny Liem’s illustrations work so very well with the whimsy and fun of this collection. The color schemes she employs add zing and energy, and the facial expressions of her subjects are brilliant. This collection, 20 Degrees from Normal: Creative Poems for All Ages, is highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
The Adventures of Gracie & MonkeyBear
Book 2: Winter
C.S. O'Kelly
2018 Silver Medal
34 Pages
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Children - Picture Book
Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite
The Adventures of Gracie & MonkeyBear: Winter, Book 2 is a children’s picture book written by C.S. O'Kelly and illustrated by Jordy Farrell. Gracie and MonkeyBear loved having adventures, and so Gracie was thrilled to announce that there had been a visitor to their backyard the night before. Snow was lying thick on the ground as the two explorers started to examine the evidence, and they could hear strange sounds coming from the corner of the yard where there was a pile of shoveled snow. Approaching more closely, they noticed that a tunnel had been dug into the snow and the noises were coming from inside. They climbed inside and discovered a yeti, who was understandably quite concerned about his yak. Yomo Yak had made that classic error of judgment and licked the ice. Now, his tongue was stuck, and there was nothing Yeshi Yeti could do to help his friend. Gracie, however, had a plan, and she was quite sure it would work. Solving problems like this one was all in a day’s work for her and MonkeyBear.
C.S. O'Kelly’s children’s picture book, The Adventures of Gracie & MonkeyBear: Winter, Book 2, is a picture book that deftly interweaves fantasy, humor and kid-size steampunk fantasy. Once I discovered, along with them, the yak with his tongue stuck to the ice, I couldn’t help but revisit in my mind the classic movie, The Christmas Story, and feel once again that uncanny blend of humor and pity at the poor yak’s plight. This book also provides yet another compelling reason why all kids should have a dog as their companion. Gracie and MonkeyBear’s friendship is a marvel to behold, and their adventures show how incredibly well they work together as a team. And it’s all about teamwork and compassion and ingenuity. Jordy Farrell’s illustrations are marvelous and highlight the Jules Verne-like atmosphere that makes this book so special. The flying sled is marvelous, and its occupants even more so. Designed to get kids and adults dreaming and imagining, this book does its job perfectly. The Adventures of Gracie & MonkeyBear: Winter, Book 2 is most highly recommended.
The Adventures of Gracie & MonkeyBear: Winter, Book 2 is a children’s picture book written by C.S. O'Kelly and illustrated by Jordy Farrell. Gracie and MonkeyBear loved having adventures, and so Gracie was thrilled to announce that there had been a visitor to their backyard the night before. Snow was lying thick on the ground as the two explorers started to examine the evidence, and they could hear strange sounds coming from the corner of the yard where there was a pile of shoveled snow. Approaching more closely, they noticed that a tunnel had been dug into the snow and the noises were coming from inside. They climbed inside and discovered a yeti, who was understandably quite concerned about his yak. Yomo Yak had made that classic error of judgment and licked the ice. Now, his tongue was stuck, and there was nothing Yeshi Yeti could do to help his friend. Gracie, however, had a plan, and she was quite sure it would work. Solving problems like this one was all in a day’s work for her and MonkeyBear.
C.S. O'Kelly’s children’s picture book, The Adventures of Gracie & MonkeyBear: Winter, Book 2, is a picture book that deftly interweaves fantasy, humor and kid-size steampunk fantasy. Once I discovered, along with them, the yak with his tongue stuck to the ice, I couldn’t help but revisit in my mind the classic movie, The Christmas Story, and feel once again that uncanny blend of humor and pity at the poor yak’s plight. This book also provides yet another compelling reason why all kids should have a dog as their companion. Gracie and MonkeyBear’s friendship is a marvel to behold, and their adventures show how incredibly well they work together as a team. And it’s all about teamwork and compassion and ingenuity. Jordy Farrell’s illustrations are marvelous and highlight the Jules Verne-like atmosphere that makes this book so special. The flying sled is marvelous, and its occupants even more so. Designed to get kids and adults dreaming and imagining, this book does its job perfectly. The Adventures of Gracie & MonkeyBear: Winter, Book 2 is most highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Sarah's Shadow
Nick Jones
2018 Gold Medal
32 Pages
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Children - Picture Book
Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite
Sarah's Shadow is a children’s picture book written by Nick Jones and illustrated by Si Clark. Yasmin Hughes seemed to take a perverse delight in tormenting and teasing Sarah, and the other kids always followed suit. When Yasmin pointed out that Sarah’s shadow was long and thin, just like Sarah was, all the kids started laughing at her. Sarah’s day had been totally ruined. She went home crying and wishing that she didn’t have a shadow. That night, as she was looking out her window, a shooting star flashed by overhead. Delighted, she ran downstairs to tell her mom and dad, who suggested that she make a wish on that star. Figuring out that wish was easy -- she wished her shadow would just go away. At first, nothing happened, but then she watched as her shadow slowly got up, waved to her and walked away.
Nick Jones’ children’s picture book, Sarah’s Shadow, addresses the painful effects that actions of bullies can have on other kids -- both their victims and the kids who feel compelled to go along with them -- in a humorous story about a girl who wishes her shadow away. Sarah soon realizes that not having a shadow at all still makes her different and not like the other kids, still a target for mean kids like Yasmin. I loved the upbeat message of this tale and the power that Sarah finds when she rediscovers her shadow and becomes herself. Si Clark’s illustrations are fabulous, especially in the detail of the facial expressions of the characters in the story and Sarah’s amazing shadow creatures. Each panel is brightly colored, and the bold line drawings make it feel as though one is reading a comic book or a graphic novel. All kids want to belong and not to feel that they’re different from their peers, but as Sarah discovers, wishing away parts of yourself because a bully teases you is never the right answer. Sarah’s Shadow is most highly recommended.
Sarah's Shadow is a children’s picture book written by Nick Jones and illustrated by Si Clark. Yasmin Hughes seemed to take a perverse delight in tormenting and teasing Sarah, and the other kids always followed suit. When Yasmin pointed out that Sarah’s shadow was long and thin, just like Sarah was, all the kids started laughing at her. Sarah’s day had been totally ruined. She went home crying and wishing that she didn’t have a shadow. That night, as she was looking out her window, a shooting star flashed by overhead. Delighted, she ran downstairs to tell her mom and dad, who suggested that she make a wish on that star. Figuring out that wish was easy -- she wished her shadow would just go away. At first, nothing happened, but then she watched as her shadow slowly got up, waved to her and walked away.
Nick Jones’ children’s picture book, Sarah’s Shadow, addresses the painful effects that actions of bullies can have on other kids -- both their victims and the kids who feel compelled to go along with them -- in a humorous story about a girl who wishes her shadow away. Sarah soon realizes that not having a shadow at all still makes her different and not like the other kids, still a target for mean kids like Yasmin. I loved the upbeat message of this tale and the power that Sarah finds when she rediscovers her shadow and becomes herself. Si Clark’s illustrations are fabulous, especially in the detail of the facial expressions of the characters in the story and Sarah’s amazing shadow creatures. Each panel is brightly colored, and the bold line drawings make it feel as though one is reading a comic book or a graphic novel. All kids want to belong and not to feel that they’re different from their peers, but as Sarah discovers, wishing away parts of yourself because a bully teases you is never the right answer. Sarah’s Shadow is most highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
The Friendship Bench
Whitney Dineen
2017 Finalist
76 Pages
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Children - Picture Book
Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite
The Friendship Bench is a children's picture book written by Whitney Dineen and illustrated by the students of Fir Grove and Oak Grove Elementary Schools in Albany, Oregon. Ella thought second grade was just perfect. Her teacher, Mrs. Fancy, was a fun and enthusiastic teacher who made learning an adventure. And, best of all, Bella, Ella's best friend, was in the same class, and they even got to sit next to each other. They enjoyed learning in class, and had loads of fun playing outside and exploring the schoolyard for fairy hideouts. One day, Ella was worried when Bella came to school with tears in her eyes. Bella had the saddest news for the two friends. Her family was moving away to Chicago. They wouldn't get to play and sit together in class anymore. When Bella left, Ella felt so alone without her friend, but Mrs. Fancy had an idea that would help put a smile on Ella's face again.
Whitney Dineen's children's picture book, The Friendship Bench, illustrates how kindness and caring can make a huge difference in a child's school-time experience. The idea for a Friendship Bench that Mrs. Fancy comes up with is marvelous. I was thrilled to read that both Oak Grove and Fir Grove Elementary Schools have actually added Friendship Benches to their playgrounds, and hope that the idea spreads to many other schools. I love this story and the spirit in which it's written, but the true stars of The Friendship Bench are the illustrators. There are dozens of original art works by children in kindergarten through fifth grade levels contained in this book. And while the pictures range according to the skill sets and ages of the artists, they are all brilliant and worth looking at quite carefully -- every single one. The artists chose colors that complement the themes of their work, and many pictures display the artist’s instinctive grasp of perspective and shading as well as the ability to convey motion. Plan on spending some time enjoying the artwork, and there's a lot of it, and then hand out the construction paper and crayons after story time is over. This book will inspire new artists whenever and wherever it's read. The Friendship Bench is most highly recommended.
The Friendship Bench is a children's picture book written by Whitney Dineen and illustrated by the students of Fir Grove and Oak Grove Elementary Schools in Albany, Oregon. Ella thought second grade was just perfect. Her teacher, Mrs. Fancy, was a fun and enthusiastic teacher who made learning an adventure. And, best of all, Bella, Ella's best friend, was in the same class, and they even got to sit next to each other. They enjoyed learning in class, and had loads of fun playing outside and exploring the schoolyard for fairy hideouts. One day, Ella was worried when Bella came to school with tears in her eyes. Bella had the saddest news for the two friends. Her family was moving away to Chicago. They wouldn't get to play and sit together in class anymore. When Bella left, Ella felt so alone without her friend, but Mrs. Fancy had an idea that would help put a smile on Ella's face again.
Whitney Dineen's children's picture book, The Friendship Bench, illustrates how kindness and caring can make a huge difference in a child's school-time experience. The idea for a Friendship Bench that Mrs. Fancy comes up with is marvelous. I was thrilled to read that both Oak Grove and Fir Grove Elementary Schools have actually added Friendship Benches to their playgrounds, and hope that the idea spreads to many other schools. I love this story and the spirit in which it's written, but the true stars of The Friendship Bench are the illustrators. There are dozens of original art works by children in kindergarten through fifth grade levels contained in this book. And while the pictures range according to the skill sets and ages of the artists, they are all brilliant and worth looking at quite carefully -- every single one. The artists chose colors that complement the themes of their work, and many pictures display the artist’s instinctive grasp of perspective and shading as well as the ability to convey motion. Plan on spending some time enjoying the artwork, and there's a lot of it, and then hand out the construction paper and crayons after story time is over. This book will inspire new artists whenever and wherever it's read. The Friendship Bench is most highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Tovi the Penguin Goes on a Treasure Hunt in Paris
Janina Rossiter
2017 Honorable Mention
32 Pages
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Children - Picture Book
Reviewed by Kristen Van Kampen for Readers' Favorite
Tovi the Penguin Goes on a Treasure Hunt in Paris by Janina Rossiter is a fun children's book about a penguin named Tovi. Tovi and his friends are visiting the city of Paris, when Tovi notices a poster of the Mona Lisa, and falls deeply in love with her. Tovi's friends decide to make a treasure hunt for Tovi to help him find the Mona Lisa. The treasure hunt takes Tovi all over Paris. Tovi sees many well-known landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame, but will Tovi ever see the Mona Lisa in person?
I really enjoyed Tovi the Penguin Goes on a Treasure Hunt in Paris by Janina Rossiter. The book has some funny parts. People will enjoy trying to solve the clues with Tovi. The book is relatable, as many people have visited Paris. I liked that Paris in the book is very similar to Paris in real life, with the illustrations showing the finest details. The illustrations are very well done and depict each scene vividly. Also the pictures really look like places in Paris. The book is very well-written and descriptive. I liked how the clues for the treasure hunt rhymed. Tovi is a really likeable character, because he can be kind of funny. The book is a fun way to learn about Paris, because it teaches about French culture, and about important landmarks. I would recommend Tovi the Penguin Goes on a Treasure Hunt in Paris by Janina Rossiter to all young readers.
Tovi the Penguin Goes on a Treasure Hunt in Paris by Janina Rossiter is a fun children's book about a penguin named Tovi. Tovi and his friends are visiting the city of Paris, when Tovi notices a poster of the Mona Lisa, and falls deeply in love with her. Tovi's friends decide to make a treasure hunt for Tovi to help him find the Mona Lisa. The treasure hunt takes Tovi all over Paris. Tovi sees many well-known landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame, but will Tovi ever see the Mona Lisa in person?
I really enjoyed Tovi the Penguin Goes on a Treasure Hunt in Paris by Janina Rossiter. The book has some funny parts. People will enjoy trying to solve the clues with Tovi. The book is relatable, as many people have visited Paris. I liked that Paris in the book is very similar to Paris in real life, with the illustrations showing the finest details. The illustrations are very well done and depict each scene vividly. Also the pictures really look like places in Paris. The book is very well-written and descriptive. I liked how the clues for the treasure hunt rhymed. Tovi is a really likeable character, because he can be kind of funny. The book is a fun way to learn about Paris, because it teaches about French culture, and about important landmarks. I would recommend Tovi the Penguin Goes on a Treasure Hunt in Paris by Janina Rossiter to all young readers.
Recommend this book:
 share adventures sparked by places in her backyard. A mound of di...){kind=link}
The Adventures of Gracie & MonkeyBear
Book 1: Summer
C. S. O'Kelly
2017 Bronze Medal
34 Pages
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Children - Picture Book
Reviewed by JB McPherson for Readers' Favorite
Beautifully illustrated, The Adventures of Gracie and MonkeyBear - Book 1: Summer revels in the imagination and the marvels of childhood. The narrative is by C.S. O’Kelly and illustrations are by Jordy Farrell. Together they create a delightful book. Gracie and MonkeyBear (her dog) share adventures sparked by places in her backyard. A mound of dirt becomes a dinosaur excavation site, a tree becomes a landing site for an alien, and the kiddie pool becomes the habitat of a mother whale trying to save her child from an ensnaring net. Gracie and MonkeyBear rise to every occasion, even freeing a live dinosaur and speaking to an alien (in alien language!). Only when the sun sets do they hear Grandma’s voice calling them home for dinner.
The magic of The Adventures of Gracie and MonkeyBear resides in the clever combination of text and illustrations. Often the illustration picks up where the story pauses, and vice versa. This element allows the child reader to supply the imagination to fuel the narrative. The creators dedicate the book thus: “For all the girls in all the worlds: May you feel strength with your first breath, realize your unlimited potential for greatness on your second, and follow your dreams on your third.”
Despite the girl protagonist and dedication, this book will appeal to boys as well. MonkeyBear the dog provides humorous moments when his enigmatic barks are completely understood by Gracie. All children will relate to the need to include snacks in any invention, and brushes with dinosaurs and aliens draw everyone into the excitement. O’Kelly and Farrell have created a rollicking adventure of imagination! A wonderful book!
Beautifully illustrated, The Adventures of Gracie and MonkeyBear - Book 1: Summer revels in the imagination and the marvels of childhood. The narrative is by C.S. O’Kelly and illustrations are by Jordy Farrell. Together they create a delightful book. Gracie and MonkeyBear (her dog) share adventures sparked by places in her backyard. A mound of dirt becomes a dinosaur excavation site, a tree becomes a landing site for an alien, and the kiddie pool becomes the habitat of a mother whale trying to save her child from an ensnaring net. Gracie and MonkeyBear rise to every occasion, even freeing a live dinosaur and speaking to an alien (in alien language!). Only when the sun sets do they hear Grandma’s voice calling them home for dinner.
The magic of The Adventures of Gracie and MonkeyBear resides in the clever combination of text and illustrations. Often the illustration picks up where the story pauses, and vice versa. This element allows the child reader to supply the imagination to fuel the narrative. The creators dedicate the book thus: “For all the girls in all the worlds: May you feel strength with your first breath, realize your unlimited potential for greatness on your second, and follow your dreams on your third.”
Despite the girl protagonist and dedication, this book will appeal to boys as well. MonkeyBear the dog provides humorous moments when his enigmatic barks are completely understood by Gracie. All children will relate to the need to include snacks in any invention, and brushes with dinosaurs and aliens draw everyone into the excitement. O’Kelly and Farrell have created a rollicking adventure of imagination! A wonderful book!
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