Category: children

Author & Illustrator: Frann Preston-Gannon
Publisher: Sterling Children’s Books
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-1-4549-1611-6
Pages: 32
Price: $14.95

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Sloth has slipped away from the zoo and is now snoozing in a tree. When some children notice him, they wonder what kind of creature could sleep through any disturbance. After speculating as to who he could be, they finally determine his origins and send him back to where they think he came from. Only trouble is, the kids have failed to see the notices posted by the zoo asking for his return. When sloth finally wakes up, he’s going to be VERY surprised!

Sloth Slept On is a cute story that introduces sloths to children. Always a favorite at zoos, this unique creature never fails to captivate kids as they watch him sleep soundly in a tree. The twist ending will have kids giggling over the poor sloth’s unusual predicament.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Author & Illustrator: Agnese Baruzzi
Publisher: White Star Kids
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-88-544-0953-8
Pages: 34
Price: 14.95

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Some very hungry monsters are ready to dine. Kids are invited to join them and count what they’re eating. The narrator, The horrible monster, black-as-coal… gobbled up one spider whole! and introduces all his other monster friends… and their lunch!

Count up to ten along with the monsters in this rhyming, Halloween counting book. The final page shows all the lunch items consumed so kids can count them once more. Illustrations are age-appropriate, and kids will laugh at the silly monster names.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Author: Karin Lefranc
Illustrator: Tyler Parker
Publisher: Sky Pony Press
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-1-63450-172-9
Pages: 32
Price: $16.99

Karin Lefranc’s website
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There’s a new student in the classroom, but this is no ordinary kid. He’s actually a book-eating zombie that begins to devour every book he can find. When the class heads to the library, the students know his only goal will be to eat every book there. Acting quickly, one boy saves the day. And when another monster arrives, wreaking havoc on the library, the zombie steps in to help out, also.

I Want to Eat Your Books is told in rhyming verse with vibrant, kid-friendly illustrations. Children will giggle as the zombie gobbles books, and they’ll smile at the easy friendship between the two monsters. This book will be huge hit at Halloween. I highly recommend it.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Author: Jill Esbaum
Illustrator: Nate Wragg
Publisher: Sterling Children’s Books
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-1-4549-0879-1
Pages: 32
Price: $14.95

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Elwood Bigfoot is all alone, and he wants to be friends with the birdies. He decides he will build a house in a tree so they can visit him there. After covering himself in feathers to look more like the birdies, he throws a house-warming party. But the birdies are afraid of his loud exuberance, and stay away. Maybe a birdie theme park would be more fun? Elwood builds one and hollers for the birdies to join him there. Still no birdies!

Finally, exhausted and discouraged, Elwood discovers why the birdies are staying away from him. They are frightened when he yells and chases after them. Once he decides to be more quiet and gentle and let them come to him, they like him and become his friends.

Elwood Bigfoot is a great book that teaches kids how to behave in a manner that won’t chase others away. Children often have this problem with pets, when a dog or cat is frightened of their wild behavior and runs to hide. And even other kids might not always want to be around someone who’s always loud. Being well-mannered always works best if kids want others to like them. I highly recommend this adorable book with a great message.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Author: Amy Dixon
Illustrator: Katia Wish
Publisher: Sky Pony Press
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-1-63220-403-5
Pages: 32
Price: $16.99

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Sophie has a vivid imagination, so when she feels lonely, she decides to draw a friend. But the polar bear who now sits in her room prefers the cold. Drawing an igloo solves the problem, but now the bear needs a playmate. As she continues to draw more animals to join them, chaos ensues. Finally, Sophie meets a boy with a sense of adventure and the two enjoy their animal parade together.

Sophie’s Animal Parade is pure fun for kids. Animals, friendship, laughter, and bright cheery colors fill the pages of this delightful book. I highly recommend it.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Author: Christelle Vallat
Illustrator: Stéphanie Augusseau
Publisher: Peter Pauper Press
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-1-4413-1536-6
Pages: 36
Price: $16.99

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Celia spends all day on Sunday listening to the people as they come to her to share their worries and problems. When they leave, each feels lighter and happier. And in exchange for her services, they pay her one seed.

Celia then begins a week of sowing these seeds of kindness into bright balloons, flowers, fruit and stars. On her journey one day, she discovers a lone seed, lost by a boy who never had the chance to share his worries with Celia. She seeks him out and together they plant his seed. Every day, he visits Celia to see how his seed is doing, and while he is there, they talk about many things. And when his seed finally grows into a small flower, his spirits have been lifted.

In a world where everyone is tied to electronic devices or just too darned busy, it’s hard to find a special someone who is willing to listen to your worries and concerns. Celia demonstrates the power of a kind, sympathetic ear. The story’s accompanying illustrations follow the theme, as they go from black and white to bright and cheerful, as Celia takes away the gloom and spreads her magic throughout the village. Celia is a delightful read for children of all ages.

Reviewer: Alice Berger