Lia Brent's Blog, page 2
January 22, 2019
Goodreads Review: The Lonely Balloon
The Lonely Balloon by Gemma Mallorey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A simple story for toddler/preschool kids. I felt so sad for this little green balloon. After he is rushed around town by his child owner, he is abandoned in a bedroom. He must be patient to find what he’s looking for – friends. I have a similar theme in my picture book Tess the Princess Dress, but my Tess is not lonely from the start.
The illustrations by Cleoward Sy fit the picture book style and I like balloon’s expressions. I th...
January 9, 2019
Goodreads Reviews: Woody Saves the Day AND Arnold and Louis Reach for the Stars
Woody saves the day by Harvey Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A different premise: Beware of the mouse! The art was this story’s strength. The illustrations had detail, perspective, depth, and bright and beautiful colors. I like unexpected details, and I would have liked to learn more about Rocky’s favorite band’s concert. Sprinkling in a few mazes to keep the kids engaged after long passages of text was smart.
I feel sad for the ostrich. I know he has something special about him too. My wish l...
Goodreads Review: The Children of Lir
The Children of Lir by Ann Carroll
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Legends told and illustrated for the next generation. A sad tale but endearingly sweet, The Children of Lir has everything a fairy tale should have — an evil stepmother, a brokenhearted king, and lots of magic. The swans and their songs are the beautiful bonuses that make this story stand out. My kids pointed out that at the end of the book the “kids” were old and naked! After reading one book from this series, I have already scanned...
December 5, 2018
Goodreads Review: The Beedog and Do Bugs Wear Shoes? by Addie Broussard
The Beedog: An Insect Discovery in Portugal by Addie Broussard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A day trip to a beach in Portugal leads to a curious discovery by two friends: a beedog! The fun illustrations, detailed story, and facts discovered online work together in unison to teach young ones about sand wasps in a non-threatening way. The children’s research was relatable and relevant to today’s tech. As a parent, I appreciate this style of learning. And I loved Manny’s sandcastle prop that he broug...
Goodreads Review: The ABC Animal Picnic and Tovi the Penguin Goes Trick-or-Treating
The ABC Animal Picnic by Janina Rossiter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Picture Perfect Picnic for Preschoolers! The style and detail of the illustrations and type in this picture book for the youngest listeners are gorgeous for this adult reader to behold. Bold lines but only a circle of background color make the pictures pop out on each page. Every animal from A to Z interacts with the (food) item that starts with the first letter of its name during this animal picnic. I like how the author deals...
November 21, 2018
Goodreads Review: La Petite Josette En Provence by Ashley Davidson-Fisher
La Petite Josette En Provence by Ashley Davidson-Fisher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The main character’s enthusiasm and the author’s love of Provence elevated this story of a visit to a castle town to the telling of a modern folk-fairy tale. One cannot help but be swept up into this world of discovery through this wide-eyed, energetic child. Although it touches on the history and topography of this area in France, this book truly is a chronology of a real-life day trip.
I loved the old-fashioned...
Goodreads Review: Bella’s Very Wonderful Day and Brightley & Glow, two picture books by Sophie Carmen
Bella’s Very Wonderful Day by Sophie Carmen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A picture book with a positivity purpose. How can anything be bad when their consequences can be so wonderful? This ultimate optimistic and sometimes rhyming picture book proves that change does not have to be a downer. Change can bring new friends, sharing, and a different view of life. (I was wondering a thing or two, too. Like how to picture a meal with rice and fish and a veggie stew.)
This story can turn any frown upside...
November 5, 2018
Goodreads Review: Happy Animals and Ghosties, two picture books by Gerald Hawksley
Happy Animals by Gerald Hawksley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I gnu I would like this book by Gerald Hawksley because I already read and liked Jake Bakes Cakes! (Confession: I did have to look up the word gnu.) In the rhyming style of all good board books for the very young crowd, this read-aloud book does not disappoint with short, sweet rhymes and bright, colorful illustrations. The bonus book, Sleepy Animals, included at the end of this book, has the same cast of animal characters and is perfec...
Goodreads Review: Boy and the Very Lonely Pony
Boy and the Very Lonely Pony by Junia Wonders
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A sad tale that turns into a sweet friendship. I Iike the questions this book brings up for me. Why is the boy staring out the window all day? Why did the pony appear in the corral outside? Is this story real or just wishful thinking? And, does it matter?
The illustrations by Divin Meir are beautiful for this bedtime story. This book invites the readers to go on this dreamy journey with the boy and the pony as they join for...
October 30, 2018
Goodreads Review: The Broken Branches by Becky Villareal
The Broken Branches by Becky Villareal
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A heart-wrenching story that is both tragic and touching.
Ms. Villareal is a master storyteller who weaves multicultural traditions and language effortlessly throughout this middle school realistic fiction. Even though I don’t live in Texas, where this story is based, I can relate to the authenticity of the Mexican American culture as I’ve experienced it in Southern California. I cried more than once because of the genuine feeling...
