Moni Ritchie Hadley's Blog: Highly Recommended!, page 14

Mrs. Noah

MRS. NOAH by Patti Richards

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


In this new spin on Noah's Arc, Mrs. Noah prepares the arc with all the animals' needs. "It's all in the details, Noah dear," she says. And details are what make this book so special! Written in rhyme and complete with the cutest animal illustrations, this book is sure to be a hit with young readers.



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Seeking Best Friend

Seeking Best Friend by Alison Marcotte

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This sweet story follows a young girl's search for a best friend. As her list of applicants grows, so do her demands. Ultimately, the character finds one by takes a more proactive approach! With illustrations that provide fun contradictions to the text, this book is loaded with humor and cuteness! Thanks to Beaming Books for the advance copy.



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Battle of the Butts: The Science Behind Animal Behinds

Battle of the Butts: The Science Behind Animal Behinds by Jocelyn Rish

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Nonfiction with humor? You bet! This book is informative and funny. Kids are going to love the toot and booty animal facts. This is a STEM book at its finest! My favorite line - "If you breathe through your butt, is that a sneeze or a f@rt?" It really made me think! Author Jocelyn Rish includes a hilarious rating system for each set of facts, and illustrator David Creighton-Pester's colorful illustrations complement the text with added humor and bright, kid-friendly images. Thanks to RP Kids for the advance copy of this entertaining read!



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A History of Me

A History of Me by Adrea Theodore

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this book! Author, Adrea Theodore brings the reader inside her skin, her thoughts, and her experiences as the only brown girl in a classroom of white students. The perspective is eye-opening and real. Highly recommended!!! Thank you to Neal Porter Books for providing the advance copy and putting this book out into the world!



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Night Becomes Day: Changes in Nature

Night Becomes Day: Changes in Nature by Cynthia Argentine

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This calming and inviting book pulls you into our fascinating and transformative world. Using vivid language, author Cynthia Argentine engages readers to contemplate change and wonder about nature. The photographic journey comes full circle at the end of the book, and is complete with tons of backmatter, including information about clouds, caverns, deserts, forests, volcanos, and diamonds! This picture book makes geology accessible to all young readers! Thanks to Millbrook Press for the advance copy.



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Meena's Mindful Moment

Meena's Mindful Moment by Tina Athaide

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Meena's hurly-burly hullabaloo keeps her on the move, twisting, twirling, stirring, and splashing! Not everyone enjoys her impulsive behavior. Dada shares mindful strategies with Meena to help her manage her hullabaloo. This book personifies the energy of young kids, illustrating important moments with whimsical lines and color. It is a perfect book for classrooms and homes with young children. Thanks to Page Street for the advanced copy!



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Orange for the Sunsets

Orange for the Sunsets by Tina Athaide

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Just pick up and read this one! You won't be disappointed. Engaging from the start, this is a complicated friendship story. Two kids, Asha and Yesofu, Indian and African Ugandans, respectively, are caught up in Uganda's political turmoil in the early '70s. Political and economic circumstances beyond their control force them to make emotionally charged decisions compromising their friendship. The story is told from two different points of view in quick, easy-to-read chapters. Tina Athaide is a talent and has created a moving and educational story. Highly recommended!



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Trick or Treat Bugs to Eat

Trick or Treat, Bugs to Eat by Tracy C. Gold

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This board book is an adorable version of "Trick or Treat, Smell My Feet." Weaving in Halloween themes and batty, back matter, this book will appeal to young animal-loving kids. Bright, colorful illustrations accompany the rhyming text. A fun read-aloud!



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Soul Food Sunday

Soul Food Sunday by Winsome Bingham

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Soul Food Sunday is a family story. This slice of life telling will have your mouth watering. Read it together. Read it out loud! Read it again. Then, eat! (Mac n Cheese recipe provided!) Thanks to Abrams Books for the advance copy.



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Chicken Frank , Dinosaur!

Chicken Frank, Dinosaur! by S.K. Wenger

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This book is such a joyful read, filled with interesting facts about how chickens descended from dinosaurs. Much of the text, comprised of dialogue, allows for a fast-paced story with tons of readability! Engaging characters doubt and question Frank about his scientific proof for hilarious fun. The illustrator's bright comic style is perfect for the younger reader, while the educational subject matter will also engage older picture book readers. Complete with back matter and a glossary, this book is a must-have! Thanks to Albert Whitman for the advanced copy.



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