Moni Ritchie Hadley's Blog: Highly Recommended!, page 15
July 12, 2021
Buffalo Wild!
Buffalo Wild! by Deidre HavrelockMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Declan wishes to see real buffalo, the animal he has only heard about from kokum. Spoiler alert—his wish comes true! But the situation gets a bit out of hand prompting Declan to take action. This wild and dreamy tale includes educational back matter highlighting the Buffalo Treaty and the important relationship of this animal with indigenous peoples. Thanks to Annick Press for the advanced copy!
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May 10, 2021
The Vanishing Lake
The Vanishing Lake by Paddy DonnellyMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Vanishing Lake
"Do you only believe what you can see?" That is the question Granddad poses to Meara when she questions why the water vanishes from Lake Loughareema. Granddad's answers hint at magic and impossibilities. My favorite part of the book is the relationship between the girl and her Granddad. There is a sense of trust, fun, and playfulness that readers will love. The illustrations are inviting with brilliant blues and vibrant greens. Expect the unexpected in the end. This is one that kids will want to read over and over again!
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April 28, 2021
Walkout
Walkout
Walkout by Tina Shepardson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Walkout
At a time when violence in schools has become regular news, this book is one that every kid should own. Author Tina Shepardson and illustrator Terry Sirrell highlight the importance of banding together to stand up against these actions. At the same time, this book is so relatable to many kids. Maddie encourages Stella to walk out. Stella resists because it is against the rules. The walkout was intended for students in the older grades, and she is afraid of doing the wrong thing. This is a very real dilemma for children. This book sends a clear message that sometimes it is necessary to show courage and strength with numbers to do what is right and keep all kids safe.
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Walkout by Tina ShepardsonMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Walkout
At a time when violence in schools has become regular news, this book is one that every kid should own. Author Tina Shepardson and illustrator Terry Sirrell highlight the importance of banding together to stand up against these actions. At the same time, this book is so relatable to many kids. Maddie encourages Stella to walk out. Stella resists because it is against the rules. The walkout was intended for students in the older grades, and she is afraid of doing the wrong thing. This is a very real dilemma for children. This book sends a clear message that sometimes it is necessary to show courage and strength with numbers to do what is right and keep all kids safe.
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April 19, 2021
Don't Hug Doug
Don't Hug DougAll kids have boundaries. What is comforting to one may not be for the other. This book illustrates this point in a fun, yet careful way. HIGH FIVE for Don't Hug Doug!
March 12, 2021
30,000 Stitches The Inspiring Story of the National 9/11 Flag
30,000 Stitches: The Inspiring Story of the National 9/11 Flag by Amanda DavisMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
When the first spread, the first word, and the first images gave me chills, I knew I would like this book. But then, every page thereafter also gave me chills! I love this book! The beautiful writing by Amanda Davis takes you on a journey of the 9/11 flag. It is thirty feet wide and twenty feet tall, and the author uses the fabric as a metaphor for America throughout the story. So thoughtfully worded, this book will appeal to nonfiction readers and anyone craving an uplifting and emotional punch. The illustrator, Sally Wern Comport did an amazing job, each image, fabric-like, layered, collaged, with some frames appearing stitched together. Simply beautiful and highly recommended!
Thanks to worthy kids for providing the DRC for an honest review.
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February 4, 2021
Halal Hot Dogs
Halal Hot Dogs by Susannah AzizMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love this book, everything from the end pages to the main character's name, the humorous situations, the illustrations, the cultural vocabulary, and the unexpected ending! One of my favorite spreads is when Musa is practicing salat, and his stomach is growling for Halal hotdogs. There's another bit of subtext that the author and illustrator added that really builds suspense and had me following along, the untied shoe! This book is fun, educational. Highly recommended! Thanks to Little Bee Books for providing a digital Arc for an honest review!
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January 28, 2021
A Brief History of Underpants
A Brief History of Underpants by Christine Van ZandtMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Let's see. This book has jokes, puns, humor, information, history, and almost naked people. 5 stars all the way! Have you ever wondered what sheep poo is good for? Do you ever wonder what people wear under there? This book has all the answers accompanied by hilarious illustrations by Harry Briggs! Christine Van Zandt has written a brilliantly funny nonfiction book. Here's a sample of some of the chapter titles: Crusty Old Buns, Cheeky Inventions, and Tushes Today Around the World. I'm sold. Now I think I'll go practice making a fundoshi!
Thanks to becker&mayer! kids for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. I've preordered this must-have book!
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January 23, 2021
The Big Beach Cleanup
The Big Beach Cleanup by Charlotte OffsayMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Relevant and timely, The Big Beach Cleanup is an important book that illustrates how it takes just one person to create a movement. Cora’s hopes to enter a sand-castle building contest are buried when the beach is closed due to a litter problem. Cora has a difficult time getting helping hands, but her persistence is as strong as the ocean is wide. Helpful hints in the back of the book round out this story. A must-have to bring out the activist in your child!
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Bella's Recipe for Success
Bella's Recipe for Success by Ana SiqueiraMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Are you looking for the recipe for success? It’s right here! In this story, Bella, the main character, compares herself to a sister and brother who seem to be good at gymnastics and piano. Bella wants to be good at something. With the help of her Abuela, she learns that mistakes are okay! Told in English but sprinkled with words in Spanish, this is el perfecto libro for kids who might need a little boost in confidence.
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January 8, 2021
Isobel Adds It Up
Isobel Adds It Up by Kristy EveringtonMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Disrupted by noisy neighbors, Isobel can't concentrate. Solving math problems is nearly impossible as she wonders what could be causing the racket. Isobel comes up with a plan that brings a solution much bigger and better than she expected. As a bonus, Author, Kristy Everington, makes numbers and math sound fun! Kids, teachers, parents, and neighbors everywhere will love this book!
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