Moni Ritchie Hadley's Blog: Highly Recommended!, page 7

This is the Sun

This is the Sun by Elizabeth Everett




Elizabeth Everett weaves a circulatory structure that beautifully bookends with the Sun, inviting nature enthusiasts to make connections about the cycle of life. I loved the bit about the scat which adds an element of delightful unpredictability! With its rhythmically satisfying prose and stunning illustrations by Evelline Andrya, this book is sure to captivate young learners. A must-have for every home and classroom library.



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Rats to the Rescue

Rats to the Rescue: The Unlikely Heroes Making Cambodia Safe by Scott Riley

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Animals are absolutely amazing, and I have discovered that the African giant pouched rats are no exception. This book highlights one in particular named Magawa and his incredible ability to sniff out landmines, helping clear Cambodia's post-war lands. With over one hundred landmines discovered, Magawa is a true hero, working alongside deminer Malen to provide hope and safety to the people. This inspiring story showcases bravery and the ability of the deminers and animals to make a difference. It is a powerful reminder of the incredible things that can be achieved when we harness the full potential of nature, hope, and determination. The back matter provides additional information and views of the authors and illustrator. A must for every classroom!



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A Gift for Nai Nai

A Gift For Nai Nai by Kim-Hoa Ung

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Kim-Hoa Ung, author/illustrator, has beautifully woven her love for crocheting into this delightful children's book. Heartfelt and genuine, it's a message of love from kids to their grandmothers.



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Mamie Tape Fights to Go to School

Mamie Tape Fights to Go to School by Traci Huahn

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This book is truly remarkable! Traci Huahn thoroughly researched and wrote about Mamie Tape's extraordinary journey to attend school in San Francisco in the late 1800s. The book, written as historical fiction, chronicles key events in Mamie's childhood that ultimately led to the rights of children of Chinese heritage to attend public school. The back matter includes a wealth of historical information and facts about Mamie, details about the author's journey in writing the book, and an extensive bibliography. Michelle Jing Chan's illustrations vividly bring the struggle and emotions to life. I highly recommend this book. It's a must-have for all schools!



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Roar-Choo

Roar-Choo! by Charlotte Cheng

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


When mighty Dragon gets the sneezies, wise and comforting Phoenix encourages rest and rejuvenation. Told with beautiful rhythm and stunning illustrations, this book is a must for every parent.



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All Food is Good Food

All Food Is Good Food by Molli Jackson Ehlert

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


We live in a food-centric society, so I enjoyed how this book discusses food's purpose, celebrates taste, educates, and invites togetherness and connectedness. The illustrations are fun and complementary. Back matter offers information about food neutrality.



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Erno Rubik and his Magic Cube

Erno Rubik and His Magic Cube by Kerry Aradhya

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This book highlights Erno Rubik's journey of creating the Rubik's Cube. The story begins with his childhood and explores his fascination with shapes, puzzles, and nature. It is a book for any creator. It illustrates how moments of reflection, seemingly unrelated activities, and failures all contributed to the cube's success. Kerry Aradhya's insightful and rhythmic writing is complemented by Kara Kramer's wonderfully geometric and colorful illustrations. Highly recommended!



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This Book is Full of Holes

This Book Is Full of Holes: From Underground to Outer Space and Everywhere In Between by Nora Nickum

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Wow! There is so much to learn about holes! I enjoyed reading interesting facts and different perspectives about holes from this new nonfiction book for kids. The illustrations are engaging, making the book appropriate for young learners, while the additional content is suitable for older students. It's an excellent STEM book for elementary schools!



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I Would Love You Still

I Would Love You Still by Adrea Theodore

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


In the spirit of the classic The Runaway Bunny, this story highlights the theme of a mother's unconditional love. Told beautifully in rhyme, Adrea Theodore leads the reader through satisfying, animal-simile circumstances, always culminating with the gratifying refrain, "I would love you still." A heartwarming read-aloud and a book for every home's library!



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Grandpa's Scroll

Grandpa's Scroll by Ginger Park

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


A beautifully written and illustrated story about a young girl and the grandpa she never met. Through letters, the reader learns about Korean culture and the lives of the two penpals. The authors handle the theme of death with care and the conclusion is wonderfully satisfying and heartfelt.



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