Review of My Hair Is Beautiful by Shauntay Grant

Natural, knotty, fluffy, frizzy, twisted, tangled, pony, puffed!

A celebration of natural hair, from afros to cornrows and everything in between, My Hair is Beautiful is a joyful board book with a powerful message of self-love.

Governor General's Award-nominated author Shauntay Grant brings her unique spoken-word style to this fun read-aloud, featuring minimalist text and vibrant photos of toddlers sporting fresh dos, and a mirror to reflect your own baby's beauty.

Book Links

Goodreads * Amazon * BN * IndieBound

(affiliate link included)

**My thoughts**

Oh, this book is gorgeous! Young children of color can be self-conscious of their hair. But this book encourages them to embrace all of the different style possibilities with quick, fun words and absolutely beautiful photographs of young children sporting the different 'dos. Each of these children are beautiful and so are all of their various hairstyles. I adored this book and would absolutely include it in my classroom library, where I know my kids would also love looking at it.

Thank you to the publisher for fulfilling my review request via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Review of Z is for Zoom by Ashley Parlett Malec

From the experiences of a female NASCAR mechanic comes a book to teach kids (and grownups) the basics of cars, trucks, and things that go!

A is for Alternator
B is for Boost
C is for Combustion Engine

From automatic transmissions to drive lines and from suspension to Zerk fitting and everything in between, Z is for Zoom is a colorfully simple introduction for babies―and grownups―to automotive parts, mechanical terms, and what makes their favorite vehicles go vroom! Written by an expert, each page in this auto mechanics primer features multiple levels of learning so the book grows along with your little gear or motorhead!

Book Links

Goodreads * Amazon * B&N * IndieBound

**My thoughts**

This was a fun and very unique children's book, as it takes you on a mechanical alphabetical journey. Learn about the different parts of the car and how the car actually works. It's perfect for kids who love cars and even this adult learned a lot of new things. The illustrations are cute. I would love to have a version with real pictures, though, to really cement what these parts all look like on a real car and be even more informational as a nonfiction book. But that's probably more to help me to better understand my own car. I can also see using this with a kid to learn about letters and sounds, especially one who has not shown interest in other methods.

Thank you to the publisher for fulfilling my review request via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Review of Postcards From a War by Vanita Oelschlager

Postcards from a War is about a boy whose mother has recently been deployed overseas to a war. His grandfather, who was about the same age when his father left to serve in World War II, helps him understand why she has gone away. He shares with his grandson postcards and letters sent by his father from the Philippines. The grandfather and grandson collaborate on building a scrapbook that will include these, plus the letters and emails and other communications the boy will get from his mother.

Postcards is intended for 4-8 year olds, ones who are old enough to understand that a parent in the military may have to go to a dangerous place, but maybe not why. It shows the important intergenerational bonding that families often experience during times of war.

The postcards and letters in the book were received by the author from her father during World War II.

Book Links

Goodreads * Amazon * BN

(affiliate link included)

**My thoughts**

I have a lot of interest in all things WWII, so this book really piqued my interest before I even started it. And then realizing that it is pretty much based on a real story made it that much more fascinating.

Matthew doesn't quite understand why his mother had to go off to war and is really struggling with a multitude of feelings about it. He turns to his grandfather for advice. His grandfather tells him stories of his own father having to go off to WWII and how he kept in touch with his family while he was away. 

I love the history of this book. It talks a bit about what happened during the Second World War, while also showing  the letters and postcards that were sent home to the children. So you catch a glimpse of history that kids don't often get to experience. And then there is a bit of commentary for contemporary kids about the mixed feelings about war and how they may be the hope to bring about world peace some day. It's a good history tool and could inspire some good old-fashioned letter writing in kids who read it.

Thank you to the publisher for fulfilling my review request via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Review of Tiny Travelers Mexico Treasure Quest by Wolfe & Jaramillo

The Tiny Travelers “Treasure Quest” Series takes its readers on a fun-filled journey to discover what makes each country special with search-and-find features on every spread.

In Tiny Travelers Mexico Treasure Quest, readers journey from the mariachi-filled plazas, to the Pyramids of Teotihuacan. From the Lucha Libre ring, to the flower filled boats of Xochimilco, Tiny Travelers will enjoy getting closer to Mexican culture making magical discoveries along the way.

Each illustrated spread invites children to discover hidden "treasures" - icons, animals, statues, instruments and more - that make up the rich cultural heritage of Mexico.

Book Links

Goodreads * Amazon * BN 

(affiliate link included)

**My thoughts**

As with the other books in this series, illustrations are quite bright and vibrant, eliciting thoughts of fun and happiness as we make a quick tour around Mexico. Learn about the celebrations and festivals with a quick stop to some ancient ruins and a quick taste of traditional Mexican foods. As always, you have vocabulary words in the country's language along with a pronunciation guide. 

It's just a hint of all that Mexico has to offer and does feel a little stereotypical to me. But it still has its place among resources to use when exploring other countries.

Thank you to the publisher for fulfilling my review request via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Review of Small Matters: The Hidden Power of the Unseen by Heather Ferranti Kinser

Can something small matter at all? Of course it can! In this book for young readers (who know a thing or two about being small), you can take a super close look at details too little to be seen with the human eye. Powerful shots from scanning electron microscopes show shark skin, bird feathers, the hairs on a honeybee's eye, and so much more, proving that tiny details can make a BIG difference.

Book Links

Goodreads * Amazon * BN * IndieBound

**My thoughts**

The first thing I noticed about this book was the absolutely incredible photography used to capture the nature being explored in this book. The colors are so vibrant and almost beg for you to try to reach in and touch them. And then the pictures taken through the high-powered microscope are just fascinating. I think the honeybee on the purple flower is my favorite. 

It's almost like you have two books going on here. For the younger children, you can just read the larger rhyming prose. Older children will appreciate the detail that is given with the microscope pictures. For any of them, I have a feeling they will be inspired to learn even more about each creature. And there's even more detail in the back for further explanation, including a list of other books to read for further information. This is a great book to add to a science area.

Thank you to the publisher for fulfilling my review request via NetGalley.

Review of Play Like an Animal! by Maria Gianferrari

Dash! Hide! Splash! Ride! Exuberant text celebrates all the different ways animals play, from rhinos taking mud baths and parrots somersaulting through the air to kangaroos boxing and dolphins diving through the surf. Additional text explains how playing benefits animals. Fascinating back matter gives more information about the featured animals in the book and encourages readers to make time to play every day!

Book Links

Goodreads * Amazon * BN * IndieBound

**My thoughts**

Whimsical words introduce how animals in the wild like to have fun while they're playing, just like kids like to play, too! This book is a fun ride around the world that introduces the child to all kinds of fun vocabulary, whether action words and adverbs or different kinds of animals that you don't traditionally find in children's books. I even learned about a few more. The illustrations are also really cute and attractive to kids. I like how there's also a little box that gives a bit more of a serious explanation about the animals' behavior in some cases. If you really want to know more, there's a lot more information in the back. It's really a lot of fun to read out loud and would be a fun addition to a classroom library.

Thank you to the publisher for fulfilling my review request via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Review of I Want to Be ... A Gutsy Girl's ABC by Farida Zaman

Some jobs immediately sound fun―Candy Maker anyone?! And some jobs sound exciting―Oceanographer, Sportscaster, Aerialist! And some jobs―Kite Designer, Wind Farmer, Party Planner―sound so wonderful it’s hard to believe that they exist! Babies and toddlers will follow along with this ABC as it explores some of the amazing, and often unusual, jobs that people do. Each fun letter is complemented by an illustration of a girl filled with delight and wonder as she shows us how we can be, quite literally, anything we want to be.

Book Links

Goodreads * Amazon * BN * IndieBound

**My thoughts**

I liked this book much more than I thought I would. When I was growing up, I went to Montessori where we were taught "You Can Be What You Want to Be," which was also the title of a play and song about Maria Montessori. And this book really echoes that idea. Each letter of the alphabet gets its own page with a potential occupation and one sentence describing what that job would be. They're all fun possibilities and definitely think outside of the box. And in the illustrations, she included different races and ethnicities as well as differently abled people. It's subtly obvious. And fear not, boys, you will be inspired by this book as well.

Thank you to the publisher for fulfilling my review request via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Review of A Rainbow of Rocks by Kate DePalma

A rainbow of rocks -- from red to violet and beyond! Eye-popping close-up photos of real, vibrant rocks and minerals in a rainbow of colors are brought to life by lyrical, rhyming text about the many facets of geology. Includes educational notes perfect for STEM learning.

Book Links

Goodreads * Amazon * B&N

(affiliate link included)

**My thoughts**

Wow, the pictures in this book are absolutely stunning! I was blown away as soon as I opened up the book. (OK, it did also help a little bit that the first page has the ruby, which is red and also my birthstone.) But then in addition to these stunning pictures is simple, fun rhyming text that has the name of each rock in its designated color. Plus the stones are clearly labeled on the page so that you know which one is which. I absolutely loved it! This part is perfect to use with younger children.

But then for those who want to know more, there's even more information in the back. This will appeal to the curious younger child and then provide a foundation for research by the older child. The adult reading the book will also have more information to better explain some of the simpler pages in more detail if needed. You're also introduced to even more vocabulary and definitions. Definitely a must-add to the classroom library!

Thank you to the publisher for fulfilling my review request via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Review of Brian the Brave by Paul Stewart

Every sheep is different. Some white, some black. Some striped, some spotted, some with hats! They're all still sheep, and they can all play together. At least that's what Brian thinks—until the other sheep say they can be friends only with sheep that are just like them.

But when danger strikes, can Brian help the sheep come together? Can Brian the ordinary become Brian the Brave?

This lively story with bright, playful artwork will prompt conversations about friendship, teamwork, and bias based on race or language.

Book Links

Goodreads * Amazon * B&N * IndieBound

**My thoughts**
This is a story that encourages children to look beyond physical differences and to band together. It uses sheep who start out trying to be friends, but as their friend group expands, one friend discriminates against another one simply because of how one looks. For example, one with black wool refuses to play with one with white wool. 

There's almost a round robin of sheep going up against each other, so that more than one of them can feel what it's like to be left out. But then they learn how to band together when danger strikes and realize that they work better as a group. 

Some children may pick up on what is happening just by reading it, but I would suggest using this as a launchpad for discussion about being friends in spite of surface differences. Inside, we are all the same. 

The illustrations are a little reminiscent of Eric Carle's style as they are done in a multimedia way of collage and paint. It's a cute book.

Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for fulfilling my request for a review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

$25 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway Ends 5/31

Are your kids getting restless? Craving some new books or playthings? Perhaps this gift card can help you find them something special from Amazon to enjoy!

That's why I've teamed up with some great blogs to bring you a fun giveaway. Here's your chance to get a $25 Amazon gift card to get something fun over at Amazon. Here's your chance to win! Head below to enter. Giveaway is open to US & Can and ends on 5/31 at 11:59pm EST. Must be 18+ to enter. Good luck!   

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