Last month I began the task of reading 7 children’s books to review each month. I have ended up really enjoying wandering the children’s section at the library, randomly picking up books off the shelves, if I hadn’t already asked them to pull a few books off the shelves for me. If you are enjoying this as much as I am, feel free to suggest books for me. I would be glad to find your favorite books or books you aren’t sure you want to read and give my opinion. If you have any suggestions please Contact Me.
Moonlight Memories by Amanda Davis
Moonlight Memories by Amanda Davis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
“Mama had been gone almost a month, leaving Piper feeling empty.” As this story begins the sad face on the page tells you as much as the first sentence. Death is a hard topic, especially for a child, but Moonlight Memories by Amanda Davis (published in 2023) offers a way through creativity that helps Piper to regain her memories of her mother and connect more with her grieving father.
As she gazes through the telescope her dad gave her, Piper sees much more than stars. She slowly covers her walls with drawings of memories she has with her mama that help her to heal. When she forgets one, she can look at them again and be reassured.
The illustrations by Michelle Jing Chan are engaging and beautiful.
I highly recommend this book for a child who has lost someone.
I got this book from my sister, Jamie Holloway. You can get your own copy of Moonlight Memories by Amanda Davis on Amazon,
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Grandad’s Camper by Harry Woodgate
Grandad’s Camper by Harry Woodgate
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Grandad’s Camper by Harry Woodgate is a sweet story that was published in 2021 about a little girl that loves to visit her 2 grandfathers in their house by the sea. She enjoys the bookshelves full of momentos from all their adventures, the great places for hide and seek and the wonderful garden full of fruits and vegetables. Most of all she loves to go through the photo album with Grandad and listen to the stories of his adventures with Gramps.
When they have looked at all the pictures she asks if he still has the camper van and if he still goes on adventures. “It’s not the same without Gramps — he made everything extra-special. Since Gramps died, I just don’t feel like it.”
…but then Grandad and his granddaughter clean up the camper van and decide to go on their own adventure because that is what Gramps wold have wanted .
Woodgate’s story is as beautiful as the illustrations.
I got my copy from the Longview Public Library but you can get your own copy of Grandad’s Camper by Harry Woodgate on Amazon.
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The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld
The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld, published in 2018, is a touching story about Taylor, a child dealing with their emotions about a loss. I love that the character is totally neutral. Pronouns are never used and the child is wearing hair and jammies that any child might wear so that any child can relate to this story. The loss was only a block wall being knocked down by accident, but this can seem so large to a small child.
Many animals show up to showcase all kinds of emotions and characteristics and none of them reach the child. The animal the finally is able to reach out to Taylor is a rabbit that does nothing but sit next to the child and listen when they are ready to express their feelings. What an important message. I really enjoyed this story.
I got my copy from the Longview Public Library but you can get your own copy of The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld on Amazon.
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Playing At the Border A Story of Yo-Yo Ma by Joanna Ho
Playing at the Border: A Story of Yo-Yo Ma by Joanna Ho
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
On April 13, 2019 Yo-Yo Ma played his cello while sitting next to the Rio Grand on the shore of the United States, while facing Mexico.
Yo-Yo Ma was a child prodigy who had wanted to play the double bass but he was too little at the age of 4-years-old so he began studying the cello.
Yo-Yo Ma was born in France to Chinese parents. He was raised in the United States. His cello was built in Italy. His bow was made from wood from a tree in Brazil, a horse’s tail in Mongolia and ebony from a forest in West Africa. The colors of his cello come from Indonesia and India. The song Yo-Yo Ma played over the Rio Grand was originally composed in Germany and then lost and found again in a second-hand store in Spain.
Yo-Yo Ma believes in bridging cultures through music. In this beautiful story, Playing at the Border: A Story of Yo-Yo Ma published in 2021 and written by Joanna Ho, you can feel how he loved to bring music to life. The illustrations by Teresa Martinez are beautiful and easy to imagine yourself in.
I got my copy from the Longview Public Library but you can get your own copy of Playing At the Border A Story of Yo-Yo Ma by Joanna Ho on Amazon.
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Can You Believe It? How to Spot Fake News and Find the Facts by Joyce Grant
Can You Believe It?: How to Spot Fake News and Find the Facts by Joyce Grant
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I don’t generally give a lot of thought to the books I pick out at the library for my children’s book reviews. I look for books that are colorful and are about at my eye level, most of the time. I don’t think I even read the entire name of Can You Believe it? How to Spot Fake News and Find the Facts, written by Joyce Grant and illustrated by Kathleen Marcotte. Published in 2022, with 55 pages, 6 chapters, an introduction and conclusion, I am not sure, if I had really looked at this book, that I would have brought it home.
I appreciate that children have to start learning about the world somewhere. I am not even sure what age this book is intended for, but probably at least 3rd grade. For me, I am exhausted by this topic. However the book gives great content, facts and examples. For a child that wants to learn how to be a journalist this might be a very good start.
However, if you are looking for a book to cuddle up to before bed, this is not the one.
I got my copy from the Longview Public Library but you can get your own copy of Can You Believe It? How to Spot Fake News and Find the Facts by Joyce Grant on Amazon.
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The Story of Babar The Little Elephant by Jean De Brunhoff
The Story of Babar by Jean de Brunhoff
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Story of Babar The Little Elephant by Jean De Brunhoff, was published in 1933 and must have been quite a hit among children. I know I loved it. Even though Babar loses his mother, his adventurous spirit leads him to the city and new human friends. Later he becomes king. What a sweet story that I believe can stand the test of time.
I got my copy from the Longview Public Library but you can get your own copy of The Story of Babar The Little Elephant by Jean De Brunhoff on Amazon.
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Indigenous People’s Day by Katrina M. Phillips
Indigenous Peoples’ Day (Traditions & Celebrations) (Traditions & Celebrations) by Katrina M. Phillips
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Indigenous People’s Day is the 2nd Monday in October and was began in 1992 to celebrate Native Americans. This is a day to honor indigenous people’s culture through language, art, music and traditions.
Indigenous people lived in the Americas long before European settlers were here and we want to honor them. It is good to be aware of what tribes live near us, whether they are in small towns, big cities or on reservations.
Indigenous People’s Day is celebrated on the same day we once celebrated Columbus Day. We want to correct our misinformation that Christopher Columbus found North America because there were already a lot of people here and Columbus enslaved and abused Native Americans. It is better to learn about the Taino people that first met Columbus that lived on the island of the Caribbean.
On Indigenous People’s Day there may be a powwow or gathering near where you live where there will be traditional dances, singing, music, stories and food to celebrate Native American culture.
I loved the colorful pictures taken by many artists. I felt the words used by Katrina M. Phillips were important and well used to educate readers about our history and people. I enjoyed Indigenous People’s Day.
I got my copy from the Longview Public Library but you can get your own copy of Indigenous People’s Day by Katrina M. Phillips on Amazon.
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It is amazing what you can learn from reading children’s books. I read an article last week that said that reading anything is a natural antidepressant because we are feeding our brains something positive. I have found that children’s books tend to be simple and filled with hope. I can see why everyone can benefit from taking a moment to enjoy them. I hope you enjoy these reviews as much as I enjoy writing them. Be blessed.
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Feel free to leave your comments below!
My name is Summer. That is how you can call me. I hope that I am a blessing to you. I am not perfect. I will fall again. But I am forgiven.
For anyone reading this that isn’t a Christian, unapologetically, I am a Christian, but I believe there is room for lots of beliefs and religions in the world. It is not my intent to offend people with different beliefs than I have and I would be open to open-minded conversations with no goals of changing anyone’s mind, but sharing information.
If you are interested in becoming a Christian…Do you know Jesus? Do want the Holy Spirit to fill you and give you understanding and salvation? Ask Him. Want someone to pray with you? Contact me.
If you would like to know Jesus as your friend, but want to make this amazing commitment by yourself please pray something like this:
Thank you Jesus that You are the Son of God, the God that created heaven and earth. Thank you Jesus that You came to earth in the form of a man so that You would be able to empathize with my humanity. Thank You that You did this in order to fulfill the promises You made at the foundation of the world.
I realize that I am a sinner and do things that hurt myself and keep myself away from you. Thank You that You died for my sins so that You could defeat death and bring me into Your life. Please forgive me.
I ask You to be Lord of my life. I ask you to heal my hurts and show me what my new life, empowered by You looks like. Thank You for Your mercy.
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