We have reached the end of 2023 and it seems a good time reflect on my reading goals and what I learned while reading 7 children’s books each month. Children’s books are special. I learned that old children’s books are often nostalgic and teach classic ideas, where new children’s books tend to focus on deeper emotional ideals and broader topics but in a simple way. I have learned a lot but not in a heavy way that made me feel stressed. I think that everyone should read children’s books. I do think I will change my number of books per month but I am not sure what the number will be for 2024 yet. Without much ado, here are my 7 Books for December 2023:
A Walk In the Woods by Nikki Grimes, Jerry Pinkney & Brian Pinkney
A Walk in the Woods by Nikki Grimes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A Walk in the Woods is a collaborative effort by Nikki Grimes, Jerry Pinkney and his son Brian Pinkney. It is a story about a son after the death of his father and how he is dealing with it. The father has left a treasure map for a walk in the woods and a surprise that will help to guide his son toward healing.
The son has no name in the story but I imagine this helps any person to relate to the pain that is expressed in the artwork by definite and indefinite lines. In the end, the father encourages his son to keep moving forward and to write his own story. I do think this book is written for a child that is at least 7 or 8 years old but there are elements that any child could related to. This is a beautiful story.
I got this book from the Longview Public Library. You can get your own copy of A Walk In the Woods by Nikki Grimes, Jerry Pinkney & Brian Pinkney on Amazon.
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The Song That Called Them Home by David A Robertson
The Song That Called Them Home by David Alexander Robertson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Lauren and James were on an adventure with their Moshom (grandfather), when he decided to take a nap. As the children became hungry, they decided to go fishing when their escapade took another turn. While they were in their canoe, Memekwesewak, or creatures that live in the water, led them to a place where dancing and singing kept them entranced. Luckily their Moshom knew The Song That Called Them Home on his drum.
This fantastic story by David A. Robertson is full of adventure and devotion to family and the illustrations by Maya McKibbin add to the imagery.
I got this book from the Longview Public Library. You can get your own copy of The Song That Called Them Home by David A Robertson on Amazon.
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Jazz Baby by Lisa Wheeler
Jazz Baby by Lisa Wheeler
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is a fun story that makes you want to get and dance or at least move to the beat right in your seat. Jazz Baby by Lisa Wheeler is a musical dancing book full of moving words and family that share in the story. Even the illustrations by R. Gregory Christie seem to bop and jive with the rhymes.
I got this book from the Longview Public Library. You can get your own copy of Jazz Baby by Lisa Wheeler on Amazon.
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Jenny Mei Is Sad by Tracy Subisak
Jenny Mei Is Sad by Tracy Subisak
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Jenny Mei Is Sad by Tracy Subisak is a book about two friends — real friends Jenny Mei and her friend have a great relationship because they can feel their real feelings with each other. Jenny Mei’s family is going through a hard time and sometimes Jenny Mei is happy, silly and funny, bu other times she is angry and difficult. On those days she is lucky she has her friend for the not so good times. This is a really special book with touching illustrations.
I got this book from the Longview Public Library. You can get your own copy of Jenny Mei Is Sad by Tracy Subisak on Amazon.
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Sulwe by Lupita Nyongo
Sulwe by Lupita Nyong’o
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Sulwe’s name means “star” but in her family and even at school, she has the darkest skin. Her sister has skin the color of high noon and people give her pet names like “Sunshine,” “Ray,” and “Beauty.” But Sulwe gets names like “Blackie,” Darky,” and “Night.” Sulwe tries anything she can think of to fit in but nothing works. Her mom tells her that her beauty must come fro her heart and her mind. But it isn’t until she has a fantastic dream that she understands that both light and dark accent each other. This is when she understands that her beauty is both inside and outside herself.
This is a beautiful book and even if your skin isn’t dark, you can understand having differences from others. The message that beauty is on the inside is important for everyone. The illustrations are as magical as the wonderful story.
I got this book from the Longview Public Library. You can get your own copy of Sulwe by Lupita Nyongo on Amazon.
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Coming Home by Michael Morpurgo
Coming Home by Michael Morpurgo
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I read Coming Home by Michael Morpurgo to my cat and he wandered away half-way through. I think it is because the transitions in this adventure were really not there. I want to like this book, and there are parts I do enjoy, especially the enchanting illustrations by Kerry Hyndman, which probably really helped me stay connected. This book droned on too long and I thought it was way too wordy for a birds’ flight home for Christmas. I don’t think a small child would be able to sit through this story.
I got this book from the Longview Public Library. You can get your own copy of Coming Home by Michael Morpurgo on Amazon.
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Giant Pants by Mark Fearing
Giant Pants by Mark Fearing
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Giant Pants by Mark Fearing is an adorable story about a giant loses his only pair of pants and then he loses his temper and then how he choses to deal with his problem. Both the story and the illustrations are sure to make you laugh at any age and even offer great conversation starters, as well. I highly recommend this story.
I got this book from the Longview Public Library. You can get your own copy of Giant Pants by Mark Fearing on Amazon.
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I really enjoyed my picks for December. I hope that you all have a wonderful holiday season and I also hope that you find time to read whatever books make you happy. 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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