by Summer D Clemenson | Aug 29, 2024 | Book & Product Reviews, Opinions
I can’t believe that summer break is over and school has begun again. Summertime flew by. It seems to go faster every year. I hope you got your reading in. I read 24 books over the summer. I think that is pretty good for me, considering only 9 of them were adult books. I love to read. If you have any books you would like me to review just let me know! Now for the 5 Books for August 2024:
~
Harold’s Trip to the Sky by Cricket Johnson
Harold’s Trip to the Sky by Crockett Johnson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love Harold and I love his adventures. Harold’s Trip to the Sky by Cricket Johnson is a sweet and classic children’s fiction story that takes you along with Harold and his purple crayon as he attempts to visit the moon, but misses and lands on Mars instead. Don’t worry, in this space fantasy Harold still makes it home in time for breakfast. I love how Harold talks about what people are afraid of and he bravely faces them with his art. I think this is my favorite Harold and the Purple Crayon picture book.
I got this book from my personal collection. You can get your own copy of Harold’s Trip to the Sky by Cricket Jonhson on Amazon.
~
Make Way for the Ducklings by Robert McCloskey
Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I remember having Make Way for the Ducklings by Robert McCloskey on my bookshelf when I was a child. I had an aunt and uncle who lived in Boston, where this fiction story takes place and they had sent the book to us. I don’t remember the story though. It made reading this children’s classic, like new today and I am glad I have this book to share with my great niece and nephews. I love how this bird family, Mr. and Mrs. Mallard looked for the perfect place, free from foxes, turtles and other animals, bicycles and other things with wheels to raise their ducklings. I also love how when the ducks were ready for their first adventure, the police were ready to make way for the ducklings. This is a perfect family picture book.
I got this book from my personal collection. You can get your own copy of Make Way for the Duckling by Robert McCloskey on Amazon.
~
Corduroy Lost and Found by B.G. Hennessy
Corduroy Lost and Found by B.G. Hennessy
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Corduroy Lost and Found by B.G. Hennessy is an adorable bear adventure just like the fiction animal adventures had by the character created by Don Freeman. It is great to see Corduroy continue on with new artists! In this children’s classic story, Corduroy finds out that Lisa’s birthday is coming and he wants to find the perfect gift for her. But on the way he gets lost. With the help of new friends, Lisa finds him, which is she really wanted all along. This precious family story is the perfect addition to story time. The illustrations by Jody Wheeler really bring this fantasy picture book to life.
I got this book from my personal collection. You can get your own copy of Corduroy Lost and Found by B.G.Hennessy on Amazon.
~
Grumpy Monkey by Suzanne Lang
Grumpy Monkey by Suzanne Lang
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Jim Panzee woke up in a bad mood but he doesn’t know it, but luckily all his animal friends in the jungle are there for him and help him understand his feelings. It’s ok to feel what your feel, even if its s a beautiful day. Grumpy Monkey by Suzanne Lang is a wonderful children’s fiction book that examines emotions with the use of humor. The illustrations by Max Lang are fun and inviting to any story time.
I got this book from my own personal collection. You can get your own copy of Grumpy Monkey by Suzanne Lang on Amazon.
~
Walter the Farting Dog: Trouble at the Yard Sale by William Katzwinkle and Glenn Murray
Walter the Farting Dog: Trouble At the Yard Sale by William Kotzwinkle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Surprisingly, Walter’s family brought him to the yard sale and wondered why no one came to their yard sale, not even other animals. If you know about Walter, you know he is a dog with terrible, smelly gas. Walter probably should have stayed inside for the day but where is the humor in that? Walter’s amazing farting was so powerful, he only caught the attention of a wannabe bank robber with extra stinky crime on his mind, in Walter the Farting Dog: Trouble at the Yard Sale by William Katzwinkle and Glenn Murray. I was shocked that Father was willing to part with Walter for only $10 but in the end, Walter made his way home and saved the day. The fun illustrations by Audrey Colman really make this children’s fiction picture book extra fun!
View all my reviews
I got this book from my personal collection. You can get your own copy of Walter the Farting Dog: Trouble at the Yard Sale by William Katzwinkle and Glenn Murray on Amazon.
~
You learn such amazing things when you read. Sometimes you just learn about yourself and what you like. Reading is one of the best things I ever learned. I hope you make time to read.
Be blessed.
~
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.
by Summer D Clemenson | Jul 24, 2024 | Book & Product Reviews, Opinions
The best times I had as a kid were under the apple trees in my back yard. I would steal my mom’s old sheets and find some string or yarn and make a tent and live in there until I had to come out. When I wasn’t doing my doll’s hair I was reading. It was a great way to find shade and let my imagination run wild. I hope you are finding times with your kids making forts and reading piles of books. It is the best way to take adventures without going anywhere, especially when parents have to work and kids need something to do. I hear Longview Public Library has some great programs this summer too! Now for our 5 books for July 2024:
The Grouchy Lady Bug by Eric Carle
The Grouchy Ladybug by Eric Carle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have to admit I was a little grumpy when I started to read The Grouchy Lady Bug by Eric Carle and the art in this colorful children’s picture book really cheered me up. The grouchy lady bug has terrible manners and big emotions and feels like fighting but can’t seem to find the perfect animal to fight no matter where she goes on her adventure. This great classic family fiction book talks about time, size, shape, mathematics and manners and is even a board book so it can be washed a bit, making it a perfect story time book.
This is definitely a book to read again and again. In fact, apparently I read and reviewed this book last summer too! 🙂
I got this book from my personal collection. You can get your own copy of The Grouchy Lady Bug by Eric Carle on Amazon.
~
A Picture for Harold’s Room by Crockett Johnson
A Picture for Harold’s Room by Crockett Johnson
A Picture for Harold’s Room was written in 1960 by Crockett Johnson. It is a wonderful adventure story as Harold, wanting to create a picture for his room imagines an entire world where he becomes very large and also very small. This fiction children’s classic is the perfect pace for family story time before bed while Harold explores and explains the fantasy world he creates in this picture book. I really enjoyed it.
I got this book from my personal collection. You can get your own copy of A Picture for Harold’s Room by Crockett Johnson on Amazon.
~
Dandelion by Don Freeman
Dandelion by Don Freeman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Dandelion by Don Freeman is a story about a lion that is invited to a party and wants to change his look but his friends like him the way he is and don’t recognize him. This classic fiction book is full of different animals who all help Dandelion with his day of fashion or enjoy him at the party after they finally let him in. I think this picture book is a little short-sighted because no one lets Dandelion explore his new look but only likes him when he stays the same. Sometimes that happens in real life so maybe this book also brings value to story time.
I got this book from my personal collection. You can get your own copy of Dandelion by Don Freeman on Amazon.
~
Even Fairies Fart by Jennifer Stinson
Even Fairies Fart by Jennifer Stinson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Even Fairies Fart by Jennifer Stinson is a colorful children’s fantasy picture book that reminds us that no one is perfect. We all color outside the lines sometimes or make mistakes and it is ok. With wonderful words that rhyme, Stinson uses poetry to liven up story time with fiction that is as real as true life and farting. The illustrations by Rebecca Ashdown add humor and aid our imagination to take us to fun places. I recommend this book.
I got this book from my own personal collection. You can get your own copy of Even Fairies Fart by Jennifer Stinson on Amazon.
~
Layla the Last Black Unicorn by Tiffany Haddish and Jerdine Nolen
Layla, the Last Black Unicorn by Tiffany Haddish
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Layla is about to start school for the first time and she is a little nervous. She has spent all her life in the Overlook Woods with her animal friends and that is where she is comfortable. But as fall comes, it is time to go to school at Unicornia with all the other unicorns. Layla the Last Black Unicorn by Tiffany Haddish and Jerdine Nolen us a fantasy children’s story about learning how to find your way in a new place. This fiction picture book is brought to life by illustrations by Jessica Gibson. This book, about how our differences can be our strength, will be a great addition to your story time.
View all my reviews
I got this book from my personal collection. You can get your own copy of Layla the Last Black Unicorn by Tiffany Haddish and Jerdine Nolen on Amazon.
~
I had a great time reading this books. Let me tell you, it was what I needed to get my mind off of politics!
Be Blessed!
~
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.
by Summer D Clemenson | Apr 22, 2024 | Book & Product Reviews, Opinions
Happy April! I have been enjoying working on rebuilding my children’s book collection so for the next few months we will be exploring some of my own books. I have really loved going through my favorite books and remembering reading them to the children I have loved.
Do you have any favorite books you have read your little ones? Or any books you remember someone reading to you? Please feel free to share them with me.
~
Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson
Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Harold is an inquisitive child with bright eyes and a big purple crayon. While we read Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson we are taken on an adventure of art in the moonlight in this fiction storybook.
As Harold guides us along, he draws what he imagines in this endearing children’s picture book. We are taken over land and sea and even in a hot air balloon while Harold envisions his fantasy, until he gets tired and wants to go home to bed and he draws that too. Since 1955, Harold has been entertaining children, and I am positive this classic will continue for years to come.
I got this book from my personal collection. You can get your own copy of Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson on Amazon.
~
Corduroy by Don Freeman
Corduroy by Don Freeman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Although Corduroy is just a teddy bear in a fantasy, he sure seems like a real creature that anyone could relate to. I guess that is why this classic, Corduroy by Don Freeman, has been a storybook enjoyed by families since 1968.
Corduroy is a sweet little bear that lives in a toy store with other animals and has the ability to find himself on adventures. In the end he gets a new friend, Lisa, a new home, and his overalls are mended. This children’s fiction picture book is a must read for any family collection.
I got this book from my personal collection. You can get your own copy of Corduroy by Don Freeman on Amazon.
~
Curious George Gets a Medal by H.A. Rey
Curious George Gets a Medal by H.A. Rey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
In the classic book, Curious George Gets a Medal by H.A. Rey we meet a very precocious monkey named George. All the schemes in this storybook start out innocently enough, but become outrageous and humorous and since he is so lovable, everyone cheers. Even though George floods the house, steels a cow and destroys an art exhibit, George also saves the day by becoming the first space monkey and receives a medal of honor and the whole town celebrates with him, including the animals!
This children’s fiction picture book is a riot and sure to keep a smile on your face while you enjoy George and his fantasy adventures. This book has been entertaining families since 1957, but I am sure George will be a family favorite for years to come.
I got this book from my own personal collection. You can get your own copy of Curious George Gets a Medal by H.A. Rey on Amazon.
~
Rough Weather Ahead for Walter the Farting Dog by William Kotzwinkie, Glenn Murray and Elizabeth Gundy
Rough Weather Ahead for Walter the Farting Dog by William Kotzwinkle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have to admit, I have heard about Walter the Farting Dog, but I am not sure I have read any of the books before. I bought this book with my great-nephews in mind and I am hooked! Rough Weather Ahead for Walter the Farting Dog by William Kotzwinkle, Glenn Murray and Elizabeth Gundy is a wonderful family storybook. Walter’s family is amazing! They love their dog even though he can clear a room and even melt the ice on butterfly wings!
The illustrations by Audry Colman really adds to the enjoyment and humor of this fiction children’s picture book! I think you really should grab a copy for yourself and have a good heart-warming laugh. Humor and animals sometimes go hand in hand and why not during story time?
I got this book from my personal collection. You can get your own copy of Rough Weather Ahead for Walter the Farting Dog by William Kotzwinkle, Glenn Murray and Elizabeth Gundy on Amazon.
~
Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin
Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin is a very cute children’s fiction storybook. If you want to learn about Dragons and how much they love tacos and how they like to eat them, this is the book for you! The illustrations by Daniel Salmieri are colorful and really add to this picture book.
I think this book would be a great conversation starter with children about different kinds of animals, foods and colors. Who doesn’t like to dream about fantasy characters eating their favorite foods while making it humorous? What a great story time opportunity!
View all my reviews
I got this book out of my personal collection. You can get your own copy of Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin on Amazon.
~
Thank you for enjoying my book reviews
I hope you take the time to check these books out for yourself.
Reading to children is such a treat! They are so easily amused and they are so inquisitive. It is fun to watch them get curious and laugh at the funniest things. I encourage you to read to the little ones in your life. You won’t regret it.
Be blessed.
~
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.