Book Review: Boobies by Nancy Vo

By Carly Smith

Boobies is a nonfiction children’s book full of facts about breasts. Playful and silly, Boobies honours these beautiful body parts by highlighting their function and explaining some lesser known, yet interesting, scientific and historical tidbits. The beginning of the book helps readers understand who does, and does not, have breasts; Vo explains what mammals are and gives examples and non-examples of mammals to clarify. Next, Vo dives into the world of breastfeeding. She touches on how mammary glands make it possible to breastfeed, and how breastfeeding can change the size and shape of breasts. As the book continues, Vo goes on to provide some trivia about where else breasts can be found in the world, connecting them to mountains and ancient art.

The content of this book is well organized in that it feels like a “facts sandwich.” Vo begins and ends the book in a humorous, lighthearted way, and in the middle she buckles down and presents the true content—the information meant to teach. Easing in and out of this topic, which unfortunately still may be considered taboo by some, is effective in that it’s not so “in your face.” Furthermore, Vo works to keep the subject of breasts engaging and cheerful by sprinkling puns, one-liners, and fun facts throughout.

The visual appeal of Boobies is excellent. The text almost always stands out in a black-on-white fashion and when it does not, it is still easy to find and read, so as not to detract from the intent to inform. The font is child friendly, with letters appearing in the style and shape in which they are typically taught, and the size is not too small or too overbearing. The illustrations, also done by Vo, pair well with the text; they are easy to look at, pique curiosity, and offer opportunities for additional conversation, but do not take away from the written content.   

This delightful read is appropriate for primary students, young ones with a good sense of humour, and families on a breastfeeding or chestfeeding journey. I can see this book being borrowed frequently from a school library by both students and teachers, in a regular rotation on a bookshelf at home, or brought out occasionally for reference. Boobies can be used as the bulk of a lesson, for the purpose of entertainment, or as an introduction to a larger topic in a science class. However you choose to enjoy it, Boobies will stick with you.

Thank you to Groundwood Books for a copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: When Spider Met Shrew by Deborah Kerbel and Geneviève Côté

By Carly Smith

When Spider Met Shrew tells the story of an unexpected group of animals who help each other when, for one reason or another, they are down on their luck. What do a spider, a shrew, a bat, a possum, a dog, and a pony have in common? They all have hardships, and they are all keen to help one another overcome their troubles through acts of kindness. This uplifting story takes readers on an adventure where each turn of a page introduces a new animal and a new situation to navigate through teamwork. Hunger, homelessness, bad weather, fear, and loneliness won’t stop these creatures from having fun and making friends.

Heartwarming and amusing, When Spider Met Shrew offers a lot for young readers; it has a great moral, can help children build inferring skills, and is full of dialogue. It is an excellent choice for a read-aloud at the beginning of the school year, or if grownups are looking to help their young ones make inferences. Kerbel helps readers feel empathy without being too heavy-hearted. Similarly, Côté illustrates in such a way that readers are able to understand the emotions of the animals while still keeping the tone fairly jovial.

The text in the book changes; sometimes, dialogue is between traditional quotation marks, and at other times it is in a bold font, different than of the rest of the page’s text, and near the speaker’s mouth, somewhat comparable to a speech bubble. This was a bit confusing, and I was unable to find a rhyme or reason for this. Although I would have preferred that the dialogue stuck to one style, I appreciated that the sentences were short and there was not too much text per page. These are important features for the target audience’s age and experience level.

The illustrations are sweet and remind me of picture books that were popular when I was a child. They are scratchy and do not have perfect colouring inside the lines. It adds to the charm of the book. The scenery is not too detailed, helping readers focus on the animals and their conversations, which consequently emphasizes the moral of the story.

Overall, the storyline and the illustrations come together neatly to create a wonderful message for all readers. While grownups will read When Spider Met Shrew with a nostalgic, cozy feeling, younger readers will find a beautiful lesson that they can bring with them and use in their own little communities.

Thank you, Groundwood Books, for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: I Have the Right to Save My Planet by Alain Serres and Aurélia Fronty

By Christine McFaul

I Have the Right to Save My Planet is a picture book written by Alain Serres, illustrated by Aurélia Fronty, and translated by Shelley Tanaka. This book is part of a series that also includes the award winning I Have the Right to Be a Child and I Have the Right to Culture.

I Have the Right to Save My Planet begins by introducing the world as a gift. Given to each of us when we are born, the air, the grass, the sun, the shade, and even cow dung (a gift especially appreciated by the flies in the skies!), is for all of us, and best of all, it is free. Because of that, nature connects us. The great chain of life goes all the way around the planet linking the world together as we work to share and preserve this intricate and essential resource. But what happens when we don’t take care of our precious gift? Like when we dump plastic water bottles (that never go away) into the oceans, destroy rainforests to plant palm trees (for a cheap resource used in some cookies, margarines, and shower gels) or when we do not share or care equally about who has access to our increasingly limited natural resources (like fresh drinking water)? It is by answering this question that the book delivers its most powerful message: When the planet is threatened by human activity then we all have the right to take action. We can plant a bee-friendly garden, preserve habitats for bugs and birds, use our voice to demonstrate, or even write to world leaders. We can dare to dream of a future where the world is protected and shared, treated like the gift it is meant to be.

Originally written by Serres in French and beautifully translated by Shelley Tanaka (an award-winning Canadian author, translator, and editor) the narrative unfolds using simple, child-focused language. Complex concepts are made accessible for the picture book age range using well-chosen analogies, fun and engaging facts, and even some well-timed humour. Fronty’s illustrations are integral to this process and create gorgeous visual explanations and interpretations of the text. Each page is extremely child-friendly, boasting eye-catching combinations of whimsy, emotion, and information all drenched in vibrant colours.

I Have the Right to Save My Planet manages to balance urgency and hope. It is a child-focused, informative, and stunning picture book for anyone looking to introduce the concept of environmental activism to young readers. A fantastic choice for personal reading or for classroom use.

Note: This is a book I would consider flipping through yourself before reading with a child. This will allow some time to anticipate questions and emotions that are likely to come up during reading.

Thank you to Groundwood Books for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: Sometimes All I Need Is Me by Juliana Perdomo

By Kaylie Seed

Juliana Perdomo’s Sometimes, All I Need Is Me is an adorable children’s book for ages 3–5 that is meant to gently teach mindfulness, resiliency, coping, and self-care. All of these skills are learned from a young age and parents and other adults can use titles like this one to show their young children that while looking to others for help is wonderful, sometimes it’s okay to do things on your own. While these lessons are meant for a younger audience, they are certainly good reminders to adults as well.

Readers will follow a young girl as she navigates the world around her. From finding home within herself when not physically at home, to learning how to enjoy one's own company when friends are not available to play, Sometimes, All I Need Is Me gives a number of examples of how to enjoy a variety of things both with others and alone.

Each page has a sentence or two describing what is going on in the picture, leaving the adult reading the book the opportunity to have the child point out different objects on the page, facial reactions, and emotions. Pages are colourful and will likely keep the child’s attention while reading this short book. Sometimes, All I Need Is Me is a lovely book that will teach young readers some important life skills.

Thank you to Candlewick Press, an imprint of Penguin Random House Canada, for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: Mouse Seasons by Leo Lionni

By Carly Smith

Author-illustrator Leo Lionni’s Mouse Seasons is a delightful children’s book with a simple rhyme scheme and charming illustrations. In this short read, Lionni uses questions, rhyme, and playful sentences to introduce children to daily and seasonal changes they may see around them. Lionni explores how precipitation, temperature changes, and plants are all a part of different seasons. Instead of taking the “Mother Nature” approach, Leonni attributes the changes in days and seasons to four mice in the sky: Springmouse, Summermouse, Fallmouse, and Wintermouse. He explains their roles in a way that encourages imagination while educating little ones about the differences between the seasons.

Everything about this book is lovely. Each of the spreads has one to two sentences. The font is quite traditional, and at first, the text seems rather small compared to the size of the pages. After making my way through the book and rereading it several times, I found these text choices to be quite appropriate, as they urge readers and listeners to really absorb the illustrations.

The illustrations are bright and cheerful without being overstimulating. They offer lots of opportunities to reflect on the text, ask and answer open-ended questions, and reflect on the characteristics of the various times of the year. Lionni uses texture and colour beautifully. The images are quite captivating, so much so that I found myself flipping through the book to revisit them without necessarily rereading.

Mouse Seasons is suitable for young children, especially around the 4-6 year age range. It’s appropriate for teachers to use at the beginning of a new science unit or as a journal prompt, or for childcare providers to read before or after a trip outside to do some nature exploration. It’s also a good choice for children who live in climates where there are not four distinct seasons. Little ones will surely be attracted to the rhyming words and sweet illustrations, and grownups will take joy in seeing their loved ones enjoying reading time so much.

Book Review: As Glenn As Can Be by Sarah Ellis and Nancy Vo

By Meredith Grace Thompson

Sarah Ellis’s wonderful children’s book depicting the life, talent, and stark individuality of the great Canadian composer and pianist Glenn Gould is a joy to behold. Ellis’s words are nestled among the haunting cool-toned watercolours of Nancy Vo, each illustration capturing the essence of the page’s text. This is a book about the necessity and beauty of self-expression, self-love, and self-acceptance, as we look to Glenn Gould for inspiration to be as “us” as we can be.

Glenn Gould, born in Toronto 1932, is a legend of Canadian and international classical music, with his Goldberg Variations becoming a staple of nearly every classical music collection. His talent for the piano and for composition became apparent at a very early age, as did his predilection for what may be called eccentricity. Gould has become well known in Canada and throughout the world for his unique talent but also his poignant disinterest in performance. Music for Gould was a singular occupation in which the audience had little part. Sarah Ellis explores this.

Ellis’s book is rhythmic, moving backward and forward through questioning and answering, listing the likes and dislikes of the growing Glenn who occupies her pages. Glenn is trying to find his way through the strange world that he finds himself a part of, where people can be cruel, where the piano makes perfect sense but he is only allowed to play for a limited time each day, and where animals such as his dog Nicky are cherished friends,  and people look at him as strange for his musical ability but also his insistence on living according to his own comfort. Ellis uses this rhythm of likes and dislikes in a perfect lullaby of reassurance to the reader that their actual self, their self which likes some things and does not like others, is enough just as it is and should be celebrated. The narrative voice speaks to the reader of its own likes and dislikes as much as to Glenn’s.

The narrative follows Glenn as he finds a way to make music the way that he wants to make music. Vo’s illustrations bring this into light as musical notes drift across pages. Vo’s illustrations keep the reader firmly with Glenn, using a cool palette of blues and yellows to allow the reader to sink into the page and hold space with Glenn in his own environment. Despite the possibility of the reader understanding the desire of the audience to clap and bang their feet and cheer, these illustrations and Ellis’s meticulously formed text keep us firmly with Glenn when such things bring discomfort. This tension is exacerbated until finally released as Glenn finds a way to make music in his own way.

As Glenn as Can Be is the story of an individual finding their way into the world in exactly the way that they are able to be. The Glenn of this book inspires readers, children, and adults alike to find a way to do the things that they love in exactly the way that is best for them.

Thank you to Groundwood Books for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: Bathe the Cat by Alice B. McGinty and Illustrated by David Roberts

By Christine McFaul

Bathe the Cat is a new picture book by author-illustrator team Alice B. McGinty and David Roberts. 

In this humorous caper, Dad and Papa rally their children for a day of cleaning. The family scrambles to complete their chore list before Grandma arrives for a visit, but due to the antics of their rascally bath-adverse feline, the chore list ends up scrambled instead. What began as a very clear to-do list has each member of the family completing an increasingly quirky and chaotic set of tasks: “Sarah, feed the floor. I’ll sweep the dishes. Bobby rock the rug. Dad will scrub those fishes.”

The writing in this book brings the comedy alive in a rollicking rhyme pattern that is so fun to read out loud. The wordplay, repetition of couplets, and alliterative sayings (“holy hornets” is my personal favourite, and I have used it endlessly since reading) is sure to engage readers at all levels of the picture book age range. And McGinty doesn’t leave the adults out—as the story races along, it very cleverly mirrors the increasing panic that accompanies getting everything in the house ready before a visit from important company.

McGinty’s nimble writing is brought to life by Roberts’ incredible illustrations (you may recognize his style from the iconic Questioneers series). Roberts’ art perfectly complements the tone of the text, somehow managing to punch up the happiness, humour, and energy on each page. The palette is bright and citrusy, almost neon in places, and contrasted against a crisp white background. I love his choice to do the chore list using old-school fridge magnets; it delivers a nice little dose of nostalgia and homey-ness. In Robert’s deft hands, the family cat—and ultimate source of mayhem—is subtly and hilariously rendered. It’s fun to find the furry feline on each page, and its many varied expressions tell a story in-and-of themselves. 

One of the funniest and most engaging picture books I have read this year—I highly recommend this exuberant adventure. It has become a repeat-read in our house (I’m fielding daily requests from my own two little bookworms), and in my humble opinion, there is no greater compliment. For anyone looking for a children’s story with positive representation, this book includes a biracial and LGBTQ+ family.

Thank you, Chronicle Books and Raincoast Books, for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: Sun in my Tummy by Laura Alary and Andrea Blinick

By Christine McFaul

Sun In My Tummy is a new Canadian picture book by author Laura Alary and illustrator, Andrea Blinick. This cozy nonfiction story reads like fiction and follows the cycle of photosynthesis from sunlight to energy. The book begins with the rising sun. Its rays gently wake the young female protagonist who knows she needs to wake up and get ready for school but would prefer to stay snuggled in her bed (relatable!).  

But the book says it’s time to “put the sun in your tummy!” 

Alary then goes on to unpack that metaphor using the oatmeal, blueberries, and milk that make up her young protagonist’s sleepy breakfast. 

The Oats: Began as “seeds, snuggled deep in the dark earth.” The story explains how those seeds use food from the soil, rain from the clouds, and sunlight to grow. It introduces the concept that hidden inside of these plants “were all the things that had made them grow…” 

The Blueberries: The story then takes a closer look at how plants make sugar or “food from thin air!” Here the reader learns that when seeds go back to the soil, they make new plants, which make more seeds, and on and on the cycle goes. 

The Milk: The final spin through the cycle builds on the concept that plants become food for others, in this case, the cow who provides milk which is the final ingredient in the protagonist’s breakfast.

I love the circular nature of each journey through the chain of photosynthesis, done in accessible and pretty language. Each turn layers beautifully on top of the other until the young protagonist—and young readers—understand the meaning of having the sun in their tummy.

Now let’s talk about the pictures, which are just adorable. They are warm and full of clever details (like cow spots on the carton of milk and a bright sun on the belly of the protagonist’s red t-shirt) alongside cozy morning rituals (mugs of tea, fuzzy slippers, and sleepy slouching at the table). Blinick is a mixed media artist, and the cut-out effect is beautifully used in this book. The palette is reminiscent of a country kitchen, with an abundance of golds and yellows interspersed with green, red, and blue. The sun is ever present, and each spread gets brighter and brighter until the protagonist is awake, energized, and ready to start her day.

For those of us that like a fictionalized feel to our nonfiction, this book delivers. It’s accessible, fun, and informative but does not scrimp on the science (there is even a one-page Author’s Note describing the process of Photosynthesis). It could just as easily be read as a bedtime story as used as a learning tool in a classroom environment. An excellent choice for parents, caregivers, or educators. Loved this read.

Thank you, Pajama Press, for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: Stories in the Sky: Constellations by Kyle Brach and Illustrated by Lizzy Doyle

By Kaylie Seed

Ever since I was little, I have enjoyed staring up at the night sky, admiring the moon and stars with my dad. He would point out some of the constellations in the sky, and as I got older, I always remembered those moments together when I stared up at the night sky, searching for the constellations I grew up learning about.

Stories in the Sky: Constellations is a children’s book meant for ages 3-5, but parents will find this adorable board book aesthetically pleasing and interesting too. Written in a rhyming format, author Kyle Brach has taken a well-known topic and brought it down to a child’s level. Focusing on ten of the more well-known constellations, Brach includes a small story and a fun fact about each of the constellations. Some of these were new to me as I didn’t know all of the constellation origin stories. Brach also includes when the reader can find each constellation in the sky as some can only be seen during certain seasons in the Northern Hemisphere.

Along with the blurb and fun facts, illustrator Lizzy Doyle has included adorably vibrant illustrations of the groups of stars inside what they are meant to be. For example, Doyle has drawn a bear and inside of the bear shows the star groupings that make up the constellation Ursa Major. These illustrations are fun to look at and allow parents to help point out the star groupings in the sky at night that make up each constellation.

Learning about the stars is something that has been around as long as humans have been around, but it is a topic that never ceases to amaze each generation. Having books like Stories in the Sky: Constellations allows for the conversation about stars and space to continue on and inspire a love for our night sky.

Thank you, Simon and Schuster Canada, for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: Two at the Top by Uma Krishnaswami and Christoper Corr

By Serena Ewasiuk

Two at the Top: A Shared Dream of Everest by Uma Krishnaswami with illustrations by Christopher Corr is a colourful and engaging children’s story about two boys from different parts of the world who share a love of the outdoors and a dream of climbing huge mountains when they grow up. The story begins by introducing Tenzing and Edmund and continues with their alternating points of view. Tenzing lives in Nepal and Edmund lives in New Zealand. We learn unique details of their childhoods and the paths their separate lives take before they attempt to summit Mount Everest. Finally, after several failed attempts, the two men climb Mount Everest together and succeed. 

Of course, we are talking about Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary, who achieved their lifelong goal of climbing to the top of Mount Everest and became the first humans to do so.  

Two at the Top is a story of perseverance, dedication, and bravery. The writing is poetic and will grab young readers’ attention with descriptive phrases like ”The battling winds roared like a thousand tigers.” The illustrations are eye-catching with bright, vivid, colours and really drew in my young child.  He wanted to know more about the animals in the pictures and the sports that young Tenzing and Edmund were playing. He asked about the prayer flags and the tools the climbers used.  

An interesting feature of the book is the inclusion of detailed facts about Mount Everest and Tenzing and Hillary’s famous trek at the end of the story. Topics include how to measure the height of mountains, details of the impressive mountain ranges of China and Nepal, the number of people needed to support a climbing expedition, and the animals who make their homes at the base of the mountains.

Two at the Top: A Shared Dream of Everest is intended for children from three to five years of age, but in my opinion it would be better suited to children a bit older who would like to immerse themselves in geography and social studies to better understand this region of the world and the challenging expedition of Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary.

Thank you to Groundwood books for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: Lili Macaroni by Nicole Testa Illustrated by Annie Boulanger

By Christine McFaul

Lili Macaroni is a new award-winning Canadian picture book by author Nicole Testa and illustrator Annie Boulanger.

“My name is Lili Macaroni, and I am who I am.” 

Lili Macaroni is an exuberant young protagonist. She knows exactly who she is and loves it—until she starts kindergarten. At school, her classmates call her Lili Macaroni-and-Cheese. They say her hair is like a pumpkin, her eyes are squinty blueberries, and her laugh sounds like a parrot. Lili becomes more and more self-conscious, until finally, she stops doing all the things she loves. She wants to erase herself and draw a brand-new Lili to take her place. But does she really want to give up her hair like Mom’s, her eyes like Grandma’s, or her magical laugh like Grandpa’s? Lili realizes that no, she doesn’t. Instead, with some helpful advice from her parents, she makes a polka-dot butterfly to wear on her shoulder. This eases her heartache by helping her to envision her sorrows flying away. When Lili explains what the butterfly means to her class, she realizes how empowering it can be to give a voice to your emotions and that she is not the only one at school who might be in need of a polka-dot butterfly. 

In Lili, Testa has created an irresistibly engaging character to explore the topics of self-confidence and emotions. The book encourages readers to be themselves, suggests practical solutions for coping with difficult emotions (a great platform for caregivers/educators to open up further discussion on these topics), and even includes a series of ‘Inspired Activities’ to encourage a deeper understanding of the themes in the book (my daughters loved the easy-to-follow template for creating their own polka-dot butterfly!).  

Boulanger’s illustrations are totally charming and child friendly. The colours cleverly mirror Lili’s moods—bright, warm, and energetic when she is happy, but shadowed and darker when she is sad—a perfect personification of Lili’s emotional journey throughout the story. And I love how all the illustrations are set against a crisp white background, so they really pop. 

With its loveable main character and empowering message, Lili Macaroni is an excellent book. A great choice for anyone looking for resources to support children with managing feelings and emotions or just looking for a great read in general! (Recommended for readers aged 3-5.)

Thank you, Pajama Press, for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: The Bookstore Cat by Cylin Busby Illustrated by Charles Santoso

By Christine McFaul

Calling all cat lovers! The Bookstore Cat is a new-ish picture book (2020) written by Cylin Busby and illustrated by Charles Santoso. An alphabet book for readers aged 3-5 and such a well-loved read in our house, I had to share. 

Inspired by a Victorian Parlour game, the book’s simple concept is to describe the Bookstore Cat using each letter of the alphabet. The bookstore cat is an adorable cat … and also bossy, cuddly, darting, and so much more, as this book brings its feline bibliophile to life with clever, perfectly chosen descriptors from A to Z.

The illustrations are warm and expressive and add an additional level of humour with perfectly captured cat-ty details that never fail to have my own little bookworms laughing out loud no matter how many times we re-read. 

A note, the letters in this book are lowercase, making it a perfect learning tool for children who have already mastered their uppercase alphabet. Or, to add another layer of learning, try playing your own version of the Bookstore Cat game by using the handy set of instructions provided by the author. 

An irresistible read from A to Z. I’m usually more of a dog person, but for The Bookstore Cat I will make an exception. 

Book Review: If You Give A Moose A Muffin by Laura Numeroff Illustrated by Felicia Bond

By Jamie Maletta

We’ve all heard of Laura Numeroff’s very popular book, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, and her numerous books to follow such as Happy Valentine’s Day Mouse (my son’s first love), If You Take a Mouse to School, and If You Give a Mouse a Brownie. (Only to name a few!) These books are absolutely darling and beloved by many since Laura Numeroff’s debut in 1985.  

If You Give a Moose a Muffin is one of my son’s very favourite books. With large, bright, and colourful pages and a sentence or two on each page to keep their little minds engaged, this is the perfect book to add to your child’s collection. The writing is done in such a way that easily describes the story, and the illustrations go right along with it. All to be easily understood by a younger age group while still being interesting enough for the 3-7 age range (as appropriately suggested). This sweet and silly story will have the young reader in your life happily amused as the moose is given muffin after muffin, to only want more muffins, with an array of shenanigans that ensue during their adventure to obtain yet another! I have now read this book many times, and I don’t tire of this adorable story!

Although this book is one of the classics, first released in 1991, I find myself just as engaged now as I would have been as a child. I think we sometimes forget about our favourite childhood books, and when they resurface into our lives, it’s such a wonderful and nostalgic experience to read them again to someone we love. Laura Numeroff has so many really great books, from board books to hard and soft covers to choose from, and each one is adorable in its own way. I highly recommend If You Give a Moose a Muffin and the many other books within the collection by Laura Numeroff, as they truly are such a special read!

Book Review: I Have the Right to Culture by Aurélia Fronty

By Sara Hailstone

I Have the Right to Culture is the third illustrated children’s book of the I Have a Right series that offer ethical critiques and a humanitarian scope on the quality of lives some children endure that do not allow for art or other cultural realities to be felt or lived. The aim of this series is to initiate and host the necessary conversation exposing inequality and the advocacy of every child to have fair access to a full human experience in connection to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of a Child. 

Because the right to art, to leisure and to culture is written down

in the Convention on the Rights of the Child

If we respect each word of this convention,

then every child will truly be respected, too.

I Have a Right to Culture follows I Have the Right to Be a Child and I Have the Right to Save My Planet. 

            This book takes on heavy subject matter, packages a sobering narrative, and projects it into a child’s textual space. However, despite the design of the text, the target audience is not the child, I think, but the adult. 

I have the right to know

the secrets/ that hide in the heart of each flower

and in the shadow of each elephant,

so I can better protect every plant

and every animal. 

Above is one message stated from the point-of-view of a universal child narrator. 

The child who could not experience

any of this would have every right

to be angry.

Art and culture,

all these treasures of humanity,

should be shared.

The narrative is declarative and assertively flows through. And if humanity could be free to partake in art and culture, especially children, peace would prevail. “It would be the end / of all wars. / Bravo for artists!” The world would make music together and poets and writers would continue to build up new regimes and empires. Ultimately, artists would re-invent the world. 

Truly, the book is visually stunning and illustrator Aurélia Fronty succeeds in creating a piece of art; many of the pages could be framed and are stand-alone paintings in their own capacity. My suggestion in taking on the responsibility of conveying such topics within a child’s space is to process meaning through analogy and metaphor, passing on the impact of the message to the hands of a capable character. The tone of the text does not tie around a central narrative or plotline but reads more so like an informational pamphlet appealing to the reader’s emotions through subtle nuance and semantics perpetuated by the discourse outlined by the United Nations. The risk is the loss of the message. 

I think we wanted to be a part of a hero’s journey in which a child stands up to a world that would deny them the opportunity to tap into their creativity and self-expression because of discrimination, military agendas, and economy. We want to see this hero triumph over these impenetrable structures and create something beautiful along the way of that journey. 

Thank you, Groundwood Books, for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: The House Next Door by Claudine Crangle

By Christine McFaul

The House Next Door is a lovely new picture book (ages 3 - 6) by Canadian author/illustrator, Claudine Crangle.

“All alone, in an open field stood a house…”

For many years, a sturdy little house has stood in its field, stoically weathering the changing seasons, a harsh environment, and all manner of storms. But one day, change blows in the wind. 

First, the little house notices several new buildings in the distance. Then, a road cuts through his field. Finally, more and more houses surround him. Nervous about these changes, the little house pulls in his shutters and bolts them tight.

Time passes but even in the shuttered dark, change continues. The little house notices he no longer feels pushed by snowdrifts or battered by storms and that those changes are not necessarily bad. Braced by this realization, the little house risks a quick peep through one of his shutters… and spots a house with a friendly curtain waving at him. It has a golden light glowing in its window, just like his. Having found this piece of common ground, the little house slowly opens himself back up to the new world around him. He is no longer alone but enveloped within a neighbourhood of houses: “big and small, beautiful, strange, solid, cobbled, high, low, narrow, wide, elegant, and fascinating.” They all wait together for what changes the wind might blow in next. 

Crangle’s writing is charming and full of fun wordplay. The story is perfectly paced to give little house (and little readers!) a chance to explore and adjust to all the introduced changes. Taking its time to move from resistance to acceptance, gives the story a calming and hopeful effect—perfect for any readers who may be navigating changes in their own lives.

Crangle is a multimedia artist from Toronto and uses cardboard, paint, and fabric to create the vibrant illustrations in this book. They are as clever as her writing and strike a wonderful balance between presenting readers with interesting things to look at while always communicating the little house’s emotional journey. Two of my favourite spreads were one that shows an artistically rendered site plan and another that meanders alongside a street view of the little house’s new neighbourhood. Throughout the story, Crangle’s beautiful use of light and shadow mirrors the little house’s evolution from lonely and shuttered to open and accepting of change.

With a gentle touch, Crangle explores the themes of change, acceptance, and celebrating difference. The personification of the little house is perfectly rendered in words and pictures creating an endearing and relatable character. A beautiful book!

Thank you, Groundwood Books, for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: We Are One by Susan Hood, Illustrated by Linda Yan

By Christine McFaul

We Are One: How the World Adds Up is a beautiful new picture book written by Susan Hood and illustrated by Linda Yan.

The book begins with the concept of ‘one’—“One can be one thing all on its own”—then leaps into a whimsical and unexpected count upwards to ten using numbered parts making up a single unit. 

But those on their toes, those using their smarts, 

know one can be more than the sum of its parts.

The narrative moves forward in short rhyming couplets. And I will be upfront and admit that I am very picky about rhyming children’s books. When it’s done well, I’m all for it. If something is off in the execution, it seriously detracts from my enjoyment of a story. I am happy to say that the rhyme here is well-executed and lovely. For me, it actually enhanced the reading experience because I love the juxtaposition of early math concepts against the whimsy of the poem. 

The narrative moves upwards in unpredictable and delightful ways, keeping what could have been a very predictable journey from one to ten surprising, engaging, and multi-layered. Managing to leave readers with not only an introduction to fractions, part/wholes, and addition but also an overall message of unity, cooperation, and awe for the world we all share. 

And can I just say, Yan’s illustrations are absolutely gorgeous and bolster that sense of awe. The colour palette is one that is not often used in children’s books, and I am here for it! Yan predominantly uses black and gold, then sprinkles in bright rainbow colours to pop against the dark background. The illustrations are not only lovely but also help to make the complex ideas explored in this book accessible to even the youngest readers. 

Each page also includes facts and/or questions that expand on what is happening in the story. 

Just think: Many single sticks add up to one pile of sticks, but they can also be something more, like a bird’s nest, a beaver dam, or a campfire… What could many stones make?

This additional information is separated and contained with a gold band that runs the bottom of each page—perfect for opening up discussion and lingering over (if you’re in the mood) or can be ignored (for those days you’re just not—hah!). Back-matter includes additional references and resources which will help this book stay relevant for readers on the top end of the picture book age range and beyond. 

If I could recommend one picture book from 2021 to give as a gift, it would be this one. It manages to be both educational and whimsical, beautiful in its writing, illustrations, and concept, with plenty of extras to surprise and delight throughout. Loved it from start to finish. 

Thank you, Penguin Random House, for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: Wildflower by Briana Corr Scott

By Kaylie Seed

Briana Corr Scott’s latest children’s book Wildflower brings in the spirit of the original Thumbelina tale while giving it a modern twist to teach young readers about the importance of respecting nature. Scott’s Wildflower is also a reminder to parents that as our children grow, we must learn to let them go and explore on their own so that they can learn without us.

Scott has written about a woman who wants nothing more than a child. She is granted her wish when Wildflower is born the size of a thumb, from inside a flower. The old woman soon learns that she cannot hold onto her Wildflower forever and must let her go, and in doing so allows Wildflower to grow and blossom into herself. 

The artwork in Wildflower is breathtaking and really draws the reader into the story and the simple rhyming of sentences is bound to be intriguing to young readers. Scott’s main messages are a celebration of the love between a mother and her child, bravery, and the respect we must show to nature. Scott’s artwork is enough for me to go back to her work time and time again and I am looking forward to her next story!

*Thank you to Nimbus Publishing for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review!

Book Review: She Dreams of Sable Island by Briana Corr Scott

By Kaylie Seed

Sable Island is a real place in Canada, and it is home to one of the largest grey seal colonies in the world! Briana Corr Scott takes Sable Island—a location that not many people on earth will ever see—and turns it into a mystical place that feels like a fairy tale. She Dreams of Sable Island is about a little girl who just wants to be where the seals are and surround herself with nature. 

Scott includes some history about Sable Island at the back of this children’s book and also shows the reader the various plants, bugs, and animals that call this island home. Scott uses this story to remind children that plants and animals in their natural habitat are to be respected and that we must do our best to keep their homes safe and clean.

She Dreams of Sable Island, along with the other children’s books that I have read by Scott, all focus on nature and how we must respect it. As always, the artwork is beautiful, and the easy-to-read dialogue makes this perfect for young readers ready to read books on their own. Scott’s artwork is light, airy, and inspiring; I will be on the hunt for more of her work in the future!

*Thank you to Nimbus Publishing for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review

Book Review: Seeds by Carme Lemniscates

By Kaylie Seed

Carme Lemniscates’s adorable children’s book Seeds is a book about the various seeds in our world, including the life cycle of plants and how seeds grow, while also being a tool meant to teach children about kindness. The artwork in Seeds is fun and easy on the eyes, so both children and adults will enjoy looking at the gorgeous pictures. This would be a great book to use in a classroom, where it could be used in both a science setting as well as a way to talk about anti-bullying and how impactful being kind or not being kind is.  

Children’s books like Seeds will keep the child’s attention and will offer lots to discuss as the story progresses, because of the different colours, plants, and facial expressions present throughout. There are also a lot of activities that caregivers and teachers can create to parallel Seeds—they can do art projects around the life cycle of a plant, plant seeds and watch them grow in real time, and continue to teach children about our kindness seeds and how we must plant them no matter where we go in life. This bright and colourful story will take children through different types of seeds and how they come to be while also tying in how our actions impact others. 

*Thank you to Candlewick Press for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review!

Book Review: My Book of Butterflies by Geraldo Valério

By Kaylie Seed

Geraldo Valério has always found butterflies to be fascinating and enjoyed watching them transform—from caterpillars to chrysalides to finally becoming butterflies. Valério wanted to create a book where he could share his love of butterflies and their life cycle with children. My Book of Butterflies looks at the life cycle of butterflies, where butterflies live, and the parts of the butterfly, and then goes into detail about various butterflies found around the world. Valério’s passion comes through in My Book of Butterflies and will likely encourage children to learn more about these beautiful creatures. 

Valério created the images of butterflies in his children’s book by layering paper into collages, which gives the butterflies a 3-D effect. The artwork is stunning, vibrant, and detailed, and is a nice complement to the scientific aspects of My Book of Butterflies. Valério shows each butterfly in its caterpillar state, with its wings open, and with its wings closed, to show just how unique each of these bugs are in their different states. My Book of Butterflies also mentions the butterflies’ scientific name, some interesting facts about each butterfly, and what they eat. 

This is a fun and educating read for ages 7–9 as they start to learn about the world around them in more detail. My Book of Butterflies is a great resource for parents and children to learn about the different butterflies around the world while also being able to admire the gorgeous artwork that Valério has clearly put his heart into.

Thank you to Groundwood Books for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review!