Book Review: 'Snow Bunny's Christmas Wish' by Rebecca Harry

✰✰✰✰✰ A wee little snow bunny is happy in the forest, but longs for just one thing, a friend. With Christmas on the way, she writes a letter to Santa asking for one. Alas, she misses the post and decides the deliver the letter to Santa herself. After all, it's not that far away, and all she has to do is follow the North Star. Just in case, she packs some essentials for the trek. Along the way she gives away her supplies to animals that need them. When she finally reaches the North Pole, she is cold and hungry. Santa invites her to deliver Christmas gifts with him. When the little bunny asks about her request, Santa surprises her with the best gift of all. Check out this wonderful, classic tale of kindness and friendship to find out what it is.

The Bottom Line: This sweet story of a little bunny wishing for a friend is a keeper. In the spirit of the season, the wee bunny discovers how her actions of kindness are returned. Highly recommended seasonal reading with little ones in Pre-K - K. Harry's wintry color palette is enhanced by thoughtfully placed silver foil throughout, resulting in dreamy illustrations.

Details: Snow Bunny's Christmas Wish written & illustrated by Rebecca Harry. Hardcover picture book published by Orchard Books in 2013. 32 p. ISBN: 978-0-545-54103-9 

Book Review: 'The Bear and the Star' by Lola M. Schaefer

✰✰✰✰½ On an early December morning, Bear wakes to find a star. This isn’t just any star; it’s larger than any before it. Bear knows it is time and searches for a tree, not just any tree. Bear needs to find a sturdy tree, taller than any before. At last Bear finds a majestic evergreen, and he begins to roar. Bear summons the birds and the other animals. Bear roars so loud, people come to the tree too. As people and animals gather around, they too know it is time. Time for everyone to come together in harmony.

The Bottom Line: This gentle tale about the spirit of the season and community is beautifully illustrated in oils with a seasonal palette. Perfect for bedtime storytime with little ones ages 3 - 7.

Details: The Bear and the Star written by Lola M. Schaefer & illustrated by Bethanne Anderson. Hardcover picture book published by Greenwillow Books in 2019. 40 p. ISBN: 978-0-06-266037-4

Book Review: Heart to Heart by George Shannon

✰✰✰½ Squirrel and mole are best friends, but when Squirrel forgets it is Valentine’s Day, he panics. Squirrel quickly gets to work making a valentine for Mole. However, Squirrel’s plans change when he can’t find his scissors. Thinking outside the box, Squirrel comes up with a plan to create something even better. Will Mole appreciate the effort or realize Squirrel has forgotten this special event?

The Bottom Line: Illustrated in watercolors featuring a wintry palette with splashes of pastels, this short and sweet tale of friendship is recommended for holiday reading. 

Details: Heart to Heart written by George Shannon & illustrated by Steve Björkman Picture book published by Houghton Mifflin Company in 1995. 32 p. ISBN: 0-395-72773-1 

Book Review: 'Grumpy Groundhog' by Maureen Wright

✰✰✰½ It’s Groundhog Day, but the star of the show, the groundhog, is sleeping late! What’s a mayor to do? The mayor pleads, but to no avail. He must turn to the townspeople for help. Ideas pour in, and the groundhog is listening. Will the bribes work? Will the groundhog get up and do his job? It takes a lot to motivate this diva, and Groundhog Day is passing by. Only time will tell if our sleepy friend cooperates.

The Bottom Line: For a humorous take on the day we all anxiously wait for all winter long, check out this seasonal treat for storytime or bedtime reading with your preschooler. Whimsical watercolor illustrations in vibrant colors are engaging and funny. Don’t sleep late and miss out!

Details: Grumpy Groundhog written by Maureen Wright & illustrated by Amanda Haley. Picture book published by Two Lions in 2014. 32 p. ISBN: 978-1477847053

Book Review: 'A Whisper in the Snow' by Kate Westerlund

✰✰✰✰✰ One rabbit of a trio heard a whisper in the snow. While the others were skeptical, they agreed to search along with their mouse friends. They didn’t know what they were looking for, but when they found it, they knew they had to help. They wondered what to do with the frozen little teddy bear. Only one animal in the forest would know what to do. With a sweet treat as a bribe, the animals got to work sprucing up the teddy bear. The only problem now was how to find the teddy’s lost owner. Will the animals be able to find the teddy’s lost human in time for Christmas? Read on to find out.

The Bottom Line: This sweet tale of animals helping a lost teddy bear go home for the holidays is sure to be a classic. Illustrator Feridun Oral’s wintry art is dreamy and wondrous; the illustrations really put the reader in a snowy holiday mood. This gentle story demonstrates what a little love, teamwork, and Christmas spirit can accomplish. Heartily recommended holiday reading for kids ages 5 - 8.

Details: A Whisper in the Snow written by Kate Westerlund & illustrated by Feridun Oral. Hardcover picture book published by minedition in 2018. 32 p. ISBN: 978-988-8341-52-8 

Book Review: 'Trick or Treat, Bugs to Eat' by Tracy Gold

✰✰✰✰✰ Follow an adorable little bat as it goes "trick-or-treating" to find yummy bugs to munch on. He searches high and low to find the crunchy Halloween treats up in the sky and down on the ground. With large print and rhyming words, this book is perfect for kiddos just learning to read.

The Bottom Line: This adorable little picture book with rhyming verse and digitally created full color art is sure to please little ones. It's just so cute and a tiny bit spooky. And as an added bonus, the back of the book features several pages with awesome facts about bats. Check out this super adorable book for some seasonal, fall fun.

Details: Trick or Treat, Bugs to Eat words by Tracy C. Gold & pictures by Nancy Leschnikoff. Hardcover picture book published by Sourcebooks Explore in 2021. 40 p. ISBN: 978-1-7282-3329-1 

Book Review: 'Milo's Christmas Parade' by Jennie Palmer

✰✰✰✰ Milo comes from a big family of opossums. They all love the big Christmas parade, but for different reasons. His passel loves it for the buffet of treats people leave behind. Milo loves it for the floats. In fact, his dream is to build his own float and be in the parade.

One year Milo finally decides to take the plunge and build a float. His family doesn’t really understand why Milo is so driven, but they help anyway. When the big day finally arrives, disaster strikes. Although it looks hopeless, a little help from his family and a surprise helper just might save the day.

The Bottom Line: This is a sweet holiday tale of living your dream, believing in yourself, and teamwork. Sometimes we don’t always understand what a loved one is so enthusiastic about, but helping out is what families and friends do. The charming illustrations were rendered in a combination of pencil, ink, watercolor, and digital tools. Fun holiday reading for kids ages 4 - 7.

Details: Milo’s Christmas Parade written & illustrated by Jennie Palmer. Picture book published by Abrams Books for Young Readers in 2020. 40 p. ISBN: 978-1-4197-4499-0

Book Review: 'Bob Ross and Peapod the Squirrel' by Robb Pearlman

✰✰✰½ Bob Ross’s squirrel friend, Peapod, needs a new home. He can’t stay in Bob’s hair, and it’s not easy to find a new home. What is a squirrel to do? Bob has an idea. He sets out to paint the perfect new home for Peapod. After all, that's what friends do, help each other. Working through all the colors on his palette, Bob paints happy little clouds and mountaintops. Using a painting knife and brushes, Bob and Peapod paint their way through happy accidents to a wonderful new forest home for Peapod.

The Bottom Line: This sweet tale of friendship and creativity is reminiscent of Crockett Johnson's, Harold and the Purple Crayon. It takes readers on a painting journey with a happy ending. Highly recommended for kids ages 5 and up. Fans of Bob Ross will enjoy the adventure too.

Details: Bob Ross and Peapod the Squirrel by Robb Pearlman & illustrated by Bob Ross with Jason Kayser. Picture book published by RP Kids in 2019. 32 p. ISBN: 978-0-7624-6779-2 

Book Review: 'The Pug Who Wanted to be a Bunny' by Bella Swift

✰✰✰✰ Peggy the pug is getting a new sibling just in time for Easter. The new sibling is cute, soft, and cuddly. Everyone in the family is excited, except Peggy. Peggy is used to getting a whole lot of attention, and now she’s playing second fiddle to a bunny! In fact, the newcomer is so adorable, Peggy decides to become a bunny too. Can Peggy convince everyone she’s just as cute as the new pet? Or will Easter end in disaster? Hop on over to the library and check out this cute tale.

The Bottom Line: This delightful, gentle, easy-to-read tale reminds readers that there’s more than enough love to go around in a family. Each member holds an unique spot in a family; no competition is needed. This is Book #3 in The Pug Who Wanted To Be series. Enthusiastically recommended for middle grade readers experiencing sibling rivalry.

Details: The Pug Who Wanted to be a Bunny by Bella Swift. Hardcover published by Aladdin in 2022. 160 p. ISBN: 9781534486850 

Book Review: 'The Zookeeper's Wife: A War Story' by Diane Ackerman

✰✰✰✰½ Antonina Zabinski loved living and working at the Warsaw Zoo. Described as a housewife, a mother, and a zookeeper, Antonina's magical life in the Warsaw Zoo was everything she dreamed of until the Germans invaded Poland in 1939.

As fear descended upon Poland, Antonina’s husband, Jan, couldn’t let people or animals suffer and wanted to help as many Jews as possible. Together, the couple devised a plan using the zoo as camouflage to hide people. 

Overseeing daily life at the zoo was Antonina’s job. A woman of opposites: empathy and bravery, innocence and fierce protector, Antonina kept their Guests hidden and safe. She never revealed her fears or made anyone feel unworthy. Remarkably courageous and dedicated, Antonina wove a web of lies and managed to keep everyone fed.

As they confronted many challenges along the way, the Zabinskis were a bright light in the darkness of war.

The Bottom Line: What makes this book different from some other books about the Holocaust is the focus on compassion and self-sacrifice. The Zabinski family were in a special position to help others despite the personal risks involved. 

As a naturalist, author Diane Ackerman brings an unique perspective to her writing, which helps her convey relationships between organisms and their environment. Besides telling the story of the Zabinski family and their heroic actions, this book also includes the stories about other historical figures during that time.

Highly recommended as significant reading for those interested in understanding history, war, human behavior, and animal behavior.

Book Club Notes: Overall our group enjoyed the book far more than the movie. Although the movie was cast well, there was too much fiction added to a story that is already suspenseful and heroic. As far as ratings go, on a scale of 1 - 5, the book garnered an average of 4.75, while the movie barely averaged 3. Recommended for book clubs interested in history, biography, World War II, and inspiration. As a bonus, discussion questions are plentiful online.

Details: The Zookeeper’s Wife: A War Story by Diane Ackerman. Paperback published by W. W. Norton & Company in 2007. 368 p. ISBN: 978-0-393-33306-0 

Book Review: 'A Turkey for Thanksgiving' by Eve Bunting

✰✰✰✰✰  Thanksgiving is best when shared with friends. As Mr. Moose sets out chairs for Mr. & Mrs. Goat, Rabbit, Sheep, and Porcupine, Mrs. Moose reflects that it would be nice to have a real turkey for Thanksgiving. Mr. Moose sets out immediately to find one. With the help of his friends, Mr. Moose finally spots Turkey down by the river.  Alarmed, Turkey tries to make his escape, but alas, he is too fat. As Mr. Moose marches Turkey back to the house, Turkey knows he is doomed. He's in for a surprise though when Mrs. Moose sets her eyes on him. 

The Bottom Line: This seasonal tale if perfect for a holiday story time. With a surprise twist ending, this endearing picture book celebrates friendship. Illustrated in full-color watercolors in a pleasing autumnal palette, this picture book is a classic. Enthusiastically recommended holiday reading for families with little ones ages 4 - 7. 

Details: A Turkey for Thanksgiving written by Eve Bunting & illustrated by Diane de Groat. Hardcover picture book published by Clarion Books in 1991. 32 p. ISBN: 0-89919-793-0 

Book Review: 'Negative Cat' by Sophi Blackall

✰✰✰✰½  A little boy wants a cat more than anything. He’s been asking his parents for over 400 days. Finally they give in, but only if he feeds it, cleans his room, and spends time reading every day. At the shelter, he chooses one cat and names him Max. The little boy is so excited, but Max is not. Max doesn’t like anything, and the entire family is annoyed. The boy’s sister points out that Max is kind of negative. So when the lady from the shelter shows up to collect Max, the little boy tries everything he can think of to change their minds. Will the negative cat shape up or get returned? Read this sweet tale to find out.

The Bottom Line: This adorable picture book highlights the best in people and pets. When you put your mind to something, chances are you can do it. Check out this title for story hour or bedtime reading with kids in grades K - 2. Enthusiastically recommended. [It’s interesting to note that the digitally created illustrations were “superimposed on the reverse side of vintage wallpaper salvaged from a falling-down house.” How cool is that?]

Details: Negative Cat written & illustrated by Sophi Blackall. Picture book published by Nancy Paulsen Books in 2021. 32 p. ISBN: 978-0-399-25719-3 

Book Review: 'Cricket at the Manger' by Edith Hope Fine

✰✰✰✰ A grumpy little cricket just wants a quiet night so he can get some sleep, but it's not meant to be. What is a cricket to do? Suddenly the manger is crowded with sheep, a cow, and even a pig. There's little room left, when a donkey arrives with a couple. That's when it gets even noisier and more people arrive. Much to the cricket's displeasure, a little shepherd girl lifts him up so he can get a better look. And what does he see? A tiny baby in a halo of light. The cricket is puzzled at first, but then he knows just what to do. It's been a very long time since he's done anything but complain, but he's determined to give the little baby something wonderful. Will the grumpy cricket be able to change his tune? Check out this holiday gem to find out. 

The Bottom Line: This sweet tale about the birth of Jesus is told from the perspective of a grouchy cricket. Filled with beautiful illustrations in mixed media, this picture book is sure to be a treasured holiday read. Enthusiastically recommended for seasonal reading and storytimes.

Details: Cricket at the Manger written by Edith Hope Fine & with pictures by Winslow Pels. Hardcover picture book published by Boyds Mills Press in 2005. 32 p. ISBN: 978-1563979934 

Book Review: 'A Street Cat Named Bob' by James Bowen

✰✰✰✰½ James Bowen was one of many buskers in London. Originally from Australia, Bowen had struggled to make his way. As a recovering addict, he had recently secured a flat. One day he noticed an injured cat in the hallway. He was immediately inspired to help this creature even though he could barely take care of himself. With little to spare, James sought medical help for the cat, now named Bob. After nursing Bob back to good health, Bowen released him. Given the choice, Bob had other ideas and decided to follow Bowen on his busking jobs. The man and cat quickly became an inseparable duo. And this is their story…one of friendship, adventure, survival, and love.

The Bottom Line: This heartwarming tale is perfect to read anytime…on a lunch break, while traveling, or even at the beach. It’s an easy read that will inspire you to look at people differently. Sadly, Bob passed away in 2020, but this story will live on and continue to inspire. Highly recommended for everyone interested in human-animal relationships, friendship, homelessness, and addiction.

Book Club Notes: In a nutshell, we loved this book! On a scale from 1 – 5 with 5 being the highest, the average rating for this book was 4.5. The movie was entertaining and captured the essence of the book. We enjoyed the unique perspective of seeing things from Bob’s point of view; how cute was that?

All in all, the book/movie taught us to see things from a different perspective, to stop stereotyping, and to give people (and animals) a chance. Most of us have interacted with a special animal sometime in our lives, so it was easy to connect with Bob’s story. Discussion questions are plentiful online, but the resource that stood out is available from the Okanagan Regional Library.

This book club pick is very highly recommended for book clubs interested in a feel good title that still has lots of deep topics to discuss. Check it out for your book club today!

Details: A Street Cat Named Bob: And How He Saved My Life by James Bowen. Paperback published by Thomas Dunne Books in 2012. 320 p. ISBN: 978-1-250-04867-7 

Book Review: 'We're Going on a Pumpkin Hunt' by Mary Hogan Wilcox

✰✰✰✰ An adorable assortment of animals go on a pumpkin hunt to find a big, orange, round pumpkin. Their adventure leads them through grass, over a mountain, and to a river. What they find on the other side will leave them scrambling all the way home, where they find the perfect surprise ending. 

The Bottom Line: A charming story with whimsical illustrations in pen, ink, & watercolor that will delight kids in Pre-K - Kindergarten. With a fun twist ending, this picture book is perfect for fall storytime.

Details: We're Going on a Pumpkin Hunt written by Mary Hogan Wilcox & illustrated by Lynn Munsinger. Picture book published by Charlesbridge in 2020. 32 p. ISBN: 978-1-62354-118-7

Book Review: 'Do Rabbits Have Christmas?' by Aileen Fisher

✰✰✰½ Do rabbits celebrate Christmas? Do the animals give each other presents? Is there a Santa Claus? Children often wonder about these questions around the holiday. In this collection of fifteen poems by Aileen Fisher, children (and adults) just might find their answers.

The Bottom Line: Although poet Aileen Fisher passed away in 2002, her poetry still has the power to transport us from the present to an ethereal world of Christmas magic. And to my delight, dreamy watercolor illustrations bind the poetry together and whisk the reader away with enchanting snow scenes.  Recommended for fans of holiday poetry and for classroom storytimes. 

Details: Do Rabbits Have Christmas? poems by Aileen Fisher & illustrations by Sarah Fox-Davies. Picture book published by Henry Holt and Company in 2007. 32 p. ISBN: 978-0-8050-7491-8 

Book Review: 'Cress Watercress' by Gregory Maguire

✰✰✰✰ When Papa Watercress doesn't come home one morning, Mama must figure out how to make ends meet. That means moving out of their cozy burrow, and moving into the basement apartment at the Broken Arms. Although rabbits don't usually hang out with birds, mice, and squirrels, young Cress Watercress has no choice but to make friends with a hodgepodge of animals. 

While Mama struggles to pay the rent, Cress stumbles into a journey that will lead to new friendships and danger. Cress learns that if she is going to help her Mama, who always behind on the rent, she must grow up fast. With a sneaky fox, slithering snake, and terrifying bear to look out for, Cress has no time to complain. Check out this witty tale of family, friends, and hope for an engaging read.

The Bottom Line: This delightful tale comes from the fantastical mind of author, Gregory Maguire of Wicked fame. Perfect for kids in grades 4 - 7, this coming-of-age story will appeal to kids facing challenges and changes at home. While I have not seen the final illustrations, the proof illustrations are entertaining. Recommended with enthusiasm for all.

Details: Cress Watercress written by Gregory Maguire & illustrated by David Litchfield. Paperback uncorrected proof published by Candlewick Press in 2022. 224 p. ISBN: 978-1-5362-1100-9 [NOTE: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible via the Early Reviewers program at LibraryThing.] 

Book Review: 'Roses Are Pink, Your Feet Really Stink' by Diane De Groat

✰✰✰✰½ It's that time of year when everyone in class is expected to create sweet Valentine's cards for their classmates. As Gilbert finds out, it sure is easy when you like someone, but what are you supposed to do when you don't? When Gilbert decides to use his Valentine's to get back at two students who wronged him in the past, things don't go quite as he planned. Check out this heartfelt picture book of friendship and forgiveness to read with your little one before the holiday.

The Bottom Line: This sweet tale is perfect for kids in grades K - 2. Students tempted to use their Valentine's to get back at someone might think twice after reading this story. Children and adults alike will appreciate the engaging illustrations in watercolor. Highly recommended for school and library story times. 

Details: Roses Are Pink, Your Feet Really Stink written & illustrated by Diane De Groat. Picture book published by Morrow Junior Books in 1996. 32 p. ISBN: 0-688-13605-2 

Book Review: 'Seabiscuit: An American Legend' by Laura Hillenbrand

✰✰✰✰½ The story of the little horse that could rode into the hearts of Americans during the Great Depression era and never really left. Overcoming numerous physical challenges and racing setbacks, Seabiscuit triumphed over much larger horses to become a cultural icon. But had it not been for the combined efforts of owner Charles Howard, trainer Tom Smith, and jockey Red Pollard, Seabiscuit may never have found his way out of the claiming races. Together the three men and Howard's wife, Marcela Zabala, did everything they could to bring out the best in Seabiscuit. The horse went from an angry, overlooked animal to an admired treasure that was the envy of the horse racing world. The book itself is an epic tale of determination, luck, and inspiration that will keep you turning the pages. 

The Bottom Line: Bestselling author, Laura Hillenbrand, tackled the story behind the most famous racehorse in American history and what made him so special. There's something for everyone in this inspiring tale. Highly recommended for fans of sports, horses, biographies, and underdog stories.

Book Club Notes: While the book was difficult for some to get into, it was riveting for others. Ironically, while several members expressed that the book was too long, the movie, on the other hand, did not go into enough depth. Our group shared an inspirational and spirited hour on Zoom discussing this one. We rated the book an average of 4.5, and the movie received 4 on a scale of 1 - 5. Discussion questions are plentiful online for groups looking to delve into this book. Highly recommended for book clubs, colleges, and other groups interested in both the horse and the personalities behind the making of Seabiscuit. 

Details: Seabiscuit: An American Legend by Laura Hillenbrand. Paperback published by Ballantine Books in 2001. 399 p. ISBN: 978-0449005613 

Book Review: 'Return of ZomBert' by Kara LaReau

✰✰✰✰ ZomBert is back along with Mellie and Danny in the spooky second installment of this series. Bert is settling into a cozy life with Mellie and her family. He knows he needs to rest and recuperate, and with Mellie's care, Bert is growing smarter and healthier every day. He's even beginning to understand words. However, he hasn't forgotten about the ones he left behind in the lab when he escaped. As he tries to figure out a way to return to the lab and keep his promise to the other animals, Mellie decides to enter him in the YummCo Best Pet Contest. 

While going to school and working odd jobs to pay for Bert's care, Mellie befriends an elderly neighbor who's husband used to work at YummCo. Mrs. Witt confides in Mellie that some things at YummCo aren't what they seem. As Mellie works with Bert to learn tricks for the upcoming contest, Danny continues his filming project. When Bert's big day comes, Mellie hopes he has what it takes to win the contest, but the competition is steep. In the blink of an eye, Bert is whisked away and finds himself exactly where he wants to be...in the lab. It's just not how he planned it. Now Bert must figure out how to save himself as well as the others, while Mellie and Danny are left to wonder what happened to Bert.

The Bottom Line: This quick read leads the reader through several twists and turns and ends in a nail-biting cliffhanger. The story is told via multiple points of view, including the cat's, which makes for really interesting reading. The characters face challenges together and grow in friendship. Middle grade fans of mystery and horror will enjoy this next tale of The ZomBert Chronicles.

Details: Return of ZomBert written by Kara LaReau & illustrated by Ryan Andrews. Hardcover published by Candlewick Press in 2021. 161 p. ISBN: 978-1536201079 [NOTE: I received a complimentary review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible via the Early Reviewers program at LibraryThing.]