Book Review: 'The Bad Seed' by Jory John

✰✰✰✰✰  It's true, the bad seed hasn't had it easy. Being orphaned at a young age, trapped in a bag, and spit out into a wad of gum has lasting effects on a seed. He was changed, and he didn't care anymore. After drifting along, a day arrived when the bad seed wanted to be happy...maybe. Can he do it? Can this baaaaaaaad seed really find a way to smile and be a better seed? Check out this popular title and read on.

The Bottom Line: This humorous book is the first in the The Food Group series and is sure to be a hit at story time. With large text and engaging illustrations that tickle your funny bone, this picture book will be read over and over again by kids in grades Pre-K - 3. Check out the other hilarious books in the series too, as the author explores attitude, behavior, and emotions in an amusing and approachable way. Highly recommended for everyone!

Details: The Bad Seed (The Food Group books) written by Jory John & illustrated by Pete Oswald. Picture book published by HARPER in 2017. 40 p. ISBN: 978-0-06-246776-8 

Book Review: 'Emily's Christmas Gifts' by Cindy Post Senning & Peggy Post

✰✰✰½ Emily loves everything about Christmas. She especially loves getting presents. Now that she's older, she loves giving presents too. There are lots of awesome presents you can wrap in pretty paper, but Emily knows there are other gifts too. Gifts of kindness, caring, sharing, and helping don't cost anything, and everyone is happy to receive them. As the holiday approaches, Emily's help and consideration are just what  everyone needs including Santa.

The Bottom Line: This humorously illustrated picture book shows kids that sometimes the best gifts are free. The authors present a fun approach to holiday etiquette that is appropriate for school or library storytime for kids ages 4 – 8. It includes a note to parents at the end about instilling good manners in your child during the holidays, and while this book is seasonal, the ideas for good manners can be used throughout the year.

Details: Emily's Christmas Gifts written by Cindy Post Senning & Peggy Post & illustrated by Steve Bjorkman. Hardcover picture book published by Collins in 2008. 32 p. ISBN: 978-0-06-111703-9