Book Review: 'The Tea Party in the Woods' by Akiko Miyakoshi

✰✰✰✰ One morning a little girl noticed that her father forgot to take along a pie to Grandma’s house. Thinking she can catch up easily, Kikko offers to deliver it. As she follows her father’s footsteps in the newly fallen snow, she falls and crushes the box. She decides to pick herself up and keep going though. She follows her father to a house she’s never seen before. Not sure what to do, she peers inside and is met with a magical sight. Something special happens when she is invited inside. It is an afternoon that Kikko will never forget.

The Bottom Line: Beautifully illustrated in charcoal, pencil, and colored ink, this imaginative story has a dreamy, eerie, vintage quality to it due to the monochromatic palette. Additionally, the spotlights of color tied to the main character draw the reader's focus in. Fans of enchanting tales will enjoy reading this with their child ages 4 - 8.

Details: The Tea Party in the Woods written & illustrated by Akiko Miyakoshi. English translation published by Kids Can Press in 2015. Originally published as Mori no Oku no Ochakai e by Kaisei-Sha Publishing C. Ltd. in 2010. 32 p. ISBN: 978-1-77138-107-9

Book Review: 'The Tree That's Meant To Be' written & illustrated by Yuval Zommer

✰✰✰✰✰ A little tree has high aspirations; however, the little tree worries that it’s not as tall or full as the others. As the seasons pass, the little tree accepts that it is different from the others. Then one day all the other trees are chosen to be taken home to become Christmas trees. Only the little tree is left behind. Feeling all alone, the forest animals know just what to do. The animals get to work, and the little tree discovers that it was never alone. With the help of friends, the little tree is transformed into something special. Check out this holiday treat to discover the magic of the season.

The Bottom Line: In this story of acceptance and learning to celebrate who you are, readers will connect with their own story and find their own way to shine. This large sized, beautifully illustrated book with captivating pictures in wintry hues is easy to read and relate to. Highly recommended for storytimes for kindergarten through grade 1 and for bedtime reading with your little one.

Details: The Tree That’s Meant To Be written & illustrated by Yuval Zommer. Hardcover picture book published by Doubleday Books for Young Readers in 2019. 32 p. ISBN: 978-0-593-11967-9 

Book Review: 'Stumpkin' by Lucy Ruth Cummins

✰✰✰✰✰ A few days before Halloween, the pumpkins were waiting to be picked and taken home where they will be transformed into amazing jack-o'-lanterns. All the pumpkins were excited, except for Stumpkin. He was perfect in every way, but one. He was missing his stem. But what’s a stem when he had so many other great qualities to offer? One by one all the other pumpkins are picked until it’s only Stumpkin and the gourd. Who will get picked, and who will get left behind?

The Bottom Line: This darling seasonal book highlights the old adage that “beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” Illustrated in traditional Halloween colors with gouache, pencil, ink, and brush marker, the sweet ending will have you seeing things in a new light. Highly recommended for storytimes for kids in grades Pre-K - 2.

Details: Stumpkin written & illustrated by Lucy Ruth Cummins. Picture book published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers in 2018. 56 p. ISBN: 978-1534413627

Book Review: 'How to Build a Haunted House' by Frank Tupta

✰✰✰✰ When a family of vampires becomes displaced, the other monsters pitch in to build them a new home. Time is of the essence because the new house must be ready before the sun comes up. Each monster brings a special skill to the project, and soon the house is almost complete. Almost, but not quite. With the sun just beginning to rise, they’ll need a favor from the witches. Will the vampire family be able to move in before the sun comes up or are they doomed? Check out this book from the library to read on.

The Bottom Line: This fun, seasonal book features singsongy rhymes that are fun to read aloud. As a story of teamwork to help others in need, this book encourages kids to be kind and helpful. With colorful, humorous, engaging illustrations created in digital media, this page-turner is sure to please kids ages 5 - 7.

Details: How to Build a Haunted House written by Frank Tupta & illustrated by Kyle Beckett. Picture book published by Two Lions in 2020. 40 p. ISBN: 978-1542005432 

Book Review: 'Veronica's Room: A Melodrama' by Ira Levin

✰✰✰✰✰ It’s 1973, and a young couple is enticed to visit a mansion. The young woman, Susan, is asked to play a simple role to ease the mind of a dying woman. All she has to do is pretend to be someone else for a few minutes, and there’s only one line to say. Susan is intrigued, but hesitant. Who is this Veronica that she would be pretending to be? Wanting to be helpful, Susan ignores the red flags and dresses up as Veronica. The resemblance is uncanny, and Susan is sure she can pull this off. However, the tables are turned when she finds herself locked inside Veronica’s bedroom. With everyone now insisting that it’s 1935 and that Susan is actually Veronica, Susan starts to question reality. Is she Susan, a student at BU? Or is she the insane Veronica, who needs to be kept locked up? The ending will shock you.

The Bottom Line: I was actually searching for a copy of The Stepford Wives, when I stumbled upon this gem. This slim volume is a real attention getter, and it will keep you guessing right up to the very end. With just a few characters, this play blurs the line between fantasy and madness. It actually gave me chills, and I would love to see this performed at the theatre. Highly recommended for fans of dramas, thrillers, horror, and mystery.

Details: Veronica’s Room: A Melodrama by Ira Levin Hardcover published by Random House in 1974. 87 p. ISBN: 0394491459 

Book Review: 'A Teeny Tiny Halloween' by Lauren Wohl

✰✰✰✰ The teeny tiny woman has a not so teeny tiny problem. Every Fall her teeny tiny house is buried in leaves; this year is no exception. With no way out, the teeny tiny woman tries to summon help. Unfortunately no one can hear her. What is she to do? Wait until Spring? Fortunately, the teeny tiny woman has a little plan up her sleeve. Will it be enough to help her get rescued in time for Halloween?

The Bottom Line: This book was written for storytelling. The size of the font lets the storyteller know how loud their voice should be, ranging from a whisper to shouting. Illustrations in a seasonal palette of oranges, browns, and golden yellows add to the Halloween fun. This “jump tale” is awesome seasonal reading for storytimes and other spooky read-aloud events.

Details: A Teeny Tiny Halloween written by Lauren L. Wohl & illustrated by Henry Cole. Picture book published by Persnickety Press in 2016. 32 p. ISBN: 978-1943978-02-1 

Book Review: 'Very Scary' by Tony Johnston

✰✰✰✰✰ The biggest pumpkin in a patch soaks up the moon, and shines bright. Shining so brightly, it gets a lot of attention from creatures of the night, and one witch, who wants to bake it. The pumpkin tries to look scary, but the witch isn’t buying it. Just as she reaches for it, some children swoop in and transform the pumpkin into a jack-o'-lantern. Will it be enough to scare the witch away? Turn the pages to find out.

The Bottom Line: Featuring festive watercolor illustrations on vellum paper, this seasonal tale is a fun read. In case you missed it, look closely, there are hidden faces, shadows, and hints on the pages, so go back and have a second read. Enthusiastically recommended reading with your little one aged 4 - 7.

Details: Very Scary written by Tony Johnston & illustrated by Douglas Florian. Picture book published by Harcourt Brace & Company in 1995. 32 p. ISBN: 0-15-298625-4

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: 'My Penguin Osbert' by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel

✰✰✰✰ Every year little Joe asks Santa for a present, and every year Santa gets it just a little bit wrong. Technically, Santa delivered what Joe asked for, but it seems like there's some miscommunication. This year Joe is very, very specific when it comes to asking for a present. There's no way Santa can make a mistake, and he doesn't. Santa delivers a real penguin exactly as requested, but things aren't always what they seem. Joe quickly learns that having a penguin isn't what he expected. A real penguin has special needs, and since Joe had asked for Osbert and now had him, he had to take care of him properly. Soon Joe is wondering if perhaps this wasn't quite what he thought it would be and asks Santa for a possible swap. Santa's solution will surprise you as you read this clever story.

The Bottom Line: In this classic, be-careful-what-you-wish-for type story, Kimmel weaves a gentle tale of 'buyer's remorse.' Most of us can relate as we have been there and learned our lesson. This is a wonderful book to read with your little one ages 4 - 7 as they put in their own request to Santa. Magically illustrated in wonderfully soft watercolors and pastels that practically glow, this seasonal picture book will be read over and over again.

Details: My Penguin Osbert written by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel & illustrated by H. B. Lewis. Hardcover picture book published by Candlewick Press in 2004. 40 p. ISBN: 978-0-763616991 

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: 'I Got the Christmas Spirit' by Connie Schofield-Morrison

✰✰✰✰✰ A young African American girl is full of holiday spirit. She’s been waiting all year to sparkle, shine, and sing her way through the season. When she finds a family in need, she looks for a way to shine even brighter and help people along the way. Join in as she sings, skates, and jingles her way through the festive, wintry city.

The Bottom Line: This sweet tale of finding the holiday spirit is sure to inspire anyone who is searching for theirs. Cheerful art with rich colors created with oil on canvas brings this story to life. Enthusiastically recommended holiday reading with your little one ages 4 - 7.

Details: I Got the Christmas Spirit written by Connie Schofield-Morrison & illustrated by Frank Morrison. Hardcover picture book published by Bloomsbury Children’s Books in 2018. 32 p. ISBN: 978-1-68119-528-5 

Book Review: 'Happy St. Patrick's Day From the Crayons' by Drew Daywalt

✰✰✰ It’s St. Patrick’s Day, and Green Crayon is away. What are the other crayons supposed to do? After all, the color green is essential for the day. The other crayons decide to make the best of it as they combine colors and learn to shine in their own light. And just when they finish coloring, who should decide to return? Check out this festive, little book to find out.

The Bottom Line: With adorable drawings in gouache, ink, colored pencil, and crayon, it actually looks like this cute book was illustrated by the crayons. Kids will learn a little bit about blending colors to make others, and how to do their best to shine. [Note: There may be some questions about using black for the rainbow though. Perhaps, the author & illustrator had the CMYK perspective in mind, where all the colors make black? It’s important to note, in nature all the colors together make white light.] Nevertheless, little ones learning their colors may enjoy this seasonal read about teamwork.

Details: Happy St. Patrick’s Day From the Crayons written by Drew Daywalt & illustrated by Oliver Jeffers. Picture book published by Philomel in 2024. 32 p. ISBN: 978-0-593-62433-3 

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: 'Days at the Morisaki Bookshop' by Satoshi Yagisawa

✰✰✰✰ Twenty-five year old Takako is an office worker in Tokyo, who has secretly been dating a colleague. Having assumed they would get married, she is shocked to learn of his upcoming marriage to someone else in the office. Crushed and embarrassed, Takako quits her job and hides in bed all day. Soon she is unable to pay her rent and must make an agonizing decision: return home to Kyushu or move into the small, spare room above the Morisaki Bookshop run by her eccentric uncle. It's a decision that will change her life. Her gentle uncle gives her space in return for her watching the store once in a while. As the days, then months, go by, Takako surprises everyone, but especially herself. She becomes a voracious reader, starts to meet like-minded people in the Jimbocho book district, and may even be able to help her uncle, who has a dilemma of his own to solve.

The Bottom Line: This slim novel brought back fond memories of my trips to Japan many years ago. With an emphasis on family, compassion, and literature, this novel was a gentle read and made me nostalgic for simpler times. Highly recommended for fans of books about Japan and Japanese literature. This is a very quick and enjoyable read.

Details: Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa & translated by Eric Ozawa. Paperback published by Harper Perennia in 2023. 160 p. ISBN: 978-0-06-327867-7 

Book Review: 'Red and Green and Blue and White' by Lee Wind

✰✰✰✰✰ This holiday season read the story about how love can overcome hate when friends stand up for one another. As the holidays approach, families of different faiths decorate their houses with pride…red and green for Christmas and blue and white for Chanukah. When Isaac’s house is vandalized, his best friend Teresa decides to draw a Menorah and put it in the window. Soon the idea grew, and more and more people put up drawings of a Menorah in their Christmas window displays. As more people participated, the spirit of the holidays shined through and a true sense of community grew.

The Bottom Line: Inspired by real events and real people in Billings, Montana in 1993, this story shines a light on those who chose to be UPstanders instead of BYstanders. This book illustrates that a movement can grow from just a few into a community of friends who can respect one another and demonstrates that love can overcome hate. Bold illustrations in contrasting holiday colors reinforce the message of community and holiday spirit. Highly recommended holiday reading for children and adults of all faiths.

Details: Red and Green and Blue and White: Inspired by a True Story written by Lee Wind & illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky. Hardcover picture book published by Levine Querido in 2021. 32 p. ISBN: 978-1-64614-087-9 

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: 'The Kiddie Table' by Colleen Madden

✰✰✰ A young girl finds herself stuck in-between, no longer a little one, but not yet a teen. She’s at that awkward phase in life where adults don’t know where to put her. While the adults have plates, knives, and forks, the little girl is given a bowl of food with a spoon at the kiddie table. Her tablemates are babies and toddlers, and she’s had enough. This just isn’t fair, but how will she get out of her predicament?

The Bottom Line: Many people can relate to being stuck at the “kiddie table” as a child at seasonal family gatherings, including me. Unlike the main character in this tale, I had to earn my place at the adult table. I was hopeful this book would encourage young readers to set a good example; unfortunately, the main character is rewarded for her immature outburst. The humorous illustrations and rhyming text are the highlight of this picture book.

Details: The Kiddie Table (Capstone Editions) written & illustrated by Colleen Madden. Hardcover picture book published by Capstone Editions in 2018. 32 p. ISBN: 978-1-68446-002-1 

Book Review: 'The Gift of the Tree' by Alvin Tresselt

✰✰✰✰✰ A grand oak tree has stood in a forest for a very long time. Home to birds and animals, the tree is beginning to lose its limbs one by one. Over time, the tree completely falls apart. However, even in death, there is new life in the forest. Check out this fantastic story of renewal and rebirth.

The Bottom Line: This entire picture book is a work of art illustrating the circle of life through an oak tree. Originally published under the title The Dead Tree, this informative classic takes the reader from stage to stage as the old tree dies and becomes part of the Earth again. Highly recommended for kids in grades 3 & 4 who are interested in science and biology. As a fan of natural science, I would have adored this as a kid.

Details: The Gift of the Tree written by Alvin Tresselt & illustrated by Henri Sorensen. Hardcover picture book published by Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Books in 1992. 32 p. ISBN: 978-0-688-10684-3 

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