I like the message of this book, however, it fells and reads self-published.  The story tries to rhyme and have a cadence, but it drops so often that it just does not work.  It’s a tongue tripper.  The idea is there, but the execution needs work.  I like this story but feel it could be better. 

This simple construction book looks at more than earth moving equipment when it comes to making a highway.  It has some very interesting tools like an auto level, kids may need explained.  It’s nice to see a picture book that is detailed while it is still simple. 

 This book was cute.  It would be perfect for story time.  It’s just what kittens do.  The cadence is nice and most of the rhymes are smooth, so overall a nice read. 

This is an amazing story of boys who wanted a soccer field and built one on the ocean.  They didn’t let anyone stop them and eventually became champions in the sport they loved so much.  This true story is well told and the information in the back expands on the story rather than retell it.  It is well done and a great read at any age. 

 This book was AWESOME!  Laxmi is worried when her friends points out she has a little moustache.  Girls are not supposed to have mustaches, or hair all over their bodies! Laxmi’s mother does a great job at pointing out that everyone has hair in very odd places and it serves a purpose.  Laxmi takes her mom’s lesson back to school with her and shares the love of a little hair with everyone.  This book was so great.  It takes a child feeling ashamed about themselves, and turning it around into an important lesson that makes everyone feel better. 

 

Gravity makes things fall to earth.  It is that simple, and so is this book.  It works well as an introduction to the topic, and the info bits in the back are perfect for expanding on the concept. 

Stella’s class is having a Mother’s Day event, but Stella doesn’t have a mother, she has two fathers.  What should see do?  This questions causes a week of worry until a friend suggests to bring all her family, and that is what she does.  This book works, because it is a concern for many children missing “traditional” family members.  This book gives a great idea of what a child stuck in this situation could do. 

Could you be a NASCAR race announcer?  Tom Angleberger could.  Reading this book is like listening to a race announcer as they follow their favorite driver.  The author plays on classic characters with grace and speed, and overall it just works.  Add some amazing pictures, and you get a super fun racing book for all ages. 

 Grub the raccoon as found a seed in the trash and the seed starts talking.  Seed asks Grub to plant them in the ground to see what grows.  Grub really hopes it’s a cheeseburger.  Grub spends his nights talking with seed and being a really good friend.  One day Seed pops out of the ground and grows to a flower.  No cheeseburgers here, just a lovely friendship.  This is a lovely story all around.  It’s heart springs from the pages, and makes Grub a friend we would all be happy to have. 

 Most of the birds at the swimming pond are bright and colorful.  But stranger comes to town who is nothing but gray.  When the other birds chase the gray bird away, they wonder if they can disguise themselves.  The disguise works, and the over birds love them.  That is until gray bird and their fake plumage dive into the water and everything comes apart.  However, the other birds see what fun Oddbird is having and join in.  This book feels rushed.  Especially the end.  The colors and illustrations are awesome, but something is lacking in the story telling.  It is still a good read, it just feels stilted.