This one was pretty cute! Sure, it's not the most realistic plot line in the world, but I thought it worked well all things considered. I could see foster kids being desperate to protect their parents. Jackson reacted totally normally. Some parts were a little easy to predict, but I think kids will like it a lot.

Classic. Who hasn't had a horrible day?

Love love

I hope this book makes the MSBA list next year. It is a great story told from many different characters' points of view. I haven't practiced folding an origami Yoda yet, but I think I will later!

Another favorite from my childhood.

This is one of my favorite picture books. I really like Eric Carle. I don't think all of his books are fantastic, but I really like this one and the Mixed-Up Chameleon.

One of my favorites from when I was a kid.

Slow to get into, but gets meatier as it goes along. Jack and Mabel have moved to Alaska to escape their life in Pennsylvania, where Mabel had given birth to a stillborn child. One night, they playfully make a snow child out in the backyard. The next day, the child is gone, but a live human one starts flittering around the place. Is she real? It's a re-telling of the traditional Russian tale, but set in 1920s Alaska. I enjoyed reading it. Ivey does a good job of placing you in the Alaskan wilderness (probably due to her own experience). Since I'm not a childless older adult, I think there were some parts that probably didn't hit me as emotionally as it would to other people. It should be an interesting book discussion tonight!