Willow Finds a Way
Lana Button
Kids Can Press
Pub Date   Mar 1 2013My thoughts: This book is about asserting yourself and doing what is right, even if everyone else goes the other way. It is also about teaching kids that having everyone do what you want them to do always by holding back on things for them is not good. It is about standing up to bullies. This story relates all these messages in easily
understood words with expressive and bright illustrations to accompany them. Young kids will understand and appreciate the story.  Willow is a perfect role model – just like anyone else in class – wanting to be included and liked – but when she realizes her friend is being a bully – she shows courage and by doing so, she at once frees herself and her friends from being bullied.

My kids’ thoughts: I loved how Willow was able to change her friend’s mind and convince her to invite everyone to her party without any silly rules. Her rating for this book 5*s.

Rating: B+
Reading Level: 3 to 7 years
Reread Level: 3/5

The Fantastic Adventures of Krishna
Written and Illustrated by Demi
Wisdom Tales
Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) Members’ Titles
Pub Date   Mar 1 2013

My thoughts: Beautiful illustrations and simple text tell the story of one of the most loved and popular gods of India – Krishna – the flute playing, demon slaying, and beloved cowherd. Having grown up listening to, seeing, and reading these stories, I was not sure of what to expect. This book does justice to both the richness of Indian folk art in its illustrations and to the story of Krishna – told in a simplified fashion to appeal to younger audiences who are new to this story. An epic retold well and one that will inspire kids to read more of Krishna’s wonderful adventures. The illustrations in this book are worth framing!

My kids’ thoughts:Love reading about Krishna.

Rating: A
Reading Level: 4 to 10 years

Reread Level: 4/5

Isabella: Star of the Story
Jennifer Fosberry
SOURCEBOOKS Jabberwocky

My thoughts: Isabella is a girl with so much energy and enthusiasm that it is contagious. The familiar classics are introduced with a fresh touch to young readers and kids will be thrilled as they try to guess the books Isabella is picking up next. I am pretty sure I know what the next set of books from our library trip will include:) I loved Isabella as she zoomed through different careers and am looking forward to more of her everyday adventures.  This one is one of those books I will keep in my list of to have and to gift books for kids this age.

My kids’ thoughts: Love Isabella! especially when wears red shoes on the yellow brick road!

Rating: A
Reading Level: 4 to 8 years
Reread Level: 4.5/5

The Thank You Stone
Dr. Kathryn T. Hegeman
Aesop Publishers
Bookmasters, Inc
Pub Date   Jan 20 2012My thoughts: A sweet story that teaches many lessons that you can impart to kids. Simon is a little boy who is still missing his father lost at sea and dealing with living in a new place at the same time.  How he learns to cope and how his feelings are transformed to positive ones make this story a great read.  The illustrations that accompany this story are perfect. You can talk to your kids about concepts like – What goes around comes around/time heals/by helping others you help yourself/ and more – as you read this book.

My kids’ thoughts: Especially loved the idea of ‘The Thank You Stone’ and already hunting for one in the backyard.

Rating: B+
Reading Level: 5 years and above
Reread Level: 3.5/5

In the Tree House
Andrew Larsen
Kids Can Press
Pub Date   Apr 1 2013My thoughts: I really enjoyed this book – the illustrations, the dialogs all flowed together in this short story. The affection between siblings, the shared love of doing something which is multiplied when done together as a family, the simple pleasures of life – like gazing up at the night sky, the joys of a tree house – all of these are portrayed sweetly in this story. It shows a glimpse of how life is sometimes lonely with everyone in their own little world but we can make it so much better with something as simple as being outside and spending time with family, with our community, and nature.
The simple pen illustrations are amazing.

My kids’ thoughts: Cute story; ‘cartoonish’ and wonderful drawings

Rating: A
Reading Level:
Reread Level: 4/5

In Lucia’s Neighborhood
Pat Shewchuk
Kids Can Press
Pub Date   Mar 1 2013My thoughts: Diversity, culture, all celebrated in this story as Lucia takes the reader on a tour of her neighborhood. In addition to children getting introduced to urban visionary Jane Jacobs, this book, with its bright, eye-popping illustrations, and simple descriptions of the neighborhood will help children rediscover where they live, no matter where it is.

My kids’ thoughts:  Loved the colors; told from a kid’s perspective; this is something I would write in my journal, so makes it easy for me to understand.

Rating: B
Reading Level: 3 to 7 years
Reread Level: 2.5/5

 

Mr. Flux
Kyo Maclear
Kids Can Press
Pub Date   Apr 1 2013My thoughts: I loved this – change is good – that is the theme of this book – and Mr.Flux is the mascot for change. The book delivers this message in a charming and humorous fashion with awesome artwork to match. Kids will have a laugh while appreciating the art work and will definitely understand the underlying message.
I loved Mr.Flux and would campaign to have one Mr.Flux in every community if possible – and since that might not be possible, will settle for this book in every library instead!
The book also provides a brief introduction to the ‘Fluxus’ art movement (something I discovered after reading this book as well!)

My kids’ thoughts: Funny Mr.Flux; unique illustrations.

Rating: A
Reading Level: 3 to 7 years (and up too)
Reread Level: 4.5/5