Andi Unexpected
Amanda Flower
Zonderkidz-Books

 I never got around to completing this book, not because I did not enjoy it but because of lack of time. But my son, the intended audience for this book, did read it and he gave it a big thumbs up.  In his own words , “A mystery book  which kept me turning pages so I could know what happens next with enough humorous parts  that made the book funny too, with unexpected surprises along the way”

Rating: A

Reread Level: 4/5

by Sharon Werner and Sarah Forss

Unique – that describes this book to a ‘T’ – T for Typography – used throughout this book to illustrate the dinosaurs; and phonetics as well as alliteration are used throughout the book – as words starting with each alphabet are used as much as possible to describe each dinosaur.

The illustrations, the fonts, the information presented for an ABC book featuring dinosaurs – perfect. This book will lure the littlest ones into the world of these giants – just by the way they are pictured here – bright, colorful, and interesting. And will also keep older kids fascinated with it’s die-cut pages, the facts and the way they are presented, as well as the illustrations.

Also a great gift for anyone who loves dinosaurs.

Rating: B+

Reread Level: 4.5/5

The Mice of Bistrot des Sept Frères
Marie Letourneau

I love the illustrations here – these quirky and whimsical illustrations are super cute.  Like the
delicious recipe featured in the book has wonderful ingredients, so does the book itself – a sweet story that teaches without being preachy about teamwork, about how even the smallest person or thing can make a big difference; the super cute illustrations (I know, I said that already!); a smattering of French works sprinkled throughout the book enhancing the vocabulary of kids as they read without them realizing it; and the book itself!

Definitely, a recommended read

Rating; A; A+ for the illustrations!

Reread Level: 4.5/5

Guinea Pigs Online
by Jennifer Gray, Amanda Swift, Sarah Horne

–  Wacky hilarity that works for both adults and kids. Guinea pigs are adorable but did you know they are also tech-savvy and smart and brave – well, read this book to find out! I fell in love with the characters – the guinea pigs – in this book and look forward to more of these books. Though some of the scenes were just a little too out-there for me, I enjoyed the book.

Rating: B-

Reread Level: 2.5/5

Chasing Butterflies(Little Life Lessons)
by Harry Toews :

The story imparts a few lessons as it says – teaches us to be closer to nature, to not judge things as they outwardly seem, to look for beauty and magic around us – and we will find it.  I enjoyed the sweet illustrations and the messages in the book but I found the language and flow lacking. Otherwise, a good read.

Rating: B-

Reread Level: 2.5/5