No comments about Into the Ravine.

1 comments about Mommy and Me by Ourselves Again.

1. This is a tender story of a girl's Mother who broke up with a boyfriend. He had given her a charm bracelet and promised her a charm each year, and now the relationship is over.The little girl's heart is broken and she is sure that she will never love or trust anyone again. At her surprise birthday party, her Mother's extended family all gave her an individual charm with the reassurance that they would never leave her.

No comments about Bob's Snowy Day.

No comments about Arbor Day (Rookie Read-About Holidays).

1 comments about Big Bushy Mustache.

1. "Big Bushy Mustache" combines text by Gary Soto with illustrations by Joe Cepada. They tell the story of Ricky, a young Latino boy. His teacher is planning to have the class put on a play about Cinco de Mayo, and Ricky will get to wear a costume mustache. But Ricky gets into a jam when he disobeys the teacher's instructions.

   This is a fun book with an effective Latino flavor. Ricky is an engaging young hero. However, there is a weird gender identity subtext surrounding Ricky's feelings about the mustache; in my opinion, this aspect of the story is handled awkwardly. Otherwise this is a good choice for a multicultural collection of children's books.

2 comments about Hooray for Mother's Day! (Little Bill).

1. Little Bill can hardly contain his excitement. It is Mother's Day and he is determined to make it a wonderful day for his mom. Little Bill leads his mother on a scavenger hunt to find the five gifts that he has for her. Throughout the search, Little Bill reiterates the love he has for his mother and how thankful he is for all that she does for the family.

   Author Catherine Lukas has done an excellent job with this book. It is a tribute to mothers, seen through the eyes of a child. Children will enjoy the bright and colorful illustrations, and will be able to relate to the gifts that Little Bill gives his mother. They learn the valuable lesson that gift giving is not about how much money you spend, but that the best gift one can give is the gift of love.

   Reviewed by Latoya Carter-Qawiyy of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers




2. My son is captivated by Little Bill. The illustrations are great and the story is sweet and heart warming. You can't go wrong.

1 comments about St. Patrick's Day Alphabet.

1. This is a really cute book with great illustrations that makes wonderful use of bright colors. It also tells good stories and is imaginative in the objects chosen to represent the individual letters. Being half-Irish, I did find it objectionable that one page said: "B is for beer. The Irish drink lots and lots of that!" HEY ONLY JOKING!!! That's not in here. Shame on me. Seriously, however, this is a pretty book and little ones should love it and parents too. Easily five stars.

3 comments about Brian's Bird.

1. Brian's Bird is a wonderfully written and beautifully illustrated picture book. Author Patricia Davis tells a simple direct story while creating many opportunities for visual images. Layne Johnson's striking and colorful photo-like pictures jump to life off the page.

   This story of a blind boy who delights in his new pet parakeet is ideal for young readers. The book treats Brian's blindness in a positive manner. The scene in which he uses his sense of touch to solve the mystery of his birthday present gives young readers the opportunity to gain understanding of the special skills of a blind person. The description of how the bird's feet feel on Brian's finger is delightful.

   Brian exhibits patience and persistence in teaching his bird. There is humor in the story, as when Brian hears someone calling his name, only to realize it is the bird. Once again, the author highlights the use of an alternate sense.

   Brian's brother presents challenges for Brian from the opening pages of the book. Indeed, his brother's actions lead to the bird's flight from the house. The boys work together to solve the problem and sibling teamwork wins the day.

   The book presents many opportunities for an adult reading this story to a young child to discuss a variety of issues. The book is also appropriate for young readers up to age 8 or 9 to read on their own.




2. I purchased this book for my six year old nephew who is blind and a bird lover. This book is incredible! The illustrations are wonderful and the story focuses on family togetherness, not just blindness. It is a wonderful book for siblings with differences, any child really.



3. Brian is so excited when his parents buy him a pet bird. Everyone is amazed when he teaches it how to talk. When his pesky big brother leaves the door open though, the bird flies out. While Brian's visual impairment plays a big part in the action of the story, it certainly isn't the focus of this charming book. This book acts as a great way to introduce children to diversity.

2 comments about Itse Selu: Cherokee Harvest Festival.

1. I was astonished to read of something that pertained to my family history. I am so amazed by Daniel Pennington's writing's. He made me feel like I was there watching this in real life. This will be a great tool to teach my children about my heritage.



2. A missing piece of the Native American literature. So many stories are about the removal, or the myths. But how did the Cherokee actually live? What did they eat? What kind of games did they play? This book expertly deals with these everyday issues.

   It is a clearly written book with bright, graceful illustrations. I enjoyed reading it to my daughters several times. And now they are older they enjoy learning Cherokee words.

   An excellent book...and one every librarian should consider having.

No comments about April Fool! A Harry & Emily Adventure (A Holiday House Reader, Level 2).