Bug on the Rug by Sophia Gholz

July 18, 2023 By Leave a Comment


Bug on the Rug by Sophia Gholz
Illustrator: Susan Batori
Publisher: Sleeping Bear
Genre: Fiction, Children’s (0 – 6 y.o.)
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

Pug is snug on his rug. But what happens when along comes BUG?! With a claim to the rug?! The two engage in a hysterical, rhyming battle of wits and strength until Slug asks the necessary questions and helps them find common ground. Rhyming is an important developmental reading skill. It teaches phonics (decodable text) and helps young readers infer content. This is a fun story to build those skills–and is an epic read aloud!

I am a nanny of a six-year-old girl who is going into first grade this Fall. Of all the book covers to choose from and she chose Bug on the Rug. I must admit that I love the cover as well. The pug’s face is priceless.

This is a rhyming read-aloud story that is absolutely hilarious and heartwarming. Pug is snug on his rug when a bug comes along. The bug comes along to claim a piece of the rug. The two begin a battle over who owns the rug. In the midst of the battle a slug comes along and helps the two through conflict resolution. Where and why the bug comes along on his rug is the ‘oh bless his heart’ part of the story.

The little girl that I nanny for, and I loved this story. We read it a multitude of times and laughed out loud every single time. As an adult I enjoyed the happily ever after between two unlikely friends.

Happy Summer Reading 2023!

Filed Under: Reviews, YA/Middle Grade/Children's Tagged With: , , , , ,

Olive and the Big Secret by Tor Freeman

July 13, 2023 By Leave a Comment


Olive and the Big Secret by Tor Freeman
Publisher: Templar
Genre: Childrens (3+ yrs), Contemporary
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Olive learns the hard way that keeping secrets is tough, and telling them can make for a whole lot of trouble!

When Molly shares a secret with Olive, the urge to tell is just too great! Olive tells Joe who tells Matt who tells Lola. But Lola is best friends with Molly. Uh-oh, the secret is out, and Olive is in for it!

Secrets can be a bit load of trouble.

I’m not great at keeping secrets. At Christmas, I want to blurt out what everyone is getting because I just can’t keep the secret in. Olive is much the same way. She has something big she knows and needs to tell someone. Unfortunately, secrets have a way of not staying secret for long.

I liked this book because of the lessons it showed. Sometimes secrets are good things to keep under wraps. It’s not your place to tell and someone might get hurt. It also showed the way friendships can be frayed because a secret was shared. This book moved along well and kept my attention easily. I liked the illustrations and the way the story was told without being mean.

If you’re looking for a cute book to read with children that deals with secrets, then this might be the book for you. Check it out!

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There Might Be Lobsters by Carolyn Crimi

July 12, 2023 By Leave a Comment


There Might Be Lobsters by Carolyn Crimi
Publisher: Candlewick
Genre: Childrens (4+ yrs), Contemporary
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Come on, Sukie, you can do it! A little dog’s paralyzing anxiety gives way to bravery when someone smaller is in need in this humorous, tenderly sympathetic story.

Lots of things at the beach scare Sukie. Lots. Because she is just a small dog, and the stairs are big and sandy, and the waves are big and whooshy, and the balls are big and beachy. And besides, there might be lobsters. With endearing illustrations and a perfectly paced text that captures a timid pup’s looping thoughts, here is a funny and honest read-aloud about how overwhelming the world can be when you’re worried — and how empowering it is to overcome your fears when it matters the most.

This pup isn’t ready to go into the water, but she just might have to learn.

As one who isn’t a fan of swimming, I could identify with the main character of Sukie. She’s a little dog afraid of the water. There might be dangers out there and she’s not a fan of finding them. Then she has to go into the water. It might not be so bad after all.

I liked that this book showed children that their fears are valid, but that they can overcome them, too. It’s not bad to be afraid at times, but sometimes you have to be brave, too. I also liked that the character could be brave, then go back to their safe place. That’s important for children to see, too.

If you’re looking for a book that talks about fears and one dog’s dealings with them, then this might be the book for you. I recommend it.

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Not That Pet! By Smriti Prasadam-Halls

July 12, 2023 By Leave a Comment


Not That Pet! By Smriti Prasadam-Halls
Illustrator: Rosalind Beardshaw
Publisher: Candlewick Press, a Walker Books imprint
Genre: Contemporary, Children’s (0 – 6 y.o.)
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

It’s time to get a pet! Will Mabel find the perfect one for her family?

Hooray! Mabel and her family are getting a pet! There’s no time to lose! But which kind of animal should they choose? Not the snake – it’s too scary. The elephant’s too big. The worms are too wriggly and the hyena too giggly. Then Mabel has the perfect idea. But will her family agree? A laugh-out-loud rhyming story about finding the perfect pet – with plenty of hilarious twists along the way.

The third book we chose to read for our summer reading program was Not That Pet! I am a nanny of a six-year-old girl going into first grade. It’s fun seeing a child’s eyes light up when a book or story engages their imagination. This story was another hit.

This was an entertaining read! This is a rhyming read-aloud story that had us both giggling from the beginning of the story to the end. The main character, Mabel, is allowed to pick the family pet. She is determined to find the perfect pet. Her choices had us groaning, ‘oh nooo’ while shaking our heads and laughing out loud. We couldn’t read fast enough to see Mabel’s next choice. Her final decision was unpredictable. We couldn’t believe the final choice was a…. well, you’ll just have to read the story yourself to find out.

The illustrations themselves had us smirking. We took the time to really look at the pages and discovered small details that really added to the enjoyment of the story. We read this story several times which is an indicator that this book is a keeper.

Enjoy reading Summer 2023!

Filed Under: Reviews, YA/Middle Grade/Children's Tagged With: , , , , ,

Fuddles and Puddles by Frans Vischer

July 11, 2023 By Leave a Comment


Fuddles and Puddles by Frans Vischer
Publisher: Aladdin
Genre: Childrens, Contemporary
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

An out of control canine named Puddles disrupts the charmed life of the fat, pampered cat, Fuddles in this charming follow-up to Fuddles and A Very Fuddles Christmas.

Fuddles finds that his perfectly pampered life of luxury comes to a screeching halt when his family buys a new puppy, Puddles. Howling and barking? Incessant licks and ball-fetching? Will Fuddles ever find a way to cope with his new frenemy?

Enemies to friends…with cats and dogs. Sign me up.

I loved the first book, Fuddles, because I got to meet the character of Fuddles, a pampered cat. Everyone knows a Fuddles—spoiled, too smart for their own good and on the verge of a disaster. In this book, Fuddles gets a wake-up call in the form of a puppy named Puddles. Puddles is everything Fuddles dislikes – loud, energetic and annoying.

I liked this book because it showed how sometimes people drive each other nuts (in this case animals), but we have to learn to work with it. Sometimes, those individuals end up being more than we think, too. I liked the way these two characters had to work out their issues. It’s a cute story and will keep the attention of young children.

If you’re looking for a fun book that teaches a lesson without being preachy, then this book is for you.

Filed Under: Reviews, YA/Middle Grade/Children's Tagged With: , , , ,

When Glitter Met Glue by Karen Kilpatrick

July 10, 2023 By Leave a Comment


When Glitter Met Glue by Karen Kilpatrick
When Pencil Met Eraser
Illustrator: German Blanco
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.
Genre: Contemporary, Children’s (0 – 6 y.o.)
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

Glue loves making art with her friends―especially pasting on googly eyes!―but sometimes she feels invisible. Instead of always being stuck in the background, Glue wants to be noticed like Pencil and colorful like the Markers! How can she find a way to stand out?

When a new friend named Glitter arrives in a swirl of sparkles, Glue and Glitter team up to make something completely original and help Glue shine like the star she truly is.

Karen Kilpatrick & Germán Blanco’s When Glitter Met Glue spotlights art’s unsung hero―a glue bottle―in a hilarious and clever story that encourages self-acceptance and spurs us all to recognize our inner shimmer. A perfect gift for teachers and the first day of school.

I am a nanny of a six-year-old girl going into first grade. This book was chosen for our summer reading program from the books listed is, When Glitter Met Glue: (When Pencil Met Eraser) by Karen Kilpatrick.

We loved this book all fifty times that we read it. Full disclosure, when I’m asked to read a book more than once, that speaks volumes. I must say that this story was quite clever. I would have never thought to give children art mediums friendly personas. However, that is just what Karen Kilpatrick did and my six-year-old student absolutely loved it.

Imagine, glue has feelings that we as humans can relate to. It’s true. Glue sometimes feels invisible! Glue wants to be noticed like the pencil or colorful markers. Glue meets a new friend, Glitter, and that is when the story really comes to life. We all want to be noticed by others for one reason or another. We are all special in our own unique ways and sometimes we just need to let our light shine. Sometimes it takes a friend to show us our true colors. This story reminds me of the song by Cyndi Lauper, True Colors. Her song was about looking below the surface to see what a person is really like.

When glue dries it disappears. However, when mixed with Glitter, we can really see Glue’s inner sparkle shine. I’ve read years ago that grandmothers are the glue in the family. This story really hit home with me regarding the importance of Glue and how it’s just taken for granted.

We borrowed this story from the library, but I am contemplating buying it and putting it in our book library. It’s that good! Happy reading summer 2023!

Filed Under: Reviews, YA/Middle Grade/Children's Tagged With: , , , ,

Kitty’s Cuddles by Jane Cabrera

July 5, 2023 By Leave a Comment


Kitty’s Cuddles by Jane Cabrera
Publisher: Holiday House
Genre: Childrens (1+ years – Toddlers), Contemporary
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Bear has a cozy, fluffy cuddle; Elephant, a big, strong cuddle; even Porcupine has a careful, prickly cuddle. But Kitty’s brother hugs the best! Follow along Kitty’s journey and learn that there are many different ways to show affection, and all of them matter most when shared with others.

Kitty just wants to cuddle.

I loved this book because it showed how many different ways you can cuddle. It’s a good illustration for children learning different animals and aspects of those animals in a very simplistic way. I also liked that the story showed variety. Not one cuddle is better than another. They’re all equal. It’s a sweet little story and good for young readers or those being read to. The ending was the best for me.

If you’re looking for a cute book to read to your child or for your child to practice with when starting reading, this is the one you want.

Filed Under: Reviews, YA/Middle Grade/Children's Tagged With: , , , ,

A Mouthful of Minnows by John Hare

July 5, 2023 By Leave a Comment


A Mouthful of Minnows by John Hare
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Genre: Contemporary, Children’s (0 – 6 y.o.)
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

At the bottom of the pond, Alphonso the snapping turtle opens his mouth wide, wiggles his worm-like tongue, and waits patiently for breakfast. He barely notices a measly minnow, but he’s thrilled when the entire school shows up. Alphonso’s perseverance has paid off! But when a whole family of minnows arrives to celebrate together, Alphonso’s true character emerges, and he has second thoughts about the breakfast he’s been waiting for.

Acclaimed author-artist John Hare’s artwork is textured, playful, educational, and energetic, bringing the depths of the underwater setting to life. A Mouthful of Minnows is a surprising and heartwarming picture book that is a great choice for story time and bedtime.

Each summer the State of Florida releases a list of approved books for students to read while on summer break. I am a nanny of a six-year-old girl going into first grade. The first book we chose to read was A Mouthful of Minnows because we love of fishing in the inter coastal waterway.

We didn’t read the synopsis, so we assumed the story was about fishing based on the title and the book cover. We were surprised that the main character was Alphonso, an alligator snapping turtle. The plot was about Alphonso waiting for his breakfast to come.

Our attention was caught immediately when we read that he sits on the bottom of the pond with his mouth wide open, wiggling his worm-like tongue. He stays like that waiting for a fish to swim by so he can capture it. We paused reading the story because we were both questioning if this was true. So we Googled “turtle with worm-like tongue”. Sure enough, this was true! I appreciated learning a new fun fact.

We resumed reading the heartwarming story about Alphonso patiently waiting for his breakfast when a school of minnows swam near his mouth. Alphonso overhears what the minnows were saying, and this is where the reader learns about generosity, empathy and friendship.

The illustrator for A Mouthful of Minnows is also the author, John Hare. I found each page to be aesthetically pleasing to the eye. I enjoyed perusing each page as I read the story out loud.

If the little girl that I nanny for asks for me to read a book a second time, then I know it is a good book. We read this book multiple times before we had to return it to the library. That testimony speaks volumes.

Our Summer 2023 reading log started with a great book. We easily recommend reading A Mouthful of Minnows.

Filed Under: Reviews, YA/Middle Grade/Children's Tagged With: , , , ,

Chubbs: A Blind Cat Learns to Trust by Sandra Sorenson-Kindt

July 4, 2023 By Leave a Comment


Chubbs: A Blind Cat Learns to Trust by Sandra Sorenson-Kindt
Publisher: Lean In Books
Genre: Contemporary, Childrens (8+ yrs), Inspirational
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

A mangy alley cat isn’t at the top of anybody’s adoption list.

Nevertheless, when Grandma Sandy scoops it up into her arms, her heart nudges her to take it home, and she listens. Grandma always trusts her feelings.

Lots of tender care soon transforms the mangy cat into beautiful, round Chubbs. But when she loses her sight, will she listen to her feelings like Grandma and learn to trust the one who loves her most?

Chubbs: A Blind Cat Learns to Trust is a faith-based, inspirational story about a cat who learns to trust her rescuer. The relationship between Chubbs and Grandma Sandy is a comparison to the relationship we can have with God.

Literally blind, Chubbs must learn how to navigate her world just like how we must learn to depend on God’s Spirit to help us navigate our lives.

Chubbs, the cat who gets a second chance…again.

I picked this book up because the main character was a cat called…Chubbs. I mean, how could I pass that up? I couldn’t. I’m glad I didn’t. This was a cute story with a faith-based slant. It’s a good story.

I did have some issues with the situation with Grandma’s first cat. It seemed like she could’ve looked a bit more for the cat and that rubbed me the wrong way that she didn’t. Yes, cats run away, but you never stop looking and it felt like she did. It could be me and the time in which I read the book, but that rankled me.

I did like that Grandma adopted (Not shopped!) Chubbs from the animal shelter. That was great. I also liked how the relationship between the woman and the cat resembled the faith relationship between followers and God. Sometimes you need a helping hand. It’s a good lesson for readers.

This was a cute story and I’m glad I read it. I couldn’t pass up Chubbs—in the book and probably not at the shelter, either.

Filed Under: Reviews, YA/Middle Grade/Children's Tagged With: , , , , ,

National Geographic Kids Everything Mythology: Begin Your Quest for Facts, Photos, and Fun Fit for Gods and Goddesses by Blake Hoena

June 27, 2023 By Leave a Comment


National Geographic Kids Everything Mythology: Begin Your Quest for Facts, Photos, and Fun Fit for Gods and Goddesses by Blake Hoena
Publisher: National Geographic
Genre: Historical, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Paranormal, Childrens (10+ yrs), Contemporary
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

National Geographic Everything Mythology is jam packed with fascinating facts and awe-inspiring imagery that brings your favorite fierce mythological heroes to life, introducing kids to gods of ancient worlds, including Greek, Norse, Chinese, American Indian, African cultures, and more. Packed with facts, colorful illustrations, and infused with humor, this fun journey through ancient lore will keep kids fascinated with every turn of the page.

Want to know something about mythology in bites and bits? Then this is the book for you!

I picked up this book because of the impressive art on the front. Who doesn’t like Poseidon? He drew me in, but the text and the storytelling kept me riveted. I blew right through the book and couldn’t get enough. The author doesn’t hit the high points mythology, but also includes more inclusive myths and characters, which I loved. It wasn’t the usual, so every reader will find something new in these pages.

The illustrations and art are fantastic. The factoids are as well. There is a lot to learn in this book. If you’re simply researching mythology, want to start learning about a particular myth or want a point of discussion for you and your reader, then this is the book for you. Check it out!

Filed Under: Other, Reviews, Science Fiction/Fantasy, YA/Middle Grade/Children's Tagged With: , , , , , , ,
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