Saturday, October 28, 2017

I Want to Be a Witch by Ian Cunliffe

When and where I grew up, we learned that witches were wise and powerful women who were persecuted for it. We sang this song:

So, imagine my delight when we pulled this book off the shelf. It's about a little girl who wants to be a good witch. My kid and I both highly recommend it.

Saturday, May 13, 2017

Princess Grace by Mary Hoffman

Is your daughter horrifying you with her obsession with pink floaty princesses? If yes, then this might be just the book your family needs. The main character, Grace, is like your daughter (and mine): she loves princesses. But because of an upcoming parade, conscientious caregivers, and a teacher who is paying attention, she learns a more inclusive, multicultural, and adventurous perspective on what a princess can be.

Sunday, May 7, 2017

Kid Sheriff and the Terrible Toads by Bob Shea

A small western town has the usual problems with local outlaws. But in this case, the new sheriff comes with an expertise in dinosaurs. This story is clever and laugh out loud funny. The artwork is also particularly wonderful.

Sunday, April 30, 2017

Three Ninja Pigs by Corey Rosen Schwartz

This book tells the classic three little pigs story, but in this case they defend themselves with martial arts. Unlike the original, where using good building materials is critical, this tale rewards training and hard work.

Saturday, April 22, 2017

Princess Cupcake Jones and the Missing Tutu by Ylleya Fields

A royal princes loses her favorite tutu the morning of her family's formal portrait painting. It's a crisis! The Queen reminds her daughter that cleaning up may help find her tutu. First, cupcake finds many favorite toys that she thought had been lost. ...Do I give away the end? I bet you can guess how it ends.

The About the Author indicates that Fields writes children's books in response to the lack of titles featuring African American characters. Our library is good about carrying books with an assortment of character types. Cupcake is a special favorite because she is a princess, because the books are pink, and, while this is the only in the series we have read, because it has a message parents want conveyed to their kids (clean your room!).