Sometimes I wonder whether picture books are written for us the adults too, or whether something just resonates with us that it just feels that way. This is how this book was for me, first of all I loved it - its hard not to love Aaron Blabey books - and second I think we have all had or have a guff in our lives whether it be a fabric or human friend.
I love this book, and was very excited to read this to one of my baby storytime groups just recently where it was well received by all. In fact, the babies were so attentive to the book and I had never seen anything like it before for such an age group.
I love that Elizabeth does the occasional review for us, and I am very glad that I gave her this book to review because the message that came out of it is beautiful and on point for tween girls and boys.
Things never go right for poor Ivy Pocket, and for this third novel in the series that was released not that long ago things keep going from bad to worse...or should that be from mad to madhouse, or perhaps even from on the run (still) from Miss Always to Disguise at Butterfield Park? Whatever it should be, Ivy Pocket does not disappoint in this her final book...yes you heard me right I am dreadfully sorry to say that there will be no more books about the incorrigible and infuriating Ivy Pocket.
I was very excited to attend the book launch - or as the wonderful host said to the children - the book birthday of I Just Ate My Friend. I love being able to support Australian authors, whether it by purchasing their books or in this case attending my first book launch. The first thing I did was purchase myself the book and the staff asked if I would like it signed...Yes Please! I was delighted to have a quick chat with the author Heidi McKinnon, who is incredibly humble, lovely to speak to and will delight us with another book in the future...although she is not sure what it will be about yet.
Initially when I opened this book to read it I was expecting the story to be full of fashion diva's, but I was pleasantly surprised. The story is about so much more, its all about friendship, loyalty, family, winning at all costs and the very talented Mickey.
Heartwood Hotel, is just as endearing as it sounds, taking me back to my childhood where you imagine animals such as Mona scurrying about, leading lives just like us humans, making friendships and finding “home”.
I have noticed there are a lot of children's books being written for children and teens about women who have contributed to society both in the past and presently that are due to be published or have recently been published. So, when I came across Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World at the Library in the form of a picture book I had to bring it home for a read and review. I am not a feminist as such, but I do think that both Women and Men should be celebrated.
When you take the time to open a book, you never know just what you might get. It seems like a simple story on friendship but then you’re delighted to discover it is more than that. It’s about middle graders who put others ahead of themselves, it’s about reaching out to the community to give back, and dynamics between people. It’s also about the journey of self and discovering all that you have to give is so much more than you ever imagined.
This Book Stinks! The publishers think it stinks, the author thinks it stinks...most people think it stinks and so do I!
Little Big Reads 