Duffy the Christmassy Dragon

Author:  Kate Noble
Publisher: BooksGoSocial
Pages: 24
On Sale: October 20 2020
Genre: Children, Christmas, Fantasy
Stars: 4/5

From the Publisher:

A beautiful, unique rhyming verse Christmas story. Duffy the Dragon helps Santa one icy Christmas Eve. This lovely story book is a perfect Christmas gift for 3-8 year olds that has been purchased and sent to almost every country on the planet.

Grandparents, parents and other people with younger children in their lives love to give this unique Christmas tale as a great Christmas gift.


From Me:

This book may have actually been published in 2006, but NetGalley just gave me a copy of it.  I thought this story was really cute.  It may have been a little predictable, but it is very whimsical and a pleasure to read.  I enjoyed how it included his recipe in the back, I would definitely consider picking up this book as a gift.

The Night Is Deep and Wide

Author:  Gillian Sze
Publisher: Orca Book Publishers
Pages: 20
On Sale: March 16 2021
Genre: Children
Stars: 2/5

From the Publisher:

Rich imagery, gentle rhythm and soothing repetition will lull your little one to sleep as the tulips close for the night, one by one. In this bedtime story written as an Italian villanelle, poet Gillian Sze makes use of the poetic forms of cyclic pattern and rhyme scheme to create a melodious lullaby.

A young child comes in from picking flowers as the creatures around their home all settle down for the evening. Songbirds curl against their mothers’ sides, the house slumps and sighs low, a hush settles as times slows. And little readers are invited to rest their heads and be soothed to sleep as moonlight falls on eyes that close.

From Me:

This seemed to be more like an illustrated poem than a children’s story.  There isn’t anything in the way of plot, it’s just some repeated phrases that are supposed to lull a child to sleep.  The artwork is very bold and graphic; I don’t think it paired well with the soothing language.  It was alright, but not something I’ll be picking up for the children I know.

Meet Me By The Sea

Author:  Taltal Levi
Publisher: NorthSouth Books
Pages: 32
On Sale: February 2 2021
Genre: Children
Stars: 3/5

From the Publisher:

When a spunky little girl finds that her parents are too busy to play, she decides to visit her favorite place on her own.

The familiar path lightens her step and her heart. And along the way she discovers a wonderful surprise.

Taltal Levi’s spare text and delicate pastel-hued illustrations celebrate courage, discovery, and the power of family.

From Me:

The illustrations of this book were very nice, but I’m not sure the actual story is right for children.  The young girl basically feels ignored by her parents so she takes off, camps out in the woods overnight by herself, and then walks to the sea.  Her parents find her and never seemed alarmed, but I don’t think these are good ideas to put in kids’ heads.  In real life there either would have been an Amber Alert or something larger than a fox would have found her. The story had a lot of potential and it was beautiful, I just think it missed its mark.

Jade Braves The Dark

Author: Valdene Mark
Publisher: Sugar Apple Books
Pages: 16
On Sale: September 15 2020
Genre: Children
Stars: 3/5

From the Publisher:

Bedtime is here, but Jade is much too scared to fall asleep—who knows what could be hiding in the dark? Jade lets her imagination run away from her, dreaming up all kinds of scary monsters until she is sure she won’t be able to sleep at all.

Luckily, Jade is very brave.

From Me:

For me the artwork was the best part of this book, I loved the sparkly lighting and the rich purples.  The story itself was really simple and light but I don’t feel it connected as well with the message it was trying to send.  Jade was afraid of the dark and she was imagining what could be in it, but if it wasn’t for the moonlight coming in nothing was really resolved.  It didn’t seem to me that it really gave children a way to face their fears; Jade just waited and got lucky.

Elephants Do Not Belong In Trees

Author: Russ Willms
Publisher: Orca Book Publishers
Pages: 32
On Sale: February 16 2021
Genre: Children’s, Animals, Humor
Stars: 4/5

From the Publisher:

Elephants do not belong in trees. It’s not natural. It makes other animals uncomfortable. This is the story of Larry, an elephant who wanted to live in a tree. This is a story about being the new kid and being a little bit different (okay, A LOT different). A story about acceptance and making friends. When Larry decides he wants to live in the big bushy tree in the middle of the wide-open field, the current residents, Bird, Squirrel and Monkey, are not very welcoming. They throw nuts at him and peck at his head; they tell him to leave and are downright rude. But Larry persists–why can’t he live in the tree? When his new home is threatened by something much bigger than all the animals combined, Larry shows everyone that he cares just as much about the tree as they do.

From Me:

This story was adorable.  The artwork was very simple as was the language, but it was still able to portray the silliness and humor very well.  I know a couple girls who would love this story and the ridiculousness of the elephant in the tree.  Great for children and adults.

Arlo The Lion Who Couldn’t Sleep

Author: Catherine Rayner
Publisher: Macmillan Children’s Books
Pages: 17
On Sale: August 20 2020
Genre: Children’s, Animals
Stars: 4/5

From the Publisher:

A dreamy bedtime book from award-winner Catherine Rayner about a wakeful lion who is desperate to get some sleep.

Arlo the lion is exhausted. He just can’t drop off, no matter what he tries. It’s either too hot, or too cold, too loud or too quiet, and his wriggly family aren’t helping either! Will poor Arlo ever get some rest? Perhaps his new friend Owl will have some good ideas to help him fall asleep.

Arlo: The Lion Who Couldn’t Sleep is a beautifully illustrated story with a gentle mindfulness message from Kate Greenaway Medal winner Catherine Rayner – perfect for bedtime and especially helpful for little ones who have trouble going to sleep.

From Me:

I really enjoyed this story.  It was short and simple and great for kids.  I’m not a parent, but I can imagine the songs being perfect for helping children find ways to relax and fall asleep.  The artwork is a really unusual style, at first I wasn’t sure but it definitely grew on me and I loved the scenery when they’re imagining where they’d like to be.

Grumpy Cat Awful-ly Big Comics Collection

Author: Ben McCool, Royal McGraw, Elliott Serrano, Ben Fisher, Derek Fridolfs, Ilias Kyriazis, Steve Uy, Ken Haeser, Tavis Maiden, Agnes Garbowska, Michelle Nguyen
Publisher: Diamond Book Distributors Ablaze
Pages: 250
On Sale: November 10 2020
Genre: Graphic Novel, Comic, Children’s
Stars: 2/5

From the Publisher:

Collecting every (terrible) Grumpy Cat comic book story ever — in one giant (overhyped) comics collection!

The World’s Grumpiest Cat — and the world’s most adorable internet sensation — continues to delight fans of all ages. With her ever-present pout and sassy disposition, Grumpy Cat has won the hearts of people everywhere. Now, her unbearable cuteness and infectious sourpuss are featured in a collection of comic stories. If you love the memes, the videos, and that irresistible scowl, then get ready for the wildly fun antics of Grumpy Cat. Her comic book escapades are guaranteed to make you smile… even if she’s scowling!

From Me:

I usually love cat comics, but this was not my cup of tea.  The artwork wasn’t particularly appealing to me, and I found the stories to be a bit repetitive and listless.  Grumpy comes off as more rude and cruel than cute and sarcastic, and Pokey often feels to be more of a main character.  Maybe this would appeal more to children than to adults, they might be able to just enjoy going along for the ride.

Kitty And Dragon

Author: Meika Hashimoto
Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing
Pages: 104
On Sale: October 20 2020
Genre: Children’s
Stars: 5/5

From the Publisher:

When Kitty looks for the perfect home, she makes an unlikely best friend—Dragon! From Epic! Originals, Kitty and Dragon is a lovable early reader series about finding true friendship when you least expect it.

Book 1 of this early reader series features three adorable stories about Kitty and Dragon—best friends, even when one of them is snoring, being messy, or having a sad day. Even though they are quite different from one another, Kitty and Dragon have learned that there’s nothing better than being together, just the way they are.

From Me:

This was adorable.  The artwork was bright and captivating, and each of the three stories included in this volume were unique and enjoyable.  I felt they really showed how different friends can be while still learning how to play and take care of each other.  The text was fairly simple, making this a good story for beginner readers.  Definitely a cute story for all ages.

The Very Last Leaf

Author: Stef Wade
Publisher: Capstone Editions
Pages: 32
On Sale: August 2020
Genre: Children
Stars: 5/5

From the Publisher:

Lance Cottonwood is the best and brightest of the leaves, but even the top students on the tree have worries. Can Lance conquer his fear of falling and just let go when the time comes for his final exam, or will he let his worries take over? In this funny and encouraging picture book, best-selling author Stef Wade (A Place for Pluto) tells an engaging story and deftly addresses social and emotional struggles many kids encounter each day…feeling anxious, wanting to be perfect, facing fears, etc. These themes combined with illustrator Jennifer Davison’s delightful characters and rich autumnal colors make The Very Last Leaf a perfect book for the start of a new school year, the arrival of autumn, or any period of transition in life.

From Me:

The artwork in this was gorgeous.  It was a really cute story about a leaf being in the top of his tree classes, but then having difficulties with the very last one.  I’m sure some kids with anxiety or being new in school would be able to relate, but even without the connection I enjoyed it.  The tree facts were a perfect science level for children and I could see it leading to field trips and leaf collecting.

The World Needs More Purple People

Author: Kristen Bell, Benjamin Hart
Publisher: Random House Books For Young Readers
Pages: 40
On Sale: June 2020
Genre: Children
Stars: 5/5

From the Publisher:

What is a purple person? Great question. I mean, really great! Because purple people always ask really great questions. They bring their family, friends, and communities together, and they speak up for what’s right. They are kind and hardworking, and they love to laugh (especially at Grandpa’s funny noises)! A purple person is an everyday superhero! How do you become one? That’s the fun part! Penny Purple will lead you through the steps. Get ready to be silly, exercise your curiosity, use your voice, and be inspired.
 
Kristen Bell and Benjamin Hart have created a hilarious and joyous read-aloud that offers a wonderful message about embracing the things that bring us together as humans. This book will inspire a whole generation to paint the world purple!

From Me:

I know reviews are mixed online, but I loved this story.  It may not have delved deep into racism like a lot of people expected, but I still thought it was a fantastic way to shine a light on kindness and being a helper and being true to yourself.  I think it’s great to tell children to laugh and love and ask a ton of questions.  The images were also adorable and full of snot and laughter.