I know picture books can sometimes be hard to find, especially if you’re looking for ones on a particular topic. So here are some quick reviews of ones I’ve read recently. Keep in mind that I am not a child, nor do I have children, so my reviews are just my first impression of the book from an adult’s point of view.
How to Apologize by David LaRochelle, Illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka
This was cute and pretty accurate. To be honest, a lot of adults could benefit from this book too. 😊
Peace by Baptiste Paul and Miranda Paul, Illustrated by Estreli Meza
This was another cute book. I liked how it focused on peace being small actions (that lead to bigger actions) instead of a huge, unobtainable concept.
Not Enough Lollipops by Megan Maynor, Illustrated by Micah Player
Meh. I’m not sure I “get” the message in this book, and if I do, I don’t necessarily agree with it? The Amazon blurb says it encourages “cooperation and generosity”, but there isn’t much of that in the book. Had potential, has cute pictures. That’s about it.
Another by Christian Robinson
This is a wordless picture book. A girl goes through a portal, sees some other children, and then returns home. That’s pretty much it. (But I’m starting to wonder at how dense I must be if this is the second children’s book I didn’t “get”. It has rave reviews elsewhere…)
Scribble Stones by Diane Alber
Not the most out-of-the-world awesome book, but cute for sure. It would also be a great way to kick off an activity painting rocks. Maybe for an art teacher or just someone with bored children over the summer.
Owl Babies by Martin Waddell, Illustrated by Patrick Benson
I’m going to be honest, I saw the cover illustration and was like “I don’t think this book is for me.” But I was wrong, this book is incredibly adorable! It also has some repetition, which I know is fun if you’re reading aloud with children.
Snow Angel, Sand Angel by Lois-Ann Yamanaka, Illustrated by Ashley Lukashevsky
I really liked this book! It follows a Hawaiian girl who experiences snow for the first time, and then compares her experience to the more familiar beaches near her home. It was a great way to see and learn about Hawaii. (And as someone who grew up in a desert, it makes me want to write a desert-to-snowy-place comparison. Love seeing different biomes.)
How to Welcome a New Baby by Jean Reagan, Illustrated by Lee Wildish
This was cute. Would be a good book to read to a child who is getting a new sibling, or to read to a class if one student is expecting a new sibling.
How to Catch a Mermaid by Adam Wallace, Illustrated by Andy Ellerton
This book rhymed if that’s something you or your child enjoy. Other than that, this book was fairly mediocre.
Croc & Turtle by Mike Wohnoutka
Another “meh” one. Neither good nor bad. Just a short story about friends who try to love each other and themselves, even if they’re not the best at anything.
These are just quick reviews. And if a book wasn’t great for me, that doesn’t mean it won’t be great for you or your child! Just want to help you narrow down what to pick up at your next library visit. ❤
Annette the Bookworm 