Home in a Lunchbox by Cherry Mo*

 A Caldecott Honor book for 2025 (distinguished American picture book)

When she moves from Hong Kong to America, Jun struggles to speak the language, adapt to the culture, and to make friends. Her mom packs her a delicious lunch each day. As she eats it, happiness floods her soul. This box full of scrumptious foods beckons her classmates to befriend her. Based on Cherry Mo's experience moving to the United States at age ten.

As I read this story, I was upset that the teacher had not paired the Jun with a buddy. Of course, it is better when kids decide to be friendly without an adult forcing friendship and kindness.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Vacation by Ame Dyckman illustrated by Mark Teague*

 The 2025 winner for Theodor Seuss Geisel Award for most distinguished beginning reader book

Bat, Cat, & Rat love living together. One day Cat announces that a vacation would be nice. Realizing their vacation savings jar is empty, they pursue various jobs. When the jar is full, however, they cannot agree where to vacation. Rat has an idea!

*Highly recommend for beginning readers.

-Borrowed from the library.

Fox versus Fox by Corey R. Tabor*

A Geisel Honor Book-selected by the American Library Association for a distinguished beginning reader book for 2025. 

Fox thinks he is the one and only fox. Then he meets Fox. Can two foxes exist together as friends?

Sweet.

*Highly recommend. Perfect for beginning readers.

Part of a series.

Towed by Toad by Jashar Awan*

 American Library Association's Geisel Honor Book (distinguished beginning reader book)-2025

Toad is on the go, towing critters all over town. Pop persistently offers him food throughout the day, but Toad can't stop. Then Toad needs help. Who will help him?

The illustrations reminded me of Richard Scarry's books. I loved the internal rhyme in most lines.

*Highly recommend for beginning readers.

-Borrowed from the library.

Olivetti by Allie Millington

 Our main narrator is Olivetti, a typewriter. He holds all of Beatrice's memories, which she typed years ago before Everything That Happened. The other narrator, Ernest, is one of Beatrice's children. 

One morning Beatrice goes missing. The family has already endured a trial (it isn't revealed until the middle-to the end of the book). Can the disjointed family unit to find their mother? It may take a talking typewriter, dumpster-diving new friend, Quinn, a maintainence man, and a librarian to connect the family and rescue Beatrice.

A book full of heavy topics  A mom running away from her family did not sit well with me. A talking typewriter adds some levity. I liked that the main charater is a boy. A rare occurrence these days in middle grade novels! I also loved how before she was sick Beatrice used to encourage reading, writing, and imagination (& going to the library!).

Consider/discuss: parent abandonment, Spoiler alert- cancer (Beatrice endured three years of treatment. The cancer has returned. It is why she ran away), Was she trying to commit suicide on the rock? I don't think so, but it may make some readers infer that or bring up a discussion about suicide, Ernest lies, skips school, and steals

Isn't the cover beautiful?!-

When We Flew Away by Alice Hoffman

 I read this novel in less than twenty-four hours! It is a compelling read.

Ms. Hoffman imagines what Anne Frank's life may have been before her father hid her and the family in the secret annex. Readers experience with Anne the gradual loss of freedom in the Netherlands as the Nazi assume more control. Throughout it all Anne keeps trying to cling to the good in people and in life and concludes love is the one thing they cannot take away. The book ends with Anne entering their secret room.

I felt the writing was a bit repetitive. Throughout the novel, I thought, "Yes, this idea or this phrase was already mentioned and expounded upon. Let's have a new thought or point."

Discuss: WWII and its atrocities, hope vs courage (towards the end the characters do not hope but try to have courage), Anne begins a romantic relationship w/ a young man at age twelve (they only hold hands), following a set of rules or having absolutes was regarded as not a good way to conduct life, instead-being you and whatever your heart desires is what is true.

The King Arthur -The All-Purpose Baker's Companion-Revised & Updated*

 Over Christmas break, I started trying to bake yeast bread again. I try from time to time and soon tire of it. I enjoyed it more this time! This book contains tons of delicious looking baking recipes (not just yeast bread).

I tried "Beautiful Burger Buns" (recommended by my sister-in-law who weekly bakes yeast bread), "Back-of-the-Bag Oatmeal Bread", and "Lemon Bread".  My men enjoyed all three of these recipes. 

I also copied down yeast bread baking tips from this book. I have learned a lot!

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Garlic Companion by Kristin Graves

 I read a review about this book in a seed catalog (Seed Saver's). 

As a lover of garlic, this book thrilled me and made me smile. Ms. Graves gives the history of and health benefits of garlic, plus plenty of how-tos (decorating with garlic!) and recipes. I had never heard of black garlic until reading her book. After reading this book, anyone should be able to plant garlic and experience success. 

I made her "Immune Booster Soup", which my husband, my youngest son, and I liked a lot (I did not use the amount of garlic she suggested-10-12 cloves!).

Ms. Graves owns a garlic farm and a CSA in Canada. 

Old Herbaceous by Reginald Arkell*

 A Novel of the Garden

Originally published in 1950.

From his earliest years, Herbert Pinnegar loved flowers. When he was fourteen-years-old, he was required to visit the vicar who would help find a job on the farm. He did not want to work on a farm. Fortunately, the lady of the manor sat in on his interview and convinced the vicar to allow Herbert to work in her manor gardens. This interference provided Herbert, aka "Old Herbaceous", many years of delight --by gardening. I loved experiencing this man's life from a school boy through seventies with the best setting-a garden!

Individuals who love flowers, gardening, and British villages will find this book satisfying and relatable. 

*Highly recommed.

-Borrowed via ILL.

The Bells of London with a story in pictures by Ashley Wolff

 Ms. Wolff adds a story through her illustrations to a traditional British nursery rhyme. 

A young girl takes her dove into the city. As she and her father venture into London, they hear the peal of the different church bells. With much regret she sells her dove and then makes a choice that causes her and young boy (the buyer) to dash about London.

I wanted to know to know the backstory to the rhyme. But this book was published in 1984 when picture books did not include additional information.

The illustrations depict typical activities of Londoners during this time period. I did not appreciate two women's cleavage showing. It wasn't obnoxious. . .maybe a kid would not notice it?

-Borrowed from the library.

Vivaldi's Four Seasons by Anna Harwell Celenza illustrated by JoAnn E. Kitchel*

 This picture book focuses on Vivaldi's interactions with the girls at the orphanage, Ospedale della Pieta in Venice. As a priest, he was their music teacher. People agreed that their performances were one of Italy's finest.  After dismissing him, the board of directors regretted their decision, for Vivaldi had soared into fame. Wanting him to return but not able to afford him, they made a deal with him-to compose for the girls on an ongoing basis. Vivaldi agreed and composed more than 140 concertos for them. The author likes to  imagine he created The Four Seasons with the girls in mind.

The four sonnets to accompany each piece are included (written after the music was composed). A CD recording of the music is part of this book. The illustration style/technique were not to my taste.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Radar and the Raft by Jeff Lantos*

 World magazine listed this book as an honorable mention in children's nonfiction for their "books of the year". 

What an incredible book. Mr. Lantos must be very intelligent man and a tenacious researcher and writer.

In alternating chapters, Mr. Lantos gives the history of radar, starting with Luigi Galvani in the 1700s, and then the story of missionary Mrs. Bell and her two children surviving on a raft after their ship had been torpedoed in 1942. Children who are fascinated by how things work will be enthralled as they read the "scientific" chapters. I was a bit out of my element reading them!! 

An inspiring story how people's ingenuity and hard work affects generations to come. 

Mr. Lantos treats Mrs. Bell's faith with respect. As a Christian, I felt like he presented her in a favorable manner.

Considerations/Discuss: some swearing (sailors), evolution given credit to shark's built-in signal detector, peril at sea/on the raft/selfishness

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Operation: Happy by Jenni L. Walsh*

 Since her dad is a Marine, Jody has lived in several places. Relocating to Pearl Harbor in 1940 was just another move, wasn't it? Then why is her mom reluctant to transfer and seems to live in fear? Thankfully, Jody has Happy, her mixed breed huge dog, to help her adjust and find "happiness" despite the uneasiness at home. Then her mom's fears are realized when the Japanese bomb Pearl Harbor. Jody, her mom, and her sister are evacuated to the mainland. Their mom sinks into depression. Her older sister is assaulted. Can Jody be the leader her dad asks her to be in his absence?

I liked learning about Pearl Harbor from a survivor's point of view.

Some chapters are from Happy's point of view. Although a Christian publisher (Zonderkidz) published this book, God is not mentioned. I think the phrase "after church" was mentioned and a "Oh, thank, Jesus" was included.

Considerations/Discuss: WWII, Pearl Harbor, Japanese American camps, mental illness, parent abandonment, Jody's older sister is assaulted by a man 

Based on the memoir, The Children of Battleship Row, by Joan Zuber Earle.  

*Highly recommend for 5th grader and older. (although the cover makes it seem like it is for a younger crowd)

Leopold Classic Library-Stories of the Four Great Composers for Young People: Mendelssohn, Mozart, Beethoven, and Haydn by Bertha Seavey Saunier*

 Leopold scans original works to create their classical story collections. This one was scanned from the 1906  book in Harvard College Library. Each story begins with the composer as a young child, describing their childhood and early giftedness, and their success as an adult, ending with their death. The writing is narrative and will appeal to children.

*Highly recommend.

I own this book.

 

The Four Feathers by A.E.W. Mason*

 When reading an introduction in my geometry teaching manual, I read about a mystery series by A.E.W. Mason. Knowing that the series would appeal to my fifteen-year-old, I proceeded to search for it in my library system. They did not own the mystery series but had this title available to borrow. The storyline and the psychological aspects of it would intrigue my son. Both my son and I read it and thoroughly enjoyed it. We actually owned the movie based on the novel (but I did not realize it until after my son was reading the novel.). The story compelled him so much that he created a presentation with his thoughts. He presented them to us and the grandparents. We then watched the movie. My oldest son said he would not have understood the movie without his brother's beforehand summary.

Harry, the son of a reknown military hero, withdraws his papers from the military when learns his group will be leaving to fight in the Sudan. Three friends each send him a white feather, denoting cowardice. His finace is standing there with him when he receives the feathers. Upon hearing his decision to withdraw, she plucks a fourth feather from her fan and hands it to him, ending their engagement. Harry then spends years trying to redeem his honor.

The novel starts off a bit slow but gains momentum after the first quarter. A story of honor, friendship, love, and sacrifice

*Highly recommend.

-My son owns this book.

The movie: PG-13 (for violence, swearing and one sensual scene-this did NOT occur in the book! The book was so much better than the movie. I did like the movie. Just after reading the novel, I love the depth and development of the novel.

Paul Revere's Ride by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow illustrated by Charles Santore*

Mr. Santore illustrates Longfellow's famous poem with stunning art. The unique perspectives and the deep colors create a mood and immerse the reader into the setting. In his illustrator's note, he shares his research to creating authentic pictures.

*Highly recommend.

-I own this book.

A Bit of Earth by Andrea G. Burke*

 I purchased this seasonal reflection book in the beginning of the year to read after my Bible. Mrs. Burke incorporates seasonal lessons from the garden. Each entry varies with its content-sometimes poetry, sometimes a prayer, sometimes a recipe, but always pointing to God and His truth and offering gardening tips. Her chapter epigraphs have led me to some old, unique gardening books!

*Highly recommend (although I am only partly way through the winter season). I love the cover!!

-I own this book.

A Place to Land: Martin Luther King Jr. and the Speech That Inspired a Nation by Barry Wittenstein illustrated by Jerry Pinkney

 This picture book focuses on the backstory of Martin Luther King Jr. writing his speech for the 1963 March on Washington. The collages and illustrations by Mr. Pinkney are powerful and expressive.

-Borrowed from the library.

Lucy's Christmas by Donald Hall illustrated by Michael McCurdy*

 Donald Hall has based this story off of his mom, Lucy and her Christmas in a New Hampshire farmhouse. Readers will be immersed in 1909 New England---how this generation prepared for and celebrated Christmas and how impressive it was owning a cast-iron Glenwood Kitchen Range. This delightful book is a must-add to the Christmas reading list. 

At the time of this book's publication, Donald Hall & his wife were living in the farmhouse depicted.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Just Like Millie by Lauren Castillo

 A young girl moves into an apartment in a new city with her mom. Since she is reluctant to interact with new people, her patient mom decides to adopt a dog. This dog, Millie, is outgoing and friendly. Millie leads the young girl to her first friend.

A sweet book! The end pages help tell the story.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Cart That Carried Martin by Eve Bunting illustrated Don Tate

 This picture book focuses on how the cart that carried Martin Luther King Jr.'s body on his funeral day was acquired, used, and returned. I liked how Ms. Bunting correlated the cart's traits with MLK Jr.'s character traits. 

Very interesting piece of history with a unique perspective.

-Borrowed from the library.

Bear Came Along by Richard T. Morris illustrated by LeUyen Pham*

 Award winner-Caldecott Honor-2020

I loved the illustrations in Mama Seeton's Whistle so much that I looked for other books LeUyen Pham illustrated. Ms. Pham is an amazing illustrator. I loved how she created perspective throughout her illustrations. One page I felt like I was in the water, eye level with the on-coming log. On another page, I felt like I was going to fall off the waterfall. Her use of black/white and then color as the story progress was fun to observe. The end pages foretell the story if one looks closely. 

Bear leaves his cave. His curiosity causes him to snap off a log and float down the river. Other animals join him on the journey. Friendships form because "bear came along" and "the river".

After the story the author and illustrator each summarize how this story is a metaphor for life.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Beatrice and Vanessa by John Yeoman & Quentin Blake*

 My niece shared this book with me today. What a humorous and well-written story! I loved the word choice, the delightful characters, and the clever plot.

Beatrice, a ewe, and Vanessa, a nanny goat, decide to leave their boring field and experience an adventure. After all, they are not getting any younger. When they enter the dark woods, they encounter wolves. Clever Vanessa abounds with ideas to escape the predators that pursue them.

*Highly recommend.

-My niece owns this book.

I,Vivaldi by Janice Shefelman illustrated by Tom Shefelman*

 My oldest son is learning to play Winter by Vivaldi on piano and would like to learn the rest of The Four Seasons. I was curious about this composer.

This picture book's captivating narrative and its sweeping illustrations enthralled me. Little is known about Vivaldi. Mrs. Shefelman utilizes the few facts known about him to create an excellent story. She explains after the story which incidents were true.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Mama Seeton's Whistle by Jerry Spinelli illustrated by LeUyen Pham**

 RAR recently added this book to their "books featuring large families" booklist. 

I absolutely loved this book and am hoping to purchase it soon.

When Mama Seeton wants her children to come home for dinner, she whistles a short, two-note whistle. Wherever they are in the neighborhood, they run home. Chocolate cake is always on the table. 

When her children move away and pursue their dreams, Mama Seeton is sad. Letters are nice, but Mama Seeton wants to touch her children's faces. Papa Seeton encourages her to whistle after dinner even though the children are in other states or countries. After that whistle, all she feels is disappointment. But the unimaginable occurs!

Mr. Spinelli based this story on his next door neighbor, Thelma, who made the world's best chocolate cake. Thelma whistled for her kids to come home each night for dinner.

Ms. Pham is an amazing illustrator. She researched the family and the time period. She created clothing, hairstyles, cars, and bike/scooters to reflect the specific era. I liked the illustrations almost more than the story!

Although I think kids will enjoy this book, I know mothers will love it!

**Highly, highly recommend.

-Borrowed via ILL. (but hopefully will buy it soon)

The Last Zookeeper by Aaron Becker*

 Science fiction is one of my least favorite genres. I, therefore, was a bit resistant to reading this picture book featuring a robot who cares for animals.

After a world flood, NOA, a robot, feeds and oversees zoo animals. Humans are gone. The rains continue. More disasters occur. Is he alone in this watery world?

Many allusions to biblical Noah are scattered throughout the narrative.

A wordless book that promotes discussion and inferring.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Reclaiming Quiet by Sarah Clarkson*

 Cultivating a Life of Holy Attention

Unfortunately, I only read through chapter five of this book before I needed to return it (I was trying to read it slowly and only in the mornings after my Bible reading when my mind was freshest). I plan to either buy it or borrow it again.

Sarah delves into our need to be quiet and to be focused in our highly distracted world. She divides her writing into three parts-The Nature of Quiet, The Shape of Quiet, and The Gifts of Quiet. Her word choice is precise yet her writing is beautiful and poetic. I think readers would benefit if they would discuss this book with a friend. Questions "to ponder" are included at the end of each chapter.

One of the chapters compelled me to finally buy The Ox-Cart Man by Donald Hall!!

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

One Long Line: Marching Catepillars and the Scientists Who Followed Them by Loree Griffin Burns illustrated by Jamie Green*

 World magazine selected this book as one of its honorable mentions for its 2024 Books of the Year for children's nonfiction.

Two scientists, who lived in different centuries, studied pine prcessionary caterpillars. Readers witness how scientists process information and persist in their studies. Also, readers will conclude that curiosity is a valuable trait and a driving force behind achievement. 

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows

 This book brought such delight to my days as I read it. The entire narrative is related via letters between the characters. I loved the character development, the witty writing, the setting on Guernsey, learning about WW II's impact on the Channel islands, and being reminded of the art of letter writing. 

Author Juliet Ashton, residing in London, receives a letter from a gentleman on Guernsey Island, stating he has one of her old books (her name & address was pasted on the inside front cover) and asking her to write him a note with the name of London bookshop so he can order more books. This letter opens a new life for Juliet-new writing ideas and new friends. 

I wanted to highly recommend this book but-Considerations: one character is gay (it mentions two times that he is -not graphic details nor is there a focus on it), when discussing predestination, one character says God is a devil if it is true (referring to Him allowing the Holocaust).

-I own this book (I bought it w/out knowing about the above considerations. Someone I trusted recommended it . . .why I ususally try to borrow and read a book 1st before buying it!)

Whale Fall by Melissa Stewart illustrated by Rob Dunlavey

 Ms. Stewart reveals how vital a whale's death is to a myriad of sea creatures. Enlarged inserts of the creatures support the text and help the reader comprehend. In the back Ms. Stewart provides more information about each of the creatures mentioned (scientific name, size, diet, predators, life span, & field note).  

A fascinating topic! This picture book will appeal to elementary students.

Pair with Life After Whale (Life After Whale presents more information about whale falls and has better illustrations.)

-Borrowed from the library.