Early Reader Review: Don't Disturb The Pirate by Rhiannon Findlay

Source: From Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review. 

Don't Disturb The Pirate by Rhiannon Findlay 

Publisher: SOURCEBOOKS Kids | Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
Publication Date:  May 1, 2025 - TODAY!

 

Format: Ebook


Rating:

Synopsis: 

From the author of Don't Disturb the Dragon, comes an ARRG-some next installment!

Oh no—naughty puppy Patch has run away! Can YOU help find him? As you search, remember not to disturb the pirate. If you hear a Yo Ho Ho, a cannon's boom, or fierce AHOYS along the way, turn and run from all that noise!

Sneak over, under, round and through the book, just remember. . .don't disturb the PIRATE!

Review: 

Don't Disturb the Pirate! is a cute and quick children's book that takes young readers on a playful adventure to find a runaway puppy. The twist? We have to sneak around quietly so we don’t bother the pirate!

This interactive story invites kids to explore the island alongside the young main character, looking for clues hidden throughout the illustrations. One of the standout spreads lets readers help find the pieces to pack a bag for the journey—adding an extra layer of fun and engagement.

With its charming mix of sneaking, searching, and surprises, this book is perfect for kids who love puppies, pirates, or a good party. The vibrant illustrations and seek-and-find elements will keep little ones entertained from start to finish. Parents will also enjoy that it is a shorter read, that involves being as quiet and sneaky as possible. This would be a good on for bedtime.

Early Reader Review: Avocado Magic by Taltal Levi

Source: From the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

Avocado Magic by Taltal Levi  Publisher: NorthSouth Books
Publication Date:  March 5, 2024

 

Format: Ebook


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Avocado seeds and slow growing! A young girl’s impatience turns to wonder as she and her avocado tree gradually change and grow in this story inspired by Israeli artist Taltal Levi’s childhood.

Ellie is sulking—she celebrated her birthday yesterday under the old avocado tree. But she’s not even a little bit taller today! Dad tells Ellie a secret. She is like the pit of an avocado, he explains, small and full of magic. Together they put an avocado seed in a glass of water by the window and watch as both Ellie and her avocado plant grow, take root, and eventually bring new life.

In Taltal Levi’s native country Israel, avocados are ubiquitous and plucked straight from the tree. In her third book, Taltal Levi uses warm, earthy colors to tell a personal yet universal story about the magic of growth.

Includes instructions for growing your own avocado tree!

Review: 

A girl named Ellie is upset about not growing fast enough so her dad has her learn about patience through the growth of an avocado seed. They patiently water it and watch it grow - very slowly. 

This was a cute story and picture book, focusing on growing up, patience, and that sometimes things just take time. I liked how it all came together, with teh age progression of Ellie and her avocado seed/plant/ tree. The book was vibrant and fun. Illustraions were flowing and really pretty.

I think that as she ages with the avocado and grows up, some nuance might be lost on some younger readers that she has a lovely tree for her kids... and that she has fully grown up.  Maybe not though. 

The book also included avocado seed instructions and care. 

Early Reader Review: Always Together by Patricia Kreiser

Source: From Netgally and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

Always Together by Patricia Kreiser 

Publisher: Capstone Editions
Publication Date:  January 1, 2024

 

Format: Ebook


Rating:


Synopsis: 

Close companions through their daily adventures, two otters are always connected, always sharing, and always together—until suddenly, they are not. One is left behind, and nothing is the same. Debut author-illustrator Patricia Kreiser brilliantly showcases themes of loss, separation, and loneliness by combining soft, watercolor illustrations with minimal but powerful text in this gorgeous picture book.

Review: 

Wow, I was not expecting to cry during a short Children's book read! So warning, this one hits you in your emotional bits.

Always Together is about being together - until you are not. Two best otters play together, eat together, and go everything together, until one isn't theree any more and the one left is sad and lonely, scared and mad too. 

I liked this book because it is good to talk about stuff like this, stages of grief and what it means when you feel these things. The otters were adorable, but wow it was SO SAD! and I was not expecting it. I think it took an interesting route - it does not explain at all where the other otter went or why they aren't there anymore, leaving readers just as upset as their friend. 

The book has beautiful watercolor art and it is gorgeous, whimsical and sweet. I loved it. 

Animal lovers beware, it is a sad book, but could be used as a teaching tool really effectively about loss and grief, but also about moving on in healthy ways.

Early Reader Review: The Invisible Bear by Cecile Metzger

Source: From Netgalley and Tundra Books in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review. 

The Invisible Bear by Cecile Metzger
Publisher: Tundra Books
Publication Date:  August 4, 2020

 

Format: Ebook

Rating:







Goodreads Synopsis: 

The bear, transparent to others, has a sad and repetitive life. One day, dragonflies of all colors come to disrupt his daily life ...
They announce by twirling the arrival of a neighbor, Mrs. Odette. A bubbly lady who cultivates colorful plants, listens to music, likes to chat ... Between them will be born a beautiful friendship.
The poetic universe of Cécile Metzger is filled with sweetness and kindness. 

Review: 
My rating for this book is mostly due to the gorgeous illustrations through the book and the story is cute, however it is a little confusing. This children's book is about a bear who lives alone in a grey house and is living a pretty repetitive boring life and feels invisible. The one day a colorful, vibrant, and almost energetic lady moves in next door and changes his world forever. He realizes that he is not invisible once she leaves. 

My adult brain reading this feels like it is all a visual representation about coming out of depression and into the colorful world and learning that there is so much around you to be appreciative of, but I am not sure that younger readers will experience this book in the same way with their limited knowledge about such topics and themes. 

The artwork throughout the book is absolutely amazing though and I really loved it. It is soft and yet bright and airy and really brought a smile to my face as I read this ebook. 

Early Reader Review: Leo's Monster by Marcus Pfister

Source: From Netgalley and NorthSouth Books in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

Leo's Monster by Marcus Pfister
Publisher: NorthSouth Books
Publication Date:  May 5, 2020

 

Format: Ebook


Rating:







Goodreads Synopsis:  

When Leo, the city mouse, visits his friend Zoe in the countryside for the first time, he meets a huge and horrible monster. 
It’s gigantic, has lots of horns, an enormous tail, and when it roars, the earth shakes. At least that’s what Leo saw. Or did he? Zoe thinks his description sounds just like Berta, the sweet-tempered cow in the meadow . . . 
Bestselling author Marcus Pfister skillfully weaves a hilarious story of mystery, suspense and just a hint of scariness. 

Review: 
Leo's Monster is a cute children's book about a mouse who thinks he saw a monster. He describes the monster to his friend, but she is not convinced. From what I gather, this book is based on a fable called The Country Mouse and the City Mouse, but it is a modern adaptation. 

This is an adorable book about not understanding and being scared of unfamiliar places. It might seem like there are monsters and that everything is wrong but really, if you stop and look, things are no so bad. 

The illustrations throughout are very well done and fun to look at, I think young readers will really enjoy them and really enjoy the 'twist' ending of the cows appearance. I am honestly a little sad that the synopsis give that part away. I often do not read children's book synopses, I like to go in blind and I was happily surprised by Berta. 

Early Reader Review: Brave Thumbelina by An Leysen

Source: From Netgalley and Clavis Publishing in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

Brave Thumbelina by An Leysen

Publisher:  Clavis Publishing
Publication Date:  October 11, 2018

 

Format: Ebook

Rating:


 



Goodreads Synopsis: 

An Leysen's breathtaking and magical retelling of the classic fairy tale of Hans Christian Andersen!

Once upon a time, there was a woman who desperately wanted a child. One day, a good witch passed her house and gave her a flower seed. The woman planted the seed and took good care of it. Before long, two little eyes curiously stared at her between the petals. Inside the flower was a tiny girl! The woman named her Thumbelina. It soon became clear that Thumbelina was a very brave little girl.

In this magical picture book, An Leysen retells the classic fairy tale of Hans Christian Andersen. For children ages 5 and up and anyone who loves enchanting fairy tales.

Review: 
This is a gorgeous book retelling the story of Thumbelina.  The illustrations throughout are breathtakingly done in pastel colors. The images are whimsical and realistic and the retelling is very well done. 

This is on the wordier side of Youth reads - the images are large and take up a lot of space but each page has a full paragraph of text as well. So it isn't a quick bedtime read but it is a great book if you have time to sit and read. If your child sits well this is a beautiful book to read to them. It has some good teaching points about being thoughtful and nice and how that can help you in the long run and about appreciating the beauty of the world around us.

Recent Reads: Washington DC Monsters by Rebecca Moeller

Source: From Netgalley and Chouette Publishing in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

Washington DC Monsters: A Search and Find Book by Rebecca Moeller
Series: City Monsters
Publisher: Chouette Publishing, City Monsters
Publication Date:  August 24, 2017

 

Format: Ebook

Rating:
 


 


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Do you know Washington D.C.? The nation's capital attracts people from all over the world--even little monsters! Did you know that? Monsters are masters of camouflage who can easily hide in plain sight. They get lost among the Cherry Blossoms at the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, go undercover at the International Spy Museum and even stow away at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum! Have fun spotting them all as you explore some of The District's most iconic landmarks and sights.

Review: 
This book is wonderful! It is set in Washington DC and takes kids on a journey around to some of the famous places to visit while also being a search and find book ! The illustrations are bright and pleasing to the eye and also very detailed to show the landmarks and places being visited. Each spread has a goal for how many monsters to find and some are pretty tricky... these monsters are great at disguises. 

The book is a great way to be educational and learn about a new city but also fun to have as an activity book. I think parents and young children will adore this one in their collection. And there are other cities available too! I chose to read this one because I am from the DC area and wanted to see what it showcased. I think it did a wonderful job!

Early Reader Review: The Christmas Joy Ride by Melody Carlson

Source: Netgalley and Revell in exchange for an honest review. Receiving this book in no way alters my opinion or review.

The Christmas Joy Ride by Melody Carlson
Publisher: Revell
Publication Date:  September 1, 2015

 

Format: Ebook


Rating:
 


 


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Miranda did not put adventure on her Christmas list, but thanks to her eighty-five-year-old neighbor Joy, that's exactly what she's getting this year. When Joy tells Miranda that she plans to drive an old RV decked out in Christmas decorations from their Chicago neighborhood to her new retirement digs in Phoenix--in the dead of winter, no less--the much younger Miranda insists that Joy cannot make such a trip by herself. Besides, a crazy trip with Joy would be more interesting than another Christmas home alone. Unemployed and facing foreclosure, Miranda feels she has nothing to lose by packing a bag and heading off to Route 66. But Joy has a hidden agenda for their Christmas joyride--and a hidden problem that could derail the whole venture.

No one captures the heartwarming fun of the Christmas season quite like Melody Carlson. Fasten your seat belt, because it's going to be an exciting ride!

Review: 
SO many feels for this book! I requested this book thinking that it would be a wonderful 'chick-lit' book for me to read during the holiday season, and it was. It was absolutely everything I wanted it to be and more. The story is beautifully written following an 85 year old woman named Joy and her neighbor, Miranda, a much younger woman who has fallen on some rough times. 

Over the course of a week they drive down Route 66 to award Christmas Prizes to various people along the way. Joy wants a Christmas hurrah before moving to assisted living and Miranda isn't sure what she is after but goes along anyway.

The tales of the people that win these prizes are sad yet the book makes the experience heartwarming and Joy is an adorable character - very grandma but VERY spunky. Miranda is down but as the holiday can do, she begins to come around.

This book made me laugh, it made me freak out, it made me cry - everything a good Woman's fiction book should and I loved every second of it deeply.  


 

Blog Tour: Ice Cream Work by Naoshi

About the Book:

Publisher: Overcup Press
ISBN: 0­9834917­3­9
Price: $14.99 hardcover
Pages: 40
Appropriate for ages 3 and up



Where will Ice Cream Man work next??
Ice Cream Man knows there’s lots of work to be done! Whether it’s cheerfully posing next to chocolate cake, beaming team spirit as 1/8th of a sunflower, or glowing bright as he becomes a fabulous night light, Ice Cream Man is ready for the job!
This delicious, quirky children’s book by internationally acclaimed Japanese artist Naoshi combines a whimsical story with colorful sunae (sand art). A “Look & Find” section challenges youngsters to scour the pages for medium details, and a “How To Make Sunae” section guides readers step‐by‐step through a “sand painting” art project of their own.
“Ice Cream Work is a meticulous and stunning piece of art. The story exudes a loopy, anarchist joy: chronicling the adventures of a hard­working and stylish frozen dairy confection and his eclectically industrious week.” ­­ Dale Bayse, author of Heck, Where the Bad Kids Go series.

Ice Cream Work was a very strange book - it is simple and follows an ice cream man as he goes from job to job. I didn't really know what I was starting to read when I began but the cover was cute and I was curious. I had no idea going into this that it was sand art - and knowing that I am SO impressed but this artist and author. There is so much detail in this book and I am thoroughly amused and amazed by her skill. The book is very short and includes a small search and find feature at the end, kind of in the style of Where's Waldo. 

The story is unique and fun, showing pictures as normal, then as ice cream man performs his job and they become playful and whimsical. I think young readers will find this book very fun and funny to read and look at. This would be a fun book to read and then do some sand art afterward. (Yay for crafts).


About the Author:

Naoshi is an internationally acclaimed Japanese illustrator whose distinctive characters and original style are recognized around the world. She uses  shiny colorful sand to create surreal people living  in the real world. She has participated in a wide range of projects including gallery exhibitions, commercial work, and children’s workshops. Naoshi is a Tokyo based artist currently living in Los Angeles.

Advance Praise for Ice Cream Work:

“Naoshi’s work is original and unmistakably recognizable. With a dry sense of humor, appreciation of fashion, video games, fine pastries, and just plain fun, each piece by Naoshi is a finely made confection with a charm all her own.” — Ben Zhu, owner of Gallery Nucleus

“Naoshi represents everything I love about contemporary Japanese art: one foot in history, one foot in pop culture, two skilled hands, and her head firmly in a cloud of unadulterated enthusiasm for making art.” — Matt Wagner, author of The Tall Trees of Portland and The Tall Trees of Tokyo

“Naoshi’s pure approach to her art form is inspiring: knowing that the shiny bright colors that bring her stories alive are tiny grains of sand always transfixes me. Naoshi is one of today’s greatest artists.” — Carrie Gifford, founder & creative director of Red Cap Cards

“Some people bury their heads in the sand. Some draw lines in the sand. Sunae artist Naoshi does both: creating surreal worlds alive with wit and whimsy, one vibrantly colored grain of sand at a time. Ice Cream Work is a stunning piece of meticulous­yet­oddly spontaneous art that is as sweet and cool as a pint of hand­crafted ice cream. The story has a loopy, anarchist joy about it, rather like The Point by way of Cibo Matto, where a hard­working and stylish frozen dairy confection guides readers through his eclectically industrious week, even divulging how much he is paid for his days of outlandish toil. Children, hipsters, and anyone with an eye for the absurd will thoroughly lap up Ice Cream Work: from the top of its rainbow sprinkles right down to the tip of its sugar cone.” ­ —Dale Bayse, author of Heck, Where the Bad Kids Go series.

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Early Reader Review: Max the Brave by Ed Vere

Max the Brave by Ed Vere
Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
Publication Date:  September 8, 2015

 

Format:  Ebook
Source: Netgalley and Sourcebooks in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review of the book.

Rating:


 


 


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Max the Brave is a brilliant new picture book from Ed Vere. This is Max. Max the Brave, Max the Fearless, Max the Mouse-catcher...But, in order to be a Mouse-catcher, Max needs to know what a mouse is, so off he goes to find out. This hilarious new picture book from the phenomenally-talented Ed Vere introduces a new and lovable character, with Ed's trademark bold illustrations and clever story. Other Ed Vere titles to look out for: Banana; Bedtime for Monsters; Mr. Big; The Getaway Ed Vere studied fine art at Camberwell College of Art and has been writing and illustrating children's books since 1999. He is published in both England and the US. Ed is also a painter, working from his studio in east London and is represented by galleries in London and Los Angeles. After a year and a half living in Barcelona, Ed now lives and works in London.

 Review: 
Max the Brave is an adorable book about a Kitten named Max who is trying to find out what a mouse is so that he can be brave and chase it. The book is wonderful - Max is a little black kitten in search of a mouse - only he is asking all the animals if they are a mouse, so it takes him a long time to finally encounter one.

The book is very vibrant with color - the pages are all different bright hues to draw a young eye, Max stands out against the bright background and his inquisitive nature is charming. The story also allows for learning some animals, since they are not mice as Max asks around. 

There are words in the book it is not just pictures and this does lend to a very cute story that I think parents and young children will enjoy reading and looking at.