Mama’s Book Review: “Why Are You So Quiet?” by Jaclyn Desforges, art by Risa Hugo

Logan and I recently read “Why Are You So Quiet?” by Jaclyn Desforges, art by Risa Hugo. Our copy was generously provided by NetGalley.

BOOK DETAILS // WHY ARE YOU SO QUIET? by Jaclyn Desforges, art by Risa Hugo // Expected Publication Date: September 8, 2020 // Hardcover, 32 pages // Annick Press //

AN EBOOK COPY OF THIS BOOK WAS GENEROUSLY PROVIDED BY NETGALLEY IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW

OUR CHALLENGE // Read together June 27, 2020 // Book #31 in our 1000 Books Before Kindergarten challenge

Rating: 3 / 5 coffee beans

Logan and I recently enjoyed an ebook copy of “Why Are You So Quiet?” by Jaclyn Desforges, with art by Risa Hugo. This book is slated for publication by Annick Press in September 2020, so we were fortunate to have early access to the book via NetGalley.

The story of Myra Louise reminded me very much of my own childhood, as I was known as “the quiet one” (and still am to a large degree). Although I was never teased or bullied because of my bookish introversion, I know people were thinking “Does she even know how to talk?” My physical presence was “forgotten” many times because I was too busy observing and listening to the people around me instead of talking and interacting with them. In other words, this is probably one of the most relatable children’s books I’ve ever read.

Myra Louise and I know the pain of having to explain to others why we prefer books to people, and silence to talking. Introverts like us can provide a very simple answer to the annoying question “Why are you so quiet?” It’s nothing earth-shattering, yet the extroverts among us are often confounded by the simple truth: the world is much too loud — and life seems to make more sense when we are listening, not talking. Not to mention how much more we can learn about the world around us when we get quiet for a while.

Overall, Logan and I enjoyed the book, the message, and the beautiful illustrations; however, we couldn’t rate the book higher than 3 stars for at least two reasons. One, we felt the limitations of the ebook format hampered our experience of the book. The artwork is one of the better elements of this title, and it just wasn’t as easy to view and inspect it in ebook format. If we had a physical copy, we are sure we would rate the book one star higher. (Of course, this is no fault of the title itself, it’s just the only option we had at the moment and it does impact our review).

Two, we felt there could have been more time devoted to Myra Louise’s listening machine adventures. The concept of a young child being an inventor is pretty unique and the story just fell a little flat in places. This is not a major complaint, but sometimes children’s books seem a little too short, and I think this one could have been expanded by at least a few pages. Again, a good experience, and we are grateful for the chance to read the book months before publication. We hope to read it someday in print because ebook format wasn’t satisfactory for this title.

It’s a great book for children who might be self-conscious about their quiet personalities, or for children who are trying to understand their more introverted peers. It also serves as a talking point to encourage being comfortable in our own skin — no matter what the world expects of us.

We’ll see you again soon. Happy July!

Forever Between Pages,

Mama & Logan xoxo

Mama’s Book Review: “Love You Forever” by Robert Munsch, illustrated by Sheila McGraw

Logan and I finally made it to this 1986 classic a few weeks ago. The story was beautiful, the illustrations “classic” in every sense of the word, and of course, we’ll always remember that cover with the toddler making a complete mess in the bathroom. For the heartbreaking story behind the book, click here.

“Love You Forever” is Logan-Approved!

BOOK DETAILS // LOVE YOU FOREVER by Robert Munsch, illustrated by Sheila McGraw // 1986 // Paperback, 32 pages // Firefly Books

OUR CHALLENGE // Read together (with Mimi) June 7, 2020 // Book #30 in our 1000 Books Before Kindergarten challenge

Rating: 5 / 5 coffee beans

Logan and I finally made it to this 1986 classic a few weeks ago. I doubt there are many people who haven’t at least heard of this children’s book. A paperback copy was gifted to Logan recently and we couldn’t wait to read this special story of a mother’s undying love for her child. This was guaranteed to be an extremely emotional read (we knew this before reading it); when I did some research and discovered the heartbreaking personal story behind the book and song (“I’ll love you forever / I’ll like you for always / As long as I’m living / My baby you’ll be”), it tugged at the heart strings even more.

We read this book with Mimi, who shared memories of having experienced it decades ago. She remembered the book from when I, Mama, was a little girl in grade school and my teacher read it during a parent-child Mother’s Day event. Mimi said my teacher warned everyone beforehand that she would try very hard not to break down and cry while reading it.

Yes, it’s one of those books.

One of those books where you’re looking around the room, asking “Who’s chopping onions?”

But that’s no surprise, because we expect any story about a mother’s love for her child (a son) to be heartfelt and sentimental. We were a little concerned about the part where the little old lady climbs up a ladder into the upstairs bedroom of her grown son! We understand that the book is simply making a point of how much this woman loves her dear child, but we thought that was a mite eccentric. I don’t know too many grannies climbing ladders, do you?

The story was beautiful, the illustrations “classic” in every sense of the word, and of course, we’ll always remember that cover with the toddler making a complete mess in the bathroom.

If you don’t know about this book, I have to ask: which rock have you been hiding under? And if you just remembered this book, why don’t you grab a copy and experience it again? It’s probably still one of the sweetest stories you’ve ever read. The book has been deemed a little “over-the-top” or strange to some people, and I can see where they’re coming from. And it’s heartbreaking when you learn the story’s origins. But we think it’s still one of the sweetest and most unforgettable stories of the last half-century.

Hope you’re having a great summer so far!

Forever Flipping Pages,

Mama & Logan xoxo

Little One’s Book Review: Usborne Lift-the-Flap “Sharks” by Kirsteen Rogers, illustrated by Peter Scott

Mama’s not too embarrassed to admit that she was a little scared to turn the page sometimes, the artwork was so detailed!! She’s not crazy about sharks but she liked the book because it was so informative and engaging. We recommend!

BOOK DETAILS
Usborne Lift-the-Flap Sharks
by Kirsteen Rogers, illustrated by Peter Scott
2005
Hardcover, 16 pages
Usborne

OUR CHALLENGE
Read together: May 15, 2020
Book #29 in our 1000 Books Before Kindergarten challenge

Rating: 5 / 5
coffee beans

Hey friends,

Mama and I are here with a quick book review.

Mama, Mimi and I read a great science book about sharks recently, and now we know more about this species than we thought possible!! Of course, the reason we loved this book so much is because it’s one of the awesome titles offered by Usborne Books and More!

The book is thoroughly researched with so many shark facts that when I’m older, I’m going to really dive into this one again. This is a Lift-the-Flap title and offers a fun, interactive way to explore the underwater world of sharks. We learned about some of the most recognizable players in the shark world (for example, great whites and hammerheads) but the book also highlighted some less well-known (but just as potentially dangerous) species as well.

We also learned that sharks rarely attack humans and when they do it’s because they’re mistaking them for food — not because sharks naturally enjoy snacking on humans. (In fact, they’d much rather have a fellow sea creature for lunch!)

The book is a nice size, full of colorful artwork and best of all, is as interactive as any kid would like! The Lift-the-Flap feature makes this already wonderful book a full 5/5 coffee beans for us.

Mama’s not too embarrassed to admit that she was a little scared to turn the page sometimes, the artwork was so detailed!! She’s not too fond of sharks but she liked the book because it was so informative and engaging. We recommend!

Until Next Time,

Mama & Logan

Mama’s Book Review: “A Computer Called Katherine: How Katherine Johnson Helped Put America on the Moon” by Suzanne Slade, illustrated by Veronica Miller Jamison

Logan and I read a stellar children’s book about Katherine Johnson. If you’ve seen the 2016 movie “Hidden Figures,” you already know about her. She was an amazing woman, and I was proud to introduce my son to her story. We will revisit this one when he’s older.

BOOK DETAILS
A Computer Called Katherine: How Katherine Johnson Helped Put America on the Moon
by Suzanne Slade, illustrated by Veronica Miller Jamison
2019
Hardcover, 40 pages
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

OUR CHALLENGE
Read together May 9, 2020
Book #28 in our 1000 Books Before Kindergarten challenge

Rating: 5 / 5 coffee beans

Logan and I read another stellar children’s book a few days ago — this time about a real-life figure we were already somewhat familiar with: Katherine Johnson. If you’ve been living under a rock the last few years, you might not have heard of this awesome lady, but if you’ve seen the 2016 movie “Hidden Figures” or paid any attention to NASA, you certainly know about her. (In fact, you also probably know about Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, as well.) Katherine Johnson was the last surviving member of this empowered trio until she passed away at the age of 101 on February 24, 2020.

Photos courtesy of the publisher (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers); my photo arrangement in Pic Collage

Genres: Non-fiction, picture books, children’s books, history, African American, gender, women, artwork, biography
Themes: motivation, intelligence, power of perseverance, heroes, education
Recommended for: general audience

Katherine G. Johnson refused to be limited by society’s expectations of her gender and race while expanding the boundaries of humanity’s reach. – – former President Barack Obama, who presented Johnson with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katherine_Johnson

Portrait of Katherine Johnson, Credit: NASA
For more information, click here

The beautifully-illustrated picture book “A Computer Called Katherine” was released in spring 2019 to much acclaim. Since our public library has been closed for a while now, we can’t access a physical copy of the book, so we read an ebook copy on Mama’s phone. We know without a doubt that the experience of the physical book would have made the reading of this book even more wonderful, and we hope to revisit it as soon as possible.

We won’t reveal the details of the book because we definitely want you to pick it up for yourself, but we will tell you without reservation that this is one great title, for littles and adults alike. The amazing (I can’t find a better word!) artwork by illustrator Veronica Miller Jamison and the biographical narrative by children’s book author and scientist Suzanne Slade provide ample evidence that they are wholly devoted to their subject.

• 

  Children’s book author and scientist Suzanne Slade has written over 100 books for children, many of them science-based

• 

  Illustrator Veronica Miller Jamison’s glorious artwork shines a light on Johnson, one of America’s scientific heroes

The authors of the biographical book “A Computer Called Katherine”

The cheerful full-page spreads visually invite the reader into the world of NASA and American society during the time in which Katherine was doing her history-changing work. It highlights Katherine’s lifelong ambition and intellectual gifts in a way that young children will devour, making her personal determination and enthusiasm to achieve and excel an important talking point.

This book will help start the conversation about personal goals and the importance of having dreams — no matter one’s gender or skin color. It will also demonstrate how critical it is to disregard any voices saying (sometimes shouting) that something can’t be done simply because it’s never been done before. The story of Katherine’s entire life proves that if we are able to do something in our lives, we must then be willing — no matter what.

It’s simply inspiring from the first page to the last, and a must-read for young and old alike. 5 stars for the artwork alone. One of our favorite reads so far!

Hope everyone is staying safe and healthy.

xoxo,
Mama & Logan

Mama’s Book Review: “Hair Love” by Matthew A. Cherry, illustrated by Vashti Harrison

Logan and I read another great book about strong family relationships with “Hair Love” by Matthew A. Cherry and illustrator Vashti Harrison. The story was simple and powerful, as the best stories tend to be.

Hair Love
by Matthew A. Cherry
Illustrated by Vashti Harrison
2019
Hardcover, 32 pages
Kokila

Read together April 29, 2020
Rating: 4 / 5 ⭐️
Book #26 in our 1000 Books Before Kindergarten challenge

Logan and I read another great book about strong family relationships with “Hair Love” by Matthew A. Cherry and illustrator Vashti Harrison. The story was simple and powerful, as the best stories tend to be.

Adorable main character Zuri is a bright and shining little girl excited to spend quality time with her daddy while her mommy is out for the day. But it’s not just an ordinary day; it’s the perfect day to design the prettiest hairstyle!

That would be an ordinary undertaking for another little girl, but Zuri has wild and untamed hair. It kinks and coils and generally misbehaves, impervious to the comb and brush and always needing special care and attention. For this important mission, Zuri needs her Daddy’s help.

Lucky for Zuri, her daddy is hard-working and determined to give his daughter the best style. But managing Zuri’s hair is not for the faint of heart and even Daddy struggles to get it just right. Much time is spent in front of the bathroom mirror to give her a hairstyle that brings out her unique beauty.

Images courtesy of the publisher (Kokila) and cloudLibrary; my photo arrangement in Pic Collage

Eventually, the desired hairstyle is achieved and it’s all thanks to Daddy’s enthusiasm and hard work. He loves his little girl and it’s obvious how much he wants to make her happy. The beautifully-detailed illustrations by Harrison show the love between the two in cheerful spreads of color.

When mommy comes home at the end of the day, she hugs her little girl and compliments daddy’s handiwork. A memorable line at the end of the book: “My hair is Mommy, Daddy and me. It’s hair love.”

This is one of the sweetest family stories we’ve read so far. We enjoyed every page, and we think you will too! Highly recommend 🌺

BONUS: Watch the heartwarming Oscar- winning short film “Hair Love” from Sony Pictures Animation. Is someone chopping onions in this room, or what?

Until Next Time,

Mama & Logan

Little One’s Book Review: “Cats” (Usborne Beginners Series) by Anna Milbourne, designed by Michelle Lawrence

This Usborne Beginners Series book is a great children’s introduction to the exciting world of kittens and cats. It’s a detailed book, heavy on the science and biology of the feline species, but still elementary enough for little people. We enjoyed it and rated it 5 stars.

Cats
Usborne Beginners Series
by Anna Milbourne, designed by Michelle Lawrence
2006
Hardcover, 32 pages
Usborne Books

Read together April 25, 2020
Rating: 5 / 5 ⭐️
Book #25 in our 1000 Books Before Kindergarten challenge

This Usborne book is a great children’s introduction to the exciting world of kittens and cats. It’s a detailed book, heavy on the science and biology of the feline species, but still elementary enough for little people. (Note: At almost 8 months, Logan is definitely not the target audience for this title — or most of the titles we read — so it is much more appropriate for an older child).

The book is interesting and full of facts, and I read some things that I didn’t know about cats, even as a cat owner. The graphics include both photographs and artwork and fill out the book in a streamlined way. It’s a good primer for cat newbies and lovers alike, or for anyone eager to learn something new about their feline friends. We will revisit this one when Logan is older, maybe about 4-5.5 / 5 ⭐️ for being richly informative and entertaining.

Another book review on the way. Continue to stay well and healthy, friends 🌼

xoxo,

Mama & Logan (almost 8 months old now)

#SerialSunday: Recently Read (Adventures of Sherlock Holmes)

{ pages for breakfast }

#SerialSunday: a quick new blog feature where I highlight a recently read selection from Serial Reader. For more information about the Serial Reader app, click here: https://www.serialreader.org

Title: “The Adventure of the Three Students” (Sherlock Holmes Chronicles #27)

Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Year: 1904

Genre: Classic British Literature

Format: short story

Read on the Serial Reader app

Rating: 4 / 5 ⭐️

Read: April 17, 2020

Notes: One-sitting reads, new-to-me author, classic literature, digital reads, ebooks

Quick Synopsis: Three students, about to undergo a rigorous exam for a scholarship, are suspected of cheating. Sherlock Holmes uncovers the unlikely culprit.

Comments: I’m pleased to discover how much I enjoy the adventures of Sherlock Holmes. I started reading these stories earlier this year and have now read 4 of them in the app.

I love the rhythm and routine of each story and the OCD-like attention to detail always paid by…

View original post 40 more words

Little One’s Book Review: “The Friendly Duck” by Gina Ingoglia, illustrated by Deborah Borgo

Mimi sat down to read me another book recently; the book was from Mama’s childhood collection and it was well-worn and deeply loved. The book was called “The Friendly Duck” and it was another good one.

The Friendly Duck
by Gina Ingoglia
Illustrated by Deborah Borgo
1989
Paperback, 24 pages
Western Pub. Co.

Read together March 23, 2020
Rating: 4 / 5 ⭐️
Book #24 in our “1000 Books Before Kindergarten” challenge

Mimi sat down to read me another book recently; the book was from Mama’s childhood collection and it was well-worn and deeply loved. The book was called “The Friendly Duck” and it was another good one.

It was about a little boy who lives in a farmhouse and a cute little golden-colored duck who glides in the pond behind the house. Every day, the boy comes out to visit the friendly duck and give him bread and attention. The duck is always happy to see him, and looks forward to his daily visits.

But one day, the little boy doesn’t come out, so the duck makes his first journey across the farm and inside the farmhouse to find the boy. After a quick tour of the farm, the brave duck climbs the stairs to the boy’s bedroom and finds his friend in bed, sick with a cold. The boy is delighted that the friendly duck came to see him for a change.

The friendly duck showed the little boy how much he missed him and how willing he was to see his friend. It’s a quick, pleasant book about friendship.

We loved the illustrations and enjoyed the story; it was also special to read another book that belonged to my Mommy and now belongs to me.

Hey everyone — it’s spring!! Stay safe out there.

xoxo,

Mama & Logan

Mama’s Book Review: “Dinosaur vs. Bedtime” by Bob Shea

A scenario any child can relate to, this super-short and simple book is appropriate for the youngest of children and shows how hard a little dinosaur will fight bedtime. Spoiler alert: bedtime eventually wins.

Dinosaur vs. Bedtime
by Bob Shea
2008
Hardcover Board Book, 40 pages
Little Brown Books for Young Readers

Read together February 20, 2020
Rating: 2 / 5 ⭐️
Book #21 in our “1,000 Books Before Kindergarten” challenge

A quick little board book about a red dinosaur who doesn’t want to go to bed. A scenario any child can relate to, this super-short and simple book is appropriate for the youngest of children and shows how hard a little dinosaur will fight bedtime — although it will conquer him in the end. We gave it 2 stars because it’s such a simple, elementary reading experience and we’re striving for more. This book, part of the Dinosaur Vs. series, is cute but not great.

Spring has almost sprung! More titles coming soon!!

xoxo,

Mama & Logan

Little One and Mama’s Book Review: “The Finger and the Nose” by Paula Merlan and Gomez (illustrator)

Originally published in Portugal, “The Finger and the Nose” tells an amusing tale of extreme nose-picking and a child’s (forced) mission to evict her troublesome friend from his nose-home. You’ve never read anything like it!!

The Finger and the Nose
by Paula Merlan
Gomez (illustrator)
2019
Hardcover, 44 pages
NubeOcho

Read together February 2, 2020
Rating: 3 / 5 ⭐️
Book #19 in our “1,000 Books Before Kindergarten” challenge

Little One’s Book Review: Sophie has a little problem…that’s quickly turning into a big problem. She loves picking her nose; a common enough habit for most children, Sophie has taken her picking to the next level. She loves picking her nose so much that she has named her nose-picking finger Tom, and he’s become a rather close friend.

One day, she looks in the mirror and notices that her nose is getting bigger; she compares it to a large radish. It has beyond doubled in size and the growth doesn’t seem to be slowing down. Her parents told her this would happen if she didn’t stop letting Tom the Finger in her nose to root around all the time. Of course, Sophie didn’t believe them but now she thinks there might be something to it.

Sophie has made a nice home in her nose for Tom the Finger and he’s starting to explore and expand every day. That’s why her poor nose is getting bigger; Tom is upgrading his habitat!! Upon closer inspection, he’s got quite a nice place to live in Sophie’s nostril: he enjoys a large living room where he reads books, among other nice amenities.

If Sophie wishes her nose to return to normal non-radish size, she’ll have to stop her constant nose-picking and Tom will have to help out. Eventually, she figures out a way to occupy Tom in other pursuits. Things go back to normal when he behaves as properly as Sophie’s other fingers.

Mama’s Book Review: This is a cute book about a rather unsavory habit that many children will relate to and chuckle at while reading the story. I’m willing to bet that both children and adults have not encountered any subject matter quite like it in a children’s book, although the idea (plot) is pretty unique.

Originally published in Portugal, “The Finger and the Nose” tells an amusing tale of extreme nose-picking and a child’s (forced) mission to evict her troublesome friend from his nose-home. You’ve never read anything like it!! The artwork isn’t really a draw for us but it actually matches the story perfectly.

The artwork and the ick factor (which is a bit over the top) are why we rated it 3 / 5 ⭐️ However, we think the “grossness” won’t bother young children too much, as they pride themselves on this kind of behavior sometimes. And the book is perfect for a nice laugh.

Can you believe it’s almost the end of February?! We’ll be back soon with more reviews; marching toward March (and Spring).

xoxo,

Mama & Logan