Chanticleer Book Reviews

Tag: Illustrated

  • LORELEI The LORELEI: The First of Many Firsts by Kristen J. Anderson, Illustrated by Audrey Suau – Young Readers, Children’s Friendship Books, Children’s Confidence Books

    Little Peeps 1st Place Best in Category Blue and Gold Badge ImageLorelei the Lorelei seeks a best friend and to figure out what makes her truly special, all on her first day of public school. In Lorelei the Lorelei: The First of Many Firsts by Kristen J. Anderson, young Lorelei finds that not everything is as she expected.

    After anxiously waiting for her dad and baby brother J.J. to get ready, and armed with the wisdom of her Mee-maw, Lorelei strides into Hillside Elementary School. She shows off her eclectic fashion and discovers that even a teacher named ‘Miss Grim’ can be welcoming. At first, Lorelei’s plans are coming together. She’s certain that Adeline, a girl who shares her exuberant nature, will be her best friend.

    But Lorelei butts heads with Emily, aka “Hands” given her impatience to be called on. As a student of ballet and future sugary-cereal-advertisement star, Emily has little patience for Lorelei taking the spotlight.

    As a newcomer to public school, Lorelei has to navigate this conflict while learning new schedules, rules, and terms. But she keeps her heart and mind open, even when she doesn’t quite understand all of her new classmates.

    Anderson captures a childlike view of the world in her prose.

    Lorelei sees the end of summer as a portend for the first snows of winter—and the hot chocolate to come along with it. While she holds strong opinions, Lorelei is quick to consider new ideas and come up with explanations for why things are a certain way. Anderson’s written voice builds on the natural humor found in Lorelei’s excitable perspective, making this book immediately approachable for young readers.

    Lorelei herself is a relatable figure for many kids as she deals with the nervousness of a new experience.

    As much as school might excite her, Lorelei often gets anxious and has to use breathing techniques to keep her asthma from flaring up. Lorelei the Lorelei will help young readers face their own ‘firsts’, as Lorelei herself deals with unexpected problems.

    Throughout the book, Lorelei becomes a good role model for kids starting school or trying to make new friends.

    Like anyone, Lorelei can get annoyed at her family’s antics, but the love and familiarity between them is always clear to see. She’s a good sister to J.J. and carries her kind nature into the classroom. By standing up for other kids when they get picked on or left out of the group, Lorelei shows the importance of making space for others. Her classmates return that kindness, supporting Lorelei even when her messy bangs escape from her hairband.

    Lorelei ultimately learns not to make assumptions about people before she gets to know them, and that not everyone’s had the same experiences as her. In fact, she finds that her classmates have interesting stories of their own to tell. And, while understanding someone who annoys her is harder to do, especially after getting into an argument, Lorelei tries to empathize with Emily rather than become playground enemies for good.

    Illustrator Audrey Suau perfectly matches the tone of the story with a cheerful picture for each chapter.

    Little details, like Lorelei’s unique outfit, pop from the background. The characters are distinct and show their personalities in image and writing alike. Even bigfoot himself makes a cameo—at least, in the woodland of Lorelei’s imagination.

    Young readers will find a welcoming tale and valuable lesson in Lorelei the Lorelei.

    Lorelei embraces each new activity whether she was prepared for it or not, leaping in with an excitement that readers will share. She might not quite know what makes her unique by the end of the day, but she certainly makes her new friends feel special. After all, every kid could use a good friend on the first day of school.

     

  • IVER And LUKE And The FRIENDS-For-OTHERS CLUB: Owning the Dash Kid’s Books by Anthony C. Delauney, illustrated by Chiara Civati – Children’s Friendship Books, Picture Books, Children’s Determination Books

    Iver and Luke and the Friends-for-Others Club by award-winning author Anthony C. Delauney, tells an accessible moral tale about helping one’s friends. With relatable characters and vivid illustrations in a panorama of colors by Chiara Civati, it’s a story that will surely garner the rapt attention of little book lovers.

    Life sometimes leads us into unexpected storms, throwing us off balance for a while before we get back to our feet. Some of these setbacks require us to change and recognize that we are not alone. It is during these times of adversity that we discover who our true friends are and how much we can lean on their shoulders to make it through the bad.

    Iver and Luke and the Friends-for-Others Club keeps young readers engaged while teaching them the values of resilience, hard work, and true friendship through a cast of endearing characters.

    When Iver and Luke’s mother suffers a severe leg injury after falling off her bike, their father takes up the responsibility of being her caregiver while she recuperates at home. Little Iver and his brother enthusiastically offer to help with the many chores at home in an attempt to lighten their father’s duties. They create a “Family Jobs List,” jotting down all the work that needs to be done daily, weekly, and monthly. However, a shadow of doubt is cast upon the two when they realize the duties are too many and they don’t know where to start.

    Apprehensive but determined, Iver and Luke start their new tasks with firm resolve as they forge ahead to establish a money-making venture. The two boys are quickly overwhelmed by their new routine. But thankfully, their friends note their sluggishness at school and realize they need to help the two boys. Providing a real-life example that proves true friends are life’s most valuable gifts.

    This story offers children vibrant illustrations, characters they can identify with, and a story that will make them see the world through a new lens.

    Delauney deftly handles complex issues such as sickness, caregiving, household chores, cooperation, compassion, and the value of being a good neighbor. He creates a safe place for young readers to ponder and slowly digest the lessons learned. The pleasant choice of font, the use of warm colors, and the dynamic designs on each page enhance the storytelling and will keep kids glued to the story.

    Delaney’s read-out-loud tale is a great avenue into a conversation about supporting your community for parents who want to cultivate a sense of responsibility and good decision-making in their children.

    Iver and Luke and the Friends-for-Others Club by Anthony C. Delauney is an achievement that provides both entertainment and valuable life lessons and should be a staple on every child’s bookshelf.

     

  • TOMMY ROCKET And The GOOBER PATROL by Thomas R. Kuhn – Children’s Adventure, Mystery, Sci-fi

     

    Tommy Rocket and the Goober Patrol by Thomas R. Kuhn follows Nate, a young boy growing up in the 1970s, whose friendship with the kid genius robot builder, Tommy Rocket, leads him into mysterious adventures.

    Tommy’s father invented the Prometheus chip that gives sentience to robots, and from a young age Tommy started creating a gang of robots called the Goober Patrol. Eccentric and wheelchair-bound, Tommy prefers to tinker with his robots at home. But he befriends Nate after he saves Tommy from bullies.

    When Tommy’s aptly named ‘Monster-bot’ gets loose, Nate is tasked with finding and securing the rogue bot before anyone finds out. But the two boys soon find out there is more at work than one missing robot. There’s another tinkerer in town and they’re building their own special group of robots—which look just like one of Tommy’s creations. Nate and Tommy have to find out who has gotten their hands on the Prometheus chip before it’s too late.

    Filled with 1970s nostalgia, Tommy Rocket and the Goober Patrol explores the best parts of childhood.

    School is just a thing to endure and kids are wrapped up in their own adventures with their friends.

    For these two kids, their adventures are more than playground games. This adventure has much more more at stake.

    Tommy’s robots are quirky, comedic characters, but the star of the story is undoubtedly Nate. He’s a normal boy who loves to read superhero comics and often procrastinates with his homework until the last moment. He’s also tenacious, sticking up for what’s right even if it jeopardizes his friendship with Tommy.

    An eccentric young kid, Tommy does not seem the easiest person to be friends with, but he cares for Nate in his own way, even reaching out with a coded message whenever they have a disagreement

    The mystery of the Monster-bot flows at a pleasant, consistent pace as its clues are revealed.

    This is a book for both kids who love going on adventures around the neighborhood with their friends, and for adults who grew up during the ’70s, making Tommy Rocket and the Goober Patrol a great book for children and parents to read together.

    For the comic book readers and the budding science fiction fans, Tommy Rocket and the Goober Patrol is not to be missed.

     

  • THE TRUE ADVENTURES Of MILTON GINSBERG by Carolyn Russo Kinne, Illustrated by Libi Holder – Picture Books, Children’s Adventure Books, Animal Stories

     

    Carolyn Russo Kinne’s children’s story, The True Adventures of Milton Ginsberg, follows the journey of a delightful little kitten from Washington to British Columbia, Canada and back.

    Milton is the bright star of this story, even with his harrowing beginning as a stray with his mother and brother. While the humans’ storyline feels beyond Milton’s understanding, both the tense and tender moments make this beautifully illustrated story memorable!

    The upbeat tone Milton narrates in is one of this story’s treasures.

    This cat truly has nine lives as he faces each step of his adventure with luck. Pair that with his humble beginnings, and children will fall in love with Milton as he describes how his mother finds him and his brother a forever home with two humans, Dave and Nancy.

    The tension builds when Dave and Nancy decide to move to British Columbia. They try and find homes for all three cats, but the people who take them on are only able to accept two. Milton’s family decide he is the adventurous one, and take him north. It’s a touching moment as Milton says goodbye to his mother and brother.

    Milton’s indomitable spirit captures Dave and Nancy’s heart just as much as the reader’s.

    Excited at first to be a traveling cat, Milton quickly discovers drives are long, bumpy, and boring. He can’t wait to get out of the car when they stop for supplies. Out gallivanting, he’s shocked to find the car has left while he was away. But he is one lucky cat, and when his people return calling his name, Milton runs to them and the story proceeds north.

    After a disastrous time in British Columbia, the family winds their way back to the continental US to create a home. This is where Milton can grow into the wonderful, mischievous cat he was always meant to be.

    Libi Holder’s beautiful illustrations will delight children and adults alike as they meld with Kinne’s story to paint the highs and lows of Milton’s adventures.

    Holder’s soft representations of nature, our hero Milton, and his own hero will hold the interest of young readers and provide a sense of satisfaction to the story. A second set of illustrations spread throughout the book, drawn by Carolyn Russo Kinne’s own daughter, Rose, adds an engaging generational feature to this children’s tale.

    Readers will love following Milton on his adventures as he and his family navigate growing up and finding their place in the world. This enchanting story will warm your heart and endear Milton to you as another admirable animal character in the canon of children’s literature. As fun companions to the story itself, Kinne includes activity pages at the end of the book, complete with discussion questions, a maze, and more!

    Carolyn Russo Kinne’s The True Adventures of Milton Ginsberg will have readers ready to write their own adventures about always landing on your feet and being surrounded by those who love and care about you.

     

  • LET’S WORK SMARTER: Harmony Lane Adventures Book 2 by Katharine Mitropoulos, Illustrated by Laura Watson – Children’s Animal Stories, Picture Books, Creative Thinking Skills

     

    Katharine Mitropoulos’s Let’s Work Smarter, the second book of the Harmony Lane Adventures series, begins on a beautiful day at the Harmony Lane Farmer’s Market. There the residents are hoping to reach their fundraising goal to fix up the local playground.

    The next day, after having met their fundraising goal, Mouse takes charge dividing everyone into groups, each with their own job to do. Kangaroo, Frog, and Kitten are tasked with planting a flower garden, which turns out to be hard work! They decide they just need to work harder to get the job done but end up making a mess. Cheetah and Mole work hard while cleaning up the sandbox, causing sticks and leaves to get all over the place. Painting the fence are Giraffe, Bear, and Bunny, who all have their own plan for the design.

    By lunch everyone is no closer to finishing their tasks and everyone is exhausted! Mouse suggests everyone needs to work smarter instead of working harder. If everyone takes the time to think of creative ways to accomplish their tasks together and in an easier way, they will all be done fixing up the playground in no time!

    The Adventures of Harmony Lane came about from the author’s bedtime story she made up for her children. With a background in psychology, linguistics, and speech-language pathology, Katharine Mitropoulos has created stories that will help teach children the valuable lessons of teamwork and learning.

    At the end of Let’s Work Smarter parents will find several prompts they can use with their children to foster development and a love of learning. Based on the story, the suggestions provide insight into the value of the task along with an activity parents can incorporate into their child’s daily routine.

    Just as it was in the first Harmony Lane Adventure book, Ready…Set…Frog!, illustrator Laura Watson’s bright and colorful art creates a visually stimulating world. Her lighthearted, whimsical style is a perfect match for Mitropolous’s lively anthropomorphic characters, and the little details are a delight for children to find as the story is read.

    Following in what already feels like a rich tradition of Harmony Lane books, we see the animal residents come together to think creatively and work as a team to solve a task in an unexpected way. We see each group approach the solution to their task in a way that emphasizes mindfulness and planning ahead, which allows for parents and children to easily connect this story to their day-to-day life.

    Mitropoulos’ Let’s Work Smarter is a brilliant story about problem solving with vivid art. It teaches children the valuable lesson that not only can they accomplish their goals, but that any challenge can be overcome when you work together!

     

     

  • ISLAND MOON by Ruth Amanda – Picture Books, Animal Stories, Children’s Mystery & Wonder Books

     

    Ruth Amanda’s Island Moon is a magical moment captured in a poem.

    The narrator lives on an island where the moon sings of fairies and the magic of the night. While out on a nighttime walk, the narrator breathes in the island scents and hears the waves kissing the shore. In the froth of the waves, and in the moon’s magical light reflecting on the water, the narrator sees the fairies dancing.

    While describing all the animals active during nighttime, the narrator sees a tired sea turtle coming ashore to lay eggs. The moon blesses the creature, calling in the tide to aid the exhausted turtle back home to the sea. The songs of the night birds and the rays of the moon’s light follow the narrator back to bed and into their dreams.

    The rhyming of the poem and illustrations are truly beautiful. In a few short lines and pages, you are transported to a tranquil night on the island of Barbados.

    Many readers will find comfort in the perfectly captured quiet peacefulness of night. Ruth Amanda herself calls the island of Barbados home and draws inspiration for her writing every day, even carrying around a notebook for when an idea strikes.

    The lively illustrations are also by Ruth Amanda, and her creativity shines throughout them.

    Readers will see all the active nighttime animals going about lives, from the curious green lizards climbing on the window blinds to the tired sea turtle coming ashore to lay her eggs.

    At the end of the story, Ruth includes a fact sheet about Barbados and the animals from the story, giving context to the story and teaching readers about her home island.

    Whether it is read as a bedtime story or on a lazy afternoon, young and old alike will adore Ruth Amanda’s Island Moon.

     

  • YIMBY: Yes! In My Back Yard! by Sheryl Recinos, illustrated by Amanda Ravensdale – Children’s Books, Homelessness, Community Organizing

     

    In YIMBY! Yes In My Back Yard!, Sheryl Recinos presents a simple yet powerful story that speaks to the heart of human kindness and the need to help our fellow man.

    Most people are familiar with the term NIMBY, the acronym for “Not In My Back Yard”, referencing opposition to the construction of something perceived as undesirable in one’s neighborhood. But this passionate and heart-warming children’s book offers a positive transformation to the word.

    Alongside quality illustrations by Amanda Ravensdale, this story explores the concept that people everywhere, both young and old, need our help.

    Whether a homeless man in the park accepting food or a warm coat in winter, an elder woman getting help from a teen to climb the stairs, or an adult and child being welcomed by a family offering shelter, each scene emphasizes that “everyone needs a place to live sleep and stay safe.”

    In another instance we see a father and his children admire their work after they transform a small structure into a freshly painted safe haven for someone. To show just how far reaching the homeless problem is, one image depicts a Native American looking out over the vast western landscape dotted with mountain ranges and roaming bovine.

    Ravensdale’s illustrations are brightly colored, with fine detail and texture.

    From the close perspective of a doe-eyed girl sipping a warming drink, to the mixed gathering of community members, all pictures reflect the story’s core sentiment.

    In this engaging work, Recinos also includes suggestions for helping those who need housing in our own communities.

    Consider food and clothing drives, sack lunch programs, and letters to legislators voicing concerns about the homeless. Further interaction includes questions posed to the reader about additional help they might offer. Several organizations are listed to further the cause of ending homelessness, including havens for both the young and old, as well as programs for homeless veterans.

    The final page depicts colorful drawings and bios of the author and illustrator.

    Recinos’s own experience with homelessness as a teenager is clearly reflected in her choice of subject matter. Ravensdale was born into a multicultural family and was influenced by an artist father. Growing up in countries around the world gave her a vast exposure to a variety of people.

    With the Supreme Court’s recent debate regarding ticketing the homeless, YIMBY couldn’t come at a more pressing time. Though written for children, the book’s message offers a thought-provoking and compelling experience to be shared by young and old alike.

     

  • AKASH And MILA And The BIG JUMP by Anthony C. Delauney – Children’s Books, Self-Respect & Determination, Gymnastics

     

    In Akash and Mila and the Big Jump by Anthony C. Delauney, best friends Akash and Mila excitedly start their first class together at TRIumph Gymnastics.

    They enter a building full of athletes of all ages, shapes and sizes. But they also see captivating trophies, banners, and prizes that gymnasts from the school have won over the years, and hope to eventually have their own trophies, too– that they’ll be winners.

    Though excited to learn today during this special event the school is holding, they’re both nervous to start because they both have never had any gymnastic training.

    A fellow friend, Dash, does the springboard and lands with a perfect pose. Akash tries the same, but lands flat on his belly. He’s worried what the others will say of his first attempt. Mila decides to take a pass on her turn until she feels more comfortable and confident.

    Dash learns that Akash and Mila are scared to try because they don’t want to be made fun of by the others. He has the perfect solution. Dash introduces them to his friend and fellow gymnast, Lulu, and he explains that he felt the exact same way when he started doing gymnastics, but Lulu helped him learn to succeed at the floor exercises.

    Akash and Mila, feeling a bit more adventurous, both try to do the springboard this time.

    The bright and vibrant illustrations allow readers to get fully engrossed in this wonderful children’s story.

    Without a doubt, readers will be cheering Akash and Mila on as they make their attempts at learning the springboard. This book teaches children that, if at first you don’t succeed, you should keep trying until you get it right– even if you’re worried what others might say or think of you. Be your own individual and just know that you tried and gave it your all.

    The author wrote this as book 5 in the Owning the Dash series, which skillfully teaches children that it’s important to have confidence in yourself because you can achieve anything you set your mind to.

    Akash and Mila and the Big Jump is a compelling and effective learning tool for children, without making the learning process to obvious.

    The characters were very believable and fun to get to know, allowing children to want to become friends with Akash, Mila, and the other gymnasts at the school. Akash and Mila and the Big Jump was written for ages 4-8 years and fits perfectly for children within that age range.

     

  • THE GHOST In The GARDEN by Alisse Lee Goldenberg – Mystery, Young Adult, Paranormal

     

    In Alisse Goldberg’s engaging young adult mystery, The Ghost in the Garden, a curious 11-year-old must face the challenges of moving to a new city, losing old friends, making new ones, and encountering historic specters in her new home.

    Sophie Madison seems none too happy about her recent move from the bustling city of Calgary, Ablerta to the smaller, quieter landscape of Stratford, Ontario. But upon arrival with her parents, she begins noticing the charm of the place, appearing like a step back in time. Their new house in particular catches her interest, with its tall turret topped by stained glass window panes where Sophie’s bedroom will be. In addition, the wild beauty of the backyard garden draws her in.

    Soon, a mysterious blonde-headed girl named Tabitha appears in the garden.

    As she gets to know Tabitha and faces abnormal happenings with her closet door, Sophie’s left on edge, with nightmares riddling her sleeping hours.

    But with the help of her parents, some newfound friends, and Tabitha’s haunting journal from the attic of Sophie’s closet, Sophie comes to terms with the spirits of the past and gains a positive outlook for her future.

    Author Goldenberg’s story is artfully centered around giving new people and places a chance.

    With clear familiarity and care, Goldenberg and illustrator Hannah Al-shaer paint a beautiful and detailed backdrop of Stratford, a place one could easily grow to love. From the artsy vibe of murals in an area laced with parks, shops, and restaurants, to a fairy gate in the center of town, the place oozes picturesque charm.

    An engaging cast of characters fills this colorful place, from Sophie’s loving and concerned parents to a friendly but quirky vegetarian lady who happens to be the Mom of Sophie’s new friend, Fitz. These two pre-teens enjoy an easy camaraderie, as Fitz introduces Sophie to the area, and the two join forces to investigate the strange happenings in Sophie’s room. A hip, young teacher with an interest in the town’s paranormal history compliments the mysterious storyline.

    Conversation throughout the narrative is realistic and genuine, and text messages between Sophie and Fitz lend a modern-day flair.

    Here the haunting theme of apparitions and spirits continues in present-day terms when Sophie appears to be “ghost” texted by her best friend back in Calgary. Perhaps an indication that friendships may not always withstand the miles.

    Goldenberg weaves a stirring plot with enough questions and scares to keep readers invested, but not cowering.

    Shredded doorframes, decapitated teddy bears, and dark entities with clawing hands likened to a “zombie, hag monster”, offer up just the right amount of chills and thrills.

    For audiences both young and old who enjoy a ghostly mystery featuring relatable issues about settling into a new place, dealing with new people, and discovering things that go bump in the night, The Ghost in the Garden proves a venturous and entertaining literary move.

     

    5 Stars! Best Book Chanticleer Book Reviews

  • TESSY TURTLE by Anna Casamento Arrigo, Illustrated by Jryona – Children’s Picture Books, Marine Life, Climate Change

     

    “We are turtles, one and all, in oceans and on land. But we’re in danger of dying if you don’t lend a hand!” warns Anna Casamento Arrigo in her heartwarming children’s book, Tessy Turtle.

    Sweet Tessy, along with her underwater friends, explains the life cycles of sea turtles and the environmental hazards they face daily due to their most dangerous predator: human beings. Written in lilting rhyme with vibrant illustrations on every page, Tessy Turtle captures the hearts of the young and not-so-young, reminding readers of our responsibility to the living beings and ecosystems we live amongst.

    As readers swim beside tour guide Tessy, she points out the symbiotic relationships and friendships of sea life.

    Barnacles cling to the backs of turtles for safety and turtles eat long green seagrass to keep it from growing unmanageable and disrupting other sea life from hunting. Tessy also exposes environmental barriers to the underwater critters’ happy lives, such as pollution and over-fishing.

    Through story and rhyme, Tessy Turtle promotes positive conversations around climate action and encourages little ones to make a difference in their worlds.

    Tessy provides young readers with examples of simple preventative measures– such as picking up after themselves at public beaches and avoiding touching the little green creatures– to encourage a safer world for all living things.

    Anna Casamento Arrigo invites empathy and challenges readers to take action in this beautiful sing-song lesson on marine life. Tessy Turtle is sure to spark little readers’ imaginations and stick to their hearts like a barnacle.

     

    5 Stars! Best Book Chanticleer Book Reviews