The word "parent" is not just a noun. It's also a verb.
The story revolves around a diverse group of friends, each portrayed as different animals—bear, crow, fox, raccoon, and more. Rather than merely representing characters, Waechter cleverly utilizes these animal depictions to convey distinct traits and personalities. Badger’s house becomes a microcosm of the narrative’s imaginative richness, showcasing the beauty of differences among friends.
At its core, the tale imparts a simple yet profound lesson: every life holds importance. Tanna, a young girl living in the Arctic, embarks on a heartfelt journey when she rescues a lemming from researchers, choosing to care for it as a companion. As seasons unfold, the once-small lemming grows, and Tanna grapples with the inevitable moment of bidding farewell.
What sets this book apart is its accessibility to both children and adults. The straightforward presentation of complex environmental issues makes it an excellent educational resource for readers of all ages. The language is carefully crafted to engage and inform, fostering a sense of responsibility for our planet.
Within the pages of “I Will Swim Next Time,” Emily Joof’s gentle narrative, accompanied by Matilda Ruta’s enchanting illustrations, unfolds to explore a young girl’s gradual journey into the world of swimming. In soft and tender verse, the story delicately reveals the girl’s evolving relationship with water, emphasizing her growing confidence and triumphs over initial uncertainties.
Stephanie Taylor’s enchanting tale, “I’m Going to be a Princess,” invites young readers into the dreams of a spirited little girl with grand aspirations. Complemented by Jade Orlando’s illustrations, the story seamlessly weaves together various career paths, introducing notable African American women who left indelible marks in their respective fields.
Brooke Jorden’s “How Does Our Food Grow?” provides an enjoyable blend of entertainment and education for young readers. The book, written in verse and rhyme, takes children on a delightful journey into the world of agriculture. Kay Widdowson’s illustrations complement the book with their lively depiction of the plant-based wonders.
“Loud” is not just a visually appealing picture book; it serves as an empathetic exploration of the journey toward self-discovery, particularly for those who may exhibit signs of ADHD. Robbins’ work is a valuable addition to any collection, offering a gentle and uplifting narrative that encourages children to celebrate their uniqueness and find joy in pursuing their passions.
Tatuajes takes on the stereotypes, demonstrating in a non-preachy fashion how reductive such assumptions can be; and, it does so in language that is easily accessible and relatable to the target ages. Based in part on events that occured to López during his first year teaching in the D.C. School System, the interactions between our teacher, Sr. Mendoza, and his students are true-to-life, funny and fun!
Of course, in picturebook fashion, the story involves a duck, a mouse and an adventure. But, everything is intricately woven in a carefully, thoughtfully, written piece, lovingly translated by Mustelier. I can hear the Cuban accent ringing throughout.