Mr. Alex's Bookshelf

Review: Lobstah Gahden

November 5, 2021 Alexander Fernández-Pons

This funny, accessible tale is beautifully illustrated and detailed. In bright water colors (pun intended and warranted) the picturebook is beautiful to leaf through and kids will like the over-animated creatures and brisk narrative.

Review: The Wall and the Wild

October 29, 2021 Alexander Fernández-Pons

Shades of OCD, unresolved trauma, perfectionism and an inability to see beauty in one’s self abound in this simple story.

Review: On the Line

October 29, 2021 Alexander Fernández-Pons

Enter Jackson Moore, our protagonist. On the Line, a cheerfully illustrated story about what happens when your skills don’t exactly measure up to your family’s generational abilities, is a solid example of what can be accomplished when strengths are found in different areas than at first anticipated.

What is Dialogic Reading?

October 28, 2021 Alexander Fernández-Pons

If you’ve never heard the term before, dialogic reading can seem a bit daunting. We didn’t do that when I was a kid. What kind of sorcery is this? Is this new math related? Believe it or not, these are all comments I’ve heard in relation to a relatively easy, valuable tool that you can use to improve your child’s reading comprehension skills, starting at the preschool level and continuing even through middle grade! [Honestly, even full-fledged adults can have fun with dialogic reading.]

PLUS: A look at 5 Wordless Picturebooks!

Review: The Proudest Color

October 27, 2021 Alexander Fernández-Pons

Familius’ The Proudest Color gives us a perfunctory, formulaic take why our protagonist is proud to be brown (as she should be). The problem, however, is not in the incredibly worthwhile endeavor, but rather in its execution.

Review: ¿Qué Haces Con Una Voz Así? (What do you do with a voice like that?)

October 27, 2021 Alexander Fernández-Pons

This picturebook biography of Barbara Jordan, who some argue was the Nation’s first LGBTQ+ Representative in Congress, is a serviceable account of Jordan’s career highlights as thematically encapsulated around her significant, powerful voice. Note, voice stands in proxy here for not only the tone, timber and strength of Jordan’s powerful speech, but also the eloquence, charm, and brilliant intelligence she so easily manifested.

Board Book Roundup!

October 26, 2021 Alexander Fernández-Pons

A Quick Look At Some Fun Board Books for the Younger Crowd!

Review: La Joven Aviadora (The Flying Girl)

October 25, 2021 Alexander Fernández-Pons

In this impeccable Spanish Language translation of Engle’s The Flying Girl, we learn the story of Aida de Acosta Breckenridge, an American socialite and the first woman to fly a powered aircraft, solo. De Acosta, of Cuban and Spanish descent, was taught to fly by Alberto Santos-Dumont, known in Brazil, his native country, as the father of aviation.

Review: Im Po Ssi Ble

October 25, 2021 Alexander Fernández-Pons

I’ve got to admit, I don’t think I’ve ever gasped at the end of a picturebook–that is to say, until I got to the end of this one. When I turned the page, an audible gasp actually left my mouth. And then I shook my head. I struggled for a while as to whether this was a kid’s book, an adult’s book, or one that’s fit for both. After much thought, [and trying the book out on some kids], I’ve come to the tentative conclusion that this excellent story needs to be read by all parents and caregivers and that children will also enjoy it.

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