Mr. Alex's Bookshelf - Page 16 of 42 - The word "parent" is not just a noun. It's also a verb.

Review: My Mommies Built a Treehouse

August 14, 2024 Alexander Fernández-Pons

My Mommies Built a Treehouse by Gareth Peter, illustrated by Izzy Evans and published by Lantana Publishing in 2023, is a delightful story that captures the process of making a childhood dream come true. The narrative follows a young boy who, filled with excitement, asks his two moms to build him a treehouse. What unfolds is not just a tale of construction but a journey filled with planning, patience, and teamwork.
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Review: Mina Belongs Here

August 12, 2024 Alexander Fernández-Pons

Mina Belongs Here by Sandra Niebuhr-Siebert, with illustrations by Lars Baus and published by Floris Books in 2022, is a beautifully crafted story that tenderly captures the experience of a young child stepping into a new, unfamiliar world. Little Mina, just starting kindergarten, finds herself in a classroom where she doesn’t yet understand the language. As the story unfolds, we watch her slowly but surely blossom, learning new words and gradually finding her place in this new environment.
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Review: La Falda Morada de Leo

February 6, 2024 Alexander Fernández-Pons

“Irma Borges’ book, ‘La Falda Morada de Leo,’ illustrated by Francesco Fanani, takes readers on a vibrant journey of self-expression and breaking gender stereotypes through the eyes of a young boy, Leo. With a treasure trove of costumes, Leo loves to immerse himself in various roles, from pirates to superheroes. Among his favorite items is a purple skirt that allows him to explore a multitude of characters, highlighting the versatility and joy of imaginative play.
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Review: Go-Go Guys

February 5, 2024 Alexander Fernández-Pons

“Go-Go Guys” by Rowboat Watkins is a vibrant and imaginative picture book that will resonate especially with children who are always on the move, including those showing characteristics akin to ADHD. The story centers around three lively characters who find the idea of bedtime unappealing, opting instead for thrilling adventures. This portrayal is particularly relatable to children who have difficulty settling down or exhibit high energy levels, making the book a delightful read for young, spirited minds.
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Review: The Darkest Dark

February 2, 2024 Alexander Fernández-Pons

“The Darkest Dark” by Chris Hadfield, illustrated by The Fan Brothers, is a touching and inspiring picture book that speaks to children’s common fear of the dark, while also encouraging them to dream big and embrace their aspirations.
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Review: If You See a Bluebird

February 1, 2024 Alexander Fernández-Pons

Bahram Rahman’s “If You See a Bluebird,” illustrated by Gabrielle Grimard, is a heartfelt tale exploring displacement, family, and the essence of “home.” Centering on Ali, a young boy from Kabul, the story juxtaposes his joyful past with the challenges of war and relocation. Rahman’s genuine narrative, paralleled in works like “A Sky-Blue Bench” and “The Library Bus,” provides a sincere perspective on the refugee experience.
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Review: El Ratón Que Comía Cuentos (Spanish)

January 31, 2024 Alexander Fernández-Pons

In José Carlos Andrés’ “El Ratón Que Comía Cuentos,” illustrated by Katharina Sieg, the journey of Simenón, a small, ever-hungry mouse, becomes a touching metaphor for the nourishing power of stories and knowledge. His discovery of a bookstore leads to an unusual but fulfilling diet of book pages, symbolizing how stories feed our minds and souls.
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Review: Lolo’s Sari-Sari Store

January 29, 2024 Alexander Fernández-Pons

“Lolo’s Sari-Sari Store” by Sophia N. Lee, illustrated by Christine Almeda, is a heartwarming tale that resonates with the themes of community, connection, and the enduring warmth of home. The story centers on a young narrator who fondly remembers helping their Lolo (grandfather) run his sari-sari store—a variety store—in the Philippines. The store, with its diverse inventory ranging from household products to freshly baked pan de sal, becomes a microcosm of community life, where Lolo’s generosity and understanding play a pivotal role.
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Review: Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening

January 26, 2024 Alexander Fernández-Pons

“Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening,” illustrated by Vivian Mineker, brings a new visual dimension to Robert Frost’s classic poem. Known for her work on “The Road Not Taken,” Mineker continues her exploration of Frost’s poetry with a style that is both approachable and quietly elegant.
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Review: Tree Whispers

January 25, 2024 Alexander Fernández-Pons

“Tree Whispers: A Forest of Poems,” authored by Mandy Ross and illustrated by Juliana Oakley, is a captivating and educational exploration of nature’s splendors through poetry. Ideal for a classroom setting, this collection introduces children to the varied and significant roles of trees in our natural world and diverse cultures.
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Review: This or That

January 24, 2024 Alexander Fernández-Pons

The book not only entertains but also educates, making it a valuable tool for parents and educators. It teaches children that making choices is a skill that can be developed and that every choice, whether big or small, contributes to shaping one’s life. “This or That: A Story About Choosing” encourages children to embrace decision-making, highlighting that it is okay to make mistakes as they are opportunities for learning and growth.
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Review: Are We There Yet

January 23, 2024 Alexander Fernández-Pons

Throughout their journey, Bear and Butterfly traverse a variety of landscapes, each imparting its own unique lesson. A particularly meaningful scene is their journey through a vast forest, where the illustrations deftly symbolize the immensity of life and our role within it, teaching children about perspective and the value of persistence.
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sailboat sailing on water near island

Sailing: Will it Help Your Child Find Their Place in the World?

May 3, 2021 Ken Block

We label sailing as a sport but as one sails the longer journey, it becomes so much more. They hear the sails and water against the hull just as the ancient mariners did thousands of years ago. The motion of the boat and the visuals connect us to something much larger. It can bring peace, tranquility and more.

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REVIEW: Angelina and the Princess

May 3, 2021 Emma Gillette

Originally published in 1984, for the most part it holds up beautifully.

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REVIEW: A World of Mindfulness

April 30, 2021 Anjali Sanghvi

In these uncertain times, this book felt so grounding to me. The book is probably more suited towards the 3-8 year old crowd, but the words and illustrations were soothing enough and a great reminder to anyone, regardless of age that living in the moment, breathing, feeling, and finding your calm is not only a faint possibility, but within all of our grasp in one way or another.

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REVIEW: Adventures With My Daddies

April 28, 2021 Alexander Fernández-Pons

This book is a celebration of all families in that it illustrates (pun intended) the commonality inherent in and shared by parents that actively parent and care for their children.

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The Optimistic Child

April 26, 2021 Marc I. Machiz

I can’t teach all you need to know about to help you inoculate the children in your care against pessimism and depression in this short essay, but I can explain the foundations of Martin E.P. Seligman’s work, what optimism is, why it’s important, how you might measure it, and a little of how you might nurture it.

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Review: Summer of the Tree Army

April 26, 2021 Emma Gillette

An interesting story about an important but not-talked-about-enough time in history, Summer of the Tree Army is well told, and beautifully illustrated.

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Review: Grandfather Bowhead, tell Me a story

April 23, 2021 Isabel Suárez

For each question Arvaaq asks Grandfather Bowhead, the response invariably expresses that the greatest adventures of his life are the times they have spent together.

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REVIEW: Special Delivery

April 21, 2021 Anjali Sanghvi

The frazzled little bird jumps as the bell rings once again! They’ve had enough! They’re about to launch into a tirade when the mail delivery supervisor explains that their assistant, tortoise has made “a few mistakes.”

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REVIEW: Elephant’s Music

April 19, 2021 Emma Gillette

As a former music teacher, I love the message here, but the illustrations are the real star. Bright and colorful and witty, little kids will love looking at the animals and which instruments they choose.

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