Mr. Alex's Bookshelf

Review: No Se Permiten Elefantes

This book plays on many levels and handles the difficult themes of inclusion/exclusion, friendship, otherness and differences with subtle clarity and dexterity. It is great for children as young as those in PK and could easily teach a lesson to Middle Schoolers.

Review: Mr. Watson’s Chickens

From the end pages, done in whimsical egg motifs, through the meticulously delineated chickens in every spread, this book is a joy to look at, and read.

Review: Una Tarde Súper Increíble

On a walk with her Grandfather, our young protagonist declares that she is not hungry. Undeterred (as most adults would be at such a declaration), her Grandfather assures her that by the time they reach home, she will have a ravenous appetite.

Review: The Good Germ Hotel

This is a well-illustrated, solid books that is a wonderful introduction to how germs and bacteria work within your body. It is rich in text, cartoon-like illustrations, and even contains a brief discussion of the Covid-19 virus.

Review: The Neighborhood Surprise

Van Dongen’s gorgeous illustrations immediately draw you in to this multicultural neighborhood wherein a much loved neighbor is “moving out.”

Review: Ratonauta

Inspired by the real-life story of a mouse aboard an Endeavor Shuttle flight, Astronaut Mark Kelly tells us the tale of Meteor, a brave little mouse who enjoys weightlessness and ensures that a mission is successfully carried out–using his size, or lack thereof, to save the day!

Review: Sonata for Fish and Boy

Pavlović’s subtle color shifts, highly expressive faces, and liberal use of magical realism crescendo in a poignant, touching ending that some may argue is inevitable. Others would argue is not an ending at all.

What is Dialogic Reading?

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: Im Po Ssi Ble

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.

Review: Great Job, Dad! & Great Job, Mom!

November 12, 2021 Alexander Fernández-Pons

Charmingly illustrated, parents are seen acting as chauffeurs, librarians, receptionists, archeologists, zookeepers and the like–all while doing everyday errands and chores in support of their children.

Review: Las Cajas de Berta (In Spanish)

November 10, 2021 Alexander Fernández-Pons

Berta, compartmentalizes all of her feelings in four separate boxes: yellow, red, blue and green. If she gets “too sad” she opens up the blue box and fills it with tears. Too happy? No problem. Opens up the yellow box and fills it up with springing jumps. Once she’s done expressing herself, she closes the boxes tightly.

Review: SuperJoe Does Not Do Cuddles

November 10, 2021 Alexander Fernández-Pons

I really wanted to love this book. Why do I like, but not love this book? It’s a lost opportunity.

Review: Ratonauta

November 8, 2021 Alexander Fernández-Pons

Review: Unicorn Night (Sleep Tight)

November 8, 2021 Alexander Fernández-Pons

From the shimmering cover through to the last page, this book is a rainbow explosion of bright-non-stop color and big bold illustrations.

Review: Sonata for Fish and Boy

November 5, 2021 Alexander Fernández-Pons

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.

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