Mr. Alex's Bookshelf - Page 41 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.
Continue reading
Share this:
Print
X
Facebook
Email
Pinterest
More
Tumblr
Reddit
WhatsApp
Like this:
Like Loading...
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.
Continue reading
Share this:
Print
X
Facebook
Email
Pinterest
More
Tumblr
Reddit
WhatsApp
Like this:
Like Loading...
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.
Continue reading
Share this:
Print
X
Facebook
Email
Pinterest
More
Tumblr
Reddit
WhatsApp
Like this:
Like Loading...
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.
Continue reading
Share this:
Print
X
Facebook
Email
Pinterest
More
Tumblr
Reddit
WhatsApp
Like this:
Like Loading...
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.
Continue reading
Share this:
Print
X
Facebook
Email
Pinterest
More
Tumblr
Reddit
WhatsApp
Like this:
Like Loading...
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.
Continue reading
Share this:
Print
X
Facebook
Email
Pinterest
More
Tumblr
Reddit
WhatsApp
Like this:
Like Loading...
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.
Continue reading
Share this:
Print
X
Facebook
Email
Pinterest
More
Tumblr
Reddit
WhatsApp
Like this:
Like Loading...
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.
Continue reading
Share this:
Print
X
Facebook
Email
Pinterest
More
Tumblr
Reddit
WhatsApp
Like this:
Like Loading...
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.
Continue reading
Share this:
Print
X
Facebook
Email
Pinterest
More
Tumblr
Reddit
WhatsApp
Like this:
Like Loading...
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.
Continue reading
Share this:
Print
X
Facebook
Email
Pinterest
More
Tumblr
Reddit
WhatsApp
Like this:
Like Loading...
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.
Continue reading
Share this:
Print
X
Facebook
Email
Pinterest
More
Tumblr
Reddit
WhatsApp
Like this:
Like Loading...
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.
Continue reading
Share this:
Print
X
Facebook
Email
Pinterest
More
Tumblr
Reddit
WhatsApp
Like this:
Like Loading...

Review: Finding Kindness

May 11, 2020 Alexander Fernández-Pons

Oftentimes the concept of kindness is hard to grasp for young minds. If you need proof, look no further than adults who don’t understand the concept. This book goes a long way in helping to explain kindness to everyone.

Continue reading

Review: Not Quite Narwhal

May 7, 2020 Alexander Fernández-Pons

Kelp we are told, was born deep in the ocean and looks remarkably similar to his friends–similar that is, yet different. There is this odd (but charmingly drawn) bubble around his head, and his body isn’t shaped exactly the same way as everybody else’s. He doesn’t like the same foods and doesn’t excel at the same things his friends do either. The great thing is though, nobody cares! His friends, all narwhals, love him just the way he is.

Continue reading

Review: Goldilocks and the Three Bears–A Tale Moderne

May 5, 2020 Alexander Fernández-Pons

The book does a great job of capturing a snapshot of the past, and encapsulating it in a timeless fairy tale. And that’s, why this book is on my bookshelf.

Continue reading

Review: Nickelodeon 5-Minute Adventure Stories Collection

May 4, 2020 Alexander Fernández-Pons

On this site, I strive to introduce books that we should keep for the long run, not a flavor of the week.

Continue reading

Review: Por El Camino

May 3, 2020 Alexander Fernández-Pons

Whether your child is a native Spanish speaker or not, you can start reading this book with your child at birth. The rhymes are gorgeous and reinforce language skills.

Continue reading

Review: Julián Is a Mermaid

May 1, 2020 Alexander Fernández-Pons

But this book is not about dress-up. This book is about self-discovery, about acceptance, and, like most of the books I’m drawn to, about unconditional love.

Continue reading

Review: The Neighbors

April 30, 2020 Alexander Fernández-Pons

It is a lovely book. It’s just not a book that I would keep. While the design is beautiful and it does spark imagination, there is just not much there there.

Continue reading

Parenting and Teaching Preschoolers in the Time of Corona

April 29, 2020 Alexander Fernández-Pons

We so often get wound up around the word “Parent,”–I am the PARENT–that we forget it’s not just a noun, it’s also a verb. And, if you happen to forget, just substitute the word “caregiver.” It will steer you in the right direction.

Continue reading

Review: Knuffle Bunny, A Cautionary Tale

April 28, 2020 Alexander Fernández-Pons

As a writer, he’s a wonderful illustrator. The story is the problem.

Continue reading

« 1 … 39 40 41 42 »