Papa's Magical Water Jug Clock

Is this jug really magical? 

In Mexican American comedian Jesus Trejo’s debut picture book, little Jesús makes a big, funny mistake as he works alongside his landscaper papá, but father and son find a heartwarming solution.

Little Jesús is excited to spend a Saturday with his landscaper Papá at the “family business.” He loves Papá’s cool truck and all the tools he gets to use. Papá even puts him in charge of the magical water jug, which is also a clock! When it's empty, Papá explains, the workday will be done. It’s a big job, and Jesús wants to do it right. But he just can’t help giving water to an array of thirsty animals—a dog in a sweater, some very old cats, and a flock of peacocks. Before he knows it, the magical water jug is empty —but the workday’s not over yet! Will Jesús be fired?! Or is the jug not really magical after all? This mischievous tale of a very young comedian’s life lesson will warm hearts and have class clowns, practical jokers, and all high-spirited kids nodding in sympathy.

I received a copy of this e-book in exchange for my honest review, all opinions are my own. 

This beautiful picture comes out TODAY! 

This book gets a solid four stars from me. 

I found this to be a fun story. It blends in some Spanish words but isn't too tough for a native English speaker. The drawings are cute and keep you interested in the page. 

It would be super easy to keep a child entertained with your own "find a __ game" during reading time with this book. I love the lessons that Jesus learns from his father during the day he works with him. Beautiful story for any child's bookshelf.

Books Aren't For Bears

Books Aren't for Bears
By: Mark Barry
Illustrated by Katy Halford
Release date: August 1, 2023

When Bear finds a book in the woods, his world is changed. His friend Owl teaches him to read, and Bear wants more! Bear decides the city will offer him what he's looking for, but when he reaches the busy streets, he's sad to discover that some people think that "Books aren't for bears!" Can Bear find a place where books are for everybody?

Although I received a copy of this e-book in exchange for a review, all opinions remain my own. Thank you Netgalley and Capstone for the opportunity to read this story. 

In this story, bear finds a book in the woods. He gets some help from his friends and falls in love with reading. But, since he lives in the woods, there aren't many books around... so, he goes in search of them. The beautiful illustrations capture Bear's journey to and through the city to find books. In each of the places he stops, he is told that "books aren't for bears!" I won't spoil the ending, but it is quite the adorable story. I love the bright colorful illustrations and the simple reading. It would be perfect for an early reader or for a young one with a not so long attention span. 

Noni Speaks Up

Noni always tries to do the right thing. But she doesn't know how to help her classmate Hector, who is constantly bullied for his name, his size and his giant glasses. Noni stands by silently, afraid that the kids will turn on her if she speaks up. Yet "doing nothing" doesn't feel very good. Will Noni be brave enough to take matters into her own hands?

Heather Hartt-Sussman's charming story, complemented by the playful, expressive illustrations of Geneviève Côté, is a heartwarming exploration of conquering fear and finding the courage to help others.

My rating: five out of five stars

I received a copy of this e-book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

This is another wonderful children's book with a great moral to teach them. Noni is a girl like any other, she wants to do the right thing, but it's hard. She fears what standing up for Hector will do to her. She worries that if she stands up for Hector that she won't have friends anymore or that they will turn on her. It's a worry I think a lot of kids have. Finally, at the end of the story, Noni has enough and speaks up to the bullies. As expected, they aren't quiet about it and tease Hector some more about having to be saved by a girl. But Noni and Hector just walk away. They have friends in each other.

If I Had a Gryphon

Sam just got a hamster for a pet. She's not really impressed. The hamster isn't very exciting--he mostly eats and sleeps and gets his shavings wet. BORING!

After reading a book about mythological creatures, Sam gets some ideas for more exciting pets. But she soon realizes that taking care of these magical beasts might not be as wonderful as she though. Unicorns are shy, gryphons scare the dogs at the dog park and having a fire extinguisher handy at all times makes dragons seem like an awful lot of work.

Maybe the hamster really is the best pet for her. A nice, safe pet... right?

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. As always, all opinions are my own.

My rating: five of five stars

As a lover of the mythical, I had to read this one and was not disappointed. This story has a lyrical rhyme to it but isn't too much. In this story, Sam gets a hamster. She thinks another more mysterious pet might be a better choice, so she imagines what it would be like to have a mythical creature as a pet. Many mythical creatures make an appearance and Sam talks about how each one might not make the best pet. In the end, does she decide her hamster is a good enough pet? I will let you find out. What I will tell you is that you are going to love this story and its beautiful illustrations.

Surf's Up

Surf's up! Not yet, Dude! Books are boring! Not this one! Bro and Dude have very different ideas about how to spend the day at the beach. But as Bro continues to gasp and cheer as he reads his book (Moby Dick), Dude can't help but get curious. Before you can shout 'Surf's up!' both frogs are sharing the same adventure, that is, until they get to the beach. Newbery Medal Winner, Kwame Alexander, and Daniel Miyares have joined forces to give little listeners a wild ride.

I received a copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.

My rating: four of five stars

I really enjoyed this book It makes it cool to be a reader. The frog friends have plans to go surfing, but frog one is stuck in a great book. While traveling to the beach, frog one shares the story with frog two. They get to the beach and frog one finishes the story (reading to himself) he won't share the end with frog two, so he has to read it himself. The story ends with frog two enjoying the book while frog one surfs. I loved that this book made a love of reading a good thing. Both the story and the illustrations are wonderful. I loved it.

Little Bo Peep and her Bad, Bad Sheep

Little Bo Peep has lost her sheep … as usual. What starts out as a simple nursery rhyme quickly derails into mayhem. Bo Peep can’t find her sheep, but readers will, and they’ll be coaching Bo from the sidelines as they watch her mischievous sheep swiping mittens from kittens, toppling Humpty Dumpty, and trampling Mary’s garden. Dozens of beloved Mother Goose characters have cameos … and all have run-ins with the sheep. Readers will giggle all the way to the end when at last they can finish the rhyme, as the sheep (sheepishly) come home, wagging their tails, of course.

I received a copy of this e-book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

My rating: five of five stars

This book was so fun even as an e-book, can't imagine how much more fun the hardback would be to have. In this Mother Goose re-telling, the narrator is trying to tell the story of Little Bo Peep but he keeps getting interrupted. On each new page there is something else going on to view in the fun pictures. There is also a find a picture "game" you can play on each page, trying to find all the nursery rhyme characters. I look forward to buying this as a hard-cover book so my kids can enjoy it like I did.

Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas

In this Chinese American retelling of "Goldilocks and the Three Bears," a careless Goldy Luck wreaks havoc on the home of a family of panda bears. She eats up the littlest panda’s rice porridge, breaks his rocking chair, and rumples all the blankets on his futon. When Goldy takes responsibility for her actions, she makes a new friend (and a whole plate of turnip cakes!) just in time for Chinese New Year.

I was given an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

My rating: five of five stars   

This retelling is beyond adorable. I love that it brings the culture of China into this book. The pictures are just beautiful and the main character is a kid I can imagine falling in love with. She is naughty, going into the Panda Bear's home, but she makes amends in the end and finds her luck in a new friend. Very cute book that both my kids (aged 6, 7, and 9) and I enjoyed it very much.

Lazy Cat Hero: The Rise of The Nap

Bubastis the cat is too lazy to get up in the morning and too lazy to go to sleep at night—and yet he has great adventures! Author and hard-flying journalist Stanford Crow now presents Bubastis’ full origins in Lazy Hero Cat: The Rise of the Nap –including the stories, “Lazy Hero Cat of Egypt,” “Lazy Hero Cat and the Pirates,” and “Lazy Hero Cat and the Dragon.” From tomb-robbers in Egypt to pirates on the high seas to a fearsome dragon, children are invited to laugh and read along as Bubastis naps through danger seemingly at every turn!

How can Bubastis be SO lazy and still come out on top?

This book was given to me in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

My rating: five of five stars

This is a book about a very lazy cat who somehow manages to always come out on top. The illustrations are colorful and fun and each page includes four blue scarabs for the kids to find while you are reading. This might be a better book for me to have in paperback as the girls kept turning the pages. They did love the book! This book comes with three stories about the Lazy Hero Cat. Below are my favorite parts of each story.

Part 1: Lazy Hero Cat of Egypt - He ultimately saves the queens tomb from would be thieves by doing absolutely nothing.

Part 2: Lazy Hero Cat and the Pirates - In a series of unlikely happenings, he ends up on a pirate ship. Then when he is too lazy to catch rats, he is made to walk the plank. Lets just say the story ends with him right back on an island, dreaming of napping some more.

Part 3: Lazy Hero Cat and the Dragon - This last story made me laugh out loud.
The lazy cat manages to be eaten by the dragon but in the end comes out on top (literally) of the dragon who befriends the lazy cat and they fly away together.

I simply loved this book and my girls did too (ages 6, 7, and 9). It kept them entertained and finding the scarabs helped too. =) I give this one five out of five.

The Specific Ocean

In this gently told picture book, a young girl is unhappy about having to leave the city for a family vacation on the Pacific Ocean (which she used to call the Specific Ocean). As the days pass, however, she is drawn to spend more time in and near the water, feeling moved by its beauty and rhythms. “The ocean does its own thing, rolling backward and forward. Wash, swash, splush, hush. There is no late or hurry or racing in ocean time.” 

By the end of the vacation, the girl has grown to love the ocean and now feels reluctant to leave it behind. But as she soon realizes, it doesn't ever have to leave her. “Calm. Blue. Ruffled. Gray. Playful. Green. Mysterious. Black. Foggy. Silver. Roaring. White. No matter where I am, this specific ocean will be with me.”

I received an electronic copy of this book in return for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

My rating: five of five stars

This book was beautiful. As a lover of the ocean, this book called out to me. I had to request it. I suspected (and was right!) that this is about the pacific ocean. The detail the author writes with made it feel like I was there. The young girl in this story, who hates being away from the city at it's start, hates it when it's time to leave. The pictures are beautifully done. Very calming. Really makes me long for the ocean!

Stanley at School

Stanley knows school is for kids, not dogs. But every day he grows more and more curious. What did the kids do in that school all day? Stanley rounds up his pals from the dog park to take a closer look. Will they find the answers they're looking for? One thing is for certain: School + Stanley = TROUBLE!

I received this book in return for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

My rating: four of five stars

Stanley wants to know what kids do at school all day. Finally, his curiosity gets the best of him and he rounds up his friends from the dog park and they investigate. After a very full day of fun, they were sent home by the "top dog" person at school. They were waiting the next day to go back. This book is full of colorful illustrations. It was the perfect story for my girls. They are loving the dog stories right now and imagining what would happen if a group of dogs went to their school made them laugh like crazy. The story isn't so simple that it was under them, but just right for them to be entertained and engaged. Loved it!

Life's Little Lessons by Ellie the Wienerdog It's Hard to be Good (Lesson #1)

Ellie tries, really tries, to be good as she faces temptation over and over again. But how can a wiener dog resist? There are sandwiches and trash baskets and freshly baked ham sending heavenly smells straight to her wriggly nose. Ellie so wants to please because she loves to hear “What a good dog!” but she is also taunted by naughtiness because she thinks with her nose. She smells and sniffs and it’s hard for her to be good when she gets a whiff! Children, and adults alike, will find Ellie’s tale hilariously relatable. What will she do when put to the ultimate test? Ellie’s irresistible charm radiates from every colorful, energetic page as she struggles in her desire to do the right thing. Her expressions tell the story, making Ellie the Wienerdog a pup readers will come to know and love. With playful text and equally boisterous art, this book invites readers to join in the fun over and over again.

I received an electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

My rating: five of five stars

Yet another adorable book. This one really connected for me, seeing that I have a young doggie of my own. The girls loved it too! Ellie is just trying so hard to be good, but it isn't easy when there is temptation, right where you can reach. Ellie prevails and is rewarded for being good. This is a lesson that is easily applied to children. With the beautiful illustrations and lovable canine main character, this one is one I wouldn't mind adding to our library. Also planning to keep an eye out for future books, since this one is titled lesson one!

Frank Rodgers Halloween Books

Frank Rodgers offers an amusing way to cope with fears, as Robert learns how to use his big imagination to make things on the dreaded ghost train carnival ride appear just a little less scary.

I received a copy of this book in return for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

My rating: four out of five stars


I loved this book. I think any kid can relate to Robert's overactive imagination. The illustrations were beautifully drawn and fun to look at. Robert becomes scared of the things he is imagining in his home and his grandfather gives him a piece of advice. He takes that advice to heart and uses it while on a ghost train with his friends. He really enjoys his ride and even tricks his friends into thinking the ghost train monsters have come out.

Overall this book gets four stars. A great one to share with the family leading up to Halloween.

The Pickle family love living at the Hungry Horse Cafe. However, they're not getting much sleep because something is making peculiar noises in the night, and things are going missing too. Is the cafe haunted by a greedy ghost? Can the Pickles solve the mystery of what is going bump in the night?

I received a copy of this book in return for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

My rating: four of five stars

I thought this book was super cute. I like that the chapters are short and easy enough for an early reader to get through without getting discouraged. I also really liked that it wasn't scary but still had a Halloween theme. The idea of a ghost who can cook is kinda silly, but I think my girls would love it. Overall this one gets four stars.

The Good Dog

From the creator of Blue's Clues...

Discovering that sometimes you have to be a little bad to be very good, Tako the puppy makes a brave choice in this adventure tale and proves that heroes come in all shapes and sizes. When 8-year-old Ricky Lee finds a puppy on the side of the road, he takes him home and names him Tako. Ricky’s mom and dad agree to let Tako stay under one condition: he must be a good dog who always follows the rules—or it’s off to the pound he goes. Tako wants more than anything to be a good dog and stay with Ricky, but when the Lees open Happy Family Bakery and a competing store owner sets out to sabotage the shop, Tako has to break the rules to protect Ricky and his family.

I received a copy of this book in return for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

My rating: five of five stars

This book is so cute! I loved the idea behind the story and it is beautifully written out and illustrated. My nine year old picked to read this book one day for her reading time. They are supposed to read at least 10-20 minutes per night, this was one of the first times she's read longer, just to get to the end. Not sure I love the way they emphasize to Tako that if he isn't good he will go to the pound though. I feel like that gives kids the idea that if they are bad they might be sent away as well, but that was such a minor thing overall that I still give this one five stars.

The Big Penguin Party

A new discovery book in the tradition of I Spy and Where's Waldo-with a fun penguin story line kids will love!

It's Grandma's birthday and all the penguin relatives have gathered for a big costume party. But-uh-oh!-Grandma has misplaced all the accessories she needs for her rainbow costume. Search along with Peter the penguin and Percy the crocodile to help Grandma find her lost items in time for the party!

I received a copy of this book in return for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

My rating: four of five stars

Since my kids are huge fans of Where's Waldo, I thought this would be an excellent choice for them. We really liked the story that goes along with the pictures but the kids thought this one was harder then the waldo. I would recommend that older kiddos read this one, just because of that. My nine year old had a much easier time then my six year old. The pictures are very colorful and the objects to find are challenging. This one is easy to make your own lists for as well, so you can customize it for your kid.

This Find-Me-If-You-Can book is awesome and gets five stars from this momma and her three girls.

Jane's Blanket

Soft and warm, Jane's blanket had always been there to comfort her, and she couldn't imagine drifting off to sleep without it. But with the passage of time, Jane grew bigger and bigger and her beloved pink blanket got smaller and smaller. This tender tale of how Jane learned to do without her blanket is a story that children and adults will be happy to share.In his only work for children, the author of Death of a Salesman offers a different kind of story. Arthur Miller's heartwarming tale of a child's growth and maturity is accompanied by charming images by Al Parker, a prominent illustrator and founder of the Famous Artists School.

I received a copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.

My rating: 3 out of 5 stars

This book was just precious. Jane just loves her blankie which reminds me a lot of my Nattie-bug and her duckie. 

As Jane grows, the blanket is getting smaller and more worn. I just love how the author seems to so accurately portray how a child feels. They crave that familiar blanket. Even as Jane grows, she wants that blanket, but it is old and worn out. She takes it from mom's dust rag stash and keeps trying to use it. Eventually there is so little left, it isn't even a blanket anymore. What Jane's blanket finally ends up as is a wonderful twist. 

This book was a fun read for me and the girls liked it to. We give this one three stars. It was pretty good and we will probably read it again, but not likely to buy it.

The Upside of Iris

For young Iris, the whole world looks upside down, and the only person who truly understands and appreciates her perspective is her new friend Charlie, who has his own unique trait: he cannot speak. His silence, her precociousness, and their acceptance of each other make the two a perfect match.
But happiness is fleeting, as Iris’s new stepsisters, skeptical and jealous (as conventional folks often are of those who dare to swim against the tide), manage to drive the two apart. Iris and Charlie are separated for the remainder of childhood.

Grown-up Iris never forgets about Charlie, though, and her love for him influences the charming art gallery she now owns. But despite the visually magical environment she inhabits, Iris finds herself doubting Charlie once again, thanks in no small part to those pesky stepsisters of hers.

Still, before she decides to give up hope altogether, she decides to do one small thing for the other lonely souls around her . . . with wonderful consequences.

The Upside of Iris is an illustrated love story for all ages, and for anyone who has ever felt misunderstood. It is a whimsical, touching reminder that perspective is truly everything, and that a change in perspective can make all the difference in the world.

I received a copy of this book in return for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

My rating: five of five stars

I freaking loved this book. It isn't quite a children's book, but isn't quite a grown ups book either. It has a beautiful story and beautiful illustrations that go along with it. I found Iris to be a very realistic character. She expressed many of the same feelings any one of us would if we were in her heartbreaking situation. This is a book I can see myself reading over and over. I really did love it. Was sad to see the end come, but it was even a good ending. The pictures just add a bit of whimsy to the book. The illustrator was wonderful! I give this one five of five stars. It might not be good for my children, but I can see them reading it someday.

Caillou

All the Caillou books are copies were given to me in return for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

Though the Caillou Books have different authors, they are all published by: Chouette Publishing. I recieved them in e-book form from the publisher via netgalley

Caillou and the Big Bully

by: Christine L'Heureux and Pierre Brignaud
Illustrated by: Francine Nadeau

Caillou is bullied at day care by a much bigger and stronger boy named Theo. Sometimes Theo uses his strength to get what he wants. Caillou is afraid of him. In this story, Caillou learns to stand up for himself and say no to bullying.

Bullying can start at a very young age and early interventions will help victimized children to feel supported and to stand up.

In this series, children will go hand in hand with Caillou to navigate their way successfully through various key developmental experiences of childhood. All books are written in consultation with early childhood specialist to ensure content accuracy.

I thought this book did an excellent job dealing with the bully issue. It's important that kids know how to react when there is a person doing things you don't want them to do, bullying you. It's also important to teach them to it early so they remember it. This is a great book for pre-school age children. It takes a difficult concept and makes it easy for kids to relate to.

Caillou: The School Bus

By: Marion Johnson, CINAR Animation
Illustrated by: Eric Sevigny

Caillou's friend, Sarah, gets on the big, yellow school bus every morning, but Caillou has to wait a little longer before he goes to school. He just can't wait to ride the school bus.

This is an adorable story about Caillou and how excited he is to be able to ride the bus. He is lucky enough to have an awesome driver who gets him a ride on the bus. I feel like this might be a disappointment for kids who might not have such an opportunity. Overall this would be a fun book to read to a younger kid though.

Caillou: Lights Out

By Chouette Publishing
Illustrations by: Eric Sevigny

A winter storm knocks the power out at Caillou's house. Caillou is confused when the lights don’t work. But soon the evening turns into an indoor camping adventure, complete with marshmallows roasted in the fireplace. Caillou is especially delighted when he gets to sleep by the hearth in his sleeping bag. 

I enjoyed the way this family dealt with a power outage. It can be such a scary time for little kids and I think this gives them more details on what to expect. Caillou was scared and his dad helped him.

Caillou: Emma's Extra Snacks

By: Ann Paradis  
Illustrated by: Eric Sevigny

In collaboration with the American Diabetes Association.

Caillou is confused when Emma is allowed to have extra snacks at preschool. He's even more confused when Miss Martin explains that Emma has type 1 diabetes. Caillou is worried about his friend and becomes very protective of her. But when Emma outruns Caillou in a race, he soon realizes Emma's diabetes isn't like a cold or flu. It's something Emma has to live with every day, and she's doing a pretty good job of it.

This one was wonderful. I love that they are taking on a tough issue like diabetes. It can happen to anyone and chances are someone in your child's life will have this illness. This book was real and answered questions in a way a kiddo could understand. I also really loved how worried Caillou was about his friend and how his fears were reassured when he was able to talk to her about it.

Caillou: Waits for Santa

By: Ann Paradis  
Illustrated by: Eric Sevigny
Release date: October 27

It’s finally Christmas Eve, and Caillou just can’t wait for night time. He’s planning to stay up all night to see Santa, but he finds this a lot harder than he thought it would be. And in the morning his stocking is full of gifts!

Yet another cute story about something kids are excited about. This story about Caillou waiting for Santa and telling his sister about him is pretty darn cute. I love that he imagines himself as Santa's helper. Adorable.

Overall rating: ☆☆☆
They were all good, but not great.

Penelope Perfect

By:Shannon Anderson

Illustrated by: Katie Kath

Overall rating ☆☆☆☆

“I’d never been late for anything. I just knew this would be a bad day.”When Penelope oversleeps, her daily routine gets thrown for a loop. From wearing mismatched socks to receiving her first-ever “B,” will “Penelope Perfect” survive this imperfect day?
This encouraging story told in cheerful rhyme will speak to kids who deal with perfectionism or other forms of anxiety. The book concludes with tips and information to help parents, teachers, counselors, and other adults foster dialogue with children about overcoming perfectionism and coping when things don’t go according to plan.

I requested this book because of the description. I am one of those perfectionists. As a child I was one that wanted to do it just right or didn't want to do it at all. I could have used this book. Penelope tries her hardest to be perfect all the time, but one day she oversleeps. That "imperfect day" made her see that she could still have a good day even if it wasn't perfect. This book gets four of five stars. I really enjoyed it and thought it was a great story for kids to read, especially those who are the perfectionist type.

Cooper and The Big Apple

By: Camille Cohn
Illustrated by: Riley Cohn

Overall rating ☆☆☆☆☆

Cooper the cat is purrfectly content with his life in Texas. So when his best friend Jennifer tells him they’re taking a trip to New York City, he’s not really sure what all the fuss is about. But, like a good friend, he embarks on the new adventure with her.

Jennifer takes Cooper to climb the Statue of Liberty, to visit the Stock Exchange, and to attend a Broadway musical, and to see many other New York City landmarks. At each new location, Cooper realizes the Big Apple is not what he expected and even more than he imagined!

This book is beyond adorable. Cooper the cat goes to New York with his person. What he thinks he will see and what he actually sees are completely different. this book is told from Cooper's point of view and I simply loved it. Each page made me smile. The drawings are super cute and very well done. This book is wonderful! I would highly recommend this to any person who loves kitty cats. This one gets five paw prints!