Cardboard Rosie

Written by Cazzy Zahursky

Illustrated by Sam Cabbage

This picture book is a lovely way to explore a whole range of emotions for children. At the outset, Rosie is a young girl who longs to spend time with her father but he spends most of his time working to support the family. Rosie longs for a Forever Doll, but the family cannot afford one.

The girl and her dad make a cardboard doll, named Rosie but the child feels disappointed. As time goes on, she learns to lean on the doll to share her feelings, hopes, disappointments, wishes, and dreams. But cardboard does not last forever. What will happen if Rosie disappears? Life changes and our feelings evolve. What lessons does the family learn?

A good book to use as a read aloud and family or class discussion book. Recommended for elementary and middle grade readers.

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Cowgirl Lessons: Cowgirl Lessons Adventures

Written by Rae Rankin

Illustrated by J-San

A sweet, rhyming picture book that features a young girl who loves to ride. It begins by showing her to be fairly typical and part of a loving family. Her mom helps her find her gear, her dad spends the day driving her to her lesson and waiting patiently for her while proudly watching her progress.

This is the first book in a series that is sure to be popular with every young girl who has dreamed of riding a horse. Children learn that riding a horse is not only a skill but that involves a lot of hard work and animal care.

Highly recommended for readers up to age ten.

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This post is sponsored by Jasmine Stirling. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal view.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Dare To Question: Carrie Chapman Catt’s Voice for the Vote

Written by Jasmine A. Stirling

Illustrated by Udayana Lugo

Ages 5+ | 48 Pages

Publisher: Union Square Kids (2023) | ISBN-13: 9781454934578

Publisher’s Book Summary: Jasmine A. Stirling, author of A Most Clever Girl: How Jane Austen Discovered Her Voice, delivers a powerful, poetic picture book biography about suffragist Carrie Chapman Catt, perfect for fans of I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark and the Rebel Girls series.

As a child, Carrie Chapman Catt asked a lot of questions: How many stars are in the sky? Do germs have personalities? And why can’t Mama vote? Catt’s curiosity led her to college, to a career in journalism, and finally to becoming the president of The National American Woman Suffrage Association. Catt knew the movement needed a change—and she set to work mobilizing women (and men) across the nation to dare to question a woman’s right to vote.

On August 18, 1920, Catt pinned a yellow rose to her dress and waited while lawmakers in Tennessee cast their deciding votes to ratify the 19th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America. After a seventy-year campaign, had women finally won the right to vote? 

Stirling’s suspenseful retelling of the dramatic final “yea” that changed the history of women’s rights brings the past to life for young readers.

PURCHASE LINK

Amazon

Bookshop

Barnes and Noble

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jasmine A. Stirling is the author of A Most Clever Girl: How Jane Austen Discovered Her Voice (Bloomsbury Publishing, 2021), named a Best Book of the Year by A Mighty Girl and Book Riot, and winner of the IPNE Book Award. It is currently being translated to Mandarin.

Her new book, Dare to Question, Carrie Chapman Catt’s Voice for the Vote (Union Square & Co, 2023, Booklist starred review), tells the story of the queer power couple who transformed the suffrage movement. Her third book, about Jeanne Barret, the botanist who disguised herself as a man and became the first woman to circumnavigate the globe, comes out in 2025.

Learn more about Jasmine.

Follow her on Instagram at @jasmine.a.stirling.author

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

Udayana Lugo is a self-taught illustrator of mixed heritage. Having worked as a designer of many varied things, from jewelry to auto-parts and from furniture to whole interiors, she still does that but in children’s books which are her true passion. She and her husband have lived in Mexico, Italy, and England, but they call British Columbia their home, along with their two kids. When not working on a book, you can find her walking her dog or baking something with her children.

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK:

WE’RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER

DARE TO QUESTION: Carrie Chapman Catt’s Voice for the Vote

Written by Jasmine Stirling

Illustrated by Udayana Lugo

This picture book portrays in images and words one of the most significant events in American history, the enactment of women’s suffrage. The struggle before Carrie Chapman entered the battle had been limited to a small group of educated women.

Carrie was born to question. Her curiosity moved her to investigate the why behind anything that excited her imagination. She aroused and incited women from every part of society to enter the cause. Why not me? When Carrie joined Susan B. Anthony, the fire spread across the country. Then World War I broke out, even though Carrie did not believe in the war, she mobilized women to replace male soldiers in the factories, garnering the support and appreciation of President Wilson who formerly opposed women’s suffrage.

Once passed, the final hurdle of state approval needed to be overcome. Carrie feared failure once more, but an unexpected development turned the tide.

This book encourages children to believe hard work, dedication, empathy, and fairness can succeed if one is determined to persevere in the cause of equality and justice.

A picture book that will inspire and educate children and adults alike.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for the chance to win a personalized, signed copy of Dare To Question: Carrie Chapman Catt’s Voice for the Vote, a set of 5 Girl Power Enamel pins, and a $100 Amazon gift card!

One (1) grand prize winner receives:

-A personalized, signed copy of Dare To Question: Carrie Chapman Catt’s Voice for the Vote

-A set of 5 Girl Power Enamel pins

-A $100 Amazon gift card!

Four (4) winners receive:

-A personalized, signed copy of Dare To Question: Carrie Chapman Catt’s Voice for the Vote

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:

https://gleam.io/oF4IH/dare-to-question-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Tuesday, July 11, 2023The Children’s Book ReviewDare to Question Book Tour Kick-Off

Wednesday, July 12, 2023The Fairview ReviewBook Review of Dare to Question

Thursday, July 13, 2023Reading is My SuperpowerBook Review of Dare to Question

Friday, July 14, 2023The Tiny ActivistsBook Review of Dare to Question

Saturday, July 15, 2023Vivian KirkfieldAuthor Interview with Jasmine A. Stirling

Sunday, July 16, 2023Dad SuggestsBook Review of Dare to Question

Monday, July 17, 2023Feminist Books for KidsA Booklist Featuring Dare to Question

Tuesday, July 18, 2023icefairy’s Treasure ChestBook Review of Dare to Question

Wednesday, July 19, 2023Barbara Ann MojicaBook Review of Dare to Question

Thursday, July 20, 2023The Momma SpotBook Review of Dare to Question

Friday, July 21, 2023Twirling Book PrincessBook Spotlight of Dare to Question

Saturday, July 22, 2023MombianBook Review of Dare to Question

Monday, July 24, 2023Daddy MojoBook Review of Dare to Question

Tuesday, July 25, 2023Heart to HeartBook Review of Dare to Question

Wednesday, July 26, 2023Lisa’s ReadingBook Review of Dare to Question

Thursday, July 27, 2023My Reading GetawayBook Review of Dare to Question

Friday, July 28, 2023Me Two BooksBook Activity Paired with Dare to Question

Sunday, July 30, 2023Book Q&As with Deborah KalbAuthor Interview with Jasmine A. Stirling

Monday, July 31, 2023Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersBook Review of Dare to Question

Tuesday, August 1, 2023Cover Lover Book ReviewBook Review of Dare to Question

Wednesday, August 2, 2023Because I Said SoBook Review of Dare to Question

Thursday, August 3, 2023Shooting Stars MagBook Review of Dare to Question

Friday, August 4, 2023The Fictional CaféAuthor Interview with Jasmine A. Stirling

Monday, August 7, 2023Glass of Wine, Glass of MilkBook Review of Dare to Question

Tuesday, August 8, 2023A Blue Box Full of BooksBook Review of Dare to Question and Little Free Library Drop

Wednesday, August 9, 2023Crafty Moms ShareBook Review of Dare to Question

Thursday, August 10, 2023Stargirls.Magical.TaleBook Review of Dare to Question

Friday, August 11, 2023One More ExclamationBook Review of Dare to Question

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Kneading a Winning Idea: A Book on the Importance of Practice

Written by Terri Sabol

Illustrated by Pei Jen

I love the play on words for the title! Ben likes to bake. Every year he enters a contest with his buttermilk biscuits but never comes in first. Sofia is his fiercest rival.

When Ben’s father asks him if he will compete again, Ben decides he must make a change in his recipe to come out on top so he experiments by leaving out different ingredients. Then his cat gives him an idea. After trying it out, Ben’s father proclaims it a big success.

Can Ben finally achieve his dream of winning the contest with his buttermilk biscuits this year?

This book teaches elementary school readers that they must face their feelings and persevere until their desired goal is met. Patience is a virtue most young children find difficult to cultivate.

This book is a good start and readers receive a delicious bonus biscuit recipe as well.

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The World is Our Playground Series Book 3: Nanak and Tara’s Philippine Adventure

Written by Jamal Kaur Singh

Illustrated by Ronald Santos

This is my first time reading a book in this series which encourages elementary students to learn about the history, customs, beliefs, traditions, and languages of countries around the world.

The picture book is richly illustrated in vibrant colors and the bold font of the text makes it easy to read. I particularly enjoyed the mini language lessons which encourage readers to communicate in an unfamiliar language while enjoying the adventure. Readers explore the islands while experiencing its history, foods, celebrations, and family ties.

There are questions at the end included to test comprehension of the story. The author presents a lesson plan before the story begins. Background about the series and its characters as well as a summary of the author’s mission comes at the very end.

The book is packed with useful information that children will enjoy. I would suggest putting that background at the beginning to familiarize new readers upfront and then including the lesson plan toward the end.

Highly recommended for parents and teachers to teach about other cultures in an entertaining format.

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The Adventures of Nonna and the Little Red Truck in Summertime

Written by Kathy Brandon

Illustrated by Jennifer Kasitz

There is so much learning packed within this little book. Recommended especially for preschoolers but a joy for any child to read.

It features onomatopoeia sounds for read aloud fun, teachers the days of the week, and helps children learn their colors. The book is highly interactive. An included learning guide asks readers to answer questions by rereading and searching for content. It also contains many follow-up activities as an extension of learning.

The narrator is a little boy who looks forward to spending one week each summer at his grandparents’ farm with their dog and red truck. It features warm family relationships and teaches wholesome values.

This picture book might be read to a younger child or be a fun read aloud for a beginning reader.

Highly recommended.

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This post is sponsored by Kate Searle. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal view.

ABOUT THE BOOK

My Soul Treasure

Written by Kate Searle

Illustrated by Alison Mutton

Ages 4+ | 28 Pages

Publisher: Kate’s Soul Treasure (2022) | ISBN-13: 978-0645415421

Publisher’s Book Summary: My Soul Treasure is a beautifully illustrated children’s book designed to teach children how to connect with their inner selves and cultivate self-awareness and self-love. It follows the story of a young girl who goes on a journey beyond her mind, body, and heart to discover her own inner treasures. The story includes positive affirmations and visualization exercises to help children develop mindfulness and self-reflection skills.

PURCHASE LINK

Amazon

https://bookshop.org/p/books/my-soul-treasure-kate-searle/18192523?ean=9780645415407

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/my-soul-treasure-kate-searle/1140929713

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kate Searle is a geologist, wife, and mum who lives in the southwest of Australia. Becoming a mother sparked Kate’s love of storytelling. She has an innate passion for instilling in children a sense of personal empowerment. She has woven her love of gemstones into her debut book, My Soul Treasure, to teach children about the incredible powers of their own souls.

For more information, visit www.soultreasures.com.au

https://www.instagram.com/soultreasure_/

https://www.youtube.com/@soultreasure4756

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083179878213

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

Alison Mutton is an illustrator from Perth, Western Australia, mainly working in the children’s and educational publishing fields. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Design & Illustration from Curtin University and has been a freelance illustrator for over ten years. When not illustrating, she likes to play the piano, needle felt, walk her dog, and swing dance.

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK:

THE ANSWER LIES DEEP INSIDE YOU

My Soul Treasure (Kate’s Soul Treasure)

Written by Kate Searle

Illustrated by Alison Mutton

This rhyming picture book is a feast for the eyes and the ears. I would highly suggest reading it aloud because the crisp rhymes roll off the tongue. Each page features brilliant color images that are associated with a matching color gem. But the message is even more powerful. Young readers come to understand that each of us possesses unique qualities that lie deep within ourselves. These qualities allow us to share that uniqueness with others. Courage, compassion, creativity, confidence, imagination, and wisdom are possible examples. By teaching children to be mindful of these, the potential to develop them is enhanced.

I am confident that this book will become a favorite on the elementary reader’s bookshelf. The bonus song might just become a family favorite sing along.

GIVEAWAY

Enter the giveaway for a chance to win a signed hardcover copy of My Soul Treasure and a Kindle!

One (1) grand prize winner receives:

– A hardcover copy of My Soul Treasure, signed by Kate Searle

– A Kindle (2022 release)

Four (4) winners receive:

– A hardcover copy of My Soul Treasure, signed by Kate Searle

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:

https://gleam.io/xcFCW/my-soul-treasure-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday, June 19, 2023The Children’s Book ReviewBook Review of My Soul Treasure

Tuesday, June 20, 2023Life is What It’s CalledAuthor Interview with Kate Searle

Wednesday, June 21, 2023icefairy’s Treasure ChestBook Review of My Soul Treasure

Thursday, June 22, 2023The Children’s Book ReviewAuthor Interview with Kate Searle

Friday, June 23, 2023Confessions of a Book AddictBook Giveaway of My Soul Treasure

Monday, June 26, 2023The Momma SpotBook Review of My Soul Treasure

Tuesday, June 27, 2023Joanna’s BookshelfBook Review of My Soul Treasure

Wednesday, June 28, 2023Barbara Ann MojicaBook Review of My Soul Treasure

Thursday, June 29, 2023One More ExclamationBook Review of My Soul Treasure

Friday, June 30, 2023A Blue Box Full of BooksBook Review of My Soul Treasure and Little Free Library Drop

Monday, July 3, 2023My Reading GetawayAuthor Interview with Kate Searle

Wednesday, July 5, 2023Get Outside and ReadBook Review of My Soul Treasure

Thursday, July 6, 2023Me Two BooksAuthor Interview with Kate Searle

Friday, July 7, 2023The Fairview ReviewBook Review of My Soul Treasure

Monday, July 10, 2023Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersAn Article by Kate Searle

Tuesday, July 11, 2023Stargirls.Magical.TaleBook Review of My Soul Treasure

Wednesday, July 12, 2023Cover Lover Book ReviewAuthor Interview with Kate Searle

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR NEW BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.

When Will Cicada Sing? (Little Fingers, Big Science)

Written by Carla Mae Jansen

This is a cute, informative picture book for preschoolers and primary grade readers. The author describes the seventeen year life cycle of the cicada. Children learn the long and complicated process of development. At the end of the book, readers are treated to a detailed diagram of the life cycle of the cicada and an illustrated explanation of how cicadas sing.

A valuable edition to a parent’s nonfiction bookshelf or a classroom science library.

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Raising a child is challenging. Raising a happy and confident child is even more challenging! Each child is different and will require a unique approach.

Answer these questions to gain a better perspective of your situation.

1. How do I define success? What traits and skills does my child need to be happy, confident, and successful?

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2. What are my child’s strengths and weaknesses?

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3. What experiences from my own childhood are relevant? What did my parents do well?

What could they have done better?

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4. How can I help my child to be more successful in school?

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5. How can I help my child develop better social skills?

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6. What are five goals that would be appropriate for my child to achieve?

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7. What are my child’s greatest fears? How can I help?

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©Barbara Ann Mojica 2023

Lotti and the Big Dream

Written by Charly Froh

Illustrated by Meritxell Andreu

Lotti has a scar running down her left leg. She has endured many operations. That doesn’t deter her from her dream of becoming a rhythmnic gymnast. At first, it seems impossible and her results in competition are disappointing. Lotti refuses to give up and practices whenever she is able. She believes the day will come when she stands on the podium.

The picture book contains vibrant illustrations and easy to read text. Based on a true life story, its message is an inspirational one for young girls with disabilities. If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.

Recommended as a read aloud, bedtime story, or beginning reader for ages three through eight.

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