Patrick is a sensitive young boy with a gentle heart. His older brother, Ben, is rather hard and often teases Patrick.
One day, Patrick finds an injured baby rabbit. He convinces Ben to accompany him to Felice at the Wildlife Rescue. To get there quickly, Patrick and Ben will have to cross a scary thicket, which Patrick believes contains all manner of scary creatures. Patrick overcomes his fears because the urge to help an injured creature is stronger.
Throughout the sixty-page book, children learn about nature and its delicate creatures. Patrick teaches how to care for and nurture this frail rabbit. They learn that even when a strong bond develops, these creatures must learn how to be strong, resilient, and survive on their own.
I enjoyed the author’s technique of using onomatopoeia to teach sights and sounds of nature. The soft watercolors complement the mood of the tale.
This book is both a picture book and a beginning chapter book that is suitable for new readers.
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Written by Geraldine V. Oates-Sese, Ph.D Illustrated by Franchesca A. Guerrero
Children who are unfamiliar with birding may be inspired to become nature lovers after reading this book. Highly recommended for elementary and middle grade readers.
I loved this colorful picture book packed with so much knowledge.
The protagonist, Melusine, enjoys bird watching. One day she notices an unfamiliar sound outside her window. Melusine travels to her multicultural neighborhood to identify this bird. Along her journey, readers learn about the songs and calls of many birds. In addition, Melusine’s trip to the market with her parents exposes readers to the different languages spoken by members of her community.
The author provides a comprehensive summary of each bird call and a glossary of the terms expressed by humans in the various languages spoken in the market. This book portrays a beautiful message of the diversity and inclusive sounds emitted by human and feathered friends.
Children who are unfamiliar with birding may be inspired to become nature lovers after reading this book. Highly recommended for elementary and middle grade readers.
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Oh, How You Are Loved (A KeepsakeBook for Mother and New Baby)
Written by Melanie Hawkins
This simple rhyming picture book tells the story of a mother’s love for her children. Written by a mother of seven, the simple illustrated rhymes portray animal mothers with their young accompanied by nature scenes.
It would make an excellent bedtime story or read aloud for a child of any age. Buyers should note that the book reflects a Christian outlook on motherhood. It might also be a gift for a first-time parent.
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Little Bear and his father go fishing. As the day wears on, Little Bear becomes impatient. On their way home, Dad tells his son how wonderful the day has been. Little Bear does not understand. After not catching anything, he sees it as a waste. Father Bear teaches him about the beauty of nature and the importance of simply spending time with loved ones.
The soft colors, simple text and sweet message remind elementary grade readers to appreciate our world and especially those who love us.
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Publisher’s Book Summary: With bright, watercolor collages, My Love for You Is Like a Garden celebrates unconditional love with vibrant garden scenes that will delight fans of Lois Ehlert and Eric Carle. Perfect for baby showers, bedtime read-alouds, or anyone you love!
Say “I love you” with this charming picture book families will love reading together over and over again. Bold, colorful illustrations of flowers, butterflies, and animals will inspire readers of all ages to explore the natural world—and maybe even plant their own garden. Children will delight in finding ladybugs hidden throughout, and a glossary provides the names of each plant and animal featured. A beautiful book to share with a child, parent, or anyone who means the world to you!
If you’ve already purchased a copy of My Love for You Is Like a Garden, head on over to Laura Smetana’s website to receive two free downloadable 8×10 watercolor collage art prints:
–Print 1 – My love for you is like a garden
–Print 2 – My love for you flows freely
ABOUT THE AUTHOR-ILLUSTRATOR
Laura Smetana is the author and illustrator of My Love for You Is Like a Garden, a joyful picture book that celebrates unconditional love with bold, watercolor collages of garden scenes. She is also the author ofIce Cream with Grandpa: A Loving Story for Kids About Alzheimer’s & Dementia (illustrated by Elisabete B. P. de Moraes), which was winner of a Northern Lights Book Award, and Little Squiggle’s Lake Adventure, which she co-authored with her son, Stirling Hebda.
shaWhen she isn’t writing or painting, Laura can be found talking to kids at school author visits, gardening in her sunhat, and spending time with her family outdoors. Laura lives in the Chicago suburbs with her husband and son. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and the Downers Grove Artists’ Guild.
What a beautiful way to express a message of love! This simple picture book contains soft, watercolors that match its gentle message. Smetana compares her love to the elements found in a garden like the warm sun, the smell of lilacs, the blades of grass, water flowing, and butterflies dancing, to name a few.
Its message correlated with our senses in short sentences presented in an easy-to-read font appeal to children of any age. Smetana includes a glossary at the end of the book. Young readers become participants when they search for each character mentioned in the story and the ladybug hidden on each page.
I would suggest this book as a fantastic gift for a reader of any age, including adults. Surely, a memento to be treasured or a valuable tool for a parent to express love for a child.
GIVEAWAY
Enter for a chance to win a glorious garden-themed grand prize, including a hardcover copy of My Love for You Is Like a Garden, autographed by Laura Smetana!
One (1) grand prize winner receives:
A cotton tote bag filled with:
-A hardcover copy of My Love for You Is Like a Garden, signed by author & illustrator Laura Smetana
– 4 oz of tea from Adagio Teas
– A bar of Italian rose soap
– Cherry blossom & tea rose hand lotion
– Sunflower & ladybug garden stake
– A 12 piece colored pencil set
– A mini sketchbook with elastic closure band
– 5 blank cards & envelopes featuring art from My Love for You is Like a Garden
Two (2) winners receive:
-A paperback copy of My Love for You Is Like a Garden, signed by author & illustrator Laura Smetana
Publisher’s Synopsis: Celebrate the life-changing power of art in this inspiring and stunningly illustrated picture book biography of American artist Alma Thomas.
Meet an incredible woman who broke down barriers throughout her whole life and is now known as one of the most preeminent painters of the 20th century. Told from the point of view of young Alma Thomas, readers can follow along as she grows into her discovery of the life-changing power of art.
As a child in Georgia, Alma Thomas loved to spend time outside, soaking up the colors around her. And her parents filled their home with color and creativity despite the racial injustices they faced. After the family moved to Washington DC, Alma shared her passion for art by teaching children. When she was almost seventy years old, she focused on her own artwork, inspired by nature and space travel.
In this celebration of art and the power of imagination, Jeanne Walker Harvey and Loveis Wise tell the incredible true story of Alma Thomas, the first Black woman to have a solo exhibition at the Whitney Museum in New York City and to have her work chosen for the White House collection. With her bold and vibrant abstract paintings, Alma set the world ablaze with color.
Ablaze with Color includes extensive backmatter with photos, an author’s and illustrator’s note, a timeline, and a list of sources and resources, which will be a great tool for parents, educators, and librarians. Perfect for Women’s History Month and Black History Month units alongside such favorites as Malala’s Magic Pencil, Hidden Figures, andMae Among the Stars.
Jeanne Walker Harvey has been a longtime docent at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Just like Alma Thomas, Jeanne believes that art brings us joy. Her other picture books include Maya Lin: Artist-Architect of Light and Lines and My Hands Sing the Blues: Romare Bearden’s Childhood Journey. Jeanne studied literature and psychology at Stanford University. She lives in Northern California.
Loveis Wise is an illustrator and designer from Washington, DC. They are currently based in Los Angeles and their work often speaks to themes of joy and liberation. Their work can be found through the New Yorker, Google, Adobe, and the New York Times.
Harvey and Wise share the story of the first black woman to have her work exhibited in a solo exhibition at the Whitney Museum of Art in New York City. Michele Obama chose her Resurrection painting as the first Black woman’s art displayed in the White House.
Alma grew up in segregated Georgia where schools and institutions remained segregated at the time. Her parents countered that by opening their home to books of all sorts and teachers who gave lectures. Alma preferred to be outside absorbing the colors, sights, and sounds of nature.
Alma’s parents moved to Washington, DC as she turned fifteen. Schools and institutions remained closed to black students. As alma matured, she followed in her parents’ footsteps and brought art to students in her home. She organized field trips and encouraged them to display their work.
When Alma retired from teaching, she turned back to creating her own art projects, infusing them with the colors of nature. She grabbed inspiration from the space program of the late sixties. Galleries soon took notice of her brilliant abstract pieces, leading to her solo exhibit and notoriety. The Mayor of Washington, DC proclaimed “Alma Thomas Day,” on September 9, 1972.
The book features stunning illustrations, along with a timeline of Thomas’s life and historical events. Harvey provides references for young readers to satiate their curiosity and expand their knowledge. Highly recommended resource for students and teachers in elementary, middle school, and beyond.
GIVEAWAY
Enter for a chance to win a classroom set of the picture book Ablaze with Color: A Story of Painter Alma Thomas!
Three (3) winners receive:
A classroom set of Ablaze with Color: A Story of Painter Alma Thomas, autographed and personalized for each student and the teacher by Jeanne Walker Harvey (no more than 30 books per set).
The author is an educator and parent of six. She shares the hopes that most parents have for their children. Courage, resilience, empathy, and kindness are a few of these. The short rhymes are easy for young children to remember. Illustrations are multicultural and include references to the author’s own family as revealed in the fun facts at the end of the story. Adults and children will enjoy learning about the symbolism of nature and the themes included in this book.
A delightful read-aloud or bedtime story for elementary age readers.
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The Big Adventures of a Little Tree: Tree Finds Friendship
Written by Nadja Springer
Illustrated by Tilia Rand-Bell
A little tree possesses an overwhelming urge to travel and see the world. But how can he move? His roots are deep and entrenched in the soil.
The tree has an idea. He recruits the birds of the forest to help him. Slowly, he advances forward. When he comes upon a group of children, he has the opportunity to create deep friendships. Seasons come and go. Will the little tree be able to sustain his dreams?
I like the ideas and concepts that are conveyed through the simple words and illustrations. Having read the kindle version, the size of font was small even when enlarged. That is a drawback for beginning readers who want to read the electronic version.
This book affords the opportunity to explore many topics such as immigration, nature, environment, and mindfulness. That is why I would recommend it for readers of all ages.
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Publisher’s Synopsis: An aggressive hunter bear meets a gentle moose who is looking for a new friend. The moose is so friendly that the bear decides to drop his gun and stop hunting altogether. Instead, the bear learns that it’s more fun to just hang out with a new friend, playing games and enjoying nature. However, after the fall colors change, it’s time for the bear to go back home. The gentle moose is sad because he lost his play friend, so he is again looking for a new one. He invites whoever is reading the book to become his new friend.
A bear is out hunting in the woods when he comes across a moose who is smiling from ear to ear. The bear is puzzled by this moose, Moose’r McDan, who requests his friendship. The hunter decides to think about this and puts his gun aside. Will the hunter and the hunted become friends? Is it possible to turn potential enemies into friends?
This delightful picture book contains charming, colorful illustrations and rhyming text in bold text that is easy on the eyes of young readers. Recommended especially for preschoolers and kindergarten readers but also a fun read-aloud for beginning readers.
I received an advance review copy of this book from the publisher and voluntarily decided to read and review with my honest opinions.
Enter for a chance to win a copy of My Friend Moose’r McDan and a plush moose!
Three (3) grand prize winners receive:
A copy of My Friend Moose’r McDan
A plush moose
Giveaway begins December 6, 2019, at 12:01 A.M. MT and ends January 6, 2020, at 11:59 P.M. MT.
Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia, who are thirteen years of age or older in their state or territory of residence at the time of entry. Void where prohibited by law.
Sky Danley Productions is responsible for prize fulfillment.
This book is part of a series that features a girl named
Emma and her menagerie of personified stuffed animals. Each of these has a
distinct personality and a kind heart.
In this volume, Emma and her fluffy friends are playing in
the living room when they hear a loud crash outside. After looking out the
window, they discover a small bird lying still on the grass. When they
investigate, they discover a chickadee who has been seriously injured. Emma
gets a box and lines it with a doll blanket. She and her friends bring the box
inside and patiently wait for hours to see if the bird will recover.
After what seems an interminable amount of time, Emma picks
up the box and places it under a tree outside in the yard. They are happy to
see the bird sitting up. A few minutes later, the chickadee flaps its wings and
flies up into the tree.
Emma and her friends demonstrate patience, kindness and a love of nature. Children learn what and what not to do to help an injured animal. The illustrations are bright and effective. My only suggestion would be to vary the color of the text to make it a bit easier to read. Recommended for preschoolers and early elementary grade school readers.
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October 29, 2025
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