This post is sponsored by Stephanie Henson. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal views.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Tall as the Sun

Written by Stephanie Henson

Illustrated by Yasmin Akhtar

Ages: 0–12 | 30 Pages

Publisher: Watchful Wizard Publishing (2026) | ISBN: 978-1-969819-01-8

Publisher’s Book Summary: Tall as the Sun is a heartfelt story that takes readers on a lyrical journey through the eyes of a child as they discover the magic of perspective during a day at the beach with Dad. As our little hero rises higher and higher on Dad’s shoulders, the world transforms into a playground of endless possibilities. From soaring with seagulls to reaching the top of sandcastles, each page brings a new adventure.

Praise: “It’s easy to picture grandparents or parents reading this book to a child before bed as they drift off to dream of sunny beaches, lulled by the rhythmic sound of ocean waves.” —Readers’ Favorite (5 Stars)

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Bookshop.org

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Stephanie Henson lives with her family in West Chester, Pennsylvania, with roots in Central New Jersey. She holds a degree in Communications and a Publishing and Professional Writing Certificate from Rider University, and spends her summers in Ocean City, NJ. An active member of SCBWI (Eastern PA Chapter), Stephanie was a 2024 SCBWI Virtual Conference Scholarship winner, and her work has been featured in both print and online publications.

She is the author of the children’s poetry collection In the Right Lane (a #1 New Release in Children’s Poetry) and the picture book No School, My Rules! (a #1 New Release in Children’s School & Education Books and a Tielmour Press best-seller). Tall as the Sun is her newest picture book, releasing with Watchful Wizard Publishing in May 2026.

Beyond her literary pursuits, Stephanie is a passionate advocate for underrepresented creators living with chronic illness, drawing on her own experience with autoimmune conditions. When she’s not writing, she’s reading, catching a show, watching Netflix, admiring sunflowers, cheering on sports, or sipping coffee.

To learn more, visit stephaniehensonbooks.com.

Instagram: @stephahenson

X: @stepha_henson

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK

A BIRD’S EYE VIEW

Tall as the Sun

Written by Stephanie Henson

Illustrated by Yasmin Akhtar

A young girl shares her adventure sitting atop her father’s shoulders on a summer day at the beach. The world of the seashore transforms into multiple adventures as she spies sandcastles, seagulls, and crashing waves. She observes children playing on the beach, boats in the distance, fluffy clouds, and lifeguards standing watch. As daylight dwindles and settles into nighttime, she fondly recalls all the adventures that she shared with the father she loves.

The story uses magical language, including alliteration and repetitive rhymes. Soft colors complement the mood. The author invites elementary school-age readers to imagine themselves sitting tall upon a loved one’s shoulders.

Highly recommended as a bedtime story or fun read-aloud for eager young imaginations.

TOUR SCHEDULE

Tuesday, May 5, 2026 The Children’s Book Review Tour Kick-Off for Tall as the Sun

Thursday, May 7, 2026 The Starlit Path Book Review of Tall as the Sun

Friday, May 8, 2026 Deliciously Savvy Guest Post about Tall as the Sun

Monday, May 11, 2026 Country Mamas With Kids Guest Post about Tall as the Sun

Tuesday, May 12, 2026 icefairy’s Treasure Chest Book Review of Tall as the Sun

Wednesday, May 13, 2026 Barbara Ann Mojica’s Blog Book Review of Tall as the Sun

Thursday, May 14, 2026 Crafty Moms Share Book Review of Tall as the Sun

Friday, May 15, 2026 @meghenslittlelibrary Instagram Post about Tall as the Sun

Monday, May 18, 2026 A Blue Box Full of Books Instagram Post about Tall as the Sun

Tuesday, May 19, 2026 The Fairview Review Book Review of Tall as the Sun

Thursday, May 21, 2026 Lisa’s Reading Book Review of Tall as the Sun

Friday, May 22, 2026 @nissa_the.bookworm Instagram Post about Tall as the Sun

Monday, May 25, 2026 @MysteryLFL Instagram Post about Tall as the Sun

Tuesday, May 26, 2026 Cover Lover Book Review Interview with Stephanie Henson

Thursday, May 28, 2026 Un Viaje en Libro Book Review of Tall as the Sun

Friday, May 29, 2026 @bored_military_wife Instagram Post about Tall as the Sun

GIVEAWAY

Readers who join us on this virtual book tour will have the chance to win one of four prizes. One grand prize winner will take home a special bundle featuring signed copies of No School, My Rules!, In the Right Lane, and Tall as the Sun, plus a curated book basket filled with fun, bookish goodies. Three additional readers will each win a signed copy of Tall as the Sun.

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:

https://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/tall-as-the-sun-by-stephanie-henson-book-giveaway

I am honored to participate in the 10th anniversay of an event that I have been involved in since its inception. Here’s to all the readers of the world, big and small, young and old, from all corners of the globe.

DREAMS SHARED IN A BOTTLE

Arletis, Abuelo, and the Message in a Bottle

Written by Lea Aschkenas

Illustrated by Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu

A beautifully written and illustrated children’s book with an inspiring message. Arletis lives on a tiny street in a Cuban village. When she gazes at her location on a map in school, she dreams of the world that stretches beyond her small world. While Arletis is content living with her parents, sister, and grandmother, a tiny voice inside wants to know what lies beyond it.

One day, her parents take her to the seashore. Arletis finds a bottle washed ashore that contains a message in a foreign language. She writes back in her native language and hopes for a response. Thousands of miles away, an elderly tugboat captain answers her message. The rest of the tale is magical. Maybe dreams in a bottle come true.

The author is masterful in creating beautiful language phrases to convey her message. For example, “In summer, the heat got so heavy and thick it rolled down the street in dizzying waves…” Images portray the spirit and emotions of the characters. They literally jump off the pages drawing in the eyes of the reader. Bonus features include a Cuban recipe, glossary of unfamiliar words, and a list of resources to continue learning more. The book will be available in Spanish and English editions. Based on a true story, this multicultural tale will delight children and adults of all ages.

Don’t miss this release in April 2023.

THANK YOU to our wonderful MCBD participants and supporters including Co-Hosts, Medallion and Author Levels Sponsors, book reviewers, book donators, and readers!