I received all of the following titles via netgalley.com and the publishers. All opinions expressed are my own.
Title: Little One
Author: Jo Weaver
Publisher: Peachtree Publishing
Publication Date: March 1, 2016
Description:
Spring is here and new life is stirring. There is so much for Big Bear to teach her new cub as they step out into the forest. Together they eat, swim, fish, and play as one season becomes the next. With Big Bears help, Little One grows more and more confident, until winter comes once more and its time to head home. With gentle text and stunning black and white illustrations, Jo Weaver reveals the wonder of nature, the first steps of independence, and the strength of parental love.
My Review:
I loved the illustrations for this book. They were absolutely stunning and I would suggest giving this a look just for them alone. Of course it doesn't heart that the book also happens to be thoughtful and lovely all on its own.
The story follows a bear with its' new cub as they explore the world together in the cub's first year of life. From learning how to gather berries, to fishing, to frolicking in nature it is wonderful to watch this young cub grow throughout the story.
As winter approaches and the snow starts to fall we see a whole new cub who is brave and strong and independent but still thankful and full of love for the parent bear. They cuddle down for the long winter ahead and the story flows seamlessly with the gorgeous illustrations.
My Star Review:
4 out of 5 stars
Title: The Great Carp Escape
Author: Irish Beth Maddock
Publisher: Word Alive Press
Publication Date: January 13, 2016
Description:
Tadpoles, clams, and minnows wow! For siblings Beth and Paul, growing up on a lake is fun... until they are startled by a fishy find along the shoreline. When they discover the scaly, moustached carp, they become afraid.
Seasons pass, and Beth and Paul avoid the swampy reeds at all costs until a flood brings about a life-or-death situation for the creepy looking carp, right in their own backyard!
With guidance from their father, will Beth and Paul be able to overcome their apprehensions about the carp and help save them before it s too late? Watch the Trailer!
The Great Carp Escape "truly captures the magic between children and nature. The story paints a beautiful picture of how all creatures on earth are God-given and shows how compassion shouldn't be based on popularity or defined beauty. This delightful and touching story carries such an important message of acceptance and simply joy. A pleasure to read and surely a popular addition to any child s home library. "
Illustrator Lisa Taron
My Review:
I had the opportunity to to speak with the author about her lovely story and she kindly provided me with a physical copy of the book.
She let me know that this was based on a story from her own childhood which just made this story all the more special.
What a great story about overcoming fears and coming to terms with things that are different from you and helping and persevering. A fun fishy tale that I would recommend. The lesson was there but it was not forced on the reader and the illustrations were wonderful. I would definitely suggest this if you have a child/know a child with a fear they need help overcoming or a child who might not understand how special it is to be selfless and help someone/something else.
I adored that this book is about helping something that is different than you and learning to be a better person because of it.
My Star Review:
4 out of 5
Title: A Friend For Mole
Author: Nancy Armo
Publisher: Peachtree Publishing
Publication Date: March 1, 2016
Description:
An accidental encounter throws Mole and Wolf together. One is afraid of the light, the other is afraid of the dark. Together they learn that friends are all they need to conquer their fears.
My Review:
This was a simple story about a mole who is intrigued by the outside world and who decides to see what all the fuss is about on the surface. Once up there he is blinded by the sun and wonders around and gets lost.
After he gets lost he stumbles into a hole with a wolf in it.
The wolf is afraid of the dark while the mole is afraid of the light. They quickly become friends and help each other face their fears and eventually make it home safely.
I enjoyed this but didn't think it really stood out the way many of the other children's stories I have been reading lately have done.
It was a great story of friendship and overcoming fears and maybe even exploring the fact that this unlikely friendship occurred and even in the light they weren't scared of each other and wanted to remain friends. It was sweet but a bit underwhelming and the illustrations were okay but not wonderful.
My Star Review:
3 out of 5
Title: Little Red
Author: Bethan Woollvin
Publisher: Peachtree Publishing
Publication Date: April 1, 2016
Description:
On her way to Grandmas house, Little Red Riding Hood meets a wolf. Now, that might scare some little girlsbut not this little girl! She knows just what the wolf is up to, and shes not going to let him get away with it. In this updated fairy tale with a mischievous twist, talented newcomer Bethan Woollvin uses sly humor, striking visuals, and a dark irreverence to turn a familiar tale on its head
My Review:
I loved the illustrations for this and the the typical "Red Riding Hood" story was flipped a little to show red not being naive but being brave and independent.
The plot follows the classic tale up until Red makes it to Grandma's. The wolf is there and he has already made a snack out of Grandma waiting for Red to get there but she sees right through his disguise and ends up teaching that wolf a lesson of her own.
I really enjoyed the art style and Red's new intelligence but I was still a little disappointed that their wasn't more to the story. It was enjoyable and I would definitely suggest it to a young fairy tale fan.
My Star Review:
3.5 out of 5
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