*Review* Maisie's Blueprints by Sharon Leya

 Genre: Children's 3-8

Published: January 22, 2023

Pages: 30

Maisie adores her Mommy and Mama. Mommy and Mama are architects, and while walking together to her first day of school, Maisie learns that they helped design one of the houses in the neighborhood.

Upon arriving at school, Maisie meets a boy with a new baby sister and learns that babies come from mommies and daddies.

Maisie begins to wonder about how she was made without a daddy and rushes home after school to find out the answer.

Together, Maisie, Mommy and Mama explore what it means to be donor-conceived and how generosity and genetics combined to create a home built not just by architects, but by love.

This book is for two-mom families who have conceived using their own egg + a sperm donor via IVF, IUI or ICI.

I received a copy of this book through Netgalley. This is my honest review. 

This is a story about a young girl who learns about how she was conceived in a non-traditional way. Because she has two mother's it was necessary for them to find a sperm donor and her parents are very willing to share that information with her. The language for those descriptions is simple while avoiding euphemisms so anything retained will be scientifically accurate while also being understandable for younger children. 

The illustrations were colorful and creative. They used blueprints and building blocks, things that Maisie understands, to show some of the ideas of how conception works, again, in a way that will make sense to young minds. 

The book also included some information at the end for families who conceive using a donor and ways to explain things like donor privacy to a child who has been conceived through the help of a donor. 

This is not a book that I would ever need to read more than once to my children as they were both conceived without doctor assistance, but I feel like it's one if there was reason for me to read it to my children, I'd be okay reading it a few times because I imagine it would be helpful to help the child understand how they came to be. Overall I give this book 4.67 out of 5 stars. - Katie 

Amazon

Amazon had no author information available. 

*Review* Lauren the Cow by T.I. Frazier

Genre: Children's 3-7

Published: December 15, 2022

Pages: 22

Taking place in the countryside, Lauren is a Jersey cow (calf) who is determined to be a jumping cow when she grows up. She has to work hard and train if she is going to accomplish her dream. In the end, she doesn't just jump but discovers she can fly.

This story teaches children to believe in themselves and to try new things even if it has never been done before. It encourages the spirit of exploring yourself and to push beyond what you think is possible.

I received a copy of this book through Netgalley. This is my honest review. 

This was an adorable story about how cows can jump over the moon. Lauren the cow is quite young and determined to become a jumping cow even though her mother tells her cows don't jump. She trains and trains working her way up to jumping over a fence, being cheered on by all the animals nearby. But jumping over the fence once just isn't enough for Lauren. She does it over and over again until...

The illustrations in this book were bold and colorful. I could see them being used for a coloring book as well with their large shapes. I could easily read this book a few times before I tired of it and didn't want to read it anymore. Overall I give this book 4.37 out of 5 stars. - Katie 

Amazon

Children’s book author T.I. Frazier considers himself more of a communicator than a writer. His goal, whether through his books or speaking engagements, is to change the way people—especially youth—think in order to leave a larger positive footprint on the world. His newest project, an illustrated picture book titled Lauren the Cow, is about a young calf who surpasses her dreams through self-belief and perseverance.

T.I. believes a great story is one that inspires and continues to foster personal growth long after the book is closed. He hopes his young readers come away from his book with a better understanding of determination, believing in oneself, and tenacity in reaching a goal. The idea for Lauren the Cow was inspired by his wife, Lauren, for whom he created short stories of encouragement during a time of deep emotion and loss.

When he isn’t writing uplifting stories for children, T.I. enjoys playing with his young son, working out, trying new restaurants, and doing outdoor activities on their farm where they live in West Michigan. T.I. served in the National Guard for ten years, having been deployed for Operation Enduring Freedom and also serving for a time as a chaplain assistant. With a degree in Sociology and an MBA, he has been working in the finance industry for more than ten years and currently works for a trust company. T.I. is also the author of Faith Arising, a personal story of faith and self-discovery based on Christian teachings. Lauren the Cow is his debut children’s book.

*Review* Stink in Space by Mike Henson

 

Genre: Children's 2-4 years

Published: June 6, 2023

Pages: 22

TOOT! What’s that smell? In this interactive board book, a group of animals enters a rocket to the moon—but it smells like someone keeps breaking wind!

Was it one of them? Or was it egg sandwiches, false teeth, or stinky socks? As the animals throw smelly items out through the garbage chute it slowly becomes clearer who the “tooter” is…and it’s not who you expect!

This sturdy board book includes pull-out sliders, which reveal extra story details—whether it’s the rocket launching or the mystery stinky culprit! Bright, playful illustrations, and lovable animal characters will make Stink In Space! a firm family favorite.

This robust board book and its fun sliders will withstand hours of hilarious fun.

I received a copy of this book through Netgalley. This is my honest review. 

This is a short little board book with pull out flaps for half the pages. Reading it as an ebook was a little weird, but they did format it so that you could see what was under the flaps as well, so that was nice. I would not, however, recommend buying it in digital format if they ever make it an option (which I doubt they will). This book is about a group of animals heading into outer space, but after they've loaded up on the rocket ship and follow blast off, the notice a horrible smell on board. Everyone keeps accusing Penguin, but he points at other traveler's belongings insisting that those are the cause of the smell. Eventually the rest of the animals abandon ship and Penguin goes to the moon alone, where he encounters a slight problem, as he has some pretty wicked gas. 

The illustrations were fun and colorful, and the pull out flaps were a nice touch that will definitely appeal to your small children. The story was fun as well, which isn't always the case with board books, so it's definitely a bonus here. I would be okay reading this one to a kid several times before I got tired of it I think. Overall I give it 4.26 out of 5 stars. - Katie 

Amazon

Mike Henson grew up in Zimbabwe, but after bobbing around the world, has ended up on a little island off the south coast of England. Mike and his wife have three children, who they suspect might be monkeys, and secret plans to steal a baby hippo (it hasn't happened yet—and probably won't—ever!). Mike loves to create—stories, pictures, songs and mess in the kitchen. As an author, illustrator, and designer his main workspace is a little caravan in the garden, crammed full of books, sketch pads, pencils, and other nonsense.

As a child, Jorge Martin drew compulsively on any surface available to him. Originally from Spain, he has lived in San Francisco, Mexico City, Hamburg, and London. Currently dedicated to doodling and storytelling, he writes and illustrates books, runs picture book courses, and draws live at events.

*Review* Monsters In Trucks by Laura Baker

 

Genre: Children's 2-4 years

Published: April 4, 2023

Pages: 32

Tall monsters, small monsters, monsters here and there. Hairy monsters, scary monsters... in TRUCKS everywhere.

Children will love this super-fun title packed with hilarious monsters in incredible trucks! Follow the monsters as they build a city and watch out for a monster thief on the loose!

There is plenty to spot on every page, with playful, bright artwork and lots of amusing mishaps.

Energetic, whacky, and characterful monsters are drawn in a vibrant, contemporary style by Ukranian illustrator Nina Dzyvulska—spot Grin monster in a forklift truck, Brainy monster busy building, and Jiggly monster who might need the loo!

The simple narrative with fun wordplay and a gentle rhyme is perfect for reading aloud, ideal for preschoolers and early readers as they build up their vocabulary and reading confidence. 

This bold, bright and playful book is sure to be enjoyed time and time again by young readers as they are thrilled by the wild escapades of the monsters in trucks!

I received a copy of this book through Netgalley. This is my honest review.

This was a fun little rhyming story definitely geared towards younger kids. It's very short, very descriptive lines with not a whole lot of plot moving the story forward. And you find out at the end that you should've been looking for a specific item in all the scenes, which means you'll have to give it at least one re-read with your children to find those.

The illustrations were bold and busy and colorful and a part of me would love to have a coloring book version of this book, with or without the text, I don't care. These pics would just be really fun and relaxing to color I think. I could definitely see a child requesting to read this book over and over again for the rhymes and pictures. Overall I give it 4.31 out of 5 stars. - Katie 

Amazon

Laura Baker grew up in Canada with a passion for stories. She now lives in a lovely coastal town in Wales with her husband, two sons, and big basset hound. She loves finding special stories to tell in the everyday, relatable world of a child (or dog). 

Nina Dzyvulska is an illustrator from Kyiv, Ukraine. She is passionate about merging the world of motherhood with her art. Nina studied at the Kiev Academy of Arts and Architecture. Her brightly coloured, fun loving illustrations portray a sense of joy and youthfulness.

*Review* Walter the Wonder Snail by Neil Clark

 

Genre: Children's 3-6 years

Published: April 4, 2023

Pages: 32

Walter is a snail who is really, really bored of leaves. Surely there's more to life than leaves? His fellow snails are happy just slowly munching away... but not Walter! He wants to try something new.

Walter's never seen beyond the large, looming leaves and tall towering flowers of his simple, small world. He sets out on an incredible journey full of challenges, unlikely friends and remarkable sights!

The brave, curious snail meets heart warming animal characters, like Lottie the squirrel and Kendrick the frog, who inspire him to continue on a big adventure, particularly for such a tiny creature.

Comical scenarios, rich artwork and a stunning colour palette makes this a lovable read. Walter the snail will encourage readers to think big and not to be afraid of change!

I received a copy of this book through Netgalley. This is my honest review. 

This was a cute story about an adventurous snail who wants to do more than just live among the leaves. Even though all the other snails tell him that his dreams are not what snails do, he goes out and does it anyway. Reminding kids to not listen to what everyone else says they can or cannot do. 

The illustrations were fun and colorful, showcasing Walter's many adventures. I could read this book a few times because it has a great message and it's not a dull chain events. It also doesn't have any problems with flow. Overall I give this book 3.79 out of 5 stars. - Katie 

Amazon

Neil Clark grew up in the small village of Bishop Wilton, at the foot of the picturesque Yorkshire Wolds in the UK. Despite dreams of being a rock & roll star, his love for illustration and storytelling led to a happy and successful career in design, from designing greetings cards to creating unique screen prints and children’s books. Neil is a lover of music, travelling the world, skateboarding, and his mischievous cat, Mila.

*Review* Weyward by Emilia Hart

 

Genre: Historical Fiction

Published: March 7, 2023

Pages: 326

I am a Weyward, and wild inside.

2019: Under cover of darkness, Kate flees London for ramshackle Weyward Cottage, inherited from a great aunt she barely remembers. With its tumbling ivy and overgrown garden, the cottage is worlds away from the abusive partner who tormented Kate. But she begins to suspect that her great aunt had a secret. One that lurks in the bones of the cottage, hidden ever since the witch-hunts of the 17th century.

1619: Altha is awaiting trial for the murder of a local farmer who was stampeded to death by his herd. As a girl, Altha’s mother taught her their magic, a kind not rooted in spell casting but in a deep knowledge of the natural world. But unusual women have always been deemed dangerous, and as the evidence for witchcraft is set out against Altha, she knows it will take all of her powers to maintain her freedom.

1942: As World War II rages, Violet is trapped in her family's grand, crumbling estate. Straitjacketed by societal convention, she longs for the robust education her brother receives––and for her mother, long deceased, who was rumored to have gone mad before her death. The only traces Violet has of her are a locket bearing the initial W and the word weyward scratched into the baseboard of her bedroom.

Weaving together the stories of three extraordinary women across five centuries, Emilia Hart's Weyward is an enthralling novel of female resilience and the transformative power of the natural world.

I received a copy of this book through Netgalley. This is my honest review. 

This story cycles through the POV of the three main characters, which was both compelling and super frustrating for me. It used the classic soap opera strategy of leaving each character at a pivotal point of their story to take us back to someone else for a bit. That's exactly the kind of thing that makes it so hard to put the book down, because you need to keep reading to get back to Person A to find out what the hell happened! I both loved and hated that aspect of the story. 

I would have loved to have a story that focused entirely on Altha. Like I think there's so much depth left in her story to be explored, probably because she is the furthest removed from the present so there's more blank spaces that my mind can't just fill in. But I also felt like in spite of being arrested and tried as a witch, her life as a whole was less awful than Violet and Kate's lives were. I wanted to get back to her story because it felt more happy and less repressive, and the things that were happening to Violet and Kate needed to be broken up with that levity. When Violet and Kate found their power though, everything became right with the world. 

A part of me also already wants to reread this book to see if I pick up on any details that I may have missed as significant the first time around knowing how things end for each of the characters, and I'm not normally inspired to read a book a second time anymore because there are already so many other books I want to read and there's just not enough time for that as it is, but this book I really do want to read again. 

Overall I give Weyward 4.86 out of 5 stars. - Katie 

Amazon

Emilia Hart is a British-Australian writer. She was born in Sydney and studied English Literature and Law at the University of New South Wales before working as a lawyer in Sydney and London. Emilia is a graduate of Curtis Brown Creative’s Three Month Online Novel Writing Course and was Highly Commended in the 2021 Caledonia Novel Award. Her short fiction has been published in Australia and the UK. She lives in London. You can follow Emilia on Twitter at @EmiliaHartBooks.

*Review* ABC Love by Christane Engel

 

Genre: Children's 3-6 years

Published: January 1, 2017

Pages: 36

An endearing twist on learning your ABCs!

ABC Love pairs each letter of the alphabet with a word that teaches young children about important concepts like love, acceptance, affection, values, and warmth. A fun family read with playful, rhyming text, ABC Love makes learning the alphabet interactive and fun for preschool children and older. Its engaging illustrations and text promote togetherness between kids and their family and encourages them to act out each "love list" item, including everything from "dance" for "D", "hug" for the letter "H", and to "share" for "S".

I received a copy of this book through Netgalley. This is my honest review. 

There was really no unifying theme to this, and some of the things listed as love felt like a bit of a stretch to me, but that should've indicated for me that this was a board book (as I'd forgotten that point before I started reading it). It was a different way to go through the alphabet and introduce some new words than I've encountered before though (which should have also given me some clue that this was a board book). 

The illustrations were bright and colorful and definitely  eye catching, which is important in board books. I liked the way the letters seemed pieced together. I don't think I'd want to read this book often as it had no flow or anything, but the brevity wouldn't make it too awful to read a few times. Overall I give it 3.21 out of 5 stars. - Katie

Amazon

Christiane Engel is an award-winning illustrator and author. Her work can be found in a huge variety of kids' books all over the world, including a kids' bible and a children's atlas as well as Walter Foster Jr.'s ABC Love and ABC Yoga. Her instantly recognizable children's characters appeared in an award-winning ad campaign in the UK and she works with the Surrey County Council to create advertising and educational material for families. She has also created illustrations for animated programs for clients including the BBC. Christiane lives by the sea in southeast England with her little family. Learn more at chengel.myportfolio.com.