Title: Why Do We Cry?
Author: Fran Pintadera
Illustrator: Ana Sender
Genre: Children’s Fiction
Rating: ★★★★★
Why do I love children fiction books? Well, there are many reasons. Usually, it comes down to a few points—the illustration is almost always beautiful and the I love how Why do I love children fiction books? Well, there are many reasons. Usually, it comes down to a few points—the illustration is almost always beautiful and I love how simple yet nuanced the words can be. (Also, I do read books to my nephew and am always on a lookout to read books to my niece).
In this book, Why Do We Cry? A mother and son explore various reasons why people cry. The accompanying art with each reason complements the emotion and explanation in a gorgeous manner. I also love how this book normalises crying and validates feelings—“it’s okay to cry if you feel like crying. It’s okay to cry if you’re happy/sad/etc.”
The illustrations are gorgeous and I just can’t get over how it. The only concern I have is that the font can be a little small in some scenes, thereby be a little difficult to differentiate between the background (perhaps have more contrast or maybe I just need glasses haha). Otherwise, this is definitely a book I’d recommend to families, teachers, and anyone, really.
I also liked how there was information on tears and crying at the end. Always love a good fun fact of the day.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Doctor Mouse
Author: Christa Kempter
Illustrator: Amelie Jackowski
Publisher: NorthSouth Books
Genre: Children’s Fiction
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Doctor Mouse is a cute and simple story about friendship and helping others.
This is such an interesting take and I liked the sense of community and friendship and how the animals helped each other. Also, I find it humorous how Dr Mouse waits for every seat to be filled before starting.
The only concern I have is that some scenes may be a little wordy for the young ones but at least the artwork is captivating and beautiful each page. I loved the art—the illustrations are gorgeous.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I Dream of a Journey
Author: Akiko Miyakoshi
Illustrator: Akiko Miyakoshi
Publisher: Kids Can Press
Genre: Children’s Fiction
Rating: ★★★★☆
Wow. Even as an adult I can empathise with the hotel keeper and his quiet wonder and yearning to explore the world. This is a simple story, yet it holds such a dreamy atmosphere.
I loved how the strong contrast of colours in the illustration—where at home, in his hotel, the colours are in greyscale yet closed-off and full of routine but out in the world, it’s full of colour and the scenes are open and free. Although this book has a bit of a melancholic feel to it, it’s also full of wonder and hope. I’d recommend having an adult read this book to a child.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
What Grew in Larry’s Garden
Author: Laura Alary
Illustrator: Kass Reich
Publisher: Kids Can Press
Genre: Children’s Fiction
Rating: ★★★★☆
A light-hearted read with stunning art. ‘What Grew in Larry’s Garden’ is inspired by the true story of a teacher and his tomato plant project. This is a heart-warming story focusing on patience, kindness, understanding, and staying positive. Furthermore, I just love how this book is not only about cultivating plants but relationships as well. One of my favourite aspect of this book was how Larry’s positive attitude of ‘We can figure this out’ influenced Grace in the end.
This was an adorable read and I’d highly recommend this.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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