Book Review: Puggle’s Problem by Aleesah Darlison, Sandra Temple

Puggle’s Problem is a picture book written by Aleesah Darlison and illustrated by Sandra Temple. Pipp is a tiny puggle with a big problem. He's the only echidna who hasn't got his spines! Determined to have them come soon he sets out to ask his friends for advice.

Puggle’s Problem is a sweet story with the important lessons of patience, perseverance, and being yourself. Pipp, a spineless echidna, wants to know why he does not have his spines yet and how to get them to come in. He goes off in search of answers, which happen to be beautiful illustrated. He talks to other animals, and makes some new friends. On the way he learns more about the other animals, and himself. While he never gives up, he finally understands that sometimes we need to wait for things to come, and that some things happen at different times. I love that this book can be used to get a large variety of ideas across to children, but it never comes across as preachy- only as a gentle picture book.

Puggle’s Problem is a wonderful story time or bedtime read and conversation starter for those that want to bring up topics such as never giving up, diversity, how everyone grows at their own pace (including teeth, hair, height, and so on), and taking pride in what we are good at rather than worrying about things we see as our faults. 

Early Book Review: The Fox Who Ate Books by Franziska Bierman

The Fox Who Ate Books is a picturebook by Franziska Bierman which is currently scheduled for release on October 11 2016. Meet Mr. Fox, who loves books so much that every time he finishes one, he eats it! His appetite drives him to seek more and more books, until one day, he discovers the local library, where he can “devour” books to his heart’s content. Eventually, the librarian catches him “sampling” from the collection and bans him from the library. Down on his luck, the crafty Mr. Fox must find other ways to satisfy his cravings. However, his attempt to rob the local bookstore ends badly. Mr. Fox lands in jail, where he discovers a surprising way to satisfy his literary cravings (and become rich and famous).

The Fox Who Ate Books is a funny look at how much people can love reading. While the fox who literally devours his books takes it a bit too far, I can understand the desire to collect and not return books that strike you as special. However, I have never licked, bitten, or otherwise ingested any reading material, though I might have sniffed an old book or two in my day. I really like how the fox turns his love of words into something bigger and better than just devouring books, he shares the words inside him by writing them down for others to devour. Every writer I know started as a reader, and I think this a fun story that might encourage some children to attempt to read more, I think it will have a bigger impact on those who already love books and reading by encouraging them to write some stories of their own. 

Book Review: A Hungry Lion or A Dwindling Assortment of Animals by Lucy Ruth Cummins

A Hungry Lion or A Dwindling Assortment of Animals is a picture book written and illustrated by Lucy Ruth Cummins. Once upon a time there was a very hungry lion and some adorable little animals. Slowly those animals seem to be disappearing. What do you think happened next?

A Hungry Lion or A Dwindling Assortment of Animals is a picture book with a few twists. When the book opens there is a hungry lion and a slew of smaller animals in a room. AS the other animals disappear the reader assumes that the lion has been eating them, but they were working together to surprise him. Then two more surprises keep readers on their toes, and cause a chuckle or two. The illustrations are understands and compliment the story wonderfully. It is fun and silly, and entertaining read that might have a few requests for repeated readings. 

Early Book Review: I Wanna Be a Great Big Dinosaur by Heath McKenzie

I Wanna Be a Great Big Dinosaur by Heath McKenzie is a picture book scheduled for release on May 17 2016. More than anything in the world, one little boy wants to be a great big dinosaur. And he's in luck! A great big T. Rex shows up to teach him how to stomp and roar just like a dinosaur. But dinosaurs aren't so great at soccer or video games. Maybe being a little boy isn't all bad?

I Wanna Be a Great Big Dinosaur is a fun and colorful picture book about exploring the world and being exactly who and what you want to be. I brings home the message that it is wonderful to explore all the possibilities and options around us, but we will be happiest when we are ourselves, no matter who or what that might be. I really loved the colorful and fun illustrations, showing or young boy and dinosaur exploring different activities and generally having fun. It was a fun read with a great message that did not feel forced or overbearing, which is something that often turns me off picture books with a particular message. 

Early Book Review: Nobody Likes a Goblin by Ben Hatke

Nobody Likes a Goblin by Ben Hatke is a picture book which is currently scheduled for release on June 1 2016. Goblin, a cheerful little homebody, lives in a cosy, rat-infested dungeon, with his only friend, Skeleton. Every day, Goblin and Skeleton play with the treasure in their dungeon. But one day, a gang of "heroic" adventurers bursts in. These marauders trash the place, steal all the treasure, and make off with Skeleton―leaving Goblin all alone! It's up to Goblin to save the day. But first he's going to have to leave the dungeon and find out how the rest of the world feels about goblins.

Nobody Likes a Goblin meets the bar that I have set for Hatke’s picture books after the absolutely fabulous Julia's House for Lost Creatures. In this book our Goblin’s home is beset by ‘heroes’ that steal everything of his, including his best friends as the goblin hides in fear. He goes off to rescue his friend, and he discovers that the world outside have very strong feelings about goblins. Despite wanting nothing more than his friend back, you can imagine ow the people of the world react to a goblin inter midst. He has quite the adventure, only to discover that while hiding from the ‘brave’ people hunting the little goblin that he is far from alone. A fun, and wonderfully illustrated, story about assumptions, appearances, and friendship. I think children are already more willing to think outside the conventional norms or who is good or bad based on silly things like appearance but this book will only encourage them to think and look further than the surface of those they encounter.

Nobody Likes a Goblin left me with one complaint, that it was too short! Hatke is one of my favorite authors for children’s graphic novels, and picture books of course. This is a delightful read all around. I would recommend to anyone that loves great picture books and any of the author’s other work. 

Early Book Review: Willow’s Smile by Lana Button and Tania Howells

Willow’s Smile is a picturebok written by Lana Button and illustrated by Tania Howells. It is currently scheduled for release on April 5 2016. Sometimes Willow smiled without even trying. But sometimes when she wished she could and knew she should, her smile slipped straight off her face. So when her teacher tells the class that Picture Day is coming, shy Willow starts to worry. What if she isn't able to smile for the camera? How can she have her picture taken without smiling? But then on Picture Day, Willow gets the opportunity to watch the other children being photographed. She sees that all of her friends' expressions are unique, and perfect in their own way. And by the time it's her turn, she's realized that she doesn't need to worry about smiling for her picture. She just needs to be herself.

Willow’s Smile is a picturebook that captures the worries children might have come picture day, and that the adults reading along might have when it comes time for pictures as well. Giving the perfect smile when it is time is not always easy, and many of the children in the book are worried about it in their own way. I like that the story gives Willow the chance to see that she is not alone in her worries, and to help those around her. The illustrations are charmingly simple and capture the expressions and moods of the characters as they change through out the story.

Willow’s Smile is a perfect book for sharing with a child, or class, before picture day or any event that promises plenty of picture taking. It can both offer assurances and coping methods for those that are worried about how they will look in pictures, and what makes a perfect picture. It could even act as a conversation starter about those concerns, what makes a good picture, and why we take the pictures.

Early Book Review: Squirrel Me Timbers by Louise Pigott

Squirrel Me Timbers by Louise Pigott is a picturebook which is currently scheduled for release on April 1 2016. A young squirrel has always dreamed of sailing the seas as a pirate. So when he finds a treasure map, he can t believe his luck! An X marks the spot of 100,000 NUTS! He sets off on an adventure to follow the map and find the treasure.

Squirrel Me Timbers is a cute picture book about a young squirrel that has always dreamed of more. When he sets off on his adventure he discovers that things are not as much fun as he expects, and that excitement is not always enjoyable. A few scares and dangerous situations have him thrilled to reach his destination, only to discover the treasure does not look quite like he expected. I think the story is good fun, but not fantastic. My favorite part is the very end, when the squirrel’s treasure rains on him from above, rather than digging up buried nots. I like the subtle bit about the nature of planting nuts and how trees grow, but wonder if all the readers will catch it on the first read. 

Squirrel Me Timbers is a fun little book. I think it is fun, and will be appreciated for a couple reads. I would recommend borrowing from a library rather than adding to the home collection. While it is a entertaining read I do not think it will become one of the constantly reread picture books that frequent bedtime routines.  

Early Book Review: Ballet Cat: Dance! Dance! Underpants! by Bob Shea

Ballet Cat: Dance! Dance! Underpants! is the latest easy reader by Bob Shea. It is currently scheduled for release on February 2 2016. Ballet Cat is getting her friend Butter Bear ready for her big ballet debut. Butter Bear would prefer to just point her toe, rather than take big leaps like Cat. When Ballet Cat keeps pushing, Butter Bear gets hungry, then thirsty, then sleepy, making up all sorts of excuses. Butter Bear would rather do almost anything to avoid making a big leap. Why? Because her bottom is covered in silly underpants and she is afraid to be laughed at.

Ballet Cat: Dance! Dance! Underpants! is a funny easy reader, and holds up to my expectations of Shea. I like that Cat and Bear enjoy their rehearsing, and that in the end Cat understands Bear's fears and encourages her friend to ignore the peanut gallery and do what really makes her happy, and what is best for her. The fact that Bear's underpants are simply awesome and almost as cool as her big leap- and that Cat's underpants are just as colorful- make the story even better. The illustrations are typical Shea, which means they are a great match to the story and perfect in their cuteness and simplicity. 

Ballet Cat: Dance! Dance! Underpants! is the second book in Shea's Ballet Cat series. If you liked the first, or the author's style in any way, then this will be another fun read for you.

Book Review: Hedgehogs by Steve Wilson and Lucy Trapper

Hedgehogs by Steve Wilson and Lucy Trapper is a picture book about the troubles of hedgehogs that want to show affection, but are stymied by their features. Horace and Hattie are hedgehogs, and the very best of friends. Together, they make daisy chains, splash in puddles, and have tea parties. But there is one thing they want to do, but cannot. The cannot hug each other! They are just too spiky. Throughout the seasons, these two hedgehogs will try many different ways of hugging. But will Horace and Hattie find a hug that feels just right?

Hedgehogs a sweet and fun story that had me flipping through the book several times, even though I should have already moved on to other things. Horace and Hattie just want to hug each other. They try  a variety of methods and tools, some logical and some silly. They just keep trying, until they accidentally find the answer. The illustration and text pair together perfectly and make the reader empathize with the prickly hedgehogs, and cheer them on. There are some giggles, and some aww moments to boot. I really like that the final solution offers the answer to another mystery of life. 

Hedgehogs is a must read for picture book fans. The illustrations and story are simply adorable, and I loved it. Take a peek, you will thank me later!

Book Review: What the Dinosaurs Did Last Night: A Very Messy Adventure by Refe and Susan Tuma

What the Dinosaurs Did Last Night: A Very Messy Adventure by Refe and Susan Tuma is a picturebook from the parents who brought us the web sensation "Dinovember" comes photographic proof of what toys do at night. Kids have always thought about what would happen in their toys came to life. One creative pair of parents decided to find out. Every November, writer and social media master Refe Tuma and his wife, Susan, work into the night to bring their four children scenes from the secret lives of their toys; specifically the nighttime antics of their plastic dinosaurs. The dinosaurs wreck bathrooms, destroy vases, rock out, encounter terrifying hot irons, even do the dishes with hilarious, magical results. This book offers the story about how the dinosaurs behave, why, and what not to do if it starts happening in your house. the photographs and text come together nicely to ignite imaginations and humor readers of all ages.

What the Dinosaurs Did Last Night is a picturebook that I greatly enjoyed. I had seen stories about these parents, and the trend that they started (there are many parents out there doing this or similar things now).  I always get a kick out of the imagination and inventiveness they use to create these plastic dinosaur tableau's. I love the photographs and admit to being daunted by the amount of work this team put into placing the dinosaurs and coming up with stories to match. I think some younger or more sensitive children might find the idea and execution of some of the scenes a little troubling. When my oldest was younger he would have needed the light on in his room and had trouble sleeping with the idea that the toys in his room were wandering around the house and up to mischief, while my youngest would have been upset that they were not including her in the fun.

I would recommend What the Dinosaurs Did Last Night to families that might consider joining in the fun, or that take part in similar things like Elf on the Shelf and so one. I am frankly afraid to share this one with my kids, because I do not have the energy to do this sort of crazy fun. I highly appreciate those that have the creativity and willingness to entertain us all along with their children.

Book Review: Nerdy Birdy by Aaron Reynolds and Matt Davies

Nerdy Birdy is a picturebook written by Aaron Reynolds and illustrated by Matt Davies. Nerdy Birdy likes reading, video games, and reading about video games, which immediately disqualifies him for membership in the cool crowd. The cool birds are the eagle, robin, cardinal, and so on. The good looking and athletic birds, and Nerdy Birdy just does not fit in. When he's at his lowest point, Nerdy Birdy meets a flock just like him. He has friends and discovers that there are far more nerdy birdies than cool birdies in the sky. However, there is still another lesson to be learned.

Nerdy Birdy is a great book about being yourself, finding your own tribe, and not excluding those that do not have the same interests as yourself. So many children and adults start off like Nerdy Birdy, trying to fit in with the "cool kids'. However, once they find people that share their interests but are not necessarily 'cool' they have much more fun and realize there are many more of us that do not fit in with the cool crowd than do. I like that Reynolds did not leave it there, which most authors seem to do with feel goo stories about misfits finding friends, they took it one step further and show the tribe of nerd birds treating a bird that was not a cool bird, but not like them either, as badly as they had been treated. Nerdy Birdy does the right thing, and forges a fantastic friendship. The book just made me happy on several levels.

Nerdy Birdy is a fabulous book for storytimes, both at home and in class or library settings. It is a good mirror to some of the adult conflicts going on now, where outcasts find their tribe and then treat those that do not match their image of friends horribly. It happens too much, and maybe if children and adults alike were a little more like Nerdy Birdy we would all be happier. 

Early Book Review: Warren the 13th and The All-Seeing Eye by Tania del Rio, Will Staehle

Warren the 13th and The All-Seeing Eye is a middle grade novel with a Victorian feel written by Tania del Rio and illustrated by Will Staehle. It is currently scheduled for release on November 24 2015. Warren the 13th is a cursed 12-year-old Victorian bellhop who’s terribly unlucky. Despite how hard he works and the troubles he faces, he is still optimistic and curious. Orphan Warren’s pride and joy is his family’s hotel, but he’s been miserable ever since his evil Aunt Anaconda took over the management. Anaconda believes a mysterious treasure known as the All-Seeing Eye is hidden somewhere on the grounds, and she’ll do anything to find it. If Warren wants to preserve his family’s legacy, he’ll need to find the treasure first, if the hotel’s many strange and wacky guests don’t beat him to it!

Warren the 13th and The All-Seeing Eye is a fantasy adventure  with two-color illustrations that help capture the attention of readers. the book has a spooky feel and a fun mystery. warren works hard to keep his new Aunt happy, although he never can. he works even harder to keep his family's hotel, and legacy, running as well as he can by himself. He thinks the all Seeing Eye is just a myth, but when his aunt's sisters, and then a slew of mysterious guests, all come hunting for the treasure warren knows he needs to stay a step ahead of his aunt. Things get dicey for Warren as he tries to do his work and hunt for the eye, and both friends and foes seem to be everywhere. I liked how good-natured and hard working Warren was, and the perpetual residents of the hotel do their best to assist him and save the hotel. A mysterious girl and the new, wacky guests add extra spice to mystery and keep readers turning pages. I will admit that I was not expecting the end! There were small aspects of it that I was ready for, but the big picture was much bigger than I was prepared for, and I loved it.



Warren the 13th and The All-Seeing Eye is a wonderful mix of gothic fiction, mystery, and magic. The story draws readers in and keeps them guessing. Even when you think you have it all figured out, there is another surprise around the corner. 

Book Review: Interstellar Cinderella by Deborah Underwood, Meg Hunt

Interstellar Cinderella is a picturebook written by Deborah Underwood and illustrated by Meg Hunt. This steampunk take on Cinderella features a strong young girl that is a mechanic ace. With a little help from her fairy godrobot, Cinderella is going to the ball. When the prince's ship has mechanical trouble, someone will have to zoom to the rescue!

Interstellar Cinderella is a wonderful picturebook. I love that this Cinderella is smart, capable, and strong. Instead of loosing a shoe, this heroine loses her wrench, which the Prince offers to potential brides as a test. to marry him they need to fix something for him to prove that they are the mechanic of his dreams. I really loved, seriously loved, her response to his proposal and the intelligent and independent main character of the story. In fact, after cataloging this book I shared it with every fellow library staff member that would listen and it was quickly checked out for an upcoming storytime.

Interstellar Cinderella is a must read. I cannot overstate my love for this picturebook. Even if you do not have any kids in the house, take a moment and enjoy this wonderful new take on Cinderella.

Book Review: Cody and the Fountain of Happiness by Tricia Springstubb and Eliza Wheeler

Cody and the Fountain of Happiness is a children's chapter book written by Tricia Springstubb and illustrated by Eliza Wheeler. For whimsical Cody, many things are beautiful, especially ants who say hello by rubbing feelers. But nothing is as beautiful as the first day of summer vacation, and Cody doesn’t want to waste one minute of it. Meanwhile, her teenage brother Wyatt is moping over a girl, Mom is stressed about her new job as Head of Shoes, Dad is off hauling chairs in his long-distance truck, and even camp has been closed for the summer. Just when all seems lost, Cody bumps into a neighborhood boy named Spencer who is looking for a runaway cat. With a new friend and a soon-to-be-found cat, Cody is on her way to the fountain of happiness.

Cody and the Fountain of Happiness is a sweet and heartwarming story about a young girl that finds wonder in the little things, like ants, but faces a summer that is not meeting her expectations. Her big brother is moping and not  spending time with her like she expects while her mother gets a fantastic opportunity that means better pay but more time away from her family. On top of it all her father is traveling for his job and her summer at camp is canceled. what is a girl to do? Well Cody goes out and makes a new friend, finds a cat, loses a cat, tries to help her brother, and has a grand adventure while finding happiness.

Cody and the Fountain of Happiness is a wonderful read about coming of age, finding yourself, and finding happiness in unexpected places. I loved Cody and her sweet but whimsical mindset, and how much she learns during one summer's series of unexpected events. 

Book Review: Jakes Monster Mess by Ken Spillman and Chris Nixon

Jakes Monster Mess is a picturebook written by Ken Spillman and illustrated by Chris Nixon. Jake's room is only slightly messy, until he tries to clean it! After he has cleared out his sock drawer, his jock drawer, and his toy cupboard and dragged all the dusty and forgotten clutter out from under the bed, he realizes all those things are piled high on his floor and worse, they seem to have expanded!

Jakes Monster Mess is a book that captures what often happens when anyone tries to tackle a small project, which seems to grow. I know it happens to me every time I try to sort through what clothes or toys can be given away and what should be kept. Jake tries to fold and put away his laundry, only to discover the drawer he needs in full. So he decides to move those clothes elsewhere, but that location is already taken and prompts more dumping, which brings his attention to something else that needs to be organized, and so on. I can sympathize, and think kids, teachers, care givers, and parents can all relate to that feeling and phenomenon as well.

Jakes Monster Mess is a fun and relate-able books for readers of all ages. It could be used in a story time or family sharing setting, with a great story and entertaining illustrations to match. A good read for anyone with organizational difficulties, myself included. 

Book Review: The Princess and the Fog: A Story for Children with Depression by Lloyd Jones

The Princess and the Fog: A Story for Children with Depression by Lloyd Jones is a helpful picturebook for readers of all ages. Once upon a time there was a Princess. She had everything a little girl could ever want, and she was happy. That is, until the fog came. It came slowly and unnoticed, but as it built it changed the princess. Soon she did not want to do her favorite things, or anything really. A persistent friend offered to listen, and soon the princess was able to share with others about the presence of the fog and how it made her feel. They banished the fog, at least for now, and have a plan to keep it from taking over again.

The Princess and the Fog is a wonderful book to help explain how depression can sneak up on children and adults alike, and how it can feel. It really can feel like a heavy fog that takes the wonder and joy out of things we once loved. The princess in the story is talented, smart, and well liked before the fog hit, but loses interest in the world around her once it surrounds her. this metaphor is just about perfect for depression, and the illustrations do a great job of capturing the emotion and thickness of that fog.

The Princess and the Fog is very helpful book for the many children and families that are dealing with depression. It can help the children and adults understand how it feels, give them understandable vocabulary to use, and find paths to breaking through the barriers that depression can raise. It is a wonderful discussion starter and tool that everyone can use to foster understanding and find tools to work toward solutions. The book also includes an essential guide for parents and carers by clinical pediatric psychologists, Dr Melinda Edwards MBE and Linda Bayliss.

Book Review: When Santa was a Baby by Linda Bailey

When Santa was a Baby is a sweet picturebook by Linda Bailey. Here is a delightful answer for every child that has wondered what Santa was like as a baby or child, and the adults that have fielded those questions. This book shows how strong, smart, and unusual Santa was as a baby and young child. It shows the beginning of his gift giving, home at the North Pole, and more. Most importantly it shows readers of all ages that it is the things that made Santa unusual and different that turned out to be the very best of him.

While Christmas seems awful far away, I have to recommend When Santa was a Baby. This picturebook tries to answer an age old question, what was Santa like as a child? While I am a huge fan of the Christmas movie that answers most Santa origin question, this one handles it slightly differently with a focus on his youngest years. Did you know that Santa first Ho Ho Ho'd as an infant, or that he made friends with a rather short fellow that shared his love for toy building? 

When Santa was a Baby is a sweet and beautifully illustrated picturebook that has a lighthearted look at Santa's earliest years, but a deeper message that is one we can all appreciate. Santa's parents worried for him, but supported him and the things that made Santa so different from others turn out to be the very things that the world seems to love and cherish about him most.

Picturebook Review: The Skunk by Mac Barnett and Patrick McDonnell

The Skunk is a picture book written by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Patrick McDonnell. When a skunk first appears in the tuxedoed man's doorway, it's a strange but possibly harmless occurrence. But then the man finds the skunk following him, and the unlikely pair embark on an increasingly frantic chase through the city, from the streets to the opera house to the fairground. What does the skunk want? It's not clear-but soon the man has bought a new house in a new neighborhood to escape the little creature's attention, only to find himself missing something.

The Skunk is a fun story that also one we can all relate to in some way, even if we have never been followed by a skunk. a man is all dressed up, with important things to do. When a skunk starts of on the doorstep the man tries to find a way to lose the skunk. He goes to incredible lengths, even moving. However, just when he has won he discovered that he is decidedly curious about that skunk and starts to follow the skunk. It is fun, and quite silly on occasion. Who wants to have a skunk everywhere they go? However, even the least wanted companion can become important and desirable. Just do not follow this character's lead and start stalking friends, just give them a call.

The Skunk is a fun and charming picturebook that will appeal to all ages. Whether you have had an unexpected friend at the part of the skunk, or felt like said skunk on occasion, this book will make you smile.

 

Book Review: Gabby Duran and the Unsittables by Elise Allen and Daryle Connors

Gabby Duran and the Unsittables is a middle grade novel by Elise Allen and Daryle Connors. The Association Linking Intergalatics and Earthlings (hereby known as A.L.I.E.N.) has a new member. After months of investigation, Gabby Duran, Associate 4118-25125A, has proven herself to be a babysitter extraordinaire. Her celebrity clients fly her around the country to care for their rambunctious little humans. Our spy, Associate 4118-23432B, otherwise known as Edwina, believes Gabby can be trusted with the truth: aliens are living among humans on Earth. After accepting a top-secret position, Edwina has paired our new associate up with her first charge, a little girl from the planet Flarknartia. The timing for associate 4118-25125A is less than ideal. It's a school day on Planet Earth, Gabby's audition for the solo part in the band is tonight, and this tiny alien is a bit more than meets the eye. Can Gabby Duran, Associate 4118-25125A, First Sitter to the Unsittables, keep her otherworldly charge safe in the unpredictable halls of middle-school and keep A.L.I.E.N hidden?  

Gabby Duran and the Unsittables is a fun and fast paced middle grade novel. Gabby is a great babysitter, one that cares about every kid and understands that understanding the child being cared for makes babysitting easy. She deals with every quirk and troubling behavior without losing her cool, well until she is kinda kidnapped by Edwina and offered an unusual new child to what- who just happens to transform into something new. I really like that the story includes ideas about responsibility and empathy while being so fun and action packed that the lessons are almost subliminal. There are plenty of silly moments, as well as some that will have readers holding their breath. I think this book will be a big hit with middle grade readers, and many older readers as well.

Gabby Duran and the Unsittables is a wonderful read for the middle grade and older. I think anyone that has been in a situation where they have babysat or even had the responsibility of taking care of another human being for a few minutes, will connect with Gabby and the story almost immediately. Anyone that is a little different, or that enjoys a good science fiction tale will also enjoy the book. 

 

Early Book Review: This is Sadie by Sara O'Leary and Julie Morstad

This is Sadie is a picturebook written by Sara O'Leary and illustrated by Julie Morstad. It is currently schedule for release on May 12 2015. Sadie is a little girl with a big imagination. She has who lived under the sea and been raised by wolves. She has had adventures in wonderland and visited the world of fairy tales. She whispers to the dresses in her closet and talks to birds in the treetops. She has wings that take her anywhere she wants to go, but that always bring her home again. She likes to make things, boats out of boxes and castles out of cushions. But more than anything Sadie likes stories, because you can make them from nothing at all. For Sadie, the world is so full of wonderful possibilities. This is Sadie, and this is her story.

This is Sadie is a charming picturebook that celebrates reading, imagination, and creativity. Sadie becomes the characters of the books she reads, or listens too, and lives the action. She creates things and her own adventures. She has the freedom and imagination that all kids should have, and uses it perfectly. I loved the illustrations that show both the reality and the imagined world of Sadie in the best light. I hope young readers, and their parents, are inspired by Sadie to use their own imaginations to get lost in a book or create like young Sadie.

This is Sadie is the perfect book to encourage imagination, reading, and invention. young readers already well versed in the glories of getting lost in a story or making up their own stories will be further encouraged and vindicated to continue on the path, while those that are a little less eager might find the inspiration to do so in this book. I highly recommend it in homes and as a story time read.