The Sun Never Hurries, written by Roxane Turcotte and illustrated by Lucie Crovatto. Pajama Press, 2024. $22.95 ages 3 and up

"Charlie is amazed by all of the 
wildflowers along the way. 

When Charlie was in the car, 
she never noticed the flowers. '

It's the first Sunday after Labor Day today; that means it's Grandparents Day! I hope it's been a celebratory one for all grandparents whose love and support for their grandchildren is endless. 

On a visit with Papa, Charlie asks her grandfather about the hourglass on his library shelf and what it does. Papa Jo is happy to let her know that it reminds him of how important it is for him to take time to get things done because every minute of the day is very special. 

Lunchtime isn't for going to a restaurant; it's a chance to work together in the kitchen to create vegetable soup. Both are very pleased with the results. Next, Papa offers a surprise. Charlie expects them to take the car. Papa has a better idea. They will have a walking adventure: wildflowers for a bouquet, a visit to an ice cream store, a rowboat ride to a nearby island and a chance there to watch dragonflies and frogs, and a search for small stones to treasure. There is even a swing that Papa made from fallen branches where they can watch the leaves float past them.  

On the way home, they chance to see a mama duck and her babies. When they arrive back at Papa's house, Charlie turns the hourglass upside down. Then, it's time to sit together and watch the sunset. What a day it has been! 

And what a calm and lovely bedtime story this would make at the end of that long and leisurely day! 
                                                                                  

Bunny Loves Beans, by Jane Whittingham. Pajama Press, 2024. $21.95 ages 2 and up

 

"Soft black, shiny black, 
Popped off the bush black - 
Black for a fox, 
And black for me!"

She's done it again! Jane Whittingham has added book #7 to the Big, Little Concepts series, and it is another delight for little ones.

Its pages explore foods and their colors, and makes the reading easier for those wanting to be independent. From the gorgeous front and back endpapers through the entire length of the book itself, there is much to for young readers to see and enjoy. A groundhog munching a bright orange carrot encourages the child on the facing page to try one himself. 

As they move from spread to spread, readers will learn about variety in color and the animals who enjoy the bounty, and the children willing to try what is described for themselves. It is a tasty and vibrant display. The text invites vocabulary growth, while the consistent pattern creates confidence with what is to come next. 

"Healthy colors,
vibrant colors, 
Yummy in my 
tummy colors -
Colors for the animals, 
and colors for me!"

The final page encourages parents and caregivers to up nutrition for their children by letting them help choose the foods, by talking about what they are seeing while shopping, and by working together to create food for the dinner table. 

Any (or all) of the books in this series would make a welcome and appreciated gift for any young child, and those who love them. 

Ready to Soar, written and illustrated by Cori Doerrfeld. Dial, Penguin Random House. 2024. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"The eagle spread its wings wide. 
"I rule the sky because I'm large and in charge. 
Trust me, it needs to be bigger!" 

Riley got more paper out. 
"I can fix that.""

Riley, dressed in goggles, a leather flying cap, and a blue onesie is a reader. Having just finished reading Flying 101, inspiration hits and plans are made to fashion a paper airplane for its first flight. Takeoff  is imminent when a large eagle swoops in to have a say about the size; it must be bigger! Riley is receptive to the advice and creates a bigger one. 

Before sending it skyward, a parrot puts a stop to the launch by suggesting it must be fancier. Always open to support and suggestions, Riley uses markers in hopes that will make the difference needed. There is no end to relentless advice from a falcon (faster), a goose (longer), a flamingo (taller), a pelican (stronger), a crane (slimmer), and an owl (smarter). Each agrees it must be BETTER!

When a CRASH occurs, Riley is finally ready to return to the original plan just one more time. Then, a penguin wants to have a say. 

"WOO! You got this!"  The penguin clapped its flippers. 
"I  just didn't want to miss it!"

Just ahead of takeoff, Riley makes one small change ... it is all that is needed for a perfect flight!   

As fans will know, Cori Doerrfeld creates charming digital characters and scenes, filled with wonder and warmth. Listeners will be totally engaged by this gentle story about believing in oneself and having a friend to share your success. 
                                                                             

Something on the Hill, written by Jane Kohuth and illustrated by Sonia Sanchez. Anne Schwartz Books, Penguin Random House. 2024. $24.99 ages 3 and up

 

"Mother Bear opened one eye, and the 
two Bear Cubs yawned. The Bears stared at 
Field Mouse. She thought they looked hungry." 

It's early in the morning when Field Mouse awakens to change. "Something on the hill' is calling to her. She rushes off and soon meets Gray Squirrel who is eating his last acorns. Squirrel agrees he can smell something. Off they go together. It isn't long until they meet Doe who wonders why they are in such a hurry. They explain, and she joins them. The ice in the stream has melted and Turtle is there watching. Turtle has long experience with the goings-on at the Hill. Realizing that Field Mouse is having trouble fording the stream, Turtle offers help. 

On they go! Their journey slows to ensure that Turtle can keep up. As they reach the pond, they see that there is still some ice there. The Mallard family are sitting on it. They decide to follow along. Not wanting to leave the Bears behind, Field Mouse marches bravely into their cave to tell them about the Something. Their parade is complete. 

Full sunlight graces the hill as the animals climb up and up. At the very top, they see it! 

" ... a leafy shoot, tiny and green." 

Finally, spring has arrived in all its glowing glory! 

What a great book for reading out loud to little ones! The mystery and drama of discovery, the friendship and willingness to follow, and the quiet humor displayed throughout makes for a lovely read as spring is celebrated. 

Digital art provides the anmals with expression and personality, and the setting in morning light is lovely. Turning the book to vertical adds interest as they make the final ascent, adding interest and delight.                                                                                   

All That Grows, words and pictures by Jack Wong. Groundwood. 2024. $21.99 ages 4 and up

 

"When daffodils start 
popping up everywhere, 
even in muddy ditches, 
my sister tells me they're
the flower of Mother's 
Day. We pick a bouquet
to give to Mom - after
rinsing off the dirt, of 
course."

I read this from Jamie Oliver today: Tonight, the sun will set around 6pm and won't set before 6pm again until 29th Oct. I love just thinking he is absolutely right. It gives hope for the arrival of spring as days get longer, and sunnier! 

This wonderful new book by Jack Wong is testament to that as well. The young child who narrates this homage to growing is on a neighborhood walk with his sister. As they go, smelling the flowers and checking out all they see around them, she teaches him about plants. They return home with some of the first daffodils of the season for their mother. 

The world turns green. Now is the time for his sister to teach him about gardening, too. The weeds in her garden appear out of nowhere, covering her many vegetable seedlings. It is a lot of work for both to keep those weeds at bay. Together they work. As they do, she shares what she knows. Some of what he is learning has him wondering: 

"I wonder why some plants are called 
flowers, and others are called weeds. 

And how some can be both, like goutweed, 
which people used to call ground elder and 
planted in flower beds on purpose."

How does his sister know so much about plants and gardening? How on earth will he ever know what she knows? When tiny white flowers emerge from the ground, he is surprised to learn she doesn't know what they are. She will have to do some research. The boy observes that they are both learning, and he gains confidence in trying some of his own gardening. It's reassuring to learn that everyone has something to learn. 

As in previous books, Jack Wong's artwork impresses. His pastel images command attention for his use of light and shadow, perspective and its effects on the reader. It has a warmth that is both reassuring and impressive. 
                                                                              

Enough Is ... Written by Jessica Whipple and illustrated by Nicole Wong. Tilbury House, Firefly. 2023. $25.99 ages 6 and up

 

"Enough breakfast might be a waffle 
without strawberries because someone
else needs the berries more than you do."

In this world we live in, where too many people are barely able to provide food for their families and meet their other needs while others spend untold amounts of their money on frivolous, expensive items that have no lasting impact for themselves or their families, we need to stop and ask ourselves: when is enough ENOUGH? 

Our kids need to learn to answer that question for their own lives, as they deal with so much social media and peer pressure to fit in with others and have what others have. It is vitally important to be able to take the time to really consider how much any of us need. Can you have too many clothes? Too many toys? Too many books before bed? Too much food?  I could go and on ... and I am sure you would have much to add to the conversation. 

"Somewhere between a little and a lot, there is Enough. 
It might be hard to spot, but it's always there."

It is a tough concept for adults, as it is for the little girl whose mother is helping her understand the difference between what she wants and what she needs. It is hard to understand when you see so many others with what you think you need. If time is taken and thought is given, it eventually becomes clearer. Enough isn't a number. As the words explain what enough really is, the girl's awareness and her happiness grow as she learns the value of sharing what she has, when she has enough. 

What a concept! The warmth displayed in the illustrations perfectly match the tone of Ms. Whipple's gentle text. Young children will be very interested in taking close looks at the various scenes. The older the reader gets, the more thought-provoking it becomes. Imagine the discussion! 

When will you reach your limit? 

https://youtu.be/Xewi2TV-MRg?si=Jrka8cRKf4bvYem-