Lights Out: A Movement to Help Migrating Birds

Lights Out: A Movement to Help Migrating Birds - 48 pages

Jessica Stremer, Bonnie Pang (Illustrator)

Summary (From Goodreads)

Based on the real-life Lights Out movement, this inspirational picture book shows how even the smallest of actions, like flipping a switch, can make a big difference in helping migrating birds.

When the seasons change and it’s time for a flock of sparrows to move on, a map made of stars guides their way. But when they reach the city, light pollution masks the map and confuses the birds. One sparrow becomes separated from the flock. A girl rescues the lost sparrow and decides to take action so this doesn’t happen again.

She rallies a group of friends, and together they encourage people all over the city to help the sparrows by turning off their lights at night. But will the city be ready by the time the flock return?

Review

A nice story (rooted in real life, of course!) with a good amount of helpful information for anyone looking to learn more and take action.  The additional information is explained in a manner accessible to younger readers, so I'd recommend this book to anyone interested in nature, the environment, and conservation!  

LEGO Animal Atlas: Discover the Animals of the World

 LEGO Animal Atlas: Discover the Animals of the World by Rona Skene - 80 pages

Goodreads:

An atlas of animals with 60 bricks to build four exclusive mini-models: panda, penguin, giraffe, and kangaroo.

Discover the planet's amazing animals with specially commissioned LEGO(R) models and maps. Which animal gobbles up 4,000 clams in one meal? Where can you find a snail as big as a baseball? The LEGO Animal Atlas has answers to these questions and a whole lot more. The book is packed with fascinating facts, images, and building ideas for more than 110 models of the world's most awesome animals.

A detailed LEGO map, dotted with charming micro-build creatures, introduces each of the continents. The maps are followed by colorful spreads featuring up to seven LEGO animals in their habitats. From a cute koala in the Australian outback to a mighty lion prowling the African savanna, this book showcases many of the world's favorite animals--plus some unusual sights, such as the bizarre blue-footed booby and the mysterious giant squid.

The models are built with mostly standard bricks, and tips and breakdowns will inspire children to create their own animal models. A combination of clear photos, authoritative text, fun facts, and classic LEGO humor helps children learn as they build and play their way around the animal world.

The Kissing Hand, A Pocket Full of Kisses, & Chester Raccoon and the Big Bad Bully

The Kissing Hand - 30 pages

A Pocket Full of Kisses - 32 pages

Chester Raccoon and the Big Bad Bully - 32 pages

Audrey Penn, Ruth E. Harper (Illustrator), Nancy M. Leak (Illustrator), Barbara Gibson (Illustrator)

Summary for The Kissing Hand (From Goodreads)

Chester Raccoon doesn't want to go to school--he wants to stay home with his mother. She assures him that he'll love school--with its promise of new friends, new toys, and new books. Even better, she has a special secret that's been in the family for years--the Kissing Hand. This secret, she tells him, will make school seem as cozy as home. She takes her son's hand, spreads his tiny fingers into a fan and kisses his palm--smack dab in the middle: "Chester felt his mother's kiss rush from his hand, up his arm, and into his heart." Whenever he feels lonely at school, all he has to do is press his hand to his cheek to feel the warmth of his mother's kiss. Chester is so pleased with his Kissing Hand that he--in a genuinely touching moment--gives his mom a Kissing Hand, too, to comfort her when he is away. 

Summary for A Pocket Full of Kisses (From Goodreads)

In this tender sequel to the New York Times bestseller and children's classic The Kissing Hand, Audrey Penn provides parents with another tale of love and reassurance to share with their children. Chester Raccoon has a baby brother—and the baby brother is taking over his territory. When Chester sees his mother give his baby brother a Kissing Hand—his Kissing Hand—he is overcome with sadness, but Mrs. Raccoon soothes his fears with her own special brand of wisdom, finding just the right way to let Chester know he is deeply loved. 

Summary for Chester Raccoon and the Big Bad Bully (From Goodreads)

When Mrs. Raccoon learns that there is a bully problem at school, she decides to investigate the situation. But after seeing the bully for herself, she shares a story about a forest that was full of smooth yellow stones, and how the animals living there changed a pointy stone they found into a smooth stone so that it wouldn't hurt any tender paws. Chester, Ronny, and Cassy follow the spirit of Mrs. Raccoon's story when they next encounter the Bully. Approaching him as a group, they invite him to play, proving that the best way to get rid of an enemy is to make him or her a friend. 

Review

I remembered loving the story of the kissing hand when I was little, so I decided to go back and read it again as an adult.  This led to me discovering it was the first of a series, so I decided to check those out, too.  They are all so sweet!  I'd recommend these in a heartbeat to any parent with a child starting school!  

Mungo on His Own

Mungo on His Own - 48 pages

Matthew Burgess, Julie Benbassat (Illustrator)

Summary (From Goodreads)

One evening, young Mungo ventures into the forest to find the sweet, red berries he’s been dreaming about. But he soon finds that foraging alone can be hard for a kit like him, and Mungo gets lost. Very lost! Will he find the berries—and his way back home—all on his own?

Review

I picked this one up for the adorable fox, and I stayed for the equally cute story!  

Find It! Explore It! Animals by National Geographic Kids

 Find It! Explore It! Animals by National Geographic Kids - 48 pages

Goodreads:

This unique search-and-find adventure lets kids explore and learn about the objects and creatures they find and their habitats with fun facts and awesome photographs.

This fact-filled search-and-find adventure activity book takes kids around the world in search of more than 250 hidden pictures of animals.

Kids will crisscross the planet to explore some of Earth's most unique animal habitats, from the Amazon rainforest to the African savanna to the Australian bush. Each location is illustrated with lush, jam-packed art, with plenty of animals to spot.

But that's not Turn the page, and find stunning, full-color photographs of the animals just spotted, as well as awesome information and fun facts about them.

The perfect boredom-buster for curious kids and animal lovers, this interactive book will keep young readers entertained as they learn!

Lambert the Sheepish Lion by Bill Peet

Lambert the Sheepish Lion by Bill Peet, 42 pages

When the stork mistakenly delivers Lambert the lion cub to a ewe, Lambert realizes very quickly he is not like the other little lambs. Ostracized for his differences but bolstered by his loving mother, Lambert looks to fit in but just can't manage it. When a wolf threatens the flock, Lambert finally finds his place.

Lambert the Lion is a retelling of the classic Ugly Duckling that I read dozens of times as a child. Before I could read, I made my poor mother read it to me over and over. It's a beloved touchstone I am grateful hasn't lost its luster. 

 

No Ordinary Dog: My Partner from the SEAL Teams to the Bin Ladin Raid by Will Chesney

No Ordinary Dog: My Partner from the SEAL Teams to the Bin Ladin Raid by Will Chesney -310 pages

The author deployed as a Navy SEAL to Iraq and Afghanistan and eventually volunteered to be a dog handler and developed a close bond with his dog, Cairo. The book describes their training and missions -one of which nearly proved fatal for Cairo. After sustaining a traumatic brain injury from a grenade, the author went through a difficult recovery and was eventually allowed to adopt Cairo after dealing with a daunting amount of red tape. Once retired from combat, Cairo helped the author recover from his lasting injuries. This book is interesting for its descriptions of a fierce life-saving dog that also had a very easy-going personality and the important role of military dogs.

Weird and Wonderful Nature by Ben Hoare

 

Weird and Wonderful Nature by Ben Hoare - 192 pages

I read this book in preparation for one of my homeschool classes.  It was a really interesting book.  I learned quite a bit about various unusual plants, animals, and fungi. I would definitely recommend this book to kids.

Socks by Beverly Cleary, 156 pages

Socks by Beverly Cleary

The chronicle of the white-pawed Socks the cat begins humbly inside a cardboard box outside a grocery store. He's lucky enough to find the Brickers, a newlywed couple with a home full of love to share. Socks is the king of his castle until his life is turned upside down by the birth of the Bricker's first child.  From a severe lap shortage, to enemies and unexpected friends, Socks has to find his place in the new order, eventually coming to a mischievous accord with the tiny interloper.

My sister bought this book for me at a rummage sale, and it was a quarter well-spent! The entire book is written from Sock's POV and the language is comical and frisky, much like I imagine a kitten's inner monologue might be. The chapter with the babysitter warmed my cockles, as my grandmother used to say. 

For whom it may concern: the book was published in the '70s, and has more diet culture in it than is necessary for a kid's book, so tread lightly if reading to actual children. 

A Dog's Way Home by W. Bruce Cameron

 

A Dog's Way Home by W. Bruce Cameron-327 pages

Others have already reviewed this since it was our Book to Movie club.  It's a very sweet story as told from the dogs perspective.  After reading this I actually looked at my own dog differently!  They are the most loving, loyal creatures on the planet.  I enjoyed the book very much..though at times it seemed far fetched!

Other People's Pets by R.L. Maizes

 

Other People’s Pets by R.L. Maizes

304 pages

★★★

La La is an animal empath, so she can feel what any animal around her feels and uses that to become a veterinarian. Her mother abandoned them when she was young and her father is a thief disguised as a locksmith, so she has never had the most stable life. When her father gets arrested during one of his “jobs,” La La has to follow in her father’s footsteps in order to pay for his lawyer and other bills, but she uses her empathic abilities to justify breaking into houses by helping the animals in pain.

This was an interesting read but I felt too separate and didn’t explain the magical realism enough. La La hid her empathic abilities but the book also treated it like something normal at the same time. It was also unnecessarily sad throughout the whole book, putting misfortune on top of misfortune onto La La who did nothing to deserve it. I just wanted one good thing to happen for her the entire time and it never did.

Capybara is Friends with Everyone by Maddie Frost

Capybara is Friends with Everyone by Maddie Frost 32 pages Learn what lengths you do and DON'T need to go to in order to be a good friend! This hilarious picture book from Maddie Frost is perfect for social emotional learning! Hi, hello. My name is Capybara and I think it's important to be a great friend. Take it from me, I have 4,382 friends! Capybara will do anything for his friends. But it's exhausting-and when Capybara meets a potential new friend who doesn't seem to be responding to his advances, Capybara learns a valuable lesson. His friends like him just for who he is!From the creator of Smug Seagull and Just be Jelly and illustrator of Shine Like a Unicorn comes a funny, heartwarming story about friendship. This book is an excellent teaching tool for lessons on friendship and creating boundaries within those relationships. It is a funny story for families to share, and a great read-aloud at home or in the classroom! Capybara learns you don't have to do things for people (animals) to be your friend, they just want to hang out with you.

Who Will Guide My Sleigh Tonight? by Jerry Pallotta

 

Who Will Guide My Sleigh Tonight? by Jerry Pallotta - 32 Pages

Santa is looking for a team to guide his sleigh. He tries a number of different animals, that each have their own problems. 

Dewey's Christmas at the Library by Vicki Myron

 Dewey's Christmas at the Library by Vicki Myron - 40 Pages

Another adventure with Dewey as he  celebrates his very first Christmas!

The holiday season is in full swing in Spencer -- the lights are twinkling, the wreaths are hung, and Christmas bells are ringing. Inside the library, Dewey longs to be part of the holiday fun and after a series of silly misadventures, Dewey finds a way to add his own special touch to his beloved Christmas tree -- and the results are Dew-rific!

A wonderful way to celebrate the season with everyone's favorite library cat.

So Light, So Heavy by Susanne Strasser

So Light, So Heavy - Susanne Strasser - 22 Pages

Toddlers will be drawn in by repetition, opposites, humor, and an unexpected twist in this board book story about Elephant's quest to get the seesaw to teeter. A cast of friendly animals--who are all so light--try to help move the seesaw, but Elephant's side won't budge. He's so heavy. Then what happens when a child swoops in with other plans? Short, simple, and memorable, this board book offers a satisfying story arc.

Oink by David Elliot

Oink by David Elliot, 30 pages

When Piggy decides to take a bath, all the other animals decide to join him.  Other animals and their noises, make for quite a noisy bath time!

Best Bear Ever!: A Little Year of Liz Climo

Best Bear Ever!: A Little Year of Liz Climo - 111 Pages

"Come spend some time in Liz Climo's world! The artist and popular blogger returns with another collection of her comics--this time following the seasons with her most beloved characters.

Fans love Liz Climo's charmingly funny animal kingdom, which was first featured in The Little World of Liz Climo and Lobster is the Best Medicine.

Best Bear Ever! follows Bear and Rabbit, along with their other friends (including Otter, Sloth, Skunk, and Turtle), to commemorate special days throughout the year, while also embarking on fun adventures to celebrate the seasons. When you have good pals like these, any time of year can be the BEST EVER." 

Lobster is the Best Medicine: A Collection of Comics About Friendship by Liz Climo

Lobster is the Best Medicine: A Collection of Comics About Friendship by Liz Climo - 111 Pages

"Fans have fallen in love with Liz Climo's charmingly quirky animal kingdom, which was first featured in The Little World of Liz Climo-a place where porcupines, anteaters, and grizzly bears all grapple with everyday life with wit and humor.

Friends: They are there when we just want to hang out, or need someone to listen. They make us laugh, and lend a shoulder to cry on. Comic artist Liz Climo captures the true spirit of friendship with this quirkily charming collection. Her animal kingdom is a place where sharks, otters, porcupines, and even crustaceans come together to show the best of what friends have to offer.

This little book will remind you to appreciate your own friendships...and inspire you to share with a special pal."

The Little World of Liz Climo by Liz Climo

The Little World of Liz Climo by Liz Climo - 158 Pages

"Artist Liz Climo has charmed her fans with her comic world of whimsical animal characters, where everyone from grizzly bears, dinosaurs, rabbits, and anteaters grapple with everyday life with wit and humor.

Through her comics, we discover that an armadillo can dress for Halloween, a dinosaur can be a loving parent ... and a rhino can squeeze orange juice! This collection features more than 100 comics, starring her beloved characters in all kinds of funny situations, from celebrating holidays to helping friends."

Animal Farm by George Orwell

Animal Farm by George Orwell, 139 pages

I have wanted to read this book or 1984 by George Orwell for the longest time.  Mr. Jones owns Manor Farm.  But, soon the animals take over the farm.  Napolean and the pigs soon become the animals in charge.  They build a windmill and make the farm more productive.  I really enjoyed reading this book more than I thought I would!