One Boy Watching / Book Review

A peaceful picture book of wonder and day dream:

Title:

One Boy Watching

Author/Illustrator:

Grant Snider (www.grantsnider.com)

Favorite Line:

"One boy watches out the window and wonders...

How many things he will discover..."

Click here to buy

Synopsis:

"One Boy Watching" is a serene and calming picture book that captures the experience of a young boy's daily bus ride to and from school. The story invites readers to join the boy on Bus Number Four as it traverses country roads, city streets, and various enchanting landscapes. Through the bus window, the boy observes the world around him, noticing countless details and marveling at the wonders that unfold before his eyes.

Recommendation:

I felt so calm and at peace as I joined this boy on a soothing ride to school. I felt mesmerized by the beautiful drawings of the landscapes and the simplicity of the poetic words. As it encourages kids to wonder and day dream, I felt as if I was in my own daydream. This is such a relatable and graceful story that I highly recommend. It reminds us to slow down and appreciate the small things around us.

Illustrations:

These simple yet gorgeous colored-pencil illustrations are captivating and beautiful. They depict everyday landscapes and scenes and turn them into breathtaking works of art. Enjoy some of my favorite:

Video Read-aloud

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Room for Everyone / Book Review

A heartwarming story of acceptance and inclusion:

Title:

Room for Everyone

Author:

Naaz Khan (naazkhan.org)

Illustrator:

Mercè López (mercelopez.com)

Favorite Line

“Do you need a ride? It’s hotter than peppers out there in the sun!

Come in,

there’s room for everyone!”

Click here to buy

Synopsis

There's always room for one more - In this heartwarming story you join a young boy as he rides through Zanzibar on a dala dala, picking up more and more interesting and unique characters along the way. As those aboard wiggle and giggle, they discover that anyone can fit in, as long as you make the room.

Recommendation:

I love this story because it teaches the power of kindness and acceptance. It sends the message that no one should be excluded, and anyone, no matter how different, can have a place as long as we make the room. I highly recommend this book for young kids and lovers of picture books.

Illustrations:

The colorful illustrations by Mercè López bring the unique setting and memorable characters of this story to life. I feel like I really just rode a crowded "dala dala" through Zanzibar. I love the simplicity of the drawings that are almost intentionally imperfect and raw. Here are some of my favorites:

Video Read-aloud

Comment and Subscribe:

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When a Dragon Moves In / Book Review

A beautiful story that encourages laughter and imagination

Title:

When a Dragon Moves In

Author:

Jodi Moore

(jodimoore.com)

Illustrator:

Howard McWilliam (howardmcwilliam.com)

Favorite Quote:

"That wasn't me," you'll answer. " That was the dragon."

And you'll hear a heh-heh-heh from deep inside the sandcastle.

Click Here to View on Amazon

Summary:

If you build the perfect sandcastle, a dragon will move in. That's just what happens to a lucky little boy in this fun and imaginative story: When a Dragon Moves In

Join him as he enjoys a day at the beach with his new friend, the dragon, aka his personal marshmallow roaster and sandcastle protector. Help him as he tries to convince his parents that this dragon is real, and it is actually the dragon, who ate the brownies. As you read you have to decide for yourself: Is there really a dragon living in his sandcastle, or is it all just his imagination?

Recommendation:

I love this book as it teaches kids the power of imagination and the joy of childhood play, as well as the importance of believing in yourself and the magic of the world around you. I recommend this book for kids of all ages.

Favorite Illustrations:

The illustrations by Howard McWilliam are some of my favorite. They are bright, lively, hilarious, and serve the story very well. Here are a few of my favorites:

Video Read-Aloud:

Awards:

• Library of VA’s Whitney & Scott Cardozo Award for Children’s Literature

• Charter Oak Children’s Book Award Winner, Connecticut, 2012-13

• Indie Next Kids’ Pick, Summer 2011

• ABC Best of Books Catalog pick, 2011

• Georgia Children’s Book Award, 2012-13

• Mississippi Magnolia Children’s Choice Award list, 2012-13

• Kansas Bill Martin, Jr. Picture Book Award list, 2013-14

• Nebraska Golden Sower Award list, 2013-14

• Wyoming READS selection, 2014

• NSW Premier Reading Challenge Book in Australia

• Scholastic Book Club Selection

Comment and Subscribe:

Please leave a comment if you have read and enjoyed this book!

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