Excellent Books for Early and Eager Readers by Kathleen T. Isaacs is more or less a giant bibliography of books for children. It's organized into different categories such as transitional books (between picture books, easy readers, or short chapter books), quests, talking animal stories, and books about magic. I ended up taking down so many titles to add to my TRL that I had a stack that was nigh on teetering to the ceiling (18 books before I stopped counting). Needless to say, this is an excellent resource for anyone who is either a professional working with children or a parent trying to encourage their child to reach their maximum potential. (It doesn't beat the Read-Aloud Handbook though.) This isn't a book one would generally read cover-to-cover (although that's exactly what I did) but rather one you'd dip in and out of for ideas on books you and the children in your life could read. 8/10

What I'm Currently Reading: The Lumberjanes Vol. 4: Out of Time by Shannon Watters, Noelle Stevenson, Grace Ellis, & Brooke Allen

What are the odds on finding affordable housing at the corner of Deckawoo Drive and Sesame Street? I really want to move to a place without racism or any of the other nasty hates that have been so apparent lately. A place where strangers are helpful, and the neighbors share in your good fortune.

DeCamillo makes me feel better about humanity and cheerful. Van Dusen's art is the perfect visual accompaniment. My Offspring are all grown up, but even they are delighted to see such a book arrive.

Go, spend a little time. I'm certain the air is sweet, even when Mercy Watson walks by. You can take a child with you, but you don't have to.

Enjoy.

ARC provided by publisher through GoodReads giveaway. Because joy.

A homeless street can narrates the 're of finding a family and a friend for his new pet human. The anime style of "the look" that elicits good from humans is worth it, all in its own.

library copy

Lyle is lovable, don't try to resist him. Everyone wants her own Lyle.

***

Still true.

But also? In a climate where hate speech and hate crimes are increasing, the book feels way darker than it did before. Poor Lyle, doing everything he can to keep people from fearing him, and none of it does any good to sway people who refuse to believe that an upright-walking, talking, socially responsible crocodile could be human. What's wrong with people?

by Adele Griffin and Courtney Sheinmel

illustrations by Sara Palacios

age range: 5 to 7 years old

Bloomsbury

Agnes and Clarabelle are best friends, and that means everything es better when they are together. This is the soul of this inspiring book. Many sweet stories talk about Agnes and Clarabelle friendship. A surprise party for Clarabelle, that Clarabelle helps to organize too. Agnes' fear of the beach, and how her friend is there to support her and accommodate the plan so everybody has a good time. Agnes' turn of being supportive comes when Clarabelle feels frightened of getting lost in a huge store. And what makes a perfect pizza? Is not the chestnut and chocolate chips toppings, but the joy of making it together. This short novel for early readers is divide in four chapter/stories called after the seasons that can be read independently. Agnes and Clarabelle are lovely characters, and their stories will make you smile. They remind me in some way the old Little Bear books, where the focus is put on the good things we can do and experience together. Agnes and Clarabelle have this kids of purity and blessedness. The illustrations are gorgeous. Look at that cover! Colorful and uncomplicated. Bright and with texture. I felt like jumping into the book! Thankfully the stories are thoroughly illustrated. Wonderful option for reading aloud at bedtime, or for independent readers. I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.