zoeelizabethk's reviews
595 reviews

Adults who grew up with the original 'Twas the Night Before Christmas will find this book very familiar as it adheres pretty closely to the original. Nevertheless, Clement Moore's bear-themed version and beautiful illustrations lend a lot of fresh charm to this age-old story. A great way to introduce little kids to Christmas traditions and a classic children's story.

Thanks to Sourcebooks Jabberwocky and Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

I was so disappointed by the Lost Story. Maybe I went in with too high - or wrong - expectations. I adored The Wishing Game, but I was so bored by The Lost Story. The pacing was so slow, I did not connect to the characters, and the magical realism fell flat for me. I also really disliked the narrative structure where we would hop around povs somewhat randomly and have lengthy flashbacks interspersed. It made the narrative feel clunky and took away from the magic of the magical realism. I also felt a little bait-and-switched by the marketing and the romance set up - but I won't get into details because of spoilers. I'm so sad to not have loved this one, but I will definitely try Meg Shaffer's next book.

Thanks to Random House, Ballantine Books, and Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Pip's Adventure is a perfect book to encourage your child to try new things, even if they're scary, and nurture their curiosity. Pip has his routines and thrives in them, but sometimes feels lonely. When he encounters something different, he learns that sometimes it's worth stepping outside of his comfort zone and that great things are out there. My kid is very cautious and resistant to trying things that scare him, but Pip's Adventure is a great way to encourage him that we can do scary things and that it's worth it to try. Highly recommend!

Thanks to Quarto Publishing Group,  Frances Lincoln Children's Books, and Netgalley for eARC in exchange for an honest review.

What a beautiful book about the value of patience, taking our time, and soaking in time with our loved ones! The illustrations and language are so beautiful and inspiring and I highly recommend this both for children and for caregivers as it will touch the hearts of everyone who reads it. I'm excited to read this at my son's bedtime.

Thanks to Pajama Press and Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Beautiful artwork and story that will appeal to young children with an interest in Neanderthals or prehistoric history. It would be great for a younger child too for expanding on opposites and actions as it uses a lot of here/there, near/far behind/in front. It also encourages a love of beauty and nature. I highly recommend it.

Thanks to Penguin Random House Canada, Tundra Books, and Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

DNF at 40%

A delightful illustrated history aimed at kids that tells about the assimilation of Estonia into the Soviet Union and the Estonian Resistance and Revolution in the late 20th century. It is an inspiring story and well adapted for kids. It also included a nice glossary in the back for further exploration as well as a little bit about the process of illustrating the book.

Thanks to VanitaBooks, LLC and Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Postcards From a War was such a beautiful read. It made me as an adult tear up, and I think it would be ideal for kids who have parents deployed or who just want to learn more about war and US history. I loved the attention to detail, the postcards that were included, and the grandfather's wisdom. "When I was young, people thought you needed to hide your feelings. Now, we all know it is better to let your feelings out." Highly recommend!

Thanks to VanitaBooks, LLC and Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Dara The Dancing Panda is a sweet kids book about a panda who loves to dance, but then loses her shoes and feels discouraged. First of all let me say that my son LOVES all his shoes, so I'm sure he would love a story about searching for the all important shoes haha. The illustrations were vibrant and beautiful, the language was poetic, and I loved the message about perseverance and sharing the love and joy you have for a thing with others around you.

Thanks to Dancing Panda LLC and Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!