emerging reader Archives

Kid vs. Squid Pits Land Lubbers Against Sea Dwellers to Rescue an Ancient Civilization

May 3, 2021

Today I present to you the thrilling conclusion of the 4-part series on the work of Greg Van Eekhout. Kid vs. Squid is Van Eekhout’s first book for Scholastic, Inc, published in 2011, however it was the last b...

Alvin Ho Series Does Childhood Anxiety and Inclusivity Right

Bambi

November 16, 2020

Children's, Fiction

It’s rare that you encounter a character in a children’s book who struggles with anxiety. It’s even more rare to see that child’s challenges presented in such a matter-of-fact way that you can see yourself or ...

A Sweet Little Tractor Proves His Mettle in the Otis Collection

Bambi

November 9, 2020

Children's, Fiction

Every now and then, you come across a picture book character that is almost too cute. One that your child will still indulge when they’re feeling especially nostalgic. One whose books you only pull out on spec...

A Worthy Sequel Reunites Readers with the Fire-Breathing Fafnyr in Return of the Dragon

Bambi

September 25, 2020

Children's, Fiction

As promised, I’m back with a review of the sequel to The Dragon of Lonely Island by Rebecca Rupp. This installment is called Return of the Dragon and though it was published seven years later, in the story not...

Adventure Soars to New Heights in The Dragon of Lonely Island

Bambi

September 22, 2020

Children's, Fiction

So, let’s just start with some real talk. This is a hard time to be a parent, am I right? At this point, most of us have been cooped up at home with our families, to the extent that work and other obligations ...

Nature Is Our History Teacher in As An Oak Tree Grows

Bambi

September 18, 2020

Children's, Fiction

I’ve easily read today’s book 100 times but to my son, it just never seems to get old! It’s a picture book that he received when he was 3 or 4, through an excellent program I’ve cheered before, Dolly Parton’s ...

Schoolboy Antics of The Terrible Two Bring End to Story Drought

Bambi

September 7, 2020

Children's, Fiction

You would think that with an endless supply of books in the world, the pool of inspiration would never run dry. But 30 reviews in, I have to say that not being able to visit the library on a moment’s notice ca...

A Father’s Fantastical Fable Fascinates in Fortunately, The Milk

Bambi

September 1, 2020

Children's, Fiction

Today I’m going to take a break from the book series kick I’ve been on and share something a little different. New York Times best-selling author Neil Gaiman is extremely prolific and well-known, specifically ...

Give Kids the Keys to the World with the Who Was? Series

Bambi

August 28, 2020

Non-Fiction

A few years ago, when my son was in kindergarten, I volunteered once a week in his school’s library. After spending several months helping kids of all ages to find books, I started to notice a trend among the ...

Clifford the Big Red Dog Brings the Calm During Uncertain Times

Bambi

August 20, 2020

Children's, Fiction

I’m feeling a little nostalgic today; my only child has just started 3rd grade and I’m having very mixed feelings. Time is rushing by so quickly, even as many of us spend more time than ever with our families ...