by Now that we have been spending so much more time at home, we’ve taken the opportunity to read alot more books. There are so many great winter reads not just for kids but that I think the entire family would enjoy. *All of these books were sent for free to review and all opinions are my own.*
The House of Happy Spirits by Geraldine Elschner and illustrated by Lucie Vandevelde is a story that centers around a new building being constructed in Lea’s neighborhood and she is worried that her favorite tree will be chopped down. As time goes by, she sees her tree becoming surrounded by bricks. Thankfully, the tree is fine and actually ends up being a beautiful centerpiece of the new building. Kids will love the captivating drawings of the people, pets and all the hustle and bustle of city life. This hardcover book retails for $14.95 and is recommended for ages 4 and up.
The Little Dancer by Geraldine Elschner and illustrated by Olivier Desvaux is a story about a young girl named Jeanne in 19th-century Paris whose dream is to become a ballet dancer. She auditions at the Opera Garnier and moves to Montmartre. While preparing for her performance, she also become an inspiration for an artist. The beautiful story and illustrations will transport you into Jeanne’s world including where she lives with her mom, her rehearsals for this most important performance and the completion of the sculpture. This book retails for $14.95 and is for ages 4 and up.
The Magic Doll by Adrienne Yabouza and illustrated by Élodie Nouhen is a story that takes place in a small village in West Africa. A young girl tells the story of how her mother had trouble getting pregnant and the way she seeked help from a doll whom she carried on her back and showered with kisses. Here belly began to grow months later. The topic of the Akua-Ba fertility figures of the Akan people of Ghana is explored while the deep love a mother has for her children is depicted. The beautiful illustrations by Élodie Nouhen are contemporary yet reminiscent of traditional African art. This book retails for $14.95 and is recommended for ages 4 and up.
How to Spot an Artist, by Danielle Krysa is a beautifully illustrated picture book that gives encouragement to children who think artists only live in cities, that art always has to look like something familiar or that painting and drawing is the only way to make art. Her mission with this book is to help children overcome negativity about their artistic endeavors as well as help them to redefine what being an artist means. Danielle has over 200,000 Instagram followers and has been able to help so many individuals overcome their fear that they aren’t creative. This book retails for $16.95 and is recommended for ages 5 and up.
David Roberts’ Delightfully Different Fairy Tales is filled with a beautiful of array of fairy tales that are set in different decades of the 20th century while being feminist and spunky. One tale revolves around a 1970s Rapunzel that lives in a tower block and has a friend who is in a rock band. Another tale takes us to the 1950s with a sci-fi nerd Sleeping Beauty that pricks her finger on a record player. The story is filled with only women and girls; no princes needed! This book retails for $19.95 and is recommended for ages 3 to 6.
This Thing Called Life by Christian Borstlap is a wonderful book to help children see the connections between all living things, what life is and how it’s constantly changing. Many of the creatures are imaginary but they all represent real things that organisms must do in order to survive. The illustrations help demonstrate complex concepts that are hard to put into words. This book retails for $17.95 and is recommended for ages 5 and up.
The Three Wishes beautifully written and illustrated by Alan Snow follows a young boy who is herding his family’s reindeer when he comes across a mysterious cave that is the holder of eternal summer. A bird, a fish and a wooden creature watch over the cave which can’t be left without time being frozen in the outside world. He ends up being granted three wishes and as a result of hard work, he’s able to visit his family annually and help to encourage others to create Christmas traditions. If you’re like our family, we wish the holiday season could last throughout the year and this book will be just what you need! It retails for $19.95 and is recommended for ages 4 to 8.
Build a Skyscraper by Paul Farrell is the second in a new series of graphic-designed cards that turn the image of a skyscraper into an amazing piece of artwork. The 64 cards feature a variety of graphic designs that are vibrant and pleasing to the eye. The cards are easy to slot together to create your own unique skyscraper. You can follow the suggestions in the included booklet, or as we like to do with many of our building projects, go abstract and get as creative as you like. This retails for $19.69 and is recommended for ages 3 to 5.
School by Britta Techkentrup is a story that lets you see what a day is like for various students at a bustling school. They experience everything from anger to joy to bullying to friendship. It’s a book that many children can relate to as many of the situations depicted can happen anywhere. This story is filled with compassion and beautiful illustrations that take you on a journey of so many emotions. It retails for $19.95 and is recommended for ages 8 and up.
Robobaby is a new picture book by Caldecott winner David Wiesner that take you on a journey revolving around the arrival of a new baby, but not just for any family, it’s a robot family! But Baby Flange arrives as a crate full of components that have to be assembled. They hit some bumps in the road, but have no fear, big sister Cathy has her trusty toolbox and her knowledge of robotics and IT is quite extensive. Cathy ends up being the heroine of this funny story and bonds with her new brother in the process. This book retails for $17.99 and is recommended for ages 4 to 7.
