Bearded: A Very Hairy Children's Book by Jeremy Billups

Bearded: A Very Hairy Children's Book by Jeremy Billups
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A cute story of a young girl narrating about her friend that is a bearded bear. This children story book teaches that there's nothing wrong with being unique, and that everyone should treat them with respect and kindness. The power of imagination was also addressed in this short and adorable book that young readers will also loved.

Nothing Happens in This Book by Judy Ann Sadler

Nothing Happens in This Book by Judy Ann Sadler
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This children's story has a cute story, but the moral lesson is quite vague. I read this for the second time; I have to think carefully after, so I can be able to come up with what message this book wants to say.

I suppose that it's up to the reader's comprehension on how he or she can interpret the story. And from what I understand, it is about how honesty — to return things to their rightful owner just like the boy did.

Another lesson hidden is instead of being pessimistic, just like what was shown by the boy in the first part of the story, try to be positive in life. The boy kept on saying that nothing happens in this book at first. But when the reader have decided to turn the pages, the story progressed and the boy continued his journey. And in the end, something really happened in the book contrary to the boy's statement in the beginning.

Not what I've expected from a children's story book; I think kids will have a hard time understanding what the story is all about. However, kids will love this story if only there's the guidance of parents or teachers to explain to them.

Blacksmith's Song by Elizabeth Van Steenwyk

Blacksmith's Song by Elizabeth Van Steenwyk
My rating: ★★★★★

Blacksmith's Song narrates the story of the black slavery in the past, and on how these enslaved people manage to escape from their oppressors. According to the author, they used several techniques on how to communicate furtively about methods of escaping — one of this might be the use of using the blacksmith's hammer.



On the other, Anna Rich is the illustrator of the exquisite artworks in this picture book. I assume that Rich used oil paint because of the texture of the paintings. She vividly rendered the story of the blacksmith and his family in this book.



There was no longer black slavery at present time, but slavery may still be existing in other parts of the world. This picture storybook is a reminder and an eye-opener on how wicked slavery was, and that it should be destroyed completely.

My Secret Dog by Tom Alexander

My Secret Dog by Tom Alexander
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The children's book My Secret Dog of Tom Alexander is about the story of a little girl who wants to have a dog. One day, a dog followed her at home; she end up keeping a secret from her mom and the people around her that she adopted the said dog.

I like how this short and adorable story teaches kids to try not to keep a secret from their parents, particularly stuff like this. The ending is cute and funny, but it is a little disappointing that the girl still haven't learnt her lesson.

I'm not sure if the ARC sent by the publisher is the final look of the book. I'm just concern with how dull the appearance of the book because the font and the illustrations are both in black. I think that the illustrator must put a color on those stick-figure drawings so it will be more appealing to the young readers.

I'm not a psychiatrist or a psychology major, but based from what I've learnt from Psychology subject way back in college, kids are attracted to books that colorful because it is eye-catching and it stimulates brain activity. If the author and the publisher could only make this livelier, a lot of kids will adore this story book.

Hiznobyuti by Claude Ponti

Hiznobyuti by Claude Ponti
My rating: ★★★★

Hiznobyuti is a fun and inspirational story, yet there are poignant parts as well. The book is about the boy called Hiznobyuti who was born differently from his family because of his facial feature.

The first part of the story when Hiznobyuti's family was not treating him was really upsetting. The most heartbreaking part was when his father has decided to put bricks under the sink where Hiznobyuti stays.

The story teaches young kids and reminds adults to be courageous, forbearing, kind, persevering, compassionate and most especially, to be forgiving. Despite what Hisnobyuti's family did to him in the past, he learned to forgive, and even love and took care of them in the end.

The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires

The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires
My rating: ★★★★★

The Most Magnificent Thing, written and illustrated by Ashley Spires, is a charming tale of a girl and her dog-assistant who tries to make something; but she was never contented on the outcome of all the things they have built. Afterward, she became frustrated and was enraged. This story shows that kids nowadays are prone to be more serious, goal-oriented, or competitive; it's not bad but usually, they are living in stress.

Because they didn't achieve what they want or the expectations on them were not met, sometimes build- up stress and anxiety leads to other bigger complications, such as health problems like depression. The story teaches several lessons — such as being persevering and forbearing, but must not forget to relax and enjoy once in a while — which a lot of adults also tend to forget every so often.

Furthermore, the adorable artwork, especially of the dog and his/her antics, will distinctly enchant the young readers of this children's book. Lastly, educators and parents must not miss a chance to get a copy of this marvelous children's book.

Lisbeth Kaiser: Rosa Parks

		Synopsis: New in the Little People, Big Dreams series, discover the incredible life of Rosa Parks, ' The Mother of the Freedom Movement', in this inspiring story. In this true story of an inspiring civil rights activist, Rosa Parks grew up during segregation in Alabama, but she was taught to respect herself and stand up for her rights. In 1955, Rosa refused to give up her seat to a white man on a segregated bus, sparking the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Her decision had a huge impact on civil rights, eventually leading to the end of segregation on public transport.
With stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, this empowering series celebrates the important life stories of wonderful women of the world. From designers and artists to scientists, all of them went on to achieve incredible things, yet all of them began life as a little child with a dream. These books make the lives of these role models accessible for children, providing a powerful message to inspire the next generation of outstanding people who will change the world!

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My Rating: ★★★★★ The life story of Rosa Parks is a very good way on teaching kids to treat everyone with equality. This children's book should be promoted so that a lot of young readers will be inform of the absurdity of racism. We may not be aware of it, but racism still do exist even at present. It always up to the parents, teachers, or guardians of children to teach them that whatever color or from wherever you came from, we are all coequal. Lastly, Rosa Parks' bravery and standing up for what is right also set as an example and inspiration not only to children but also to adults.

If you are interested in this book, you may buy it from Amazon: