Picture Book Review: Lola at the Library by Anna McQuinn Illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw

Who doesn't remember being a child and getting excited when it was that day of the week that you got to go to the library? Ok still is like that for me as an adult. That day of the week when I was a kid was Saturday. My mom who was also an avid reader would take me ever single Saturday and I always loaded up on books. I always took out the maximum amount that the library would let me and sometimes even convinced the one librarian to let me sneak in one or two more. 

Lola is up bright and early because today is Tuesday and that means she gets to go to the library. Lola loves the library and is ready to get a whole bunch of new books to read.

Let's admit it that all of us bibliophiles can totally relate to Lola. There is nothing more magical than a library/bookstore. All those books and worlds to explore or revisit. It just puts you in such a contented place. I loved seeing a younger child who is excited about reading but isn't one of those advanced readers like Matilda. She is just a normal little girl who loves to read. There is something refreshing in that as a lot of times book lovers are portrayed as reading "the classics" by age 3. Lola reads picture books and she especially reads the ones about things she likes like bears and shoes. 

The illustrations were wonderful and do a great job of portraying just how much Lola loves books. The rapt attention she during the story time reading is obvious.

My favorite part was after the library when her mother has a cappuccino and shares a spoonful of the foam. The reason is that it reminds me of when my stepdaughter was little. She loved it when my husband would give her spoonful of his coffee. She would beg for more. I don't drink coffee so there was none to be had from me. But she didn't mind having a sip or two of my tea. This part just brought up feelings of nostalgia for me.

5 out of 5 stars!

Children's Book Review: I Like, I Don't Like by Anna Baccelliere

I requested and read this book last month. I'm only just now getting around to writing my review. I received the book from *Netgalley. I picked it because I thought it sounded like an interesting and different picture book.

I Like, I Don't Like tells in pictures and words about the difference between the privileged children of the world and those in 3rd world countries. Using the same object such as a shoe it shows that some children get to wear and enjoy them while others have to build the shoe.

I enjoyed the artwork in this one. It was unique and drew the eye in. However, while I like the message of the book it came off as a bit heavy handed and by the fourth I like, I don't like it was too repetitive. This is a deep topic and is a hard one for children who have grown up in the US to fully grasp. To be honest I don't know that I would want my younger child to grasp such things. Sometimes letting a child be innocent and naive to these things is better. 

I'd give this a 2 out of 5 stars.





*I received a review copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Children's Book Review: Malala:Activist for Girls Education by Raphaële Frier Illustrated by Aurelia Fronty

When I saw this on *Netgalley I had to request it. I remember watching Malala on The Daily Show
with Jon Stewart. To say that this girl (now a woman) is an inspiration does not even begin to express it. 

The book goes into details about Malala's life and her activism for girls and her fight against the Taliban. It doesn't hold back and even tells of her being shot 3 times.

I enjoyed this book. It is not for younger children as it is information heavy and some may find parts too upsetting. But this is perfect for older children. It is a great introduction to Malala's life. 

The illustrations in this are incredible. Like stare at each page for several minutes incredible. I also love that at the end of the book the author included real photographs of Malala. I loved the ones showing her with her family as the love is obvious in her family. This is one that I will read again.

4 out of 5 stars.


* I recieved a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.