Some of Candlewick Press' best read-aloud picture books for 2024 for ages 3-7 {Reviews & Giveaway]

 Lonely Bird's Dream by Ruth Whiting 

ISBN: 9781536226195

My thoughts:  Ruth Whiting, author/illustrator of the Lonely Bird stories, has out-shone herself in Lonely Bird's Dream. It is even more enjoyable and lovely than the first of Lonely Bird's stories (click for my review).

As this lonely bit of a paper bird imaginatively  and quite by his lonesome self dreams of how to acquire his ability to fly and be as real birds, he does his research and discovery, designs or records his plan to accomplish his task, and assembles his materials. He then creates and tests.

Along the way he is befriended and given an assist to help him along his dream plan. A sweet story of inquisitiveness, creativity, achievement, failure, assistance, and contentment. I recommend.

About the book: Longing to fly, a near-wingless paper bird puts her creativity to work in this visually stunning follow-up to Lonely Bird.

One night, Lonely Bird has a dream.

She wakes with the memory of riding the wind.

There must be a way.

If Lonely Bird is a bird, why doesn’t she have feathers and wings like the birds she sees through the windows of her home? Why can’t she fly? A curious and inventive soul, Lonely Bird studies drawings of old-fashioned flying machines, conducts delicate experiments with feathers, and constructs her own little marvels as she pursues her elusive goal. Will the inevitable bumps and perils along the way ground her for good, or will she rise up to try again? In Lonely Bird’s second adventure, author-illustrator Ruth Whiting launches her artistic heroine on a tenacious exploration of identity, set in an enchanting miniature world that may just exist on the edge of our own.

Aisha's Colors by Nabila Adani  

ISBN: 9781536235401

My thoughts: This beautiful and colorful story focuses on young Aisha as he and his parents travel for their vacation trip to see his grandmother. He is wishful and discontent because his friends are vacationing in snowy or beachy places so much different from his family's trip to see a relative. A trip often taken with nothing new and different to experience. 

As they travel Aisha speaks of a different friend's place to visit and what they'll experience and then Aisha realizes that he, too, will experience much the same colorful and visual joy as his friends.

But in the end he realizes that his most joyful (noted as the joyful color yellow) place is at the side of his Grandmother. The story is about an Indonesian family but could apply to a family anywhere.

A lovely story of joy in family.

About the book: Why can’t Aisha go on colorful, faraway vacations like her friends? A bighearted, universal story about living in the moment and seeing the beauty on your own doorstep.

Every year on vacation, Aisha and her parents take the same trip from their home in Jakarta to Grandma’s village in the countryside. This year, Aisha wants to see something different! Like the crunchy white snow her friend Jennie will explore (sort of like that white frozen treat Aisha enjoys on the road). Or the blue swimming pool that Dismas is floating in (almost as blue as the sparkling sea that Aisha can see out her window). And those tropical fish her neighbor saw at the aquarium—were they like the rainbow kites Aisha sees soaring in the sky? In both words and light, airy illustrations, first-time author Nabila Adani brings home an appreciation of the simple beauties around us—and the special warmth of family that welcomes you with open arms. 

Eli and the Uncles by Jehan Madhani & illustrated by Rashin Kheiriyeh 

ISBN: 9781536228113

My thoughts:  This is an unusual story where a bunch of uncles (assuming they are all one family) are taking care of young Eli who has been left in the care of the Uncles by his mother. An unusual story of an unusual care group.

The story points out the varied beard styles of the assorted uncles and how they are all different in personality as well as appearance. 

The story is repetitive and ends rather abruptly with a sleepy Eli and his Mom driving off at end of day. The story is that of an Arabic culture but can embrace any other culture or people group equally as well.

About the book: Young Eli gets to spend a whole day with his eight adoring uncles—each one bigger and taller than the last, and each with an outsized personality to match, from Aman the dancer to Riz the joke teller. Even better, every one of the uncles sports his own unique set of whiskers! Short or long, curly or straight, bristly or soft, whatever the style or texture, every especially elegant beard is a sight to behold (and a sleepy-time aid for Eli as he says his good-nights one by one). With delightful warmth and whimsy, author Jehan Madhani and award-winning illustrator Rashin Kheiriyeh present a hilarious, hirsute countdown to bedtime that will have young readers and listeners dreaming of woolly beards instead of woolly sheep. 

Pavlo Gets the Grumps by Natalia Shaloshvili 

ISBN: 9781536235548

My thoughts:  A pouty, grumpy kitten is down in the dumps and mama cat tries to sooth Pavlo out of the grumps. The illustrations are cute and capture the grumpy emotions of Pavlo.

This is such a cheerful book of pulling someone despairing in the grumps (or depression) out of those dark, grumpy feelings and getting out and about and finding the joy in being and doing.

A sweet, good book.

About the book: For those days when everything feels blah, a picture-book-shaped hug offered with humor and tenderness by a gifted Ukrainian artist.

Pavlo does not feel like going to the park. Not today. He does not want to go swimming. He even says no to the movies. What’s going on, Pavlo?

Pavlo has the grumps. Though Mama suggests one fun activity after another, Pavlo doesn’t want to do any of them. Can anything cheer him up on this down day? Capturing a range of emotions through nuanced expressions and a simple text, Natalia Shaloshvili’s comforting picture book looks at familiar childhood feelings, suggesting that grumpy days, sadness, and even anger happen to everyone. But that’s OK—good friends and family will love you anyway. And who knows what might happen if you decide to give that big slide a try after all? 

GIVEAWAY

2 books: Lonely Bird's Dream & Eli & the Uncles

Begins January 8

Ends February 7 @ 12:01 a.m. EST

Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE: I received complimentary copies of books to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Secret word: Dream - Winner's prize books are provided and sent directly to the winner by Candlewick Press or its publicist. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

Some of 2024's Best Kid's books from Candlewick Press [Reviews & Giveaway]

The Last Zookeeper by Aaron Becker

ISBN: 9781536227680

My thoughts:  Aaron Becker is the "pro" or "go-to" wordless book author and an artist whose work is always a delight to gaze upon and peruse its intricate detail. In The Last Zookeeper he delves into a futuristic world where the Earth is inundated by flood waters with humanity and the animal kingdom at peril of extinction.

To the rescue is NOA (a futuristic nod to the Biblical account of Noah and the world wide flood) a huge robot who seems to have its power from wind turbines and solar panels. A story told by highly detailed, beautifully drawn and colored pictures relates a world seemingly inhabited only with animals and only a single huge robot - and not a single human - remaining as the world floods. Kind hearted NOA builds a boat (an ark?) and helps the animals onto it. A further storm causes more problems. As they become shipwrecked, a sweet ending emerges in the story and a bright future awaits.

What I don't like about the book...... It is a "take" on a Biblical story that I hold dear as I do all of the Bible. The world seems to have no humans and only a robot can save the world. Question is who keeps the robot in repair, programed, etc. 

What I do like about the book..... As with other Aaron Becker books, this provides the child the opportunity to closely and in-depth peruse the illustrations to find the story and expand on the story to his or her heart's content. Also, I love Becker's illustrations and choices of colors.

About the book: A master of the wordless form imagines a futuristic Noah’s Ark in a luminous sci-fi parable for our changing world.

Look closely. NOA the robot is huge. He scoops up animals and lifts them
onto boats, islands, hot-air-balloons, rescuing them from the flood.

The Earth has flooded. The only signs of humankind are the waterlogged structures they left behind. Peeking out from the deluge are the remnants of a zoo, home to rare and endangered animals, survivors of long neglect. Tender-hearted NOA is a construction robot who’s found new purpose as the caretaker of the zoo’s beleaguered inhabitants. Bracing for the next storm, NOA builds an ark from the wreckage in search of new land and a new home, only to discover something even more profound. With boundless compassion and sweeping scenes of sea and sky punctuated by detailed wordless panels to pore over, Caldecott Honor–winning creator Aaron Becker delivers a timely and concrete message about the rewards of caring in even the most difficult of times that is sure to inspire the dreamers among us. Secret word: compassion

They Call Me Teach: Lessons in Freedom by Lesa Cline-Ransome & illustrated by James E. Ransome

ISBN: 9780763681555

My thoughts:  An evocatively illustrated picture book that tells the sad, yet uplifting, story of a young slave who had learned to read while a companion of a young son of the Master's. Later when the son was sent to school and the slave a young man, the slave was allowed to use his reading and math skills while working in Master's store. But he was not permitted to read, write, and or do math outside the store without severe personal ramifications.

Nevertheless, he slipped around and found moments he could help by teaching his fellow slaves to read a little.

A sad story. An encouraging story. A story of seeking and finding a way to freedom. 

About the book: In this stirring and powerfully illustrated story, an enslaved young man uses his ability to read and write to educate others in the pursuit of freedom.

Back inside the store
I write up receipts
for Master’s deliveries
for Master’s orders
In ’tween
I write up a receipt
for her freedom

The young man known as Teach secretly learned to read, write, and use numbers growing up alongside the master’s son. And although on this Southern plantation these are skills he can never flaunt, Teach doesn’t keep them to himself: In the course of a week, he’ll teach little ones the alphabet in the corner stall of a stable and hold a moonlit session where men scratch letters in the dirt. He’ll decipher a discarded letter bearing news of Yankee soldiers and forge a pass for a woman hoping to buy precious time on a perilous journey north. And come Sunday, Teach will cross the swamp to a hidden cabin, reading aloud to the congregation God’s immortal words to the pharaoh: Let my people go. With a spare, moving first-person narration told in an era-appropriate dialect, complemented by stunning watercolor illustrations, the celebrated duo of Lesa Cline-Ransome and James E. Ransome honor the bravery and generosity of spirit behind countless untold acts of resistance during the time of slavery. An author’s note highlights the vital role of literacy and education toward the securing of freedom, both historically and to the present day.

Beti and the Little Round House by Atinuke & illustrated by Emily Hughes

ISBN: 9781536225181

My thoughts: This is a charming book that will bring joy just by looking at it. Just the right size book. Text is printed appropriately sized and spaced for ease of reading. And there is an abundant of sweet illustrations scattered throughout - some are small black and white while some are full page and in beautiful color. There is exquisite detail showing the woods with trees, plants, and flowers beautifully enveloping the little round house that Beti and her Mam, Tad, and baby sibling live in.

They seem to live quite a rustic life even keeping the milk cooling in the stream. A bit of an off-the-grid type of existence. 

The story is portioned into four chapters and each takes place in a season - Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall. Beti's life on a day-to-day basis and encounters with her family, her friends, and mama Goat and baby goat, "Naughty," are very nicely told in middle-grade level understanding and vocabulary. Pleasant. Charming. Delightful.   

About the book: From beloved storyteller Atinuke comes an enchanting new collection of stories featuring an endearing new character.

Beti lives in a little round house in the green woods under the mountains with Mam, Tad, baby Jac, and her very own tiny goat named Naughty. Beti loves the little round house, where there is always the promise of adventure with Naughty, Jac, and her friends—whatever the season! With charming black-and-white and color illustrations throughout, this warm and lyrical collection is alive with themes of endurance, friendship, and the power of self-belief. It celebrates the gift of the seasons and the art of living simply and joyfully in nature.

GIVEAWAY

A copy of: The Last Zookeeper

Begins January 4, 2025

Ends February 4, 2025

Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's prize book is provided and mailed/shipped directly to the winner by Candlewick Press or its publicist. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

Christmas Eve 2024 at Vera’s

 

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Deadly Revenge (Pearl River #3) by Patricia Bradley

ISBN: 97808800741848
Revell Pub. ~ $18.99 US

My thoughts:  While this story is authored by a Christian author and published by a Christian publishing house it is not heavy on church, Bible, and Christianity. It is a very clean read with romance overtones. The story is a mystery and filled with suspense.

Set in Tennessee the story follows a political campaign, a town with long term and deep seated bitterness and hatred over the imminent domain seizure of land for building a dam, and several mysterious deaths that may or may not be linked to this unease and bitterness. Local law enforcement is joined by a representative of the TBI (Tennessee Bureau of Investigation) for protection of the campaigning politician and soon they're all involved in seeing if the deaths were murders and if they are connected to politics or the long term bitterness.  

The pace is somewhat slow, but that's ok as sometimes it takes awhile to flesh out the characters, story line, and for the bits and pieces of the story to be revealed. Patricia Bradley has written another good suspense to engage readers. 

About the book: Deputy Jenna Hart has only been working in her sleepy hometown of Pearl Springs for seven months when city officials begin to be targeted by a killer. Twenty years ago, the construction of a dam caused people to lose their land to eminent domain. That wound has not healed with time, and someone bearing a grudge is clearly set on revenge. With the former mayor of Pearl Springs now running for the US Senate, Jenna will have to call in backup to ensure his protection.

That's where Agent Maxwell Anderson comes in. He and Jenna used to work together in the Chattanooga Police Department, and there was even a smoldering fire of attraction. Now they team up to track down the killer before a big political rally that promises to bring not only the former mayor into the crosshairs but hundreds of civilians as well.

As the sparks of romance reignite and the threads of the investigation get tangled when another suspect comes into play, Jenna and Max will have to draw on all of their skills to stay alive and prevent the wave of disaster poised to hit the community of Pearl Springs. The question is, can either of them fully trust that the other has their back?

Click Here for more of Patricia Bradley's books reviewed on Chat With Vera!

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.

Beyond the Horizon (Horizons Series #3) by Penny Zeller [Giveaway]

She's desperate to keep her job.

He's desperate for solitude.

What is God's plan in this complicated situation?

Ruby Shepherdson has worked hard to secure her job as a reporter for The Horizon Herald. After a costly mistake, Ruby’s unforgiving boss gives her an ultimatum to either interview the handsome and reclusive Jake Lynton—or lose her job. But each time Ruby has attempted to obtain an interview, Mr. Lynton has refused. Why would anyone who has saved the lives of four people deny recognition? And why does she find herself drawn to the man?

Jake Lynton just wants to be left alone. Haunted by the past, he runs from both guilt and God by leaving home and somehow finding himself in Horizon, Idaho. His hopes of living as a recluse are foiled when a pesky, but beautiful reporter insists he allow her to interview him about a good deed gone awry. Despite Jake’s efforts, Ruby Shepherdson persists, soon endearing herself to him while somehow remaining endlessly annoying.

Jake’s story isn’t the only one Ruby seeks to publish. Secret word: truth - When rumors of ill dealings come to her attention, she sets forth to uncover the truth—truth someone does not want revealed. As danger emerges and an unanticipated enemy determines to keep Ruby silent, will Jake fit the pieces together in time to rescue her? Or will he lose the woman who has found a place in his heart?

High rating reviews from early release readers - Goodreads.com

GIVEAWAY

Begins December 17

Ends January 18, 2025 at 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE: Winner's prize copy is provided and mailed directly to the winner by author, publicist, or publisher. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

WINTER BOOKS: "Winter Light" & "A Pinecone!" [Review & Giveaway]

Winter Light by Aaron Becker

ISBN: 9781536236460
$17.99 US
Candlewick Studio

My thoughts:  Artist/author Aaron Becker never fails to bring delights to us rich with his conceptualization of art, color, and light. In this delightful toddler's board book, Winter Light, he utilizes a snowflake cut out on every page. As one turns the page to read the short text, visualization of aspects of changing light are experienced through the cut out of the snowflake. The color changes as the pages are turned. 

The text traverses the shortening of the hours of light as Winter approaches and the seasons change. But with the outside light changing, our inside lights also change to  bring warmth, light, and hope with fireplace light, candlelight, and lights aglow on our seasonal celebration decorations.

Another Aaron Becker delight!

About the book: With an eye to holiday rituals and nature’s rebirth, New York Times best-selling creator Aaron Becker offers a luminous die-cut companion to You Are Light, My Favorite Color, and One Sky.

Hush, now. Be still.

It’s time for winter light.

Come winter, the days grow short. Sunlight filters through bare branches as ice crystals cover the meadow. In this quiet time, we turn to warmth and light, to family rituals and traditions. With jewellike die-cuts revealing the colors of the season against soft painterly backgrounds, Caldecott Honoree Aaron Becker captures the light of winter skies and lengthening days, the glow of candle and hearth, and the heart’s yearning for spring’s return.

A Pinecone! by Helen Yoon

ISBN: 9781536226263
US $18.99
Candlewick Press

My thoughts:  In this picture book, the delights of collecting one of nature's beauties - a pinecone - is enthusiastically examined by a precocious little girl who just can't seem to get enough pinecones.

Whilst out with papa walking the dog, who has a mind of his own, she snatches and tucks away in every pocket, fold, and spot numerous pinecones. Such delight!

She collects so many they take over the house. Poor papa and the dog - living their papa and doggie lives in the background on these pages of delight - endure the invasion of the pinecones.

But there is more..... there is a vast assortment of teeny, tiny critters whose home is  the pinecone and they come, too!

An absolutely adorable story of fascination, family living, family tolerance, and cause and effect. Plus a heaping of charm. 

About the book: While Daddy is busy wrangling a mud-happy dog, someone else is collecting lots,/i> and lots of pinecones. Helen Yoon brings back the parent-child duo from Off-Limits in a droll celebration of high enthusiasm.

Daddy is a bit distracted on their autumn walk, while his curious child only has eyes for one of nature’s small a pinecone! And look, another pinecone! And another! In fact, she could gather an entire collection—an entire extended family—of pinecones if she wanted to (and she wants to!). But what then? In a story spun with visual comedy, the characters from Off-Limits return for a small adventure in outsize enthusiasm leading to a sparkly, holiday-cheer-worthy finish. Helen Yoon brings all her quirky warmth to bear on this tribute to little ones whose fixations tend to send them over the top—and the parents who lovingly help them to funnel all that passionate energy. And perhaps some of their own!

Giveaway

Begins December 14

Ends January 15, 2025 @ 12:01 a.m. EST

Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE: Secret word: Snuggle - I received complimentary copies to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's prize copies are provided and shipped/mailed directly to the winner by publisher, Candlewick Press, or its publicist. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.