Childrens Book Reviews-Winter 2021

Modern Mama Childrens Book Reviews

One of the fun parts of my job is getting books from publishers to review.  My kids love it when we get new books in the mail as a big part of our family routine are bedtime stories.

The following is a list (in alphabetical order) of childrens to middle-school aged books I have had the privilege to review, many of which are from local authors.

CONTEST ALERT: Be sure to enter the giveaways listed in the post – Open to Canadian Residents – Contest closes Feb 28th, 2021 at midnight. 

 

Modern Mama ApprovedBeep Beep Bubbie

BY BONNIE SHERR KLIEN
ILLUSTRATIONS BY ELISABETH EUDES-PASCAL

A great gift for children aged 3-7

In her first children’s book, iconic documentary filmmaker, author and disability activist Bonnie Sherr Klein shares the story of Bubbie, who now uses a mobility device, and her grandchildren.

In Beep Beep Bubbie, Kate is upset when her grandma (Bubbie) gets a motorized scooter. While her little brother Nate loves the scooter’s bells and whistles, Kate worries that Bubbie won’t be Bubbie anymore. After fun-filled adventures such as an outing to Granville Island Market and a trip to the park, Kate sees all the ways Bubbie’s scooter can help them continue to do things they love as a family.

Uplifting and accessible, this charming book shatters stereotypes often associated with aging and disability by showcasing an upbeat woman whose mobility device not only makes her life easier, but also allows her to have more fun. Beep Beep Bubbie also encourages conversations as a family about the climate emergency and feminism, as seen through the experiences of Bubbie and the kids at climate marches and during informal lessons about women’s history.

With beautiful illustrations by Élisabeth Eudes-Pascal, Beep Beep Bubbie is a sweet story of the special relationship shared by grandparents and grandchildren that also touches on some of the most pressing issues facing children today.

We found this book quite enjoyable, relatable and loved the local geographic references in the book. Get the book here.

 


 Flash Facts

EDITED BY MAYIM BIALIK (Big Bang Theory)

Great gift for middle-grade readers.

DC’s first-ever STEM-related graphic novel, curated by Big Bang Theory star, scientist, and author Mayim Bialik.

Have you ever wondered what’s at the bottom of the sea? Why polar ice melts? Or which tools forensic scientists use to solve a crime?

If so, it’s time to get up to speed!

 

Flash Facts—DC’s newest middle grade graphic novel—takes readers ages 8-12 on 10 thrilling adventures, mixing heroic tales of DC Super Heroes with valuable lessons in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). The anthology is curated by Big Bang Theory star, author, and scientist Mayim Bialik, PhD, and is written and drawn by some of the biggest names in middle grade and comics publishing including Varian Johnson (Twins), Cecil Castellucci (Shade, the Changing Girl), Kirk Scroggs (Snoop TroopThe Secret Spiral of Swamp Kid), Michael Northrop (Tomb QuestDear Justice League), Isaac Goodhart (Under the Moon: A Catwoman Tale) and many more. Today, DC released the official trailer ahead of the book’s debut on February 2, 2021.

A first of its kind for DC, Flash Facts is a unique pairing of STEM, comics and DC Super Heroes. The book provides a helpful bridge between lessons taught inside the classroom and our everyday lives by demonstrating some of the most kid-approved subjects like virtual reality, 3-D printing, forensics, space and so much more, through iconic DC characters like Batman, the Flash, Supergirl and Cyborg who use STEM as part of their hero identity.

In the age of at-home learning, parents and teachers can feel at ease giving Flash Facts to their aspiring superheroes knowing the book was vetted by a team of educational experts to ensure scientific accuracy. After reading, kids and families can put their newfound STEM knowledge to the test with a collection of fun, super-heroic science experiments at the back of the book.

My 6 year old was so excited when he found out about this book.  Being huge Big Bang Theory and The Flash fans, it was right up his alley.  We have enjoyed looking at the pictures and the different experiments listed in the book that kids can try at home. While my son is not old enough to read the book himself, he is equally happy to have us read it with him!  He is just so excited about the topic and the fun of The Flash being apart of the story.  It makes learning a lot of fun!




DC Graphic Novels for Kids Box Set 1

Great gift for middle-grade readers.

Four of DC’s acclaimed graphic novels for kids are collected in one brand new box set!

  Dear Justice League
  Superman of Smallville
  Black Canary: Ignite
  The Secret Spiral of Swamp Kid

Dear Justice League shows the World’s Greatest Heroes answering fan letters while fighting for justice. Superman of Smallville is about Clark Kent’s efforts to become a hero…secretly. Black Canary: Ignite stars 13-year-old Dinah Lance, determined to win a battle of the bands while discovering her own heroic destiny. The Secret Spiral of Swamp Kid is written from the point of view of Russell Weinwright, who’s trying to learn why he’s half-kid, half-swamp-creature.

This new format comes in a slipcase, and is the perfect gift for any middle-grade reader!

Again these books were very well received with my 6 year old.   He has expecially enjoyed “Swamp Kid” and “Dear justice League”.  While he can not read that level yet, he was happy to follow along as we read the books to him.  He actually did not want us to stop reading them. He was just so into them.  These are great strories with a variety of positive messages for kids.   We have been very happy with this book set!

 

 

 


Modern Mama ApprovedStand Like A Cedar

BY NICOLA I. CAMPBELL
ILLUSTRATED BY CARRIELYN VICTOR

Grades 1–4
Juvenile Fiction

Stand Like a Cedar, the latest picture book from Nicola I. Campbell, winner of the TD Children’s Literature Award for Shin-chi’s Canoe.

 A beautifully articulated book about the changing seasons and the connection to nature, family and oneself. A book about being grateful for the simple things in life.  We really enjoyed the imagery and the references to the native language.

When you go for a walk in nature, who do you see? What do you hear?

Award-winning storyteller Nicola I. Campbell shows what it means “to stand like a cedar” on this beautiful journey of discovery through the wilderness. Learn the names of animals in the Nłeʔkepmxcín or Halq’emeylem languages as well as the teachings they have for us. Experience a celebration of sustainability and connection to the land through lyrical storytelling and Carrielynn Victor’s breathtaking art in this children’s illustrated book.

Discover new sights and sounds with every read. Available as of February 23, 2021 from Highwater Press.

Get the book here.

**CONTEST ALERT #1** Want to win a copy of “Stand Like A Cedar”?  Enter here a Rafflecopter giveaway.

 

 

 


Modern Mama ApprovedTeen Titans – Raven & Beast Boy Box Set

BY KAMI GARCIA
ILLUSTRATED BY GABRIEL PICOLO

Middle School Graphic Novel – Aged 9+

Raven Roth and Garfield Logan are two regular teens…with some seriously unique lives! Author Kami Garcia and artist Gabriel Picolo’s New York Times bestselling book Teen Titans: Raven is collected with its followup Teen Titans: Beast Boy in this incredible HARDCOVER box set!

Raven and Beast Boy are an incredible team together on the Teen Titans! But who were they before they joined…and before they even met? Follow Raven Roth and Garfield Logan on their journeys through high school…and self-discovery.

Available for the first time in hardcover format, Teen Titans: Raven and Teen Titans: Beast Boy is the box set you don’t want to miss! Raven brings readers a tale of finding the strength to face who you are and learning to trust others–and yourself. Beast Boy explores self-discovery and acceptance, with a focus on the value of true friendship.

Raven: A New York Times bestseller! USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestseller! When a tragic accident takes the life of 17-year-old Raven Roth’s foster mom–and Raven’s memory–she moves to New Orleans to recover and finish her senior year of high school. (synopsis from Amazon.ca)

Beast Boy: Garfield Logan has spent his entire life being overlooked. The seventeen-year-old with green streaks in his hair can’t find a way to stand out–and the clock is ticking. Then Gar accepts a wild dare out of the blue and things start to change! (synopsis from Amazon.ca)

My daughter who is 9, throughly enjoyed reading these books!  She especially loved Raven – being a female super hero.  She found them entertaining and exciting.

Get the box set here.

 

 

Modern Mama ApprovedTiny Tinkles Town – From the Tiny Tinkles Little Musicians Series

BY DEBRA KROL
ILLUSTRATED BY CORINNE ORAZIETTI

Age Range: Babies/Toddlers to Age 6

Debra Krol (Miss Deb) is a music teacher, based out of Chilliwack, BC . She runs the Tiny Tinkles Music Studio. When COVID hit, she was forced to look at alternatives to deal with the temporary closure of her studio.  She has spent this down-time being very busy, actually.  Miss Deb has been writing books – starting a you tube channel and sharing her joy of reading books to kids online.  She has also been creating a tonne of free online content for parents to share with their children.

Tiny Tinkles Town is a cute little book that brings music into your childs life.  Join Bobby Bass, Tina Treble and all of their animal friends on a musical adventure in Tiny Tinkles Town.  Each book includes a story, songs to sing and play, and engaging activites to reinforce learning.

The book has beautiful colorful and simplistic illustrations by Corinne Orazietti (a former preschool and elementry teacher). There are catchy character names and easy music lessons built right into the story.  You and your child can sing along as you read.  There are videos, worksheets and other resources that accompany the book, online.

Click here to read more about Tiny Tinkles Music Studio.

Be sure to check out the other books in the series.

You can find Tiny Tinkles Music Studio on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube and on their website.

Get the book here.

** CONTEST ALERT #2** Want  to win a copy of Tiny Tinkles Town? Enter here:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer:  I received copies of all of the above books for free in exchange for providing a review.  As always my opinions are my own and I take pride in providing honest reviews to fellow parents.  

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying pruchases. I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post. 

Tina Evans

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