Beatrice and the Nightingale by Patricia Newman from Peachtree Books

9781682637272 

Beatrice and the Nightingale by Patricia Newman & illustrated by Isabelle Follath 

ISBN: 9781682637272
Hardcover $19.99
Peachtree Publishing

My thoughts:  Lovely shades of blues and pinks are used throughout the book to present the story of Beatrice's delight in the garden at night and the sweet song of the Nightingale bird. Feminine and gentle illustrations speak of grace and loveliness that the spirit feels when experiencing beautiful music - that of the cello or the Nightingale. Just as hearing bird song brings a bit of beauty to the listening mind and heart, soothing and enriching, relaxing and bringing a calming spirit deep within the being, so does the beauty of blooms, gardens, and kind beings we meet. Beatrice would be one of those kind people and she would be the bringer of the beauty of music to people. And then tagging alone with Beatrice's music would be the song of the Nightingale that Beatrice found so sweet and enriching.

This story is lovely. It is encouraging to someone desirous of pursuing musical richness. It is one that children can benefit from hearing. Picture book biographies are a delight and a source of much enrichment for children.

Backmatter about Beatrice is included and sure to aid parents, and older readers, in learning more about this rare event and charming personality.

Of note: Beatrice came from a musical family and lived surrounded by music. This provides a good environment for children to develop their own interest in and talent for musical skills.

About the book: In 1924, an audience of more than one million listeners across the world listened in amazement to the first live radio broadcast of a nightingale accompanying the young cellist Beatrice Harrison.

On May 19, 1924, a duet between a young cellist and a male nightingale was broadcast across the British Commonwealth as far away as Canada, India, and Australia to over one million listeners. It was an unprecedented collective experience made possible by the invention of the radio and a new microphone that picked up sounds of nature.

Beatrice Harrison, considered one of the greatest cellists of the 20th century and a musical prodigy, was that cellist. This biography describes Beatrice’s singular dedication to music from a very early age.

At the age of eighteen months, Beatrice attended her first concert. Catching sight of a cello and hearing it for the first time, she was bewitched and immediately began asking to play it. She got her first cello when she was about eight years old. Later, her parents moved the family to Germany so Beatrice could study with one of the best cello teachers. There, at age seventeen, she was awarded a prestigious prize, the youngest artist and only cellist to win at that time.

Back in the UK, the family moved to Surrey, England and Beatrice’s career flourished. One evening while Beatrice was practicing her cello in the garden, she heard a creature repeating the music she was playing. It turned out to be a nightingale. She played many nights with the bird and was completely enthralled. Wanting to share the experience, she convinced the head of the newly formed BBC to take a chance on a live broadcast from her garden. The resulting duet was a smashing success and Beatrice received more than 50,000 letters in response. Overnight, she became known as the Lady of the Nightingales and for twelve years thereafter the cellist and the bird were broadcast annually to BBC listeners from her garden in Surrey.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions expressed are solely my own and are freely given.

TRIM (Adventures of Trim) children's historical fiction series by Deborah Hopkinson [Review & Giveaway]

 Chapter books for early readers

This delightful early reader series by acclaimed author Deborah Hopkinson is inspired by the true story of Trim, often called the most famous ship’s cat in history. Owned by British explorer Matthew Flinders, Trim traveled on the HMS Investigator on the first expedition to circumnavigate Australia (1801–1803).

Trim Sets Sail  (Adventures of Trim #1) by Deborah Hopkinson & illustrated by Kristy Caldwell

My thoughts:   As a young reader's book this is excellent! I found the story engaging and felt it would be very appealing to young readers. As a introduction to "chapter books," this allows for breaks in the story line, mental outlining of the story, and a non-tiring way for reluctant readers to read the entire book by breaking it into sections.

The young cat's personality is captured well by the story line as well as the illustrations. As an introduction to historical fiction this sets the stage well to let children know that the past is fun to learn about. 

I highly recommend.

About the book: One small kitten learns about the great big world as he sets sail with his fellow shipmates, animal and human, in this historical fiction intermediate reader.

When Trim trips over a napping dog, little does he know that soon he’ll set sail and begin learning how to be a ship’s cat. Among his first lessons: the parts of the ship (the front is called the bow, like “bow wow”), the dynamics among his new colleagues (Jack the ship’s parrot is not so easy to befriend), and basic skills like climbing (up is easier than down) and swimming. With the assistance of Captain Flinders, Penny the ship’s dog, and Will the ship’s artist, Trim learns new skills, tests his limits and abilities, and finds a way to contribute to life onboard.

Trim Helps Out (Adventures of Trim #2)  by Deborah Hopkinson & illustrated by Kristy Caldwell

My thoughts:  In Trim Helps Out, book #2 in the series, Trim is learning how to be a ship's cat and what he needs to do. One is to patrol the hold watching for rats. Sadly he doesn't know what a rat is and actually befriends one. The adventure actually has Trim saving his friend Penny from a deadly scorpion bite.  Another good early chapter book "read" for intermediate readers with enough excitement and vocabulary to capture their interest. The illustrations are great!

I highly recommend.

About the book: Trim is eager to do a good job on his first day as ship’s cat—but what is his job? All around him, members of the crew are busy with their responsibilities—too busy to notice a small kitten looking for an opportunity to contribute. Jack the parrot directs Trim to the hold, to patrol for rats. But Jack neglects to tell Trim exactly what a rat is. Surely Princess Bea, the new friend he meets below deck, isn’t a rat. She doesn’t resemble the creepy, scary-looking creature that Jack warned Trim about and she’s happy to have an assistant to fetch her biscuits from the galley.

Trim Saves the Day (Adventures of Trim #3) by Deborah Hopkinson & illustrated by Kristy Caldwell

My thoughts:  In this third book in the Trim series, the cat learns about everyone pitching in to help aboard ship with various tasks and then especially when a major event occurs. Trim actually discovers a really big problem and helps to save the day by alerting shipmates about the problem.

An early chapter book for the intermediate reader (maybe ages 5 to 8) that is fun to read and filled with cute illustrations that capture the main character, Trim's, daily adventures and mishaps.

I recommend. 

About the book:  Trim likes being part of the ship’s crew. The captain says that everyone has a jobs they do alone and other times they help each other out. And if there’s a big problem, then it’s all hands on deck.

But what is Trim’s job? He really wants to help, but everyone is very busy. Penny is helping the sailors mop the deck, so Trim decides to mop too. Swish! Swish! SWISH! Trim gets water everywhere. Jack is helping the captain steer the ship, so Trim thinks he can steer too. Whee! Whee! WHEE! But there’s not enough room on the wheel. Doesn’t anyone have a job for a kitten who really wants to help?

Trim Sails the Storm (Adventures of Trim #4) by Deborah Hopkinson & illustrated by Kristy Caldwell 

My thoughts: Trim faces a major sailor's test - storm at sea! He learns many things as he, along with other shipboard mates, prepare to ride out the storm. 

The things Trim learns are good lessons to see everyone through the many storms we face. Major storms and small storms. They are ways to cope with the storm and can be applied to our emotional and mental state of mind as well as when we face the hurricanes and tornados we see from weather systems.

I love the illustrations that capture Trim's riding out the storm.

I recommend.

About the book: Secret word: kitty Trim has learned a lot about life at sea. He understands the daily routines and the responsibilities of each crew member, and he knows many of the ways to help. But one day he ventures outside and experiences something new and scary: a storm is brewing. As the wind whips his whiskers and the sky grows dark, Trim’s heart beats like a drum. All his friends are doing new things: preparing the sails, closing any openings on deck, and securing loose items. Penny and Jack explain each step to Trim and he is comforted to learn all the ways to prepare for a storm. And then he hears a strange noise coming from the lifeboats. There he finds Wisdom, a young albatross who is also experiencing her first storm. Can these two small creatures help each other ride out a storm and make a frightening experience a little less scary?

GIVEAWAY

 Set of 4 "Trim" books

Begins August 13

Ends September 12 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only.

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DISCLOSURE:  I received complimentary copies of these 4 books from the publisher to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's prize books are provided and shipped or mailed directly to the winner by the publisher or publicist. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

"Stanley the Baker" by William Bee - Children's book [Review & Giveaway - USA]

ISBN: 9781682637265
Hardcover $16.99

My thoughts:  Stanley books are such a sweet delight. Each shows the little critter in various occupations in simple yet colorful illustrations that are sharply defined and is a sure-fire winner for children ages 3 to 7.

These are quality books and are sized just right for young children (hard cover, paper pages, sized: 8.33 x 0.34 x 8.28 inches).  

As a baker, Stanley even grinds his own flour. He goes through the process of making the baked goods and engages with his friends. His day is so busy. But at the end of the day, he enjoys his goodies; and then a tired Stanley goes to bed. Moral is to stay busy, enjoy what you're doing, be cheerful, and then end the day by going blissfully to sleep.

There are 9 other Stanley books in the collection. All are fun books for the kiddies.

About the book: It’s another busy day for Stanley and friends at the bakery!

Accessible text and brightly colored illustrations helpfully convey the process of turning ingredients into baked goods for toddlers who love equipment, tools, and food. Stanley’s entire community gets involved in the baking process, from milling flour and proofing bread to delivering goodies to customers. Secret word: baker - After a busy day at work, Stanley unwinds with his familiar supper and bath routine that makes this series a great pick for bedtime reading!

GIVEAWAY

1 Copy of "Stanley the Baker"

Begins July 10

Ends August 10 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only.

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DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's prize copy is provided and mailed directly to the winner by Peachtree Publishing or its publicist.

"Behold the Hummingbird!" & "About Hummingbirds: A Guide for Children" books to introduce children to birding [Review & Giveaway]

Behold the Hummingbird by Suzanne Slade & illustrated by Thomas Gonzalez

More at Peachtree Books

My thoughts:  A simply beautiful book that will bring the beautiful hummingbird family of birds to children and teach and delight as they turn page after page of gorgeousness. Simple text in large print on one side for the young readers and listeners with more indepth information on the adjacent page to further educate the readers. 

What a delightful way to engage children and help them understand these beautiful and delight creatures. Be prepared, though, they will want to plant hummingbird attracting plants and place bird feeders around to draw these awesome birds to their own yards.

A delightful addition for home libraries as well as school and public libraries.

About the book: Lyrical text and gorgeous illustrations take flight in this exploration of the tiny, gorgeous hummingbirds and its astonishing abilities.

Hummingbirds are tiny and pretty, so you might find yourself taking them for granted. But these little birds are remarkable, fierce, and talented. In Behold the Hummingbird, readers will learn about species that can hover like a helicopter, fly backwards and upside down, and consume half their body weight in a single day.

About Hummingbirds: A Guide for Children by Cathryn Sill & illustrated by John Sill

My thoughts:  The "Sill combo" of author and illustrator has brought another beautiful and captivating study of the natural world to children in this About Hummingbirds: A Guide for Children book. (Click HERE for more of my reviews of The Sill's books.)

The illustrations are simply beautiful and accurately capture the subject, the hummingbirds, and their particular environment. Deftly drawn and painted, each illustration has a special charm to draw the reader's interest. The text is simply written for young preschoolers as well as elementary grades. The back matter presents more indepth information and a short glossary. 

Another delightful book for bird lovers as well as libraries of all types. Secret word: nectar

About the book: An award-winning first glimpse into the world of hummingbirds.

In this addition to the acclaimed About... series, author and educator Cathryn Sill uses simple, easy-to-understand language to teach children what hummingbirds are, how they look, how they move, what they eat, and where they live.

GIVEAWAY

Behold the Hummingbird 

(1 book, 1 winner)

Begins May 17

Ends June 14 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only.

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

Fractured fairy tales and lady fire fighters from Peachtree Publishing and Holiday House Books [Review & USA GIVEAWAY]

Three Little Vikings by Bethan Woollvin (Peachtree, for ages 5–9, available 8/30/2022)

My thoughts:  A trio of little girls in the Viking village are observant and see signs of unusual activity going on around the village and woods. They investigate and then alert the Chieftain of their findings. He discounts their concerns and says things are ok and he knows best but they go on to prove him wrong.

A cute story but not overwhelmingly interesting or fun. It does show girls being proactive, strong-minded, and problem solvers. But it also seems to be a bit male-bashing, too. I'm not familiar with the fairy tale of which it is suppose to be a fractured version. 

A good school or public library source.

About the book: Gather around for a romping, stomping story with gripping tension and lots of silly mischief and mayhem. From the creator of the New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Book, Little Red, comes another thrilling and spunky fairy tale retelling about three very brave and rebellious Viking girls. Someone—or something—is CRASHING and BASHING near a village of Viking folk! Three little Viking girls know just what the trouble is, but the silly chieftain won’t listen to them! Can this gumptious trio work together to raise their voices and prove who knows best, after all? Bethan Woollvin excels at creating fractured fairy tales with feminist twists. For more, check out Rapunzel, Hansel & Gretel, and Bo the Brave.

“Female smarts and planning save the day, a village, and its treasure. Clever and timely.”—Kirkus Reviews

Author information: Bethan Woollvin graduated from the Cambridge School of Art with a First Class Degree in Illustration. She has since made a name for herself with dark and witty twists on traditional stories. Her first book, a fractured fairy tale, Little Red, won the prestigious Macmillan Prize for Illustration and was named a New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Book. She also wrote and illustrated Rapunzel as well as Hansel & Gretel. Bethan lives in England, where she continues to create extraordinary books. 

Firefighter Flo! by Andrea Zimmerman, illustrated by Dan Yaccarino (Holiday House, for ages 3–6, available 10/4/2022) 

My thoughts: The main character is Flo, a female firefighter and she leads the crew of firefighters on a night-time excursion to put out a fire. From the moment the phone sounds the alarm and the firefighters hustle to go to the fire to when they return to their firestation, their actions are captured in terse text that small listeners can join in by repeating words.

Book has particularly dark pages which are representative of night time. It does seem a bit stark.

A fun read for little ones who always love fire trucks and firefighters.

About the book: Ring! Clang! Firefighter Flo jumps out of bed! Follow along as Flo and her fellow firefighters race to stop a fire in this picture book filled with bold art and fun onomatopoeia. With dynamic artwork from Dan Yaccarino, Nickelodeon character designer for The Backyardians, and energetic verse from Andrea Zimmerman, best-selling author of Trashy Town, Firefighter Flo is the perfect read for kids who love to watch the big red fire trucks rush by.  The CLANG of the siren and WHOOSH of the fire will have parents and kids reading aloud together. The title kicks of the Big Jobs, Bold Women picture book series, which will focus on the empowering diversity of women in historically male-dominated occupations. Crane Jane! will be available in Spring 2023.

“Readers will be happy to have Flo in their homes day or night! This book’s on fire!”—Kirkus Reviews

About the author: Andrea Zimmerman is the author of many beloved books for children, including the bestseller Trashy Town, co-authored with her husband, David Clemesha, and illustrated by Dan Yaccarino. She enjoys gardening, going for walks, and visiting museums. Andrea has three grown sons. She lives with her husband in Southern California. You may visit her website at 

About the illustrator: Dan Yaccarino is the author and illustrator of more than fifty books for children and the creator and producer of three animated series. He is also the character designer for the animated series The Backyardigans. Awards and honors include the Bologna Ragazzi Award, The New York Times 10 Best Illustrated Children’s Books, ALA Notable Children’s Books, and the Parents’ Choice Award.

GIVEAWAY

Begins November 1

Ends November 22 @ 12:01 a.m. ET

Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE: I received complimentary books from Holiday House Publishing and Peachtree Publishing to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's prize is provided and sent directly to the winner by publisher or publicist. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

Away with Words: The Daring Story Of Isabella Bird by Lori Mortensen & illustrated by Kristy Caldwell (Peachtree Publishing) [Review & Giveaway USA/CANADA]

My thoughts:  An interesting picture book biography of a woman "before her time" who dared to be a non-conformist in Victorian England. The story begins with young Isabella as a sickly child who lay abed and indoors much of the time. Finally, a doctor encouraged some outdoor activity might benefit so Isabella's father took her horseback riding. On these rides he helped her discover and develop a love of all things in the out of doors.

Her health improved during these times of outdoor activities and declined when the activities were halted.

Finally, she began to adventure forth on travels to various parts of the world. During these trips her health improved and she lovingly recorded what she saw and experienced.

I found this story of a liberated Victorian woman interesting to read. There was just enough text and accompanying illustrations to engage a young reader. I find picture book biographies interesting and wonderful tools to help drive the young reader toward the non-fiction book shelves for book selections.

About the book: An inspirational picture book biography for readers seeking adventure-filled girl power stories. Perfect for Women’s History Month!

“Isabella Bird was like a wild vine stuck in a too-small pot. She needed more room. She had to get out. She had to explore.”

Exploring was easier said than done in Victorian England. But Isabella persisted, and with each journey, she breathed in new ways to see and describe everything around her. Question by question, word by word, Isabella bloomed. First, out in the English countryside. Then, off to America and Canada. And eventually, around the world, to Africa, Asia, Australia, and more.

This dashing picture book biography about the first female member of the Royal Geographic Society takes readers around the world with a daring nineteenth-century female explorer and author. Kristy Caldwell’s detailed illustrations illuminate Bird’s travels around the world, and Lori Mortensen’s back matter, author’s note, and bibliography will satisfy the curiosity of readers who want to learn more.

GIVEAWAY

Begins August 16

Ends September 10 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA & CANADA addresses

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

"MARS IS Stark Slopes, Silvery Snow, & Startling Surprises" & "Abraham Lincoln's Dueling Words" from Peachtree Publishing [Review & Giveaway USA/CANADA]

MARS IS Stark Slopes, Silvery Snow, & Startling Surprises by Suzanne Slade 

My thoughts:  The stunning photographs taken with the High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment camera along with the clear, understandable text brings the "Red Planet" a bit closer to us. Our minds can begin to grasp just what is so special and unique to Mars.

As people of Earth expand their exploration and knowledge of outer space and the planets, we begin to see that there are elements about them that are hard to comprehend.

I am delighted to read through the pages of Mars Is and see with my own eyes the images captured with this amazing camera. Information at the back of the book tells some of the story of the HiRise Camera.

I highly recommend this book for classrooms, homeschoolers, and libraries everywhere.

About the book: Award-winning author and former mechanical engineer Suzanne Slade (Countdown, A Computer Called Katherine) explores the remarkable beauty of Mars in this timely photo-packed space extravaganza.

For young readers eagerly following NASA's Mars Exploration Program and awaiting continued discoveries on the Red Planet.

For centuries, people have been intrigued by Mars, and over time, scientists have made exciting discoveries, such as the planet's Earth-like weather and seasons. But curious earthlings want to know more. Does Mars have deserts? Volcanos? Or signs of life? Could people live there someday?

Scientists decided to take a closer look. They built a powerful camera called the HiRise (High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment) and loaded it onto a rocket. The rocket blasted off on August 12, 2005, and seven months later, the camera began orbiting Mars. It sent back astounding, revealing photos showing the world what Mars really is.

With elegant spare prose, award-winning nonfiction author and former rocket engineer Suzanne Slade leads readers through some of these stunning photos taken by the most advanced camera ever sent to another planet. A visual feast for space enthusiasts and STEAM fans that will expand readers' assumptions and understanding of Mars.

Teacher's guide available! 

Abraham Lincoln's Dueling Words by Donna Janell Bowman  

My thoughts:  This story about Abraham Lincoln is a great introduction to biographic reading for elementary children. When incidents in the lives of real people are entertainingly written and illustrated, it creates a desire to further pursue learning about that person or other real people.

In this recounting of the incident involving Lincoln and his political rival, we learn that Lincoln was a flawed individual who acted in an ill conceived manner. He penned a letter to the editor using a different name than his own and this incited his rival to call him out for a duel.

Lincoln ultimately learned his lesson to guard his words carefully. The outcome of the duel was not the catastrophe it could have been.

About the book: Abraham Lincoln was known for his sense of humor. But in 1842, early in his adult life, it nearly got him into trouble. He had to use his imagination to save his career--and maybe even his life.

When Abraham Lincoln became frustrated with the actions of James Shield, a political rival, he came up with a plan. It was silly. It was clever. And it was a great big mistake! Lincoln, his future wife, and a friend of hers wrote a series of fictional letters to the editor, complaining about Shields. But when Shields took offense, he challenged Lincoln to a duel. How would our future president straighten things out and save the lives and careers of both himself and his rival?

Donna Bowman's humorous voice and S.D. Schindler's expressive illustrations are the perfect match for this story of Abraham Lincoln's humor and wit. Back matter includes an author's note with a bibliography. 

GIVEAWAY

Begins July 13

Ends August 5 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA & CANADA addresses.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine and are freely given. Winner's prize is provided and shipped directly to the winner by Peachtree Publishing. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

Best Friend in the Whole World" & The Smile Shop" from Peachtree Publishing

Best Friend in the Whole World by Sandra Salsbury

ISBN: 9781682632505
Hardcover $17.99

My thoughts:  Get ready for a full load of sweetness and joy. The story addresses loneliness, finding a friend, another's need, and the sharing of friendships. 

Charming illustrations portray a cheerful forest and sweet critters and also the feelings of Roland the rabbit, his pine cone friend, and even newer friend, Roland the kitten. 

Tea parties. Lonely strolls through forest. Finding friends. Sharing. The story offers lots of joy in reading and lessons to learn in a delightfully sweet manner.

About the book: Have you ever had an imaginary friend? Then you'll love the heartwarming story of Roland, a lonely rabbit, and his beloved best friend, a pine cone named Milton. A charming debut from author-illustrator Sandra Salsbury.

Roland lives a quiet life filled with books, music, and tea parties for one, but sometimes he feels rather lonely. When Roland finds the perfect companion in Milton (Good listener! Enjoys music! Also alone!), he is overjoyed. It's okay that Milton is just a pine cone; they have so much in common. But clues start popping up in the woods, suggesting someone else might be missing their best pine cone friend. Roland must decide if it's worth leaving someone else in their loneliness to keep Milton in his life.

In this sweet and moving picture book about loneliness, friendship, and compassion, debut author-illustrator Sandra Salsbury celebrates the transformative power of connection and the painful melancholy of loss. Endearingly classic illustrations bring a charming forest world to life.

The Smile Shop by Satoshi Kitamura

ISBN: 9781682632550
Hardcover $17.99

My thoughts:  This sweet story brought back a precious memory to me, the memory of one of my own sweet boys who took his first earnings to buy me, his mother, a gift. Very special for him. And very, very special memory for me.

So in the story the little boy has saved some coins and thinks he has enough to go shopping for something. He doesn't have any idea what he'd like to purchase, but he believes he now has enough to buy something.

He goes to the market place (illustrations are reminenscent of an Eastern bazzar or market place) and meanders throughout looking for something special. He drops and loses some of his coins and now doesn't know if he has enough to buy anything.

Perchance, he sees the "Smile Shop" sign and then the meat of the story ensues.

A lovely story of a boy growing up and trying to buy something with his own money. The anticipation. The excitement. The many choices. And the loss of some of his coins by misshap. 

The illustrations are really rather busy and minutely detailed. The young readers, or listeners, will have lots of opportunity to point out a plethora of interesting items.

A nice addition for libraries and classroom bookshelves.

About the book: Critically-acclaimed author-illustrator Satoshi Kitamura (Hat Tricks) celebrates the value of human connection in this hopeful picture book about the effect of a smile shared between people.

A small boy has saved all his pocket money and visits the market with high expectations. When disaster strikes and he loses his money, he feels very devastated. But wait, what’s that? A Smile Shop? He could really do with a smile. What will happen if he goes in?

Featuring charming, classic illustrations reminiscent of Maurice Sendak and Tomie dePaola, Satoshi Kitamura’s The Smile Shop is an absorbing setting for readers to explore themes of independence, self-worth, and the effect of a smile shared between people.

DISCLOSURE: I received complimentary copies from Peachtree Publishing to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.