An Anishinaabe Christmas by Wab Kinew & illustrated by Erin Hill

The very name "Christmas" denotes that it is a Christ-centered, Christian holiday. Today's world has caused an evolution socially of "Christmas" into a one-and-all holiday celebrated by Christians and non-Christians alike but for different reasons. 

Christmas for the Christian denotes reverence for the Advent of the Christ Child. Christmas for the non-believer denotes a season of joy, festivities, family togetherness, and gifting.

 An Anishinaabe Christmas

ISBN: 9781774883570
US $18.99 | CAN $24.99
Tundra Books

My thoughts:  This is an interesting children's story about a family of indigenous, aboriginal folks living in Canada. The family is going to travel to their "roots" on the Rez and enjoy an Anishinaabe Christmas. The story is where "baby" doesn't know how Santa will know to bring their gifts if they're away from home.

As the story progresses, we see that the culture of Anishinaabe is much like big-city or township cultures in the nature of what "home" is to a family. As they travel, they talk about bears, their culture's "circle," and how the bear is included. Other sweet aspects of home, family, culture are part of this lovely story. And yes, baby does receive his Santa gifts. 

I like that descendants of an "original peoples" group, aboriginal, or indigenous peoples like the Anishinaabe (indigenous to North America) are having printed materials that pass along their heritage to them as well as to non-indigenous peoples.

About the book: A festive, joyful Indigenous picture book that explores both Christmas traditions and Anishinaabe culture, for fans of Santa in the City and Go Show the World. One winter solstice, Mommy says, "Baby, we're going home to the Rez. We're going to have an Anishinaabe Christmas." But this is Baby's first Christmas away from the city, and they're worried! They have a lot of will Santa know where to find them? Why do we have presents on Christmas? How come they're going home to the Rez but don't live there? On the long trip to Mooshom's and Kookom's, Baby learns about animals and plants being part of their family, about the North Star leading them home and even the meanings of some Anishinaabe words. Will this Anishinaabe Christmas be Baby's best yet?

I won a copy on the LibraryThing.com Early Reviewer's Program. A review was requested though not required. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.

I'm Afraid Said the Leaf by Danielle Daniel & illustrated by Matt James

My thoughts:  As I read through this delightful book, I realized that there are offered a number of teaching opportunities. Written and illustrated as a lesson in the interdependency of all aspects of life on this planet with the environment, the lessons in the idea that there is help and comfort, there is alleviation of our fears in the fact that there is help in our distress, that there is support in our weaknesses are strong messages.

And while the leaves, the animals, the small critters are helped by larger entities like the sun and the wind, the young child watches each and every of these interdependent solutions transpire. He sees, and he can envision how even in his own fear, there is help. Even in his own cold, there is warmth. Even in his own distress, there is an opportunity to overcome. He can envision help for himself. No, the text doesn't say this, but it is inferred.

So the book with is sometimes dark illustrations captures the essence of dependence. A good book.

About the book: A touching, playful exploration of empathy and interdependency from an acclaimed author and illustrator.

I'm afraid, Said the leaf. You're not alone, Said the tree. But who will comfort a nervous bird, a lonely crab, a lost wolf? How can a horse find warmth, a snail some cheer, a child some rest?

Through a series of amusing and soothing exchanges, this deceptively simple and profound picture book depicts different pairings to celebrate interconnectedness and underlines the importance of caring for every living organism to ensure a strong and healthy natural world.

I'm Afraid, Said the Leaf invites young readers to understand that we all need each other for support and survival - and that we're all stronger together.

DISCLOSURE: I won a copy of this book from the Librarything.com Early Reviewers program. The book is provided by Tundra Books. A review is not necessary nor required but is appreciated. Opinions are mine, alone and freely given.

The Further Adventures of Miss Petitfour by Anne Michaels & illustrated by Emma Block

My thoughts:  This is an adorable chapter book for ages 6 to 9 (according to seller's information). I, however, think that the style of writing and quantity of text make this suitable for a more broader reading age. Perhaps upward to age 12. The story meanders with off-shoot thoughts and explanations frequently tucked in the middle of a paragraph describing a scene or action.

While it can be a bit confusing, it can be a delight as well. That's because it is so akin to how a person tells a story. Sometimes it is just hard to stick to the point without telling the listener or reader something else that pops into the storyteller's mind. I just love it.

Whimsical. Sweet. Entertaining. A bit magical in its charm. And for cat lovers a sheer delight.

The illustrations are lovely, charming, very appealing. The text is divided into about four chapters or "stories." The chapters are longish for young readers, but challenges are how one learns and grows in skill.

I recommend this lovely book.

About the book: For fans of Mary Poppins, heroine Miss Petitfour and her feline friends return for more flights of fancy in this cozy, charming collection of illustrated stories.

Miss Petitfour enjoys having adventures that are "just the right size" for a "single, magical day." With her sixteen cats and the aid of a tablecloth as a makeshift balloon, Miss Petitfour soars — which is to say, she rises high in the air and flies — over her charmingly eccentric village, encountering adventures along the way. One never knows where the wind will take her in this delightfully seasonal collection of magical outings: perhaps to the aid of dearly loved friends and neighbors, including a hapless handyman and an onion-loving baby, or to a coconut-confetti parade, or in search of keys, lucky charms or even simply the perfect tablecloth for her next flight. A witty, whimsical, beautifully illustrated collection of tales that celebrate language, storytelling and all the pleasures of life, large and small!

DISCLOSURE: I won a copy on the LibraryThing.com Early Reviewer's program. I am not required to review. Opinions are mine, alone.

Goodnight, Anne by Kallie George & illustrated by Genevieve Godbout from Tundra Books an imprint of Random House Canada

On Amazon
ISBN: 9781770499263

My thoughts:  I have my very own Anne spelled with an "e" and she loved Anne of Green Gables. Surely she would love to see Anne in her very own picture book where she says goodnight to all her "kindred spirits."

This is a grand introduction to the sweet Anne for little ones. They will cherish the book for its lovely illustrations and how those drawings and the short text have captured the essence that is "Anne" spelled with an "e" from the dear Green Gables.

Don't hold off too long reading the original Anne of Green Gables, but do start with this lovely picture book.

About the book:  A beautiful bedtime picture book based on the best-selling Anne of Green Gables, introducing the irrepressible and beloved Anne to younger readers. It's time for Anne to go to bed, but not before she wishes goodnight to everyone and everything she loves!

Under the watchful eye of her adoptive mother Marilla, Anne has come to cherish life at Green Gables -- the dearest, loveliest spot in the world, and her true home. Every night before she goes to bed, she thinks of all the people and places she loves: her family, her bosom friend Diana, her splendid teacher Miss Stacy, beloved tree Snow Queen, the Lake of Shining Waters and the brilliant sky above. Anne even wishes goodnight -- or good riddance! -- to pesky classmate Gilbert and nosy neighbor Mrs. Lynde. And through it all, Anne's imagination takes flight on a whimsical journey through Avonlea.

This sweet and heartfelt picture book is a perfect read-aloud introduction to L.M. Montgomery's beloved Anne and will delight her brand-new fans and lifelong readers alike.

Go ahead and buy your own copy today on Amazon. You won't regret it. 

I received a complimentary copy through the LibraryThing.com "Early Readers Program" on behalf of Tundra Books and the author. Review was not required but appreciated. Opinions are mine and are freely given.

The Golden Glow by Benjamin Flouw from Tundra of Penguin Random House Publishing

ISBN: 978075264120
US $17.99 - CA $21.00

The Golden Glow is an adventure of an outdoors loving Fox that rivals John Muir and others. True, this is a children's picture book story of a Fox's adventure seeking an elusive blossom to place in his personal book of botanical drawings. But it is much more. It is a story of accomplishment and the sense of fulfillment one gains from enduring until a goal is attained.

The story is quietly and gently told in lovely prose that walks with Fox as he engages friends along the trail in his adventure to find the elusive blossom. He sees, too, his friends in the already discovered trees and flowers that populate the forests and trails.

While the illustrations are a somewhat abstract art form done using straight lines and angles, the  animals, trees, and flowers are identifiable. The colors are lovely and as Fox goes through this adventure shades lighten and begin to glow. A lovely blending of story and illustration that compliment each other.

I see this as a story of personal accomplishment and the "glow" one feels once he has met a goal or reached the height of a job well done. The Golden Glow allows for children to begin to appreciate the beauty and resources of the great out of doors as well as one's own inner sense of seeking out to reach an elusive goal.

Beautiful book.

DISCLOSURE: I won a copy of this book on LibraryThing.com Early Reviewers program. A review is freely given and solely of  my own opinions.

The Pink Umbrella by Amelie Callot & illustrated by Genevieve Godbout

ISBN: 9781101919231
Tundra an imprint of
Penguin-RandomHouse.ca

My thoughts: This lovely book was originally published in French in 2016 in Canada.

This is an absolutely beautiful book. The story is beautiful and well written with text that simply flows with an enthralling story-telling style. The illustrations are very well done and capture the essence of the story and the mood of the main character, Adele.

The story of Adele and her lovely cafe that is a charming community gathering place speaks to small town or village living and the kindness and gracious friendship that one finds in small towns.

First of all, pink is a theme that is consistently at the forefront. Pink is a "feminine" color and Adele is a lovely lady. Secondly, Adele's charm and friendliness are portrayed in every bit of the story. Thirdly, the friendship that is evident as well as hidden is sweet and understated. And fourth, Adele has a problem that needs addressing and her friend is aware and silently pursues helping her.

While this is a children's picture book, it is somewhat longer that the norm. And while dealing with depression brought on by the weather is typically not something one would encounter in a children's book, inclusion of this problem in a children's book enables the child to become aware that some people are affected. There is nothing analytical in the book, it is just something Adele deals with and of which her friend is aware. Hence, the pink boots, the pink raincoat, and the pink umbrella.

The "depression factor" doesn't need to be stressed as the book is read to a child. This is simply a part of Adele that the author brings out.

I personally really love the book in its entirety. I see no difficulties in reading it to children four years and up. It is a good book for library or classroom read-aloud sessions as well as in-home reading.

About the book: Perfect for fans of Amélie, this is a charming story about the power of friendship, love and pink polka dots to turn rainy days into sunny ones and sadness into joy.

When it's bright outside, Adele is the heart of her community, greeting everyone who comes into her café with arms wide open. But when it rains, she can't help but stay at home inside, under the covers. Because Adele takes such good care of her friends and customers, one of them decides to take care of her too, and piece by piece leaves her little gifts that help her find the joy in a gray, rainy day. Along with cute-as-a-button illustrations, The Pink Umbrella celebrates thoughtful acts of friendship.

DISCLOSURE: I received this book as part of the Early Reviewers program at LibraryThing.com. While not required to review, I felt I wanted to share my thoughts on the book which I am freely doing.

Carson Crosses Canada by Linda Bailey & illustrated by Kass Reich

ISBN: 978-1101918838

My thoughts: As a citizen of the United States I find it interesting to read books - especially illustrated books - about other countries. In the children's picture book Carson Crosses Canada we have a little doggie and a little old lady packing their suitcases (dog's and suitcases? Well, this is a children's imaginative book.) and get into their little yellow car and hit the road. They are crossing Canada to see her sister.

The illustrations done in watercolors capture the essence of Canada's mountains, beautiful trees, and varied landscapes. Like the United States, Canada is a big, beautiful, and varied land of beauty.

I think perhaps it would have been better had Carson, the doggie, not left his "little souvenir" on a grassy spot although we all know that is the nature of doggies.

Their mapped route shown on the end pages also is a simple map of the grand land of Canada showing the provinces and places they stopped.

A cute book and nice introduction to Canada for little ones. Click here to find it.

About the book: Feisty Annie Magruder and her dog, Carson, live in British Columbia, Canada, and they're setting out to visit her sister, Elsie, in Newfoundland. In their little rattlebang car, packed with Carson's favorite toy, Squeaky Chicken, and plenty of baloney sandwiches, Annie and Carson hit the road! They travel province by province, taking in each unique landscape and experiencing something special to that particular part of this vast, grand country. For example, they marvel at the beauty of the big, open sky -- and grasshoppers! -- in Saskatchewan and discover the gorgeous red earth and delicious lobster rolls in PEI, before finally being greeted by Elsie -- and a surprise for Carson!

I received a complimentary copy from Librarything.com and the publisher and was not obligated to provide a review. Opinions are my own and freely given.