Book Review and GIVEAWAY Jo's Special Gifts Written by Mariam Shapera Illustrated by Lorna Humphreys Mom's Review Jo's Special Gifts is narrated by a young child who introduces himself as someone whose mom says he has autism. He talks about his interests, like space, and habits, like stargazing in the evening; he acknowledges that he won't start a conversation, but would love to chat about the cosmos, and that he loves routine and may have a meltdown if that routine is disrupted. Readers get to know Jo just as they would any other character. In fact, Jo's Special Gifts puts me in mind ..read more

Aloha Everything Written by Kaylin Melia George Illustrated by Mae Waite Published by Red Comet Press Mom's Review Aloha Everything is visually stunning! Readers learn what the meaning of hula: a history of the island -its unique geography, flora, fauna- and its people. Poetry filled with Hawaiian words immerses the audience in the island's rhythm. This enchanting picture book prompts consideration of history, nature, and one's understanding of self.   Beautiful in word and image ..read more

Cattitude Written by Bianca Schulze Illustrated by Samara Hardy Published by Clever Publishing Mom's Review We loved Schulze's Dragon books, and we love cats, so we had high expectations for Cattitude. They were absolutely met - and then some!  Cattitude  is an adorable and funny story about a little boy's cat, Cleo. She doesn't want to socialize with strangers, she destroys the house inadvertently, and she joins him at bedtime, giving long "I love you" blinks. The home is filled with books, plants, art supply messes, and at least one wall hanging; I think this ..read more

Folktales for a Better World: Stories of Peace and Kindness Written by Elizabeth Laird Illustrated by Mehrdokht Amini Published by Crocodile Books Mom's Review Folktales for a Better World is an anthology of traditional stories from seven countries. In each, compassion and generosity triumph over selfishness and cruelty. Each tale is compelling in its own right, but taken together they present a powerful picture of the good we as a species could achieve if we considered others' needs. While readers familiar with folktale characteristics will roughly know what to expect, Laird and Amini rela ..read more

Best Thing Ever By Beatrice Alemagna Published by Thames and Hudson Mom's Review The little bat girl is such a relatable child, wanting something - anything - when shopping with her mom. Everything is "the best thing ever!" When she throws herself on the ground in a full-blown tantrum after being told, "No," a bird plucks her up thinking she's a snack. When she is eventually reunited with her mom, she realizes her mom's hug is truly the best thing ever. Told with humor this entertaining cautionary tale shows clearly how obnoxious a constant "I want! I want! I want" mantra is. After separati ..read more

A Ramadan to Remember (Holidays in Our Home Series) Written by Marzieh A. Ali Illustrated by Najwa Awatiff Published by Soaring Kite Books Mom's Review A Ramadan to Remember is a new title in the Holidays in our Home series. Shortly before the start of Ramadan, Zain and his parents move to a new town where there is no mosque nearby and where he attends the public school. Zain is forlorn being the only kid he can find who observes the holy month, and desperately wants to do something special. His parents help him decorate in a big way by building a "mosque" out of moving boxes in the front ya ..read more

Color Gallery: Introducing First Colors Through Art Written by Isabel Otter Illustrated by Sophie Ledesma Published by Tiger Tales Moms's Review Color Gallery is a spectacular introduction to colors and art styles. With flaps to lift, windows to peek through, items to find, and open-ended questions to consider, this fun board book will engage babies, toddles, and young children at a range of developmental levels. I love how the audience can follow a group of animal children on a tour through a museum, looking at different styles of art in the primary colors, engaging not just with color ide ..read more

Fungarium: Poster Book By Katie Scott and Ester Gaya Published by Big Picture Press Mom's Review Wow! What a stunning and informative collection of posters! Fungarium: Poster Book is an oversized book filled with two-sided posters reminiscent of Haeckel - each page is brimming with drawn collections of fungi identified by scientific names. It's like each one is better than the last. I've commented in the past that I've wanted to frame some of the naturalist illustrations; here's a book created exactly for that purpose! I'll say it again: Stunning ..read more

Dragonology: The Complete Book of Dragons Written by Dr. Ernest Drake & Dugald A. Steer Published by Candlewick Press Mom's Review Dragonology wows the reader. From the gem-studded cover to the sample-filled pages to the dragon eye crystal at the end, the magic is nonstop. I love how this is written like an historic handbook for studying dragons. T likes the textured dragon "scales" and the foldout inserts (maps, runes, and more). Each page is chock full of information about dragons, drawing on mythology from around the globe. The tone is engaging and informative and aimed at middle g ..read more

Luigi: The Spider Who Wanted to Be a Kitten Written by Michelle Knudsen Illustrated by Kevin Hawkes Published by Candlewick Press  Mom's Review Luigi the Spider Who Wanted to Be a Kitten is adorable and sweet. The notion of a big, hairy spider being mistaken for a kitten is comical. When the spider experiences treatment usually reserved for kittens, he decides to adopt the identity of one. However, he worries that if the truth comes to light, he won't be loved. In the end, the woman who adopted him admits knowing of his spiderhood all along; she thought he was having fun playing "kitte ..read more