International Literacy Day!

Sorry folks it's been a long day but I didn't want you to think that I forgot September 8th is International Literacy Day. Recently there have been quite a few children's books appearing on my desk so I'm in a picture book kind of mood tonight. So here are some fun videos of people reading children's books!

 

Book Review: Nancy Knows

Title: Nancy Knows

Author: Cybèle Young
Genre: Picture Book

Rating:  ☕ ☕ ☕ ☕

Nancy Knows is a short little book about an elephant who has forgotten something and tries different ways of remembering what she forgot. The story is simple and cute – great for preschoolers. What makes this book a 4 instead of a 3 is the illustrations. Nancy is a simple pencil drawing, but each time Nancy is reminded of something, beautiful paper sculptures become visible in her body. They are so intricate and beautiful I could look at one page for several minutes and not be bored.

For such a beautiful work, it’s a shame the story is lacking. I felt like the end was thrown in there and had little to do with the pages that came before it. Cybele Young is a very talented illustrator and I can’t wait to read some of her other works to see what techniques she has employed. 

**A copy of this book was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**

Book Review: The Most Magnificent Thing

Title: The Most Magnificent Thing

Author: Ashley Spires

Pages: 36

Rating: ☕ ☕ ☕ ☕ ☕

My Thoughts:

I don't usually get teary over a book, especially a children’s book, but I admit my eyes were a little misty after reading “The Most Magnificent Thing” by Ashley Spires. The story is about a “regular little girl” and her canine best friend. They do all the things that one does when your best friend is a dog. One day she decides to make The Most Magnificent Thing, but it is harder than she expected. She builds and tinkers but she just can't get it right. The more she tinkers, the more frustrated she gets until her best friend steps in to help.

What really drew me to the story (and caused the misty eyes) was how much this story reminded me of my own daughter.  My daughter is roughly the same age, they have the same hairstyle, and they both get frustrated when their plans don’t work out perfectly.  The illustrations were fun and quirky. The emotions felt by the little girl were clear, I know because I’ve seen my daughter make the same faces when she gets frustrated.  I loved how the buildings in the background were simple line drawings detailed because it made the people and animals really stand out on the page.

I really fell in love with the messages in this book. It teaches children that it is okay to keep trying, even when you get frustrated, because someday you will get it right. 

A copy of this book was given to me for free by Kids Can Press through Netgalley to read and provide an honest review.