Box Turtle by John Himmelman

Box Turtle by John Himmelman is a children’s book that follows the life of a common Box turtle. However, there is nothing ‘common’ about this old gel at all! She lives to be over a hundred years old. In the background if her life, we see humans arrive in the area. More and more homes appear.  So do cars, and she gets run over by one. Thankfully, the rough incident only chipped her shell. A young boy finds her and keeps her as a pet until he leaves for college. He releases her back to the wild. Decades later, the pair meet again, each ancient now. Turtle’s land has become a preserve, and nature is reclaiming it. She can no longer see homes, though humans do still pass through.

My cubs and I read this story together. It is so sweet. Poignant and sad as well. I never knew common box turtles could live so long. Growing up, my family and I always stopped to move turtles off of streets, so they wouldn’t get run over. Where I live now, turtles aren’t prevalent. We do still move injured animals from the road, and get appropriate care. Now, I’m more likely to be called upon to rescue birds. This book is a great choice for young readers, and as a bedtime read. It houses a great deal of teaching in a few gentle words, and in the gorgeous artwork. Our favourite part was when Turtle shared a meal with her granddaughter, and you got to see the different patterns to the shells.

***Many thanks to Netgalley and Muddy Boots Books for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

 

 

Goodnight, Seahorse by Carly Allen-Fletcher

Through beautiful artwork, we follow Seahorse in her way home for the night. As she goes along, she wishes the critters she meets along the way a goodnight. From the expected octopus and squid, to the unusual wobbegong, we get treated to a variety of life to be found amongst the coral reefs. This is a great bedtime read for infants and toddlers. The pictures are soothing, with calming colours and shapes with softened edges. Recommended!

***Many thanks to Netgalley and Muddy Boots Books for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

 

 

My Favourite Animal: Dogs by Victoria Marcos

Marcos’ charming children’s book My Favourite Animal: Dogs takes a peek at man’s best friend in all her glory. Full of colourful, glossy pictures, young readers will be provided a number of doggie facts from the tallest dog breed, to the types of dogs best suited for certain jobs like police work and service animals, to behaviour and communication. Each little section has a quiz question, and there is a glossary for some of the harder or more unusual words for the 4-8 yr old reading level. I had no idea Irish Wolfhounds are bigger than Great Danes! See, even adults may learn something new. This would be a perfect addition to any school of public library.

***Many thanks to Netgalley and Xist Publishing for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

 

 

Wake Up Baby Bear! by Lynn Plourde, illustrated by Teri Weiner

Plourde’s Wake Up Baby Bear! is an adorable story about a sleepy baby bear who doesn’t want to wake from hibernation. His parents can’t wake him. Owl can’t wake him. Moose tries to nudge Baby Bear awake with his antlers, but only succeeds is tumbling him from the cave, still sleeping. Baby Bear comes to rest against a shrub and ends up accidentally knocking a robin nest down. Mama Robin finally wakes him with a sharp peck on the nose. Good thing, too, for no sooner than he’s awake but that the eggs hatch. Baby Bear tends the little birds while Mama finds food. She brings food for Baby Bear too, and by the time his parents return, he’s fast asleep again! The artwork in this book is just gorgeous! Perfect for a bedtime story, or for young readers practising alone.

***Many thanks to Netgalley and Rowman & Littlefield for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.