Story Monsters Ink March Book Reviews

Peppa Pig and the Career Day
by Candlewick Press Reviewer: Larissa Juliano
It’s Career Day with Miss Gazelle and her students! Peppa and her curious friends are privy to special classroom visitors sharing their careers and how they help people. Lovers of the television show will recognize all the characters and love that Miss Rabbit is in charge of several jobs and keeps making Peppa and her friends smile with her numerous class presentations. The illustrations are delightful and fresh, the text is easy to follow with the perfect Peppa Pig charm that we love, and lots of giggles in between. A must-read for early elementary parents and teachers as they teach our littlest ones about helping hands in the community. (Ages 2-5)

I’m in Charge!
by Jeanne Willis, Jarvis (Nosy Crow) Reviewer: Julianne Black
Winning pair Willis and Jarvis give us a fun lesson on what it means to be in charge! Little rhino is ready to be his own master. He’s not going to share, he’s not going to listen, and he’s not going to take orders from anyone … that is, until he has an afternoon that changes his perspective completely! Great tale for kiddos who know it all, or are testing those boundaries. Beautiful illustrations cap the feeling tone of the African landscape and the adventure from little rhino’s point of view. (Ages 2-5)

Good Night, Forest
by Denise Brennan-Nelson, Marco Bucci (Sleeping Bear Press) Reviewer: Larissa Juliano
Beautifully illustrated in watercolor, Good Night, Forest is going to be a staple on every sleepy reader’s bookshelf or night table. The story takes readers on a day-long adventure in a beautiful forest, filled with critter friends and majestic trees. Halfway through the book, illustrator Marco Bucci creates a beautiful sunset and we start bidding each animal and element of nature, goodnight. The rhyming in this story is simple, with a sing-song quality, and readers will feel a sense of peace (and hopefully sleepiness) as the creatures curl up for slumber. (Ages 2-7)

Little Owl’s Snow
by Divya Srinivasan (Viking) Reviewer: Julianne Black
As the forest creatures all bed down to sleep through the cold, Little Owl feels like the forest is empty. But when the snow falls and the winter animals come out to play, Owl discovers a winter wonderland! Excellent fall to winter expression for a child’s understanding about what happens in nature when the temperature drops, but beyond the lesson on hibernation, there is something about Srinivasan’s illustrations that make these books magical. The colors and distilled imagery really land the feeling of a silent forest as well as lively playtime in a fresh snowfall. Little Owl’s Snow is a wonderful follow-up to Little Owl’s Night and Little Owl’s Day. (Ages 3-5)

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star: Classic Folk Sing-Along Songs
by Sin and Swoon, Sophie Casson (The Secret Mountain) Reviewer: Darleen Wohlfeil 
I’ve often heard it said that there is a story behind every action. The reading of this little book, of a well-known nursery rhyme, reveals such a story. Beyond the visual interpretation of the lyrics lies interesting facts and details of the evolvement of this sweet song. (Ages 3-5)

Misunderstood Shark: Friends Don’t Eat Friends
by Ame Dyckman, Scott Magoon (Orchard Books) Reviewer: Darleen Wohlfeil 
Friendship rests on a tender balance of not giving or taking offense. Shark and Bob still seem to be at odds over an incident where Shark ATE Bob! Bob feels wounded in the friendship due to Shark’s lack of self-control, and obvious lack of respect for him, while Shark feels terribly misunderstood. Can they ever resolve the hurt feelings their friendship has stumbled upon? Lots of shark fun facts to be learned while the waters bubble with emotions. (Ages 3-5)

Dreamland 
by Noah Klocek (Candlewick) Reviewer: Darleen Wohlfeil 
This darling book takes us on that magical journey when sometimes we’re caught awake while searching for sleep. The illustrations are as sweet and tender as Amelie, as she forges the night until she stumbles upon slumber and finds her favorite dream. (Ages 3-7)

Ten Days Till My Summer Vacation
by Carine Roch, Jeff Gomez (Ten Days Till Series) Reviewer: Julianne Black
Super fun countdown book designed to teach time, counting, memory, and color through repetition. The growing list of vacation items are relevant and adorable to the age group Carine Roch is targeting. There is an excellent summary at the end of the lesson where the viewer is able to color in the blocks and main character to cement the string of memorizations. Definitely a series to read! (Ages 3-7)

The Boy Who Went to Mars
by Simon James (Candlewick) Reviewer: Julianne Black  
Stanley was replaced by a Martian when his mom left for a work trip. Thankfully, it was just an overnight trip, because the Martian did not do well with Earth’s rules and customs. He wouldn’t wash up at night. He complained about dinner. He even got in trouble at school. It was a great relief because once mom got home, the Martian went back to Mars and Stanley came back—just in time for hugs. Handling change in his own special way, Stanley is relatable to the kid in us all. Sweet, unusual, and full of love, The Boy Who Went to Mars is a beautiful read. (Ages 3-7)

Owls Are Good at Keeping Secrets: An Unusual Alphabet
by Sara O’Leary, Jacob Grant (Random House) Reviewer: Diana Fisher
This unique alphabet book is so enchanting and sweet, I actually teared up a few times reading it. The whimsical illustrations are a perfect foil for the endearing alphabet animals and their little stories—all mirroring concerns or aspects of life as a small child. Charming, imaginative, silly, funny, and relatable—it’s a delightfully fresh look at a much-done subject. It’s so engaging and cute, your child may even forget it’s about the alphabet … while reinforcing it nonetheless. (Ages 3-7)

Princess Puffybottom … and Darryl
by Susin Nielsen, Olivia Chin Mueller (Tundra Books) Reviewer: Diana Fisher
In this delightful book, a pet cat—Princess Puffybottom—has the “purrfect” life until it’s turned upside-down by the addition of a second pet—a dog named Darryl. Princess Puffybottom schemes to get rid of Darryl, while Darryl just wants to be friends. The story is adorable, and a humorous allegory for children who have siblings on the way, or to simply address getting along with others. The illustrations are really cute—especially Princess Puffybottom, whose expressions are priceless. (Ages 3-7) 

Designed to Shine! Read Aloud Rhymes for Any Size Heart
by Joy Resor, Lauren Connell (Joy on Your Shoulders) Reviewer: Darleen Wohlfeil 
Children love to rhyme! Whether singing or reciting, it’s so much fun when it rhymes. Poetry is lively and captivating, and the sooner we introduce it, the more joy it brings. The topics skip through laughter and fun, to awaken and discover new things. Illustrations by Connell are whimsical and delightful. (Ages 3-12)

Dandy
by Ame Dyckman, Charles Santoso (Little, Brown) Reviewer: Darleen Wohlfeil
Truly a tribute to dads! A dad and his lawn have a special relationship. That is, until a little girl wins hands down in the great war on Dandelions! The illustrations bring a lively visual aid to the story that every family can relate to with giggles and chuckles! (Ages 4-7)

Chicks Rule!
by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen, Renée Kruilla (Abrams) Reviewer: Diana Fisher
Don’t give up, work together, and you can accomplish anything, is what all sorts of different chicks do when they learn there are “no chicks allowed” in the Rocket Club. Left out but not deterred from participating on their own terms, the chicks succeed fabulously as a team, with each one contributing something important. The illustrations are cute and colorful, and the story is set to rhyme, making it a fun and inspirational read. (Ages 4-8)

Franklin and Luna Go to the Moon
by Jen Campbell, Katie Harnett (Thames & Hudson) Reviewer: Darleen Wohlfeil 
Time and circumstances can broaden the distances between family and friends. Luna and her best friend Franklin the dragon set out on a great adventure to find Franklin’s family. It’s been a very long time since he has been home, and he’s forgotten the way. Together they soar the skies until at last Franklin is reunited, and great fun is had by all. (Ages 4-8)

No Peacocks! A Feathered Tale of Three Mischievous Foodies
by Robin Newman, Chris Ewald (Sky Pony) Reviewer: Darleen Wohlfeil 
Tired of the daily sunflower seeds they are fed from the staff at The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine, Phil, Jim, and Harry decide they want to try something new, so they make a break for it in search of pizza or Chinese takeout. But everywhere they go, they’re told “No peacocks!” With some stolen disguises and help from students, they devise a plan to sneak into a school cafeteria to try some mac and cheese! These silly peacocks are penned after the real celebrity birds of St. John’s. A truly fun story. Includes a comprehensive curriculum guide. (Ages 4-8)

Madeline Finn and the Shelter Dog
by Lisa Papp (Peachtree Publishing) Reviewer: Darleen Wohlfeil 
This is truly a heartfelt story that will linger far beyond its reading. The illustrations capture every delightful word, and tucks it ever so lovingly into the heart. Sweet little Madeline Finn will win you over with her sincere efforts to love and comfort the many waiting animals that fill our shelters. A tender seed worth planting into every child’s fresh soil. A kindness expressed, and multiplied. (Ages 4-8)

Good Egg and Bad Apple
by Henry Herz, Luke Graber (Schiffer Publishing) Reviewer: Darleen Wohlfeil 
It’s fun to learn quips and sayings. Those clever plays on words that always seem to bring a chuckle or two. They lighten up this heavy subject of bullying, while still giving helpful insight on a very relatable subject. While giggling through vegetables humor, Good Egg shows us there are positive ways to turn an enemy into a friend. Herz also provides fun notes that explain the familiar idioms and puns he uses. (Ages 5-8)

H is for Haiku: A Treasury of Haiku from A to Z
by Sydell Rosenberg, Sawsan Chalabi (Penny Candy Books) Reviewer: Darleen Wohlfeil 
This warmhearted memorial to Sydell Rosenberg brings us to a very important message with Haiku. It’s a sweet remembrance to stop, draw in the wide angle, and focus in on the small points. Poetry is a language of imagery. It creatively flows through the emotions, bringing form and thought to the beauty it finds there. Haiku is a form of poetry originating in Japan, that seeks to draw the attention away from the whole to capture the smaller parts that could be overlooked. Drawing the reader to a keener awareness of the small joys and wonders of life that may contribute to the whole. (Ages 5-11)

Astrid the Unstoppable
by Maria Parr (Candlewick) Reviewer: Olivia Amiri, age 12
Astrid the Unstoppable is a heartwarming story about family and friendship. Astrid, whose nickname is “The Little Thunderbolt,” is the only child living in the village of Glimmerdal. Her best friend is her godfather, Gunnvald, a grumpy 74-year-old man. But soon Astrid’s world is turned upside down by two startling arrivals to Glimmerdal: first a new family, then a mysterious, towering woman who everyone seems to know but Astrid. It turns out that Gunnvald has been keeping a big secret from his goddaughter. (Ages 7-10)

WeirDo
by Anh Do (Scholastic) Reviewer: Diana Perry
Weir Do is the new kid in school. With an unforgettable name, a crazy family, and some seriously weird habits, fitting in won’t be easy … but it will be funny! Young readers will surely relate to Weir. Everybody has something they feel is weird about themselves. This book is a funny lesson to teach kids to learn more about each other—they will surely find that they have surprising things in common. (Ages 7-10)

Middle School Misadventures
by Jason Platt (Middle School Misadventures) Reviewer: Diana Perry
In Jason Platt’s debut graphic novel, Ferris Bueller meets Calvin and Hobbes in this hilarious and embarrassing middle school caper that asks the important questions—like how long can one kid vamp before he embarrasses himself in front of his whole school? The illustrations perfectly capture the action and the emotions of each character. Except for a few, most kids find Middle School terrifying on a daily basis and will really enjoy seeing how Newell handles his disasters. A great read. (Ages 8-11)

A Drop of Hope
by Keith Calabrese (Scholastic) Reviewer: Diana Perry
Times are tough, jobs are scarce, and miracles are in short supply. But something strange is happening in If Only, Ohio. An old well has suddenly, impossibly, begun to grant wishes. And three sixth graders are the only ones who know why. Ernest, Ryan, and Lizzy know they can’t fix the world. But in their own little corner of it, they can give everyone a little hope ... one wish at a time. I see this wonderful book as a teaching tool for young readers to put themselves into the shoes of others. Each child’s life story weaves together to one great ending in this heartwarming book. (Ages 8-12)

Wicked Nix
by Lena Coakley, Jaime Zollars (Harry N. Abrams) Reviewer: Olivia Amiri, age 12
Wicked Nix is a story filled with imagination, tricks, and mischievous behavior by Nix, a fairy. Nix doesn’t like humans, especially since he was put in charge of protecting the forest. Nix tries to chase a human man out of the forest by threatening him with his curses and spells, but the man fights back. (Ages 8-12)

The Adventures Of Keeno and Ernest: The Banana Tree
by Maggie van Galen, Joanna Lundeen (Outskirts Press) Reviewer: Darleen Wohlfeil 
Rules can feel restricting, and sometimes just don’t make sense. But Keeno learns a very important lesson, the hard way! His parents made their rules with great consideration, and concern for his safety. Sometimes, when our desires outweigh common sense, it’s a good thing to have a faithful friend like Ernest close by. This story is a great opportunity to open discussions on why rules and structure play such an important part in our lives, and how obedience is often necessary for our survival. (Ages 8-12)

The Potter’s Boy
by Tony Mitton (David Fickling Books) Reviewer: Diana Perry
Ryo was born the son of a potter, a fate that he is unsure of once a mysterious wanderer and trained fighter comes to his small village and protects them from a band of thieves. Inspired by the events, Ryo embarks on both a hero’s quest and a quest to be a hero. Through his adventures, Ryo trains in the art of both fighting and mindfulness under the elusive Hermit of Cold Mountain. But when tragedy strikes, Ryo knows he must use what he’s learned to do what is right for himself and his future. This book serves as advice to each of us that we must find our own path in life and that sometimes you must go far away from home to find your way back again. (Ages 8-12)

Super Sons: The PolarShield Project
by Ridley Pearson, Ile Gonzalez (DC Zoom) Reviewer: Diana Perry
In this graphic novel book, Superman’s son Jon and Batman’s son Ian want to be just like their dads. Jon Kent and Damian “Ian” Wayne are opposite in every way except one—they are the sons of the World’s Greatest Heroes! To uncover a global conspiracy, this unlikely dynamic duo will need to learn to trust each other and work together to save the Earth. But who is the mysterious Candace, and what secrets does she hold that could be the key to everything? This book has it all: action, adventure, mystery, and plenty of obstacles for our next generation superheroes to overcome. (Ages 8-12)

Seed Savers: Treasure
by Sandra Smith (Seed Savers) Reviewer: Diana Perry
It’s 2077. There’s no apocalypse, but some things are different. Things like the weather, the Internet, and food. In 12-year-old Clare’s world, blueberry is just a flavor and apples are found only in fairy tales. Then one day Clare meets a woman who teaches her about seeds and real food. With Ana’s guidance, Clare and her friends learn about gardening. When the authorities discover the children’s forbidden tomato plant and arrest their mother, Clare and her brother begin a lonely cross-country journey that tests them both physically and spiritually. Can they help change the world? What a fun-to-read series that teaches the importance of growing our own food. It leaves young readers excited to read the next one. (Ages 9-12)

Catch Me When I Fall
by Bonnie Graves (Regal House Publishing) Reviewer: Darleen Wohlfeil 
This is truly an interesting tale. Readers will find a friendly gentle pace that keeps the pages turning. So many feel the push of quest, and stumble at the mystery of identity. Emma Monroe’s heart was tangled in just such a journey. Trying to solve the mystery of her absent father, she is lead into the amazing world of circus life. Will she find what she’s looking for? And will it be worth the cost? Truly an engaging story! (Ages 9-12)

To submit your book for review, email cristy@storymonsters.com for submission guidelines.

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