Reviews written by CJ Redwine, Site and Staff Manager

This is a fun, informative book that will grab early readers' attention even while it teaches them lessons about animals all across the globe. Each page is devoted to one striped animal. Big, bold, colorful illustrations depict the animal in its natural habitat. The rhyming prose is concise and easy...

Eccentric characters, colloquial prose, and colorful, lively illustrations come together to create a humorous, silly story that also teaches a lesson about finding common ground with those who are very different from you. Readers who love adventurous stories and humor will enjoy this book!

If I could give this book more than 5 stars, I would. Colorful, dreamlike illustrations draw the reader in. Lovely poetic prose creates a soothing cadence for a bedtime story. And the weaving in of magical creatures all across the world is masterfully done. I imagine if Tolkien had tried...

Lively, colorful illustrations and a fun, dramatic story line make this the perfect read-aloud book for young readers. The theme of friendship and of not judging others before getting to know them is well done--completely accessible to younger readers. I can easily see this being a heartwarming favorite lovingly pulled...

The story of a postman-turned-boxer in turn of the century Paris is brought beautifully to life with gorgeous illustrations that look 3-D in many places. The illustrator used the old tatebanko (Japanese paper diorama art style), and the effect is lovely. The story itself is accessible...

I absolutely loved this book. The illustrations are colorful and full of life. The relationship between the brother and sister is warm and authentic. And the slices of ordinary life shaped into stories will definitely hit home with young readers. As a mother of teen boys and a much younger...

What I Loved: The story begins like any average kid's story but then takes a sharp left turn into a whirlwind of imaginative play. I found myself smiling the entire time I was reading. The author perfectly captures the make-believe world kids see as they play ordinary...

What I Loved: Lovely watercolors and whimsical illustrations truly bring this story to life. Children will recognize themselves in Snippet's adventures as he plays with his sister and his parents, is warned not to ruin his dinner, and then wakes far before the rest of his family...

What I Loved: This series is an excellent way to introduce young readers to graphic novels or comic books. Simple text and illustrations make it easy for early readers to follow along and eventually take ownership of reading the book. The subject matter (playing tricks on friends...

What I Loved: This graphic novel is perfectly accessible for younger readers (ages 4-8). Simple illustrations and concise text make this an easy "first book" for many readers to manage on their own. The themes of young children problem solving and learning how to navigate a friendship...

What I Loved: As a lover of classic volumes of fairy tales, I appreciated that TOWERING reads like a classic fairy tale in both tone and pacing. The story is given to us through the perspectives of both Rachel and Wyatt. The author does an excellent job...

What I Loved: The premise is fascinating. I love the idea of a long-lost twin trying to sabotage and eventually take over her sister's identity. There were plenty of creepy, suspenseful things in the story--like finding things slightly out of place in the heroine's bedroom or getting...

What I Loved: What a thrill ride this book is! Perfect for those who love dystopians, thrillers, high stakes adventures, or romance, this book hits all the right notes for male and female readers alike. With a fascinating premise, constant action, and a heroine unlike any other,...

What I Loved: In this compelling sequel to last year's IMMORTAL RULES, Ms. Kagawa delivers yet another fast-paced, gritty story that is as much about defeating the villain as it is about holding on to what makes us human. The world building is...

What I Loved: The relationships between the characters shine in this book. Every character feels fully realized, even the character who dies in the beginning. The strained love between mother and daughter will ring true to readers. The "are we friends or should we be...