Title: Olivia Finds a Curious Seed
Author: Kieran Walker
Publisher: ‎ Independently published (Feb. 11 2022)
Length: Picturebook, 25 pages

My Review:

This is a sweet book about an elephant who finds a seed, plants it, and she, along with all of her animal friends, try to guess on what it will be. I really enjoyed the soft illustrations and the varied animals, and the idea of patience and care that comes from watering the seed and waiting for it to bloom. There was a lot of imagination used and I liked that my son could put his guess as to what it would be as well. Overall a cute book with a nice message. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Author: Sally M. Harris
Illustrator: Cecilia Paplinskie
Publisher: ‎ Top Cat Publishing (Feb. 8 2013)

My Review:

This was an uplifting story about using colours, creativity and imagination to cheer yourself up when you are feeling down. I thought the idea was great, the rhymes were executed well, and the illustrations were perfect for this book.  I can see myself reading this often to my son as he really enjoyed it, as did I.  I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

Author: Dinara Akbay
​Illustrator: Yesim Deliboz
Published September 27, 2021
​Age Group: Adventure book for kids 6-9, short chapter book with illustrations

My Review:

In Ms. Akbay's adventurous chapter book, we meet two boys Jim and Tim. Jim and Tim are supposed to play together one afternoon but they have a fight. Suddenly, they find themselves transported to the jungle and have to work together to find their way home. Along the way, they meet up with several creatures that need their help and they must overcome the dangers that lurk in the jungle.

​This is a Wizard of Oz-esque colourful adventure that kids will enjoy reading to themselves or with parents, depending on their age and ability.  The illustrations were bright and - although a bit odd for my taste - my son was drawn to them and I do believe that kids will like them.  The book is written well and is simple to understand. I think it is perfect for Ms. Akbay's targeted age group and I enjoyed it as well.  Kids will learn about different jungle creatures and about the power of teamwork. The book has a fun plot but also an important message - but one that isn't too insistent.  It doesn't get in the way of the fun.  Overall a good adventure that I can see my son reading again and again.

I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

Author: Mona Liza Santos
Illustrator: Anuradha​ Godagama
​Published April 30, 2021

My Review:  

This children's picture book was really sweet and will be enjoyed by parents and kids alike. The rhymes were simple and easy to read, but the true star in this book was the delightful and colourful illustrations. They conveyed more than what the words alone were able to do. Some of the images of the elderly mother and the grown son brought to mind Robert Munsch's I'll Love You Forever, which is a high compliment considering how great that book is. I truely enjoyed reading this to my son and he enjoyed looking at the illustrations. I can see it being a repeat read for us for sure. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Author: Annabel Gardiner
Illustrated by: Samantha Thorley
Published: Jan 31, 2022

My Review:

This is the cutest children's book I've read in a long time. It makes a perfect bedtime story as the parent and child go back and forth in fun rhymes, accompanied by soft and beautiful illustrations. The colours are muted and perfect for the calm before bedtime. I have to admit that I even got a bit emotional at the end since I'm a new parent and have just discovered the joys of tucking in my infant son. I highly recommend this book as an addition to your bedtime routine with your child. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.