Geo Librarian

  WINTER LIGHT written & illustrated by Aaron Becker Candlewick Studio, 2024 ISBN: 978-1-5362-3646-0 Source: publisher for review Ages 4-8 All opinions expressed are solely my own. Book cover provided by the publisher through Goodreads.com. REVIEW In a poetic ode to the importance of light during wintertime, Becker uses cut outs with jewellike backgrounds to to highlight the soft light that can offer comfort during a season that seems so dark and cold (depending on where you live). The book needs to be read with available natural sunlight to be fully appreciated. This is a book that adults especially can appreciate the beauty of and would be fun to discuss one on one with a child. It's especially fascinating the way the colors blend, lightening and darkening as the pages get turned. A book full of wonder and comfort perfect for sharing during a season where natural light can be greatly missed. COLD written by Tim McCanna, illustrated by Ramona Kaulitzki Simon & Schuster Boo...

SNOW STILL by Holly Surplice Nosy Crow, 2019 ISBN: 978-1-5362-0834-4 Board Book Ages 0-3 Source: publisher for review All opinions expressed are solely my own. ABOUT THE BOOK A little fawn wakes up to discover that the world outside has changed after a snowfall. As he takes his first faltering steps into this exciting snow-white world, he finds there's so much to discover and explore. And when it's time to return to the warmth of home, his parents are waiting right there for him. REVIEW Using two word phrases that start with the word snow, this cute board book follows a young fawn exploring a snow filled world.  The illustrations are adorable.  It would be easy to get repetitious in a book like this but it doesn't happen.  Each two-page spread shows the fawn enjoying a different aspect of snow from a variety of different perspectives, sizes, and angles.  The repetition in the text makes for a smooth, easy read.  There is much here for...

HELLO, I'M HERE! by Helen Frost and Rick Lieder Candlewick Press, 2019 ISBN: 978-0-7636-9858-4 Source: publisher for review Ages 4-8 Picture Book Poetry/Nonfiction All opinions expressed are solely my own. ABOUT THE BOOK A poetic text and wonderfully intimate photographs follow a newborn sandhill crane as it takes its first steps into the world. Will my legs hold me? What if I fall? Peek in as a sandhill crane hatchling makes its first wobbly stand and takes its first steps alongside its brother. With their parents close by, they flap their wings and dance before enjoying a buggy treat. Someday they will fly with the majestic cranes overhead, but for now, Mama's soft feathers beckon. With a lyrical narrative and lovely photo illustrations, this latest venture from an acclaimed creative team makes a perfect new baby gift -- and will appeal to bird lovers, too. REVIEW Helen Frost and Rick Lieder have created another beautifully poetic ode to the won...

HIBERNATE WITH ME by Benjamin Scheuer & Jemima Williams Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2019 ISBN: 978-1-5344-3217-8 Source: publisher for review Ages 3-6 All opinions expressed are solely my own. ABOUT THE BOOK Hibernate with Me is a gentle reminder that no matter how sad, small, or scared you feel, you are always worthy of love, and that brighter days are always ahead. Sometimes you feel small. Sometimes you feel shy. Sometimes you feel worried, and you might not know why. Sometimes you want nobody to see. Darling, you can hibernate with me. If you feel scared or lost, or even just a little shy, love means there will always be a place to hibernate together. A place that’s cozy, warm, and safe. REVIEW This adorable book showcases the love between a mother bear and her cub as they get ready for hibernation.  Since the text is written as a song, it flows fairly smoothly and makes for a sweet read aloud.  The illustrations are darling a...

IN THE SNOW by Elizabeth Spurr, illustrated by Manelle Oliphant Peachtree Publishing, 2017 ISBN: 978-1-56145-855-4 Source: publisher for review Ages 0-3 All opinions expressed are solely my own. ABOUT THE BOOK A young girl makes a snowman, sleds, and has other winter fun! REVIEW This adorable board book revolves around a young girl's adventures in the snow.  The illustrations are the best part of the book, with the cute little girl and her dog at the center of each spread.  The text is broken up on each spread, half on one side and half on the other.  While the rhyming works on most of the spreads, there are a couple that stretch it a bit (round, mounds or crash, smashed), but that's a minor quibble.  All in all a sweet little book to read with babies and toddlers, especially those who love the snow. WE'RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT Snow Globe Edition by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury Candlewick Press, 2017 ISBN: 978-1-5362-00...

BLUE ON BLUE by Dianne White, illustrated by Beth Krommes Beach Lane Books, 2014 ISBN: 9781442412675 Source: purchased All opinions expressed are solely my own. ABOUT THE BOOK Discover the joys of a wild rainstorm in this poetic picture book, illustrated by a Caldecott Medalist. Join a farming family as they experience the full range of a thrilling seaside thunderstorm; from the wild wind and the very first drops; to the pouring, pouring rain; to the wonderful messy mud after the sun returns! With gentle, rhyming text and vivid artwork from a Caldecott Medal-winning illustrator, this sublime depiction of nature's patterns turns a storm into a celebration. REVIEW I'm a big fan of Krommes illustration style, I could spent house just enjoying the beauty of these illustrations.  The story is also excellent.  While deceptively simple, the words and illustrations combine to create a thoroughly enjoyable picture book experience.  The whole premise is base...

HI, KOO! A Year of Seasons by Jon J. Muth Scholastic Press, 2014 ISBN: 978-0-545-16668-3 Picture Book Grades K and up Source: purchased All opinions expressed are solely my own. ABOUT THE BOOK Caldecott Honoree and NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author/artist Jon J Muth takes a fresh and exciting new look at the four seasons! Eating warm cookies on a cold day is easy water catches every thrown stone skip skip splash With a featherlight touch and disarming charm, Jon J Muth--and his delightful little panda bear, Koo--challenge readers to stretch their minds and imaginations with twenty-six haikus about the four seasons. REVIEW A beautifully written and illustrated book that highlights some fun and unique aspects of each season.  Some of the poems addressed things that I expected such as the weather or seasonal actions such as falling leaves. But some of the poems looked at things I didn't expect such as throwing snowballs at a stop sign, a cat disappearing in the...

SNOWFLAKES A Pop-Up Book by Jennifer Preston Chushcoff, illustrated/engineered by Yevgeniya Yeretskaya Jumping Jack Press, 2010 ISBN: 978-1605805634 Pop-up book Grades K and up Source: purchased All opinions expressed are solely my own. ABOUT THE BOOK The intricate beauty of snowflakes is fully revealed in this amazing pop-up book. An enchanting explanation of the uniqueness of snowflakes supplemented by information about the real life Snowflake Man, Wilson A. Bentley, who was the first to photograph snowflakes, engages readers of all ages. Each of the seven spreads features fully illustrated pop-ups and delicate mixed media that are sure to surprise and delight. REVIEW Pop-up book are always fun, although once you put them in a child's hands they don't tend to last very long.  Which is why I can't put them in my school library.  I got this one to share with my kindergartners though when I talk about snow and winter.  There is basic text...