As we get to the end of the year, I always realize that I will not complete my alphabet challenges simply by reading adult books. So, I go to my local library and engage with the children's librarian to find books that will satisfy my remaining letters for Author and Title.
When I get home, I really enjoy checking out some wonderful children's literature. Here are brief reviews of the books I chose this year.
Title: Gigi and Ojiji
Author: Melissa Iwai
Year published: 2022
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Review: What a lovely little book. Gigi's grandfather is coming from Japan to live with her and her family. Kids will learn a few Japanese words and a bit about the Japanese culture, but mostly they will learn patience and acceptance and family love.
Title: Max and Sarah Build a Snowman
Author: Harriet Ziefert
Year published: 2015
Rating: 4 out of 5
Review: This is a sweet book for kids just learning to read that is in both English and Spanish. The book shows what people wear in the snow as well as sibling play and collaboration.
Title: Found
Author: Sam Usher
Year published: 2022
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Review: The little boy in this book goes to the beach with his grandfather and has a wonderful adventure saving a seal, swimming to a sunken ship and finding a pirate treasure. Only in the end does the reader realize it's all been make believe. Really sweet.
Title: Big Truck Little Island
Author: Chris Van Dusen
Year published: 2022
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Review: I love the illustrations and rhyming in this book and the story that we can all relate to: traffic jam and plans thwarted. However, the parents in this book have a cooperative wonderful solution. And it turns out it's a true story which makes it even better.
Title: Ramadan Kareem
Author: M.O. Yuksel
Year published: 2024
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Review: This book shows the diversity of Muslims, the celebratory aspects of Ramadan, what it means, and more. There is a glossary in the back and an explanation of Ramadan including the names and flags of the nations where people celebrate.
Title: Vlad the Fabulous Vampire
Author: Flavia Z. Drago
Year published: 2023
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Review: I smiled as soon as I saw the cover of this book and continued throughout the story. It's a story of a little vampire who different and tries to hide it. Through his love of fashion (it's his passion!) and a friend he discovers that each of us is unique and that should be celebrated, which he does.
Title: Yaks Yak: Animal Word Pairs
Author: Linda Sue Park
Year published: 2016
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Review: Not only did I find a book starting with Y, but 2 Ys! This book is clever and pairs animal names with words and an explanation of the words: yaks yak (to talk), flounders flounder, rams ram, etc. It's a cute idea with fun illustrations of the animals doing the action.
Title: Jessica's X-Ray
Author: Pat Zonta
Year published: 2002
Rating: 4 out of 5
Review: Any book that can make an injury less scary for kids is a good thing. And real x-ray images? A bonus! Actually, there are all sorts of x-ray images in the book (cat scan, teeth, hands, and more). There are also questions and answers at the back. If I had gotten hurt as a small kid, this book would have been great.
Challenges for which these books qualify:
- Alphabet (Author)--I, U, V, Y, and Z
- Alphabet (Title)--V, X, Y
- Nonfiction--Transportation
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