Return to the Most Beautiful Village in the World

Title: Return to the Most Beautiful Village in the World

Author: Yutaka Kobayashi

Published: 11/1/2020

Publisher: Museyon

Pages: 41

Genre: Children's Fiction

Review: ebook from NetGalley and Publisher

Amazon

Mirado has been traveling with the circus worldwide, but he still thinks of Paghman Village and his friend Yamo every day. When he hears the news that the long war will be over, Mirado decides to return to the village, heading east by train, bus, carriage, and finally by foot. Supported by the kindness of people he meets on the way, he finally arrives, but he sees Paghman Village was completely destroyed by the war—and he can't find Yamo. But one morning, as he plays his flute on the street, people gather around, and Mirado hears a familiar voice singing.

We did not read the first book, but I don't think you would have to just read this one. First, let me say the illustrations are really, very beautifully done. Even though Mirado wants to travel back home, I felt that this book was sad and happy in a way. Mirado wants to go home; he is missing his friends, village, and so much more. As he travels in many different ways, he is helped by strangers on his travels back home. He receives gifts and memories from those that helped him with his journey. When he finally returns to the village that has been destroyed, it does not look the same, but just maybe over time, with seeds and people coming together, the village could see once more rise from the ashes! Who knows?

This book was a good conversation started with K and A because we brought up why sometimes villages within other countries are destroyed and how sometimes they just are forgotten, and people move on. While people want to go back home to their village, it is their home. So I am thankful that this book opened that spark of asking questions.

“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

Yutaka Kobayashi is a Nihonga (Japanese-style paintings) artist and picture book author.

NetGalley: A Tuesday Kind Of Love by Lyndsi Richards, Christy Johnson

Title: A Tuesday Kind of Love

Author: Lyndsi Richards

Illustrator: Christy Johnson

Pages: 32

Genre: Children's

Review: NetGalley 

Buy Link: Amazon

A Tuesday Kind of Love is a fiction children's book about positive separation. Based on my life story of being a single mom of twins. This story is about a beautiful gorilla named Lani which means "heavenly" in Hawaiian, and a handsome monkey named Kanoa which means "the free one". They live in a tropical jungle and fall in love very quickly. They have twins together but end up realizing when the twins are very young they don't want the same life. So they decided splitting up would be the best decision for the family. They continue to show gratitude towards each other knowing it is important for the children to see and understand by example. The family changes the negative narrative of separation and divorce and turns it into a beautiful experience. I want it to shed light onto separated families, showing that you can still have a loving unit that does not live in the same household. It is meant to give hope for co-parenting. I want it to show love in a more open and realistic way. The children in today's society are experiencing that it is more common to have separated and divorced parents than to have parents who are still together. This story is for those children to have faith in their parents to show appreciation for each other even though they are apart living their own lives. The love they once felt created the most beautiful thing love can create, children!

NetGalley: Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame Mbalia

We received this book via NetGalley.

Title: Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky

Author: Kwame Mbalia

Published: Oct. 15, 2019

Publisher: Disney Book Group

Pages: 496

Review: ARC from NetGalley

Genre: Folklore/Teens/Middle Grade

Buy Link: Amazon

Seventh-grader Tristan Strong feels anything but strong ever since he failed to save his best friend when they were in a bus accident together. All he has left of Eddie is the journal his friend wrote stories in. Tristan is dreading the month he’s going to spend on his grandparents’ farm in Alabama, where he’s being sent to heal from the tragedy. But on his first night there, a sticky creature shows up in his bedroom and steals Eddie’s journal. Tristan chases after it — is that a doll? — and a tug-of-war ensues between them underneath a Bottle Tree. In a last attempt to wrestle the journal out of the creature’s hands, Tristan punches the tree, accidentally ripping open a chasm into the MidPass, a volatile place with a burning sea, haunted bone ships, and iron monsters that are hunting the inhabitants of this world. Tristan finds himself in the middle of a battle that has left black American gods John Henry and Brer Rabbit exhausted. In order to get back home, Tristan and these new allies will need to entice the god Anansi, the Weaver, to come out of hiding and seal the hole in the sky. But bartering with the trickster Anansi always comes at a price. Can Tristan save this world before he loses more of the things he loves?

NetGalley: Small Spaces (Small Spaces #1) by Katherine Arden

Title: Small Spaces

Author: Katherin Arden

Published: Sept. 25, 2019

Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers

Pages: 218

Review: ARC provided by publisher @ NetGalley

Buy Links: Amazon, Amazon.uk 

After suffering a tragic loss, eleven-year-old Ollie only finds solace in books. So when she happens upon a crazed woman at the river threatening to throw a book into the water, Ollie doesn't think--she just acts, stealing the book and running away. As she begins to read the slender volume, Ollie discovers a chilling story about a girl named Beth, the two brothers who both loved her, and a peculiar deal made with "the smiling man," a sinister specter who grants your most tightly held wish, but only for the ultimate price.

Ollie is captivated by the tale until her school trip the next day to Smoke Hollow, a local farm with a haunting history all its own. There she stumbles upon the graves of the very people she's been reading about. Could it be the story about the smiling man is true? Ollie doesn't have too long to think about the answer to that. On the way home, the school bus breaks down, sending their teacher back to the farm for help. But the strange bus driver has some advice for the kids left behind in his care: "Best get moving. At nightfall they'll come for the rest of you." Nightfall is, indeed, fast descending when Ollie's previously broken digital wristwatch, a keepsake reminder of better times, begins a startling countdown and delivers a terrifying message: RUN.

Only Ollie and two of her classmates heed the bus driver's warning. As the trio head out into the woods--bordered by a field of scarecrows that seem to be watching them--the bus driver has just one final piece of advice for Ollie and her friends: "Avoid large places. Keep to small."

And with that, a deliciously creepy and hair-raising adventure begins.

NetGalley: I Really Love You (Tyrannosaurus #6) by Tatsuya Miyanishi

Title: I Really Love You

Author: Tatsuya Myanishi

Published: May 20, 2019

Publisher: Museyon

Pages: 40

Genre: Children ages 5 on up

Review: ebook provided by NetGalley and Publisher

Buy Links: Amazon, Amazon.uk 

A very long time ago, dinosaurs lived all over the world. They were various colors, shapes, and sizes, and spoke different languages. One snowy winter, with his skillful use of words, Tapejara almost tricks a Tyrannosaurus to its death. A weak Tyrannosaurus meets three friendly Homalocephale and they save his life, even though they do not understand each other’s languages. They become good friends and start communicating with their hearts. One day, while picking up red berries for the Tyrannosaurus, Homalocephale meets Albertosaurus, who is hungry and speaks the same language as the Tyrannosaurus. I Really Love You shows that heartfelt communication is about more than just words.

I Am a Tyrannosaurus by Tatsuya Miyanishi

Title: I Am a Tyrannosaurus

Author: Tatsuya Miyanishi

Publisher: Museyon Inc.

Review: ebook provided by NetGalley and publisher

Genre: Children ages 5 on up

Pages: 40

Published: July 1, 2018

Amazon, Amazon.uk

A little Pterosaur lives on top of a rocky mountain, where his mother teaches him to be kind and to always help others in need. One day, a huge Tyrannosaurus falls down the mountain and is injured as he tries to catch the little Pterosaur. Remembering his mother’s lesson, the little Pterosaur decides to take care of the injured Tyrannosaurus. As a result of his fall, the Tyrannosaurus temporarily loses his sight, and asks, “Who is there?” The Pterosaur hides and answers, “I am a Tyrannosaurus.” The fifth title in this acclaimed Tyrannosaurus series, I Am a Tyrannosaurus, delivers a heartwarming story about being kind and helping others with vivid, brightly colored illustrations and endearingly drawn characters.

Poco and Moco Are Twins by Jun Ichihara

Title: Poco and Moco are Twins

Author: Jun Ichihara

Published: April 1, 2018

Publisher: Museyon Inc.

Pages: 38

Genre: Children ages 4 on up

Review: ebook provided by NetGalley and publisher 

Buy Links: Amazon, Amazon.uk

Poco and Moco are twin lambs. They look almost exactly alike, and they get along so well that they spend every minute of their day together. But they’re also different in a lot of ways. For one thing, Poco is a boy and Moco is a girl. Poco likes breads and rolls, but Moco likes cakes and pastries. They both like donuts, so if they only have one, they split it in half. Poco likes to play hide-and-seek, Moco loves to climb trees. And when they join forces they can do things neither of them could ever do alone.
The use of fold-outs, cut-outs, and other special features add an extra element of fun as readers get to know the twins and explore differences and similarities.

Hooray for Mommy by Beatrice Masini

Title: Hooray for Mommy!

Author: Beatrice Masini

Publisher: XIST Publishing

Pages: 22

Published: Jan. 15, 2018

Genre: Children ages 2 to 5

Review: ebook provided by NetGalley and publisher

Buy Links: Amazon, Amazon.uk 

Three Cheers for Mommy!
Celebrate moms in this beautiful book from Beatrice Masini and Guilia Zaffaroni! In this sweet story narrated by a young girl, the child shares everything she loves about her mom. Even though her mom is not perfect like some moms, living with her is an adventure. With funny observations and heartfelt realizations, Hooray for Mommy is a celebration of moms everywhere.
Perfect as a Mother's Day story time selection, this book is a heartwarming addition to any collection.
Part of the Hooray for Family series, this book was originally published in Italy. Featuring charming insights about Mommies, Daddies, Grandmas and Grandpas, each of the Hooray for Family books celebrates families in a delightful way.
Xist Publishing is proud to present the Hooray for Family books in their first English publication editions. By bringing beloved stories from diverse cultures to new audiences, Xist Publishing celebrates childhood in all its beautiful forms. We hope your children will enjoy these stories and discover a lifetime love of reading and love for all the people and creatures of the world.

NetGalley Review: Polar Bear Postman by Seigo Kijima

Title: Polar Bear Postman

Author: Seigo Kijima

Published: Nov. 1, 2017

Publisher: Museyon Inc

Pages: 32

Genre: Ages 5-7

Review: ebook provided by NetGalley and publisher

Buy Links: Amazon, Amazon.uk 

Milk is the polar bear postmaster of the forest. One day he receives a card that says “Please help!” It is from a red-crested crane couple whose chick has gone missing. Spring gives way to summer and Milk receives another post card—this time from a red-crested crane couple who live in another district telling him that they have been taking care of a lost crane chick and asking for help in finding its family. Milk is modeled on an actual polar bear living in the Kushiro Zoo in Hokkaido, who is so adept at walking erect on his two hind legs that visitors say he looks like a person in a bear suit. The bear is joined in this amusing story by a variety of animal species native to Hokkaido.

NetGalley Review: Happy Birthday! by Mamoru Suzuki

Title: Happy Birthday!

Author: Mamoru Suzuki

Published: Oct. 1, 2017

Publisher: Museyon Inc

Pages: 32

Genre: Preschool ages 3-5

Review: ebook provided by NetGalley and publisher

Buy Links: Amazon, Amazon.uk 

The occasion of a birthday provide the opportunity to look back at the long days spent waiting patiently for the baby to be born, the special day it arrives, and the miraculous perfection of every stage of its growth. Soft, warm colors and cozy images are accompanied by a spare text that perfectly captures the all-encompassing love parents for their children. This birthday book will resonate with anyone who has loved a child. It is a gift that every child deserves.

NetGalley Review:Kuma-Kuma Chan's Travels by Kazue Takahashi

Title: Kuma-Kuma Chan's Travels

Author: Kazue Takahashi

Publisher: Museyon

Published: Sept. 11, 2017

Pages: 52 

Genre: Children

Review: ebook provided by NetGalley and publisher

Buy Links: Amazon, Amazon.uk 

In the third book in the Kuma-Kuma Chan series, the title character flies off to a south sea isle where he lies in the sun and drifts into a lazy snooze. He climbs to the summit of a mountain and views the sunrise while drinking a cup of hot chocolate. Instead of physically setting out for one place or another, Kuma-Kuma travels freely all over the world - inside his head. Once again, Kuma-Kuma Chan charms as he exemplifies the joy of a simple, peaceful, life. With its spare text and delightful illustrations, this small-format picture book invites readers to explore their own imaginations and create their own travels.

NetGalley Review: It's Hard to Swim (Ellie the Wienerdog series) Life's Little Lessons by Ellie the Wienerdog - Lesson #2 by K.J. Hales

Title: It's Hard to Swim (Life's Little Lessons #2)

Author: K.J. Hales

Published: June 6, 2017

Publisher: Greenleaf Book Group/ Open Door Press, Inc. 

Pages: 17

Review: ebook provided by NetGalley and Publisher

Buy Links: Amazon, Amazon.uk 

Ellie the Wienerdog is back!
In Life’s Little Lesson #2, It’s Hard to Swim, readers are reunited with their favorite wiener dog as she is about to abruptly get her paws wet.
Romping on dry ground and chasing a ball are the activities Ellie believes dogs are built to do. However, one day as she is enjoying her canine fun, she chases her ball onto a dock and then finds herself cornered by her “people” who think it would be a good idea for her to take a little dip.
The drama builds as her mind goes into over drive imagining all the terrifying possibilities that could await her below the surface of the water.
Will she sink? Will she end up as dinner for a hungry shark or a monster fish? Or will she overcome her fear and discover all the fun that comes with trying something new? Her future hangs at the end of a dock with very dark water below . . .
Swim is a year-round Summer Fun read! Kids will love searching for all the hidden treasures in the vibrant, whimsical illustrations and grown-ups will love the timeless lesson that is shared through Ellie’s humorous tale.
The team of K.J. Hales and Serene Wyatt have done it again – thanks to the inspiration from Ellie the Wienerdog.

NetGalley Review: Jilly's Terrible Temper Tantrums​ Martha Heineman Pieper, Ph.D.​

Title: Jilly's Terrible Temper Tantrums and How She Outgrew Them

Author: Martha Heineman

Illustrator: Jo Gershman

Publisher: Smart Love Press

Published: March 2, 2017

Pages: 32

Genre: Children ages 3 on up

Review: ebook provided by NetGalley and publisher

Buy Links: Amazon, Amazon.uk 

When Jilly, a happy little kangaroo, has a series of Terrible Temper Tantrums, her parents lovingly help her through them. Children will be very familiar with the frustrations that trigger Jilly's upset feelings, and will applaud her dawning understanding that seeking help and a hug is far superior to the misery of a temper tantrum.

NetGalley Review: I Want That Love Tatsuya Miyanishi

Title: I Want That Love

Author: Tatsuya Miyanishi
Published: Nov. 20, 2016
Publisher: Museyon Inc.
Pages: 40
Genre: Children ages 4 on up
Review: ebook provided by NetGalley and publisher
Buy Links: Amazon, Amazon.uk 

Although Tyrannosaurus storms around saying that power is everything in the world, he realizes he is getting weaker with age. After his tail gets bitten in a run-in with Masiakasaurus, some young Triceratops nurse him back to health. Touched by their innocent hearts, Tyrannosaurus begins to feel love for these new friends–even though he might have eaten them under different circumstances! So when two Giganotosaurus attack the group, Tyrannosaurus fights them off, holding the children tightly to his body, and sacrificing himself in order to protect them from the Giganotosaurus. The third title in this acclaimed series, I Want That Love explains that love is far more important than power.