Tag: illustrated

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The Sunflowers Babushka Planted by Beatrice Rendon. Illustrated Children’s book.

32 pages ages 5-9 Capstone Editions Jan 1,2024 publish date grades K-3

About The Book

“When Tania was six years old, she and her parents fled Ukraine during World War II. For years they were refugees in Europe, displaced and without permanent residence. Finally, they found safe housing in a refugee camp, but what about home? Day by day, they stitched together new lives, but it wasn’t until a memory of Tania’s babushka and her beloved sunflowers that the family at last began to rebuild a sense of home.

This true account about debut author Beatrice Rendón’s grandmother offers a universal story of hope for refugees around the world.”

MY THOUGHTS

Based on the author’s family history from many years ago.
A young girl named Tania lives a simple life with her parents who live with her grandmother.

Their home is in Ukraine. When a war starts in Ukraine Tania becomes a refugee fleeing Ukraine with her parents for their families’ safety. Grandmother, too elderly to travel stays behind.

Wandering through Europe for years as displaced people during WWII, they wondered if they’d ever be able to go back to their country.

Sad but realistic we get a child’s eye view of the war with her thoughts. We see just how fragile and scary life can be for its youngest members.

For comfort Tania thinks about the sunflowers her grandmother has planted for beauty, Ukraine’s national flower.

Well executed story showing the fragility and uncertainty of times for children. This child was well loved and felt secure with her parents and was able to return to a normal life after the war. Beautifully illustrated which adds to the validity of the story.

Pub Date 01 Jan 2024
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

THE AUTHOR AND ILLUSTRATOR

About the Author 

Beatrice Rendón was born and raised in the Midwest. She grew up hearing her family’s stories and how their resourcefulness and resilience helped them survive. She is a former classroom teacher and a lifelong lover of children’s literature. She lives in Minneapolis with her husband and their cat. This is her first book.

About the Illustrator

Originally from Poland, Olga Baumert studied fine art and jewelry-making before moving to the UK and earning a degree in graphic design and illustration from De Montfort University. Her art is inspired by great stories, interactions between people and nature, and open landscapes—especially ones with tiny figures hiding in them. Olga lives in Leicestershire, England, where she uses a mix of traditional techniques, including gouache, watercolor, acrylics, and colored pencils, to make her art.

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Beautifully Illustrated and Delightful Children’s Book, Good-bye, Winter! Hello, Spring! By Kazuo Iwamura

32 pages reading age 4-8 years preschool to grade 2 NorthSouth Books March 5,2019 publish date

About the Book

“Sincere and serene, with masterful, atmospheric illustrations.” –Kirkus Reviews

The perfect seasonal book for young children to say good-bye to winter and welcome in spring!

When spring comes, it melts the snow. Where will all the water go?

The first harbingers of spring can be seen in the forest—as the wet snow begins to melt. The little squirrels Mick, Mack, and Molly can’t believe that snow can turn into water. That is, until they discover a floating tree and use it as a raft.

This gentle adventure, told in rhyme, is a wonderful celebration of nature and friendship.

My Thoughts


“A new spring story from the Japanese master of children’s book illustration, Kazuo Iwamura.”

Beautifully illustrated story for young children told through the point of view of squirrel siblings who upon going out to play discover melting snow. Spring is upon us and it’s a lovely and fun lesson on the changing seasons. Children will be delighted to go on an adventure with the squirrels as they discover the changing season, get into mischief and are rescued and brought back home. A beautiful way to introduce children to nature and friendships.

Children will be delighted with this one.

Pub Date: 05 Mar 2019
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

The author’s Amazon Page

Have a beautiful day and stay safe.

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Sometimes all you need is a little encouragement, Lauren the Jumping Cow by T.I.Frazier

22 pages Timothy Frazier publisher December 15, 2022 publish date

About the Book

Taking place in the countryside, Lauren is a Jersey cow (calf) who is determined to be a jumping cow when she grows up. She has to work hard and train if she is going to accomplish her dream. In the end, she doesn’t just jump but discovers she can fly.

This story teaches children to believe in themselves and to try new things even if it has never been done before. It encourages the spirit of exploring yourself and to push beyond what you think is possible.

My Thoughts

Lauren the cow lives with her mother in the countryside. When this jersey calf grows up, she is determined to become a jumping cow.
One thing I noticed right away is how vividly illustrated this book is. Younger children will be especially drawn to these beautiful illustrations. Older children who can understand the concept of the story will appreciate the lesson it tells, as it will help them to believe in themself.
Lauren wants to be a jumping cow and as they are not known for jumping the way horses are she starts out small and works her way up to bigger and higher things, a blade of grass, a stick and has finally worked her way up to trying to jump over a fence. Lauren, try as she may fails time and again though she has plenty of encouragement from the other animals on the farm.
Will she be able to jump the fence finally and become the jumping cow she is determined to become? Children will enjoy reading this with an adult and the encouragement they'll get out of it.
Highly recommended as a positive book for children.

Pub Date 15 Dec 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

About The Author

T.I Frazier was born on the East Coast and spent most of his younger years living near Boston, MA. As a young teenager, his family moved to Southern California, where he completed High School and competed in Track and Field. Tim graduated in 2008 from Calvin University with a degree in Sociology and went on to receive a Master of Business Administration from Western Governor’s University in 2018.

Before writing his first book, he worked in a variety of financial-related roles, including business banking, private banking, analysis, and procurement in the healthcare and food industries. Concurrently, Tim served 10 years with the United State Army National Guard in various roles, including Chaplain Assistant, and was deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2010.

Today, Tim works for a trust company as he continues to write inspiration and children’s books. He also looks to inspire others through various speaking engagements. If he isn’t running around playing with his toddler son and wife Lauren, he may be on the farm with his faithful dog Rocky and cat Al.

Thank you for stopping in. Have a marvelous day.