Come meet Jenny Tinghui Zhang on her book tour. I couldn’t locate a location for each event, so you can RSVP. Please goggle the event location you are interested in RSVP.
Upcoming Book Tour: Jenny Tinghui Zhang
Review: The Leaf Thief by Alice Hemming
Goodreads Blurb
A brilliantly funny picture book about seasons, written by Alice Hemming and illustrated by Nicola Slater. Squirrel is so cross. Yesterday there were loads of beautiful leaves on his tree, but today? Today some are missing and Squirrel is convinced that someone has stolen them… there’s a leaf thief on the loose! Join Squirrel on a mission to find the culprit, and meet so many fun animals on the way, while you find out how the world takes on different colours as the months pass by. A laugh-out-loud book about the changing seasons, with extra information in the back for especially curious minds Perfect as a companion reader to children learning about seasons in school A brilliant picture book that explores feelings, moods and times where we feel out of control.
My Review: Rated 5 out of stars
It’s a fantastic story about autumn and the changes it brings. I loved this story so much because I love squirrels, and the illustrations were so beautiful and colorful; I also enjoyed this funny story of following the squirrel to find the one stealing the leaves. Afterward, all the leaves weren’t stolen by a person or an animal, but it was the wind. When the weather changes and the leaves change color is the best part of autumn, I love driving and having the leaves fall on my car while driving. There is more information at the end of the book about the changes in autumn and why they occur. It’s a fun story that everyone will enjoy.
Goodreads Author Biography
Alice Hemming is the author of over fifty books for children, including the bestselling Dark Unicorns series (Scholastic), and picture book, The Leaf Thief with illustrator Nicola Slater (Scholastic 2020), which has sold across the world and been translated into nineteen languages. Alice lives in Hertfordshire, UK with her husband and two children, and works in a writing shed at the top of her garden.
Upcoming Book Tour: Amy DuBois Barnett
Come and meet Amy DuBois Barnett at her book tour next week. Here is a link to RSVP https://us.macmillan.com/tours/amy-dubois-barnett-if-i-ruled-the-world/?utm_campaign=FIB%20-%20Flatiron%20First%20Edition%20Emails&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8wvAyuxz6Xbi3dM6lATFpQEDHhCDK90glx1MvnMA8LBRxobmO9z5go07kEfZdRfjReba63RmJv7df8Uk39kwsDEm8Saw&_hsmi=398743796&utm_content=398743796&utm_source=hs_email
Upcoming Book Tour: Alex Aster
Alex Aster just announced who upcoming tours. Below are links to RSVP:
https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/1C006434D7ACDA13?mc_cid=c7557e245d&mc_eid=9a483b9feb
Review: Too Many Bubbles: A Story About Mindfulness by Christine Peck and Mags DeRoma
Goodreads Blurb
The first in the Books of Great Character series, a brand new fictional picture book series geared for social-emotional growth! The Bubble is about what it feels like to have a negative thought you just can’t shake and the steps you can take to let it go.
My Review: Rated 2 out of 5 stars
A book about mindfulness and ways to clear your mind for children. This book was a little confusing as I wasn’t sure what was happening with all the different bubbles hanging around. I am not sure children will understand what is going on. It does detail what mindfulness is and ways to clear your thoughts. I feel like an adult can relate better as we have so many problems and issues we need to solve.
Review: The Secret Life of Boo-Boos by Mariona Tolosa Sistere
Goodreads Blurb
Discover the delightfully disgusting science of boo-boos in this colorful biology picture book for kids! Why do bruises change color? Why do we get scabs? What does blood do? Find out the surprising scientific answers to these questions and many more in The Secret Life of Boo-Boos ! This bright and informative picture books The perfect book to empower kids with knowledge so they can face boo-boos with courage and curiosity!
My Review: Rated 4 out 5 stars
A detailed guidebook that goes over the different boo-boos a person can get, ways to make your injuries better, remedies from different centuries that help with injuries, anatomy of the body, and true and false questions. This book is very detailed and would work best for a child that can read already as it’s a long book. This book will be helpful for children to know what to do when they or someone else is injured. I was very impressed with the amount of information in this book that nothing was missing. The author did a lot of research to make this book a perfect guidebook with many great tips.
Upcoming Book Tour: Kate Quinn
Kate Quinn will be on book tour. You can RSVP for each event via this link https://www.harpercollins.com/pages/theastrallibrary?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=1.16.2026%20Book%20Club%20Girl%20Newsletter&utm_term=Book%20Club%20Girl
Review: Why a Son Needs a Dad by Gregory E. Lang
Goodreads Blurb
A New York Times and USA Today bestseller! The perfect Christmas Day gift of love or sweet keepsake to show why Dad is so amazing! A boy’s first hero is his dad. A touching picture book for kids ages 3-7 and beyond showcasing all the ways a father will help his son grow, this is the gift for every dad and little boy to celebrate their special bond. Featuring charming animal illustrations and heartwarming rhymes about the loving moments fathers and sons share, Why a Son Needs a Dad is the perfect story to connect father and child together. From the moment that I saw your beautiful face, Held you close to my heart in a father’s embrace, I promised to help you grow with strength and grace. My dear one, my sweet son, my boy. For new dads, fathers-to-be, or for that perfect father-son moment at birthdays and other special occasions all year, this sweet storybook celebrates how a father guides his little boy to grow with strength and love.
My Review: Rated 4 out of 5 stars
A heartwarming story of a father giving words of wisdom to his child. It is a very uplifting story in a rhythmic style that will truly uplift anyone who reads it. The illustrations were so beautiful with different animals of a father and son. The words in this book will make anyone feel loved, appreciated, courageous, and supportive. This book is perfect for a son and even a father on Father’s Day. This book makes a father the number one cheerleader for his son.
Review: Thank You God, Good Night by Marianne Richmond
Goodreads Blurb
A heartwarming book of goodnights and gratitude, reminding readers and little ones just how much there is to be thankful for every day, from beloved bestselling author Marianne Richmond. Snuggle up with animal friends to thank God for the joys in the day, big and small, and celebrate the blessings found all around us.
One more thing before I dream…
Thank you, God, for everything!
Thank you, God, for family dear
helpers, teachers far and near
Thank you, God for friends and fun.
Memory making, rain or sun
My Review: Rated 4 out of 5 stars
An adorable story with adorable animals that look exactly like stuffed animals. The book thanks God for everything this world has and the people we love. Children will enjoy the illustrations and the heartwarming story that is told. It’s a book that brings care, love, and God together while thanking him for all you have.
Goodreads Author Biography
Author and artist Marianne Richmond has touched the lives of millions through her bestselling children’s books that help people share their heart and connect with those they love. With 70+ books and 9 million copies sold, Richmond writes for the “unique everybody.” “Our stories are different AND our feelings are a lot the same,” says Marianne. “My hope is that my work is a bridge to the message of your own heart!”
Review: Too Crowded by Lena Podesta
Goodreads Blurb
A hilarious, heartwarming picture book with subtle lessons about the importance of sharing, home, and friendship.
Gil the Goldfish lives in a fishbowl with 138 pebbles—he counts them every day—and a castle. It feels TOO CROWDED! When Gil leaves his bowl in search of open spaces, he finds a world full of many interesting…and loud … and possibly dangerous creatures.
It turns out that life outside the bowl might not be right for a fish. Thank goodness for Turtle, a citizen of the not-so-great outdoors who comes to Gil’s rescue! Will Gil make peace with his home sweet home, and maybe even find room for a friend in the process?
My Review: Rated 4 out of 5 stars
A funny story of a fish that feels overcrowded in his glass bowl house and decides to search for a new home, unfortunately being a fish in search of a new home with other animals, might not be ideal. Fish wanted a bigger home but didn’t find what he was looking for without other dramas like noise and danger. He went back to his crowded home and ended up with a new friend. They might be crowded, but not alone. A friendship was made that made a difference in his life. Children will enjoy the funny story of a fish rooming around without water.
Goodreads Author Biography
Lena Podesta is an American-born illustrator, writer, and animator who mostly creates character driven work for kids (and their adults) that is a little bit sweet and a little bit wicked too. She writes and illustrates books of her own and also illustrates books written by other authors.
Her animation work includes directing, visual development, storyboarding, and character animation for TV shows, movies, and commercials.
She likes being outside, old, falling apart things, bugs, dark jokes, and ice cream.
She currently lives in Portland, OR with her husband and two kids.
FabulousReader4Ever 