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.

Review: Sweet Dreams Little One by Sandra Magsamen

Goodreads Blurb

Tuck your little one into bed with love and care with Sweet Dreams Little One. Filled with sweet illustrations and heartwarming rhymes, this bedtime lullaby is a story to cherish for years to come. Perfect for baby showers, birthday gifts, or for simply celebrating the love you have for your little one!

Every night is waiting for you to follow your heart.
All you have to do is close your sleepy eyes to start.
Nighty, night and sweat dreams, I love you my little one.
I’ll be right here waiting when your adventure is done.

My Review: Rated 4 out of 5 stars

A lullaby that brings sleepy dreams into adventurous dreams. When we dream at night, we go into different adventures where we can be anything or anyone we want to be. Children will love to go to bed after reading this book to join a new dream adventure. The illustrations are adorable, and I love this rhythmic lullaby that is uplifting and inspiring.

Review: Somebunny Loves You by Rose Rossner

Goodreads Blurb

Filled with adorable illustrations, a heartfelt message, and charming puns all ages can enjoy, Somebunny Loves You celebrates love for your little ones and makes the perfect gift for Easter or all year long!

Somebunny loves you.
Psst… that bunny is me!
You’re my favorite peep.
You fill my heart with glee.

My Review: Rated 5 out of 5 stars

A fantastic story of mom and child and the bond they have. The illustrations are superb, and I loved each of the poetic unique phrases for each of the different animals or insects. The author did a great job of connecting words with illustrations. Children will truly enjoy this happy story that will connect them with their parents.

Review: The Easter Bunny is Coming to My Town by Eric James

Goodreads Blurb

What happens when the Easter Bunny is done delivering eggs? She joins in the fun, of course! Hopping through places you know and love, the Easter Bunny helps children enjoy the day, and wiggle and giggle their worries away!

My Review: Rated 4 out of 5 stars

A bunny that brings happiness to children at a time they need it the most. She comes with her hops and laughs to bring some joy when children need it the most. She is with her chicky friends who help her spread happiness, encouragement, and joy. Perfect for children during Easter to start the springtime and Easter season. The illustrations are super adorable and screams Easter time.

Review: Agne’s Place by Marit Larsen

Goodreads Blurb

Agnes knows she is at home before she even opens her eyes in the morning. The sounds and smells and people swirl around her—she always knows what everyone is up to in the tight-knit apartment building where she lives. But she also knows what it is like to be the only child in a place full of adults who never have time.

So when a little girl moves in to the building, Agnes is excited and sends her a subtle message. But the girl doesn’t respond. Then things start to change around Agnes’s place—and Agnes knows exactly who is to blame. It seems like the girl is interested in everyone except for Agnes!

Will Agnes and the new girl ever meet? And what secrets does the new girl hold? First published in Norway.

My Review: Rated 4 out of 5 stars

An adorable book about a new neighbor and the magical friendship they will have. Agnes was the only kid in the building she lived in and knew what all the adults did each day. A new girl arrives, and she leaves her a picture to come join her by the swings, and the girl never comes. Agnes is hoping the girl will come be her friend, but she thinks she doesn’t want to. The girls finally meet, and the magic begins of a strong bond of friendship, and magical adventures begin.

Goodreads Author Biography

Marit Larsen is a Norwegian songwriter and musician. Agnes’s Place, her debut picture book, was first published in Norway and will also be published in Denmark and Italy. She currently resides in Brooklyn, New York.

Review: Sadie Sprocket Builds a Rocket by Sue Fliess

Goodreads Blurb

Sadie Sprocket is a girl with a big dream—to go to Mars! No one has been to Mars (yet!), so of course that’s where Sadie sets her sights. She learns everything she can about the planet and space, then assembles her crew of trusty stuffed animals. Together they build a rocket and prepare for the historic journey. And then finally—blastoff!

Sadie and her team make it to Mars, but what will they encounter when they leave the ship? And will they travel home safely as the world watches?

My Review: Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Space girl Sadie is working on building her ship to travel to Mars. Girls can travel to space, too. This adorable book with colorful illustrations will bring space adventures to the children. The book has rhythmic words that go perfect with the story. At the end of the book, it goes over details on Mars and the different women who have contributed to space travels and were pioneers.

Goodreads Author Biography

Sue Fliess (“fleece”) is the bestselling author of Robots, Robots Everywhere!, I’m a Ballerina! and How to Trap a Leprechaun, and more than 35 other children’s books including Sadie Sprocket Builds a Rocket, Mrs. Claus Takes the Reins, Mary Had a Little Lab, Beatrice Bly’s Rules for Spies, and many Little Golden Books. Her books have sold over 850,000 copies worldwide. Her background is in copywriting and PR/marketing, and her essays have appeared in O Magazine, HuffPo, Writer’s Digest, and more. Fliess has also written for Walt Disney.

Her books have received honors from the SCBWI, have been used in school curricula, museum educational programs, and have even been translated into multiple languages. The Bug Book was chosen for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library three years in a row and The Hug Book was selected to the Imagination Library Australia.

She’s a member of SCBWI, Children’s Book Guild of DC, and the Author’s Guild. She does book signings, school visits, and speaking engagements.

When she’s not writing, she is walking her two silly English Labradors or busy with her two teen boys. She really misses traveling. Sue lives in Northern VA with her famil