Archives for 2023

LOLO’S SARI-SARI STORE is A Song of Frutas meets Last Stop on Market Street set in the Philippines, and Kirkus called it “A gentle tale brimming with love and warmth.” It tells the story of a young Filipino girl who spends her summers helping her Lolo (grandpa) at his Sari-sari store. When she moves away from the Philippines, and begins missing her Lolo and community, she starts remembers her grandfather’s words and lessons he taught her in order to keep him close to her heart. With these lessons of kindness and giving back, she starts to see opportunities for connection and community in her new home. I loved this delightful story and children will love the characters!

REMEMBERING, just received a STARRED REVIEW from Kirkus, calling it “A gorgeous, deeply touching exploration of grief and remembrance.” It’s a brightly illustrated picture book about a family remembering their beloved pet dog through the traditions of Día de Muertos. This poignant title comes from the Pura Belpré Honor-winning team behind ALL AROUND US, Xelena González and Adriana M. Garcia. REMEMBERING gives a different spin not only to books about Día de Muertos, by focusing on the loss of a pet rather than a relative, but it also gives a fresh take to pet loss books in general, which have remained a staple for decades.

Don’t Be Mean to 13 (LabelFree Publishing / October 13, 2023 / $9.95 Paperback / $14.90 Hardcover) is a charming story with adorably drawn characters for pre-readers, while at the same time presenting the ancient historical roots of a popular superstition and introducing older children to evidence-based, critical thinking. I loved the characters!

About the Author:

Douglas Harris is an award-winning children’s book author and co-owner of Label Free Publishing where he has published My Name is Stardust (Label Free, 2017), Stardust Explores the Solar System (Label Free, 2018), and Stardust Explores Earth’s Wonders(Label Free, 2019). He co-authored these books with his children along with the Stardust Book series. My Name is Stardust is the first in their series of children’s illustrated science storybooks and features a foreword by renowned evolutionary biologist and author Richard Dawkins. Harris is also the co-author ofElle the Humanistwith his 12-year-old daughter Elle. It is a beautifully illustrated book presenting humanist ideas and ethics in a way that’s warm, welcoming, and accessible for young readers. 

Author Katie Kennedy brings to the market a book that’s unlike any other. Not a presidential biography, but a source-rich comprehensive look at each of the 45 presidents’ time in office, this book reframes the idea of what it means to be president.

I really found this an interesting book and highly recommend it for kids 10+.

All young students know the names George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and FDR. But how much do they know about what really happened during each president’s time in the oval office? The Presidents Decoded shines a light on American History — good, bad, and in between — through the lens of the leaders who shaped our nation. Focusing on the facts, not the politics, of each president’s time in office, this book is a desperately needed supplement to every history classroom.

Self Disclosure: I received free copies of the above books to facilitate this book round-up. Cover images and info also provided.

When a generations-long family curse turns Alex Vanderhouven to stone, it’s up to his two kids, Pandora and Russ, and his wife Sky, to return artifacts stolen by their ancestors to their rightful homes to finally lift the curse for good.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Gavin S. comments, “Curses is a fun and mysterious series that is full of adventures and soon to be solved mysteries… I really enjoy how this show refers to ancient civilizations and how the adventures you take around the world.” See his full review and interview below.

Curses

By Gavin S. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

Curses is a fun and mysterious 10 episode series that is full of adventures and soon to be solved mysteries. This show is very kid friendly and could be interesting to adults as well. I really enjoy how this show refers to ancient civilizations and how the adventures you take around the world.

The storyline follows the Vanderhouven family when a generations-long family curse turns Alex Vanderhouven (Reid Scott) to stone. It’s up to his wife Sky Vanderhouven (Lyric Lewis) and their two kids, Russ (Andre Robinson) and Pandora (Gabrielle Nevaeh) to return artifacts stolen by their ancestors to their rightful homes to finally lift the curse for good. The Vanderhouvens need to solve this mystery soon before it’s too late.

This very adventurous show is full of unsolved mysteries and has lots of educational benefits. For example, in one episode we learn about two ancient civilizations — the Aztecs, and the Olmec. The animation is phenomenal and the voice-acting cast is amazing – Rhys Darby, Rhea Perlman, Phylicia Rashad and horror legend Robert Englund, among others – which makes it outstanding. The voice actors really portray their characters exceptionally well. The way the director shows the bond between the family members and how they support each other is rare for an animated show. This show is so inspiring and heartfelt. However, I will say that the storyline is very predictable; for instance, when the kids go looking for their father I already knew something bad had happened because of how he was being so secretive from the beginning of the show.

The show’s message is that, with the help of a family member, friend, or a trusted adult, you can do anything.

I give Curses 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 through 12, plus adults. This show premieres on Apple TV+ October 27, 2023, just in time for Halloween. Be sure to check it out.