If you have been to the stores lately to try and score some of the great after Christmas deals, then you have probably noticed that they have cleaned up some aisles to put up their Valentine's Day displays. Just yesterday, I had to run to the market to grab a few things, and brought my oldest daughter. We took a trip down the Valentine's Day aisle and grabbed a few of the holiday-themed candy, as well as some cards for the girls to use for their homeschool Valentine's Day card exchange we do with other homeschool families all over the United States.
After we got back from the market, the girls went through their bookcases and pulled together all the Valentine's Day themed books that we own, as they want to do a book advent like we did at Christmas, to count down until Valentine's Day. They enjoyed reading a couple holiday-themed books a night together at the holidays, and want to do the same, with all the books we have, and some of the new ones that have been arriving for my review and feature. Three recent books sent by the folks at Simon & Schuster made their way to the wrapping pile for me to wrap and number for our first Valentine's Day book advent countdown that we will kick off on January 14th, and do for 30 days. :-)
The three picture books I was sent, are as follows: "With a Little Help From my Friends" written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, "Fred's Big Feelings: The Life and Legacy of Mister Rogers" by Laura Renauld, and "I Heart You," a cute board book by Meg Fleming.
As soon as these books arrived at our door last week, the girls had them on the kitchen counter as a reminder for me to read them as part of our nightly bedtime reading together. They were especially interested in having me read the book about Mr. Rogers, as they both grew up watching this show thanks to recordings I had and shared with them. Here is more about the three books, which would be perfect to enjoy as Valentine's Day nears, or as a fun way to welcome in winter with a good book....
About this book:
"This tender, rhyming picture book is a lively celebration of love.
Little ones adore being independent and trying new things. But they also need Mom and Dad’s reassurance and snuggles. With her spare, lyrical text, debut author Meg Fleming captures the exuberance, the affection, and the tender push-and-pull of life with a child. And illustrator Sarah Jane Wright’s evocative illustrations infuse the story with generous helpings of warmth and love."
- Publisher: Beach Lane Books (December 6, 2016)
- Length: 40 pages
- ISBN13: 9781442488953
- Grades: P - 3
- Lexile ® BR70L
My Thoughts:
Even though my girls are old for board books, they sat and let me share this cute rhyming book with them, which is all about moms and dad (both human and animal) sharing day in and day out how much they love their little ones. My girls really loved the illustrations of the different animals, as they showed mom and baby together and happy. They could tell that animals have a strong bond as mother and child, and loved seeing the ways they share their love through play and time together out in nature. When we got to the last few pages of the book, it had a mom and baby, and my girls waited to the very end, to give me a great big hug and get their "I Love You's!" in before I could. :-) We really enjoyed this cute board book, and I know moms with little ones will love sharing this book with their kids, at home and on the go. This truly is one of those board books you will want to share time and again with your kids, as they grow, as a reminder that they are loved.
(Releases on Jan. 14, 2020)
About this book:
"An inspiring picture book biography about the inimitable Fred Rogers, beloved creator and star of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.
Fred Rogers was a quiet boy with big feelings. Sometimes, he felt scared or lonely; at other times, he was playful and joyous. But when Fred’s feelings felt too big, his Grandfather McFeely knew exactly what to say to make him feel better: I like you just the way you are.
Fred grew up and created Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, the television program that would go on to warm the hearts and homes of millions of Americans. But one day, the government threatened to cut funding for public television, including Fred’s show. So, Fred stepped off the set and into a hearing on Capitol Hill to make his feelings known.
In a portrait full of warmth and feeling, Laura Renauld and award-winning illustrator Brigette Barrager tell the story of Mister Rogers: a quiet, compassionate hero whose essential message—that it is okay to have and to express feelings—still resonates today.
This book is not associated with or authorized by Fred Rogers Productions."
- Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers (January 14, 2020)
- Length: 40 pages
- ISBN13: 9781534441224
- Grades: P - 3
- Ages: 4 - 8
My Thoughts:
Who doesn't love Mr. Rogers? I grew up watching him on PBS, and had my girls watching him along with Daniel Tiger when they were toddler and preschool age. Even though they have outgrown the animated Daniel Tiger series, they still love sitting to watch the classic Mr. Rogers episodes that they find along, and that I had converted from old VHS tapes to DVD format for them to enjoy.
When the girls saw this new picture book arrive in the mail, they were both all smiles, and couldn't wait for the evening to get here, so that we could enjoy this book together, snuggled up on the couch. This is a biography all about Fred Rogers, but in a picture book format for young readers to enjoy. Both of my girls really got into the book, and loved the illustrations that filled the pages of this book, that shared all about the man we all grew up watching on television, who reminded us that it is OK to have and feel our feelings. By the time we got to the end of the book, both of my girls turned to me and asked if we could read it again. They loved the book, and wanted to go back and read it again, and linger a little longer taking in all the illustrations that really bring this picture book biography of the beloved Mr. Rogers to life.
We have only had this book for about a week, but have already read it almost a dozen times together. And, the girls have pulled it from the shelf to read it on their own a few times, too! If your family loves Mr. Rogers...who doesn't...then, you will want to pick up and share this wonderfully written and illustrated picture book that kids of all ages will enjoy time and time again. I am so happy we have this book in our book collection, and will be enjoying for a long time to come.
About this book:
"Celebrate friendship with this lyrical picture book that beautifully illustrates John Lennon and Paul McCartney’s world-renowned words from “With a Little Help from My Friends.”
I get by with a little help from my friends…
In this gorgeously illustrated picture book, the universally loved words to “With a Little Help from My Friends” come vividly to life, showing that sometimes, all you need is a little help from your friends!"
- Publisher: Little Simon (December 10, 2019)
- Length: 40 pages
- ISBN13: 9781534429833
- Grades: P - 3
- Ages: 4 - 8
My Thoughts:
My youngest daughter was so excited when she saw this book arrive in the mail, as she knew the popular John Lennon and Paul McCartney song by heart, thanks to her nightly viewing of The Wonders Years with her Daddy. For the past couple of years, we have been ending our evenings by watching a couple episodes of the iconic television series that many of us grew up watching. I was a fan of the show, and would watch it with my family. But, I never thought all these years later that it would be a hit with my own girls. It is so nice watching the show with them, and seeing some of my favorite episodes. And, we can't go without singing "I get by with a little help from my friends..." when it starts playing. This is such a catchy song, and fun song to sing. And, now little ones can learn the song in a new way...through a cute new picture book, that is beautifully illustrated by Henry Cole. As your child flips through the pages of this recent picture book release, which is a #1 new bestselling release over at Amazon, they will read or hear you say the lyrics to this popular song. You can either sing the lyrics or read them as words. However you choose to read this book, just know you will be in for a fun time. My girls were singing the songs as I flipped through the pages the first time we sat for it. And, since then, they have asked me on many occasions to sing along with them as I share this heartwarming picture book with them at bedtime. If you love this song, or are looking for a fun and unique book to wind down the day with your child(ren), I highly recommend, "With a Little Help From My Friends," available now.
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You can learn more about these books and other new and upcoming releases from Simon & Schuster that will warm your heart and inspire both you and your child, when you sit to enjoy a good book together this winter, by heading over to https://www.simonandschuster.com/. Happy reading! :-)
Disclosure: I was sent samples from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All views shared are mine and mine alone.
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