Saturday, May 30, 2020

Positive thinking books (3-5 year olds) - various bookwraps


Guest Post: www. readbrightly.com






10 Uplifting Books That Encourage Positive Thinking for 3- to 5-Year-Olds
by Dena McMurdie








Dena read Jack London's White Fang in the third grade and has loved children's books ever since. She reads, blogs, and paints in North Carolina where she lives with her husband and three children. You can also find her at her blog, Batch of Books, where she writes about children's, middle grade, and young adult books.



💜💜💜💜💜


As our time under stay-at-home orders stretches on, it gets harder and harder for my children to keep their chins up — a sentiment that I’m sure many other kids are experiencing as well. But now more than ever, it’s important to stay positive and remind ourselves that the hard times shall pass.
Since most picture books are naturally positive, happy, and upbeat, reading them can help keep your family’s spirits high. Whenever my 4-year-old needs a boost, I grab from a stack of heartfelt picture books and read them with her.
Here are 10 picture books that will make kids smile and give them a boost of positivity.










by Matt de la Peña, illustrated by Christian Robinson

Hands down, this is the best picture book about keeping a positive outlook I’ve ever read. It’s about a young boy named CJ and his grandmother who ride the bus home after church every Sunday. Along the way, CJ asks his grandmother a series of questions about the inequalities he notices. His grandmother wisely and lovingly shows CJ how to look on the bright side of life and appreciate what he has.






by Jessica Hische

When your child needs to feel better, crack open this beautiful and inspiring picture book. Filled with positive and uplifting messages, this book reminds young readers that each day is a new opportunity to be brave, kind, and curious. The hand-lettered pages will inspire children to reach their full potential.







All Are Welcome
by Alexandra Penfold, illustrated by Suzanne Kaufman

If you want to read a beautiful story about a school where a diverse group of children play and learn side by side, pick up a copy of this book. It helps young children feel a sense of solidarity with the wider world and understand that we’re all in this together. It’s also a good reminder to look past our differences and be kind to one another when life returns to normal.








by Oliver Jeffers


The earth is an incredible place, and no book captures that better than this humorous and poignant picture book. Written for his own son, beloved author Oliver Jeffers shares a heartfelt guide to life on Earth. From the universe to the wonders of the planet, this book will give your child’s curiosity and optimism a boost when they need it most.









by Adam Rubin, illustrated by Daniel Salmieri



Laughter is the best medicine, and you’ll get plenty of giggles out with this hilarious book from the creators of Dragons Love Tacos. Even though you can’t high-five your friends right now, you can get in some hand-slapping practice in the meantime. Stretch your fingers and get ready for a goofy high-five challenge that will lift your mood.









by Matthew Paul Turner, illustrated by David Catrow

All this time alone at home is tough on everyone, but it’s especially challenging for children. Encourage them to discover how special they are with the help of this uplifting and positive picture book. Young readers will learn that they are a unique and special thread in the fabric of humanity.





by Corinna Luyken



Go on a journey through artistic mistakes and quirky fixes that combine into a celebration of inspiration and creativity. When an artist makes a mistake in her drawing, she doesn’t get flustered. Instead, she uses her mistakes to create art that is unique and special. This delightful picture book encourages readers to look on the bright side and embrace all the speed bumps along the road of life.










by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Jon Klassen



When Sam and Dave start digging, they hope to find something spectacular, but they dig up precisely nothing. At first glance, it seems like they’ve come up empty-handed, but a surprise twist at the end shows that maybe they found something subtle yet extraordinary. This clever picture book encourages the reader to watch for silver linings and appreciate little details around them.















by Jessika von Innerebner



Read this book when your child needs a laugh. Kevin the unicorn is having a terrible day. One thing after another goes wrong as Kevin’s day spirals downward in a cycle of misery. He tries to keep smiling, but even unicorns can’t pretend to be happy on a day as awful as this. Young readers will feel better knowing they’re not alone in their feelings and that sometimes it’s okay to not be okay.







by Nicola Edwards, illustrated by Katie Hickey



Practicing mindfulness in an unsettling time like this can be beneficial for both children and adults. This book introduces children to the concept of mindfulness and being connected to their surroundings. Use this book to teach your kids how to appreciate the sights, sounds, and noises around them and find a sense of inner peace.



💜💜💜💜💜







Hope you had a great week and enjoyed your visits at Storywraps.  So sad that because of the virus kids can't go back to school and be with their friends and enjoy all the learning, opportunities and fun that schools offer.  As a past teacher/principal I'm sure the teaching staff would love to be back there too.  I know I would.  May these book suggestions be a valuable asset to you and your kids.  Stay engaged with the reading and stay positive.  This scary time will pass, the most important thing is for everyone (both young and old)  to stay safe. Please come back again on Monday when I unwrap more awesome books to share.  Happy Saturday and happy reading.  Read on.......









Follow Storywraps

*Blog Link:  www.babybookworms.blogspot.ca
*Instagram: Storywraps
*Email:  storywrapsblog@gmail.com
*Facebook:  www.facebook.com/Storywraps
*Twitter: Storywraps@Storywraps1
*Pinterest: Storywraps

I put hours of work finding the best kid's books to review for you each day.  If you enjoy visiting Storywraps and would like to donate something for my time and effort I would greatly appreciate it.
Go to the top of my blog at the right hand corner (below my photo) and please donate what you feel lead to give.  The amount you donate and the frequency you donate is totally up to you.  
I also have added a new button... ko-fi.com/storywraps  Simply buy me a cup of coffee if you would rather.  That would be fun.  Coffee and blogging go together like two peas in a pod as I'm always brewing up something here on Storywraps. 
 I thank you in advance for your support.  I adore what I do and would appreciate any amount that you may give so that I can make our Storywraps' community more thriving and exciting.  Thanks a million!  Books bind us together.   
Read on.....Read always!
It's a wrap! 
💜💜💜

Friday, May 29, 2020

"Time for Bed Story" - a bookwrap











Unwrapping





"Time For Bed's Story"
Written and Illustrated by Monica Arnaldo


* Ages:  3-7
* Grade Level:  PS-2
* Hardcover:  32 pages
* Publisher:  Kids Can Press
* Pub. Date:  Sept. 1, 2020
* Language:  English 



Unwrapping Some Brilliant Illustrations for You
















The Book



This story is very creative and unique.  Who thought a bed could narrate a story and have feelings and opinions about how it is being used or misused?  

"Bed has something to say. 
Bed knows you do not like bedtime. 
And Bed gets it. But look ... "
YOU are not so great, either ...


Bed has completely had it and here's why.  For a long, long time he has taken the brunt of feet kicking, being jumped upon,  stinky drooling, blankets stolen at night, and smelly things piled up under him,  just to name a few.  He lays it all on the line and uncovers his innermost observations.    

This quirky anthropomorphized piece of furniture is full of personality, compassion and love!  This heartwarming book sparks conversations, perspective and viewpoint.  It offers valuable life lessons on respect and empathy.  

The illustrations are almost retro-style with lots of colour and spunk.  It makes for a perfect bedtime story.  Kids will never look at their bed in the same light again.  I love it and recommend it whole-heartedly! 




Storywrap Rating - 5 +++ HUGS!








Meet the Author/ Illustrator






Monica Arnaldo grew up in Ottawa, Ontario, where she was sometimes allowed inside her older brother's forts. Drawn to illustration by her passion for children's books, she combines a variety of media to create images full of character. She and her husband live in Montreal, Quebec, with their daughter, Beatrice. 


Follow Storywraps






*Blog Link:  www.babybookworms.blogspot.ca
*Instagram: Storywraps
*Email:  storywrapsblog@gmail.com
*Facebook:  www.facebook.com/Storywraps
*Twitter: Storywraps@Storywraps1
*Pinterest: Storywraps

I put hours of work finding the best kid's books to review for you each day.  If you enjoy visiting Storywraps and would like to donate something for my time and effort I would greatly appreciate it.
Go to the top of my blog at the right hand corner (below my photo) and please donate what you feel lead to give.  The amount you donate and the frequency you donate is totally up to you.  
I also have added a new button... ko-fi.com/storywraps  Simply buy me a cup of coffee if you would rather.  That would be fun.  Coffee and blogging go together like two peas in a pod as I'm always brewing up something here on Storywraps. 
 I thank you in advance for your support.  I adore what I do and would appreciate any amount that you may give so that I can make our Storywraps' community more thriving and exciting.  Thanks a million!  Books bind us together.   
Read on.....Read always!


It's a wrap! 
💜💜💜

Thursday, May 28, 2020

No More Naps! - a bookwrap















Unwrapping






No More Naps!: A Story for When You're Wide-Awake and Definitely NOT Tired

Authored by Chris Grabenstein
Illustrated by Leo Espinosa


* Ages:  3-7
* Grade Level:  PS-2
* Hardcover:  40 pages
* Publisher:  Random House Books for Young Readers
* Pub. Date:  Feb. 4, 2020
* Language:  English


Praise



“Preschoolers will find the defiant protagonist’s protests a little bit thrilling and 100% funny…. Screamingly fun.” —Kirkus Reviews

“The idea that naps are opportunities to be eagerly seized is an amusing reframing.” —Publishers Weekly


“Known for the Mr. Lemoncello series, Grabenstein offers a mildly amusing tale of a strong-willed child who changes her mind, and Espinosa contributes a series of lively illustrations featuring expressively drawn characters.” —Booklist





Unwrapping Some Awesome Illustrations for You to Enjoy




"Sleepy?" asked her father with a great big yawn.





"NO!" cried Annalise Devin McFleece. "No, no, NO, no, no!”







"Excuse me," said a man sitting nearby. "If she won't take a nap, may I have it, please?”



The Book




This picture book debut from a #1 New York Times bestselling authored is delightful!  The cover is perfect and the illustrations extraordinary.   

Annalise Devin McFleece is adamant that a nap is not on her radar anytime soon.  Tired, droopy dad, decides to take her to the park and stroll her around to encourage some sleepiness to land on his stubborn little daughter.  They pass an elderly man reading his newspaper on a bench, some dog walkers exercising dogs, kids playing ball, a boy on a skateboard and more.  Each one declares that naps are wonderful and if Annalise Devin McFleece keeps on balking and refuses to take hers they will gladly take her place.  Over they all tumble like dominoes.... falling fast asleep... and guess who is still wide awake?  Yep, our obstinate toddler!  

Seeing that her world around her is snoozing the little babe finds it eerily quiet and extremely boring so Annalise Devin McFleece finally succumbs.  If everyone else is napping she is going to too.  ZZZZzzzzz!   Ahhhhhh, peace. 

The illustrations are just incredible.  The cover pulls you into the story and the artwork is beautiful and really could stand on its own.  I love it ( especially Annalise Devin McFleece ).  If you have ever had a toddler in your life you certainly can relate.  I highly, highly recommend this book.  Nap anyone?




Storywraps Rating - 5 +++ HUGS! 






Meet the Author






CHRIS GRABENSTEIN is the New York Times bestselling author of Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library, Mr. Lemoncello's Library Olympics, Mr. Lemoncello's Great Library Race, The Island of Dr. Libris, and the Welcome to Wonderland series, as well as the coauthor of numerous page-turners with James Patterson, including Word of Mouse, Max Einstein: The Genius Experiment, and the I Funny, House of Robots, and Treasure Hunters series. Chris lives in New York City. Visit Chris at ChrisGrabenstein.com and on Twitter at @CGrabenstein.



About the Talented Illustrator







Leo Espinosa is a New York Times bestselling illustrator and designer from Bogotá, Colombia. His work has been featured in a variety of publications, products, animated series and gallery shows worldwide. His short list includes The New Yorker, Wired, Esquire, The New York Times, The Atlantic, Nickelodeon, Hasbro, American Greetings, and Facebook. Leo's award-winning illustrations have been recognized by American Illustration, Communication Arts, Pictoplasma, 3x3, and the Society of Illustrators. In addition, he has given multiple lectures and workshops at schools and institutions such as Parsons School of Design and Pratt Institute as well as serving on the faculty of the Rhode Island School of Design.

He lives with his family in Salt Lake City, Utah. Visit him at studioespinosa.com or follow him on Twitter @veloespinosa.





Follow Storywraps





( Yep, that's me! ) 



*Blog Link:  www.babybookworms.blogspot.ca
*Instagram: Storywraps
*Email:  storywrapsblog@gmail.com
*Facebook:  www.facebook.com/Storywraps
*Twitter: Storywraps@Storywraps1
*Pinterest: Storywraps

I put hours of work finding the best kid's books to review for you each day.  If you enjoy visiting Storywraps and would like to donate something for my time and effort I would greatly appreciate it.
Go to the top of my blog at the right hand corner (below my photo) and please donate what you feel lead to give.  The amount you donate and the frequency you donate is totally up to you.  
I also have added a new button... ko-fi.com/storywraps  Simply buy me a cup of coffee if you would rather.  That would be fun.  Coffee and blogging go together like two peas in a pod as I'm always brewing up something here on Storywraps. 
 I thank you in advance for your support.  I adore what I do and would appreciate any amount that you may give so that I can make our Storywraps' community more thriving and exciting.  Thanks a million!  Books bind us together.   

Read on.....Read always!


It's a wrap! 
💜💜💜