Homeschool Friday is a feature here at Somewhere Only We Know that showcases books my family reads during homeschool and provides a mini-review for each.
Goodreads description--An entertaining and moving tribute to big brothers by the author/illustrator of Meet Me at the Moon and Following Papa's Song .
Continuing her picture book stories about family relationships, Gianna Marino introduces Little Giraffe, who adores her big brother. Set in a stunning African landscape, the story begins with a game of hide-and-seek as Little Giraffe looks for her big brother, who's just out of her sight, but always safely nearby. As she asks the many animals she encounters on her search if they've seen him, it's evident how much she admires him. He's taller and faster and braver than her, she tells them. But as the search continues, the other animals insist that Little Giraffe is tall, and fast, and brave, too . . . and best of all, she has a wonderful older brother who looks out for her!
This was a cute read. We're struggling through a season of sibling rivalry and fighting. So we've been doing a Bible study on sibling relationships, and I've incorporated some picture books that feature sibling relationships. I loved how much Little Giraffe looked up to her older brother. He has so many wonderful attributes in her mind. I want my children to admire the best in each other, but I also want them to see the strengths and abilities they each possess. As stories go, this one had a positive message. I'm pretty sure Little Giraffe's gender isn't specified, so younger brothers or sisters should easily be able to place themselves in the place of Little Giraffe.
Goodreads description--For every parent tired of telling their kids to PLEASE JUST GET ALONG, this hilarious and imaginative new picture book--from the beloved creators of Babymouse--is here to help. Sort of.
Meet the Evil Princess and the Brave Knight. She casts terrible spells, while he fights dragons. He rescues cats in distress, while she makes mischief. No wonder there isn't much peace in this kingdom! But is the Evil Princess really so evil? And is the Brave Knight truly as chivalrous as he seems? Children and parents will laugh at seeing familiar family dynamics play out in this charming and imaginative new story.
I liked the twist (for our family) on this book where the sister is the evil one and the brother is the hero. In my family, it is usually the opposite roles. The little brother seems almost constantly to be trying to cause mischief against the whole family, but specifically, against the older sister. I appreciated how clear what was right and what was wrong appeared in this book. But I was a little disappointed that the evil princess remained evil by the end of the story. Of course, that is more to true life, but I do want books that we read to have a positive influence on my kids. Show them what the world can be and not just as it is. I didn't want my "evil knight" walking away thinking that was how he should be.
Goodreads description--Celebrating imagination and inventive play, Lori Nichols’ follow-up to Maple perfectly captures the dynamics of siblings and their ability to figure things out on their own and find a way to meet halfway.
Maple and Willow do everything together. They love playing outside throughout the whole year, welcoming the sun, rain, leaves, and snow. But it’s not always sunshine and rainbows, because sometimes big sisters can be bossy—and sometimes little sisters can be frustrating—and even the best of friends need a break from each other . . . at least until they can no longer bear to be apart.
Maple and Willow Together was the best of both worlds for the books I've featured so far today. These girls start out as best of friends, doing everything together. They each have their own way of doing things, and that's okay with them. That is until one's way of doing things interrupts the way the other one wants to do things. Like real life, Maple and Willow begin to take their frustration out on each other. They are punished, but soon they realize that it's much more fun to be together than apart. And they return to best friends, doing everything together. A great book about sibling friendships and getting over the little disagreements we can have in our families.
Goodreads description--What do you do with a curmudgeon that just won't budge? Why, shake off the grumpy 'tude and embrace the fun!
Have you ever seen a curmudgeon that looks like your brother, but is in such a bad mood you hardly recognize him? You can try all the peanut butter sandwiches and brownies you have, but he is not moving.
Nothing works, especially nudging, and he just makes you so grumpy that eventually you have no choice but to fight back--and then...
Have you ever become a curmudgeon that just won't budge?
Matthew Burgess's playful depiction of bad moods and sibling rivalry is matched perfectly by Fiona Woodcock's unique childlike art style.
This was a fun book for us to include in our homeschool. My curmudgeon likes to think everyone else is the problem. But it was fun to see the visual distinction between the brother in his normal state and in his curmudgeon state. This book does a good job of showing that our attitudes, moods, and even emotions can wear off on other people. Many times others around us are affected by our bad tempers and bad moods. I would love to see some tips on how not to let a curmudgeon rub off on you, but that wasn't the point of this story. My kids laughed and played curmudgeon after finishing this book.
Goodreads description--Reminiscent of Pete the Cat and Llama Llama, Dragonboy begins a new series about a curious, imaginative, playful little boy and his band of lovable stuffed animal friends.
Dragonboy is curious. He is playful, pensive, and kind. More than anything, he is himself: an imaginative little boy who loves to be a dragon. His stuffed animal friends—Darwin, Yellow Kitty, Simon, and Drako—are always by his side as he explores and discovers something new. Because the best part of an adventure is being with the ones who know you best.
The first in a new series, Dragonboy is the friend every child has been waiting for, a little boy full of empathy and joy who's ready to discover anything and everything our wonderful world has to offer.
Ok so this is a tough one. On the surface, there's nothing to complain about. Dragonboy is kind, and he finds a friend who needs encouragement. Dragonboy doesn't see what other's might consider to be faults in his friends. He just sees them as being who they are--who they are supposed to be. However, the rainbows, the posters in the unicorn girl's bedroom, and the hidden messages are all inspired by the LGBTQ community or messages. My children didn't understand the subtleties, but I did. My son requested this book over and over. So there's that, but I don't want subliminal messaging included in my children's literature.
Goodreads description--Winter is just over, the sky is gray, and the ground is brown. Little Mortimer Mouse munches on sunflower seeds and longs to see something green.
Upon overhearing the story of how springtime rain and sunshine nurture little seeds to grow into great big green plants, Mortimer is skeptical but decides to plant one of his seeds, just to see if such a miracle really can happen. Mortimer finds a perfect sport to plant the seed, and then...he waits.
And waits.
And waits.
Impatient, Mortimer thinks nothing is ever going to happen to the little seed. But then something does happen. Something wonderful. Something divine. Something green!
First introduced in the bestselling Mortimer's Christmas Manger, Mortimer Mouse returns with gutso in this inspirational offering that celebrates the miracle of springtime.
In opposition to the LGBTQ agenda mentioned in the book above, I was fully surprised to find that Mortimer's First Garden includes God in the story. Mortimer hears God whisper to him to wait and not dig up the seed he's planted. I loved this inclusion of God's voice. It can be so hard to explain to our children how God speaks to us even today, but this book did so in such a subtle way that I appreciate how it isn't telling kids this is how God speaks to us in like a step by step approach, but simply sharing that this is what Mortimer experienced. I loved how thankful Mortimer was and how he chose to give God the glory for his flower's growth.
Have you guys read any of these books? What did you think? Got any children's fiction or picture book recommendations for me that we should read in our homeschool? Let me know!
