book thoughts: Staying home by Joshua Burleson

 

A sweet story aimed at helping children understand the current pandemic and the importance of staying home and social distancing. 

Told in a fun way, that shows an opportunity for children to be hero's too. The story is beautifully illustrated, I especially loved the naughty bear with his trolley full of toilet roll. 

A definite 5 star, great for young children, who are feeling a little confused by all the new rules. 

A big thank you to Netgalley, Joshua Burleson and his publisher for allowing me to read this sweet book for free. 

If you would like to know more about this book and be able to get a copy for a child in your life. Continue reading. 

The blurb: When a virus sweeps the land, a family of magical deer must use social distancing to combat the dangerous invader. Are they up to the task?

Enter the magical world of Heartwood, where children's book animals meet medieval, high fantasy. Willow, the eldest daughter, wants to prove she's ready to be a guardian like her parents but is still too young to start her training. When a pandemic strikes the kingdom, the family must come together and find a way to fight back against the virus. Can Willow take on the responsibility of social distancing and prove she's ready to take her place as a guardian?

• Introduces children ages 6-10 to the joys of high fantasy and an open invitation to their imagination.
• Promotes families to work together during difficult times.
• Inspires children to take on personal responsibility and take pride in helping their community.
• Provides a constructive place to discuss fears and concerns about social distancing and the effects of a virus on our community.
• Makes an ideal gift for children who are stuck inside while social distancing.

To get your copy, in either paperback or ebook click here!

Book thoughts: Skunk and Badger, by Amy Timberlake.

 

The blurb: Wallace and Gromit meets Winnie-the-Pooh in a fresh take on a classic odd-couple friendship, from Newbery Honor author Amy Timberlake with full-color and black-and-white illustrations throughout by Caldecott Medalist Jon Klassen.

No one wants a skunk.

They are unwelcome on front stoops. They should not linger in Important Rock Rooms. Skunks should never, ever be allowed to move in. But Skunk is Badger's new roommate, and there is nothing Badger can do about it.

When Skunk plows into Badge's life, everything Badger knows is upended. Tails are flipped. The wrong animal is sprayed. And why-oh-why are there so many chickens?

Nooooooooooooooooooooo!

Newbery Honor author Amy Timberlake spins the first tale in a series about two opposites who need to be friends.

Skunk and Badger is an audiobook you'll want to listen to again and again.

My thoughts: This one is a bit different from my norm, as Kye and I listened to the audio book version of it. It;'s tells the tale of two very different stories forced to live together, and shows that friendships can blossom in the most unlikely places. 

The narrator was very animated and added in the voices for the animals, which my son loved, as most kids would, I found it a little grating at times, but it could get very loud and anyone who knows me knows I like peace and quiet. 

Which is why I related to badger best, while Kye, typical kid, preferred Skunk and all his mayhem. It's a great little book for teaching kids about differences and compromise though and It had Kye laughing throughout. So I do think it's a book/audio book that most kids would enjoy, and as that is the intended market. I give this one 5 stars. 

Thank you to NetGalley, Amy TImberlake, and her publishers for allowing us a free recording of this, in exchange for an honest review.