June Confessions

Oh, man. How is June already over? I can't believe July is here already. I had high hopes to read alllllll the beach reads this month, but that didn't happen. I did spend one glorious weekend at the beach with my family and I did do some fantastic, albeit brief, patio reading, which you guys know is my absolute favorite.  Here's what I read this month:

Books Read in June:
1.  The Summer I Met Jack by Michelle Gable - Adult Historical Fiction - 4 out of 5 stars
2.  The High Season by Judy Blundell - Adult Fiction - 3.5 out of 5 stars
3.  Little Do We Know by Tamara Ireland Stone - YA Realistic Fiction - 3.5 out of 5 stars
4.  Shadow of Night (All Souls #2) by Deborah Harkness - Adult Fiction - 3 out of 5 stars
5.  Boardwalk Summer by Meredith Jaeger - Adult Fiction - 3.5 out of 5 stars (Review to come!)

1.  Favorite Book:  Unforunately, I wasn't "WOWed" by any book in particular. I read a lot of entertaining books and some books that were just m-e-h.  My favorite book of the month is The Summer I Met Jack by Michelle Gable. It combined two of my favorite things: historical fiction with a beachy vibe (part of it takes place in Hyannisport) and the Kennedy family. 

2.  Biggest Disappointment: Shadow of Night, book two in the All Souls series, didn't impress me. At all. I stuck with it, because I loved A Discovery of Witches so much, but this book just left me feeling flat. 

3.  Biggest Surprise: Little Do We Know made me think about faith and friendship more than I thought it would! Stone really knows how to write about issues without it being overly preachy.  

4.  Favorite Post: What I'm Reading Next 

5.  Favorite Part of June: My weekend getaway with my family to Cape May, NJ was hands down the best part of June. I love spending the day at the beach with my kids. Now if only I could crack open a book there!

Things I Am Loving:

 Kohr Brothers Custard

Exploring tide pools

Harpoon's on the Bay 

Yankee Candle's Meyer Lemon 

Scott Hawaii flip flops

American Woman (TV show)

Southern Charm (TV show)

Winc Wine Club

Now onto July. Can we agree to slow down the summer now? What's the best book you read this month? Did any disappoint you? What are you loving? Let me know in the comments.

Book Review: Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness

Pages: 584

Genre: Adult Historical Fiction/Fantasy

Pub. Date: July 10, 2012

Publisher: Viking

Source: Personal Copy/Audio Book

Other Books By Author: A Discovery of Witches

My Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Goodreads says, "J. K. Rowling, Stephenie Meyer, Anne Rice—only a few writers capture the imagination the way that Deborah Harkness has with her New York Times–bestselling All Souls trilogy. A Discovery of Witches introduces reluctant witch Diana Bishop, vampire geneticist Matthew Clairmont, and the battle for a lost, enchanted manuscript known as Ashmole 782. Picking up from A Discovery of Witches’ cliffhanger ending, Shadow of Night takes Diana and Matthew on a trip through time to Elizabethan London, where they are plunged into a world of spies, magic, and a coterie of Matthew’s old friends, the School of Night. As the search for Ashmole 782 deepens and Diana seeks out a witch to tutor her in magic, the net of Matthew’s past tightens around them, and they embark on a very different—and vastly more dangerous—journey."

Shadow of Night picks up where A Discovery of Witches leaves off. Diana and Matthew find themselves in Elizabethan England where she hopes to learn to harness her powers as a powerful witch.  Actually finding another witch to help her proves to be challenging though; plus, the actual issue of the time period complicates things further. Witches are being rounded up and executed, so this isn't something you really want to advertise. Plus, she is an educated female and that wasn't exactly commonplace in the 1500s. Also, there's the issue of females in Elizabethan England. Feminism is far off, so Diana has to assimilate into a more meek and mild role. They spend some time with Matthew's father, his old friends, and some famous faces, like William Shakespeare and Christopher Marlowe. There's spies, magic, romance, and of course the search for Ashmole 782.  Although it seems like Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness should be a continuation of a very compelling series, this book, ultimately, fell flat for me in so many ways.

I really enjoyed Diana in A Discovery of Witches, but that was not the case in Shadow of Night. That's probably not her fault as Elizabethan England demands a different behavior from women. I didn't find this time period or version of Diana compelling at all. It irritated me and I thought she really was in Matthew's shadow in this book. I don't like that from my heroines.

Speaking of Matthew, he was decent in Shadow of Night and I liked learning more about his past, his father, and even his old friends.  However, his relationship with Diana was lacking in this book. There were some steamy scenes, but it just didn't work for me like it did in book one. They fought a lot in Shadow of Night and about stupid stuff. It felt more Twilight to me and less Anne Rice meets J.K. Rowling.  I was reminded why I don't read books with vampires anymore.

Although the time period was somewhat amusing, the actual time travel wasn't too believable in Shadow of Night I liked the famous faces that popped in, especially William Shakespeare towards the end, but I wasn't really bought on the fact that they had to time travel. It seemed almost liked Harkness likes this time period and wanted to write a story with her characters there.  You can tell Harkness had some fun with this book in that she took some creative liberties with famous people, which I was ok with, but it just wasn't enough "fun" for me to love.

The narrator of the audio book, Jennifer Ikeda, was great though. I really enjoyed her and it wasn't her portrayal of the characters that made me not enjoy this book as much as I was hoping, but rather it was the plot and the setting just not living up to my expectations.

So, needless to say, it was a decent audio book if you want to pass the time, but it didn't wow me like A Discovery of Witches. I'd say Shadow of Night suffered from the dreaded sophomore slump.

Can't Wait Wednesday: The Royal Runaway

Can't Wait Wednesday is hosted by Wishful Endings and helps us spotlight upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating!

The Royal Runaway by Lindsay Emory

Pub. Date: October 9, 2018

Goodreads says, "For fans of The Princess Diaries and The Royal We comes a fun and daring novel about a modern-day princess who teams up with a spy to find out what happened to the fiancé who left her at the altar—and who just might get her own fairytale in the process.  Princess Theodora Isabella Victoria of Drieden of the Royal House Laurent is so over this princess thing.  After her fiancé jilted her on their wedding day, she’s finally back home after spending four months in exile—aka it’s back to press conferences, public appearances, and putting on a show for the Driedish nation as the perfect princess they expect her to be. But Thea’s sick of duty. After all, that’s what got her into this mess in the first place.  So when she sneaks out of the palace and meets a sexy Scot named Nick in a local bar, she relishes the chance to be a normal woman for a change. But just as she thinks she’s found her Prince Charming for the night, he reveals his intentions are less than honorable: he’s the brother of her former fiancé, a British spy, and he’s not above blackmail. As Thea reluctantly joins forces with Nick to find out what happened the day her fiancé disappeared, together they discover a secret that could destroy a centuries-old monarchy and change life as they know it.  Funny, fast-paced, and full of more twists and turns than the castle Thea lives in, The Royal Runaway is a fresh romantic comedy that will leave you cheering for the modern-day royal who chucks the rulebook aside to create her own happily-ever-after."

Sometimes you just need some FUN, am I right? Doesn't this sound like the perfect read when you want an escape? I absolutely loved The Royal We and if this book is anything like that, I will definitely be entertained. What do you guys think?

Book Review: Little Do We Know by Tamara Ireland Stone

 

Pages: 304

Genre: YA Realistic Fiction

Pub. Date: June 5, 2018

Publisher: Disney Hyperion

Other Books By Author: Every Last Word

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Goodreads says, "Next-door neighbors and ex-best friends Hannah and Emory haven’t spoken in months. Not since the fight—the one where they said things they couldn’t take back.  Now, Emory is fine-tuning her UCLA performing arts application and trying to make the most of the months she has left with her boyfriend, Luke, before they head off to separate colleges. Meanwhile, Hannah’s strong faith is shaken when her family’s financial problems come to light, and she finds herself turning to unexpected places—and people—for answers to the difficult questions she’s suddenly facing.  No matter how much Hannah and Emory desperately want to bridge the thirty-six steps between their bedroom windows, they can’t. Not anymore.  Until their paths cross unexpectedly when, one night, Hannah finds Luke doubled over in his car outside her house. In the aftermath of the accident, all three struggle to understand what happened in their own ways. But when a devastating secret about Hannah and Emory’s argument ultimately comes to light, they must all reexamine the things they hold true.  In alternating chapters, a skeptic and a believer piece together the story of their complex relationship and the boy caught somewhere in the middle. New York Times best-selling author Tamara Ireland Stone deftly crafts a moving portrait of faith, love, and friendship."

Hannah and Emory are best friends and next door neighbors. For years they have been inseparable until one day they have a major falling out, but readers don't know the details.  Emory has a dreamy boyfriend, Luke, and she is involved in her school's theater program, while Hannah is the polar opposite. She goes to a Christian high school and her father is the pastor.  She has been brought up to be very religious, but she is starting to question things now, especially after her blow up with Emory.  Luke often visits Emory late at night without her mother knowing, so it doesn't come as a surprise to Hannah when she sees Luke's car pull up in front of her house late at night.  But this night is different as Luke is involved in an accident.  Of course, Hannah helps him, but what about Emory? Will Hannah's involvement mend their broken relationship or make things worse? Tamara Ireland Stone's Little Do We Know is a smart read that explores friendship, timely issues, religion, and first love. 

Each chapter in Little Do We Know alternates between Hannah and Emory's point of view.  While I really couldn't relate to Hannah as much as Emory, especially when it came to the choices she made surrounding a love interest, I still felt for her and appreciated her need to explore and question her faith. I liked that Hannah wasn't just believing everything that was told to her about her religion, but instead is asking serious questions and wondering about other world religions. Emory, on the other hand, isn't overly interested in religion, but it never came between the girls before their blow up.  Emory's home life is a bit different than Hannah's in that her mother is engaged to be married, so they have been planning a wedding despite Emory's hesitation.  Emory has a bit more freedom than Hannah as well, which is why Luke has been able to sneak into her room so often.  I really was dying to know what exactly happened between Hannah and Emory and why they are no longer friends. Slowly we find out details about it and it definitely wasn't something that I predicted. 

My one frustration with Little Do We Know was a subplot focusing on Hannah and a love interest. I just really wasn't feeling it and I didn't really appreciate it either. There wasn't much resolution surrounding this weird relationship either. I'm not sure it needed to be there. On the other hand, I really liked Emory's relationship with Luke. It was a positive one and Luke is a good guy. After his accident, he forms a friendship with Hannah and we all know that things are about to get complicated as both girls are ex-best friends. Maybe he can bring them back together?

Stone handles many important issues within Little Do We Know. There's sexual harassment, questions surrounding faith, sex, social media, friendship after betrayal, and more. It's all done well with the exception of Hannah's relationship.  Other than that, I thought Stone gives readers a lot to think about. 

If you are looking for a smart summer read that focuses on timely issues, but isn't too overbearing, check out Little Do We Know.  

Stacking the Shelves and Giveaway Winners (71)

Friday Giveaway

Book Review: The High Season by Judy Blundell

Can't Wait Wednesday: Serious Moonlight

Book Review: The Summer I Met Jack by Michelle Gable

I'll be sharing my thoughts on Little Do We Know by Tamara Ireland Stone. It was a smart YA read that deals with timely issues.  

Guilt by Jennifer Robson - Thanks to Avon 

The Color of Lies by C.J. Lyons - Thanks to Blink

A Touch of Gold by Annie Sullivan -  Thanks to Blink

Meet the Sky by McCall Hoyle - Thanks to Blink

Marilla of Green Gables by Sarah McCoy - Thanks to William Morrow and Edelweiss

The winner of Love & Luck by Jenna Evans Welch is.....

Denise

Congrats! I hope you enjoy the book. 

Have you read any of these books? Are they on your TBR list? Let me know your thoughts. Thanks for visiting! This meme is hosted by Kimberly at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

Friday Giveaway!

We made it to another weekend and it's the first official summer weekend. Woo hoo! I don't know about you, but I am so ready for a weekend at the beach.

I'm kicking off this weekend with a giveaway for Starry Eyes by Jenn Bennett. In case you missed my review, you can check it out here. I absolutely LOVED this book and it's one of my favorite YA novels of the year. You'll definitely want to throw it in your beach bag this summer.

Goodreads says, "Ever since last year’s homecoming dance, best friends-turned-best enemies Zorie and Lennon have made an art of avoiding each other. It doesn’t hurt that their families are the modern day, Californian version of the Montagues and Capulets.  But when a group camping trip goes south, Zorie and Lennon find themselves stranded in the wilderness. Alone. Together.  What could go wrong?  With no one but each other for company, Zorie and Lennon have no choice but to hash out their issues via witty jabs and insults as they try to make their way to safety. But fighting each other while also fighting off the forces of nature makes getting out of the woods in one piece less and less likely.  And as the two travel deeper into Northern California’s rugged backcountry, secrets and hidden feelings surface. But can Zorie and Lennon’s rekindled connection survive out in the real world? Or was it just a result of the fresh forest air and the magic of the twinkling stars?"

Thanks to Simon Teen, I have an extra copy for on lucky US reader. Please make sure you refer to my giveaway rules.  Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Happy Friday,

Book Review: The High Season by Judy Blundell

Pages: 416

Genre: Adult Fiction

Pub. Date: May 22, 2018

Publisher: Random House

Source: Publisher for review

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Goodreads says, "No matter what the world throws her way, at least Ruthie Beamish has the house. Lovingly renovated, located by the sea in a quiet village two ferry rides from the glitzier Hamptons, the house is Ruthie's nest egg--the retirement account shared with her ex-husband, Mike, and the college fund for their teenage daughter, Jem. The catch? To afford the house, Ruthie must let it go during the best part of the year.  It's Memorial Day weekend and Ruthie has packed up their belongings for what Jem calls "the summer bummer" the family's annual exodus to make way for renters. This year, the Hamptons set has arrived. Adeline Clay is elegant, connected, and accompanied by a "gorgeous satellite" stepson.  The widow of a blue-chip artist, in a world defined by luxury and ease, Adeline demonstrates an uncanny ability to help herself to Ruthie's life. Is Adeline just being her fabulous self, or is she out to take what she wants?  When an eccentric billionaire, his wayward daughter, a coterie of social climbers, and Ruthie's old flame are thrown into the mix, the entire town finds itself on the verge of tumultuous change. But as Ruthie loses her grasp on her job, her home, and her family, she discovers a new talent for pushing back. By the end of one unhinged, unforgettable summer, nothing will be the same--least of all Ruthie.  In a novel packed with indelible characters, crackling wit, and upstairs/downstairs drama, Judy Blundell emerges as a voice for all seasons--a wry and original storyteller who knows how the most disruptive events in our lives can twist endings into new beginnings."

Ruthie's life is just about to get more complicated. It's Memorial Day weekend and that means she must leave her gorgeous beach house for the renters that are coming for the summer. This is how she affords to live in such a beautiful home. This year her beach house is being rented by a super rich woman and to top it off, her job is on the rocks.  Plus, her teenage daughter is getting herself into a bit of trouble.  Orient, her quiet beach town, is supposed to be way different than the glamorous Hamptons. In fact, it's two ferry rides away! But her summer is getting more dramatic by the minute, especially when you throw her ex-husband into the mix.  Cue all the drama and add in a side of some juicy secrets and you'll have yourself an entertaining beach read in Judy Blundell's debut, The High Season.

I think Blundell captures a middle age perfectly with the character of Ruthie in The High Season.  The drama that surrounds this summer and Ruthie is rather unfortunate, but I was rooting for her from the get-go. Her world is turned a bit upside down and I must say I thoroughly enjoyed the ride. I also appreciated all the details of the art world, which is important to Ruthie as she works at a museum.  

Her daugtehr, Jem, is portrayed very realistically in The High Season. After all, Blundell is known for her young adult novels, so she especially did a good job with Jem's coming of age story.  I also appreciated the role of social media in this story, which his a very timely and important topic. 

The best part of The High Season is Blundell's portrayal of the beach town. Who doesn't love a good beach read that takes place in Long Island? There's definitely a divide amongst the rich vacationers and the local people in The High Season, but that's what makes this novel so juicy at times. I loved Blundell's descriptions of the simplicity of the town, which is the polar opposite of the glitzy Hamptons. Blundell describes Orient as "pies and parades and stony beaches that hurt your feet, banging screen doors and peaches eaten over the sink." I absolutely loved that line in the book!

I'm going to be honest though.....it took me quite awhile to get into The High Season; in fact, I almost put it down numerous times. Blundell introduced readers to many characters all at once and I had a hard time keeping them all straight.  Plus, I also wasn't invested in Ruthie's story as I would have liked. 

Many people said that The High Season was going to be THE beach read of the summer and while I liked it, it wasn't my absolute favorite. Entertaining? Yes! Memorable? Not so sure about that. Nonetheless, I will definitely check out Blundell's work in the future. 

Can't Wait Wednesday: Serious Moonlight

Can't Wait Wednesday is hosted by Wishful Endings and helps us spotlight upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating!

Serious Moonlight by Jenn Bennett

Pub. Date: April 16, 2019

Goodreads says, "After an awkward first encounter, Birdie and Daniel are forced to work together in a Seattle hotel where a famous author leads a mysterious and secluded life in this romantic contemporary novel from the author of Alex, Approximately.  Mystery-book aficionado Birdie Lindberg has an overactive imagination. Raised in isolation and homeschooled by strict grandparents, she’s cultivated a whimsical fantasy life in which she plays the heroic detective and every stranger is a suspect. But her solitary world expands when she takes a job the summer before college, working the graveyard shift at a historic Seattle hotel.  In her new job, Birdie hopes to blossom from introverted dreamer to brave pioneer, and gregarious Daniel Aoki volunteers to be her guide. The hotel’s charismatic young van driver shares the same nocturnal shift and patronizes the waterfront Moonlight Diner where she waits for the early morning ferry after work. Daniel also shares her appetite for intrigue, and he’s stumbled upon a real-life mystery: a famous reclusive writer—never before seen in public—might be secretly meeting someone at the hotel.  To uncover the writer’s puzzling identity, Birdie must come out of her shell…discovering that most confounding mystery of all may be her growing feelings for the elusive riddle that is Daniel."

I love the sound of this one and am excited that Jenn Bennett has another novel coming out. I loved Starry Eyes and I have to say that she is one of my new-to-me favorite YA contemporary authors. What do you guys think?

Book Review: The Summer I Met Jack by Michelle Gable

Pages: 515

Genre: Adult Historical Fiction

Pub. Date: May 29, 2018

Publisher: St. Martin's
Source: Publisher for review

Other Books By Author: The Book of Summer

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars 

Goodreads says, "New York Times bestselling author imagines the affair between JFK and Alicia Corning Clark - and the child they may have had.  Based on a real story - in 1950, a young, beautiful Polish refugee arrives in Hyannisport, Massachusetts to work as a maid for one of the wealthiest families in America. Alicia is at once dazzled by the large and charismatic family, in particular the oldest son, a rising politician named Jack.   Alicia and Jack are soon engaged, but his domineering father forbids the marriage. And so, Alicia trades Hyannisport for Hollywood, and eventually Rome. She dates famous actors and athletes and royalty, including Gary Cooper, Kirk Douglas, and Katharine Hepburn, all the while staying close with Jack. A decade after they meet, on the eve of Jack’s inauguration as the thirty-fifth President of the United States, the two must confront what they mean to each other.   The Summer I Met Jack is based on the fascinating real life of Alicia Corning Clark, a woman who J. Edgar Hoover insisted was paid by the Kennedys to keep quiet, not only about her romance with Jack Kennedy, but also a baby they may have had together."

Barbara, now Alicia Darr, has left Poland and arrives in the USA with many hopes and dreams in the 1950s. She rooms with another immigrant, Irenka, and they become fast friends.  Irenka takes a job on the East Coast working as a maid in the affluent town of Hyannisport for the famous Kennedy family.  Alicia follows Irenka to the Hyannisport and through Irenka she meets Jack along with the whole Kennedy clan. She is enamored with the family, but especially Jack's charm and larger than life attitude.  As time goes by, Jack is also very much into Alicia as she is unlike any woman he has met before.  Things become serious between the two, but will the Kennedy family truly accept Alicia into their family? Can Jack really defy his father? And just wait till the Kennedys find out who she truly is. The Summer I Met Jack by Michelle Gable focuses not only Alicia and Jack's courtship, but Jack's political career as well as Alicia's amazing life. Fans of the Kennedys as well as historical fiction will absolutely love this "historical beach read."

Alicia Darr is such an interesting character. Her background story is slowly revealed to us as she isn't your "usual immigrant," which is why Jack is so attracted to her.  I also found her mesmerizing and wanted to know what secrets she was withholding about her life in Poland. My heart went out to her at various points in the story, whether it was dealing with the strong Kennedy personalities or dealing with the prejudices of her being an immigrant, Alicia definitely went through some hard times.  What I find to be the most fascinating about her is the fact that she is based on the real-life socialite, Alicia Corning Clark. It was interesting to see where this story and real life intersects.

I think it's hard to bring the Kennedy clan to life, but Gable did an excellent job.  Whether she was highlighting Rose Kennedy's stern behavior or dedication to Catholicism, Jack's magnetism, Joe's flirting, or simply the Kennedy family's boisterous personality, it was all very well done. I felt like I, along with Alcia, was meeting them for the first time and couldn't get enough.

I liked how Gable followed Jack's career through the years despite the fact that Alicia and Jack weren't always together. It definitely provided a different perspective of the Kennedys than some of the other novels I read. The Summer I Met Jack definitely kept me entertained even though I knew how things would end up for the Kennedys.

If you love a historical beach read, give this one a try this summer, especially if you are curious about the events surrounding Alicia Corning Clark and Jack Kennedy. This book definitely gives an interesting perspective. Don't you love when books do that?

Stacking the Shelves and Giveaway Winners (70)

Children's Book Roundup

Book Review and Giveaway: Love & Luck by Jenna Evans Welch

Can't Wait Wednesday: The Lost Queen

I'll be sharing my thoughts on The Summer I Met Jack by Michelle Gable, which is another great historical beach read. It reminded of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo at times and I love all things Kennedy, so it was an entertaining read. 

  

The Witch of Willow Hall by  Hester Fox - Thanks to Graydon and NetGalley

The Royal Runaway by Lindsay Emory - Thanks to Gallery and NetGalley

The Lost Queen by Signe Pike - Thanks to Touchstone and NetGalley

I'm New Here by Anne Sibley O'Brien - Thanks to Charlesbridge

Trapped! A Whales Rescue by Robert Burleigh - Thanks to Charlesbridge

A House in the Sky and Other Uncommon Animals by Steve Jenkins - Thanks to Charlesbridge

Congrats to Cheyenne! 

She is the winner of From Twinkle, with Love by Sandhya Menon. I hope you enjoy the book!

Have you read any of these books? Are they on your TBR list? Let me know your thoughts. Thanks for visiting! This meme is hosted by Kimberly at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

Children's Book Roundup (7)

Here are the picture books we have been reading lately. There's a good mix here of new releases along with some older favorites. 

Hello Hello by Brendan Wenzel - I wasn't overly impressed with this book initially, but after a few re-reads (b/c my sons loved it!), I could see why it's a popular choice as it truly highlights the many beautiful creatures, some similar and some different, that are present in our world. The last few pages identify the animal was especially helpful.

Ocean Meets Sky by The Fan Brothers  - This absolutely gorgeous picture book is one of my current favorites. The book's overall message, Finn's relationship with his grandfather, and the imaginative details all really stand out in the book.

Bear Counts by Karma Wilson - We love the Bear books in my house and this board book, which reviews numbers one to five was really fun. 

Duck, Duck, Goose by Tad Hills - We have enjoyed the Duck and Goose stories in my house, but this one felt a little more abstract and challenging to comprehend than some of the other picture books. Essentially it's about Thistle, another duck, who comes along and stirs things up for Duck and Goose and he challenges their friendship. It was a bit over my youngest's head, but I think could be appreciated by an older crowd. 

Bear Feels Sick by Karma Wilson - I love Bear's books and this one doesn't disappoint. It's an especially cute tale if you have a little one at home who isn't feeling well.  

Night Out by Daniel Miyares - This book as received a lot of praise, but I just thought it was ok. It's about a friendless boy who lives at a boarding school and goes on an adventure one night (breaking curfew) and then makes friends the next day by telling his tale. I just didn't appreciate the book's overall message.

I Broke My Trunk! by Mo Willems - Can Elephant and Piggie do anything wrong? They are the perfect literary couple and this book had both of my sons laughing. We just love this series and hearing the convoluted story that Elephants shares with Piggie about his broken trunk.

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Car by Kate Dopirak - My son loves all things car and this fun tale is inspired by the song "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star."  I think the repetition in this story got a little old, but my son seemed to enjoy it. 

*How to Feed Your Cheeky Monkey by Jane Clarke - This is from that same "How To" series of Usborne Books and More. My youngest son is obsessed with monkeys, so this book seemed appropriate as toddlers can be oh-so-messy when they start to feed themselves. 

*How to Brush Your Teeth with Snappy Croc by Jane Clarke - My son loves this series from Usborne Books and More. It's a great series for toddlers who are learning about how to take care of themselves sand becoming a bit more independent. In this story it's all about how to brush your croc's teeth safely. It's helped my youngest son tremendously when it comes to learning how to brush his own teeth and not just chomp down on the toothbrush.  

On the First Day of Kindergarten by Rish Rabe - My son is starting kindergarten next year, so I was hoping this book would be a favorite, but it left me feeling a bit lukewarm. It's set to the whole "12 Days of Christmas" and it gets a bit repetitive. 

Surprising Spring by Jennifer Marino Walters - I loved this picture book! I think it perfect captures the beauty of spring, the new life and the promises that it holds. It's a great introduction to the season. 

 

Singing in the Rain by Tim Hopgood - I absolutely love this movie and song, so I was excited to see a children's picture book featuring this iconic song. The lyrics can be enjoyed by all ages and it will have you singing in no time! It's definitely a great book to share with a little one during the spring season. 

The Night Gardener by The Fan Brothers - there are some picture books that are good and then there's picture books that can be appreciated by even adults. This is the case here. I absolutely adored this book and really loved the illustrations. The Fan Brothers are my new favorite children's book authors. It's about a young boy, a mysterious gardener, and a town that is impacted by the beautiful topiaries. 


I'm always on the hunt for a memorable picture book to share with my boys. Let me know if you have read any of these titles or if you have any recommendations for me. Have you read any good picture books lately? Let me know in the comments.

*Also, If you want to buy these books or learn more about these particular titles, you can buy them through Usborne Books and More. Contact me for more information!