Three books that I wanted to show y’all because:
a) I like them
b) want to tell you about them since I think someone here will like them
c) they will help boost my count
d) they are all in one review as I can’t do a 250 review for each solo
e) all the above
Where is the Mississippi River? It is “out west” someplace. (Don’t ask me for directions. I can get lost in my own backyard). But if you had a chance to go see it (or have already and want to learn more) you might want to pick up Where Is the Mississippi River? by Dina Anastasio and illustrated by Ted Hammond. This is a great introduction to the world of the Mississippi. The history, the environmental impacts and the geological all come into play to show the power of the river. There is even a chapter on Mark Twain. Drawings and “side bars/pages” add to the information. The “Who Is” (and rest of the gang) is for ages strong 7 to about 10-11.
Gertie is The Littlest Yak in The Littlest Yak by Lu Fraser. And like most stories where the littlest is the littlest, being little is not ideal for our main character. They want to do big things, because there is nothing a big yak can’t do! But, of course, she quickly learns that sometimes the right size is the smallest size of them all. And when that happens, sometimes there is someone even smaller that things you’re a big deal. This is a sweet and warm story with some adorably goof and equally sweet illustrations. They are all warm and snuggly in their hats and coats and will become a great friend to read about time and time again.
I am going to tell you a Smurf Tale or several that are contained in Smurf Tales #3: The Crow in Smurfy Grove and other stories by Peyo (or Pierre Culliford). These stories are typical Smurf stories, but with a new set of all girl Smurfs. These Smurfs look a lot different from the Smurfs we tend to know. Blue hair, wild, and their leader is a mother figure. Of course, each girl has her own unique personality and the adventures to go with it. The antics are a bit old school, but the female village is independent not needing a “male Smurf” to get the job done (though Hefty and Brainy seem to have a few girls crushing on them). The last story was a bit on the intense side (the crow of the title is not a nice birdie) but overall, most ages can handle. Bonus stories about the Smurfs and a Johan and Peewit story are included.
The first is for your non-fiction reader or the reader who likes fiction as this reads as a story. The second book is for the littlest and biggest among us. And the final is for the older child who is real smurfy.