Cannonball Read 17

Sticking It to Cancer One Book at a Time

You are invited to a Tea Party for Mr. Pumpkin and his friends

Mr. Pumpkin’s Tea Party by Erin Barker

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I am sorry to say I was disappointed in the story of Mr. Pumpkin’s Tea Party. A child will probably enjoy the counting aspect and enjoy seeing all the goodies and people that are coming to the tea party, but this story has been done before. This is not to say Erin Barker’s book is bad. Far from it. It is a delightful Autumn story. It is great for Halloween without being SPOOKY. But not really spooky-spooky, you know? It is a cozy book. It […]

Sign up for Taloyoak’s annual Christmas Jigging Dance Contes

Simonie and the Dance Contest  by Gail Matthews

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Simonie and the Dance Contest  will not be for everyone. It has a voice that is probably slightly older than the format and possibly a bit too classical sounding (even though it is coming out in August of this year). Gail Matthews book introduces the people of Taloyoak, Nunavut, and one boy who love of reading and dancing.  While perhaps more culture could have been brought in, the story is about trying, practicing and learning about listening to the music. It is set at Christmas […]

When the days call for a story about a family of mice

Brambly Hedge The Secret Staircase by Jill Barklem

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I have recommended the Brambly Hedge series by Jill Barklem for ages. I have seen them go out of print and back into print again at least once. Yet, I have never read an actual book. I found The Secret Staircase (pun not intended) while looking through some books that were (let us say) preloved. I picked it up thinking they were standalone stories. However, I quickly realized, while they are standalones, they do connect with each other and had I read a completed chronological […]

We wish you a Merry Happy Tradition with family and friends

The Trees of the Dancing Goats by Patricia Polacco

Leila in Saffron by Rukhsanna Guidroz

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An Irish tradition around the corner (St. Patrick’s Day) and the coincidence of reading two books, back-to-back about tradition, made this post possible! The Trees of the Dancing Goats by Patricia Polacco is traditional Polacco. The love of family, history, tradition and friendship bounce off the page. The appreciation of Hanukkah and Christmas traditions (at first separate, but later, specially mixed together) is a tribute to the spirit of the season. Having a Christmas Tree might not be Polacco’s family “way”, but they know how to […]

26 ways to say Love

L Is for Love: A Heartfelt Alphabet by Greg Paprocki

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L is for Love: A Heartfelt Alphabet is one of those odd little gems that looks like it is from 1950 but is very 2018. The illustrations show you the alphabet of love and friendship. The illustrations are casually modern. Nothing is forced, and things flow with the diversity of people (bi-racial copy, people of color). In fact, the P is for Poetry shows the girl reciting “How do I love thee?” (Or I assume she is…. She is kneeling, with paper in hand, boy […]

Mirabel’s Valentines are missing, but don’t miss this tail…

Mirabel's Missing Valentines by Janet Lawler

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This review will have a few spoilers. Best part of Valentine’s Day is the chocolate. And the books. In that order. (Priorities my friends; priorities.) If you are looking for an alternative to giving your sweetheart, child or classroom candy for this day, you can try this new story. This is an adorable book. Mirabel’s Missing Valentines is a sweet new story about friendship love, trying and doing your best. Mirabel is a sweet character. Not only is she a mouse, but a very traditional […]



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