Pirates of the Sea! by Brandon Dorman

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Title: Pirates of the Sea!

Author: Brandon Dorman

Length: 32 pages

Publisher: Greenwillow Books

Classification: Children's Book, Adventure, Pirates

Release Date: April 26, 2011

Source: library book

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"No cryin'No dyin'No brushin' yer teeth!No stealin'No squealin'
No eatin' Parrot Pete!
No nappin'No scrappin'No wimpy moans or groans!No veggiesNo wedgiesNo disobeyin' Cap'n Bones!" It's the pirate code! Do you pledge? Do you agree? Then open this book to join the crew on the Dragonfish of Doom and become a pirate of the sea! (From GoodReads)

 Cutie Pie’s Rating:

What is this book about?

About pirates sailing the sea to find treasure.

What was your favorite part of the story?

How Cap'n Bones saved the day.

Why did you like it?

Because Cap'n Bones was fighting a big dragon monster thing, I think it is called a serpent. Then fought him by spitting in his eye.

Is there anything you didn't like about this book?

No, it was good.

Do you like the illustrations?

I liked them. They are awesome!

Who do you think will like this book?
Everyone that likes pirates and adventures.

My Rating:

This is a fun and entertaining story.
I really like the rhyming. And it really made me want to read it in a pirate voice while reading it to my girls.
Both girls enjoyed the story, although I think my youngest (3) cared more about the pictures than what was being read. The pictures are fun and bright and have a lot of detail.
The story is fun. The pirates are about to embark on a new quest to find some treasure. They encounter some trouble along the way. The names are funny and really give the story that extra pirate feel.
I think that older children, K-3 would really enjoy this story. Definitely an exciting story full of adventure to read with children that like pirates!
I recommend giving it a read. 

The Princess And The Pig by Jonathan Emmett and Poly Bernatene

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Title: The Princess And The Pig

Author: Jonathan Emmett

Illustrator: Poly Bernatene

Length: 32 pages

Publisher: Walker & Company 

Classification: Children's Book, Fantasy, Fairy Tale

Release Date: September 27, 2011

Source: library book

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There's been a terrible mix-up in the royal nursery. Priscilla the princess has accidentally switched places with Pigmella, the farmer's new piglet. The kindly farmer and his wife believe it's the work of a good witch, while the ill-tempered king and queen blame the bad witch-after all, this happens in fairy tales all the time! While Priscilla grows up on the farm, poor yet very happy, things don't turn out quite so well for Pigmella. Kissing a frog has done wonders before, but will it work for a pig?  Sure to hog all the attention, this story's frequent nods to well-known fairy tales such as Sleeping Beauty, The Frog Princess, and Thumbelina-plus hilarious illustrations-will delight readers of any age. (From GoodReads)

 Cutie Pie’s Rating:

What is this book about?

About a princess getting switched with a pig.

What was your favorite part of the story?

How they thought everything was how it worked in books.

Why did you like it?

Because it wasn't right, it wasn't what was happening.

Is there anything you didn't like about this book?

Nope, I LOVE it all.

Do you like the illustrations?
Yes, they were very good.

Who do you think will like this book?

Whoever likes funny stories.

My Rating:

While browsing the children's book section at our local library, this title caught my eye. My daughters enjoy reading books that has princesses in it. So I pulled it out and showed them the cover and asked if we should check it out.
I am so glad that we stumbled upon this book!
Such a cute story! And it isn't your typical fairy tale princess story. I love the story and the pictures!

A kind farmer on his way home with his newly acquired piglet named Pigmella, stop to rest in the shade beside a castle. The queen is spending time with her baby daughter, Priscilla, on the castle balcony. And she ends up dropping the princess off the balcony (without noticing)! The baby princess lands in the farmer's cart which makes the piglet fly through the air and into the baby's crib. And the story continues from there.
I absolutely loved how the characters kept referring to the events as "It's the sort of thing that happens all the time in books."
This book kept us all entertained the entire time I read it to my girls. We all laughed and smiled. It is a wonderful read.
I love everything about this book. And the illustrations are beautiful! They really help bring the story alive!
I highly recommend reading this fun story! 

Splat the Cat What Was That? by Rob Scotton

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Title: Splat the Cat What Was That?

Author: Rob Scotton

Length: Approx. 14 pages

Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books/HarperFestival

Classification: Children's Book, Halloween

Release Date: July 2013

Source: paperback 

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Splat the Cat and his friends have a Halloween adventure in Splat the Cat: What Was That?, a  lift-the-flap book by Rob Scotton, creator of the beloved Russell the Sheep. Halloween should be a black cat’s favorite holiday, but Spat the Cat is nervous about visiting a creepy haunted house. He’s worried it will be too scary. Splat’s friend Spike tells Splat not to be a scaredy-cat—the haunted house is just for fun! Splat and Spike’s visit to the haunted house turns into a rescue mission when Splat’s pet mouse, Seymour, gets lost inside.Kids will relate to Splat’s apprehension about visiting a haunted house and they’ll enjoy the exciting surprises under every flap in the funny, spooky book. (From GoodReads)

Cutie Pie’s Rating:

What is this book about?

About Splat and Spike hearing weird noises in the spooky old house.

What was your favorite part of the story?

When they found Seymour. 

Why did you like it?
Because they were kinda like investigators finding Seymour.

Is there anything you didn't like about this book?

It was all good.

Do you like the illustrations?

Yes, a lot. I think the flaps were cool.

Who do you think will like this book?
Everyone that likes Splat the Cat.

My Rating:

Splat, Spike, and Seymour are treat or treating and there is only one house left. A big spooky house. Splat is hesitant to go in (with good reason, it is a big spooky haunted house!) But Seymour doesn't stay to hear what Splat thinks about the house, he runs inside.
Splat and Spike decide they need to go and find Seymour so they go into the old spooky house too.
Not long after entering the spooky house they hear noises. But instead of running away from the spooky noises, they continue on their search for Seymour.
They find the type of stuff that one would think they would find in a haunted house. Creepy paintings, something that looks like a witch (but isn't), possible ghosts, spider, and eyes in the dark that are really vampire ducks (my kids thought that was really funny). They find the source of the noises that they hear and they eventually find Seymour.

I think that this is a fun and cute story.
I like that this book isn't really scary. Which I think is good, there were a couple parts that my little one thought were a little spooky but she wasn't scared.
The recommended age range is 4 to 8 years old.
My almost 4 year old loved the story. She really got into wanting to find out what was behind the flaps and what would happen next. Cutie Pie (almost 8) enjoyed the story a lot, but I don't think she got into it as much as my younger one did. So I think that this is a good age range.

My Recommendation:
I think this is a fun (not really scary) Halloween story that younger kids will probably enjoy. Especially if they already love Splat the Cat!

Click, Clack, Boo!: A Tricky Treat by Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin

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Title: Click, Clack, Boo!: A Tricky Treat

Author: Doreen Cronin

Illustrator: Betsy Lewin

Length: approx. 38 pages

Publisher: Scholastic (reprint)

Classification: Children's Book, Halloween

Release Date: September 2014 (First edition:2013)

Source: Paperback Scholastic reprint

GoodReads

Will the barnyard animals trick—or treat—Farmer Brown? Find out in this Halloween tale from the #1 New York Times bestselling creators of Click, Clack, Moo. Farmer Brown does not like Halloween. So he draws the shades, puts on his footy pajamas, and climbs into bed. But do you think the barnyard animals have any respect for a man in footy pajamas? No, they do not. For them, the Halloween party has just begun. And we all know these critters far prefer tricks over treats. There are big surprises in store for Farmer Brown! (From GoodReads)

Cutie Pie’s Rating:

What is this book about?
About Halloween. It is about the animals having a Halloween party in the barn. And seeing all kinds of costumes.

What was your favorite part of the story?

At the end when they show that Farmer Brown going to the barn. 

Why did you like it?

Because he was thinking "what in the world are my animals doing?"

Is there anything you didn't like about this book?

Nope. I love it all. It is perfect.

Do you like the illustrations?

Yes, they are awesome.

Who do you think will like this book?
Everyone that likes funny books. Because it is funny.

My Rating:

This is a fun story to read. I found it to be very cute!

We have our lovable farm animals and Farmer Brown returning to us in a fun Halloween tale.
Farmer Brown is afraid of Halloween. He does not like it. So he puts out a bowl of candy and a Do Not Disturb sign and turns in for the night. Then he hears creepy, spooky noises coming from outside. Meanwhile, the barn yard animals are having a Halloween Party in the barn. Dressed up in costumes, they are arriving (making noises) to the party.

The pictures are wonderful. I love the watercolors. And I think that they do an awesome job showing the story.

I think that this story is best for younger children, probably Pre-K through 3rd grade. But most elementary students would probably find something to enjoy. My daughters found the book to be cute and funny. They laughed a lot (especially at the ending.) I like that this is a fun Halloween story that is not too scary for younger kids. 

The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything by Linda Williams

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Title: The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything

Author: Linda Williams

Illustrator: Megan Lloyd

Length: 29 pages

Publisher: The Trumpet Club Special Edition

Classification: Children's Book, Halloween, Funny

Source: paperback



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Once upon a time, there was a little old lady who was not afraid of anything! But one autumn night, while walking in the woods, the little old lady heard . . . clomp, clomp, shake, shake, clap, clap. And the little old lady who was not afraid of anything had the scare of her life! (From GoodReads)

 

Cutie Pie’s Rating:

What is this book about?

It is about an old lady that isn't scared of anything and then she comes across things on the path home and at the end she gets scared and runs into her cottage.

What was your favorite part of the story?

When she answered the door and all the stuff was there and the old lady tells them she is not scared. Then the things tell her they are trying to scare her. Then the old lady gives the pumpkin head an idea.

Why did you like it?

Because the book says she is not scared of anything and that is true. 

Is there anything you didn't like about this book?

No. I love it all.

Do you like the illustrations?

They are all awesome. I love how they show the pumpkin head.

Who do you think will like this book?

Everyone who likes funny stories.

My Rating:

This is a fun story to read in October to get into the Halloween/Fall spirit.
This story is about a little old lady that believes she is not afraid of anything. One day she goes into the woods by her house and finds a pair of boots, clomping around her. Which does not scare her. And as she heads home she discovers more articles of clothing that are moving on their own in an attempt to frighten her.
My children do not find the story scary. Not even when we get to the part where the little old lady does get frightened. What I like best about that part of the story is when she stands up to the thing that did scare her and is brave. I think it is a good example to show children that it is okay to be afraid sometimes, but you can be brave and stand up to the things that scare you.
My children enjoy doing all the body movements through out the story, like stomping their feet with the shoes, wiggling, shaking, clapping, and nodding.
And they laugh a lot at the ending of the story.
I think this is a fun, repetitive book to read with younger children. Pre-K through maybe 4th or 5th grade. 

Claude on the Slopes by Alex T. Smith

Title: Claude on the Slopes

Author: Alex T. Smith

Length: 96 pages

Publisher: Peachtree Publishers

Classification: Children's Book

Release Date: October 1, 2014

Source: e-galley (It was a Read Now Title. Thank you NetGalley and Peachtree Publishers!)

GoodReads

Meet Claude. He's no ordinary dog—he leads an extraordinary life! Each day when his owners leave for work, Claude decides what adventure he will have. What will happen today?Claude and his best friend, Sir Bobblysock, go to the Snowy Mountains to swish down the powdery slopes. When their winter wonderland threatens to avalanche, Claude must come to the rescue.

**I received an e-galley of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**

Cutie Pie’s Rating:

What is this book about?

Claude and Sir Bobblysock find something to do. But all Sir Bobblysock wanted to do was sit down.

What was your favorite part of the story?

 When Sidney Snood taught Claude how to ski and what an avalanche is.

Why did you like it?

 Because you have to know what avalanches are if you are a skier or if you like to ski.

Is there anything you didn't like about this book?

No.

Do you like the illustrations?

Yes. I liked how they showed the people saying "Hooray".

Who do you think will like this book?

Everybody. 

My Rating:

This was our first Claude book and I think my daughter enjoyed it enough that we would read other books in this series. Overall, I think that the book is a fun and educational read. We enjoy reading books that take the characters and us on an adventure. And this book definitely did that.
This book concentrated on the first encounter with snow for both Claude and Sir Bobblysock. My daughter was able to be interested in the story since she has not had her first encounter with snow yet.
I liked that the author included snow safety into the story like what happens when you are loud around mountains of snow (avalanche) and snow rescue. We also enjoyed all the fun ways that Claude and Sir Bobblysock were able to play with and have fun in the snow.
I also liked that the author used some bigger vocabulary throughout the story. I love when we read books that do this.
The only things that bothered me a little bit were the scenes when Claude did something like accidentally throwing a boot at a kid's head during a snowball fight and just apologizing and giving him a lollipop as well as when when Claude just smiled and said sorry to Sidney Snood to get out of trouble. I just didn't really enjoy those parts.
We did enjoy the illustrations. They are fun and fit well with the story.

I would recommend this book for children in elementary school. Primarily 1st to 3rd grade. But I think that younger children could enjoy the story when being read to.

Mummies in the Morning by Mary Pope Osbourne

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Title: Mummies in the Morning
(Magic Tree House #3)

Author: Mary Pope Osbourne

Illustrator: Sal Murdocca

Length: 65 pages

Publisher: Scholastic Inc.

Classification: Children's Book, Chapter Book, Fantasy, Adventure, Mystery, Time Travel

Release Date: August 1993

Source: Paperback

GoodReads

Jack and Annie don't need another mummy.
But that's what they get when the Magic Tree House whisks them back to ancient Egypt. There they meet a long-dead queen who needs their help. Will Jack and Annie be able to solve the puzzle, or will they end up as mummies themselves? (From GoodReads)

Cutie Pie’s Rating:

"I like this book a lot. Like a lot, a lot."

What is this book about?

About Jack and Annie following the cat and getting the Book of Dead.

What was your favorite part of the story?

 When they followed the noise (the cat's meow) to the entrance of the pyramid. 

Why did you like it?

 Because they followed the noise and found what they were looking for. They did good.

Is there anything you didn't like about this book?

No, I like all of it.

Do you like the illustrations?

Yes.

Who do you think will like this book?

Everyone that likes Magic Tree House.

My Rating:

I personally like this book series. Cutie Pie and I read the second book in the series last school year and decided that we wanted to continue reading them.
In this story, Jack and Annie travel back to the past to the time of the Pyramids. They get to go in the pyramid and quickly involved in solving a mystery.
I really like this book because I think it is a nice glimpse and introduction to a bit of Egyptian history. I especially love that it has so many educational facts about mummies, the Pyramids and other Egyptian history. Also has some fun vocabulary words.
Not only does this book contain an educational value, but it is a fun adventure for kids to read about.
We love the ongoing mystery with the series as well as the puzzle that Jack and Annie have to solve.
I highly recommend this book to fans of this book series.
Best read either to, with, or by elementary school children. Full of fun and entertainment for the family, so I think Pre-K children can enjoy the story as well.
I am looking forward to reading the next adventure. 

Skippyjon Jones, Class Action by Judy Schachner

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Title: Skippyjon Jones, Class Action

Author: Judy Schachner

Length: 32 pages

Publisher: Scholastic Inc.

Classification: Children's Book

Release Date: September 2012

Source: Paperback

GoodReads

Skippyjon Jones really wants to go to school. School is for dogs, his mama tells him. It's where they go to get trained. But nothing can stop Skippy-once inside his closet, he finds himself on the playground of his imagination, surrounded by dogs of all kinds. He bays with the beagles, learns French with the poodles, and checks out a Chihuahua book from the library. And when a bully starts sending shiver-itos down the spines of the little yippers, Skippy saves the day and earns the biggest gold star. (From GoodReads)

Cutie Pie’s Rating:

What is this book about?

Skippyjon Jones going to school with dogs but his mommy doesn't want him to.

What was your favorite part of the story?

 When the principal threw the ball but Skippy didn't go for it.

Why did you like it?

 Because he was pretending to be a chihuahua. 

Is there anything you didn't like about this book?

No, I loved it all. 

Do you like the illustrations?

Yes. A lot. I love them. I really like the chihuahuas in the mirror.

Who do you think will like this book?

Everyone that likes Skippyjon Jones. 

My Rating:

Both of my girls seemed to really enjoy reading this book. We have read a couple other Skippyjon Jones books.
Overall, I think it is a good story. My 3 year old really liked the little songs.
It is a cute story. Skippyjon wants to go to school with the dogs. Not understanding why cats can't go to school. So he dresses up and disguises himself as a chihuahua. He gets to do all the fun things involved with going to school, like riding the bus, going to art class, music class, math, the library and French class.
When riding the bus before school, Skippyjon learns that there is a bully, and it seems to me that he decided he will confront and stand up to the bully.
The part dealing with the bully confused me a little bit. But overall, it is a fun story that involves the use of your imagination. And it covers a little bit about school.
I like that there are a lot of rhyming words. It makes the story fun.
I also like that there are Spanish words used throughout the story. It is a good way to introduce a second language to my children.
The illustrations are full of color and a lot to look at. They are stimulating. We really like the pictures and how well they interpret the story that is being told.
We read this book because school was starting.
I recommend reading this with elementary school aged children and younger.
We are looking forward to reading more books involving Skippyjon Jones. 

Blueberries For Sal by Robert McCloskey

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Title: Blueberries for Sal

Author: Robert McCloskey

Length: 57 pages

Publisher: Scholastic

Classification: Children's Book Caldecott Honor

Release Date: March 1987 
(Original copyright 1948)

Source: Paperback (own)

GoodReads

What happens when Sal and her mother meet a mother bear and her cub? A beloved classic is born! Kuplink, kuplank, kuplunk! Sal and her mother a picking blueberries to can for the winter. But when Sal wanders to the other side of Blueberry Hill, she discovers a mama bear preparing for her own long winter.  Meanwhile Sal's mother is being followed by a small bear with a big appetite for berries! Will each mother go home with the right little one? (From GoodReads)

Cutie Pie’s Rating:

What is this book about?

Little Bear and Little Sal getting mixed up with each of their mothers while eating and picking blueberries.

What was your favorite part of the story?

 I liked all of it.

Why did you like it?

 Because it was about them finding their mothers once they had switched.

Is there anything you didn't like about this book?

No.

Do you like the illustrations?

Yes. 

Who do you think will like this book?

Everyone that likes blueberries. 

My Rating:

I remember reading this story when I was a little girl. And when I found it at a book sale, I didn't hesitate to pick it up. I really enjoyed reading this with my two daughters. They both were captivated by the story and the illustrations.

This story focuses on a mother and daughter going to pick blueberries to can for winter. The mother is picking the blueberries and putting them in the pail to bring home. And little Sal is doing what most toddlers would do and picking the blueberries and eating them.
While they are picking blueberries, a mama bear and baby bear decide to go to eat blueberries to prepare for winter.
The mothers are busy picking/eating and the little ones end up getting separated and mixed up.

I liked that it had the views of both the humans and the bears. It shows that bears are a bit like us, they prepare for winter and are afraid of us.

But I also recognize that this could be a dangerous situation. I definitely wouldn't want to get mixed up with a bear.

Overall, it is a cute story and it ends well. I love the writing and the illustrations.

I really love the illustrations. They are simple but detailed.

I think that children of all ages could enjoy reading this book. And if you or they love blueberries, be prepared to want to eat some when you are finished reading this one!

Hondo & Fabian by Peter McCarty

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Title: Hondo & Fabian

Author: Peter McCarty

Length: 40 pages

Publisher: Square Fish

Classification: Children's Book, Caldecott Honor, Animals

Release Date: June 2007

Source: Paperback (own)

GoodReads

Hondo the dog has a fun day at the beach while Fabian the cat stays home. " Wake up, Hondo. Time to go!"Hondo will have an adventure.Fabian will stay home. A dog named Hondo and his friend Fred are going to the beach for a day of excitement. Fabian the cat is left behind at home to play with the baby. Who will cause more trouble? And who will have more fun?
 Peter McCarty's exquisite illustrations and understated wit turn an ordinary day in the lives of two pets into a rare delight. (From GoodReads)

Cutie Pie’s Rating:

What is this book about?

Hondo goes to the beach and Fabian stays home. Fabian plays with the baby and Hondo gets to play with his friend, Fred.

What was your favorite part of the story?

When they said "Goodnight Baby".

Why did you like it?

 Because I think they both said it at the same time. And it is cute. The dog and cat both saying goodnight to a baby.

Is there anything you didn't like about this book?

No.

Do you like the illustrations?

Yes. 

Who do you think will like this book?

Everyone that likes cats and dogs. 

My Rating:

A cute book. I like that even though Hondo and Fabian are not going to the same place, they are having similar adventures.
Hondo goes to the beach and plays with Fred. They dive in the water, have fun, and he wishes he could eat.
While Hondo is at the beach Fabian is at home. He plays with the baby, dives for the door, has his own fun, and wishes he could eat a turkey sandwich. Then Hondo comes home and they have dinner. They go to their favorite places near each other and go to sleep.
It is a cute way to show that even though they are different, they have similarities.

The illustrations are adorable.

Wonderful book for children that like cats and dogs. It is a very quick read. I think younger children will enjoy the story more. 

Beach Day by Karen Roosa

(source)

Title: Beach Day

Author: Karen Roosa

Illustrator: Maggie Smith

Length: 32 pages

Publisher: Scholastic

Classification: Children's Book

Release Date: May 2002

Source: Paperback (own)
GoodReads

In this charming picture book, a cheerful family tumbles out of the car and onto the beach, ready for a perfect day. Buoyant verse just right for reading aloud and bright, playful illustrations capture the singular feeling of a hazy, lazy day by the ocean, complete with a ball game with new friends, water-skiers and sailboats, and a picnic lunch of fried chicken and deviled eggs. This book is a captivating introduction to the beach for young children and an irresistible gift for beach lovers of any age. (From GoodReads)

 

Cutie Pie’s Rating:

What is this book about?

A family going to the beach and then going home. And they have fun.

What was your favorite part of the story?
When the waves were sparkling. It was pink, blue, green, and yellow.

Why did you like it?

 Because the waves are beautiful.

Is there anything you didn't like about this book?

No, it was good.

Do you like the illustrations?

Yes. Because it illustrated and described the story well.

Who do you think will like this book?

Everyone that likes the beach.

My Rating:

This book pretty much covers a day at the beach. Kids playing in the sand and playing ball. Having a picnic. Even mentions a seagull.
I found this book to be cute and fun. It covers a lot of the fun stuff you can do and find at the beach. And it rhymes, which is fun. It also shows some of the things that can be done in the water like sailing, boating, and water-skiers.
I think the pictures are my favorite part. The illustrator did an amazing job with the pictures in this book. They have a lot of detail and bright fun colors. I especially love the shades used for the sparkling water and the sunset. Definitely a wonderful depiction of the beach.

This is a wonderful summer-fun book to read.

I think both younger children and older children can appreciate this book. Both of my daughters really enjoyed listening to this story.
It made them want to go to the beach. 

Just Me and My Dad by Mercer Mayer

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Title: Just Me and My Dad

Author: Mercer Mayer

Length: 24 pages

Publisher: Western Publishing Company, Inc.

Classification: Children's Book

First Published: 1977

Source: Paperback (own)

GoodReads

This well-loved Little Critter picture book has become a modern classic. It's the tale of a father-and-son camping trip filled with Little Critter's mistakes and good intentions. In spite of difficulties, however, the happy father and son manage to put up their tent, catch fish for dinner, and sleep beneath the stars. In spite of minimal text, the story is full and rich, with endearing illustrations from start to finish. (From GoodReads)

Cutie Pie’s Rating:

What is this book about?

About a son being with his dad. 

What was your favorite part of the story?

 When the dad read Little Critter a story and when the bear took the fish from Little Critter. 

Why did you like it?

 Because the bear taking the fish was funny. And when the dad read the story it was nice for Little Critter.

Is there anything you didn't like about this book?

No.

Do you like the illustrations?

Yes. I really liked the illustration for the bear taking the fish.

Who do you think will like this book?

Everyone. Especially if you like Little Critter. 

My Rating:

I love Litter Critter books. I remember reading a bunch of these when I was younger, so I enjoyed sharing this one with my daughter.
This is a wonderful story about a child spending time camping with his dad. I love that they do several different things together. And I like how Little Critter tries to do things to help his Dad out, even if it doesn't go the way that he thought it would. And I like that even though things get messed up there is always something else they can do together instead. I think my favorite part is how Little Critter believes that he scared his Dad so he hugs him to make it better, when in actuality it is him that is scared and is being comforted.
And like all Little Critter books, I LOVE the pictures and how well they capture the story.
It is a funny and loving story focusing on a father/child relationship. And I think it is a wonderful book for children to share with fathers. I know my daughters will enjoy sharing this book with their dad. 

I Love You, Daddy by Jillian Harker

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Title: I Love You, Daddy

Author: Jillian Harker

Illustrator: Kristina Stephenson

Length: 25 pages

Publisher: Parragon

Classification: Children's Book

Release Date: 2010

Source: Hardback (own)

GoodReads

Little Bear is ready for some grown-up adventures—at least, Daddy Bear thinks so. But they soon discover that Little Bear needs a helping hand. And who can help out better than Daddy Bear? (From GoodReads)

Cutie Pie’s Rating:

What is this book about?

Little Bear loving Daddy Bear and Daddy Bear telling him that he can do it when Little Bear doesn't think he can.

What was your favorite part of the story?

 When Daddy Bear stroked Little Bear's head and told him "I love you too".

Why did you like it?

 Because the smile on Daddy Bear's face showed that he loves him too. 

Is there anything you didn't like about this book?

No, it was all good.

Do you like the illustrations?

Yes.

Who do you think will like this book?

Anyone. 

My Rating:

This is a cute book to be read with Dads. The book is about Daddy Bear and Little Bear and an adventure they take. Daddy Bear helps and guides Little Bear in doing new things. I think it is a great example of the wonderful relationship between a father and child.
This cute story shows how Little Bear is not sure of being able to climb the tree, gather honey or find the right den. But when he worries about this, Daddy Bear encourages him and then Little Bear does it and thinks about how much he loves Daddy Bear.
The illustrations are adorable and they go well with the story.

I think this is a wonderfully cute story that older children could read to their Dad. Or for younger kids to share with Dad. 

Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons by Eric Litwin

(source)

Title: Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons
Author: Eric Litwin
Illustrator: James Dean
Length: 40 pages
Publisher: Scholastic
Classification: Children's Book
Release Date: September 2013
Source: Paperback (own)

GoodReads

Pete the Cat is wearing his favorite shirt-the one with the four totally groovy buttons. But when one falls off, does Pete cry? Goodness, no! He just keeps on singing his song-after all, what could be groovier than three groovy buttons? Count down with Pete in this rocking new story from the creators of the bestselling Pete the Cat books. (From GoodReads)

Cutie Pie's Rating:

What is this book about?
It was about Pete losing his buttons but he didn't cry.

What was your favorite part of the story?
When he kept singing his song and when he gets ice cream and a cat was in the truck

Why did you like it?
Because I liked that he was singing about his buttons. And because he had two flavors and I like those kinds of flavors of ice cream. 

Is there anything you didn't like about this book?
No

Do you like the illustrations?
Yes, I really do. The cat in the truck was really funny.

Who do you think will like this book?
Everyone who likes Pete the Cat stories. 

My Rating:

I really enjoyed reading this book with my girls. Pooh Bear (3 y/o) even asked me to read it to her a second time before bed. They both got a kick out of the book.

It is a quick and fun read. And a wonderful example of repetitive reading for younger kids.
Pete the Cat starts off having all four of his buttons and one by one loses them all.
I like that the author has the simple subtraction in the story, it is a great way to help younger children (or children that might have a difficulty with subtraction) learn. Pooh Bear also enjoyed the big number pages and traced over the number with her finger.
We also enjoyed the little song that Pete sings when he loses a button. And I loved that Pete doesn't get upset or cry. Which is the moral of the story.

"Did Pete cry? Goodness, no! Buttons come and buttons go."   -Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons by Eric Litwin

I love that the character is laid back and easy going.

This was my very FIRST Pete the Cat story, but I enjoyed it so much, I am very interested in reading more of these books with my daughters. Pooh Bear liked the counting aspect of the story and Cutie Pie enjoyed the illustrations.
I like the illustrations too. I think they are a very good fit for the story.

My Recommendation:

I highly recommend this book for kids that enjoy reading books that have counting. I would recommend more for younger children. Especially for children learning how to read and count.
Younger elementary school aged kids will enjoy the story as well.
Pre-K through maybe 2nd grade.