Grieving for family members, friends, relatives and others in our lives who have died is important. In this simple book about grieving for and remembering a beloved animal companion, Xelena Gonzalez provides young readers with a beautiful way to celebrate and commemorate a cherished family member. Accompanying the moving story that looks at the customs of Dia de los Angelitos, are exceptional illustrations. The comforting picture book is an important reminder to all of us that if we remember loved ones who have passed on, they aren’t really gone.
“Something Beautiful” is a delightful picture book about making new friends and how we are, in our own unique way, something beautiful. The story starts with Mouse playing alone with a ball before Elephant asks to join in. Next, they meet Giraffe and the three play together. When Porcupine comes along he isn’t good at their games and he eats strange snacks, but he teaches them something that they all enjoy. Warthog is next to join the group of friends and he, too, introduces them to interesting things. Finally, everyone meets Lion who only wants to sit so the friends sit with Lion and they learn that if you sit quietly and patiently you will see interesting things that you might have overlooked.
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Extraordinary illustrations complement the story about friendship.
"Zander Stays"
Maureen Fergus, illustrated by Scot Ritchie
Pajama Press
2023, 36 pages
ISBN: 9781772782967
ages 4+
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Zander is a goose who decides not to travel south for the winter but to stay where he is. He enjoys his time alone, but when things begin to freeze he turns to other animals for advice on surviving the winter. While the other animals tell the goose how they get ready for winter, none of their suggestions work for Zander. When winter arrives Zander has trouble surviving, until a little girl carries him to her house where they enjoy the winter months playing outside until they get cold and then going indoors for treats and reading books by the fire.
"Zander Stays" is a nicely illustrated picture book about helping others and it introduces young readers to the concepts of hibernation and migration.
