REVIEW: The Littlest Turtle by Lysa Mullady

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Magination Press in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary


Littlest Turtle overhears the bigger turtles talking about how upset they are because they only get to eat berries from the ground. The berries are often sour, if not completely spoiled. But the smaller turtles who climb on the backs of the larger ones get to eat all of the fresher berries.

Littlest Turtle talks to Biggest Turtle about what she overhears. Then she decides to use her voice to support the bigger turtles in their requests for change.

Review


This book is published by Magination Press, the children’s book imprint of the American Psychological Association. Littlest Turtle’s story leads into a discussion of being a good citizen. The Reader’s Note points out skills like empathy, voice, and accepting differences in an effort to help kids (and grown ups) be more community minded.

The story is sweet and simple. Even the youngest readers can connect to ideas of sharing, fairness, and helping while older readers can tackle concepts like empathy.  The illustrations are darling and add to the sweet vibe of the story. I loved reading this and digging into the backmatter. Highly recommend!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ = Great!

REVIEW: Taco Falls Apart by Brenda S. Miles

[I received a free electronic  review copy of this book from Netgalley and Magination Press in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary


Taco feels overwhelmed at times at people’s expectations that he always be open but also strong. And when it all gets to be too much, he tips over and falls apart.

His friend, Nacho, teaches Taco a way to pull himself back together: Think-Feel-Do

Review


This book is published by Magination Press, the publishing arm of the American Psychological Association (APA). In this book, Nacho describes, very simply for young readers, some basic principles of cognitive-behavioral change. Taco is encouraged to change his thinking in order to change his feelings and from there change his behavior.

The story is simple, the illustrations are cute, and the message is good and easy for kids to grasp. Detailed end notes are great for adults who want to know more. I feel like the skill described here is so crucial that it bumps what might otherwise be a “solid, but fine” rating up to “great.”

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ = Great!