Shannon's Review - Trunk Goes Thunk by Heather C. Morris

Title: Trunk Goes Thunk
Series: Not At Moment
Author: Heather C. Morris
Illustrator/Book Cover Design: Chantelle & Burgen Thorne
Genre: Children, Picturebook, Fiction, Animals, Opposites, Nature
Publisher: Gnome Road Publishing
Received: From Publisher for Review
Release Date: October 8th 2024
Pages: 32
Rating:




Author Heather C. Morris’s Official Websites:




Website:
https://heathercmorris.com/

Blog:
No Link Found

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/people/Heather-C-Morris-Books/100062070681575/

Twitter/X:
https://x.com/morrwriting

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/morr_writing/

TikTok:
None Found

YouTube:
None Found

Shannon’s Thoughts:


It is a beautifully illustrated book about wildlife and the connection to trees around us. A tree falls in the woods, and different animals use the tree in various ways.

My favorite part of this picture book is the art. It is truly gorgeous. The writing is cute and is an interesting topic for a story.

I had to read multiple times to make sure I understood the story correctly because, in my opinion, it did not flow very well.

This is good for kids seven and under. Autumn is an excellent time to read because it has a fall appeal. The book will be available on October 8th, 2024.

Shannon's Review - Hopper Lends A Helping Paw (Hopper & Friends) by Amy Best

Title: Hopper Lends A Helping Paw
Series: Hopper & Friends
Author: Amy Best
Illustrator/Book Cover Design: Michael Harris
Genre: Fiction, Series, Animals, Picturebook, Children's
Publisher: The Essential Library
Received: Bought
Release Date: May 2016
Pages: 26
Rating:



Author Amy Best’s Official Websites:





Website:
None Found

Blog:
None Found

Facebook:
None Found

Twitter:
None Found

Instagram:
None Found





Shannon’s Thoughts:

Hopper the Rabbit watches his grandmother make up baskets for those less fortunate. The idea of giving these items to those in need gives him an idea that he shares with friends who also decide to help.

The story gets straight to the point. Grandma Rabbit makes a basket for fellow neighbors in need and Hopper watches, asking questions. It is very inspiring and hopefully encourages children to do the same.

I would have added in the back of the book places kids could donate and help others. Other than that the book is sweet as are the characters.

I see more Hopper and Friends books in my future. They are fun little tales and children will like the recurring characters.

Shannon's Review - Amy Best's Hopper And The Rollercoaster

Title: Amy Best’s Hopper And The Rollercoaster
Series: Hopper & Friends
Author: Amy Best
Illustrator/Book Cover Design: Michael Harris
Genre: Fiction, Series, Animals, Picturebook, Children's
Publisher: The Essential Library
Received: Bought
Release Date: March 2016
Pages: 36
Rating:



Author Amy Best’s Official Websites:



Website:
None Found

Blog:
None Found

Facebook:
None Found

Twitter:
None Found

Instagram:
None Found



Shannon’s Thoughts:


Hopper the Hare is excited about the new amusement park opening up until he hears about the rollercoaster.

Amusement parks are a blast and it is no question as to why young Hopper is excited about them. It also does not surprise me that he gets nervous about a roller coaster because I feel the same way about coasters. I understood Hopper’s fear and was happy he was able to push through and eventually go to Shannon Squirrel’s birthday party at the amusement park.

What I wish they had not done was make Hopper do something that seems way reckless. Yes, he was helping a friend but Hopper is a child...I think. His friend was also not in a life or death situation. I also would have left that it was still okay for Hopper to be scared of the coaster and not have to go on one.

I enjoy this one it was fun. I felt the excitement of the characters. Maybe that means I have been inside too long. I do miss amusement parks. My rollercoaster days are over because they scare the bejesus out of me. It is fun seeing others have fun. I will be reading more Hopper and Friends books. I am surprised there is no official website.

Shannon's Review - Geese Are Not Pets by Jenny Lee Learn

Title: Geese Are Not Pets
Series: Not At Moment
Author: Jenny Lee Learn
Illustrator/Book Cover Design: Jenny Lee Learn
Genre: Children’s, Picture book, Animals
Publisher: Amabel Books
Received: Bought
Release Date: April 2019
Pages: 38
Rating:



Author Jenny Lee Learn’s Official Websites:





Website:
https://jennyleelearn.com/

Blog:
None Found

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/amabelbooks/

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/lee_learn

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/jennyleelearn/



Shannon’s Thoughts:

Most kids want a pet like a dog or a cat, this kid wants geese. Their family and those around him say geese are not pets. This child disagrees until he actually gets what he wants.

The story is cute and it is written in a way that can help a beginning reader and one that is a little more advanced. I had a good chuckle at the end of the story.

How the kid gets the geese is just not something I think could happen. Not even an adult would have the patience to keep those eggs warm. So the story could be misleading.

It is an entertaining story and I love the ending. Kids who have a love for all animals and want pets will enjoy this one.

Shannon's Review - Doctor Kangaroo by Gerald Hawksley

Title: Doctor Kangaroo
Series: Unknown
Author: Gerald Hawksley
Illustrator/Book Cover Design: Gerald Hawksley
Genre: Children, Picturebook, Fantasy, Animals,
Publisher: Self Published
Received: Bought
Release Date: March 2016
Pages: 29
Rating:

Author’s Gerald Hawksley’s Websites:

(borrowed from goodreads.com)

Website:

None Found

Blog:

None Found

Facebook:

None Found

Twitter:

None Found

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/geraldhawksley/

Shannon’s Thoughts:

Various animals get sick and call Dr. Kangaroo to heal them.

Full of cute rhymes and animals with strange maladies. The Kangaroo doctor heals all and even himself in the end. The book ends with some jokes, and the author/illustrator's version of monkeys jumping on a bed.

While the rhymes sweetly match the art, some of the ailments are a little strange. The doctor heals all the illnesses the same. This makes the story pretty silly but I suppose it is supposed to be.

A short and simple. Is a fun read for kids and I think will leave them smiling.

Shannon's Review - 1,2,3, Who's Cleaning The Sea by Janina Rossiter

Title: 1,2,3, Who’s Cleaning The Sea?
Series: None
Author: Janina Rossiter
Illustrator/Book Cover Design: Janina Rossiter
Genre: Fiction, Children, Picture Book, Environment, Animals
Publisher: Independently Published
Received: Purchased
Release Date: April 2019
Pages: 27
Rating:


Author Janina Rossiter Official Websites:



Website:https://www.janinarossiter.com/

Blog:
None Found

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/IllustrationJaninaRossiter

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/JaninaRossiter

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/janinarossiter/


Shannon’s Thoughts:

Clever animals of the sea help each other by cleaning plastics and trash that is polluting their ocean home.

Simple verses and detailed art help make a sweet and motivating story of life helping life. Animals making there home a better place by getting rid of the plastics and trash us humans have unfortunately left. This book teaches various themes like counting, how to be neat and to be kind to the living world.

Our environment needs help not just the animals but the land and aquatic areas too. Yes, this book may have the animals of the sea cleaning our mess which is probably unrealistic and silly but the feeling is there.  The message of the book is that one voice can start a movement but more than one can make that change happen. At least that is what I take from it.

I enjoyed this sweet book and it lights a little flame within to fight for our world to be a better place.

Shannon's Review - The Eleventh Hour by Graeme Base

Title: The Eleventh Hour
Series: None
Author: Graeme Base
Illustrator: Graeme Base
Genre: Fiction, Children, Picture Book, Animals
Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
Received: Bought
Release Date: 1993
Pages: 32
Rating:

Author Graeme Base’s Official Websites:


Website:
None current

Blog:
None current

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/graemebaseofficial/

Twitter:None current

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/graemebase


Shannon’s Thoughts:
The eleventh hour is a story about an elephant who hosts a party for his own birthday. He creates many lavish dishes for his friends. Before the elephant and his friends eat the feast they play many birthday games. After the games, the elephant and his guests find that someone has eaten all of the birthday meal. Beautiful illustrations to enjoy as you read the story and the art also reveals who ate the birthday dinner.

This is a very whimsical children's book. The illustrations are spectacular and there's so much detail it takes a couple of times to read to really see everything. The stories cute and children under 9 I think will enjoy it very much.

Even though I love the art the illustrations are overwhelming especially when you realize that only searching through the art is how you find who had devoured the meal.

I never did find out who done it I had bought this as a gift for a nephew. I would probably search through it again if I had had the time. It definitely would be good to help kids as a visual exercise.

Shannon's Review - Little Mouse's Painting by Diane Wolkenstein

Title: Little Mouse’s Paining
Series: None
Author: Diane Wolkstein
Illustrator: Diane Wolkstein
Genre: Fiction, Children’s, Picture Book, Animals, Art
Publisher: HarperCollins
Received: Bought
Release Date: April 1992
Pages: ??
Rating:






Author Diane Wolkstein Official Websites:


(November 11, 1942 – January 31, 2013)

Website:
None active

Blog:
None active

Facebook:
None active

Twitter:
None active

Instagram:
None active


Shannon’s Thoughts:

Little Mouse is an artist and loves to paint. Three of Mouse’s friends visit and each friend sees something different from the painting Mouse has painted. Each friend sees themselves in the painting although Mouse did not paint the picture with them in mind. The painting becomes special for all four of them for different reasons.

This book has two things that caught my eyes. One it a kid's book which I love. Two it’s got the mouse is an artist and I am an artist. The art for this book is so detailed and story so sweet. I love how each character saw something different in painting.

I have seen some reviews that people did not like there were so many words for a picture book and I will say when I pick it up a glance through I felt the same. Although once I read it, that did not matter. It reads easily and with art so detailed the story should mirror that.

Toddlers will enjoy the book but those starting schools might connect with it more. A beautiful work of art in many ways.

Shannon's Reviews - Arnold And Louis Reach For The Stars by Harvey Storm

Title: Arnold And Louis Reach For The Stars
Series: Arnold And Louis #2
Author: Harvey Storm
Genre: Fiction, Children, Picture Book, Animals
Publisher: Independently Published
Received: Bought
Release Date: August 2018
Pages: 40
Rating:


Author Harvel Storm’s Official Websites:




Image Borrowed From Goodreads

Website:
None active

Blog:
None

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/HarveyStormBooks/

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/HarveyStormBoo






Shannon’s Thoughts:

A meteor falls through space and falls asleep. As he wakes up he realizes he is too close to the earth and crashes down. Arnold the moose and Louis the goose watch the meteor fall from afar. They meet Mick the meteor and find that Mick wants to go home. Arnold and Louis try to help him back to space but the task is not easy.

The art is spectacular and continues the story forward even when there is not much described. The humor is really tied into the art. The way that Arnold and Louis try to help Mick is something that seems like silly kid logic in a good way.

On the downside even though the art moves the wordless moments it also takes you out of the story. I think it would be a hard story to read to a group of children unless the book was enlarged because the art is very detailed and may be hard to see for a classroom.

I like the idea of a moose and goose being friends. Seems like they should be. I have nephews that I think will like this series. I would recommend it for boys and girls that are toddlers and up.

Shannon's Review - Hopper & Friends by Amy Best

Title: Hopper & Friends

Series: Hopper & Friends #1

Author: Amy Best

Genre: Fiction, Children’s, Picture Book, Animals, Friendship

Publisher: The Essential Library

Received: Bought

Release Date: March 2016

Pages: 34

Rating:

Author Amy Best’s Official Websites:

Website:

None

Blog:

None

Facebook:

None

Twitter:

None

Shannon’s Thoughts:

Hopper Rabbit is moving closer to his Grandmother and while that is a good thing he is worried about making new friends. Grandma tells him not to worry and takes him on a trip around town to meet everyone.

This is the 1st book in the Hopper & Friends series.  I read the second book first Belinda Bear’s Special Talent.  It does not seem to matter because while this book introduces Hopper the Rabbit & his friends. None of the characters are the same in book 1 or 2.  This book basically deals with what it is like to be the new kid in town and making friends. The second book also deals with friendship but more on how to be a supportive friend in a already existing friendship.

In both there a is a sweetness to each main character.  Hopper seems shy but friendly which helps the others to want to be friends with him.

The version I read was the e-book.  As with the first book I mentioned I do not like the covers.  I feel that large red border is a mistake. Although I don’t like the cover I do feel that there is pleasant feeling into the art that is matching the story.

I have more of the of the Hopper & Friends downloaded but have yet to read them. I am interested to see if Shannon the Squirrel shows up again(because my name is Shannon;)) I think this would be nice for young ones starting school.

Shannon's Review - Quiet In The Garden by Aliki

Title: Quiet In The Garden

Series: N/A

Author: Aliki

Genre: Fiction, Children’s, Picture Book

Publisher: Greenwillow Books

Received: Borrowed From Library

Release Date: February 2009

Pages: 32

Rating:

Author Aliki’s Official Websites:

(the image was taken from Amazon.com)

Website:

None

Blog:

None

Facebook:

None

Twitter:

None

Shannon’s Thoughts:

An empathic little boy wanders a garden watching animals and with plants and each other.

Quite In The Garden is a cute and calming book. I feel it very relatable to me because as a child I watched and played with animals and bugs alike.  The little boy imagines different animals communicating with each other.

Even though the book is very relaxing it gets a little to slow and might make the reader sleepy.  Then again maybe that is the goal since many parents may read this before bed.

I know that author Aliki has written many children books. This is the first book I have read by her. Illustrations are lovely and her writing gives a lot of feeling.  I hope to read more of the author’s work.

Shannon's Review - Monkey Not Ready For Kindergarten by Marc Brown

Title: Monkey Not Ready For Kindergarten

Series: N/A

Author: Marc Brown

Genre: Fiction, Children, Picture Book, Animals, Monkey

Publisher: Knopf Books For Young Readers  

Received: Borrowed From Library

Release Date: June 2015

Pages: 32

Rating:

Author Marc Brown’s Official Websites:

Website:

http://marcbrownstudios.com

Blog:

http://marcbrownstudios.com/blog

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/Marc-Brown-Studios-385632154862428

Twitter:

N/A

Shannon’s Thoughts:

Little Monkey is nervous about attending kindergarten for the first time.  He has so many questions and worries. His parents and brother try to assure him all will go well.

You can feel and see the anxiety of Monkey as he over thinks his first day of school.  The illustrations are adorable. I had hoped as I looked up the author there was another book about Monkey. I could see another book on dealing with his mom having a new baby and him becoming a big brother since his mom is visibly pregnant and luckily there is a book along with others in the series.

At first reading, this picture book the font is hard to read and hard to get used to.  The font looks like a kids handwriting in red crayon. While I did not like the font very much I think it did add to Monkey’s anxiety.

Very cute characters and the series looks just as adorable. I love the face we can continue to follow Monkey growing up.

Shannon's Review - Turtle In The Sea by Jim Arnosky

Title: Turtle In The Sea

Series: N/A

Author: Jim Arnosky

Genre: Fiction, Children, Picture Book, Animals

Publisher: Putnam Juvenile

Received: Borrowed

Release Date: July 2002

Pages: 32

Rating:

Author Jim Arnosky’s Official Websites:

Website:

http://www.jimarnosky.com/

Blog:

N/A

Facebook:

N/A

Twitter:

N/A

Shannon’s Thoughts:

The story of a Momma turtle as she battles the negative areas of the sea to make it to a beach where her children will be birthed.  Although she comes out with scars, life still prevails.

The first thing that grabs you about Turtle In The Sea is the beautiful illustrations. Each page could be a work hanging in a museum. Just really wonderfully detailed.  The writing is smart and fits with the artwork masterfully.

There is really nothing I can find wrong with this book.  Even the slightly sad parts which are just realistically what happens in the sea are pleasant to view.

This is my first book by Jim Arnosky but from what I have read in other reviews all his books have similar beauty. They are the type of books I would love to collect even though I do not have kids.

Shannon's Review - Belinda Bear's Special Talent by Amy Best

Title: Belinda Bear’s Special Talent

Series: (Hopper & Friends #2)

Author: Amy Best

Genre: Fiction, Childrens, Picture Book, Animal

Publisher: The Essential Library

Received: Bought

Release Date: March 2016

Pages: 66

Rating:

Author Amy Best’s Official Websites:

Website:

None

Blog:

None

Facebook:

None

Twitter:

None

Shannon’s Thoughts:

Belinda Bear tries to find her talent for the local talent show.  All her friends have great talents to display at the show but it seems like Belinda does not.  Even though she does not have a talent to present at the show she continues to encourage her friends.

Belinda Bear is a very sweet and kind animal.  She cheers on her friends as they practice with words and baked goods. She learns that even though she doesn’t have a talent for the show her friends show her what her talent really is. The art is cute and the story flows very nicely. I love the different names and talents of the animals.

Although the art is cute I find the cover not as nice because of the red frame it reminds me of generic cereal box.   It feels like the art, on the cover, is trying to be a really good cover but cheaper version.

Even as I wish for a better book cover I still really like the message and characters of the story.  I just feel with a different cover there may be more readers.