Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Book Review: The I'm Not Scared Book


Written & Illustrated by: Todd Parr
Released on: August 3rd, 2011
Source: book from publisher to review
Ages: 3 & up
4 stars: I Really Enjoyed It
Purchase from: Amazon| Barnes & Noble

Sometimes I'm scared of dogs.

I'm not scared when they give me kisses.

Sometimes I'm scared I will make a mistake.
I'm not scared when I know I tried my best.

With his signature blend of playfulness and sensitivity, Todd Parr explores the subject of all things scary and assures readers that all of us are afraid sometimes.

A fantastic, brightly illustrated book that cheerfully identifies a variety of fears children have, while also showing them how they can over come them. Todd Parr's simplistic words make this a story that's easy to understand for really young readers, and makes it easy for beginning readers to read. It's a fabulous story for parents to read to their kids.

I loved the way Todd told only told the story, but his illustrations are great. My kids really enjoyed this book. They connected with some of the fears that are mentioned in the story and laughed at some of the ways they are able to over come them. For example, one of the pages illustrates how scary it can be to go underwear shopping and the neighboring page illustrates it's not scary when you put the underwear on your head. Every time I read this page, non stop laughing ensues.

I love Todd's message at the end of the book where he says, "Sometimes we are scared of things because we don't understand them. When you are afraid tell someone why and maybe you won't be scared anymore."

I highly recommend picking this book up. It's one that can be used in Kindergarten & 1st grade classrooms as well as preschool and at home. I'm looking forward to reading more of Todd's books.

The Unwanteds Book Trailer

I am so excited that The Unwanteds's book trailer is out! Lisa tweeted about it yesterday and I had to post it on the blog! This is such an awesome MG read and one I highly recommend it. You can read my 5 star review here.


Released on: August 30th, 2011

Every year in Quill, thirteen-year-olds are sorted into categories: the strong, intelligent Wanteds go to university, and the artistic Unwanteds are sent to their deaths.


Thirteen-year-old Alex tries his hardest to be stoic when his fate is announced as Unwanted, even while leaving behind his twin, Aaron, a Wanted. Upon arrival at the destination where he expected to be eliminated, however, Alex discovers a stunning secret—behind the mirage of the “death farm” there is instead a place called Artime.


In Artime, each child is taught to cultivate their creative abilities and learn how to use them magically, weaving spells through paintbrushes and musical instruments. Everything Alex has ever known changes before his eyes, and it’s a wondrous transformation.


But it’s a rare, unique occurrence for twins to be separated between Wanted and Unwanted, and as Alex and Aaron’s bond stretches across their separation, a threat arises for the survival of Artime that will pit brother against brother in an ultimate, magical battle.



I would be most content if my children grew up to be the kind of people who think decorating consists mostly of building enough bookshelves. ~ Anna Quindlen

Good children's literature appeals not only to
the child in the adult, but to the adult in the child.
~ Anonymous ~