Review: If I Had a Gryphon by Vikki Vansickle and Cale Atkinson

If I Had a Gryphon by Vikki Vansickle / Illustrated by: Cale Atkinson

Publishing Date: February 9, 2016
Publisher: Tundra Books
Pages: 32 pages
Children's Literature/Picture Book

The Premise from the Publisher: "Sam just got a hamster for a pet. But the hamster is kind of boring ... he just eats and sleeps and gets his shavings wet. Inspired by her book of mythological creatures, Sam longs for a more exciting pet. But she soon realizes that taking care of these magical beasts might not be as wonderful as she thought. Sasquatches are messy, unicorns are shy, gryphons scare the dogs at the dogpark, and having a fire extinguisher handy at all times makes dragons seem like an awful lot of work. In the end, Sam realizes that her hamster is a pretty sweet and safe pet ... or is he? If I Had a Gryphon is a raucous rhyming read-aloud about fantastical beasts in everyday situations--and the increasingly beleaguered heroine who has to deal with them" (Tundra Books). 

My overall thoughts and review: When I heard that Vikki (who I've worked with in the past) was coming out with a new book, I was instantly excited! The premise sounded amazing and after seeing the cover, I knew I was in for some beautiful artwork. Atkinson did an amazing job and I want to dress up as Sam now for halloween ;) I actually got to read this much earlier thanks to NetGalley, and when the physical copy arrived recently, I was blown away. This book is STUNNING. It is a hardcover with a dust-jacket and the insides are lined with this beautiful design of all the various creatures that Sam mentions throughout the book. For the premise of the book, I really enjoyed this adorable story that Vikki put together. Sam dreams of having a more "exciting" pet than her hamster and she thinks of scenarios with creatures such as, a Unicorn (this one was particularly my favorite - I want to prance through a field of posies! ;)), a hippogriff (my potter heart was happy at this mention), a phoenix (again, my potter heart was happy) and many others. After all of these scenarios, Sam comes to the realization that her hamster isn't so bad after all. It was a lovely story that takes not only Sam into a new magical and fantastical world, but also takes the reader as well. It also allows for the reader to appreciate "everyday and safe" pets. Sometimes I wish my dogs could go leaping through the skies, but at the end of the day, I'm pretty grateful for my dogs. I will admit, after reading this, my three dogs got a massive hug from me ;). Overall, I think that this is a lovely story that readers of all ages will enjoy and I highly recommend it! :) 

My rating of the book: ✮✮✮✮✮ (5/5 stars) 

Now available for purchase at:
Chapters/Indigo, Amazon and Book Depository (Free Worldwide Shipping)

Disclaimer: An advanced reader's copy of this book was sent to me by Penguin Random House Canada for consideration/review. All opinions are my own. 

Upcoming Children's Books Releases | Batch Reviews

Hi everyone! I hope that you are all having a wonderful Tuesday. I decided to change things up for a moment and put together a "batch review" post - I was inspired by some youtube videos that followed this format. I thought it would be a great way to review a bunch of children's books all in one post! Here are some upcoming releases that you can look forward to:

Sonya's Chickens by Phoebe Wahl

Publishing Date: August 11, 2015
Publisher: Tundra
Pages: 32 pages

The Premise: "Sonya raises her three chickens from the time they are tiny chicks. She feeds them, shelters them and loves them. Everywhere Sonya goes, her chicks are peeping at her heels. Under her care, the chicks grow into hens and even give Sonya a wonderful gift: an egg! One night, Sonya hears noises coming from the chicken coop and discovers that one of her hens has disappeared. Where did the hen go? What happened to her? When Sonya discovers the answers, she learns some important truths about the interconnectedness of nature and the true joys and sorrows of caring for another creature" (Description from Chapters/Indigo website). 

My overall thoughts and review: To begin with, I want to say that this is definitely one of the most beautiful children's books I've seen ever. The art is beautiful and it feels as if you are looking at beautiful paintings with every page. The story follows Sonya and how she raises the chickens and how under her care they grow. I think it is a wonderful story that focuses on how nature works and having understanding for the environment. It also has a great message with dealing and acceptance loss and how to ultimately care for other animals. I think it is a lovely read that all readers will enjoy! I can't wait to pick up more books by Wahl because not only is the story fantastic, the art is just over-the-moon wonderful.

My rating of the book: ✮✮✮✮✮ (5/5 stars) 

Now available for purchase at:
Chapters/Indigo and Book Depository (Free Worldwide Shipping)

Bug in a Vacuum by Melanie Watt

Publishing Date: August 25, 2015

Publisher: Tundra

Pages: 96 pages 

The Premise: "A bug flies through an open door into a house, through a bathroom, across a kitchen and bedroom and into a living room ... where its entire life changes with the switch of a button. Sucked into the void of a vacuum bag, this one little bug moves through denial, bargaining, anger, despair and eventually acceptance -- the five stages of grief -- as it comes to terms with its fate. Will there be a light at the end of the tunnel? Will there be dust bunnies in the void? A funny, suspenseful and poignant look at the travails of a bug trapped in a vacuum" (Description from Chapters/Indigo website). 

My overall thoughts and review: The gals from RHC recently pitched this as one of their pick's in a list of upcoming releases and I was instantly intrigued by it! The premise was awesome because it incorporates the five stages of grief. I thought it was a super creative way to incorporate that message for young readers. Alongside that, the art in this book is also fantastic. The illustrations were so detailed and it really felt like you were getting some pictures through the lens of the bug. I think this is a fantastic, funny and super adorable read for young readers and readers of all ages! :D Definitely one to check out because it is super enjoyable and you will find yourself gravitating towards it again and again. 

My rating of the book: ✮✮✮✮✮ (5/5 stars) 

Now available for pre-order purchase at:
Chapters/Indigo and Book Depository (Free Worldwide Shipping)

When Santa Was A Baby by Linda Bailey and Geneviève Godbout

Publishing Date: October 13, 2015

Publisher: Tundra 

Pages: 32 pages

The Premise: "Santa's parents think their little one is absolutely wonderful, even though he has a booming voice instead of a baby's gurgle, loves to stand in front of the refrigerator, gives his birthday presents away, trains his hamsters to pull a matchbox sleigh ... and has an unusual interest in chimneys. The adorably funny portrait of an oddball kid who fulfills his destiny - and two very proud parents" (Description from Chapters/Indigo website). 

My overall thoughts and review: I loved this book so much. Think of it as an origin story for Santa. Which I think is definitely a nice perspective for young readers that is really unique. It follows Santa from when he was a baby and showcases how he loves to be in the cold, he gives away his presents and wanted a horse-like unicorn and more. All small hints that add up to the Santa that we know and love. I think this would be a wonderful early Christmas gift for young readers, so definitely get on pre-ordering it. I think this is a wonderful read for all seasons and perfect for readers of all ages because it focuses on literally when Santa was a baby and his growth as an individual. The artwork is also super beautiful and Godbout did a wonderful job with the illustrations! 

My rating of the book: ✮✮✮✮✮ (5/5 stars) 

Now available for pre-order purchase at:
Chapters/Indigo and Book Depository (Free Worldwide Shipping)

Disclaimer: I received an advanced reader's copy of all three books via Netgalley from Random House Canada for consideration/review. All opinions are my own. 

Review: The Good Little Book by Kyo Maclear and Marion Arbona

The Good Little Book by Kyo Maclear and Illustrated by Marion Arbona

Publishing Date: August 11, 2015
Publisher: Tundra Books
Pages: 40 pages
Children's Books

The Premise: From the author of Virginia Wolf and Spork, comes a brand new beautifully illustrated picture book. The picture book follows a young boy who was sent to the library for a time-out and he picks up the good little book. Picking it up with only expectations to pass time, he ends up enticed by the book and spends the entire afternoon reading it. The book begins to mean a lot to the boy until one day it is lost. Is he able to find it again? What happens now?

My overall thoughts and review: To begin with, I'm a big fan of Maclear's other books and when I heard there was a new one coming about a book, I was incredibly excited. I've started to review picture books more often on my blog because they are just wonderful. The art in this book is stunning and the story is just so beautiful. It has a wonderful message about reading and there is so much detail in the art that you take your time with each page. I think that this a great read for children but mainly a great read for those of all-ages. It is a story about falling in love with the act of reading and finding that one special book. I really enjoyed it and I would highly recommend you check it out!

My rating of the book: ✮✮✮✮✮  (5/5 stars) 

Now available for purchase at:
Chapters/Indigo and Book Depository (Free Worldwide Shipping)

Disclaimer: I received an advanced reader's copy of this book via Netgalley from Random House Canada for consideration/review. All opinions are my own. 

Review: Snow White & The 77 Dwarfs by Davide Cali & Raphaëlle Barbanègre

Snow White & The 77 Dwarfs by Davide Cali & Raphaëlle Barbanègre 

Publishing Date: April 14, 2015
Publisher: Tundra Books
Pages: 32 pages
Picture Book/Storybook

The Premise: This story is a retelling of the classic tale of Snow White and the 7 dwarfs but instead this one Snow White encounters not 7 dwarfs, but 77 dwarfs! She is on the run from the evil Queen like in the original story, but she soon realizes that she has taken on more than she can handle with the 77 dwarfs.

My overall thoughts and review: I believe that this is my first time ever reviewing a picture book on my blog and I really should review more of those because I am a huge fan and I actually have quite the collection. I LOVED this picture book so much. When I was at the RHC blogger event, one of the gals pitched this as similar to the story of The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs, which I read in my undergrad and loved. They take a classic story and put an interesting twist on it. This one did exactly that. The artwork to begin with, is simply stunning. It was incredibly vibrant and the detail on every page keeps you lingering on for much longer than a typical picture book. I loved how this ended and it was simply hilarious. I think this would be a great and fun read and I think it is definitely one to add to one's library!

My rating of the book: ✮✮✮✮✮ (5/5 stars) 

Now available for purchase at:

Chapters/Indigo and Book Depository (Free International Shipping)

Disclaimer: This book was sent to me by Random House Canada for consideration/review. All opinions are my own.