Quick Kids Reviews #11

Title: On the Internet: Our First Talk About Online Safety
Author: Dr. Jillian Roberts
Illustrator: Jane Heinrichs
Source: Free ARC from Orca Book Publishers

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Note: As stated under the Source (above), I received this book for free from Orca Book Publishers via NetGalley. I pride myself on writing fair and honest reviews.

Geared towards children between the ages of 5 to 8, On the Internet: Our First Talk about Online Safety was written by an educator and child psychologist to help young children understand how to stay safe online.

This is definitely not a book you buy for your child to read alone or for enjoyment. It is a tool to teach your children about being online and being on social media, a book that should be read together and discussed. As a parent of three 8-year-olds who do have access to technology (managed by us to the degree that it’s possible), I am so glad a book like this is out there.

The author makes an interesting point about being in a weird place generationally, where parents with children in this age group didn’t have such free access to technology when they were kids and don’t necessarily know how to navigate these discussions or how to keep their kids safe online. I’m old enough to remember when internet access first started to roll out to the public, when cellphones started to become a “thing”, but my youngest kids have always lived in a world brimming with technology. It is a part of everyday life and it isn’t going away, so we really need to teach them about both the good and bad of going online, who to talk to if they see something that makes them uncomfortable, why their parents put restrictions on their access and screen time, etc. This book is a fabulous way to start that conversation.

Everything about this book is clear and accessible, helpful to kids and parents alike. It focuses on what to be mindful of but doesn’t ignore the wonderful things the online world brings as well. It talks about boundaries, what to look out for, how to handle their worry or fear and redirect it into something positive. And it reminds children several times that they can create change by setting a good example for their peers.

Not only will I be ordering a copy of this book for my family, I’m going to grab the other three in the series to boot – On Our Street: Our First Talk About Poverty,On the News: Our First Talk About Tragedy, and On the Playground: Our First Talk About Prejudice.

Title: Good Morning, Neighbor
Author: Davide Cali
Illustrator: Maria Dek
Source: Free ARC from Princeton Architectural Press

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Note: As stated under the Source (above), I received this book for free from Princeton Architectural Press via NetGalley. I pride myself on writing fair and honest reviews.

It all starts with a little mouse who wants to fix an omelet, but has no egg. It ends with a cake for all to share!

Naturally, my eyes always land on the illustrations first, and what a delight these were! They appear painted, with obvious brush strokes, that give each scene depth and character. The colors are warm and natural, embracing the adorable woodland characters and their natural habitat.

The story itself is about how one small idea that benefits the originator can blossom into a bigger idea that benefits all who play apart in its creation. While the original goal is to find a neighbor with an egg for the mouse to make an omelet, each neighbor – none of whom seem to have an egg – offers an alternative, so that a cake can be made instead. At the end, there is a quick lesson about the value of an idea being equal to the tangible parts that physically make up the end product. Not a lesson I’ve seen in a children’s book before, but an essential one.

The messages about teamwork and sharing are certainly worthwhile, the story is cute, and the illustrations are stupendous. Lovely book all around.

Title: Shhh!
Author: Barroux
Source: Free ARC from words & pictures

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Note: As stated under the Source (above), I received this book for free from words & pictures via NetGalley. I pride myself on writing fair and honest reviews.

Shhh! is a simple story about going to sleep. A little boy lies in his bed, snuggling his favorite animals, while the world around him prepares to tuck in for the night, just as he should.

Definitely a book that is geared to much younger children, perhaps the board book set (newborn to maybe five or so), and a great, quick bedtime story. The illustrations appear to be watercolor and pencil, vibrant and adorable, and perfectly suited to this cute little book.

7 Replies to “Quick Kids Reviews #11”

    • Ha! It’s a great, quick little read, perfect for bedtime. My boys both take melatonin before bed or they’d never fall asleep!

    • It was really well done and so necessary. It would be well-placed in elementary school libraries and classrooms as well. My kiddos have a STEM special twice a week, and I think I’ll mention it to the teacher.

  1. These all sound like nice book. I have read and reviewed all but the internet safety one and need to check it out before my grandkids get into the internet usage stuff. Great reviews Myndi.

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