BOOK REVIEW: "Juna's Jar" by Jane Bahk/Felicia Hoshino

Winner of Lee & Low's New Voices Award

"Juna’s Jar" is a story about coming to terms with the absence of a friend or loved one. It is filled with both, sad and exciting moments.

When Juna's best friend moves away, she is miserable without him.  She tries to cope with his absence in various ways, each of which involve an empty jar of kimchi.  A small fish swimming in the jar lifts Juna off on an exciting underwater adventure.  When a small bean plant is grown in the jar, Juna climbs down into a rainforest where she has another thrilling adventure.  Next the jar becomes home for a cricket. Juna takes off on the ride of her life flying over the city on the cricket's back.  

Everywhere she goes, Juna looks for Hector and wishes he had been with her.  As Juna wonders what she could put in it next, she finds the most perfect thing she could have wished for.  What is it?  You'll have to read to find out.

This is a beautiful book with charming illustrations that made me fall in love with Juna and story. There's plenty in this story for children - being at one with nature, friendship, adventure and most of all, the message of moving on. 

Appropriate for children 5+.

BOOK REVIEW: "Balu's Basket" by Chitra Soundar and Uttara Sivadas (Publ: Tulika)

Sometimes objects come in handy in unexpected ways, for purposes other than what they are intended for!  (Just like the time my husband used a clean diaper to take care of a coffee spill in a rental car!!)

For Balu, a routine walk home turns into a special experience, all because of a basket!

On his way home from school, Balu finds an abandoned basket on the street.  He picks it up and continues his journey home.  On the way, he uses his basket in various ways to help vendors selling their wares as in a typical village market!  An egg-seller running after his chicks, a flower-seller with her crying baby, a fruit seller with fruits that roll off his table, and more!

The story is accompanied by lovely illustrations that bring to life an Indian village market and make us an eager observer to Balu's journey home.

As I read this story to children, before turning each page we played a guessing game about who Balu would help next and how!

There are several things in this story - the importance of reusing and recycling, the power of creativity and feeling good by helping others.

Highly recommended for children 3+.

BOOK REVIEW: "Troll Swap" by Leigh Hodgkinson

This is the first book I've ever read by Leigh Hodgkinson, the author/illustrator.  A google search revealed she has written and/or illustrated several other beautiful picture books.

What do you do if you are not what others expect you to be?  Do you continue being who you are, or do you change yourself to please the others?

Timothy Limpet is a troll unlike other trolls.  He likes being clean, lives in a dry, well-lit cave.

Tabitha Lumpit is a little girl unlike other little girls and boys.  She likes being messy, loud and having lots of fun.  "Tabitha Lumpit would rather pick her nose than a flower any day of the week."

For both, Timothy and Tabitha, it is not easy trying to be the opposite of what they already are!  But what can they do?

When their paths collide one day, they find the answer to that question!  Can you guess what it is?
Well, what's the title of the book?
Yes, they SWAP places!

Timothy is happy that he is with Tabitha's parents who appreciate his tidy habits.  Tabitha is happy she can be as loud and messy as she wants with Timothy's family!  Timothy's and Tabitha's families are, of course, delighted that the little ones at home are exactly what they're expected to be!

So does everyone live happily ever after?  Does Tabitha live happily for ever in Timothy's house and does Timothy live happily for ever in Tabitha's house?  You'll have to read the book to find out!
(I'll give you a clue: it's nice to stand out in a crowd!)

The two characters are relatable to children with their tidy/messy habits, quiet/loud nature and polite/impolite ways.  I love the adorable illustrations in this book.

An amusing, entertaining story for children 4+, and yet has a message.