Reviews List

The Wonderful Things You Will Be by Emily Winfield Martin is a heartfelt celebration of the limitless potential within every child. Through gentle rhymes and whimsical illustrations, it invites young readers to imagine all the different paths their lives might take. At its core, the story encourages creativity, individuality, and the freedom to become exactly who they are meant to be—making it a beautiful and reassuring read for both children and parents.

The Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown is a timeless childhood classic about a little bunny who imagines running away—again and again—only to find that his mother will always be there. No matter where he goes or what he becomes, his mother lovingly transforms herself into whatever is needed to stay close to him. Gentle, imaginative, and deeply comforting, this story is a beautiful tribute to the enduring and unconditional love between a parent and child.

In Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig, Sylvester tells the story of a young donkey who discovers a magical red pebble with the power to grant wishes—until one impulsive moment changes him into a stone. When Sylvester suddenly disappears, his parents search tirelessly, never giving up hope. Both tender and quietly heartbreaking, this story is a powerful tribute to the enduring love between parents and their child—and a reminder of how deeply we are missed when we’re gone.

Grandpa Green by Lane Smith is a loving tribute to a life well lived. Through memories shaped in a garden, we follow a boy who grows up before modern technology—finding joy in farm animals, books, and imagination—before moving through war, love, and family.

At its heart, this is a story about memory, legacy, and the quiet ways we leave ourselves behind for the next generation. The final scenes, shared with his great-grandson, are especially moving—reminding us that even as memories fade, love endures.

Get Back in the Book! by Larry Issa and Emma Chadwick is a delightful story about a young author whose characters unexpectedly leap off the pages of the book he created for show-and-tell. As the characters explore the real world, the young author gently reminds them that books are where their true adventures live—full of imagination, wonder, and endless possibilities. With beautiful illustrations and a playful premise, this story celebrates the magic of storytelling and the importance of books in sparking creativity.

Dasher by Matt Tavares describes the genesis of Santa's eight reindeer that we all know so well. Dasher, once part of a traveling circus, dreams of something more—and one brave night, she takes a chance and runs toward freedom. Her journey leads her to Santa, who sees her courage and gives her a place on his team. With beautiful illustrations, Dasher reminds us that courage, hope, and a little bit of magic can change everything.

A Very Dinosaur Christmas by Adam Wallace is an incredibly unique take on the holiday, imagining what happens when dinosaurs join in the festivities. It opens the door to fun and thoughtful questions about who belongs at Christmas and how we celebrate together. I especially loved the joyful ending, with dinosaurs soaring through the sky to help deliver presents.