Book Review: Adrian Simcox Does NOT Have a Horse

Author: Marcy Campbell

Illustrator: Corinna Luyken

From the Book Jacket:  Adrian Simcox tells anyone who will listen that he has a horse - the best and most beautiful horse anywhere. But Chloe does NOT believe him. Adrian Simcox lives in a tiny house. Where would he keep a horse? He has holes in his shoes. How would he pay for a horse?

The more Adrian talks about his horse, the angrier Chloe gets. But when she calls him out at school and even complains about him to her mom, Chloe doesn't get the vindication she craves. She gets something far more important. 

This book shows readers that kindness is always rewarding, understanding is sweeter than judgment, and friendship is the best gift one can give. 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: In order to have a heart that is caring and loving we have to understand that everyone comes from different circumstances. In this book, Adrian is a child living with less in his life. We live in a world where we sometimes value economic status more than being someone's friend. Lets help our children early in life develop empathy towards all walks of life. This is a must read. I am also going to include it with all my holiday reads as we head into the season of giving. 

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Book Review: The Rough Patch

Author/Illustrator: Brian Lies

From the Book Jacket: Evan and his dog do everything together. They play and read and eat. But mostly you will find them tending to Evan's extraordinary garden, where flowers and other good things flourish and reach for the sky. 

But friends don't always stay forever, and when Evan loses his, he destroys the place that meant the most to them, and creates something to match his mood. Something ugly and twisted, sad and stubborn, ragged and rough - and he likes it that way. Until one day...

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This is about healing a broken heart after the loss of a pet. Or truly after any loss you experience. During his grief process Evan experiences a very bitter anger which he takes out on his beloved garden. He slashes his garden to the ground - a representation of how he feels on the inside. Eventually a growing vine in the garden helps Evan to see that the heart can begin to heal. 

Such a heartfelt story that reminds us there is hope after a loss and we can begin to heal. Happiness is still available........ 

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Book Review: Lena's Shoes Are Nervous - A First-Day-of-School Dilemma

Author: Keith Calabrese
Illustrator: Juana Medina

From the Book Jacket: Today is a big day! Today, Lena starts kindergarten. She is very excited. But there's just one problem...Lena's shoes are nervous. Lena doesn't want to miss out on her first day of school, but she can't go without her favorite shoes! How can she convince them to be brave?

Why It's On My Bookshelf: I love this humorous and creative take on anxiety. It took the intensity out of being fearful of the first day of school. The author uses her clothing to express different feelings. Lena says her dress is very outgoing and it can't wait for kindergarten. Her socks feel the same as her shoes - nervous. Her headband represents her bravery and overcoming being scared of school. This was a great description of how we might have many different feelings about a situation. But we need to remember to listen to our brave side because it always gets us through. 

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