Book Review: A Tiger Called Tomas

Author: Charlotte Zolotow

Illustrator: Mart Alvaerz Miguens

From the Book Jacket: Tomas is too shy to go out and meet the kids in his neighborhood, even with his mom's encouragement. Instead he just sits on his stoop, watching the world go by. On the night of Halloween, opportunity arrives in the form of a tiger costume, complete with a mask that hides his identity. He can go trick-or-treating without anyone knowing i's him. But Tomas soon discovers his costume doesn't hide him quite as well as he thinks... 

A tender story that gently explores children's hesitancy to pursue friends, and the joy in making them. 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This is a really sweet story on being new and overcoming shyness. It also really validates the feeling of having a fear that people might not like you when you are trying to make friends. Throughout the book Tomas says: "they might not like me." He soon discovers everyone knows his name and is also surprised to see how friendly everyone is as he goes trick or treating. I think shyness can sometimes steal a child's inner smile. This story is a very encouraging reminder that it's okay to put yourself out there. 

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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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