Alex hears the balloon flowers in her yard popping. Deciding to investigate she invents a plant translator to figure out why.
I like these authors books, they always have a science angle and I can always learn something. I had never heard of balloon flowers so this was something I looked up after. I would definitely read this to my granddaughter and then plant some seeds for balloon flowers to see and hear what happens. Great book..
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Emily Heislerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngEmily Heisler2023-05-28 14:54:142023-05-30 08:05:10What Do the Plants Say? (Alex, the Inventor) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Emily H
Cute and informative This is a brilliant book for the budding scientist and inventors out there. I love this author’s books as they open a world of possibilities to children. This is a great picture story book for the classroom to introduce children to Inquiry. The text is easy to read and follow. There is so much to explore within each page and the creativity with illustrations is brilliant. Highly recommend.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rayne Easthttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRayne East2023-05-28 06:40:342023-05-30 08:04:39What Do the Plants Say? (Alex, the Inventor) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Rayne East
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57899571-what-do-the-plants-say” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”What Do the Plants Say? (Alex, the Inventor)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1619777269l/57899571._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57899571-what-do-the-plants-say”>What Do the Plants Say?</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/331633.Lois_Wickstrom”>Lois Wickstrom</a><br/> <br /><br /> Alex is an inventor. She creates a way to talk to the balloon flowers in the garden. She gets the helium tank and a recorder and records her conversations with the balloon flowers, and a way to fly with the flowers without popping them. Such a cute book<br /> <br/><br/> <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/6813301-tori”>View all my reviews</a>
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Torimittonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTorimitton2023-05-27 20:56:492023-05-30 08:07:40What Do the Plants Say? (Alex, the Inventor) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tori Mitton
I have read a lot of Lois Wickstrom’s books, and this is one of my least favorites. It is still a good story, but too fantasy in my opinion- I like the more realistic stories where it shows actual reality. The book still follows the scientific method, I just didn’t like the story as much as some others Lois has written.
My favorite part was when Alex used the recorder and had to experiment with her voice speed and volume t make it sound like the plants- I could just hear kids re-enacting this part!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Crainhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Crain2023-05-27 20:38:492023-05-30 08:07:34What Do the Plants Say? (Alex, the Inventor) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jennifer Crain
I have taught Kinder-2nd grade students, and know the importance of teaching emotional regulation and self care. This book is perfect, especially for the younger crowd. Kids could relate to Hudson and identify what he did and what his caring family did to make him feel better. It made me, as, an adult, feel better as well after a rough day of work!
The illustrations add to the story, and I appreciated the simple yet poignant message. Well written, not too wordy but gets the story across, and would highly recommend.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Crainhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Crain2023-05-27 20:19:242023-05-30 08:07:27Helpful Hudson by Dannielle Pickford – Review by Jennifer Crain
I thought it was interesting the author changed Jack to Jacqueline (side note- I appreciated this, my late grandmother’s name!). So many fairy tales have young boys, so it was refreshing.
I loved Jacqueline’s smarts- for example, arguing with the old man giving her the beans that all plants touch the sky. (Allows for a science discussion or wondering!).
The vocabulary chosen might expand a child’s mind, like how the vines were intertwined. Overall, a comical and entertaining re-do of Jack (loved the part of Jacqueline washing off sweat in the dog’s water dish)!
A little bit of a Harry Potter feel to it has the reader diving into the story of Jon and Frank Reed. They are twins with some pretty cool special abilities. When they are sent away to school to refine these abilities, they come across some interesting people who are like them in some ways. The school has regular academic coursework, along with classes for each special gift.
Jon is a bit of an enigma as they’ve not seen his gift in many years. Could that gift become his downfall, his curse? He gets to have exposure to the Guardian of Whispers but then it does missing and everyone automatically blames him. Can Frank help him out in any way? Frank hears voices so maybe Jon can get a message to him before it’s too late.
This is a super fun middle school fantasy book. I look forward to reading about the next adventures of the Reed brothers!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Julie Johnsonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJulie Johnson2023-05-27 14:36:562023-05-30 08:06:50The Guardian of Whispers (The Reeds of West Hills Book 1) by B. E. Padgett – Review by Julie Johnson
This retelling of the famous beanstock has a different view of the story. One being it is Jacqueline who takes the cow to market. Yes she comes back with the 3 beans. But this is where the story changes. Jacqueline learned many lessons that day. As will the children that get to read / listen to this story. Again this author impressed me with her Open Ended story. Many lessons are taught within this book. Along with science, and providing food from our gardens. Great book to introduce children to at the beginning of Spring. I look forward to reading the next folktale by this author.
Helpful Hudson is a picture book aimed at children between the ages of three to seven years of age. The story is about a little boy named Hudson who is always there when others need him. He earned the nickname Helpful Hudson because he can always be counted on to help with chores around the house or yard. When Helpful Hudson wakes up one day, he feels tired and overwhelmed and it concerns his loved ones. Hudson has been so busy helping others that he forgot to take care of himself. As his family helps him, he learns an important lesson about self-care and taking time for himself.
Helpful Hudson was a beautifully written and engaging book that contains valuable life lessons for children about the importance of self-care. The illustrations were bright, fun, and really made the story come to life. Hudson has spent so much time helping everyone else that he became tired and did not feel like helping anymore. When his family realized that Hudson was feeling overwhelmed, they took turns caring for him so that he would feel better. Through this not only did Hudson learn that he needed to take time for himself, but he learned that it was okay for others to be there for him as well. This was a great book that I feel teaches a valuable lesson for not just kids but acts as a gentle reminder to adults as well. Sometimes as adults we need to practice self-care so that we do not burn ourselves out.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tara Johnson Barneshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTara Johnson Barnes2023-05-27 11:53:042023-05-30 08:06:25Helpful Hudson by Dannielle Pickford – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
Engaging What a fun story! This is an educational picture book that would make a great addition to any school or home library. Aimed at 3 to 7 year olds it follows Hudson as he learns new skills in self care. The bright illustrations are engaging and the language is easy to follow and understand. Highly recommend.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rayne Easthttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRayne East2023-05-26 23:56:232023-05-30 08:03:33Helpful Hudson by Dannielle Pickford – Review by Rayne East
As a school librarian I’d love for my kids to read this especially now with our school participating in a national science fair 😉
It’s a different take on Red Riding Hood and I adore the twist 🫶🏼
So Red is off to visit her granny when she meets a wolf along the way , he gives her 2 types of plants so bring the inquisitive person she is she goes straight to her books for information, with this distraction eolf heads off to granny …
Red realises something is amiss and detectives skills are honest in because granny needs to be kept …
Dannielle Pickford’s Helpful Hudson will delight young readers. They will discover new skills as they follow Hudson on his journey and learn as they go. It allows them to open up their young minds and imagine what could be. The book is aimed at children aged between 3 to 7 years. Dannielle’s narrative and Vaishnavi Dukhande bright illustrations help make this picture book a fun learning tool. I read it to my grandsons who are 3 and 5 and they loved it. It is now one of their favourite books. It’s a great book for birthdays or Christmas or just because.
This is a very cute retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk staring Jacqueline. I love the lesson of this book (and how Wickstrom always manages to work them into her stories) and how uncomplicated the story and lesson are. The illustrations are great as well. As always, I love Wickstrom’s writing style and her ability to always tie in a lesson. Highly recommend reading this (and all of Wickstrom’s stories) to the littles!
This is the cute story of Alex, the inventor, who invents a way to talk to flowers. She is able to hear and talk to them and goes on an adventure. I love the way Wickstom is able to tie creativity and science together with strong female characters. The illustrations are so cute and well done.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Megan Kimleyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMegan Kimley2023-05-26 19:21:422023-05-30 07:57:44What Do the Plants Say? (Alex, the Inventor) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Megan Conley
Once again, Lois Wickstrom does not disappoint. She delivers a wonderful children’s book with amazing pictures on each page. This book has the most wonderful characters. I loved the way the author tackles the idea of monsters. I also love how she shows how things can be different for people who are different from others. She tackles the idea of being blind in such an easy way that children will understand. This is so amazing! I definitely recommend this.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christinehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristine2023-05-26 17:36:462023-05-30 07:56:19A Monster for Meg (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Christine Baranek
This book focuses on the importance of self-care. Hudson is very helpful to everyone, doing things as he’s asked. However, one day Hudson wakes up very grumpy and doesn’t want to help anyone. It’s then that his family helps him and rejuvenates his helpful spirit.
This book is a very important one and should be shared with children and adults of all ages!! I have been a caregiver from the tender age of 4 and I felt how Hudson felt many times. If you know a caregiver, the best thing you can do is to offer to sit with their loved one, even if it’s just for a hour, so that the caregiver can have some alone time. It’s vital to our survival!!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Julie Johnsonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJulie Johnson2023-05-26 17:29:592023-05-30 07:56:12Helpful Hudson by Dannielle Pickford – Review by Julie Johnson
Cute and whimsical story from the perspective of Ranger Marco (a raccoon) and the Deer Family: Buck, Doe, and Fawn about humans and how they live. This story is super cute and I love the different perspective it offers so that the readers and listeners get a different idea of how humans live and how odd some of the things we do could seem to animals. I love the illustrations as well. Definitely read this to the littles! Makes for a great story time!
B. E. Padgett’s The Guardian of Whispers, the first book in an enchanting series for middle-grade readers, offers a captivating and imaginative adventure that will remind you of the beloved Harry Potter and Percy Jackson stories. Set around the Reed family, including Eugene, mischievous twins Jonathan and Franklin, Peter, Clara, their doctor father Harvey, law enforcement mother Cecelia, and their caretaker, great aunt Gladys, the book takes readers on a delightful journey. The Reed family’s ordinary routine takes an exciting turn when Dr. Harrison arrives, displaying a keen interest in examining the twins. To their surprise, it is revealed that both boys possess extraordinary abilities inherited from their mother—Franklin has telepathy, while Jonathan has the gift of prophecy. As a result, the twins are enrolled in a specialized school designed to help them control and understand their unique powers. Once at their new school, Jonathan and Franklin begin forming friendships, but Jonathan soon realizes that his gift is extremely rare among his peers, leaving him feeling isolated. Furthermore, he becomes suspicious of his assigned teacher. Jonathan’s protective nature towards his brother and his fiery temper often land him in trouble. Things take a sinister turn when a valuable artifact goes missing, and incriminating evidence is planted in Jonathan’s house, making him the prime suspect. Franklin and their friends Damien and Nate also find themselves under scrutiny. With only a few supporters believing in Jonathan’s innocence and constant surveillance weighing them down, the children must band together, with the help of Mr. McClery, to uncover the identity of the thief known as the Guardian of Whispers. From the very beginning, The Guardian of Whispers captivates readers with its thrilling pace, limitless imagination, and sheer entertainment value. While it shares similarities with Harry Potter and Percy Jackson, the story weaves its own unique innovations within this familiar framework, presenting a refreshing narrative that keeps readers engrossed until the very last page. The storytelling is superb, ensuring that every moment is enjoyable, making the book a truly delightful and satisfying read. Well-written and engaging, The Guardian of Whispers feature realistically portrayed characters and a plot that holds your interest from start to finish. It’s the perfect book to share with your child and embark on a thrilling adventure together.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Nicolehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngNicole2023-05-26 13:38:162023-05-30 07:54:08The Guardian of Whispers (The Reeds of West Hills) by B.E. Padgett
This is a GREAT children’s book about self care. We teach our littles to be helpful to others, but we forget to teach them to know how to take care themselves because if we don’t take care of ourself, we can’t help others! The illustrations and overal theme of this book is fantastic! LOVE!
Retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk, this story has Jacqueline with her mother trying to sell the cow for money for food. Meeting a stranger who gives her three beans to plant with her mother upset she was so careless, it isn’t until morning when things change and Jacqueline and her mother get the surprise of a lifetime.
This was a fun retelling. I liked the illustrations. I think children will enjoy this one quite a bit.
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/120498400-a-monster-for-meg” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”A Monster for Meg” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1681534608l/120498400._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/120498400-a-monster-for-meg”>A Monster for Meg</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/331633.Lois_Wickstrom”>Lois Wickstrom</a><br/> My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5575714644″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /> Sue is trying to explain how monsters are to her sister Meg. Meg happens to be blind so she can’t see any monsters, so her sister Sue tries to explain monsters and Meg always comes back with a question or statement to Sue. This was an adorable story and explaining adaptations. <br/><br/> <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/6813301-tori”>View all my reviews</a>
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Torimittonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTorimitton2023-05-26 11:22:092023-05-30 07:59:31A Monster for Meg (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tori Mitton
This is my first children’s book by this author which I enjoyed reading. One of the things that I enjoyed about this story is the meaning behind it. Children will learn about social skills and how important it is to take care of yourself. This book has great colorful pictures that will help keep the child engaged throughout the story. It is one that they will ask you to read over and over again. This is a great book that any child would enjoy for sure. I highly recommend this book.
I absolutely loved this book! It was such a great read, my girls enjoyed it as well. The way Meg’s sister describes the monsters o her because she is visually impaired is unique and also informative.It’s well written and unique. Definitely going to read more from this author.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kristinehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKristine2023-05-26 07:28:032023-05-30 07:58:44A Monster for Meg (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Kristine Solano-Witucky
I can never decide which books by Lois Wickstrom are my favorite because every time I read a new one, I love it. This is an Alex the Inventor book and it’s one of my favorites. I love the science involved and how everything is explained in a way a child would understand and wonder. Lois Wickstrom has a way with teaching children the things that you don’t think about teaching them.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tonya Merritthttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTonya Merritt2023-05-26 05:47:592023-05-30 07:58:23What Do the Plants Say? (Alex, the Inventor) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tonya Merritt
This is a sweet little book. I’m not too sure that young children know quite what self-care is but I think this is a good teacher for helping them know what to do when they maybe feel grumpy. Either way, it can start a discussion. I love how the story brings the whole family together. Family is important, especially in today’s world. The pictures are bright and engaging. A very sweet book that can be enjoyed by many.This is a sweet little book. I’m not too sure that young children know quite what self-care is but I think this is a good teacher for helping them know what to do when they maybe feel grumpy. Either way, it can start a discussion. I love how the story brings the whole family together. Family is important, especially in today’s world. The pictures are bright and engaging. A very sweet book that can be enjoyed by many.
Such a very cute book! Helpful Hudson is so many of us in the world no matter the age anyone could learn from this book. You have to remember yourself when you constantly help others. Definitely recommending this to everyone I know.
Hudson is an amazing helper, but what will happen when his helpfulness leaves him feeling tired and overwhelmed?
Helpful Hudson is a fun, fast-paced story designed to help young readers learn the importance of looking after their own needs. As Hudson understands the value of self-care, he learns to become a better helper to himself and others.
Author Dannielle Pickford is a qualified physiotherapist with years of experience helping children learn and grow. Read along, and discover new literacy and social-emotional skills on every page!
Written for readers aged 3 to 7, Helpful Hudson provides an introduction to important life lessons that support children to become happy, healthy, and confident individuals. With an engaging narrative and bright illustrations, this book makes learning fun!
In Helpful Hudson, young readers will:
–Discover valuable social-emotional skills
–Learn the importance of self-care
–Practise reading and comprehension
Want to support your child’s learning journey? Start reading Helpful Hudson, and explore other picture books by Dannielle Pickford.
Author Dannielle Pickford is a physiotherapist with years of experience helping children learn and grow. Dannielle Pickford created her first series after years of helping her child develop his speech sounds.
As an author Dannielle aims to tackle big and sometimes difficult conversations, give a step up to those who are falling behind, and let every child know they are perfect just the way they were made, not by making one generic book to fit all children but authentic, inclusive books with characters of all races and abilities.
Read along, and discover new literacy and social-emotional skills on every page!
What do the Plants Say? Is part of the Alex, the Inventor series. This book is a fun, creative story with colorful pictures. I read it with my 7 year old son- he read the first half, then I read the second half. It is a good book for early readers. He said he enjoyed it, but over analyzed it a bit. He pointed out Alex didn’t have her recorder while flying, lol. I love the creativity of the sounds the flowers make. I like that the illustrator drew the flowers in different levels of bloom on each page. The author is full of endless creativity and I always enjoy sharing her book with my kiddos.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Elizabeth Sanchezhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngElizabeth Sanchez2023-05-25 22:26:052023-05-30 07:47:58What Do the Plants Say? (Alex, the Inventor) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez
This is the third Tally and the Angel book, and is set in Japan. It’s a fantastic continuation of the series! I love how readers get to explore different parts of the world through Tally’s travels and discover unique supernatural phenomena in the places she ends up.
Tally and the Angel is a great series for preteens who love learning about different cultures! Tally is a great heroine, always curious and good at making friends and getting into (and out of!) trouble. Tally’s new friends in this book, Yoshi and Miyu, help her explore Japan and share their family histories.
This is another five star book for me! I’m really enjoying this series! I would recommend starting from the first book, set in India, but there’s an introduction that gets you caught up if you’re particularly interested in Japan and want to jump in at this book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Francis O'Sullivanhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngFrancis O'Sullivan2023-05-25 18:58:412023-05-30 07:47:12Tally and the Angel: Book Three, Japan by Eleanor Dixon – Review by Francis O’Sullivan
This was a cute book. While the older sister was trying to point out the scary side, the little sister was pointing out the “real life” similarities. This is a great read for younger kids. The story reads quickly. The art work is engaging. My 3rd old nephew loved the story and the monsters.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Manda Kellyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngManda Kelly2023-05-25 18:19:532023-05-25 18:19:53A Monster for Meg (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Manda Kelly
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