Rocketship Made of Stars (I am an Alien) by Lois Wickstrom. This is my very favorite Children’s author so I try to pick up all her books. They are great for reading, teaching kids about different things and gifting. In this book we meet Shirl and her alien friend Eee-Ahh. Eee-Ahh comes to visit Shirl and ends up going to school with her. While she’s there Eee-Ahh teaches Shirl’s classmates about her planet and all the cool things there. She also learns about the other planets and makes a lot of new friends. This is such a fun, educational book for kids age 4-8. My 5 year old nephew loved it.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tausha Treadwayhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTausha Treadway2023-09-09 14:11:212023-09-14 08:43:08Rocketship Made of Stars (I am an Alien) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tausha Treadway
Shirl and her friend are back to teach us about constellations. What a fun story. I loved the information about the constellations and the pictures. The stories are always so very informative. It’s another favorite in this household.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shelly Kittellhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShelly Kittell2023-09-08 19:51:492023-09-14 08:29:13Rocketship Made of Stars (I am an Alien) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Shelly Kittell
As usual, our household was so excited to get our hands on another Lous Wickstrom book. Especially this one given my son’s newfound fascination with rockets. We all got into the book so easily and found it to be entertaining and educational. The story asks the characters match each other perfectly. We had already read this book multiple times and I am sure we will be reading if many times more.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Bakerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Baker2023-09-06 15:55:122023-09-14 09:09:35Rocketship Made of Stars (I am an Alien) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Kerry Baker
A great children’s book that introduces them to what constellations are. I enjoyed the illustrations and the visit of the little alien to a school on Earth. It was interesting how he had different names for his constellations, based on what he/they thought they looked like as opposed to what we named them. The end of the book has a list and pictures of the constellations.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tanya Wallhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTanya Wall2023-09-06 12:44:082023-09-14 09:07:13Rocketship Made of Stars (I am an Alien) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tanya Wall, September 2023
Eee-ahh and Shirl are back with a Rocketship Made of Stars. This book is fun, imaginative, educational and the illustrations were colorful and engaging. I really enjoyed this book and although this is for ages 4-8, I believe this story can be enjoyed by the young and the young at heart like me.
Eee-ahh is back on earth and is so happy that she goes to school with Shirl one day so she may hear stories. Eee-ahh meets new friends along the way and also learns all about stars and constellations. Shirl and her friends learn about where Eee-ahh and her stars.
This is a cute, fun story. Loving the learning aspect with all sorts of constellations and what each of them mean.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Lorralei Hoernerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLorralei Hoerner2023-09-05 16:20:022023-09-14 08:39:25Rocketship Made of Stars (I am an Alien) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Lorralei Hoerner
In this installment of Eee-ahh and Shirl’s adventures, Eee-agh follows Shirl to school to hear stories. They have a good time and learn about Eee-aah’s home and constellations. Constellations have many different names. As always it’s a fun, informative book with great illustrations.
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 Merritt2023-09-05 07:28:462023-09-14 08:15:25Rocketship Made of Stars (I am an Alien) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tonya Merritt
This is a cute book. It’s got a lot of information in it, too. While the pictures are engaging, the reader is also learning about constellations, and space. As well as a lesson in accepting new people and understanding worlds others come from. I would say this book would be good for ages 5 and up. But younger kids would probably enjoy the story, too.
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 Kelly2023-09-04 19:12:392023-09-14 07:52:43Rocketship Made of Stars (I am an Alien) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Manda Kelly
Rocketship Made of Stars is the second book in the ‘I Am An Alien” series by Lois Wickstrom. It is another fun children’s fantasy story where we join Shirl and her alien friend Eeh-Ahh as they talk, and learn about, constellations. The story is fun and imaginative, whist teaching children about constellations and the stars- there is also themes of friendship, acceptance, being different, and fitting in. There are several pictures with the names of constellations in the back of the book. Get set for a fun, quirky, and engaging read. Happy reading…
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2023-09-03 23:52:592023-09-14 07:51:28Rocketship Made of Stars (I am an Alien Book #2) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Angela Hayes
Wickstrom has done it again! She has taken a unique twist to teaching kids about constellations using Shirl and Eee-ahh’s friendship and adventures. I love how she always integrates cool stories with scientific based facts into her books. She also throughs in acceptance and tolerance as well. At the end of the book, she has great information about constellations as well. I highly recommend this book for your star and space loving littles!
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 Kimley2023-09-03 20:48:472023-09-14 07:50:30Rocketship Made of Stars (I am an Alien) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Megan Conley
Although I liked this book lesser than some of the other scientifically based Lois Wickstrom’s books, it is still worth reading. An alien comes to Earth and tells stories his culture tells of the sky, which leads into learning about constellations, complete with diagrams of real constellations in the back. I did enjoy how the story has the characters taking turns telling their version, and the fact the teacher doesn’t question why an alien is in her classroom shows great inclusivity! As with all the books in this series and Lois Wickstrom’s other books, colorful, engaging illustrations accompany the text.
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 Crain2023-09-03 20:37:032023-09-14 07:50:03Rocketship Made of Stars (I am an Alien) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jennifer Crain
Rocket Ship Made of Stars is a fun story by Lois Wickstrom. It is an educational look at constellations for children aged 4 to 8 years. We first met Shirl and her new friend Eeh-ahh in the book I Am An Outer Space Alien (I am an Alien). Impressionable little minds open up to any and all possibilities of other life forms and whole new worlds beyond the stars. Lois helps with shaping and the development of young ones as they once again go on alien adventures. The story of Eeh-ahh the Alien and her world is brought to lie with vivid, colourful and bright illustrations by Nicolas Milano. Who doesn’t love a good story with Aliens, Rocket ships, stars and much more? There are many more adventure stories just waiting for you to explore from Lois.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jenni Bishophttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJenni Bishop2023-09-03 20:12:412023-09-14 07:49:39Rocketship Made of Stars (I am an Alien) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jenni Bishop
A cute kids book about constellations! I enjoyed reading it with my kids, they are a bit older and are good readers. We had a good discussion about constellations after we finished reading. I enjoyed reading about Shirl and her alien friend Eee-ahh going to school. The kids and the teacher are inquisitive and everyone seemed to learn a great deal about constellations and seeing them from different points of view. I think younger kids that are interested in stars would really enjoy this story.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Betsy Melanohttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBetsy Melano2023-09-03 20:03:062023-09-14 07:49:19Rocketship Made of Stars (I am an Alien) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Betsy Melano
This is the longest Lois Wickstrom book I have read and I love to see something that is for some older children than usual. This story focuses on somewhat of a heavier topic than her usual fare so I would not recommend this one for her usual preschool / kindergarten crowd, but it is more for late elementary. In this story we meet a main character who has an undocumented immigrant for a mother and a father who was U.S. Military. However, he passed away before being able to marry, Xenia’s, (the main character) mother. This means that Xenia and her brother are U.S. citizens. This is a reality for many children living in the U.S. right now. Lois Wickstrom does a great job addressing this in a way that is accessible to children this young and does not make it stigmatizing in any way. She also shows the challenges that this poses Xenia and her family and how they have to try to avoid drawing attention to themselves. When their worst fears come to fruition Xenia and her family have to get creative to see each other and also have to rely on the kindness of others. This is quite possibly the best Lois Wickstrom book I have read and I love the way she addresses this topic. She handles this reality in such a light hearted way that does not make it inaccessible to the children who read it. But it also does a great job of really showing the reality for families in these situations. I highly recommend this one!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christinehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristine2023-09-03 18:15:182023-09-14 07:48:56Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling – Review by Christine Baranek
The main character brings an alien to school with her. There are no security hoops to jump through in order for this to happen. The main character has classmates who are kind to their class visitor. The teacher and the children discuss constellations. Different cultures have different names and stories for the same constellations.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Alison Risherhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAlison Risher2023-09-03 17:34:562023-09-14 08:07:54Rocketship Made of Stars (I am an Alien) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Alison Risher
Children will love reading this book, especially if they are interested in the patterns amid the stars!! I loved this book and I’m not a child!
Shirl takes Eee-ahh to school with her where they hear stories all day long. When the teacher asks Eee-ahh where she is from, Eee-ahh proceeds to draw a series of stars and then connects them. The class learns all about constellations and the different names for them.
This is beautifully illustrated and is recommended for all ages, but especially those in the 4-9 year old age group.
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 Johnson2023-09-03 17:11:362023-09-14 08:07:44Rocketship Made of Stars (I am an Alien) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Julie Johnson
Rocketships made of Stars is another amazing kids book written by Lois Wickstrom. I read this story to my daughter and she absolutely loved it. I feel like the book was a little bit of educational teaching the kids about stars. The illustration was done beautifully. I would recommend this book to kids no older then 9 years old.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Melissa Finkhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMelissa Fink2023-09-03 07:54:242023-09-14 08:05:06Rocketship Made of Stars (I am an Alien) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Melissa Fink
Shirl takes her alien friend Eee-ahh to school with her.
The kids figure out that Eee-ahh is an alien, because she is green and has an antenna. The teacher asks Eee-ahh where she is from. Eee-ahh draws a map of the stars — She circles a constellation that looks like a rocket ship. The sky looks the same, but Eee-ahh gives all the constellations different names.
Lois Wickstrom lives in a world where imaginary playmates are real. She doesn’t remember being born, so she finds unbirthdays are more exciting than the official once-a-year date on the calendar. She’s taken so many science classes that she believes science is the solution to almost every problem, including the dilemmas in fairy tales.
She writes by herself. She writes with co-authors. She asks illustrators what they would like to draw. If she ever writes her autobiography, the title will be My Life as a Group Project.
Her mother used to get angry with her for daydreaming. Her little sister picked on her. So she lived in books and wrote her own stories in which the bad-guys made sense, and the good-guys had a chance. As she has grown older, her imagination has grown weirder. Even she doesn’t know what she will write next.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/rocketship-cover-300.jpg300300itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2023-09-03 00:01:262023-09-16 21:24:15Rocketship Made of Stars (I am an Alien) by Lois Wickstrom
My family loves it any time I bring in a book by this author, and this was no different. Though it is a shift in what her typical books have been, we still thoroughly appreciated the adventure. My kids are 7 and 11, which I found to be a great fit for the tough topics we cover in this story, like deportation. I wasn’t sure if my youngest would handle the tough moments well, but the author does an amazing job facing these with the utmost compassion. I highly recommend reading this with any of the kids in your life!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shannen Kernhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShannen Kern2023-09-01 22:07:002023-09-14 08:10:56Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling – Review by Shannen Kern
Great story full of culture, family and life lessons. Great characters, strong storyline. Recommend for new chapter readers and a read out loud group setting. This story will capture your heart and keep you wanting more. Never disappointed with this author, puts their heart in every story.Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Great story full of culture, family and life lessons. Great characters, strong storyline. Recommend for new chapter readers and a read out loud group setting. This story will capture your heart and keep you wanting more. Never disappointed with this author, puts their heart in every story.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ninahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngNina2023-09-01 20:45:382023-09-14 08:10:14Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling – Review by Nina Maes
Multilayered children’s story A different book from this author but still has the educational creatively that one has come to expect. Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants is a chapter story book that tells the story of Xenia whose mother is arrested and facing deportation. The story has some fantasy, lots of emotion intermingled with family drama and the reality of a controversial situation. As always this author handles this with sensitivity and presents the writing in a way that can be shared with children of all ages. 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 East2023-09-01 18:20:322023-09-14 08:08:11Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling – Review by Rayne East
Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants is a kid’s book that centers around the character of a young girl by the name of Xenia Navarro. Xenia lives with her older brother Lucas, and her mom, who is an undocumented immigrant from Mexico. Her dad died in Iraq before he was able to marry her mom and her mom felt raising them in the US would be better for her children. Xenia has grown up with the fear of her mom being deported and has been taught not to draw attention to herself. She must get good grades but not so good that she ends up winning a prize and going in the newspaper because this would bring unwanted attention.
Xenia rarely plays outside because of her mom’s fears but one day while outside she begins to observe a group of ants on the special rock around the sunflower in her yard. The ants and the rock help the sunflower to grow. She watches the ants climb into the garbage can and as she watches them, she notices strange things that they seem to be able to do. As Xenia watches the ants, she decides to do a science project on them and the sunflower. However, before she can complete her science project her mom is deported back to Mexico and Xenia’s life is turned upside down.
The author did a wonderful job of writing about difficult subjects in a way that is easy for children to understand. The storyline was a bit intense at times and took me on a bit of a rollercoaster ride of emotions. The character of Xenia was smart, strong, kind, caring, independent, and inquisitive. The neighbor was someone I felt compelled to slap because what Xenia was doing in her yard was none of his business. Who was he to decide if there was a right or wrong way for a girl to act or play? My heart broke for Xenia when her worst fears came true, and her mom was ripped away from her. How traumatic it was to be separated from her mom and everything she knew. This was a a great little chapter book that touches on the topics of family dynamics, immigration, deportation, ICE, Mexican culture and language, politics, whimsy, a hint of magic, and science.
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 Barnes2023-09-01 13:20:122023-09-14 07:35:59Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling . I love this author and her books are all perfect for kids and families. I think this one should be for older kids maybe Junior High. Its about a little girl named Xenia who is lives with her mom and brother Lucas. Their mother is undocumented and their father died overseas due to being in the Army. They love their life and they love to garden. Along with gardening they have a very special rock (meteorite) in their garden along with special ants that help the flowers grow. Xenia decides to do a science project on the ants and sunflowers and learns its called a “Deekatoo” in Native American or a meteorite to others. They also have a very nosy neighbor that ends up getting their mom arrested and sent back to their homeland leaving the kids in America. The neighbor is out to get the meteorite and is not very nice. This book would make such a good addition to your child’s library or a gift for a family. Great story and lesson.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tausha Treadwayhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTausha Treadway2023-09-01 10:29:552023-09-14 07:35:16Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling – Review by Tausha Treadway
This is a cute little book with pleasing illustrations. I like the storyline of the main character thinking she’s an alien because she didn’t remember being born. She meets a real alien and they become friends. It’s a happy every after ending!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Brandy Vaughnhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBrandy Vaughn2023-09-01 00:23:002023-09-12 14:50:35I Am An Outer Space Alien (I am an Alien) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Brandy Vaughn
This is another wonderful book by the very creative Lois Wickstrom. I have read and loved several of her children’s books and this one is no exception. What would you do if you felt like you didn’t fit in and were from another planet? Well, you would try to communicate and find other aliens like yourself. This is exactly what Shirley aka Shirl does in this cute quick read. The underlying lesson isn’t spelled out in this story as much as it is in most of her books, but it still has plenty of ways to start a discussion about fitting in and wanting to find others like yourself. The artist Nicolàs Milano has also done a splendid job of making colorful, engaging illustrations that help you visualize the story. Ms. Wickstrom continues to be a go to read for my family and myself.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Donyahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDonya2023-08-31 19:49:302023-09-12 14:46:04I Am An Outer Space Alien (I am an Alien) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Donya Pedigo
I have enjoyed every one of Lois Wickstrom’s books and this one did not disappoint. This is a story about a little girl who loses her father. He is killed before he marries her mother. He is a US Citizen and mom is not. This leaves Xenia’s mother with an undocumented status which causes the family to make some hard decisions in order to remain in the US. While this is an integral theme of the story, Xenia also is involved throughout with the school science fair and begins studying ants. Having worked with children in similar circumstances as Xenia and seeing how they can face such hard situations at home and still have a love of learning gave me a connection to the story here.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tanya Wallhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTanya Wall2023-08-31 18:46:572023-09-09 20:59:33Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling – Review by Tanya Wall, August 2023
Another great book by the authors aimed at kids. This book hits a little harder than other books I’ve read by the author, looking at the topic of deportation. The issues/process is explained well in a way for children and adults alike to understand. This book follows the character of Xenia and her family, living as undocumented immigrants. Unfortunately, the book takes a sad turn when Xenia’s mum is arrested and deported. There are some fantasy elements which lighten the heavy topic for younger readers and gives the book a more encouraging push. This is another engaging and educational book by the authors which helps to teach kids in a fun and meaningful way.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rebecahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRebeca2023-08-31 18:40:332023-09-09 20:58:31Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling – Review by Rebeca Elliott Figueiras
Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants is not what I expected. I have read a lot by this author and they are usually light hearted fun children’s picture books. This book was a little more intense topic and for older ages. It would be a good beginner chapter book for 5th-7th grade or so. The topics are a bit intense and the average young child wouldn’t understand. The book focuses on a mother being picked up by ICE and risking deportation for being in the country illegally. I have 3 kids and none have heard anyone talk about that before. But then again they aren’t in a Hispanic neighborhood or school. Maybe that is the point… to introduce kids to this in a controlled setting. In true fashion, the author used her amazing imagination on the ant man. Very different from Marvel character, but just as exciting. A shape shifting ant man that smells like cucumbers. I don’t know where she comes up with this stuff, but I loved the book.
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 Sanchez2023-08-30 21:59:582023-09-09 12:35:09Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez
Xenia Navarro and the Magical Ants by Lois Wickstrom & Milagros Darling is available now in eBook and Physical Book ⭐️⭐️⭐⭐ Book Review
Xenia Navarro and the Magical Ants is a chapter book geared towards young readers. Wickstrom and Darling do an amazing job discussing some difficult topics: deportation, living in poverty, family drama and all of the effects these situations have on children. I thoroughly enjoyed the insight to Hispanic culture and how some Spanish terminology was used throughout. Even though this book touched on many tough topics it was also filled with hope and magic allowing the reader to look forward to a positive ending. I would highly recommend this book to children approx. 3rd through 6th grade age level.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ashley Mertzhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAshley Mertz2023-08-30 19:28:282023-09-09 12:32:22Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling – Review by Ashley Mertz
Another good children’s book by Lois Wickstrom. It is longer than the other books I’ve read of hers and I would recommend it more for middle/upper Elementary age kids. Xenia was taught not to cause trouble or bring the spotlight to her family due to her mom being undocumented from Mexico. The author utilized this book to discuss a sensitive topic in an age-appropriate educational manner.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Trista Martinhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTrista Martin2023-08-30 16:46:192023-09-09 12:30:36Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling – Review by Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling – Review by Trista Martin
A lot of tough topics are brought up during this story- military deployment with a parent death, ICE and deportation, fear of being deported, living in poverty, yet the story also has hope (with a little bit of magical luck) for Xenia.
My favorite part of the book includes the Mexican phrases sprinkled throughout- often times it feels forced, but in this case, it enhanced the story as Xenia loses her mother, gains an aunt, but maintains part of her Mexican heritage. One thing I didn’t enjoy was the brother’s character- thought his character was a little flat. Overall, loved the story and couldn’t wait to see how she ends it!
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 Crain2023-08-29 22:34:522023-09-09 12:23:39Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling – Review by Jennifer Crain
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We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain.
We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains. You can check these in your browser security settings.
Google Analytics Cookies
These cookies collect information that is used either in aggregate form to help us understand how our website is being used or how effective our marketing campaigns are, or to help us customize our website and application for you in order to enhance your experience.
If you do not want that we track your visit to our site you can disable tracking in your browser here:
Other external services
We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. Changes will take effect once you reload the page.
Google Webfont Settings:
Google Map Settings:
Google reCaptcha Settings:
Vimeo and Youtube video embeds:
Other cookies
The following cookies are also needed - You can choose if you want to allow them:
Privacy Policy
You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page.
