Picture Book Review: Little Brown by Marla Frazee

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Book received at no charge to facilitate review.

Little Brown spends his time at the dog park cranky. Is he cranky because no one ever plays with him or does no one play with him because he is cranky? Little Brown doesn't really know he keeps getting crankier and decides to action. He nabs the ball and grabs the tassel toy. He even takes a blanket and stick. In fact, he amasses quite a collection of things from the other dogs. 

While he looks at his collection, Little Brown wonders if the other dogs will like him or play with him if he returns the belongings. His dilemma presents a great lesson in how to start conversation with others in the struggle to belong. Unfortunately, the story ends with no resolution leaving some disappointment but also room for open ended discussion.

Rating ★★★☆☆

Publishing Information

Publisher: Beach Lane Books/Simon & Schuster (Oct. 2, 2018)

ISBN: 9781481425223

Ages: 4-8

I'm Ok by Patti Kim: Book Review

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Book received at no charge to facilitate review.

Ever since Ok's dad died, he and his mom have struggled to make ends meet. As the man of the house, Ok feels a big responsibility to help her out. Though he would love to win the cash prize at his school's talent show, Ok realizes he lacks in the talent department. Instead he hatches a plan to start his own hair braiding business. With a few library books and a little practice, Ok is ready.

While he dreams of making big money, the reality is the girls at school can't pay Ok much. To make matters worse the strange girl, Mickey McDonald blackmails him and in doing so inserts herself into an unwitting friendship. The class bully, Asa, also gives OK unwanted attention. If that weren't bad enough, Deacon Koh of the First Korean Full Gospel Church starts dating Ok's mom.

It's enough to make OK want to get away. He hatches an escape plan but will it work?

Quirky humor helps lighten the load of heavy grief. Readers can't help but feel for Ok and will relate to the other characters as well.

Rating ★★★★☆

Publishing Information:

Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers/Simon & Schuster (Oct. 9, 2018)

ISBN: 9781534419292

Ages 10 & up