Review: What's Inside the Easter Egg? by Cindy Jin

 And now, it's time for today's second review! This one is for the youngest readers out there and greets the upcoming, Easter holiday. I love books with flaps and things, and this one promises one with every turn of the page. Plus, that bunny looks so friendly.

Ready to open some eggs with me and see if this one is everything I hope it to be?

WHAT'S INSIDE THE EASTER EGG?

A Lift-The-Flap Book

by Cindy Jin

Illustrated by Fiona Dulieu

Little Simon

Board Book / Holidays

14 pages

ages 0 to 4

Little ones will love searching for the Easter bunny in this bright and lively interactive lift-the-flap board book that’s shaped like an Easter egg!

With a happy wagging tail,
this one loves to bark.
He chases squirrels down the trail
and runs around the park.

Could it be the Easter Bunny?

Young readers can lift the sturdy flaps to discover different springtime animals until the Easter bunny finally appears in this irresistible Easter egg–shaped board book! 

GOODREADS   /   AMAZON   /   B&N   /    BOOK DEPOSITORY

MY TIDBITS

Hunting for eggs packs tons of surprises in this cute book, which greets the Easter season, while introducing the youngest readers to some familiar animals.

This board book is robust enough to handle some carrying around and wear-and-tear. The flaps open up easily and will take some abuse, but I can see them ripping after a while...but that also means the kids are using the book time and again. I also like the rounded shape of this book, which keeps corners away and hints at egg curves (at least, somewhat).

The illustrations are bright and cute, giving details in the scenes but keeping them general and rounded for simple identification. Yet, there's more than enough there to make each one interesting. The eggs are colored in a matching theme, which I found clever.

The text is heavy compared to many board books, but it works well for the 2 to 4 age group. Each one starts with the same question, which give the title to this book and then, answers it with a four-line poem which includes an animal noise. The vocabulary fits well to the age group and the rhymes flow wonderfully.

I could see young readers enjoying this one quite a bit and am, actually, going to give a copy to a young reader I know.

And here they are...

Cindy Jin edits and writes books for children. She lives in New York City.

Fiona Dulieu is an award-winning animator turned illustrator from northern England. She earned her honors degree in animation and sound at Norwich University of the Arts then worked for several animation studios in London where she fell in love with illustration, character design, and visual development. Fiona then became her own boss through freelance illustration and opening her shop Pearl Planet where she sells handmade nail decals and art prints. 

Review: #1 Dad by Cindy Jin

Today's review is a nod to a special day coming up this weekend—Father's Day! 

This one is a fun board book...because it's been awhile since I had one of these on Bookworm for Kids. Plus, this book is a 'lift-the-tie' book, meaning the young listeners will have the chance to lift a tie on every page and see what's underneath. I've always had a soft spot for books with little extras like this.

And it definitely celebrates dads.

Ready to lift a tie with me?

 #1 DAD

A Lift-the-Tie Book

by Cindy Jin

Illustrated by Dawn M Cardona

Little Simon

Board Book 

14 pages

ages 2 to 5

Inspired by the classic “dress shirt and tie” Father’s Day gift, this novelty book featuring tie-shaped lift-the-flaps celebrates the special bond between father and child by highlighting all kinds of fun, wacky ties for Dad!

From the favorite foods that dads make for breakfast to the handy things in any dad’s tool kit, each tie design highlights the ways dads play an important role in their child’s life. Featuring simple rhymes about all the cool things dads do, each spread includes a tie-shaped flap that little ones can lift to find fun trophies to award Dad—from #1 Fixer Upper to #1 Hairstylist!

The perfect way to show appreciation for all dads, father figures, and fathers-to-be in your life, this book is a sweet reminder for every dad that proves that they are, and will always be, World’s #1 Dad in their children’s eyes.

GOODREADS   /    AMAZON   /   BOOK DEPOSITORY   /    B&N

BOOK BLINK

 

                                         * created for smaller hands

                                         * celebrates fathers

                                         * ties to lift up and discover something underneath

MY TIDBITS

Father's gain a well-earned spotlight, while giving young listeners a chance to discover things on their own.

This books is a celebration of fathers. Every page shows a father and something he does for his kids, but these roles aren't always the traditional ones kids might expect. While Dad does fix things and such, he also does fun things which will make listeners smile...like helping a daughter to do her hair. The scenes are varied and listeners are sure to be familiar with more than just one or two of them.

The pictures are bright and bold, and bring across each scene with love and, sometimes, a bit of humor. The large neckties on the right side can be lifted to discover an item underneath. This item give more than a nod to a wonderful dad and help listeners realize all the things their fathers really do for them. It's a great read-aloud as well as a book to be explored on its own. It definitely is a hit for father figures to read with their own little ones...and possibly gain a hug or two as well.

And here they are...

The Author...

Cindy Jin edits and writes books for children. She lives in New York City.

The Illustrator...

Dawn M. Cardona is a self-taught illustrator who has been cutting out her intricate and playful illustrations by hand since she discovered her love for paper in 2004. She currently lives and works out of her home in Hawaii.

Holiday Review: All the Little Snowflakes by Cindy Jin

Only a few days left until Christmas! And we're dreaming of a white one...dreaming because it's not going to happen.  So, to help with these dreams, I'm throwing in a book which is all about snowflakes, white landscapes, and frosty fun. This one has punch-outs the entire way through and is a board book for even young readers.

ALL THE LITTLE SNOWFLAKES

by Cindy Jin

Illustrated by Dawn M. Cardona

Little Simon

Board Book

18 pages

ages 0 to 5

Celebrate winter in this rhyming board book featuring die-cut snowflakes on every page!

All the little snowflakes fall down to the ground
As bright city lights twinkle all around.

A wintry celebration full of snow and all things that sparkle, this novelty board book reminds us that everyone is one of a kind—just like each special snowflake that falls from the sky.

GOODREADS / AMAZON / B&N / BOOK DEPOSITORY / KOBO

MY TIDBITS

Snowflake and playful dreams join peaceful thoughts in this cute, little board book.

I'm a sucker for board books with the extra, little special something...and this one has small cut-outs/peep holes the entire way through. The book has the usual, nice, sturdy board book sizing and quality, meaning it will hold up in smaller hands. The illustrations are bright and bold, but not overly simplified. For those who enjoy very direct illustrations in board books, these will come across a little more busy. But I, personally, prefer them this way so kids can always discover something new. The scenes do include some which will connect with young listeners, who know snow...or snow dreamers.

The text is just right for ages 2 to 5. It's short and builds the scenes as well as the excitement for snow. This book is all about playing in snow but also slides more along the lines of experiencing the falling snow. Not only as it falls but also when it ends... and the hope it will start up again. Simply said, it's a celebration of snow.

And here they are...

The Author

Cindy Jin edits and writes books for children. She lives in New York City.

The Illustrator

Dawn M. Cardona is a self-taught illustrator who has been cutting out her intricate and playful illustrations by hand since she discovered her love for paper in 2004. She currently lives and works out of her home in Hawaii.

Review: Five Little Thank-Yous by Cindy Jin

FIVE LITTLE THANK-YOUS

by Cindy Jin

Illustrated by Dawn M. Cardona

Little Simon

Board Book

12 pages 

ages 0 to 5

Shaped like a handprint turkey art craft, this colorful rhyming board book is all about the important things to be thankful for on Thanksgiving!

Thank you for this food we share
made with tender love and care.

This Thanksgiving book of five important thank yous is the perfect way for parents to celebrate and share the meaning of the holiday with their child.

Inspired by the construction paper Thanksgiving turkeys kids learn to draw with their hands, this novelty book has a collage art style that both adults and little ones will recognize and love!

MY TIDBITS

This is a little book, which sums up the Thanksgiving spirit clearly, with warmth and a tad bit of fun.

Shaped like a hand and fitting to the shape of a simple turkey, this tiny book screams Thanksgiving. It includes five basic things to be thankful for, simple things which center around family and being together. It's easy for the youngest to understand and recognize some of the situations, and sturdy enough to be tugged around with the request to be read over and over again.

The illustrations are colorful, simple and yet hold tiny details listeners not only will be familiar with but will point out (like spilled sprinkles, a dog begging for food at the table, or a falling-off hat). The ending brings it all home with a message of confidence and love.


And here they are...

The Author...
Cindy Jin writes and edits books for children. She lives in New York City. 

The Illustrator...

Dawn M. Cardona is a self-taught illustrator who has been cutting out her intricate and playful illustrations by hand since she discovered her love for paper in 2004. She currently lives and works out of her home in Maine.