Tag: Maddie Frost

REVIEW: Bear in a Bathrobe by Maddie Frost

REVIEW: Bear in a Bathrobe by Maddie Frost

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

When Bear’s friends invite him out to go ice skating, he always has an excuse. Bear is not a big fan of the outdoors – especially because he gets to wear his cozy bathrobe when he stays inside!

But Bear’s friends have special things that help them when they feel scared – a special scarf or a lucky hat. Maybe if Bear had a cozy special something he could feel brave enough to join his friends!

Review

This is super cute!! I fell in love with Maddie Frost’s illustrations when I read her Wombats series earlier this year. So I had to check out this picture book  – and it is gorgeous! I love her art style and the cute touches in her spreads. The liner papers in this are rows of coffee/cocoa mugs, and they are darling.

The story here is both funny and inspiring. It’s a friendship story while also being a story about being scared and trying something new anyway. And Bear’s ice skating adventure isn’t perfect. But he’s okay and able to roll with the ups and downs.

This would be a lot of fun to read aloud. And I think kids will want to get up close so they can pour over the artwork in this one. Don’t miss this darling winter story!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ – Great! Might re-read

 

REVIEW: Wombats! Go to Wizard's Wharf by Maddie Frost

REVIEW: Wombats! Go to Wizard’s Wharf by Maddie Frost

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Four years ago, Albert borrowed an egg from Pickles and said “I owe you one.” And now Pickles is ready to collect. He’s cashing in his IOU to go to Wizard’s Wharf amusement park. Albert is just not into amusement parks or “magic.” But he’s a good friend, so he agrees.

Review

This was delightful! The illustrations alone would make me pick this up. Especially when Albert and Pickles get to Wizard’s Wharf – I think kids will love pouring over each panel to see what is going on in the background. And Wizard’s Wharf looks awesome!

At it’s core, this is a friendship story – and it’s a great one. Albert is a good friend who does something that means so much to Pickles. The pages where they first arrive at Wizard’s Wharf are my favorite. I LOVE Pickles’ joy at being in this magical place he’s dreamed about visiting. Albert also uses his knowledge of Pickles to find him when they get separated. The two friends might have personality differences, but Albert really sees and knows Pickles.

I don’t think readers have to have read book one to enjoy this, but fans will definitely want to read both books. Wombats! Go Camping is another fun story. And I loved this one even more. I hope there will be more books starring these two friends – I am here for them!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥♥½ = I loved it! Would re-read.

REVIEW: Wombats! Go Camping by Maddie Frost

REVIEW: Wombats! Go Camping by Maddie Frost

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Albert and Pickles have planned a camping trip. But while Albert has planned a light load to walk to the campsite, and a night in a tent under the stars, Pickles has been imagining a resort with all of his favorite things.

The friends’ miss-matched expectations, however, are nothing compared to what happens when Pickles makes a new friend along the way and they take a side trip to find a “monster.”

Review

This chapter book/early reader graphic novel is a hoot and a half! Hand this to young readers – 7 to 10 – who love friendship stories, camping, and silly tales. I got such a kick out of these friends, and the illustrations here are fantastic.

The beginning of the story would lead to an awesome conversation with kids about expectations. But that’s only the first quarter of the book. The rest is a fun, silly adventure, and I think kids will love it!

This is the first book in a series, and I’ll be posting a review of book 2 soon. Don’t miss this one!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ = Great! Might re-read