Rosh's Reviews

AUTHOR: Raluca Sirbu GENRE: Children's Storybook. PUBLICATION DATE: October 7, 2025 RATING: 3 stars. In a Nutshell: An illustrated storybook about the power of storytelling and of dreaming. Enjoyed the thought and the moral, but the writing was way too lyrical for my reading preference. Perhaps kids (and parents) with a more poetic bent of mind might enjoy it better. The illustrations are stunning. Plot Preview: A young girl lives in a country filled with stories. However, when an evil king and his army of dragons invade the land, he forbids storytelling and cages all existing stories. But the little girl had three stories in her possession, and she uses these to provide hope to her people. Honestly, I love the intent and the deeper meaning of the story. There are so many layers to it that we can interpret them the way we want. The concept establishes the link between stories and dreams, hopes, action! It shows how tales from the past can spur rebellion in the present. It establish...

AUTHOR: Susan Verde ILLUSTRATOR: Peter H. Reynolds SERIES: I Am Books GENRE: Children's Picture Book PUBLICATION DATE: September 15, 2020 RATING: 3 stars. A picture book that tackles a simple question: How can one person make a difference? "Beautiful things start with just one" - this is represented through the various examples presented at the start. As we all know, it does take one to make a difference, but in a world where the crazy seem to outnumber the sane, my pessimistic side struggles with such idealism. But for the sake of all little ones who are still innocent and still believe in humans and hope, I keep my fingers crossed that this book reinforces their strength and belief in themselves and their individual power. The illustrations are mostly cute, with lovely rainbow hues on every page. I wasn't a big fan of candle wax being dropped in a pond, but it was a trivial issue in an otherwise good book. A good option for the topic of positive action. Works for re...

AUTHOR: Susan Verde ILLUSTRATOR: Peter H. Reynolds SERIES: I Am Books GENRE: Children's Picture Book PUBLICATION DATE: September 7, 2021 RATING: 3.5 stars. A picture book about positive affirmation on the themes of courage and resilience. Written in first person, the simple lines are infused with mental reinforcements about going on in times of trouble. The tone fits the title, being more about strength and determination than blind hopefulness or idealism.  I appreciate how it highlights that the courageous can also have fear and failure, and that helping others is equally important on the journey towards success. The slow change from first person singular to plural is a good way of highlighting team efforts. The author's note at the end presents some simple yoga techniques that help build inner peace. A good option for kids who enjoy reading such topics. Not my kind of book, but I can see its benefit for the right reader. Works for kids aged 4+.

AUTHOR: Pope Francis and Paul A. Reynolds ILLUSTRATOR: Peter H. Reynolds GENRE: Children's Picture Book PUBLICATION DATE: January 20, 2026 RATING: 5 colourful-rainbow stars! 🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈 In a Nutshell: A beautiful picture book containing a beautiful message and beautiful illustrations. Based on a message by the GOAT Pope Francis, but secular enough to be relevant to all. Much, much recommended! I am not usually one to pick inspirational books. But just a single glance at the key author’s name on the cover page ensured that I scrambled to get a copy of this picture book. Beloved Pope Francis 🥰, whom I have respected, admired and loved ever since he showed Catholics a new path towards inclusivity and acceptance, spoke about a metaphorical personal treasure chest to a group of youth in 2015. On his passing, the authors, twin brothers Peter and Paul Reynolds ( Love their apostolic names! ), decided to pen this picture book inspired by that message so as to make it reach and influence mo...

AUTHOR: Tini Malina ILLUSTRATOR: Tammi Reichel GENRE: Children's Picture Book PUBLICATION DATE: March 24, 2026 RATING: 3.5 stars. In a Nutshell: A picture book about a little spider with a creative artistic style. Nice story and quirky illustrations. Would have loved it more with a different ending. The current one came out of nowhere and left me confused about the moral. Plot Preview: Selma is a little spider with a huge creative spirit. She makes her webs artistically, no matter how much the other spiders point out that her webs are not functional. Selma wants her artwork to capture the splendour of the universe, but how can a small spider on the ground make something that reaches the stars? This book was originally published in German in 2025 under the title ‘Selma, du machst das falsch!’ This English translation (plus a Spanish edition as well) is due to be published in March 2026. Selma is a wonderful character who follows her heart rather than blindly adhering to herd mental...

AUTHOR: Carola Schmidt ILLUSTRATOR: Dian Ovieta GENRE: Children's Inspirational Book. PUBLICATION DATE: February 6, 2026 RATING: 4 stars. In a Nutshell: An inspirational picture book aimed at young girls. Nice uplifting message, fabulous illustrations. A bit too vague, but this can also work to its advantage. Recommended. As the cover indicates, this is a “letter to a powerful girl”. Addressed directly to the young girl reading the book, the content offers a motivating note about how to tackles the various stones that life may throw in their path. I found the tagline quite interesting. The adjective “powerful” is a minor addition but a major game-changer in that line. It highlights how even confident children can face hurdles on their way. At the same time, it serves as a reminder that the little reader is powerful, whether they believe it or not. As far as messages go, the content is obviously as expected. But there are a couple of things that set this book apart. For one, the con...

AUTHOR: Sheila Walsh ILLUSTRATOR: Marcin Piwowarski GENRE: Children's Picture Book, Christmas. PUBLICATION DATE: November 4, 2025 RATING: In a Nutshell: A Christmas picture book about a little girl who dreams of one thing and gets something else. A cute story with a nice Christmas message and lovely illustrations. But the rhymes were a bit off. I might have liked this better if it were written in simple prose. Could work better with those who aren’t particular about poetic meter while reading aloud to their kids. Plot Preview: Isabella has always dreamed of playing an angel in the annual Nativity play, so when she sees the call for auditions, she is quite excited and rehearses all her lines well. But when she gets selected to play the drummer girl – a role with no lines, she is heartbroken. Why is this Christmas so disappointing? Is there any way it will improve? The story comes to us in Isabella’s first-person POV. A few years ago, our Children’s Choir team was putting up a chora...

AUTHOR: Jen White GENRE: Children's Nonfiction PUBLICATION DATE: October 21, 2025 RATING: 3 stars. In a Nutshell: A picture book about the connection between art and science and how the two can work in sync. A good concept, but I wanted more from the execution. This might click slightly better for older kids than the targeted age group. Art and Science have long been considered distinct fields. However, there is plenty of science in art ( think colour combinations, geometric arrangements, spatial utilisation, structural knowledge of materials, and so on ) and plenty of art in science ( think botanical sketches, chemical bonds, engineering structures, architectural designs, and so on .) The commonality between the two is a fascinating topic, and hence, I was thrilled when I saw the title of this book. Unfortunately, though it gets some things right, it skips some foundational information and aims at a higher level. The book begins with some generalised statements about how both art ...

AUTHOR: Elizabeth Acevedo ILLUSTRATOR: Andrea Pippins GENRE: Illustrated Spoken Word Poem PUBLICATION DATE: May 3, 2022 RATING: 2 stars. In a Nutshell: An illustrated version of the author's famous spoken-word poem. Didn't get much of the poetic merit (no surprises there, given my lack of fondness for poetry), but liked the powerful message and the vibrant illustrations. Might work differently for readers more impacted by this format of poetry. I have wild hair. Though thinner now with age and hormonal upheavals, my hair still looks like I forgot to brush it after I woke up. Over the years, many friends have asked me to straighten my hair. They claim it's easier to manage. No one asks me whether I'm bothered by my messy waves or if I prefer straight hair to curls. They just assume that their straight hair IS better. ( Fact: I think straight hair is boring. I love curly hair as it has a personality of its own! I am very jealous of women who have ringlet curls .) Isn'...

AUTHOR: Anthony Antoniou ILLUSTRATOR: Baptiste Amsallem GENRE: Children's Picture Book. PUBLICATION DATE: October 7, 2025 RATING: 4.25 stars. In a Nutshell: A picture book about a little boy and his big, biiiig problem. Written by a teenager about his experience with his own autistic brother, so there is a beautiful thread of hope, love, and determination supporting this story. Helpful and insightful. Definitely recommended. Plot Preview: As the vacation is about to begin, little Noah is pondering over a big, biiiig problem: he wants to play with his younger brother Gabriel, but cannot. Gabriel is autistic and hence his brain functions differently. However, Noah is not one to give up. He tries a variety of fun activity options with Gabriel, but the result is never successful. Just when Noah thinks he might not be able to overcome his big, biiiig issue, he hits upon a big, biiiig solution. The story is written in Noah’s third-person perspective. This book was originally written in F...

AUTHOR: Ruby Jones GENRE: Self-Help Affirmations. PUBLICATION DATE: March 16, 2021 RATING: 3 stars. In a Nutshell: A collection of affirmations presented through some powerful illustrations. Not exactly my type of book, but a great option for those who enjoy self-help and inspirational works. As the tagline suggests, this promises to be a little book of kindness. Of comfort. Of strengthening and inspiring advice one needs to hear while battling life’s lows. ( Or while listening to the news these days. ) As a compilation of some impactful and thought-provoking affirmations, this book does all this and more. The author's little note at the start explains how the book came into being. The rest of the book is a mix of affirmations and illustrations.  The book seems hefty at 128 pages, but the affirmations are probably on just a third of those pages. The rest are just positive, mood-boosting, heart-touching illustrations. As such, it is a very quick read for those who wish to go cover ...

AUTHOR & ILLUSTRATOR: SERIES: Madeline Finn, #1 GENRE: Children's Picture Book PUBLICATION DATE: October 1, 2016 RATING: 5 stars! In a Nutshell: A gorgeous picture book about a little girl who struggles with reading and finds some unexpected help. Amazing story, amazing illustrations, amazing motivational lesson, and one cute surprise at the end that made me go “Whoa!” Much recommended! Can’t wait to try the rest of the series. Plot Preview: Madeline Fin is a little girl who doesn’t like to read, especially to read out loud. Her teacher and her mother both encourage her to keep trying, but Madeline is frustrated at her lack of progress. She yearns for a star sticker but how can she get it if she doesn’t want to read anymore? One Saturday, her mother takes her to the library, where the librarian, who knows that Madeline hates reading, asks her, “Do you want to read to a dog?” Hesitantly, Madeline goes to beautiful white dog named Bonnie and tries to read to her. Do you think Bo...

AUTHOR: Maurice Sendak GENRE: Children's Picture Book. PUBLICATION DATE: April 9, 1963 RATING: 4 stars. In a Nutshell: Finally read this classic picture book! Good story, great illustrations. Quite imaginative and entertaining but many of the points will work better on discussion. Plot Preview: One night, young Max is wearing his wolf suit and making mischief in the house. His mother calls him “Wild Thing!” in anger, so he retaliates and declares that he will eat her up. As expected, he gets punished for his cheek, and is sent to his room without food. But something special happens in his room, and he soon finds himself sailing to where the wild things are and having much fun with them. Should he continue to stay there, where he can be the King of the Wild Things? I have had this classic on my TBR since a few years now. Considered by many to be among the greatest picture books ever and the Winner of the Caldecott Medal for Most Distinguished Picture Book in 1964, this book came at...

COMPILER: Kim Normanton GENRE: Children's Fiction PUBLICATION DATE: September 11, 2025 RATING: 5 super-great stars! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 In a Nutshell: Believe the title! This is a collection of “Super Great Kids’ Stories”, taken from folktales and fables around the world. Great stories and morals. Excellent narrative technique, making it apt for readalouds. Thoroughly entertaining. Much, much recommended! Not being a podcast person (all my listening time is devoted to audiobooks and music), I was totally clueless about the award-winning podcast ‘Super Great Kids’ Stories’ . Reading this book assures me that the podcast must be award-winning for a valid reason. What a brilliant collection and presentation! The book begins with a beautiful intro by the podcast hosts who have curated this collection. They offer a background to their podcast as well as explain the structure of the book. The main content comprises thirty “traditional tales” taken from around the world. The stories are grouped in...

AUTHOR: Luciana Cimino ILLUSTRATOR: Sergio Algozzino GENRE: Graphic Novel PUBLICATION DATE: March 2, 2021 RATING: 2 stars. In a Nutshell: A graphic novel focussing on Nellie Bly. Had tremendous potential considering the impactful life of the investigative journalist who was so far ahead of her times, but the execution didn’t work well for me. Offered just a cursory glance at her achievements. The illustrations were somewhat good. But the overall result was a disappointment. This graphic novel was originally published in Italian in 2019 under the title ‘Nellie Bly’. This English translation was published in 2021. Many of you might already be aware of the legendary Nellie Bly. Ever since I heard of her, I have been in awe of her spirit, determination and courage. One of the pioneering female investigative journalists, she is most known for two things: her solo journey around the world following Jules Verne’s novel “Around the World in Eighty Days”, and her pretence of being mad so as t...

AUTHOR: Ellen Javernick ILLUSTRATOR: Bhagya Madanasinghe GENRE: Children's Picture Book. PUBLICATION DATE: September 2, 2025 RATING: 4 stars. In a Nutshell: A picture book about changing your perspective towards a more positive outlook. Realistic characters, great story, cute illustrations, essential message that cannot be repeated enough. Much recommended. Plot Preview: Whenever anyone asks Andrew how his day went, he grumbles about something awful that messed up his day. After a few days, his sister Amelia points out that he only talks of the bad things that happened. She suggests that he start thinking of one awesome thing that happens to him every day, even if it is something small. Andrew knows this is a tall ask, but he still agrees to try. What do you think happens next? “Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life”, from Monty Python's Life of Brian, might have been a comic parody, but its titular message is true if you want to live a happier life. It always helps to think ...

AUTHOR: Lupita Nyong'o ILLUSTRATOR: Vashti Harrison GENRE: Children's Picture Book PUBLICATION DATE: October 15, 2019 RATING: 3.75 stars. In a Nutshell: A picture book focussing on colorism and self-acceptance. Poetic writing that might be a tad tricky for little readers. The storyline could have done better for me. But the outstanding illustrations saved the overall rating. Plot Preview: Little Sulwe was born "the colour of midnight". None of her other family members have the exact same skin tone as she does. After facing bullying and ostracism in school, Sulwe tries everything she can think of to lighten her skin, whether using the eraser on her skin or praying to God to be as bright and beautiful as her mother and her sister. But nothing works. One night, a special visitor comes to visit Sulwe after bedtime and takes her on a magical journey across the night sky. I am not a big fan of the new trend of celebrities writing picture books, but some celebrities are spec...

AUTHOR & NARRATOR: Trevor Noah ILLUSTRATOR: Sabina Hahn GENRE: Illustrated Novel PUBLICATION DATE: October 8, 2024 RATING: 4.25 stars. In a Nutshell: A illustrated chapter book with two interesting characters and a fable-style narrative. A nice mix of realism and fantasy. Loved the writing and the characters. Adored the thought-provoking bits of wisdom. I wish the ending had extended at least a couple of pages further, but even as is, this is a beautiful book for all, especially but not only for a joint parent-child reading session. Plot Preview: A young boy is tired of the routine chores his mom forces him to do everyday. So when he wakes up one bright Saturday morning, he makes a special plan ‘before chores ruin this special day.’ He takes his best friend – Walter, his teddy bear – and decides to run away from home into the uncut grass beyond his house yard. Walter tries his best to dissuade the boy, but the boy is determined to ‘be free’. What happens next? Most of you would cer...

AUTHOR: Constance Lombardo ILLUSTRATOR: Micah Player SERIES: Itty Bitty Betty Blob, #2 GENRE: Children's Picture Book PUBLICATION DATE: August 19, 2025 RATING: 4.5 stars. In a Nutshell: Itty Bitty Betty Blob, the adorable monster, returns in this picture book about facing yet another monstrous challenge. Almost as cute as the first book in terms of storyline, writing, and illustrations. Definitely recommended! Plot Preview: Itty Bitty Betty Blob still doesn’t fit in with her fellow monsters in Ghoulington. But she has mostly accepted herself, and knows that being fierce isn't her cup of tea. When the new school year requires all students to try for a club, Betty wants to use her new diving skills in the ‘Devil Divers’ club. However, there’s one big problem. The coach wants his divers to make a big SPLASH in the pool, while Betty can manage just a dainty ‘splish’ in the water. Will Betty once again be the misfit? I had read the first book: 'Itty Bitty Betty Blob' last ...