Four Delightful Children’s Books For Young Readers

My son has just turned three years old and he’s starting to really love good stories. Books are part of the bedtime routine most nights. But the reading material always has to be fresh. So I was looking into new children’s books for young readers, released in Spring 2019 to introduce to him.

There are several new children’s books out this Spring that caught my eye. Books with beautiful illustrations and great stories that entertain and/or teach valuable lessons are always ones that I value.

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DISCLOSURE: I received sample copies of these books listed below from Penguin Canada for review. No other compensation was provided. All opinions below are those of myself and my son. As well, links below lead to the books available for purchase on Chapters-Indigo.ca. If you decide to click on the link and purchase the book, I will receive a small commission on the sale, at no additional cost to you. Thank you! For more information please read my Disclaimer.

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Reviewing Children’s Books Released Spring 2019

A thank you to the team at Penguin Canada for sending me these books for review with my son. After I had taken a few photos, my son and I sat down to look through the books. He really likes them all, so they’re all recommended. He’s all about the pictures right now, so if you can tell a story that goes with the illustrations, he’s happy.

However, as he gets older and begins reading, these books will probably be ones that he’ll continue to enjoy.

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Great Job, Mom!

By Holman Wang, ISBN 978-0-7352-6408-3 (hardcover)

This book is about all the jobs a mom does – from her professional career as a carpenter to the many roles she takes on with her family. Vancouver-based Holman Wang has created beautiful scenes with felted figures, which he photographs himself. They’re like snapshots from a movie. Vibrantly coloured and set in action-packed scenes, children will be looking at the pictures carefully to spot all the details. A beautiful tribute to all the work moms do!

My son liked the attention to details in Great Job, Mom! He noted small things in each scene. It’s a great book to play “I spy, with my little eye” to get kids to talk about colours and things.

This makes a great Mother’s Day gift for mom and her kid(s) to read together.

For ages 3 to 7. Purchase Great Job, Mom via Chapters-Indigo.ca or Amazon.

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Great Job, Dad!

By Holman Wang, ISBN 978-0-7352-6410-6 (hardcover)

Like the Great Job, Mom book, this one is all about Dad’s accomplishments. Dad is a manager in his nine to five job, but at home he puts on many hats in helping parent his children. From checking for wet bums to building blanket forts, there’s nothing dad doesn’t do.

We loved Great Job, Dad! because my son could see many things that his own dad does reflected in the various scenes. It, like the Mom book, recognizes that in our kids’ eyes, parents are their super heroes. I recommend it for a Father’s Day gift, for quiet times together.

For ages 3 to 7. Purchase Good Job, Dad via Chapters-Indigo.ca or Amazon.

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Swarm of Bees

By Lemony Snickett, Illustrated by Rilla Alexander, ISBN 978-1-101-91879-1 (hardcover)

Follow along as to what happens when a little boy unleashes a swarm of angry bees. It includes vignettes of what others are doing around town, including some interesting activities! The little boy tries to keep the bees from stinging different people and characters along the way.

Vividly colourful, Swarm of Bees is a fun read that bounces from scene to scene. My son liked the pace, but it’s a bit long for a tired three-year-old. It’s a book that kids will appreciate as they get older and begin reading.

For ages 3 to 7. Purchase Swarm of Bees via Chapters-Indigo.ca or Amazon

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Life Lessons For A Cat Countess – Miss Mink

By Janet Hill, ISBN 978-1-77049-922-5 (hardcover)

WOW. My favourite of the four children’s books for young readers was released in Spring 2019. This book is gorgeously illustrated by Stratford, Ontario-based Janet Hill. The premise of this Miss Mink book is that Miss Marcella Mink, the cat countess, has 67 cats. To combat her lack of time for herself and for her friends, due to her busy feline-friendly cruise company business, she follows the example of her cats. Each page is beautifully illustrated with a lesson learned from her cats. Each page requires you to explain the scene before you, so it’s a great way to teach your kids valuable life lessons.

This is one of those books that I’ll have to put away after each reading because I wouldn’t want to see it ruined by little hands. It’s a keeper… I save the best for last! Although strongly feminine in its styling and characters, it’s a feast for the eyes with its colours, attention to details and style reminiscent of the Roaring Twenties.

For ages 4 to 8. Purchase Miss Mink on Chapters-Indigo.ca and Amazon.

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There you go – four great new children’s books for young readers ages 3 to 8 to add to your child’s collection.

I remember loving new books to read when I was little. They kept me busy for a while so my mom and dad could have some relaxing time without screaming kids.

Here’s a great tip: gift your child with a new book for Easter time. Include it in a big basket of goodies and inscribe the year you’ve gifted it. I have several books from family friends that I was given as an Easter gift and I still remember the day I received them.

Books create a positive experience – they are more memorable than toys. That’s why I always love to give them to kids as a gift!

QUESTION: What was your favourite book as a child?

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