I’m a Feel-o-saur (Lezlie Evans)

Hello, friends! Our book today is I’m a Feel-o-saur, written by Lezlie Evans and illustrated by Kate Chappell, an adorable look at emotions and how we manage them.

Starring a cast of “dino-kids” – a group of children in colorful full-body dinosaur costumes – the upbeat rhyming text introduces young readers to a wide range of emotions, and how one might deal with them. Each dino-kid embodies a different feeling, from Happy-saurus to Shy-o-saurus to Scared-o-saurus to Brave-o-saurus. For negative feelings, strategies like deep breathing, counting, and seeking comfort are suggested; for positive feelings, kids are encouraged to embrace their energy and use it for good.

Absolutely fantastic. Precious, warm, and endearing illustrations paired with bouncy yet heartfelt rhyming text express a variety of moods and emotions in ways that kids can connect with. Each emotion is handled with tact and sensitivity; kids are told that it’s okay to go through many emotions in a day, and that there’s nothing wrong with having sad or mad or scared feelings. The tips on the last spread, such as drawing a picture of overcoming one’s fears or using bravery to stand up for someone else, are especially wonderful. And the diverse cast of dino-kids are simply delightful. The length is perfect for a storytime, and JJ absolutely loved this one. Overall, a great way to talk about feelings and coping strategies with little ones, and it’s a Baby Bookworm approved!

(Note: A copy of this book was provided to The Baby Bookworm by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)

Daddies Do (Lezlie Evans)

Hello, friends! Our book today is Daddies Do, written by Lezlie Evans and illustrated by Elisa Ferro, a sweet ode to fathers and all the ways they show love and care for their little ones.

Daddies do so much. They build and fix, cook and teach, wash and joke, and so much more. They’re in the front row of your school play, clapping and showing their support. They wrestle and even pretend that you are stronger so you can win. They measure you as you grow, and sometimes fall asleep reading you bedtime stories. And who helps get you washed up, dressed in your pajamas and tucked into bed? “Daddies do, that’s who!”

Cheerfully sweet. Using bouncy rhyming text with a simple rhythm and a refrain that kids can join in on, we are given a wide range of ways that dads show care for their children. I especially liked that, in addition to more traditional “daddy duties” like roughhousing, building, and playing sports, there were more nurturing activities included like cooking or comforting their child when sick. The illustrations, showing a jungle full of animal daddies and their children, are colorful and engaging, and have some wonderful details that kids will love. The length is perfect for a bookworm of any size, and JJ adored the art. This is a great book for any daddy to share with their own little cub, and it’s Baby Bookworm approved!

(Note: A copy of this book was provided to The Baby Bookworm by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)