Picture Book Review: So-Hee and Lowy by Anna Kang

Image: Amazon

So-Hee and Lowy by Anna Kang. Illustrated by Christopher Weyant. unpgd. Two Lions, April 22, 2025.  9781542036658. Review of fng courtesy of MB Communications.

So-Hee lives in an apartment with her mother and just longs for connection. She's chosen last for things at school and she has not friends. She's severely allergic to fur and the usual pets are off the menu. No friends, not pets, what's a lonely tween to do? Luckily, her local pet store has the answer! Her mom agrees to bring home a yellow python and So-Hee names it Lowy and the two soon become inseparable, until they aren't.

This sweet story works on so many levels. It's about loneliness and friendship and community. The warm illustrations add to the story by depicting lots of little details, both humorous and heartwarming about So-Hee's life. 

I'm a huge fan of Ms. Kang and Mr. Weyent's books. So-Hee and Lowy is a keeper. Loved it. It's a great addition to home and pre-school and elementary libraries. 

Picture Book Review: Pink is Not a Color by Lindsay Ward

Image: Author's Website

Pink is Not a Color by Lindsay Ward. unpgd. Two Lions, July, 2022. 9781542026864. (Review of finished copy courtesy of Blue Slip Media.)

Adorable little Pink is perfectly pleased with the predominance of her favorite color in her abode. She sports pink boots and a pink unicorn headband. She paints pictures of her pet, Phil, the flamingo in her room. All is well until she finds her friends the primaries decorating for a rainbow party and realizes that she's not included. The secondaries are included, but she's not part of the rainbow and the party is a rainbow extravaganza! Wait! Could this mean Pink is NOT a color? All the other colors rush to make amends, but the damage is done. Pink is in a full-on mid-color crisis. 

The very best picture books entertain while they subtly teach. This book pairs wonderfully with This Book is Gray to introduce color theory to just about any age group. There's energy in the illustrations as well as plenty of visual humor leading to many happy requests for rereading. Additionally, the lessons here are also social emotional. Young readers who are not feeling self-confident can relate and confident young readers have the opportunity to empathize. 

The end pages are decorated and contain great information. Unfortunately, part of each is covered by the flaps, which isn't a problem for home libraries. Minor niggle. I still love decorated end pages. Pink is Not a Color is a joyful addition to any library. 

Picture Book Review: This Is (Not) Enough by Anna Kang

This Is (Not) Enough by Anna Kang. Illustrated by Christopher Weyant. unpaged. Two Lions, March 1, 2022. 9781542018517. (Review of finished copy courtesy of Blue Slip Media.)

Happy belated book birthday to Anna Kang and Christopher Weyant! The sixth book in the You are (Not) Small series, This is (Not) Enough published on March 1. Our two favorite fuzzy-wuzzies are back. This time, they are shopping for the perfect gift and angsting like crazy. They both want to find the absolute best gift possible! I can relate. My husband was so hard to buy gifts for! He had very definite taste and if he wanted something, he usually bought it for himself. To make matters worse, he was also an amazing gift giver.

What makes this book such a treasure is its relatability and gentle humor. The best lessons are imparted gently and subtly. The bright palette, generous use of white space and minimal text capture and hold the reader's attention, making it a terrific book to share as a lap read or at story time. 

Picture Book Review: This Book is Gray by Lindsay Ward

Image: lindsaymward

This Book is Gray by Lindsay Ward. Unpgd. Two Lion/ Amazon Publishing, December 1, 2019. 97811542043403. (Review of finished copy courtesy of Blue Slip Media.)

If you are a person who skips the end-pages, dedication and title pages, stop right now! You absolutely must not. This book is adorbs as Lindsay Ward's books are wont to be. The primary and secondary colors are busy drawing a rainbow. Even Black and White have jobs drawing clouds. Poor gray is stuck on the sidelines. He moans, "They never let me color!" on the dedication page. On the title page, he resolves to "show them!" And so, he sets out to write and illustrate his own book, "the grayest book ever!" It is perfect until the primary colors get into the act. Blue asks, "Dude, where's all the color?" Soon, the secondary colors chime in. Poor Gray!

The dialogue is filled with puns, word-play and the familiar cadence of playground oneupmanship. The text does double-duty as readers learn color theory as well as inclusion. Astute readers will notice the entrance of Brown and may wonder where he fits in. Brown is neither primary, secondary nor achromatic, but a composite color. This is not noted and gives curious readers the opportunity to look it up. This Book is Gray would be a great introduction to color theory for elementary art teachers. 

The closing end-pages jar a bit visually. Part of both of the end-page is cut off by the flaps. Young readers will want to spread open the flaps to take in the full spread. It's going to be tough for librarians to tape down those covers! #librarianwoes. The front and back flap cover a third of each of the end-page.

This Book is Gray is a fun addition to any elementary, home or public library. Check out this terrific review at Babiestobookworms for great connecting activities to try with your students!

Lindsay Ward is the creator of the Dexter T. Rexter series as well as Brobarians, Rosco vs. the Baby, and The Importance of Being 3. Her book Please Bring Balloons was also made into a play. Lindsay lives in Peninsula, Ohio, with her family. Gray is one of her favorite colors. Learn more about her online at www.lindsaymward.com.


Twitter: @lindsaymward

Picture Book Review: Santa's Story by Will Hillenbrand

Santa's Story by Will Hillenbrand. unpgd. Two Lions/ Amazon Publishing, September, 2019. 9781542043380. (Review of finished copy courtesy of Blue Slip Media.)

In addition to already being a fan of Will Willenbrand, I fell instantly in love with the cover! The snow, Santa's jaunty walk, the light from the lantern, everything just warmed and tickled. I don't know about you, but I am a faithful reader of dedication pages. Reading the author's touching dedication to his dad, who read the poem, "Twas the Night before Christmas" each Christmas Eve certainly stole my heart.

So. Santa is ready to launch on Christmas Eve. His sleigh is stuffed but the stable is empty. Where are the reindeer? As Santa searches, the reader sees what alliterative activity each reindeer is involved in frosty mostly double-page spreads featuring a variety of endearing woodland creatures as well as the eight reindeer. "Vixen vexed, "More snow!" as a snowman pushes a snowblower. Hilarity ensues. The illustrations are filled with little bits of visual humor.

Just in time, Santa remembers! Storytime! He forgot the reindeer's story! And what better than, Clement Moore's, Twas the Night before Christmas?

Santa's Story is an excellent addition to the Christmas holiday rotation!

Author bio: Will Hillenbrand has written and illustrated many beloved picture books, including Snowman’s Story, Down by the Barn, Mother Goose Picture Puzzles, and the Bear and Mole series. He has also illustrated dozens of books, including the Big Bear series by Maureen Wright. Will lives with his wife and son in Terrace Park, Ohio. You can find out more about him at www.willhillenbrand.com.
On Instagram: willhillenbrand

Picture Book Review: We are (Not) Friends by Anna Kang and Christopher Weyant

We are (Not) Friends by Anna Kang and Christopher Weyant. You are not small series. unpgd. Two Lions/ Amazon Publishing, May 1, 2019. 9781542044288. (Review of finished copy courtesy of publicist.)

Oh! The dress-up trunk! Such wonders and potential adventures it holds. Our two best pals are back and about to play dress-up when an interloper asks, "Can I play with you?" Such an innocuous question, so fraught with emotion. 

Triangles are so sturdy aren't they? Friendship triangles? Not so much. Anna Kang and Christopher Weyant present yet another gem. Fans of the Geisel Award winning, You are (Not) Small, That's (Not) Mine and I am (Not) Scared will not be disappointed. Big Bear (Brown Bear?) and Little Bear (Purple Bear?) are back and about to dig into the dress-up trunk when Blue Rabbit (Medium Rabbit?) changes the dynamic. How many friendship boats have been rocked with the very question, "Can I play with you?"  

I have much love for this wife/ husband dynamic duo. They tap into universal childhood dilemmas with a fine ear and eye. Young readers will inevitably see themselves in each scenario and learn to build empathy in the best possible way. Minimalist text, generous white space and telling expressions depict a childhood rite-of-passage in a gently humorous, non-judgmental way allowing young readers to draw their own conclusions.

The entire series belongs in every kind of library. I envision a boxed set that would be perfect baby gifts. Visit the author's website and/ or the illustrator's website for extra information about all their books!

Picture Book Review and Blog Tour: Vacation for Dexter! by Lindsay Ward

Vacation for Dexter! by Lindsay Ward. Unpgd. Two Lions/ Amazon Publishing, April 16, 2019. 9781542043205. (Review of finished copy courtesy of publicist.)

Dexter and Jack are going on vacation! Dexter is so-o excited, as fans can imagine. He's totally prepared with a "nifty travel hat, supercool orange sunglasses" and sunscreen. A Dino needs to take care of his sensitive skin. But when the family pulls up at the airport, Dexter really does not want to get on the plane. He hilariously lists all his bodily aches and pains and the thought of needing to use a barf bag just... You get the picture. Astute readers may note that Jack's not doing too well himself. He's not sitting with his parents. Honestly, why do airlines do that? So it's Dexter to the rescue and soon the two are singing at the top of their lungs. Oh joy. To be on that plane. 

I first met Dexter here and was delighted to visit again here. This third time around is no less endearing and giggle-inducing. A well-done series of any sort cocoons the reader, offering a sense of safety and comfort while introducing new ideas or adventures. Young readers will find Dexter's anxieties relatable and reassured when things work out in the end. These books invite the read aloud ham to emerge, so embrace it at story time. You'll be a hit.

The entire Dexter series is a fine addition to any library!



Author Bio: Lindsay Ward is the creator of the Dexter T. Rexter series. Although she isn’t afraid of flying, she always looks forward to cookies during her flights. She is also the author and illustrator of Brobarians, Henry Finds His Word, and When Blue Met Egg. Her book Please Bring Balloons was also made into a play.

Most days you can find Lindsay with her family, writing and sketching at her home in Peninsula, Ohio. Learn more about her online at www.LindsayMWard.com or on Twitter: @lindsaymward. 

Check out the fun coloring sheet here!

Picture Book Blog Tour and Review: Eraser by Anna Kang

Eraser by Anna Kang. Illustrated by Christopher Weyant. unpgd. Two Lions/ Amazon Publishing, September 1, 2018. 9781503902589. (Review of finished copy courtesy of Blue Slip Media.)

Happy book birthday tomorrow to Eraser by Anna Kang and Christopher Weyant. Prepare to fall in love with school supplies as the duo who brought us You are (Not) Small; That's (Not) Mine and I am (Not) Scared return to induce giggles and groans and, perhaps reassure young perfectionists that making mistakes is not a disaster. 

The story starts on the title page, so don't move too quickly past it. Actually, stop and take a really close look at the title on the cover. Genius!

Eraser sure is busy making sure everyone else look good. Pencil is a bit of a glory hog. She sits at the cool table with all the writing utensils, paint brushes and highlighters. Eraser grumps to her friends Sharpener and Ruler that it isn't fair that they get credit for being creative. Eraser is even a bit jealous of Tape and Glue for their ability to bring everyone together. She wants more. 

When lunch is over and everyone is called together to work on a new project, she tries to join the creative meeting but is turned away. Undaunted, she comes up with an idea and works through the night on it only to have it unintentionally ruined! No matter what she tries to do, Pencil and her crew laugh at her. So Eraser decides to leave. She packs her belongings into a mint container and exits in the most hilarious way possible. She ends up in the waste basket where she finds appreciation and realizes that, "Mistakes make us great!"

Back at creativity central, things are not going well.

What a great back-to-school read aloud! Grab this book and a kid or a class and get ready to have some fun. Kang's puns and Weyant's signature expressive and energetic art are sure to please. Young readers will delight in finding all the humorous little details and may relate to some of the "class" dynamics going on. 

According to the press release, this story was inspired by an essay their daughter wrote while in third grade. "The assignment was to write from the perspective of someone" and their daughter wrote about an eraser who wanted to create. Kate granted permission for her parents to use her idea and four years later, we have Eraser!

As usual, a visit to Anna Kang's website will yield a link to an activity kit, so be sure to stop there. And take a look at the adorable book trailer!

Blog Tour Picture Book Review: It's Show and Tell, Dexter! by Lindsay Ward

It's Show and Tell, Dexter! by Lindsay Ward. unpgd. Dexter T. Rexter series #2. Two Lions/ Amazon Publishing, July 2018. 9781503901377.

Our favorite orange dino is back! Is he still prone to panic attacks? Dexter T. Rex is Jack's favorite toy and he has been training for "show and tell day" at Jack's school for weeks. Now that the big day is imminent, Dexter is starting to worry about his big day. He wants to make a big splash and be memorable, but doubts he's good enough.

Dexter reveals that his tummy hurts and his claws are clammy just thinking about failing Jack. Readers who might have anxiety issues themselves will relate to Dexter. All readers will cheer him on and reassure him that just being himself is really enough. Who doesn't worry about impressing at show and tell?

The palette is still bright yellows and blues, allowing Dexter's orange exuberance to pop. The cut paper collages and blue backgrounds are textured and eye-catching. Little details, such as a bunny nose and too-tight bunny suit, amuse. Since Dexter is speaking right to the reader, this invites energetic responses to Dexter's worries, making this a fun choice for story-time.  

Visit Lindsay Ward's website for more about Dexter and her other books. She has a coloring page too! There's also a cute trailer. 

Welcome back Dexter! Hope to see you again soon!

Blog Tour Review: I am (Not) Scared by Anna Kang. Illustrated by Christopher Weyant

I am (Not) Scared by Anna Kang. Illustrated by Christopher Weyant. unpgd. Two Lions/ Amazon Publishing, March 21, 2017. 9781503947451. (Finished copy courtesy of Blue Slip Media)

Happy book birthday tomorrow to I am (Not) Scared! The husband and wife team who brought us the delightful, Geisel Award winning You are (Not) Small and the equally delightful That's (Not) Mine, are back with the perfect book about conquering fear. 

Neither furry creature looks particularly happy on the cover. Our Mutt and Jeff bear friends are headed to the amusement park. Little purple bear looks happy and big brown bear does not. Little bear announces, "You are scared." Big bear denies this and asks, "Are you?" Little bear asserts that he is brave and states, "You look scared."

Big bear admits, "...maybe a little." We learn that the two are waiting to ride the LOOP OF DOOM. Little bear says there are much scarier things than rides...like snakes. The two friends imagine other scary things before coming face-to-face with the car they need to ride the roller coaster in. What's in the car? A snake! He's just ridden the roller coaster and wants to go again!

Simple sentences, plenty of white space and adorable pen and ink and water color illustrations convey the thrilling terror that a ride on a roller coaster, as well as other fears, can bring. The kids I read this to were unfamiliar with the two previous books. They were so taken by our two furry friends that they immediately demanded that I order the first two for their next read aloud. A spontaneous discussion of fears arose in a natural and comfortable way. 

Visit the author's website or click here for an activity guide. Visit the illustrator's website here.

All three books are adorable, hilarious and absolutely first-purchases!