Children – Page 3 – Jill's Book Blog

Review: Don’t Open the Barn Door!

Title: Don’t Open the Barn Door!
Author: Elena Sturgess, Katya Zolina
Genre: Children’s, Board Book
Publisher: Taffy Tales
Source: Publisher
Format: Board Book
Release Date: September 2, 2025
Rating: ★★★★★

Synopsis:

A Flap-Filled Farmyard Fiasco–If You Dare to Peek! The farm is peaceful. The animals are resting. The farmer has one simple request: Whatever you do… DON’T open the barn door!Welcome to a hilarious, hands-on tour of a very orderly farm where things run smoothly–as long as curious readers don’t go snooping behind those flappy doors. But let’s be honest: with big, irresistible flaps and a clear invitation to mischief, how can anyone resist?Every spread in Don’t Open the Barn Door! features a new off-limits door on the farm–from the pigpen to the chicken coop to the goat shed. Lift the flap, and suddenly: farmyard chaos erupts! Pigs in the pantry. Chickens in the cornfield. Goats in the getaway truck?!

Review:

This board book teaches kids that their actions have consequences. On each page, the farmer tells the reader not to open the barn door, the silo, the gate, among other places on the farm. When the reader opens the flap, or door, chaos ensues. The animals come flying out, which is exactly what the farmer didn’t want to happen. This teaches kids that you have to follow the rules for a good reason.

Don’t Open the Barn Door is a fun children’s board book!

Thank you Taffy Tales for providing a copy of this book as part of a sponsored campaign.

Have you read Don’t Open the Barn Door? What did you think of it?

Review: Goodnight Canada

Title: Goodnight Canada
Author: Liana LaRocca
Genre: Children’s, Board Book
Publisher: Taffy Tales
Source: Publisher
Format: Board Book
Release Date: October 7, 2025
Rating: ★★★★★

Synopsis:

Say goodnight to Canada! Goodnight Canada is a charming board book that takes little readers on a cozy, cross-country journey from coast to coast. With gentle, rhyming text and vibrant illustrations, this bedtime favorite introduces a fascinating fact about each province and territory–perfect for sparking curiosity while winding down for the night.Written and illustrated by a talented Canadian artist based in Ontario, this keepsake beautifully celebrates the beauty, culture, and spirit of Canada. From the rugged Rockies to the sparkling Atlantic, every page offers a loving “goodnight” to a different part of the Great White North.

Review:

This board book takes the reader across Canada to say goodnight to all the provinces and territories. The illustrations show an iconic location from that province or territory, such as a lighthouse in Prince Edward Island and an inukshuk in Nunavut. This book would make the perfect bedtime story!

Goodnight Canada is a beautiful board book!

Thank you Taffy Tales for sending me a copy of this book as part of a sponsored campaign!

Have you read Goodnight Canada? What did you think of it?

Review: I Love Canada

Title: I Love Canada
Author: Liana La Rocca
Genre: Children’s, Board Book
Publisher: Taffy Tales
Source: Publisher
Format: Board Book
Release Date: July 15, 2025
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

I Love Canada from the beloved Taffy Tales Love You Forever board book series is a joyful celebration of everything that makes Canada special–perfect for little hands and big hearts. This beautifully illustrated board book helps children learn their ABCs by spotting C’s and A’s on hockey jerseys, and practice counting with hockey pucks and lacrosse balls. Along the way, readers discover Canada’s breathtaking nature, kind and courteous people, and a culture that embraces differences with warmth and pride.Whether you live here, are visiting, or have just made Canada your home, I Love Canada is for everyone–just like Canada itself. With its playful learning moments and heartfelt message, this book is an ideal keepsake for families who want to share their love for the True North with the next generation.There’s no better time for this book than now, when Canadians everywhere are feeling an extra spark of pride in their country. Come join the celebration–because who wouldn’t want to say I love Canada?

Review:

This is a beautiful patriotic board book about Canada. It talks about the different animals that can be found from coast to coast throughout the country. The pictures are beautiful, and show the different landscapes of Canada.

I Love Canada is a board book that should be on every Canadian bookshelf!

Thank you Taffy Tales for sending me a copy of this book as part of a sponsored campaign!

Have you read I Love Canada? What did you think of it?

Review: Hocus and Pocus and the Dragon Next Door (Hocus and Pocus #2)

Title: Hocus and Pocus and the Dragon Next Door (Hocus and Pocus #2)
Author: A.R. Capetta, Charlene Chua (illustrator)
Genre: Children’s, Fantasy
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Source: Publisher
Format: Hardcover
Release Date: March 4, 2025
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Magical puppies Hocus and Pocus have a new Bye-Bye the dragon! Hocus is delighted, but Pocus is nervous about making friends—and about fire breath. A funny and affirming adventure.

On a walk around the neighborhood delivering potions with their magical family, puppies Hocus and Pocus discover that the wizard next door, Jade, has a new pet—a dragon named Bye-Bye. Hocus is excited! She loves making new friends and thinks Bye-Bye’s wings and fire breath are cool. But Pocus is afraid. He already has five friends, which feels like a lot. Plus Bye-Bye might eat them! Right? When Hocus bounds into Bye-Bye’s yard wanting to play, the dragon shies away, then chases her off. Could it be that Bye-Bye isn’t scary—she’s scared? How can the puppies help? Maybe if Hocus uses a potion to turn into a dragon temporarily, or if Pocus learns some friendly phrases in dragon language, it might help Bye-Bye open up. And it just might help Pocus feel braver, too. This charming series continues with another fun-filled and enchanted romp in a world where everyone can be their unique selves.

Review:

This is a cute story about making new friends and conquering your fears. Hocus and Pocus were nervous about meeting the scary dragon next door, so they brewed a potion to take away their fear. However, they discovered that the dragon was actually scared of them. Sometimes new people can seem scary if they aren’t friendly, but that can actually be because they’re also scared. Once Hocus and Pocus got to know the dragon, they became friends.

Hocus and Pocus and the Dragon Next Door is a great children’s book!

Thank you Candlewick Press for sending me a copy of this book!

Other books in the series:

Hocus and Pocus and the Spell for Home (Hocus and Pocus #1)

Have you read Hocus and Pocus and the Dragon Next Door? What did you think of it?

Review: Unicornia: A Magical Birthday

Title: Unicornia: A Magical Birthday
Author: Ana Punset, Diana Vicedo (illustrator)
Genre: Children’s
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Source: Publisher
Format: Hardcover
Release Date: January 7, 2025
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Wishes, presents, rides, and . . . unicorns! This second sparkling adventure in an upbeat series will captivate chapter book readers.

There is only one thing better than a birthday party—a birthday party in Unicornia! Here the cakes are enchanted, the candies change flavor, and the theme parks are covered in glitter. But Pippa’s birthday has started off on the wrong foot, and her friends must think quickly to turn disaster into great fun. Luckily for them, they live in the most magical place ever!

Review:

This was such a fun book in the Unicornia series! Claudia and her friends celebrated her friend Pippa’s birthday because Pippa’s parents were out of town. Even though Pippa was sad, her friends were able to give her the best birthday. The story is set in the fun world of Unicornia with Unicorns that fly around and even act as first responders and rescue people! I love the art in this book. The pictures were in black, white, and shades of blue.

Unicornia: A Magical Birthday is a fun book for young readers!

Thank you Candlewick Press for sending me a copy of this book!

Other books in the series:

Unicornia: Learning to Fly

Have you read Unicornia: A Magical Birthday? What did you think of it?

Review: Foster’s Leash

Title: Foster’s Leash
Author: Sarah Sommer, Bulankinaka (illustrator)
Genre: Children’s, Picture Book
Publisher: Mascot Kids
Source: Author
Format: Hardcover
Release Date: April 1, 2025
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Fostering animals isn’t easy. Suddenly, you’re living with a strange dog that needs your help. And once you’ve finally bonded, it’s time to say goodbye. But hard things are worth doing, especially when they change lives. Follow along to see rescue dog Pepper and her foster family navigate the foster process, the feelings that come with it, and how one leash makes all the difference.

Review:

In this picture book, a girl and her mom foster a dog, named Pepper. While the girl is walking Pepper, she meets a woman and she explains that they are fostering the dog. Fostering pets is so important, because the pets learn how to be part of a family before finding their forever home. My family didn’t officially foster pets, but we cared for outdoor cats for years, including getting them vet care, until they were all adopted into loving homes. We brought the last 3 cats to live inside with us. Though it can be hard to say goodbye to a pet you’ve fostered, it is worth it in the end because they’ve found their forever home.

Foster’s Leash is an important children’s book!

Thank you Sarah Sommer and iRead Book Tours for providing a copy of this book as part of a paid campaign!

Have you read Foster’s Leash? What did you think of it?

Review: Twas the Night Before Easter

Title: Twas the Night Before Easter
Author: Harry Caminelli, Dhamma Cakka
Genre: Children’s, Picture Book
Publisher: Taffy Tales
Source: Publisher
Format: Hardcover
Release Date: January 1, 2025
Rating: ★★★★★

Synopsis:

It’s just a normal night for Easter Bunny . . . or is it? Oh no!! Easter is tomorrow, he suddenly realizes, and he forgot to hide the eggs for children all around the world, so . . . now it is a mad scramble to see if he can save the day and get the job done. Frantic and funny, Twas the Night Before Easter is the newest addition to Taffy Tales’ best-selling ‘Twas the Night Before series. About This Series: The Twas the Night Before series from Taffy Tales began with the classic best-seller The Night Before Christmas . . . and then it kind of spilled over into other seasonal titles, and even into some non-seasonal fun. From now on, every major holiday will be anticipated, celebrated and remembered with Taffy Tales’ Twas the Night Before titles. Taffy Tales creates best-selling children’s titles that will be cherished and remembered.

Review:

This is an adorable Easter picture book! In this story, it’s the night before Easter when the Easter Bunny realizes he’s forgotten Easter. He must rush around to get the Easter eggs painted and hidden for children to find on Easter morning. I love this adaptation of the Twas the Night Before Christmas poem. This story followed the same beats as that poem and had some funny twists along the way!

Twas the Night Before Easter is a beautiful Easter picture book!

Thank you Taffy Tales and Bookinfluencers.com for providing a copy of this book as part of a paid campaign!

Have you read Twas the Night Before Easter? What did you think of it?

Review: Dragons Can’t Eat Snow Cones

Title: Dragons Can’t Eat Snow Cones
Author: Amanda Sobotka, Pauline Gregory
Genre: Children’s, Picture Book
Publisher: Applesauce Press
Source: One Brewer Publicity
Format: Hardcover
Release Date: January 28, 2025
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

If a dragon wants a snow cone, it must proceed with great care,

In case a fireball melts it all until there’s nothing there!

This dragon has a peculiar he loves snow cones, but his fiery breath keeps melting them! Follow along in this fun-filled adventure as the dragon tries everything to keep his favorite treat from turning into a puddle.

This delightful tale is brought to life with colorful illustrations and playful rhymes. Children will discover that challenges can be overcome with some creativity and perseverance. This charming story is sure to be a bedtime favorite!

Review:

In this picture book, a dragon wants to eat a snow cone like all his animal friends. Whenever he tries to eat a snow cone, his fiery breath melts it. This dragon has to use his problem solving skills to find a way to eat the snow cone. This story teaches kids how to ask for help and find new ways to solve problems and reach their goals.

Dragon’s Can’t Eat Snow Cones is a great picture book!

Thank you One Brewer Publicity and Cider Mill Press for sending me a copy of this book!

Have you read Dragons Can’t Eat Snow Cones? What did you think of it?

Review: Power Posey

Title: Power Posey
Author: Avra Davidoff
Genre: Children’s, Picture Book
Publisher: Tellwell Talent
Source: Author
Format: Hardcover
Release Date: April 9, 2020
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Get ready to meet Power Posey, a remarkable young girl with an indomitable spirit who teaches children the power of resilience, positive thinking, and the strength that lies within. In this inspiring children’s book, readers join Posey on a transformative journey of self-discovery as she faces challenges head-on and triumphs with boundless determination.

As children accompany Power Posey on her adventures, they learn valuable life lessons about perseverance, self-belief, and the importance of strong body language. By adopting Power Posey’s confidence-boosting techniques, children discover they have the power to conquer their fears, embrace challenges, and achieve their goals.

This engaging and empowering picture book is perfect for children aged 3-8. It encourages young readers to embrace their inner strength, instilling in them a sense of self-confidence and resilience. With relatable situations and characters, Power Posey inspires children to approach life’s hurdles with courage, positivity, and a determination to succeed.

Get ready to stand tall, strike a pose, and embark on an uplifting journey alongside Power Posey. Unleash your inner strength, embrace challenges, and discover the incredible power that lies within you!

Review:

This is a great children’s book! When Posey feels nervous, she strikes a pose with her hands on her hips and chest held high, which gives her confidence. When she does her power pose, she knows she can do anything. This is such an important lesson for kids, but especially girls, who are often put down and told they are less than boys.

Power Posey is a powerful picture book!

Thank you Bookinfluencers.com and Avra Davidoff for sending me a copy of this book as part of a paid campaign!

Have you read Power Posey? What did you think of it?

Review: Nursery Rhymes for Kinder Times: Volume 2

Title: Nursery Rhymes for Kinder Times: Volume 2
Author: Pam Gittleman
Genre: Children’s, Picture Book
Publisher: Mascot Kids
Source: iRead Book Tours
Format: Hardcover
Release Date: March 4, 2025
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

What happens to the baby (owlet!) rocking in the cradle in Rock-a-Bye-Baby? Will Old Mother Hubbard find anything in the cupboard to give to her dog? And who (or what!) will be found in the tub in Rub a Dub Dub?

Read all about the beloved characters from traditional nursery rhymes in this endearing collection of nine updated rhymes that nurture kindness, empathy, and gratitude! Coupled with discussion questions and emojis to support the social and emotion intelligence of preschoolers, each rhyme will delight and educate a new generation of children.

Review:

This collection of nursery rhymes is based on classic nursery rhymes, but they’re updated to be more positive. Most nursery rhymes have dark endings or were inspired by dark history. This collection includes “This Little Piggy,” which is about pigs who eat and play together, as well as “Old Mother Hubbard,” who gives her many children books to read and enjoy. There’s also an updated “Rock-a-Bye Baby” which doesn’t end with the cradle crashing to the ground. Each nursery rhyme included a photo of faces with emotions at the end so that children can point to them to express how the tales make them feel.

Nursery Rhymes for Kinder Times: Volume 2 is a great picture book for children!

Thank you iRead Book Tours and Pam Gittleman for sending me a copy of this book as part of a paid campaign!

Other books in the series:

Nursery Rhymes for Kinder Times: Volume 1

Have you read Nursery Rhymes for Kinder Times: Volume 2? What did you think of it?