Win a Spring Basket of Children’s Books! #SpringBookBasket

 

Today was the first day of spring and it actually felt like spring.  I mean I had my windows wide open to air out the house and I felt motivated to get to work on a little cleaning and organizing.  Just in time for this spring weather I received 3 books to review but even more exciting than that I have 7 books in total to give away to one awesome reader.  I think these would make a pretty amazing Easter basket for one lucky kid!  Read on to find out more about the books included.

 

Farewell Floppy by Benjamin Chaud

(Ages 3-5)

It was the perfect plan: abandon pet rabbit Floppy in the woods and take a giant leap toward adulthood. Having a bunny that moonlights as a best friend is for babies, right? It’s better to cut a pet loose, make new human friends, and not be so dependent on a floppy-eared fur ball bent on chewing electrical cords, right? If saying good-bye to Floppy is required to grow up, why does life without Floppy seem so wrong? From  Benjamin Chaud, the critically acclaimed author/illustrator of The Bear’s Song and The Bear’s Sea Escape , comes this unforgettable, thought-provoking picture book about the power of unlikely friendships.

This story starts off with a boy sharing why he doesn’t want his bunny.  Mostly because the boy isn’t a baby and the bunny is just boring and full of short-comings.  I found some parallels to Hansel and Gretel which I found interesting like the boy leading the rabbit deep into the woods with the intention to leave him there.  It’s a little bit disturbing right up to the point where the boy ties the bunny to a tree and leaves him without any remorse.  Soon though we have our happy ending and all is well. 

Children will love the illustrations in this book, they are definitely the highlight.

 

From Rain to Rainbows

This sweet and modern little gift book proves that after the rain always comes the rainbow. A treasure trove of delightful work by beloved indie art stars and emerging talents, this cheering collection echoes the uplifting transformation of rain into rainbows: the book begins with raindrops and umbrellas, transitions midway through, and concludes with a glorious bouquet of colorful rainbows. Perfect for bringing smiles to anyone who needs a little pick-me-up, this petite book of feelgood art is a reminder to appreciate the dark with the light, because nothing stays the same forever-and things are about to look a whole lot brighter.

This is a collection of images by various illustrators  arranged to tell the story of a rainy day clearing up to reveal rainbows.  It’s a perfectly fun reminder that things will get better,  and really you can’t appreciate with rainbows quite as much without first experiencing a little rain. 

There are some really cute illustrations too.  My favourite being one depicting a cloud crying (raining) talking to another cloud with two people looking up to it.  The illustration is captioned: “Why it Rains” with the cloud saying “They said I looked like a hippo”.   It’s a lovely little book and quite appropriate for the spring!

 

I Wish You More by Amy Krouse Rosenthal {Ages 5-8}

Some books are about a single wish. Some books are about three wishes. The infallible team of Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Tom Lichtenheld have combined their extraordinary talents to create this exuberant book of  endless good wishes. Wishes for curiosity and wonder, for friendship and strength, laughter and peace. Whether celebrating life’s joyous milestones, sharing words of encouragement, or observing the wonder of everyday moments, this sweet and uplifting book is perfect for wishers of every age.

I dare you to read this one cover to cover with your loved ones and not have to reach for a Kleenex.  This book is seriously so touching and sweet with plenty of lovely sentiments appropriate for babies, graduates and perhaps even weddings.   There is a certain reflective feel to many of the pages between the text and beautiful illustrations but there is also little pokes of humour throughout.

 

 

 

A Nest Is Noisy by Dianna Aston {Ages 5-8}

From the award-winning creators of An Egg Is Quiet , A Seed Is Sleepy , A Butterfly Is Patient , and A Rock Is Lively comes this gorgeous and informative look at the fascinating world of nests. From tiny bee hummingbird nests to orangutan nests high in the rainforest canopy, an incredible variety of nests are showcased here in all their splendor. Poetic in voice and elegant in design, this carefully researched book  introduces children to a captivating array of nest facts and will spark the imaginations of children whether in a classroom reading circle or on a parent’s lap.

 

Spring Walk: What Do I Want to Be?: What Do I Want to Be? by Virginia Snow {Ages 4-8}

After a long winter’s sleep, the soil is springing to life. Spring flowers break through the ground to welcome warmer days. Come with Grammy and her grandchildren as they explore and learn all about 24 different flowers. Once home, she teaches them how to plant their own flowers from seeds and make beautiful bouquets.

 

Enchanted Forest: An Inky Quest & Coloring Book, illustrated by Johanna Basford

 This stunning new colouring book by Johanna Basford takes readers on a inky quest through an enchanted forest to discover what lies in the castle at its heart. As well as drawings to complete, colour and embellish, there are hidden objects to be found along the way including wild flowers, animals and birds, maps, lanterns, keys and treasure chests. Beginning at the entrance to the forest, the journey progresses through woodland, rocky caves and tree-lined mazes, over streams and a waterfall, across the trees tops, to finally reach the castle. Also hidden throughout the book are eight symbols. Readers must find all the symbols to solve the  colouring puzzle on a pull-out poster at the end of the book.

 

 

The Littlest Bunny in Edmonton: An Easter Adventure by Lily Jacobs

It’s Easter morning, and the littlest bunny has a big secret: he’s actually the Easter Bunny! He has a lot of work to do! Join him as he hides eggs high and low, with a final stop at your house!

 

 

Win it:

One Canadian Frugal Mom Eh reader will win a basket of 7 children’s books worth almost $140 from Raincoast Books. Giveaway ends on March 28th at 11:59 pm EST.  See Giveaway Tools form for entry and T&C.

 

 

Disclosure: I received the above mentioned books in order to facilitate this review.  All thoughts and opinions are honest and my own.