I have seen the idea of mini-reviews floating around the blogosphere and thought I would try my hand at a few, as I am not sure how much I can say about picture books and chapter books for very young readers.
Title: Bird
Author: Zetta Elliott
Publisher: Lee & Low Books
Synopsis: The character, Bird, is the title character. He deals with his life troubles by expressing his emotions through art. Bird faces grief as well as having a drug dealing older brother. Ultimately, he flies above his problems.
My thoughts:
The art was gorgeous. I enjoyed seeing a picture book featuring resilient children of color. However, I someone question the appropriateness of giving this book to a child due to the allusion’s to the drug dealer problem. Yet, I understand children do not live life isolated from real problems. Therefore, ultimately, I would hand this book to a child.
Title: Only One Year
Author: Andrea Cheng
Publisher: Lee & Low Books
Synopsis: Sharon and Mary’s two year old brother, Di Di, goes to China to live for a year as per family tradition. The book centers around this event and what happens when Di Di comes back. Ultimately, this is a celebration of family values.
My Thoughts: I thought this was a really cute read! Di Di is adorable. I think little kids will enjoy this book and learning about why some cultures send very young children abroad for a year. It’s fascinating! This would be a nice edition to any elementary classroom library.
Disclosure: I received both of these books for review.
The following two tabs change content below.
April is in her 30s and created Good Books And Good Wine. She works for a non-profit. April always has a book on hand. In her free time she can be found binge watching The Office with her husband and toddler, spending way too much time on Pinterest or exploring her neighborhood.
Latest posts by April (Books&Wine) (see all)
- What Fury Brings by Tricia Levenseller | Book Review - March 7, 2026
- Anywhere You Go by Bridget Morrissey | Book Review - March 1, 2026
- The Magic Of Untamed Hearts by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland | Audiobook Review - February 28, 2026
These both sound like really great children books. Awesome mini reviews.
Good mini-reviews, definitely appropriate for picture books. I can't believe I still haven't read Bird since I love Zetta 🙂 Only One Year sounds cute, ulimtately I probably won't read it because I never buy pciture books but if I'm ever in a booksotre I may scan for them (and the picture book by Paula Yoo about the Asian female movie star..Anna something or other)