This is My Dollhouse by Giselle Potter

Age Range: 4 – 8 years

Publisher: Schwartz & Wade

Publication Date: May 10, 2016

A picture book about a girl who has a homemade dollhouse and a big imagination. Her friend Sophie also has a dollhouse however Sophie’s dollhouse is store bought with many traditional dollhouse items in it. When the girl with the cardboard dollhouse visits Sophie, Sophie doesn’t want to create imaginary scenarios with her toys so the reality based play quickly becomes boring and the girls go outside and swing on Sophie’s swing set. The girl with the homemade dollhouse doesn’t want Sophie to visit and see that her dollhouse is not “perfect” like Sophie’s is but Sophie’s visit can’t be stopped. My Book Eyes were surprised when both girls enjoy the imaginary adventures that they create together. The illustrations are large enough to see in a group. A superb book to use to discuss feelings, friendship, and playing together.

 

The Wish Tree by author Kyo Maclear and illustrator Chris Turnham

Age Range: 2 – 5 years

Publisher: Chronicle Books

Publication Date: September 27, 2016

A picture book about a boy named Charles and his toboggan named Boggan. Charles and Boggan go through the woods searching for a wish tree. What they don’t realize is that they become wish trees for animals that need help along the way. After Charles and Boggan help several animals, Charles gets tired and falls asleep. When he wakes up, the animals have prepared a meal for him to enjoy with them.  My Book Eyes smiled to see that even Boggan has a seat at the table.  With warmth, the story touches the wish tree in all of us. The wintry scenes show habitats of a variety of animals.

 

The Christmas Boot by author Lisa Wheeler and illustrator Jerry Pinkney

Age Group: 4-8 years

Publisher: Dial Books

Publication Date: October 18, 2016

A picture book. One Christmas morning, a poor woman named Hannah Greyweather finds a much needed boot while gathering wood in the snow covered forest. The magical boot brings Hannah another boot and afterwards we see that she can enjoy the outdoors. After her wish for mittens comes true she wonders if she can have grander things like a fancy home and a feast. Shortly after the latter two arrive, Santa visits asking for a lost boot which Hannah gladly returns. With the boot gone, everything that magically appeared disappears. Santa, being the person that he is, leaves Hannah a pair of mittens, boots and a puppy for company. My Book Eyes likes the way the illustrator portrays Hannah’s contrasting expressions and stamina before and after she finds the boot. Hannah’s hat and coat colors resemble those that a child would wear therefore making the story more relatable to children. A beautiful story that can be used to generate a discussion about wants and needs. A book for all and a viewpoint about those who may not have elaborate holiday celebrations.