Robert Broder

Warming memories float by with whimsical twists and nostalgic reminders of time spent together while discovering the wonder of tales and words.

From page to page, the journey of reading with a child flows by with nostalgic goodness. It begins with the very first moments, when children are drawn in by illustrations and imaginative tales. Then, it heads through first reading experiences until kids are so old that they read on their own. All of this is done from the parents' point of view and is done as if they are telling these reading memories to their grown child...as a walk down memory lane.

The text is written at the level of a young child with only a couple 'difficult words' and also carries, at most, a few sentences on each page. The illustrations are whimsical and beautiful. It is enjoyable to flip through these and enjoy the various scenes...so imaginative! Young readers will enjoy gazing and dreaming with each one, while discovering the fantastical details here and there, but the main story won't resonate with them in the same way.

In the blurb and title, it's clear that this one is a nostalgic read for parents and adults, but it's being sold as a read for ages 4 to 8...which surprises me, and I'm going to recommend it as an adult read. It's a lovely, niche book, which will delight parents, who enjoy looking back on the time when their own kids were little and remembering those special moments. I received an ARC and especially enjoyed the illustrations.… (mehr)

Ascarecrow stands alone in a field with no company, lonely. Lonely, that is, until some kids build a snowman that ends up keeping the scarecrow company. Inevitably, the snowman melts, leaving the scarecrow for a while, returning after the changing seasons, picking up where their friendship left off. Indeed, one time, their friendship survives a long absence.

I was not ready for the emotional wallop that this picture book packed. In easy, almost sneaky language, the book tells the story of lifelong friends that span a “lifetime” and grow a deep, loving bond, that survives many breaks and ebbs. For adults who have experienced those friendships, yes, you will find yourself tearing up as you end the book. For kids that are learning about friendship, the story serves as a great reminder that you can hold people dear whether they are in your life for a moment, a season or a lifetime.… (mehr)