From Colosseum by Sarah Arvio "and all the beauty and the blasphemy. Petals, petals, scattering from the stands where only vestals were allowed to sit, having tended the flame for all of us. Here, I knew, was the empire of my soul showing on my face as I turned to you." 
Cornbread & Poppy are dear friends though they are opposites - one is a planner, the other a procrastinator. Together they embark on a climb up Holler mountain, where owls fly and Ms. Ruthie disappeared, but the last place left to look for winter food for Cornbread who was too busy having fun to stock his shelves. A purely delightful winter caper debuting two charming mice any budding reader will find irresistible and made possible by the award winning talent of author, Mathew Cordell. ~ Reviewed by Nancy Scheemaker
R-E-S-P-E-C-T: Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, illustrated by Frank Morrison, is the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Book winner.
With spare language and beautiful painterly like illustrations this book charts Aretha's rise and struggles to forge a life in music as bold & big & beautiful as her voice. ~ Reviewed by Jessica Wood
Embodying the spirit of friendship and giving, this sweet and cozy story illustrates the lengths one little mouse goes to so that her beloved friend can enjoy the season, but most of all the snowy terrain she loves. A wonderful introduction to the true meaning of the season. ~ Reviewed by Jessica Wood
This wholly original story weaves in the traditions and beliefs associated with Hanukkah. When young Simon is stranded on an ice floe on his way to America, a Menorah and a polar bear are his saving graces. His belief in miracles and the origin of Hanukkah light the way to his rescue and good fortune for him and his family upon arrival in America. ~ Reviewed by Jessica Wood
A spirited and refreshing revival of one of the most beloved characters in European folklore. The relevance of the themes portrayed here is startling considering the fable was first published in 1481! With a few contemporary twists this is a shining example of the timelessness of a character who was a voice for the disenfranchised, but being the clever fox he was, the elite also found him amusing and delightful. Beautiful in all the ways of a beloved classic. ~ Reviewed by Jessica Wood
