Review of A Return to Common Sense, by Leigh McGowan

Current Issues, Nonfiction Review, Starred Review 2

A Return to Common Sense

How to Fix America Before We Really Blow It

by Leigh McGowan

One Signal Publishers (Atria), 2024. 294 pages.
Review written December 11, 2024, from my own copy, purchased via Amazon.com
Starred Review

Well, I wish I’d read and reviewed this book before the election, because I feel pretty confident that electing Donald Trump was “really blowing it” as mentioned in the subtitle.

However, the principles Leigh McGowan puts forth here still apply, and I hope we can use them as a beacon to work toward better times.

Leigh McGowan is the creator of the PoliticsGirl podcast – and she’s skilled at breaking down political ideas into clear language. She actually grew up in Canada, but has all the more faith in what America stands for because she chose it for herself.

The author was inspired to write this book by Thomas Paine’s Common Sense, written right before the American Revolution. Her writing is rooted in history, but also a deep passion for understanding how government works and how it should work. This paragraph from her Introduction will give you an idea of where she’s going:

Once again, America finds itself at a tipping point where it could go one of two ways. Once again, our leaders need the inspiration and courage to pick the harder, but more rewarding path. And once again, it will come down to the will of the people to determine our fate. If we choose to continue down this path of division and inequality, with hatred and misinformation impeding our progress, we’ll end up right back where we started, under some form of top-down rule. However, if we choose to address our flawed but inspired democracy now, I believe we can rebuild this nation on a stronger foundation than we began on. It’s my belief, as Paine argued all those years ago, that there’s only one right path, and if we fail to choose it, we’ll lose the opportunity to choose again. This time the choice isn’t between subjugation or independence, but democracy and plutocracy. We either continue to favor the wealthy and influential, while we strip citizens of their rights and shore up minority rule, or we get serious about living up to the ideals we’ve sold to the world.

She roots her book in history, including “America 101” sidebars about how our government works. And then she bases the rest of the book on “The Six American Principles.”

So, how do we build this better, stronger nation? What are the fundamental building blocks we can all agree make America, America? What do we, the citizens of this nation, believe are the bedrocks of the United States? Drawing on our founding documents, and important moments in our country’s history, I propose the Six American Principles. Six things that we, the people, no matter our politics, persuasion, or background, can agree on. Six ideals we can use as guideposts to not only find our way out of the mess we’re currently in, but to set a course for a future of which we can actually be proud. If we start here, we start strong.

Here are the Six American Principles she proposes:

1. America is a land of freedom.

2. Everyone should have the opportunity to rise.

3. Every citizen should have a vote, and that vote should count.

4. Representatives should represent the people who voted for them.

5. The law applies to all of us.

6. Government should be a force for good.

Of course, there’s lots to say about each of these principles, and that’s what takes up the bulk of the book. What does “freedom” mean? And who actually gets it? There are a lot of history sidebars in the section that talks about that. What does it mean to have the opportunity to rise? And what does it mean for your vote to count? And how do legislators represent people? There’s lots of background here about how our representatives are chosen and how elections work – and ideas for improving that.

The principle I resonated most with is “Government should be a force for good.” I guess that’s because, as a librarian, I work for local government. And I very much believe that the lives of everyone in the county are better because of that work. Here’s how Leigh McGowan introduces that section:

It’s easy to criticize government, and candidly, there’s plenty that deserves criticism. However, government is something we cannot live without. There is so much the government does that we don’t even consider. From local governments sending workers to remove that tree that fell across your street to Homeland Security stopping a potential terrorist attack. From weekly garbage pickup, to workers in our national parks, to government scientists approving the quality of our vaccines and baby food. If you call the police, that’s the government. If you need the fire department, it’s paid for by the government. If your state has a natural disaster, it will be the government who foots the bill to clean it up. Do you use public school? Government. Is mail delivered to your home? Government. Do your streetlights come on, and traffic lights work? That’s the government. Government plays such a huge and essential role in our modern society that we couldn’t live without it, yet we spend so much time complaining about it when we could be engaging with it to make it better.

Ronald Reagan inflicted a great wound on the country when he said, “The nine most terrifying words in the English language are: I’m from the Government, and I’m here to help.” As president of the United States, Reagan used his authority as head of the government to undermine how essential government really is. The government should help its people, and if you don’t believe that, then what are you doing in government?

And she goes on to suggest ways the government can be a greater force for good in our lives.

Obviously, with me, Leigh McGowan is preaching to the choir. I agree with almost all of her views, and I appreciate her passion. But I also appreciate her no-nonsense, plain-spoken way of explaining what can be murky. She’s done her research, and to me, she makes politics and government easier to understand.

Now, it’s easy to feel discouraged after the 2024 presidential election. But I still appreciate the way she encourages us all to do our part and make this country a better place:

What I’ve noticed while positioning myself in this “warrior for democracy” space is that I’ve struck a nerve, not just with the people who tell me I’m an idiot, or a communist, or hate it when women speak, but with important and powerful people. People with real influence and the ability to make change. People who, despite what we see on TV, in formal tweets, or what their general by-the-book demeanor may suggest, really do care about what’s happening in this country and are passionate about fixing it. I say this because I want you to know if you speak up, if you vote, if you organize, that you will be heard. That there are people who recognize you are unhappy, and they are out here attempting to work within the system to fix it. Please know you have not been abandoned, and the louder and clearer we are about what we want and are willing to fight for, the more confidence and courage those people will have to make the changes this country truly needs.

Thank you, PoliticsGirl, for making politics and government and history so much clearer. Thank you for this vision of a government that is a force for good. And thank you for encouraging all of us to work to make that vision a reality.

SimonandSchuster.com

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Disclaimer: I am a professional librarian, but the views expressed are solely my own, and in no way represent the official views of my employer or of any committee or group of which I am part.

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Review of Spellbound, by F. T. Lukens

Audiobooks, Fantasy, Starred Review, Teen Fiction Review 0

Spellbound

by F. T. Lukens
read by Kevin R. Free and Neo Cihi

Simon & Schuster Audio, 2023. 10 hours, 25 minutes.
Review written December 10, 2024, from a library eaudiobook.
Starred Review

I recently read my second F. T. Lukens book, Otherworldly. It was super fun, and reminded me of how much I enjoyed So This Is Ever After – so I realized I needed to listen to the book I’d missed (while on the Morris committee in 2023), Spellbound.

I was very glad I made up the oversight. And a hot tip is that these ones are all worth listening to. Kevin R. Free voices the main male lead in all three books, and he comes across beautifully as an adorkable, slightly goofy and outgoing character you want to hug and have as a best friend.

In this book, he reads Edison, a teen who’s been cut off from the world of magic since the death of his grandmother a year ago. So he goes to the office of Hexagon, where Antonia Hex works as a Cursebreaker, and begs for a job. Never mind that he doesn’t have any magic of his own. He misses his grandma and wants to be back in the magical community. Besides, he’s good at fixing electronic gadgets that always break around Antonia.

Edison has also been working on an app that will show him where the ley lines are – the lines that magic workers can naturally see and access. Since he can’t see them, maybe the app can make up the difference. What Edison doesn’t know is that according to the Consortium, that app is highly illegal. Also, after what happened with her last apprentice, Antonia is not allowed to take on a new apprentice. And it’s even more illegal to train someone who can’t see magic on their own.

But one thing leads to another. Antonia gives him a new name, Rook, and working in the office he meets another cursebreaker and his cute apprentice, Sun. Then later, when they’re supposed to be sorting cursed objects in a haunted house, Sun saves Rook from a Cursed Curtain that tries to kill him. Sun is prickly, but Rook thinks they’re awfully cute. Later, it turns out he can help Sun with their math homework – which brings the two of them even closer together.

But the more Rook learns about magic, the more illegal his existence becomes, and the greater the danger the Consortium will find out about his app. When he does get into trouble, both Cursebreakers and Sun are in trouble, too. Will Rook be able to do anything to save them all from the powerful magic wielders who are in charge?

This book ends up being a madcap adventure with a sweet romance thrown in. As with all of the F. T. Lukens characters I’ve heard read by Kevin Free, I found Rook lovable right from the start. Not that this is the same character! Both Rook and Sun are fleshed out with their own quirks and foibles, and here’s wishing them a long and happy career in the world of magic.

ft-lukens.com

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Disclaimer: I am a professional librarian, but the views expressed are solely my own, and in no way represent the official views of my employer or of any committee or group of which I am part.

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Review of The Squad, by Christina Soontornvat and Joanna Cacao

Biography, Children's Nonfiction Review, Graphic Memoir, Starred Review 0

The Squad

written by Christina Soontornvat
illustrated by Joanna Cacao
colors by Wes Dzioba

Graphix (Scholastic), 2024. 288 pages.
Review written December 11, 2024, from a library book.
Starred Review

I have long maintained that graphic novels are the absolutely perfect format for memoirs of middle school. You can show all the emotion in its exaggerated immediacy and let kids today know that middle school has been the way it is since long before they had to deal with it. In The Tryout, Christina Soontornvat expressed the aggravation and terror of trying out for cheerleader in front of the entire seventh grade class. The Squad covers eighth grade, and she and her two best friends decide to try out again. This time, they will also perform before a panel of adult judges, so it doesn’t all rest on what the other students think.

But on top of that tense situation, Christina learns that her parents are splitting up. She tries to put on a happy face, even works on plans to get them back together, but ultimately she and her mother move out of their house to an apartment, and her mother starts working much more of the time.

The Squad portrays Christina’s anger and frustration over that situation, as well as her first crush, her first kiss, frustrations with racist kids, friendship conflicts, and all the other things that go with being in middle school.

Another classic middle school graphic memoir.

soontornvat.com
scholastic.com/graphix

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Disclaimer: I am a professional librarian, but the views expressed are solely my own, and in no way represent the official views of my employer or of any committee or group of which I am part.

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Review of Mama and Mommy and Me in the Middle, by Nina LaCour, illustrated by Kaylani Juanita

Contemporary, Picture Book Review, Starred Review 0

Mama and Mommy and Me in the Middle

by Nina LaCour
illustrated by Kaylani Juanita

Candlewick Press, 2022. 32 pages.
Review written November 18, 2022, from a library book
Starred Review

I read this book for Capitol Choices, and it’s an absolutely sweet picture book about missing a parent when she’s away on a work trip.

And yes, the family portrayed has two moms. And they’re a mixed-race couple. But that’s not what the book is about, which is refreshing, and any kid who ever misses a parent will relate to this story.

The book goes through the days of the week, beginning very early on Monday, when Mommy wakes up the little girl (she looks to be about four years old) and the family makes pancakes together. When they sit to eat them, it’s “Mommy and Mama and me in the middle.” But then Mama and the little girl wave goodbye to Mommy.

I like the spread that happens on Tuesday:

During circle time I say, “My mommy is on a work trip.”
Mr. Henry ask, “Is anyone else missing someone they love?”

Olive misses her sister, away at school.
They used to build block towers.

Miguel misses his papa, in a faraway country.
He wears a necklace to remember.

Chloe misses her cat
who ran away.

As the week goes on, there are sweet and cozy moments with Mama. But there are also many moments of missing Mommy.

“I miss Mommy. I miss her as deep as a scuba diver down in the ocean and as high as an astronaut up in the stars.”

“That’s a lot of missing.”

When Mommy comes home on Sunday, they gather a surprise for her.

But something else I love about this book is that the little girl has a moment of anger, when she remembers those tough moments that week of missing Mommy.

But that feeling is acknowledged, and the book finishes with a big cozy hug, with Mama and Mommy and me in the middle.

ninalacour.com
kaylanijuanita.com

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Disclaimer: I am a professional librarian, but the views expressed are solely my own, and in no way represent the official views of my employer or of any committee or group of which I am part.

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Review of Mythmakers, by John Hendrix

Graphic Novel, Starred Review, Teen Nonfiction 0

Mythmakers

The Remarkable Fellowship of C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien

by John Hendrix

Abrams Fanfare, 2024. 218 pages.
Review written December 4, 2024, from a library book.
Starred Review

This book will completely charm anyone who loves Narnia and Middle-earth.

Like John Hendrix’s amazing book, The Faithful Spy, this is a full-on well-researched work of nonfiction, complete with an index. But the format is very visual. It’s not quite a graphic novel – for one thing, it’s not a novel, but there’s also plenty of text (my one complaint is the teeny-tiny print used for most of that) giving background information. There are plenty of scenes with speech bubbles and panels, and there is some kind of picture on every spread. John Hendrix also used two characters – a wizard and a lion – to talk about the ideas that Tolkien and Lewis discussed.

I thought that was a strong point of the book. There are “portals” you can go through – referring you to a page at the back of the book – to get more in-depth information about “The Roots of Myth,” “Origin of the Fairy Tale,” “The Fantasists,” and “The Artifact Attic.”

Now besides these diversions, the wizard and the lion do a great job giving the reader the context of the two authors’ lives, including how they both saw combat in World War I and lived to see World War II – so that greatly affected their world views and their writing. We also get the story of how C. S. Lewis lost his faith during the Great War – and later was “Surprised by Joy.” Tolkien didn’t convert him, but Tolkien loomed large in his life as a man of faith.

The highlight of the book is how it shows how much their friendship affected both their lives and their writing. There’s a central chapter on the Inklings group they founded, and honestly I don’t see how anyone could read it and not wish for a group like that themselves. And it shows how Tolkien and Lewis were the heart and leaders of the group.

There’s also a contrast in their writing methods, though. Tolkien was slow, methodical, and perfectionist – working for decades on his magnum opus, The Silmarillion, which was finally published after his death. But this book makes the case that Lewis’s encouragement may have been what helped Tolkien get The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings published at all. Despite all his perfectionism, I’m still stunned to read that he didn’t realize Bilbo’s ring was the One Ring of Power until he got the hobbits to the inn at Bree. Sounds like he didn’t exactly plan things out in advance.

On the other hand, Tolkien’s comments on the beginning of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe almost prompted Lewis to throw the whole thing away! This book did, though, give me sympathy for his short-sightedness. I mean, if you’ve been spending your life painstakingly working out the background of your mythical world, and then you friend dashes off a story that combines talking animals and mythology and Father Christmas – well, I can understand that it’s not quite Tolkien’s thing. But I’m also super glad that Lewis found another reader to run the story past. He went on to write seven books about Narnia in seven years – a dramatically different pace than Tolkien published. Oh, another fun tidbit is that Ransom, the main character of Lewis’s Space Trilogy, is based on Tolkien, and the books were written as the result of a coin flip – Tolkien was supposed to write a time travel book, but never completed it.

And the book also covers the way Tolkien and Lewis drifted apart in their later years. But the author indulges in a scene of the two reuniting after death, talking about how much they appreciate each other and how fortunate they were to have each other – before they “enter the west.” In fact, after reading this book, I fully believe that the whole world is better because of their friendship and the books that would never have been quite the same if they hadn’t found each other.

If you’re at all a Lewis or Tolkien fan, get your hands on this book! I’m listing the book in Teen Nonfiction, but it’s suitable for upper elementary and middle grade readers – as long as they’re aware there’s a whole lot of text. But yes, if they are a fan of either or both authors, this is a wonderful way to find out more and think about the ideas behind their work.

johnhendrix.com

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Disclaimer: I am a professional librarian, but the views expressed are solely my own, and in no way represent the official views of my employer or of any committee or group of which I am part.

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Review of The Anthropocene Reviewed, by John Green

Musings, Nonfiction Review, Starred Review 0

The Anthropocene Reviewed

Essays on a Human-Centered Planet

by John Green

Penguin Audio, 2021. 10 hours, 3 minutes.
Review written September 7, 2022, from a library eaudiobook
Starred Review

First, a big thank-you to my coworker Lisa for recommending this book and telling me it was available with John Green reading it himself. More than anything else of his I’ve read, this reminds me of how I first found out about John Green — in his vlog with his brother Hank, discussing random things together.

I like the way John Green’s nerdy mind works. He knows all kinds of bizarre facts and goes off on multiple tangents, and I think it’s all so fascinating.

In this book, John Green reviews random things on a five-star scale. But in order to do that, he tells about his own experiences with them and sometimes random facts about them and basically what it means to him. He explains at the beginning that reviews are inherently personal. I completely agree, and that made me feel good about this website and how I review books with respect to how I enjoyed them.

The things he chooses to review are somewhat bizarre. We’ve got Halley’s Comet, Canada geese, scratch ‘n’ sniff stickers, diet Dr. Pepper, and Lascaux cave paintings, for example. What could you possibly think of that all these have in common? Well, they’re all reviewed in this book.

I have to say that although I enjoy listening to John Green talk and found the subjects fascinating once he starts talking about them, when I had the physical book checked out, I didn’t get much read. It may have to do with the random nature of the selection of topics and no plot to keep me going. To my surprise, when I started listening, at first my attention wasn’t engaged either. But then I had the idea to listen at 1.25 speed — and I’d hit the sweet spot. I happily listened to the rest of the eaudiobook on my phone while driving and while doing housework (as one does) and maybe a little in between those times because I was so interested.

I happily give this book four-and-a-half stars.

johngreenbooks.com

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Review of The Wilderness of Girls, by Madeline Claire Franklin

Paranormal, Starred Review, Teen Fiction Review 0

The Wilderness of Girls

by Madeline Claire Franklin

Zando Young Readers, 2024. 360 pages.
Review written December 7, 2024, from a library book.
Starred Review

This is a story where you’re never quite sure if the magic really happened. I’m going to give the magic the benefit of the doubt and list in in the Paranormal section of my Teen reviews page.

The book opens on the night Eden’s father is arrested for embezzlement. The same night, her stepmother takes off for a tropical resort, and her stepbrother is doing graduate work in Germany – so Eden goes to stay with her Uncle Jimmy in Happy Valley. Even though she hasn’t seen much of Jimmy since her mother died many years ago, since her father kept him away from her.

Eden decides to change her name to Rhi, and adjusts to life in Happy Valley, though she still doesn’t have many friends. But she does some work for the rangers at the wildlife preserve, and one day when she’s walking a trail, she discovers four wild girls accompanied by two wolves – and one of the girls has her leg stuck in a bear trap.

The wolves tell the girls they can trust Rhi before they run off, and Rhi then becomes responsible for getting them help. The girl in the trap would lose her leg if she didn’t, but she feels a bit guilty.

It turns out that the girls have lived in the wilderness for thirteen years, cared for by a man named Mother. They lived in a “castle” – a giant hollow tree. He told them that they were four princesses from another world, Leutheria. And he’d seen a vision that soon after they found their fifth sister, a portal would open to bring them back to Leutheria and save that world.

But after Mother died – not long before Rhi found them – his magic stopped protecting their castle and it toppled. They are not angry with Rhi for taking them from the wild, because they believe she is the fifth princess. And that they’ll all go back to Leutheria together at the next lunar eclipse.

In the process of adjusting to the modern “civilized” world, many things happen to challenge their beliefs in what Mother told them. Was Mother a liar all along? A run-of-the-mill kidnapper? Can his prophecies be trusted? Is the magic real? And through it all, Rhi is walking with the girls, trying to come to terms with her own past.

It’s all very beautifully done, and I love the way the girls, including Rhi, are portrayed as growing strong and figuring out their own destiny rather than necessarily accepting the destiny put upon them. The characters – good and bad – are distinctively drawn and you feel the power of Rhi finding belonging and courage.

madelineclairefranklin.com
zandoprojects.com

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Disclaimer: I am a professional librarian, but the views expressed are solely my own, and in no way represent the official views of my employer or of any committee or group of which I am part.

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Review of Honeybee Rescue, by Loree Griffin Burns, photographs by Ellen Harasimowicz

Children's Nonfiction Review, Science, Starred Review 0

Honeybee Rescue

A Backyard Drama

by Loree Griffin Burns
photographs by Ellen Harasimowicz

Charlesbridge, 2022. 40 pages.
Review written December 29, 2022, from a library book
Starred Review

Honeybee Rescue is a true story, simply told, of a beehive discovered in a place it shouldn’t be. So instead of killing the bees to clean out his old garage, the beekeeper called in Mr. Nelson, an expert in honeybee rescue.

The story shows the whole process with photographs and simple language. The author explains how bees swarm and form a new hive when their old one is getting crowded. Then they showed how Mr. Nelson used his gentle no-kill bee vacuum to remove the bees and then carefully use the honeycomb they’ve already made to put into frames for a new hive.

Especially amazing is that Mr. Nelson doesn’t wear any protective gear when working with the bees. He explains that if you’re gentle with bees, they’ll be gentle with you.

Of course, along the way, the reader learns all kinds of information about bees and how they make honey. The book is fascinating and beautiful and will leave kids curious about bees.

loreeburns.com
ellenharasimowicz.com
charlesbridge.com

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Review of Together We Burn, by Isabel Ibañez

Fantasy, Starred Review, Teen Fiction Review 0

Together We Burn

by Isabel Ibañez

Wednesday Books (Macmillan), 2022. 354 pages.
Review written December 27, 2022, from a library book
Starred Review

Together We Burn is set in the fictional country of Hispalia, featuring a young lady named Zarela who dances flamenco in the dragon-fighting arena before her father, a Dragonador, fights the dragons. She is carrying on the tradition of her mother before her, who was killed a year earlier in dragon fire. Their family has owned the arena, the centerpiece of their town of Santivilla, for more than five hundred years.

But now someone wants to bring them to ruin. After the latest fight, some dragons were released, their wings unbound, to attack the people who came to their show. Her father is burned badly as he tries to help, and their family may well be ruined. And a few days later, the remaining dragon and their last dragon tamer are all killed in the caves below the arena.

But Zarela is determined. After giving all their funds to the dragon-fighting guild to pay fines and compensation to the victims, she has to sell treasures her mother left behind. She knows her father will disapprove, but she is determined that they will host another dragon fight. If she’ll never be able to find a dragonador to fight in their ring, well then, she’ll simply have to learn to fight dragons herself.

She hears of one place where she can purchase a dragon and someone to teach her. That potential teacher is young and arrogant and handsome, and it will take all Zarela’s determination to wear him down. He has sworn off dragon-fighting, but understands them like no one else. Even if he’ll agree to teach her, can she put aside her fear and conquer a dragon in the arena?

The writing in this book is lush and beautiful. But the beauty of the writing doesn’t stop us from quickly realizing what’s at stake, wondering how Zarela will possibly be able to save her family’s arena and her home.

Yes, it’s no surprise there’s an enemies-to-lovers plot. I somehow missed the transition there, where they switched from despising one another to not being able to keep their hands off each other, but I was able to go along with it. There’s a surprise twist toward the end with looming disaster, and I really did love the way they resolved Zarela’s need to put on a show with her growing understanding of dragons.

The fantasy world in this book was wonderfully imagined and stands out as something new, even for someone who’s read hundreds of young adult fantasy novels. A book about the world of bull-fighting — except with dragons.

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Review of Leaves to My Knees, by Ellen Mayer, illustrated by Nicole Tadgell

Contemporary, Mathematical, Picture Book Review, Starred Review 0

Leaves to My Knees

by Ellen Mayer
illustrated by Nicole Tadgell

Star Bright Books, 2022. 32 pages.
Review written December 23, 2022, from my own copy, purchased via amazon.com
Starred Review

This is a very simple picture book about raking leaves — which intentionally incorporates early math concepts. I read it for the Mathical Book Prize, though first thought of it simply as a nice story for Autumn. There’s a note at the back to parents and caregivers about the mathematics of measurement you’ll find here — and yes, it uses all of those concepts in a natural way that adds to the story.

The story is simple and lovely. A girl named Camille is bundling up with her Daddy and toddler brother to rake leaves. She plans to rake a pile of leaves that’s up to her knees.

The pictures of the family raking are joyful and bright. Each family member has a rake appropriately sized for them and makes a matching pile. The raking sounds they make are swush, swish, and sweeeeee.

There are obstacles to Camille’s plan — twigs and acorns clog up the rake. Her little brother steals leaves from her pile. And the wind comes with a big whoosh. But Camille progressively makes a pile that comes to her ankles, to the tops of her boots, and finally up to her knees — perfect for jumping into!

The complete package is a sweet story that will get your preschooler thinking about comparing and measuring.

ellenmayerbooks.com

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