Review: Always and Forever by Alan Durant & Debi Gliori

Otter, Mole, Fox and Hare lived together in a house in the woods. They all work together and love each other dearly. One day, Fox fell ill and died. His family talks about Fox, their favorite qualities about him, and remembers him. His house was consumed by deep sadness for a very long time. Their friend Squirrel comes to their house to help them through their grief.With Squirrels’ help, they learn healthier ways to grieve and cope while remembering Fox will always be with them. The usage of animals in this book makes it very appealing for its palatability. This book openly talks about sadness, grief, and loss. The story doesn’t shy away or sugar coat the feelings that loved ones feel after losing someone. But it also helps to remind you that life must go on and it is important to find ways to incorporate the lost loved one in daily life without being completely consumed by sadness. Great for the reader who has lost someone important in their life.

If you like this book you may like:

Maybe Tomorrow? by Charlotte Agell

I’m Sad by Michael Ian Black

Invisible String by Patrice Karst

Review: The Pout-Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen & Dan Hanna

A fish is always grumpy and then gets happy

Review: The Pigeon Has Feelings, Too! By Mo Willems

This pigeon does NOT want to be happy when the bus driver tells him to. He is angry, he is sad, and he has feelings too. This book depicts how sometimes you don’t want to be happy, you just want to be upset. Even though people may tell you that your feelings are incorrect, you have feelings too and they are valid! The everyday nature and familiarity of pigeons help to make this abstract idea to be more approachable. This book helps to show that it’s okay to be upset or frustrated that we all have our own feelings. Whatever we are feeling in that moment is exactly what we are meant to be feeling, since feelings are deeply personal. The artwork and incorporation of the words with the illustrations allows for an easy to read feel. Great for the younger reader who is learning about feelings and emotions.  

If you like this book you may like…

Happy Right Now by Julie Berry

The Unbudgeable Curmudgeon by Matthew Burgess