This month, I packed my bags (well, metaphorically) and globe-trotted through time and place—from the sunbaked Outback of Australia to the shadowy alleys of WWII France, with side trips to Iran, Florida, and the Civil War South. Along the way, I found time to read and review everything from page-turning thrillers to heart-tugging historical fiction to a few charming picture books that stole the show (and my heart). Buckle up—there’s a little something for everyone in this literary itinerary! Make sure to follow my reviews by signing up for my newsletter, or by finding me on Goodreads, Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook. All the Little Animals: A Bedtime Book from A-Z […]
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A Sweet Lesson in Appreciation for Young Readers
We Are All Flowers by Orlaith O’Sullivan introduces kids to the gentle art of “flower-watering,” a mindfulness practice rooted in Zen teachings that encourages appreciating the good qualities in others and ourselves. With its rhyming text and whimsical illustrations, the book delivers a lovely message about kindness, self-esteem, and connection. The concept of “flower-watering” is beautiful—showing children how recognizing others’ strengths can brighten everyone’s day, while also encouraging self-reflection and self-care. The mindfulness tie-in makes it an enriching read, especially for families exploring emotional intelligence or Zen practices. However, the rhyming meter felt awkward, making it tricky to read aloud smoothly. When I shared the book with my grandchildren, I […]
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