Deepak’s Diwali Written by Divya Karwal Illustrated by Doreen Lang Paperback Ages 3-8 Review by Maureen Pugh Diwali, also called Deepavali or Divali, is a festival that is significant in Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, and Jainism. It is known as the “Festival of Lights,” and celebrates the victory of good over evil. In Deepak’s Diwali, it is the eve of Diwali, and Deepak’s grandmother tells him the story of the demon king Ravana who steals the god Rama’s wife, Sita. Deepak spends the first half of the story worried............. CONTINUE READING

According to the US Census Bureau, over 20% of the US population is of “foreign stock” – that is, they are either foreign-born or have at least one parent who was born in another country. In 2000, 47 million people in the United States spoke a non-English language at home, an increase of over 45% in just one decade. The number of native-born Americans with close ties to another country is expected to grow even more over the next few decades. While these............. CONTINUE READING

Augustus and his Smile Written and illustrated by Catherine Rayner Ages 2-6 Format: Paperback Review by Maureen Pugh “Augustus the tiger was sad. He had lost his smile.” So begins an epic quest as Augustus searches for his lost smile. His search takes him under bushes, up to the treetops, and to the crests of the highest mountains. He finds a beetle, chirping birds, and swirling snow clouds, but no smile. As his journey progresses, however, Augustus’ expression gradually begins to change. His pleasure becomes evident as............. CONTINUE READING

Keeping Up with Cheetah Written by Lindsay Camp Illustrated by Jill Newton Ages 2-7 Format: Paperback Review by Maureen Pugh Cheetah loves telling jokes and Hippopotamus loves to listen and laugh at Cheetah’s jokes – even when they aren’t very funny! This synergy makes them the best of friends. There is only one problem: Hippopotamus can’t run very fast, so he can’t keep up with Cheetah. Cheetah goes in search of a better friend, one who will appreciate his jokes and be able to run with him. Hippopotamus............. CONTINUE READING