Muon Thi Van

Little Linh introduces herself as "the cleverest little witch on Mãi Mãi Island," but like many ordinary little girls, she has a problem...her little brother, Baby Phu, who ruins everything. Linh tries to give him away, to no avail; then she tries to transform him, but he's eaten part of the spell from her book and it goes awry. Eventually, Baby Phu turns into a dragon (not a goldfish, as intended), but when he rescues Linh, she feels lucky to have a baby brother after all. (Mostly.) Bright, tropical colors in paint and colored pencil make for a lively story.… (meer)

Words are difficult to express the beauty of this incredible book which deals with a little girl's perspective being a refugee moving with her family to another country. Fleeing Vietnam in a boat that doesn't appear large enough, with a sky that is dark, and a long, scary journey of the unknown ahead.

As the girl, her mother and baby brother board the crowded boat, there are many wishes, including those the little girl imagines the objects might also have.

Perhaps the sun wishes it wasn't as hot, the journey wishes it wasn't so long, the girls heart wishes it was stronger, perhaps the path wishes it was shorter, and in the end when they arrive, she doesn't need to wish anymore.

This book brought tears. I couldn't help but wish that those who do not want to accept refugees might find a different perspective and open their hearts, putting themselves in the place of those in the boat.

The illustrations are incredible! The text is heart felt, and the wishes for a safe journey and a safe life are expressed sparsely with a lot of depth of feeling.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!… (meer)

If You Were Night is a unique children's book that really peaked my interest.

If you were night, what would you do? That is the general idea and theme behind this book. It's poetic, beautifully written and has a kind of Tim Burton essence for how interesting it is. It has it's own style and I'm truly amazed.

I think six year olds and up would enjoy this. Since this book has a little more thought processing behind it, I wouldn't recommend very little readers picking this book up. I do think adults reading it with their children will appreciate this book. It has an adult feel to it as well, since it asks some questions about what you would do if you were night.

The paper cut pictures are AMAZING. Honestly, it really stood out and just blew my mind when I realized what the pictures were made of. I highly recommend picking it up just to see this unique illustration style!

Overall, I'm totally in love with this book! It is so cool and I'd highly recommend it. Even as an adult, seeing a book as unique as this is totally worth it.

Five out of five stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kids Can Press for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.… (meer)