Skip to content
Pragmatic Mom
Menu
  • Home
  • About
    • Contact
    • Policies
    • Media Kit
    • Privacy Policy
    • Copyright
    • KidLit Blogroll
  • My Book Lists
    • My List of Lists
    • Multicultural Books for Children: 60+ Book Lists
    • #OwnVoices
    • Summer Reading Lists for Middle School Kids
    • Asian American Children’s Books
    • African American Children’s Books
    • Arab American Children’s Books
    • Latinx American Children’s Books
    • Native American Children’s Books
    • LGBTQIA+ Children’s Books
    • Diverse Books for Kids
    • Best Books for Kids
  • Education
    • STEM/STEAM
    • Math
    • Social Studies
    • Art Projects for Kids
    • Applying to Art School
    • Applying to College
    • Book Club for Kids
    • 70+ Free Educational Games
  • Controversial
    • Sexual Misconduct in Children’s Book Publishing #MeToo #TimesUp
    • Rethinking & Examining Dr. Seuss’ Racism
    • Blood Feud over YA #BloodHeir
    • Tulsa Race Massacre: What They Don’t Teach You in History Books
    • The Chinese Exclusion Act – What They Don’t Teach in History Books
    • Segregation in California Schools: What They Don’t Teach in History Books
    • SCBWI Minnesota Racist Illustration and Gaslighting Response
  • My Books
    • My Book Announcements
    • Book Announcement: A Place to Call Home! {and a new title …}
    • FOOD FOR THE FUTURE makes Sunshine State Young Readers Award Orange Blossom List for Nonfiction!
    • Cover Reveal of my latest picture book … FORTUNE COOKIES FOR EVERYONE!
    • Picture Book Announcement! BARBED WIRE BETWEEN US, illustrated by Violeta Encarnación
    • We Sing From the Heart gets a few stickers!
    • Book Announcement! Postcards from Malcolm X: How Yuri Kochiyama Became a Civil Rights Activist
    • Kirkus Reviews My Newest Picture Book: THE TRAVELING TACO
    • We Sing From the Heart is a Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People Winner!
    • We Sing From the Heart gets a few stickers!
    • WE SING FROM THE HEART wins California Eureka! Nonfiction Children’s Book Award
    • WE SING FROM THE HEART is Orbis Pictus Recommended Book
    • WE SING FROM THE HEART is a Junior Library Guild Gold Selection
    • Dorktales Podcast: Simon Tam, Hidden Hero of History
    • Food for the Future Wins Nautilus Silver Book Award
    • Food for the Future makes Mass Book Award Long List!
    • FOOD FOR THE FUTURE Makes Green Earth Book Award Long List!
    • Food for the Future is a finalist for 2023 INDIES Book of the Year!
    • New! Food for the Future Activity and Discussion Guide!
    • FOOD FOR THE FUTURE is a Junior Library Guild Gold Selection!
    • ‘Food for the Future’ selected for Chicago Public Library’s Best of the Best books
    • Scholastic Purchased CHANGING THE GAME!
    • Starred Review for FOOD FOR THE FUTURE from School Library Journal!
    • Sumo Joe makes Bank Street Best Children’s Books of the Year list!
    • How To Coach Girls wins Silver Award!
    • Posts on My Books
  • My Book Events
    • My Book Events
    • Read Your World’s AAPI Virtual Panel + 5 Book Bundle Giveaways!
    • I’m doing a Storytime at the 3rd Annual Greater Roxbury Book Fair
    • The Traveling Taco Storytime and Craft at Ten Trees Books
    • OCA Reads: A Virtual Conversation with Mia Wenjen
    • NCSS Virtual Presentation: Farm to Table to Book
    • How Stories Can Help Students Feel Brave and Take Risks – NCTE Boston Presentation
Menu
Picture Books for 1st Grade

10 New Picture Book Reviews by My First Grade Son

Posted on May 22, 2012May 27, 2024 by Pragmatic Mom

My 7-year-0ld son in first grade reviews a large stack of newly published books. He ranks them by preference. #10 is his favorite and it’s not surprising to me that it’s Dear Flyary, a picture book for kids about a cute alien with a new vehicle.

What picture book are you enjoying with your kids? Do any of these pique your interest? I bet they are at your public library!

New Picture Books for 1st Grade

1. Kitten’s Winter (Kitten: Seasons) by Eugenie Fernandes

Winter comes to Kitten’s world, and the little calico leaves her cozy home for an afternoon of exploration and discovery. Kitten learns that even on a frosty day, animal life flourishes: a squirrel forages, an otter goes fishing and a woodpecker taps the side of a bare-limbed tree. At the same time, readers discover that for many animals, winter is a time of rest. Softly, Kitten treads past a burrowing turtle, a napping beaver, and a hibernating bear. Told in rhyming couplets, Kitten’s Winter is a perfect introduction to animal behavior and habitats. And its sumptuous, mixed-media illustrations make it ideal for beginning and pre-readers, who will delight in spotting all the different details of the season. [a simple picture book for ages 2 and up]

It was very interesting.

2. When Dinos Dawned, Mammals Got Munched, and Pterosaurs Took Flight: A Cartoon PreHistory of Life in the Triassic (National Geographic Kids) by Hannah Bonner

In the style of WHEN BUGS WERE BIG and WHEN FISH GOT FEET this book discusses all the exciting developments of the Triassic Age, from the recovery of the planet from the most deadly mass extinction ever, to the first appearance of the dinosaurs. We also get to meet the first mammals, the first pterosaurs (flying reptiles), the first frogs, a host of predatory marine reptiles, early turtles, and the first coral reefs.  With the books’ signature blend of humor and clearly presented information, cartoon illustrations help keep the fact-filled material extra fun. [a non-fiction book full of factoids for ages 3 and up]

I like it. That’s all.

3. Virginia Wolf by Kyo Maclear and Isabelle Arsenault

Vanessa’s sister, Virginia, is in a “wolfish” mood — growling, howling, and acting very strange. It’s a funk so fierce, the whole household feels topsy-turvy. Vanessa tries everything she can think of to cheer her up, but nothing seems to work. Then Virginia tells Vanessa about an imaginary, perfect place called Bloomsberry. Armed with an idea, Vanessa begins to paint Bloomsberry on the bedroom walls, transforming them into a beautiful garden complete with a ladder and swing “so that what was down could climb up.” Before long, Virginia, too, has picked up a brush and undergoes a surprising transformation of her own. Loosely based on the relationship between author Virginia Woolf and her sister, painter Vanessa Bell, Virginia Wolf is an uplifting story for readers of all ages. [a picture book for ages 4 and up]

It was strange.

4. My Best Friend Abe Lincoln: A Tale of Two Boys From Indiana by Robert L. Bloch, illustrated by John W. Ewing

In 1820, Sam Harding and Abe Lincoln forged a strong friendship, based on their love of learning and of the outdoors. This timeless story is about the special bond between two boys, the experiences they shared growing up in early America, and how one of the boys eventually became the sixteenth President of the United States. [a biography for ages 5 and up]

I sort of liked it.

5. Larf by Ashley Spires

No one believes Larf exists, and he likes it that way. Larf, you see, is a sasquatch, the only sasquatch in the world (or so it seems). He has a very pleasant, and very private, life in the woods, where on any given day he might be found jogging, gardening, or walking Eric, his pet bunny. But everything changes one morning when Larf discovers that another sasquatch is scheduled to make an appearance in the nearby city of Hunderfitz. What?! That must mean he’s not the only sasquatch in the world! Excited by the prospect of having a friend to share hair grooming tips with (and let’s face it, teeter-tottering alone is no fun), Larf disguises himself as a city slicker and heads for Hunderfitz — where he’s in for a couple of enormous surprises. Ashley Spires once again shows her chops for creating irresistible, quirky characters and laugh-aloud stories and illustrations. Readers with little feet and big feet will fall head over heels for Larf. [a picture book for ages 4 and up]

I liked it because Larf found a friend.

6. Vote For Me! by Ben Clanton

Hey, you! Yes, you with the dazzling smile! The donkey wants your vote. So does the elephant. And each will do just about anything to win your support. Brag? Sure! Flatter? Absolutely! Exaggerate, name-call, make silly promises and generally act childish? Yes, yes, yes and yes. Soon, the tension mounts, and these two quarrelsome candidates resort to slinging mud (literally) and flinging insults. And what happens when the election results are in? Well, let’s just say the donkey and the elephant are in for a little surprise — and a certain bewhiskered, third-party candidate is in for a first term. Vote for Me! is a timely satire of American politics, but it’s a story readers of all nationalities and ages will recognize. Comical, retro illustrations (in shades of blue and red, of course) are completely winning, and the duelling duo’s insult-laden exchanges promise to have readers laughing out loud. [a picture book great for upcoming presidential election for ages 4 and up]
I liked it and I want to vote in an election.

7. Riding In My Car illustrated by Scott Mechin (with movable parts, lift-the-flaps, and pop-ups!)

Click clack, open up the door, girls;
Click clack, open up the door, boys;

Front door, back door, clickety clack,
Take you riding in my car.

Inspired by his love of Woody Guthrie’s Riding In My Car, award-winning illustrator Scott Menchin invites readers on an exciting cross-country road trip with a family of dogs! 

This interactive novelty format features pull-tabs, pop-ups, and lift-the-flaps on every page, and makes kids feel like they’re really coming along for the ride, visiting some of America’s most notable landmarks including the Statue of Liberty, Mount Rushmore, the Grand Canyon and more! Hidden beneath each flap are fun American facts for the child readers and interesting biographical details about Woody Guthrie for adults.

The entire song will be hosted on www.ridinginmycarbook.com so readers can read and sing along! [an interactive lift the flap, pull the tab picture book for ages 2 and up]

I liked it because I got to see all the interesting places.

8. A Hen for Izzy Pippik by Aubrey Davis, illustrated by Marie Lafrance

When Shaina finds a magnificent hen, she knows that Izzy Pippik, the hen’s owner, is sure to return for her. In the meantime, Shaina decides she will care for the animal. But when dozens of eggs hatch and rowdy chickens scatter throughout the village, Shaina must fight the entire town if she has any hope of protecting the birds. Inspired by Jewish and Islamic traditional texts, this is a beautiful tale about doing the right thing, even in the face of adversity. [ a picture book that reads like a folk tale for ages 4 and up]

I liked it because she got a hen and they all got little chicks because she worked so hard to get the hen back.

9. Lin Yi’s Lantern: A Moon Festival Tale by Brenda Williams and Benjamin Lacombe

Lin Yi is given money to buy items at the market for tonight’s Moon Festival. If he bargains well, he can purchase a red rabbit lantern for himself. But he must purchase everything on his mother’s list first! This heart-warming story will resonate with both children and adults, as they learn about the wonderful Chinese Moon Festival and the rewards that come from putting others first. Set in China, this story offers an opportunity to learn about Chinese customs through the accessible story of a young boy who has his heart set on buying a lantern for the festival. This book includes informative notes about life in rural China and the Moon Festival, celebrated in October. Personal and Social Development – Lin Yi faces a moral dilemma and learns that doing the right thing for its own sake is the best course of action, and that luck may shine on those who act morally. [a multi-cultural picture book perfect for anyone celebrating the Moon Festival for ages 4 and up]

I liked it because Lin Yi got a lantern after all the work they did.

10. Dear Flyary by Dianne Young, illustrated by John Martz

One-eyed aliens Frazzle recounts his flying adventures in a new journal (in alien vernacular, of course). He bighearts his little Model 7, but as time passes, it starts making strange sounds, and Frazzle — pressured by friends and co-workers — wonders if he should trade it in. One day, when it goes CLUNK in the middle of the flyway, it’s clear something must be done. Youngsters will love the out-of-this-world illustrations depicting worlds rife with all manner of alien life. Even more irresistible: an unexpected ending sure to delight careful readers. [a picture book for ages 4 and up]

I liked it the best because it’s about an alien. Aliens are cool.

To examine any of the items listed, please click on image of item.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

 

Follow PragmaticMom’s board Multicultural Books for Kids on Pinterest.

Follow PragmaticMom’s board Children’s Book Activities on Pinterest.

 

My books:

We Sing From the Heart picture book cover reveal of The Slants Simon Tam

 Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me

Cover Reveal: Boxer Baby Battles Bedtime!Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me

Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World by Mia Wenjen, illustrated by Robert Sae-Heng

Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World

  • Junior Library Guild Gold selection
  • Massachusetts Book Award Long List
  • Selected as one of 100 Outstanding Picture Books of 2023 by dPICTUS and featured at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair
  • Starred review from School Library Journal
  • Chicago Library’s Best of the Best
  • 2023 INDIES Book of the Year Awards Finalist
  • Green Earth Book Award Long List
  • Imagination Soup’s 35 Best Nonfiction Books of 2023 for Kids

 Amazon / Barefoot Books / Signed or Inscribed by Me

cover for Sumo JoeChanging the Game: Asian Pacific American Female Athletes by Mia WenjenAmazon / Scholastic / Signed or Inscribed by Me

The Elusive Full Ride Scholarship: An Insider’s Guide

How To Coach Girls by Mia Wenjen and Alison FoleyAsian Pacific American Heroes

11 thoughts on “10 New Picture Book Reviews by My First Grade Son”

  1. Josh says:
    May 22, 2012 at 8:04 am

    Thats’s awesome!

    Reply
  2. Catherine/ Mama C and the Boys says:
    May 22, 2012 at 3:51 pm

    I love that you included your sons words–those are the sellers for me. Aliens ARE COOL!!!

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      May 24, 2012 at 9:01 am

      Hi Catherine of Mama C and the Boys,
      It was easy to get him to read the books and rank the books. In fact, he loved ranking the books. But to extract his opinions … ugh! That was the hard part. He was in a succinct mood that day too! Glad you liked it. His favorite book was definitely Dear Flyary but then he does LOVE alien books!

      Reply
  3. Ann says:
    May 22, 2012 at 3:56 pm

    Looks like some good ones here! Love your son’s directness! We like aliens too – so will check out that one also illustrations look good on A Hen for Izzy Pippik and I think I am already in love with Larf!

    We are reading All of a Kind Family on your reco and an abridged version of Moby Dick along with some picture books including How Rocket Learned to Read which we enjoyed – also your recommendation!

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      May 24, 2012 at 9:02 am

      Hi Ann,
      My personal favorite was A Hen for Izzy Pippik … it’s like a modern fable with gorgeous illustrations and a wonderful message. It has a Jewish feel to the story too. Larf is also very cute.

      I’m so glad that you are enjoying some of my book recommendations! That makes me SOOOO HAPPY!!!!

      Reply
  4. Laura says:
    May 23, 2012 at 5:10 am

    Paid Book Reviewer is a great way for a avid reader to make a little extra money from their hobby..

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      May 24, 2012 at 9:04 am

      Hi Laura,
      Great tip! Thanks. I’ll inform my son. I’m not sure if his reviews are long enough though! 🙂

      Reply
  5. vanita says:
    May 23, 2012 at 7:45 am

    wonderful list. absolutely love these!

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      May 24, 2012 at 9:05 am

      Hi Vanita,
      Thanks so much!

      Reply
  6. Artchoo says:
    May 23, 2012 at 9:29 pm

    Those books look wonderful. I especially love kids’ books about dinosaurs, so I added that one to my list for little B.

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      May 24, 2012 at 9:11 am

      Hi Artchoo,
      Your son likes dinosaur books too?! Yay, here’s another list:

      http://www.pragmaticmom.com/2011/10/favorite-dinosaur-books/

      We spent an entire year when he was 3 reading nothing by dinosaur books. I have an extensive collection! 🙂

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Looking for something? Search here.

I’m Mia Wenjen!

Mia Wenjen Pragmatic Mom

Hi, I’m Mia Wenjen. Nice to meet you!

I blog excessively about diverse children’s books (picture books through middle grade). I am also the co-founder of Read Your World Celebrates Multicultural Children’s Book Day on Jan 25, 2024, our 11th year!

I’d love to chat with you. Let’s connect! PragmaticMomBlog (at) gmail (dot) com or through my social media handles.

Free Blog Updates in your Inbox (RSS feed)

Monthly Newsletter with Subscriber Only Giveaways in your Inbox

My Linktree (click for my links & socials)

my linktree

My Websites

  • How To Coach Girls
  • I Love Newton
  • Mia Wenjen (My New Author Website)

Camp Cody: Overnight Camp in New Hampshire

Read Your World LGBTQIA+ Books Save Lives Merch!

https://www.pragmaticmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Read-Your-World-FINAL-Merchandise-Video.mp4

Purchase Read Your World Merch

LGBTQIA+ Books Save Lives Merch.

Buy it here!

Search Amazon

Find Children's Books

Newton Children’s Book Festival 2025

Newton Children's Book Festival 2025

Get My Books Signed or Inscribed through my shop (click to purchase)

Mia Wenjen signed books

Boxer Baby Battles Bedtime! (click to purchase)

Cover Reveal: Boxer Baby Battles Bedtime!

We Sing From the Heart (click to pre-order)

We Sing From the Heart picture book cover reveal of The Slants Simon Tam

FOOD FOR THE FUTURE (click to purchase)

Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World by Mia Wenjen, illustrated by Robert Sae-Heng

CHANGING THE GAME (click to purchase)

Changing the Game: Asian Pacific American Female Athletes by Mia Wenjen

SUMO JOE (click to purchase)

Sumo Joe cover reveal

Asian Pacific American Heroes (click to purchase)

Asian Pacific American Heroes by Mia Wenjen

GNOMES & UNGNOMES: Poems of Hidden Creatures // I have 3 haiku poems (click to purchase)

GNOMES & UNGNOMES: Poems of Hidden Creatures 3 haiku by Mia Wenjen
Read Your World is Multicultural Children's Book Day

ClothingRIC- A Premium Coupon Website!

ThingsFromMars- The Wondrous World of Wacky Gift Products!

How to Get Kids Reading

  • Multicultural Books for Children: 60+ Book Lists
  • Getting Kids to Love Reading
  • Summer Reading Lists for Kids By Grade
  • Summer Reading Lists for Middle School Kids

Heim Nest Kid Mattress Exclusive Deal

Heim Nest Kid Mattress

AdvancedWriters.com is an expert writing service which helps students with academic writing.

educational toys

CEX.IO is a versatile crypto exchange platform where users can buy, sell, and trade cryptocurrencies, as well as access resources and tools to learn how to trade effectively.

MyPaperDone.com
is surely one of the best when it comes to paper writing assistance.

My Custom Essay
will guide you through academic life.

Essay Writing Services

If you ask "write my essay", Topessaywriting can help you with paper writing

TranslationReport can help you to choose the best translation service

If you are looking for the most trusted essay writing service, check this article about best essay writing service reviews at Econotimes

educational toys from dhgate stores

Assignment Writing Services Offer Assignment Assistance In UK Based Company 50% Discount Students

Playing at online casinos can be an exciting and rewarding experience, and you can find the best options at casinoszondercruksonline.com. 

For those seeking a safe and reputable gambling experience, the Meest betrouwbare buitenlandse casino lijst is an invaluable resource.

Archives

Categories

The Elusive Full Ride Scholarship (click to purchase)

The Elusive Full Ride Scholarship: An Insider’s Guide

HOW TO COACH GIRLS (click to purchase)

How To Coach Girls silver award winner

Archives

I’ll be sharing WHAT I WISH I KNEW BEFORE I STARTED MY KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN

HOW TO COACH GIRLS book trailer by Mia Wenjen & Alison Foley

https://youtu.be/j74M0bBxrGg

Recent Posts

  • OCA Reads: A Virtual Conversation with Mia Wenjen May 16, 2025
  • Book Announcement: A Place to Call Home! {and a new title …} May 14, 2025
  • 21 Children’s Books to Celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month May 12, 2025
  • FOOD FOR THE FUTURE makes Sunshine State Young Readers Award Orange Blossom List for Nonfiction! May 9, 2025
  • Today is My Book Birthday for The Traveling Taco & 10 Book GIVEAWAY! May 6, 2025

Categories

© 2025 Pragmatic Mom | Powered by Superbs Personal Blog theme
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.Accept Read More
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
SAVE & ACCEPT