Raven Howell

This is the story of one little boy who simply couldn't fall asleep. Try as he might, it was just out of reach, so he fell on the old standby of counting sheep. What could be more relaxing? The soft baa of their calls, the wispy softness of their curls, their adorable faces as they bound through your mental dream scape...the way they party like it's 1999, rampage your underwear drawer, and reread Sheep in a Jeep a hundred times...wait, what? *double checks book* Yep, they sure show more do...apparently these aren't the sluggishly sleepy type of sheep you might have been expecting, but then again, sometimes what we didn't expect works our rather well!

I gotta say, while the rhyming structure of the story felt a tad stretched at times, I still had a blast! The sheep were definitely not what I was expecting, but hey, I"m with the little guy, they were SO much better than the snails! (You'll have to read it to find out why!) I do believe though that outside of their antics and adventurous choices in apparel, the illustrations really stole my heart. They were ADORABLE, and the dream like quality they were lent with the sometimes-fuzzy-sometimes-crystal-clear images and facials expressions just gave them something MORE.

So, yes...this is definitely one for the kiddos bedtime reading selections, but also a great reminder to all ages of just why sheep are the way to go when it comes to getting a good night's sleep!


**signed copy received for review; opinions are my own show less

An eye-catching, attention-grabbing, and useful introduction to words as a tool and an object of power or fun.

Word Up! by Raven Howell, illustrated by Joe Rocco, is an eye-catching, attention-grabbing way to teach the very young that words have power and can adapt to all circumstances, even if that means remaining unused. Sometimes it’s the sound of a word itself that draws someone to its existence. Maybe it’s the way it slides over the lips or pops off the tongue or bursts from the show more mouth, without regard for meaning, that draws one’s attention and affection. Or, perhaps, it’s the sound of its pronunciation that obscures or hides the unpleasant meaning of a more common synonym that brings some love its way. Still, it’s fun to discover what words another person holds dear to their heart and why. The book’s whimsical delivery and vibrant illustrations help young readers see that words can be powerful tools, both helpful and hurtful, and that they should be recognized for their abilities and value.

I recommend WORD UP! to young readers and listeners at home, school, or in afterschool settings.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Goddess Fish Promotions Book Tours. show less

These are fine. My favorite is “Let’s Go” about where books take you all over. The spring and the gnome or the goblin is also really fun and that is probably my favorite illustration in the book. I’m not really a fan of the illustration and altogether this would not be a book I would pick up frequently. It’s hard to compare to Shel Silverstein and this author doesn’t come close.

What a great time your about to have with your toddler, this brightly colored hard covered book is perfect for little hands.
Be ready for a fun time as you see what is following Mattison, you'll soon be counting aloud and then laughing together as you see what is at the end of the line!
"Wearing his favorite hat, Mattison Mouse is happy to venture outside on a beautiful day. Soon the little mouse hears mysterious footsteps behind him. What started out as a cheerful stroll turns uncertain as he show more begins to count animals who appear to be shadowing him. In a rush to run away, Mattison trips and loses his hat. It's only then he learns to refocus and overcome his anxieties, surprised by the special party his animal friends have planned for him."
The book is geared to ages 3 to 5, but I have a two year old that loves to have me read this!
I received this book from the author, and was not required to give a positive review. show less