Cathy Goldberg Fishman

⭐ Children’s Book | Nature | Counting & Early Learning

Thank you to Familius for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

A Walk in the Forest is a beautifully crafted children’s book that immediately stands out with its cutout-style cover art. The interior artwork perfectly matches that aesthetic, creating a cohesive and inviting visual experience from start to finish. The friendly font adds to the playfulness of the book and complements the nature-themed illustrations.

The different show more trees featured throughout the pages are drawn in a way that makes them easily distinguishable, helping young readers start to recognize various types of forest environments. The characters are adorable, adding a gentle sense of adventure as the story unfolds.

It’s a short, simple book, but it’s thoughtfully done, perfect for very young readers. One of the highlights is how it incorporates counting up to 10 naturally within the story, making it both fun and educational.

Although my favorite tree wasn't featured in the book (Red Maple Tree), overall, A Walk in the Forest is a sweet, visually cohesive children’s book that blends cute artwork and early learning elements into a lovely little read. show less

An accurate portrayal of the mitzvot and customs (minhagim) involved in the celebration of Purim, along with a synopsis of the Purim story. Excellent, colorful illustrations. By 2000, when the book was written, we might expect a more appropriate description of King Ahasuerus than "a silly king who partied all the time." (After all, this is the king who banishes his wife for not displaying her naked body at his drunken bash, then holds a beauty pageant to select the next member of his harem, show more and then agrees to kill all of the Jews in his kingdom until Esther steps in to intervene. I am not suggesting that these details be included in this picture book but rather that there be some indication that the king is at the very least, ignoble.) Dressing as "gypsies" is also an insensitivity that could easily have been avoided. Still, a good, simple book about Purim. - Marla S. show less

This is a beautifully illustrated board book that showcases features of the Fall season. Guaranteed cozy bedtime read for the entire family and encourages conversation through its illustrations of various cultural events that occur during the Fall months. It will make a great addition to your library.

Full review posted at https://readingbeyondthebookcover.com/october-2022-reading-wrap-up/.

The story is told from a child's point of view and explains her family's practices associated with Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. In doing so, the child explain the significance and differences between the two holidays. While I really enjoyed the illustrations in this book, I had trouble paying attention to the plot of the story. I felt like it did not do a good job of grabbing my attention. When I was finished reading the book, I realized I still did not know what Yom Kippur and Rosh show more Hashanah are and had to go back and reread. show less