Aussie publisher Compendium does parenting: MOM, I MADE YOU A BOOK & DAD, I MADE YOU A BOOK, sweet keepsakes against *shudder* teenage

DAD, I MADE YOU A BOOK
MIRIAM HATHAWAY (illus. Asahi Nagata)
Compendium (non-affiliate Amazon link)
$14.95 hardcover, available now

Rating: 5* of five

The Publisher Says: There is no better way to brighten Dad's day than heartwarming words from their little one. Help a child tell their dad just how great he is with this fun fill-in-the-blanks book. Kids can open the pages to draw pictures, make lists, and check off boxes as they express their love for their papa. When complete, Dad will have a one-of-a-kind keepsake that captures their child's personality, creativity, and love.

I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA EDELWEISS+. THANK YOU.

My Review: I think this little keepsake is completely adorable. I have some reservations about teaching kids to write and/or draw in books, but honestly they're going to anyway so lean in on this one occasion. It's also very nice that the way it's presented means it could be used by queer parents, too...no presumption of an opposite-sex spouse.


Seems likely to me that SOMEone out there will use this as a jab at the ex, but that's on you, not the author and illustrator. Cheap'n'cheerful way to give Dad an ongoing hug from the six- or seven-year-old who will be a surly teen one day soon...and guaranteed it'll come long before you're ready...so stock him up on the good memories now.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


MOM, I MADE YOU A BOOK
MIRIAM HATHAWAY (illus. Asahi Nagata)
Compendium (non-affiliate Amazon link)
$14.95 hardcover, available now

Rating: 5* of five

The Publisher Says: Mom makes every day special! Help a child tell her everything they love about her with the playful prompts in this fill-in-the-blanks book. Kids can open the pages and enjoy an afternoon of imagination—drawing pictures, selecting checkboxes, and making lists—all while celebrating everything they love about their mama. When complete, Mom will have a heartwarming keepsake that captures their little one's personality and appreciation.

I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA EDELWEISS+. THANK YOU.

My Review: An idea to put before your husband, wives. Or grandparents, give to your grand's mother...with the appropriate hand-holding, of course.


My, let's start the kids on gender stereotypes early, shall we? Its saving grace...making up a bit for the pinkness of it...for me was the playfulness of the idea. Let the kid say it with a little prompting. And, as above, entirely appropriate for queer couples or single moms.

BEING KIND: How to Add More Meaning to Your Moments, a clarion call to act

BEING KIND: How to Add More Meaning to Your Moments
KOBI YAMADA (illus. Charles Santoso)
Compendium (non-affiliate Amazon link)
$14.95 hardcover, available now

Rating: 5* of five

The Publisher Says: Why does kindness matter? Because there's no such thing as a small act of kindness—each one nourishes and enriches. This heartwarming book is a celebration of the part we each can play in creating a more compassionate world.

Written by New York Times bestselling author Kobi Yamada and illustrated by Charles Santoso, the creators behind the beloved Finding Muchness, this enchanting book illuminates how a simple deed can have extraordinary impact. Captivating artwork of a loveable sloth pairs with bite-sized wisdom to remind readers of the power we each have to uplift one another. It's a heartwarming invitation to be kind to someone—and to remember that you are someone too!

I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA EDELWEISS+. THANK YOU.

My Review: I haven't got the words to explain why kindness matters in a horrifying, cruel world that is getting rapidly crueler. Be kind to yourselves, and to each other.

We need to take care of each other. It is, now more than ever, clear we're the only ones who will.