This is probably one of the best books we read in the last couple of months. And I’m not just saying that because of the main character being a dinosaur, the kids being very diverse, the rhymes flowing beautifully, or the illustrations being magnificent. What we loved most in fact was how the main character and the other kids in the book underwent a significant personal development that was visualised in the book through art (Spoiler: The dino starts out as being grey = mainly invisible to others, and turned colourful towards the end = having found a true friend and recognition for who he is). Overall, a great read that I’ll recommend to my sons’ preschool and school, respectively.

What a positive message to send kids about overcoming pressure and worry. This book is an inspiration to children that have trouble finding courage in overwhelming moments. Max put on her mask and mustered up bravery to overcome her fears. A great book for children to read right now that are needing to wear masks! ♡
Highly recommend!

Pain, loss, grief, is there any one way in which people react? No.

Heather E Robyn's Group does a great job of portraying all the ways in which people can react to the loss of a loved one and the process through which each can recover. This book also delves into general mental health and red flags we can be looking for in loved ones who are going through traumatic times.

Highly recommend it!

I LOVE the fun, punchy rhymes- it makes this a great read-aloud! This story is very relatable and has a great lesson (but it’s not overly in your face - my kids hate those books lol) — this is the perfect balance. These lines gave me goosebumps (pictured): “Gilly was relieved that they addressed their great concern. ‘Cause no one can do better if they never get to learn”. It’s a great reminder for kids (and grownups, too). I also LOVE that the author uses vocabulary that is a bit more challenging— it’s a great way for kids to learn new words!

Deployment homecoming videos always make me cry, so it's no wonder that my eyes got a little misty when I read about Max & her dad’s reunion at the school assembly in “Super Max’s Hero Surprise.”

Most people associated with the military know what it's like to either be deployed themselves or to have a loved one that is or was deployed at some point. Separation like that is hard on the heart, mind, body, and soul for everyone involved, which is why deployment homecomings are so special, overwhelming, and emotional.

It's nice to see resources like this available to help support military families while also educating or sensitizing other Americans to the unique challenges that military families face at the same time. This book would be excellent for elementary teachers to read to students during the Month of the Military Child (i.e., April).

Love that it shows Max in what is SO normal for kids (and adults) trying new things. Nervous and excited at the same time. It shows how having a support system can really help you through self-doubt. I know this book is about a kid and a sport, but it's really SO much more. Teaching kids to believe in themselves, teaching kids it's okay to feel more than one emotion at a time, teaching other kids to be supportive of others. Love it. And the illustrations are awesome. Great read.