The Grudge Keeper by Mara Rockliff

Old Cornelius has a huge Victorian home which is good because he's the village's Grudge Keeper.  Any problems they have, they write them down and take them to him to hide away in his home.  Sounds good, doesn't it?

Peachtree Publishers and Net Galley allowed me read this book for review (thank you).  It was published April 1st, so check with your local bookstore for a copy.

This is a lovely picture book.  Eliza Wheeler illustrates with her heart.  Her pictures are big and overflowing with soft colors and fun characters.  They really add to the text and make the story even more impressive.

Most of the grudges are pretty silly.  The text makes it even more fun by referring to them as tiffs and huffs and squabbles and quibbles and more.  Everyone in the village uses Cornelius' services and that keeps them all getting along.

So imagine what happens when there is really big wind and it blows all those grudges out the windows?  Squabbles were tangled with quibbles, low blows were on top and left handed compliments were on the right side.  Oh my!

The words used in this story are active and fluid and make you want to mimic the sounds.  I found that charming.  I also love how the story ends.  

Why not share a book with your little one that will teach them to forgive and forget the little things that happen in life and follow the natural way to happiness?  They'll be smiling when then they finish this picture book story - just like I was!

My Heart Will Not Sit Down by Mara Rockliff

The people in America are suffering during the Great Depression.  Can a small African girl help them in some way?

Alfred A Knopf sent me a copy of this book for review (thank you).  This children's picture book is now available for sale at your local bookstore.

Ann Tanksley is the illustrator for this book and she uses bright colors to express the emotions and the personality of the African village and its people.

Kedi and her family don't have much, but they have enough.  They live simply, eat what they grow, and she goes to school.  When she learns about how bad things are in New York during the Great Depression, she wants to help.  Her heart "will not sit down", but she has no money.

She asks her mother and members of her village for money to send, but no one can spare any.  As time goes by, more and more of her village visits her door and gives her a coin because she's made them aware of the depression and they can't forget about it either.

I was very impressed about this story because they truly don't have much money in the African villages.  They only way they could share was to have less for themselves.  Yet, they gave.  Now if we would give back in their time of need, many African families would be living a better life right now.

This fictional account is based on a true story.  The African county of Cameroon sent $3.77 to New York.  I'm glad their sacrifice didn't go unnoticed.

Why not show your child even a small amount of money or goods can help during bad times.  Especially if they are combined with other small donations.  Maybe you might even make a donation of your own to the children of Africa to help them survive to adulthood.

Happy reading.