Cassi da Conch - Laurel Handfield, illustrations by Stacey Byer

In the deep blue ocean, Cassi prepares to enter into the Caribbean Conch Contest. The pressure is on as both her mother and grandmother have previously won the prestigious competition.

Cassi teams up with her good friend Snapper and visits the other conch's in the competition to see how she can shine, sparkle and stand out enough to win.

Will Cassi find something unique that will make her standout from the rest and perhaps win the competition?

A story about accepting your gifts and not try to be something/one else, Cassi's journey of believing in herself just as she is an exciting and colorful one. Told with a Caribbean accent, the story flows at a pace that a child would follow easily. Adults will enjoy reading this story as well as children being able to read it for themselves.

Cassi's adventure is a real delight to read. The images that explain the words are vibrant, playful and inviting adding a real depth to the story. A lovely touch is the authors explanation of the different types of conch's that can be found in the sea and what makes them unique - the crux of the competition. Cassi da Conch is sure to be a favorite with everyone. A recommended read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Xist Publishing. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique.

God Painted Us a Rainbow - Katrina Streza, Illustrations by Lisa Graves

Illustration : Lisa Graves

This colorfully depicted children's book describes the types of weather and seasons seen throughout the year.

Composed in a poetic form, it is simply written in a style that any young child will be entertained by and adults will enjoy reading. It would make a great bed-time book.

The accompanying illustrations are happy, using a vibrant kaleidoscope of colors, creating great imagery for the poem.

A lovely book that is sure to delight young minds. I expected to read why God painted us a rainbow, but it's a book more on seasons and hints at not allowing another flood to happen again. Regardless, a cheery recommended read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book to review. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique.