BOOK REVIEWS

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Sharp offers an illustrated children's story about school kids coping with a classroom pet's demise. Read more. 

The Day Sweetie Pie Died is a picture book that differs from most about death, in that it surveys the events leading up to death. Read more.

Hudson's Monarch Nursery is a celebration of butterflies that goes beyond the usual identification and field guide for picture book readers.  Read more.

The Day Sweetie Pie Died is a beautifully honest book that holds the young reader’s hand as it navigates them through the oft under-discussed topic of death. This delicate subject matter is perfectly embodied through Sweetie Pie, a class guinea pig, whose death is mourned by the students in a way that’s relatable without being too overwhelming. We’ve all had a Sweetie Pie in our life, and as Laurie Sharp lovingly reminds us, death is a part of living. 

Death and dying are natural occurrences that prevail around us daily. The ending of any life force can be confusing and frightening to young children. The Day Sweetie Pie Died is a valuable book that provides an age-appropriate tool to gently reduce the fear and mystique about death. This sensitive story is not only great as a stand-alone but as a useful discussion-starter for families, teachers, counselors, and ministers. The book would be an asset to every home, school, or public library.

Ms. Laurie has made the uncomfortable topic of death approachable through her new book, The Day Sweetie Pie Died. It not only honors each child's place in their development level but also offers examples of tools parents, teachers, and other adults can use to address this natural life cycle in a healthy way. The wisdom she offers can be utilized in many of the life situations a child might face. 

All too often, children are shielded away or dismissed when a death occurs. Yet they feel real emotions, too, and while those feelings are often difficult to grasp, they are well in tune with others and can tell that people are upset, which can be very scary. The Day Sweetie Pie Died helps address these real-time emotions, both the ups and downs. The best part is that the children participate actively in Sweetie Pie's death, working together to honor her memory, and celebrate her life!

Laurie Sharp is an amazing writer who can tell a beautiful story while also educating children about the monarch butterfly and its miraculous life. Her love and knowledge of nature are fascinating and wonderfully articulated on every page. Children of all ages will be captivated by this beautiful story.

Hudson's Monarch Nursery is a beautifully crafted book that weaves a boy's passion for nature with scientific insights into the life cycle and migration of the monarch butterfly. Designed to be developmentally appropriate for children, it presents scientific concepts simply yet captivatingly. The engaging illustrations and heartfelt story celebrate care, love, and curiosity about all living things–whether it's a caterpillar, a horse, or the bonds of family and friendship! 

Hudson's Monarch Nursery is a great conservation-minded story that inspires children to explore their natural world. This children's book brings back memories of my own Pre-K adventures with Miss Laurie observing the monarch's life cycle.