Some books leave me speechless. Others leave me with exactly five words. Welcome to the April edition of my most ruthless review format. It’s short. It’s sweet. It’s back.
Mermaids are the Worst!
Author: Alex Willan
Illustrator: Alex Willan
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
4 March 2025
40 pages
Ryan’s five-word review: Fin-flipping fun meets goblin fury.
4 out of 5 glittery tails 🧜♀️🧜♀️🧜♀️🧜♀️
Bearsuit Turtle Makes a Friend
Author: Bob Shea
Illustrator: Bob Shea
Harry N. Abrams
25 March 2025
40 pages
Ryan’s five-word review: Sass meets heart. Turtles triumph.
4 out of 5 bear suits 🐻🐻🐻🐻
Party Animals
Author: Tara Lazar
Illustrator: Anna Raff
Disney Hyperion
11 March 2025
48 pages
Ryan’s five-word review: Heartfelt joy in goofy packaging.
4.25 of 5 glitter bombs ✨✨✨✨
Pop! Goes the Nursery Rhyme
Author: Betsy Bird
Illustrator: Andrea Tsurumi
Union Square Kids
18 March 2025
48 pages
Ryan’s five-word review: Literary sabotage, now for kids!
4.5 out of 5 snarky weasels 🐹🐹🐹🐹
Wash Day Love
Author: Tanisia Moore
Illustrator: Raissa Figueroa
Scholastic Press
4 March 2025
40 pages
Ryan’s five-word review: Hair, heritage, and heart intertwine.
4.25 out of 5 warm hugs 🤗🤗🤗🤗