Shelley Rotner

Nov 11, 2024 | kirkusreviews.com | Shelley Rotner |Kate Messner |Mark Siegel

In this illustrated book, the author pairs rhyming passages about international travel with whimsical illustrations by Kasha. “Did you know that your mind can travel and wander to any magical place within space and all over the world?” the narrator asks at the outset. Zivkov tells readers that their minds are “magic” and can transport them anywhere. As a boy launches paper airplanes on a grassy hill, the author urges, “Now let’s try it! Let your mind take flight.

Aug 1, 2024 | gonomad.com | Shelley Rotner

Blown Away in BentonvilleBy Shelley RotnerSenior WriterWho knew that Bentonville, Arkansas was a hidden gem, the best-kept secret—a small city set in gorgeous nature in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains? I went to Bentonville for a work project unrelated to my travel passion. Initially, I had no idea what to expect or what I was about to experience. I left with deep regrets wishing I had spent more time there.

Feb 20, 2024 | kirkusreviews.com | Laura Driscoll |Shelley Rotner |Kari Lavelle

Bruce Goldstone’s Awesome Autumn (2012) is still the gold standard. Rotner follows Hello Spring (2017) with this salute to the fall season. Name a change seen in northern climes in fall, and Rotner likely covers it here, from plants, trees, and animals to the food we harvest: seeds are spread, the days grow shorter and cooler, the leaves change and fall (and are raked up and jumped in), some animals migrate, and many families celebrate Halloween and Thanksgiving.

Jan 2, 2024 | kirkusreviews.com | Shelley Rotner

An attractive treatment of an inspiring life. The latest in the Little People, BIG DREAMS series focuses on the first American woman in space. This brief, well-written biography begins with Sally Ride’s childhood and ends with Ride starting a company that produced science books for children; it’s not until the timeline in the backmatter that readers learn she died in 2012.

Oct 21, 2023 | kirkusreviews.com | Julia Cook |Garrett B. Gunderson |Josh Cleland |Shelley Rotner

An educational and uplifting foundation in financial mindsets and rules of thumb. A walking, talking billfold of cash takes readers through the ins and outs of money. Held together by a shiny gold clip and often accompanied by anthropomorphic coins, our narrator is a smiley, positive presence who eats pizza and rides a bike, just like us! Money explains its value as well as how to earn it (mowing lawns, selling lemonade), spend it, save it, and share it.