September Book Reviews

It’s nearly fall and more books will be arriving in mailboxes soon! Teamwork and perseverance are themes in both of the books this month reviewed by Amanda Urabe for Imagination Library of Waco.

Brick by Brick
by Heidi Woodward Sheffield

Papi labors hard in the hot sun as a bricklayer every day while Luis goes to school. He is tired when he picks up Luis, but he’s still smiling. This sweet story about a father and son who each work hard to do their part has vibrant, happy pictures—and an even happier ending.

“Papi’s work is brick by brick. Mine is book by book.”

Collage-style illustrations cleverly use photos of actual bricks. Parallel father/son scenes lend well for comparing and contrasting and a handful of Spanish words with translations are sprinkled throughout.

Sheffield received the Ezra Jack Keats New Illustrator Award for Brick by Brick, her debut picture book.

Hugo and the Impossible Thing
by Renee Felice Smith and Chris Gabriel, illustrated by Sydney Hanson

Hugo stares into the distance at the Impossible Thing—giant boulders, thorny mazes, raging river and towering cliffs. A curious little dog, he wonders what’s on the other side and how it’s impossible to get there if no one has ever tried. All the animals in the forest tell him it cannot be done. But Hugo’s questions make them reconsider…can they work together using their individual strengths to reach a common goal?

“The impossible thing has always been impossible.”

Watercolors and digital paintings add a softness to this adorable story. Themes such as bravery, perseverance and teamwork will make this a favorite among children and adults alike.

Smith and Gabriel are childhood friends and creative partners. They have worked together on numerous projects for TV and film, but this is their first picture book.
Hanson has illustrated several picture books which often consist of animals and nature using traditional and digital media.

Amanda Urabe has written book reviews for publishing houses such as Simon & Schuster and narrated a reading app for children. Alongside her husband and their two sons, she re-located to Waco three years ago from Los Angeles. Then known as L.A. Book Mom, she maintained a blog and hosted story time at local businesses and farmers markets to promote the joy of reading in her community. With a degree in Education and a passion for literacy, she is thrilled to be working with Imagination Library of Waco.