Drew's Book Reviews

Drew Carter is the Education Specialist in the MPB Education Department. 

Carter's work in the education department spans across social media projects, podcast creation and student initiatives.

Hoping to further MPB's literacy program, he reads the selected book of the month and offers fun and insightful reviews for parents and teachers.

Carter grew up in Pelahatchie, MS, where he attended East Rankin Academy. After graduating, he attended Mississippi State University. His major was Business Administration with a focus on marketing.

“A place for everything, and everything in its place.”

 "Henry’s Map", written and illustrated by David Elliot, tells the story of Henry, a very organized pig who decides he needs to draw a map to show where all the animals on the farm are located. As Henry creates the map, the animals on the farm begin to tag along and follow him around, leaving their coops, stables, and stys unattended.

By the time his map is completed, he and the other animals are no longer on the farm but standing on a hill overlooking it. It’s then that Henry realizes that the animals need to return to the farm, to the place where they belong. As the animals rush back to their stations, Henry declares “A place for everything, and everything in its place!”

"Henry’s Map" shows the importance of organization and that everything and everyone has a place they belong. It also serves as a great adventure story for kids with fun, barnyard characters. The illustrations by David Elliot also add to the story, offering an old-fashioned art style that gives Henry’s Map a timeless feeling.

With a meaningful lesson and a fun, adventurous story, "Henry’s Map" would make a great addition to your child’s library.

March Activity: Create a “Kindness Tree”

March PBS KIDS Show: SuperWhy! and The Three Little Pigs

 Violet's Music

Written by Angela Johnson, illustrated by Laura Huliska-Beith

With a fun art style and clever writing, Violet’s Music shows the importance of following your passions and not letting people who aren’t interested in the same thing discourage you. The book has a great message showing that if you stick to the things you love and are passionate about them, you’ll find others who will want to join in the fun with you. 

Violet’s Music would make a great addition to any creative child’s bookshelf!

February Activity: Create a courage badge.

February PBS KIDS Show: Elinor Wonders Why;Video Story | Make Music Naturally

A Loud Winter's Nap

Written and illustrated by Katy Hudson

“Every year, Tortoise sleeps through winter. He assumes he isn’t missing much. However, his friends are determined to prove otherwise! Will Tortoise sleep through another winter, or will his friends convince him to stay awake and experience the frosty fun of winter?”

 Snowmen at Night

by Caralyn Buehner, illustrated by Mark Buehner

Have you ever built a snowman and discovered the next day that his smile has gotten a little crooked or his tree-branch arms have moved? And you've wondered . . . what do snowmen do at night? Well, this is your chance to discover the secrets of snowmen everywhere.

       A Bear To Share

by Jessica Alba, Kelly Sawyer Patricof, and Norah Weinstein, illustrated by Alicia Mas

Tiana loves her teddy bear, Bach. She doesn’t mind that he is a little worn and somewhat torn. So, when her mother suggests she make room for a new bear, Tiana can not believe her ears! Will Tiana have to lose the one bear she loves? Or will she find room in her heart for two?

Carmela Full of Wishes 

 by Matt de la Peña, illustrated by Christian Robinson

Do you ever make wishes and hope that every one of them comes true? Well, that is exactly what happens to Carmela. It is her birthday and all of her wishes have come true. She is having a great time on her special day, but now she has a tough decision to make. Read along and help her make the right decision.

Goodbye Summer Hello Autumn

 by Kenard Park

School has started, and all the girls and boys are excited to see their old friends and are ready to make new ones. The days are getting more relaxed, and the leaves are beginning to fall. Join a curious and adventurous little girl as she journeys through her town and nearby forest. She explores all things that display the coming new season. Walk with her and see how many signs you recognize.

All Are Welcome 

 by Alexandra Penfold, illustrated by Suzanne Kaufman

 Discover a school where all young children have a place, have a space, and are loved and appreciated. Readers will follow a group of children through a day in their school, where everyone is welcomed with open arms. A school where students from all backgrounds learn from and celebrate each other's traditions. A school that shows the world as we will make it to be.

A Friend for Henry

 by Jenn Bailey, illustrated by Mika Song

 Sometimes it is hard to make new friends. Henry has been on the lookout for a friend. A friend who shares, a friend who listens, maybe even a friend who likes things to stay the same and all in order, as Henry does. Will Henry ever find a friend—or will a friend find him?