Last Mother’s Day was my first. I had a little tiny baby boy who had come home from the hospital at the end of April. It was a great day, but this Mother’s Day will be especially special because I will have had a year to reflect on all of the memories of the past…
Albie Newton Illustrated by Josh Funk and Illustrated by Ester Garay
We have all experienced the new kid. Sometimes we are the new kid (like me in the sixth grade), and sometimes we are the kids in the class when the new kid comes. Out May 1 from Sterling, Albie Newton is a great new children’s picture book that addresses the new kid. Written by Josh Funk…
Colorama by Cruschiform
Anyone who knows me knows I absolutely love COLORS. I am addicted to them. Our wedding was blooming with vibrant pinks, oranges, and greens. So I was really excited when I received by review copy of Colorama, a beautiful book (one that middle grades and young adult readers who are into colors will really enjoy) by French…
But the Bear Came Back by Tammi Saucer and Illustrated by Dan Taylor
A charming children’s picture book by duo writer Tammi Saucer and illustrator Dan Taylor, But the Bear Came Back (published April 2017 by Sterling) will be a popular book in your house or classroom. What appears to be a humorous book about a bear who keeps telling a visiting bear to go away becomes something much more…
Snail Mail Written by Samantha Berger and Illustrated by Julia Patton
If anyone is a fan of snail mail, it is me. In fact, I just purchased a book on lettering so I can add pretty lettering to the snail mail that I will send out tomorrow! Author Samantha Berger has teamed up with illustrator Julia Patton to create Snail Mail, which comes out May 1 from Running Press….
Counting over the Weekend
Today I am pleased to share two books about counting with you: 10, 9, 8 … Owls Up Late! and 5 Little Rubber Duckies. 10, 9, 8 … Owls Up Late! is a fun read-aloud for those who love owls and counting. Told in a rhyming song similar to Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed, this children’s picture book written…
Yoga Frog by Nora Carpenter and Illustrated by Mark Chambers
In Yoga Frog (out May 29, 2018 from Running Press Kids), author and yoga instructor Nora Carpenter pairs up with illustrator Mark Chambers to create a colorful introduction to yoga. The book reads as a set of poses and is designed to go in the order of a yoga practice. I read the book aloud to…
You’re My Little Cuddle Bug by Nicola Edwards and Illustrated by Natalie Marshall
Every once in a while you come across a book that you just love, love, love. You’re My Little Cuddle Bug is just a book. I have read it to my little boy several times already! Written by Nicola Edwards and illustrated by Natalie Marshall, You’re My Little Cuddle Bug (out soon from Silver Dolphin Books), is an absolutely precious board…
Some Bunny Loves Me by Parry Gripp
A perfectly appropriate book for the week ahead, Some Bunny Loves Me (out this year from National Geographic Kids) is a book about the intricate relationship between people and their pets. Animal lovers will enjoy this book by singer-author Parry Gripp. I must admit I read this book to my little boy a few weeks ago and…
Anna and Johanna Written by Geraldine Elschner and Illustrated by Florence Koenig
Inspired by Dutch artist Jan Vermeer‘s work, Anna and Johanna is a children’s picture book that shares author Geraldine Elschner’s fictional tale of how the women of two of Vermeer’s most famous works, The Milkmaid and The Lacemaker, are connected. A creative story that takes the real (e.g., Vermeer’s paintings, an explosion) and blends it with make-believe (e.g., the two…
I Am the Boss of this Chair by Carolyn Crimi and Illustrated by Marisa Morea
Watch out Pete the Cat! There is another cat on the block! Carolyn Crimi and Marisa Morea collaborated on a fun title I am the Boss of this Chair, which comes out from Sterling in March. I enjoyed the book’s energy. Oswald Minklehoff Honey Bunny III, a cat, has a wonderfully exuberant voice that kids will really…
Life Written by Cynthia Rylant and Illustrated by Brendan Wenzel
When I was home recently, my mom read Life (2017, Simon and Schuster) to my little boy. And let me tell you: There are not many things more wonderful in life than having your mom, the one who inspired your fascination with children’s literature, read to your little boy. Cynthia Rylant and Brendan Wenzel‘s latest collaborative effort, Life is…
The Littlest Valentine Written by Brandi Dougherty and Illustrated by Michelle Lisa Todd
Happy Valentine’s Day week! This will be my first Valentine’s Day with my little boy, and I’m really excited to share the day with him. Written by Brandi Dougherty and illustrated by Michelle Lisa Todd, The Littlest Valentine (Cartwheel, 2017) is a book about finding what it is we are truly meant to do. Emma Valentine comes…
Ellie, Engineer by Jackson Pearce
As a little girl, I enjoyed working in the garage with my dad, so I really enjoyed Jackson Pearce’s Ellie, Engineer (out just last month from Bloomsbury). This chapter book for upper elementary students is a must-read for young girls who enjoy STEM-related activities. Ellie, an engineer who showcases her problem-solving abilities throughout the book, aims to…
Nature’s Lullaby Fills the Night Written by Dee Leone and Illustrated by Bali Engel
I am pleased to share Nature’s Lullaby Fills the Night (out today from Sterling). Writer Dee Leone and illustrated Bali Engel have collaborated on a wonderfully peaceful book about the wonders that fill the night. Leone’s melodic rhyme and Engel’s tranquil palette capture beautifully all that occurs after sunset. The book’s pages subdue the reader into…
Pink is for Boys by Robb Pearlman and Illustrated by Eda Kaban
Pink is for Boys (out just last month from Running Press Kids) is one of those children’s picture book that exists on multiple levels. On one level, Robb Pearlman‘s words and Eda Kaban’s vibrant illustrations complement each other to help readers understand that all of the colors are for all of the people. On another level,…
A Couch for Llama by Leah Gilbert
Some of us are lucky enough to know the importance of a couch. Growing up my family had a grey and white sectional couch that – even though it was in pretty rough condition – was so very comfortable. There are days when I would do anything to have that couch back. We did not,…
Author Interview with Linda Ashman
It’s the first day of classes, and I have to tell you I get so very excited about this day! I start the day with children’s literature this morning, so I am pleased to share my recent virtual interview with children’s picture book author (and very gracious) Linda Ashman, author of William’s Winter Nap, Rock-A-Bye Romp, and Henry…
Bagel in Love by Natasha Wing and Illustrated by Helen Dardik
It’s always exciting to review new books, but it’s really excited to review books that are coming out in the new year! I recently had the opportunity to read Bagel in Love (Sterling, January 2018), written by Natasha Wing and illustrated by Helen Dardik. One of my best friends in college would often use the phrase “Isn’t that…
The Bear Who Didn’t Want to Miss Christmas by Marie Tibi and Illustrated by Fabien Ockto Lambert
My little guy and I devoured this book the other night. And when I say devoured, I’m not speaking figuratively. He literally took a little bite out of the top right-hand corner of the book! Tibi and Lambert’s charming children’s picture book The Bear Who Didn’t Want to Miss Christmas (2017, Salariya) is a wonderful holiday book…
