Lauri Fortino's Blog, page 11

Interview Alert: Michelle Vattula (plus a Giveaway!)

It is my pleasure to welcome children’s book author Michelle Vattula to Frog on a Blog. Michelle’s debut picture book, The Stalking Seagulls, was published earlier this year. Once upon a time, Michelle and I were in a critique group together, and I had the privilege of seeing an early draft of this story. I’m so excited that her hilarious boy vs. seagulls book is now out in the world! Let’s hear from Michelle. Be sure to read all the way to the end for information about a giveaway!

Congra...

New Posts Coming Soon!

Sorry for my absence. I’ve been dealing with lots of life-changing events in recent weeks. I hope to have new content to share soon. Thanks for sticking with me!

Picture Books At The Library 235

Here are a few recent titles I’ve read. What new picture books have you read? Please share in the comments section.PEACE: From saying hello to saying I’m sorry, this simple concept book explores definitions of peace and actions small and big that foster it. RhymeBARNABY: When Barnaby the budgie’s owner brings home another bird, Barnaby decides that the house isn’t big enough for two of them, and he flies out the open window.GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE ENGINEERS: Goldilocks is an invento...

Picture Books At The Library 234

Here are a few recent titles I’ve read. What new picture books have you read? Please share in the comments section.THE COLOR COLLECTOR: When a boy notices the new girl collecting litter on her way home, he thinks it’s strange until she shows him the mural she created that reminds her of the home she left behind.BALLOONS FOR PAPA: Arthur really wants a balloon, something to keep his spirits up for Mama, but his depressed Papa’s answer is always no.THE LITTLE THINGS: The day after a mi...

Picture Books At The Library 233

Here are a few recent titles I’ve read. What new picture books have you read? Please share in the comments section.SOMEONE BUILDS THE DREAM: A house, a bridge, an amusement park all start as an idea, a sketch, a plan, but someone needs to work the saws and pound the nails, someone has to build each dream. RhymeCOQUI IN THE CITY: When Miguel moves with his parents to mainland U.S., he misses his home, but he soon realizes that New York has more in common with Puerto Rico than he thought....

Picture Books At The Library 232

Here are a few recent titles I’ve read. What new picture books have you read? Please share in the comments section.A HOUSE FOR EVERY BIRD: When a young artist draws a flock of birds and a house to match each one, her drawings revolt and insist on trading houses.BEST FRIEND IN THE WHOLE WORLD: When lonely Roland finds a pine cone in the woods, it becomes his best friend, but someone else may just be missing their bumpy best friend at the same time.ME + TREE: A young girl and an old tr...

Picture Books At The Library 231

Here are a few recent titles I’ve read. What new picture books have you read? Please share in the comments section.MOTHER GOOSE TO THE RESCUE!: When the Queen of Hearts’ castle goes up in flames, Mother Goose and her band of nursery rhyme firefighters jump to the rescue. RhymeTREEMENDOUS: Follow along as a tiny acorn grows up to be a tall and mighty oak tree.MEESHA MAKES FRIENDS: Meesha struggles to make friends, so she creates her own out of found materials.ELEPHANTS DO NOT BELO...

Picture Books At The Library 230

Here are a few recent titles I’ve read. What new picture books have you read? Please share in the comments section.THE TALE OF THE MANDARIN DUCK: A special duck brings the people of the city back together after they put their phones away.AVOCADO ASKS: Avocado hunts for the truth, in each aisle of the supermarket, about whether he’s a fruit or a vegetable.SLOTH WASN’T SLEEPY: Mama Sloth knows some special secrets to help her worried little daughter calm down and drift off to sleep....

Poetry Month Book Review: An Emotional Menagerie: Feelings from A to Z

Title: An Emotional Menagerie: Feelings from A to Z

Illustrator: Rachael Saunders

Publisher/Year: The School of Life/2020

I admit it, I don’t post about poetry very often here on the Frog. But, April is Poetry Month, and what better way to celebrate than by sharing a children’s picture book filled with fun poems? And lovely illustrations, featuring adorable animals?

But An Emotional Menagerie: Feelings from A to Z by The School of Life, with amazing art by Rachael Saunders,...

Picture Books At The Library 229

Here are a few recent titles I’ve read. What new picture books have you read? Please share in the comments section.OVER THE SHOP: A little girl’s grandparent struggles to rent the shabby apartment above her general store, until a special couple decides to move in and helps transform the store and the community. WordlessCHICK CHAT: When everyone in her family is too busy, chatty Baby Chick adopts an egg, and finally finds a friend who is a good listener. Cute!I AM NOT A PENGUIN: Poor ...